bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Statistical and Multiproxy Constraints on Earthquake‐Triggered Sediment Remobilization Processes in the Central Japan Trench
Authors: Schwestermann T. , Huang J. , Konzett J. , Kioka A. , Wefer G. , Ikehara K. , Moernaut J. , Eglinton T. I. , Strasser M.
Published: May 2020

Understanding the impact of earthquakes on subaqueous environments is key for submarine paleoseismological investigations seeking to provide long‐term records of past earthquakes. For this purpose, event deposits (e.g., turbidites) are, among others, identified and stratigraphically correlated over broad areas to test for synchronous occurrence of gravity flows. Hence, detailed spatiotemporal petrographic and geochemical fingerprints of such deposits are required to advance the knowledge about sediment source and the underlying remobilization processes induced by past earthquakes. In this study, we develop for the first time in paleoseismology a multivariate statistical approach using X‐ray fluorescence core scanning, magnetic susceptibility, and wet bulk density data that allow to test, confirm, and enhance the previous visual and lithostratigraphic correlation across two isolated basins in the central Japan Trench. The statistical correlation is further confirmed by petrographic heavy grain analysis of the turbidites and additionally combined with our novel erosion model based on previously reported bulk organic carbon 14C dates. We find surficial sediment remobilization, a process whereby strong seismic shaking remobilizes the uppermost few centimeters of surficial slope sediment, to be a predominant remobilization process, which partly initiates deeper sediment remobilization downslope during strong earthquakes at the Japan Trench. These findings shed new light on source‐to‐sink transport processes in hadal trenches during earthquakes and help to assess the completeness of the turbidite paleoseismic record. Our results further suggest that shallow‐buried tephra on the slope might significantly influence sediment remobilization and the geochemical and petrographic fingerprints of the resulting event deposits.
The Long-Lasting Legacy of Deep-Sea Mining
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: May 2020

New research reveals a deep-sea mining experiment that took place 26 years ago still has significant and persistent impacts on benthic life.
NOAA Predicts Busy Hurricane Season
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: May 2020

FEMA issued new guidance yesterday advising states to prepare for evacuations during the pandemic.
Reconstruction of Three‐Dimensional Ocean Structure From Sea Surface Data: An Application of isQG Method in the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Xidong , Liu Lei
Published: May 2020

Using sea surface data, including sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), and sea surface salinity (SSS), from two reanalysis data sets as input, we explore the potential for retrieving subsurface three‐dimensional (3‐D) structures in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) based on the “interior+surface quasi‐geostrophy” (isQG) method. We find that the isQG method is particularly successful south of 35°S corresponding to greater SSH anomaly (SSHA) and to higher ratio of the barotropic mode (BT) and the first baroclinic mode (BC1). Meanwhile, higher‐resolution surface data may provide more coherent retrieved results with original reanalysis data in the inactive eddy regions north of 35°S, where coarser data set cannot resolve mesoscale signals. Based on a long time series reconstruction by the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) surface data from 2011 to 2015 in the SWIO, our spectrum correlation analysis shows that the isQG solution achieves a better skill near the surface layer and under the thermocline depth with horizontal scale larger than 50 km, but it degrades from ~30‐ to 200‐m depth south of 35°S. In contrast, the spectral correlation north of 35°S is relatively low, with correlation coefficient beyond (below) 0.5 for signals with a wavelength longer (shorter) than 200 km near surface layer and from 250‐ to 500‐m depth. Mechanisms about the regional‐dependent isQG skill are also discussed. This study should have important implications for both operational oceanography and ocean dynamics research in the SWIO, including the greater Agulhas system.
Differentiation Between Nitrate Aerosol Formation Pathways in a Southeast Chinese City by Dual Isotope and Modeling Studies
Authors: Xiao Hong‐Wei , Zhu Ren‐Guo , Pan Yuan‐Yuan , Guo Wei , Zheng Neng‐Jian , Liu Yong‐Hui , Liu Cheng , Zhang Zhong‐Yi , Wu Jing‐Feng , Kang Chang‐An , Luo Li , Xiao Hua‐Yun
Published: May 2020

Nitrate (NO3−), one of the most important inorganic aerosols in the atmosphere, is mainly formed by oxidation of NOx by the hydroxyl radical (OH) and ozone (O3) in urban atmospheres. However, the fractional contributions of its various oxidation pathways remain unclear. Here, we collected particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) samples in a second‐tier city in southeast China from 1 September to 31 December 2017 and measured the NO3− and nitrate isotopic compositions (δ15N and δ18O). The average concentration of NO3−, δ15N, and δ18O values were 14.7 ± 11.6 μg/m3, (+4.3 ± 4.3)‰, and (+71.8 ± 14.7)‰ with the ranges from 0.8 to 57.7 μg/m3, −10.5‰ to +12.5‰ and +34.5‰ to +91.9‰, respectively. All three species were significantly higher in winter than in summer. Based on a Bayesian mixing model with a dual isotope array for NO3−, contributions of (37.1 ± 33.4)%, (60.3 ± 32.2)%, and (2.6 ± 2.7)% to NO3− could be attributed to OH oxidation, N2O5 hydrolysis, and NO3 + hydrocarbon (HC) pathways, respectively. Higher OH radical concentrations with higher ratios of OH to O3 led to lower NO3− concentrations, while lower OH radical concentrations with higher ratios of O3 to OH led to higher contributions of N2O5 hydrolysis, forming higher NO3− concentrations in winter. Under low OH, an increased O3 to NOx ratio increased the contribution of the NO3 + HC pathway. The comprehensive analysis of the isotopic compositions of nitrate helped identify the importance of major oxidation pathways of NOx in this city.
Interannual and Seasonal Variability of Snow Depth Scaling Behavior in a Subalpine Catchment
Authors: Mendoza Pablo A. , Musselman Keith N. , Revuelto Jesús , Deems Jeffrey S. , López‐Moreno J. Ignacio , McPhee James
Published: May 2020

Understanding and characterizing the spatial distribution of snow are critical to represent the energy balance and runoff production in mountain environments. In this study, we investigate the interannual and seasonal variability in snow depth scaling behavior at the Izas experimental catchment of the Spanish Pyrenees (2,000 to 2,300 m above sea level). We conduct variogram analyses of 24 snow depth maps derived from terrestrial light detection and ranging scans, acquired during six consecutive snow seasons (2011–2017) that span a range of hydroclimatic conditions. We complement our analyses with bare ground topography data and wind speed and direction measurements. Our results show temporal consistency in the spatial variability of snow depth, with short‐range fractal behavior and scale break lengths that are similar to the optimal search distance (25 m) previously reported for the topographic position index, a terrain‐based predictor of snow depth. Beyond the 25‐m scale break, there is little to no fractal structure. We report a long‐range scale break of the order of 185–300 m for most dates—aligned with the dominant wind direction—and patterns between anisotropies in scale break lengths of shallow snow cover and directional terrain scaling behavior. The temporal consistency of snow depth scaling patterns suggests that, in addition to guiding the spatial configuration of physically based models, fractal analysis could be used to inform the design of independent variables for statistical models used to predict snow depth and its variability.
Microcavity top-emission perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Miao Yanfeng , Cheng Lu , Zou Wei , Gu Lianghui , Zhang Ju , Guo Qiang , Peng Qiming , Xu Mengmeng , He Yarong , Zhang Shuting , Cao Yu , Li Renzhi , Wang Nana , Huang Wei , Wang Jianpu
Published: May 2020

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on perovskites show great potential in lighting and display applications. However, although perovskite films with high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies are commonly achieved, the efficiencies of perovskite LEDs are largely limited by the low light out-coupling efficiency. Here, we show that high-efficiency perovskite LEDs with a high external quantum efficiency of 20.2% and an ultrahigh radiant exitance up to 114.9 mW cm−2 can be achieved by employing the microcavity effect to enhance light extraction. The enhanced microcavity effect and light out-coupling efficiency are confirmed by the study of angle-dependent emission profiles. Our results show that both the optical and electrical properties of the device need to be optimized to achieve high-performance perovskite LEDs.
β-arrestin2 deficiency protects against hepatic fibrosis in mice and prevents synthesis of extracellular matrix
Authors: Sun Wu-Yi , Gu Yuan-Jing , Li Xin-Ran , Sun Jia-Chang , Du Jia-Jia , Chen Jing-Yu , Ma Yang , Wang Qing-Tong , Wei Wei
Published: May 2020

Hepatic fibrosis is a disease of the wound-healing response following chronic liver injury, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. β-arrestin2 functions as a multiprotein scaffold to coordinate complex signal transduction networks. Although β-arrestin2 transduces diverse signals in cells, little is known about its involvement in the regulation of liver fibrosis. Our current study utilized a porcine serum-induced liver fibrosis model and found increased expression of β-arrestin2 in hepatic tissues with the progression of hepatic fibrosis, which was positively correlated with collagen levels. Furthermore, changes in human fibrotic samples were also observed. We next used β-arrestin2−/− mice to demonstrate that β-arrestin2 deficiency ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and decreases collagen deposition. The in vitro depletion and overexpression experiments showed that decreased β-arrestin2 inhibited HSCs collagen production and elevated TβRIII expression, thus downregulating the TGF-β1 pathway components Smad2, Smad3 and Akt. These findings suggest that β-arrestin2 deficiency ameliorates liver fibrosis in mice, and β-arrestin2 may be a potential treatment target in hepatic fibrosis.
A unified neurocognitive model of semantics language social behaviour and face recognition in semantic dementia
Authors: Ding Junhua , Chen Keliang , Liu Haoming , Huang Lin , Chen Yan , Lv Yingru , Yang Qing , Guo Qihao , Han Zaizhu , Lambon Ralph Matthew. A.
Published: May 2020

The anterior temporal lobes (ATL) have become a key brain region of interest in cognitive neuroscience founded upon neuropsychological investigations of semantic dementia (SD). The purposes of this investigation are to generate a single unified model that captures the known cognitive-behavioural variations in SD and map these to the patients’ distribution of frontotemporal atrophy. Here we show that the degree of generalised semantic impairment is related to the patients’ total, bilateral ATL atrophy. Verbal production ability is related to total ATL atrophy as well as to the balance of left > right ATL atrophy. Apathy is found to relate positively to the degree of orbitofrontal atrophy. Disinhibition is related to right ATL and orbitofrontal atrophy, and face recognition to right ATL volumes. Rather than positing mutually-exclusive sub-categories, the data-driven model repositions semantics, language, social behaviour and face recognition into a continuous frontotemporal neurocognitive space.
A quantitative sequencing framework for absolute abundance measurements of mucosal and lumenal microbial communities
Authors: Barlow Jacob T. , Bogatyrev Said R. , Ismagilov Rustem F.
Published: May 2020

A fundamental goal in microbiome studies is determining which microbes affect host physiology. Standard methods for determining changes in microbial taxa measure relative, rather than absolute abundances. Moreover, studies often analyze only stool, despite microbial diversity differing substantially among gastrointestinal (GI) locations. Here, we develop a quantitative framework to measure absolute abundances of individual bacterial taxa by combining the precision of digital PCR with the high-throughput nature of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In a murine ketogenic-diet study, we compare microbial loads in lumenal and mucosal samples along the GI tract. Quantitative measurements of absolute (but not relative) abundances reveal decreases in total microbial loads on the ketogenic diet and enable us to determine the differential effects of diet on each taxon in stool and small-intestine mucosa samples. This rigorous quantitative microbial analysis framework, appropriate for diverse GI locations enables mapping microbial biogeography of the mammalian GI tract and more accurate analyses of changes in microbial taxa in microbiome studies.
N6-methyladenosine regulates glycolysis of cancer cells through PDK4
Authors: Li Zihan , Peng Yanxi , Li Jiexin , Chen Zhuojia , Chen Feng , Tu Jian , Lin Shuibin , Wang Hongsheng
Published: May 2020

Studies on biological functions of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in mRNA have sprung up in recent years. We find m6A can positively regulate the glycolysis of cancer cells. Specifically, m6A-sequencing and functional studies confirm that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is involved in m6A regulated glycolysis and ATP generation. The m6A modified 5′UTR of PDK4 positively regulates its translation elongation and mRNA stability via binding with YTHDF1/eEF-2 complex and IGF2BP3, respectively. Targeted specific demethylation of PDK4 m6A by dm6ACRISPR system can significantly decrease the expression of PDK4 and glycolysis of cancer cells. Further, TATA-binding protein (TBP) can transcriptionally increase the expression of Mettl3 in cervical cancer cells via binding to its promoter. In vivo and clinical data confirm the positive roles of m6A/PDK4 in tumor growth and progression of cervical and liver cancer. Our study reveals that m6A regulates glycolysis of cancer cells through PDK4.
Truncation of mutant huntingtin in knock-in mice demonstrates exon1 huntingtin is a key pathogenic form
Authors: Yang Huiming , Yang Su , Jing Liang , Huang Luoxiu , Chen Luxiao , Zhao Xianxian , Yang Weili , Pan Yongcheng , Yin Peng , Qin Zhaohui S , Tang Beisha , Li Shihua , Li Xiao-Jiang
Published: May 2020

Polyglutamine expansion in proteins can cause selective neurodegeneration, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. In Huntington’s disease (HD), proteolytic processing generates toxic N-terminal huntingtin (HTT) fragments that preferentially kill striatal neurons. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 to truncate full-length mutant HTT in HD140Q knock-in (KI) mice, we show that exon 1 HTT is stably present in the brain, regardless of truncation sites in full-length HTT. This N-terminal HTT leads to similar HD-like phenotypes and age-dependent HTT accumulation in the striatum in different KI mice. We find that exon 1 HTT is constantly generated but its selective accumulation in the striatum is associated with the age-dependent expression of striatum-enriched HspBP1, a chaperone inhibitory protein. Our findings suggest that tissue-specific chaperone function contributes to the selective neuropathology in HD, and highlight the therapeutic potential in blocking generation of exon 1 HTT.
Design of hidden thermodynamic driving for non-equilibrium systems via mismatch elimination during DNA strand displacement
Authors: Haley Natalie E. C. , Ouldridge Thomas E. , Mullor Ruiz Ismael , Geraldini Alessandro , Louis Ard A. , Bath Jonathan , Turberfield Andrew J.
Published: May 2020

Recent years have seen great advances in the development of synthetic self-assembling molecular systems. Designing out-of-equilibrium architectures, however, requires a more subtle control over the thermodynamics and kinetics of reactions. We propose a mechanism for enhancing the thermodynamic drive of DNA strand-displacement reactions whilst barely perturbing forward reaction rates: the introduction of mismatches within the initial duplex. Through a combination of experiment and simulation, we demonstrate that displacement rates are strongly sensitive to mismatch location and can be tuned by rational design. By placing mismatches away from duplex ends, the thermodynamic drive for a strand-displacement reaction can be varied without significantly affecting the forward reaction rate. This hidden thermodynamic driving motif is ideal for the engineering of non-equilibrium systems that rely on catalytic control and must be robust to leak reactions.
Vibrational hierarchy leads to dual-phonon transport in low thermal conductivity crystals
Authors: Luo Yixiu , Yang Xiaolong , Feng Tianli , Wang Jingyang , Ruan Xiulin
Published: May 2020

Many low-thermal-conductivity (κL) crystals show intriguing temperature (T) dependence of κL: κL ∝ T−1 (crystal-like) at intermediate temperatures whereas weak T-dependence (glass-like) at high temperatures. It has been in debate whether thermal transport can still be described by phonons at the Ioffe-Regel limit. In this work, we propose that most phonons are still well defined for thermal transport, whereas they carry heat via dual channels: normal phonons described by the Boltzmann transport equation theory, and diffuson-like phonons described by the diffusion theory. Three physics-based criteria are incorporated into first-principles calculations to judge mode-by-mode between the two phonon channels. Case studies on La2Zr2O7 and Tl3VSe4 show that normal phonons dominate low temperatures while diffuson-like phonons dominate high temperatures. Our present dual-phonon theory enlightens the physics of hierarchical phonon transport as approaching the Ioffe-Regel limit and provides a numerical method that should be practically applicable to many materials with vibrational hierarchy.
Sexual signaling pattern correlates with habitat pattern in visually ornamented fishes
Authors: Hulse Samuel V. , Renoult Julien P. , Mendelson Tamra C.
Published: May 2020

Sexual signal design is an evolutionary puzzle that has been partially solved by the hypothesis of sensory drive. Framed in signal detection theory, sensory drive posits that the attractiveness of a signal depends on its detectability, measured as contrast with the background. Yet, cognitive scientists have shown that humans prefer images that match the spatial statistics of natural scenes. The explanation is framed in information theory, whereby attractiveness is determined by the efficiency of information processing. Here, we apply this framework to animals, using Fourier analysis to compare the spatial statistics of body patterning in ten species of darters (Etheostoma spp.) with those of their respective habitats. We find a significant correlation between the spatial statistics of darter patterns and those of their habitats for males, but not for females. Our results support a sensory drive hypothesis that recognizes efficient information processing as a driving force in signal evolution.
Cryo-EM structures from sub-nl volumes using pin-printing and jet vitrification
Authors: Ravelli Raimond B. G. , Nijpels Frank J. T. , Henderikx Rene J. M. , Weissenberger Giulia , Thewessem Sanne , Gijsbers Abril , Beulen Bart W. A. M. M. , López-Iglesias Carmen , Peters Peter J.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The increasing demand for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reveals drawbacks in current sample preparation protocols, such as sample waste and lack of reproducibility. Here, we present several technical developments that provide efficient sample preparation for cryo-EM studies. Pin printing substantially reduces sample waste by depositing only a sub-nanoliter volume of sample on the carrier surface. Sample evaporation is mitigated by dewpoint control feedback loops. The deposited sample is vitrified by jets of cryogen followed by submersion into a cryogen bath. Because the cryogen jets cool the sample from the center, premounted autogrids can be used and loaded directly into automated cryo-EMs. We integrated these steps into a single device, named VitroJet. The device’s performance was validated by resolving four standard proteins (apoferritin, GroEL, worm hemoglobin, beta-galactosidase) to ~3 Å resolution using a 200-kV electron microscope. The VitroJet offers a promising solution for improved automated sample preparation in cryo-EM studies.
Evolutionary history and past climate change shape the distribution of genetic diversity in terrestrial mammals
Authors: Theodoridis Spyros , Fordham Damien A. , Brown Stuart C. , Li Sen , Rahbek Carsten , Nogues-Bravo David
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of global patterns of biodiversity, ranging from intraspecific genetic diversity (GD) to taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, is essential for identifying and conserving the processes that shape the distribution of life. Yet, global patterns of GD and its drivers remain elusive. Here we assess existing biodiversity theories to explain and predict the global distribution of GD in terrestrial mammal assemblages. We find a strong positive covariation between GD and interspecific diversity, with evolutionary time, reflected in phylogenetic diversity, being the best predictor of GD. Moreover, we reveal the negative effect of past rapid climate change and the positive effect of inter-annual precipitation variability in shaping GD. Our models, explaining almost half of the variation in GD globally, uncover the importance of deep evolutionary history and past climate stability in accumulating and maintaining intraspecific diversity, and constitute a crucial step towards reducing the Wallacean shortfall for an important dimension of biodiversity.
CAVD, towards better characterization of void space for ionic transport analysis
Authors: He Bing , Ye Anjiang , Chi Shuting , Mi Penghui , Ran Yunbing , Zhang Liwen , Zou Xinxin , Pu Bowei , Zhao Qian , Zou Zheyi , Wang Da , Zhang Wenqing , Zhao Jingtai , Avdeev Maxim , Shi Siqi
Published: May 2020

Geometric crystal structure analysis using three-dimensional Voronoi tessellation provides intuitive insights into the ionic transport behavior of metal-ion electrode materials or solid electrolytes by mapping the void space in a framework onto a network. The existing tools typically consider only the local voids by mapping them with Voronoi polyhedra vertices and then define the mobile ions pathways using the Voronoi edges connecting these vertices. We show that in some structures mobile ions are located on Voronoi polyhedra faces and thus cannot be located by a standard approach. To address this deficiency, we extend the method to include Voronoi faces in the constructed network. This method has been implemented in the CAVD python package. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by 99% recovery rate for the lattice sites of mobile ions in 6,955 Li-, Na-, Mg- and Al-containing ionic compounds extracted from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database. In addition, various quantitative descriptors of the network can be used to identify and rank the materials and further used in materials databases for machine learning.
Influence of Mo addition on the structural and electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Sattar Tahir , Lee Seung-Hwan , Jin Bong-Soo , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: May 2020

Molybdenum modified LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 cathode with different doping concentrations (0–5 wt.%) is successfully prepared and its electrochemical performances are investigated. It is demonstrated that molybdenum in LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 has a positive effect on structural stability and extraordinary electrochemical performances, including improved long-term cycling and high-rate capability. Among all samples, the 1 wt. % molybdenum LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 delivers superior initial discharge capacity of 205 mAh g−1 (0.1 C), cycling stability of 89.5% (0.5 C) and rate capability of 165 mAh g−1 (2 C) compared to those of others. Therefore, we can conclude that the 1 wt. % molybdenum is an effective strategy for Ni-rich LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 cathode used in lithium ion batteries.
Improving the mechanical behavior of reduced graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites using gas injection into powders synthesis autoclave
Authors: Nosrati Hassan , Sarraf-Mamoory Rasoul , Le Dang Quang Svend , Zolfaghari Emameh Reza , Canillas Perez Maria , Bünger Cody Eric
Published: May 2020

In this study, we show the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite (rGO/HA) composites using a hydrothermal autoclave with argon-15% hydrogen gas injection. This both increases the hydrothermal pressure and uses hydrogen as a reductive agent in the process. The synthesized powders were then consolidated with spark plasma sintering method. The analysis of the consolidated samples included Vickers Indentation technique and cell viability. The results showed that injected gases in the autoclave produced powders with a higher crystallinity compared to synthesis without the gases. Also, hydrogen gas led to increased reduction of GO. The microscopic analysis confirmed existing graphene sheets with folding and wrinkling in the powders and indicated that various preferential directions played a role in the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals. The results showed that in general, graphene sheets increased the mechanical properties of HA. In the samples synthesized with injected gases, this increase was more significant. Interface analysis results indicate that reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/HA interface is likely coherent. These nanocomposites were biocompatible and showed some hydrophobicity compared to pure HA.
Virtual reality clinical-experimental tests of compassion treatment techniques to reduce paranoia
Authors: Brown Poppy , Waite Felicity , Rovira Aitor , Nickless Alecia , Freeman Daniel
Published: May 2020

Paranoia may build on negative beliefs held both about the self and others. Compassionate imagery may be one way of reducing such negative beliefs, and hence paranoia. Two studies tested this idea, one targeting compassion for the self and one targeting compassion for others. Two-hundred individuals from the general population scoring highly for paranoia were recruited. The studies used a randomised controlled experimental design, with embedded tests for mediation. Study one targeted self-compassion via creation of a compassionate coach (CC) image. Study two targeted compassion for others via loving kindness meditation (LKM). Individuals repeatedly entered neutral virtual reality social environments. Changes in compassion and paranoia were assessed. Compared to controls, the CC group increased in self-compassion (group difference = 2.12, C.I. = 1.57;2.67, p = <0.0001, d = 1.4) and decreased in paranoia (group difference = −1.73, C.I. = −2.48; −0.98, p = <0.0001, d = 0.8). Change in self-compassion explained 57% of change in paranoia. Compared to controls, the LKM group increased their compassion for others (group difference = 3.26, C.I. = 2.72;3.80, p = <0.0001, d = 1.7), and decreased in paranoia (group difference = −1.70, C.I. = −2.50; −0.89, p = <0.0001, d = 0.8). Change in compassion for others explained 67% of change in paranoia. Targeting negative beliefs about the self and others using compassionate imagery causes reductions in paranoia. Tests in clinical populations are indicated.
Comparison of two different host plant genera responding to grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 infection
Authors: Prator Cecilia A. , Chooi Kar Mun , Jones Dan , Davy Marcus W. , MacDiarmid Robin M. , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: May 2020

Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) is one of the most important viruses of grapevine but, despite this, there remain several gaps in our understanding of its biology. Because of its narrow host range - limited to Vitis species - and because the virus is restricted to the phloem, most GLRaV-3 research has concentrated on epidemiology and the development of detection assays. The recent discovery that GLRaV-3 can infect Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant model organism, makes new opportunities available for research in this field. We used RNA-seq to compare both V. vinifera and P1/HC-Pro N. benthamiana host responses to GLRaV-3 infection. Our analysis revealed that the majority of DEGs observed between the two hosts were unique although responses between the two hosts also showed several shared gene expression results. When comparing gene expression patterns that were shared between the two hosts, we observed the downregulation of genes associated with stress chaperones, and the induction of gene families involved in primary plant physiological processes. This is the first analysis of gene expression profiles beyond Vitis to mealybug-transmitted GLRaV-3 and demonstrates that N. benthamiana could serve as a useful tool for future studies of GLRaV-3-host interactions.
Reference Ranges for Left Ventricular Curvedness and Curvedness-Based Functional Indices Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Healthy Asian Subjects
Authors: Zhao Xiaodan , Teo Soo-Kng , Zhong Liang , Leng Shuang , Zhang Jun-Mei , Low Ris , Allen John , Koh Angela S. , Su Yi , Tan Ru-San
Published: May 2020

Curvature-based three-dimensional cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows regional function characterization without an external spatial frame of reference. However, introduction of this modality into clinical practice is hampered by lack of reference values. We aim to establish normal ranges for 3D left ventricular (LV) regional parameters in relation to age and gender for 171 healthy subjects. LV geometrical reconstruction and automatic calculation of regional parameters were implemented by in-house software (CardioWerkz) using stacks of short-axis cine slices. Parameter normal ranges were stratified by gender and age categories (≤44, 45–64, 65–74 and 75–84 years). Our software had excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement. Ageing was significantly associated with increases in end-systolic (ES) curvedness (CES) and area strain (AS) with higher rates of increase in males, end-diastolic (ED) and ES wall thickness (WTED, WTES) with higher rates of increase in females, and reductions in ED and ES wall stress indices (σi,ED) with higher rates of increase in females. Females exhibited greater ED curvedness, CES, σi,ED and AS than males, but smaller WTED and WTES. Age × gender interaction was not observed for any parameter. This study establishes age and gender specific reference values for 3D LV regional parameters using CMR without additional image acquisition.
Does Erector Spinae Plane Block Have a Visceral Analgesic Effect?: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kwon Hye-Mee , Kim Doo-Hwan , Jeong Sung-Moon , Choi Kyu Taek , Park Sooin , Kwon Hyun-Jung , Lee Jong-Hyuk
Published: May 2020

The visceral analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is still a matter of debate. This study attempted to investigate the visceral analgesic efficacy of ESPB in clinical setting. After randomized, we performed ultrasound-guided bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB), which was aimed to prevent postoperative somatic pain on all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB at T7 level was performed only to the intervention group to provide the visceral analgesic block. The intraoperative requirement for remifentanil (P = 0.021) and the cumulative fentanyl consumption at postoperative 24-hours was significantly lower in the ESPB group (206.5 ± 82.8 μg vs.283.7 ± 102.4 μg, respectively; P = 0.004) compared to non-ESPB group. The ESPB group consistently showed lower accumulated analgesic consumption compared with those in the non-ESPB group at all observed time-points (all P < 0.05) after 2 hours and the degree of the accumulated analgesic consumption reduction was greater (P = 0.04) during the 24-hour postoperative period. Pain severity was lower in the ESPB group at 6-hours postoperatively. The significantly reduced opioid consumption in ESPB group may imply that while preliminary and in need of confirmation, ESPB has potential visceral analgesic effect. Therefore, performing ESPB solely may be feasible in inducing both somatic and visceral analgesia.
Limited-View and Sparse Photoacoustic Tomography for Neuroimaging with Deep Learning
Authors: Guan Steven , Khan Amir A. , Sikdar Siddhartha , Chitnis Parag V.
Published: May 2020

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a non-ionizing imaging modality capable of acquiring high contrast and resolution images of optical absorption at depths greater than traditional optical imaging techniques. Practical considerations with instrumentation and geometry limit the number of available acoustic sensors and their “view” of the imaging target, which result in image reconstruction artifacts degrading image quality. Iterative reconstruction methods can be used to reduce artifacts but are computationally expensive. In this work, we propose a novel deep learning approach termed pixel-wise deep learning (Pixel-DL) that first employs pixel-wise interpolation governed by the physics of photoacoustic wave propagation and then uses a convolution neural network to reconstruct an image. Simulated photoacoustic data from synthetic, mouse-brain, lung, and fundus vasculature phantoms were used for training and testing. Results demonstrated that Pixel-DL achieved comparable or better performance to iterative methods and consistently outperformed other CNN-based approaches for correcting artifacts. Pixel-DL is a computationally efficient approach that enables for real-time PAT rendering and improved image reconstruction quality for limited-view and sparse PAT.
Effect of acoustic standing waves on cellular viability and metabolic activity
Authors: Levario-Diaz Victoria , Bhaskar Pradeep , Carmen Galan M. , Barnes Adrian C.
Published: May 2020

Acoustic standing wave devices offer excellent potential applications in biological sciences for drug delivery, cell manipulation and tissue engineering. However, concerns have been raised about possible destructive effects on cells due to the applied acoustic field, in addition to other produced secondary factors. Here, we report a systematic study employing a 1D resonant acoustic trapping device to evaluate the cell viability and cell metabolism for a healthy cell line (Human Dermal Fibroblasts, HDF) and a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), as a function of time and voltages applied (4–10 Vpp) under temperature-controlled conditions. We demonstrate that high cell viability can be achieved reliably when the device is operated at its minimum trapping voltage and tuned carefully to maximise the acoustic standing wave field at the cavity resonance. We found that cell viability and reductive metabolism for both cell lines are kept close to control levels at room temperature and at 34 °C after 15 minutes of acoustic exposure, while shorter acoustic exposures and small changes on temperature and voltages, had detrimental effects on cells. Our study highlights the importance of developing robust acoustic protocols where the operating mode of the acoustic device is well defined, characterized and its temperature carefully controlled, for the application of acoustic standing waves when using live cells and for potential clinical applications.
Excitation of Faraday-like body waves in vibrated living earthworms
Authors: Maksymov Ivan S. , Pototsky Andrey
Published: May 2020

Biological cells and many living organisms are mostly made of liquids and therefore, by analogy with liquid drops, they should exhibit a range of fundamental nonlinear phenomena such as the onset of standing surface waves. Here, we test four common species of earthworm to demonstrate that vertical vibration of living worms lying horizontally on a flat solid surface results in the onset of subharmonic Faraday-like body waves, which is possible because earthworms have a hydrostatic skeleton with a flexible skin and a liquid-filled body cavity. Our findings are supported by theoretical analysis based on a model of parametrically excited vibrations in liquid-filled elastic cylinders using material parameters of the worm’s body reported in the literature. The ability to excite nonlinear subharmonic body waves in a living organism could be used to probe, and potentially to control, important biophysical processes such as the propagation of nerve impulses, thereby opening up avenues for addressing biological questions of fundamental impact.
Effects of support and reaction pressure for the synthesis of dimethyl ether over heteropolyacid catalysts
Authors: Peinado Cristina , Liuzzi Dalia , Ladera-Gallardo Rosa María , Retuerto María , Ojeda Manuel , Peña Miguel A. , Rojas Sergio
Published: May 2020

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an advanced second-generation biofuel produced via methanol dehydration over acid catalysts such as γ-Al2O3, at temperatures above 240 °C and pressures above 10 bar. Heteropolyacids such as tungstosilicic acid (HSiW) are Brønsted acid catalysts with higher DME production rates than γ-Al2O3, especially at low temperatures (140–180 °C). In this work, we show that the performance of supported HSiW for the production of DME is strongly affected by the nature of the support. TiO2 and SiO2 supported HSiW display the highest DME production rates of ca. 50 mmolDME/h/gHSiW. Characterization of acid sites via 1H-NMR, NH3-isotherms and NH3-adsrobed DRIFT reveal that HSiW/X have Brønsted acid sites, HSiW/TiO2 showing more and stronger sites, being the most active catalyst. Methanol production increases with T until 200 °C where a rapid decay in methanol conversion is observed. This effect is not irreversible, and methanol conversion increases to ca. 90% by increasing reaction pressure to 10 bar, with DME being the only product detected at all reaction conditions studied in this work. The loss of catalytic activity with the increasing temperature and its increasing with reaction pressure accounts to the degree of contribution of the pseudo-liquid catalysis under the reaction conditions studied.
Over-expression of transcription factor ARK1 gene leads to down-regulation of lignin synthesis related genes in hybrid poplar ‘717’
Authors: Ye Qinxia , Liu Xiaozhen , Bian Wen , Zhang Zhiming , Zhang Hanyao
Published: May 2020

Improving wood growth rate and wood quality are worthy goals in forest genetics and breeding research. The ARK1 gene is one member of the ARBORKNOX family in all plants, which play an essential role in the process of plant growth and development, but the mechanism associated with its gene network regulation is poorly investigated. In order to generate over-expression transgenic hybrid poplar, the agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to obtain transgenic hybrid poplar ‘717’ plants to provide insight into the function of the ARK1 gene in poplar. Moreover, the morphology of transgenic plants was observed, and transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the ARK1 gene function. The results showed that there were significant differences in pitch, stem diameter, petiole length, leaf width, leaf length and seedling height between ARK1 transgenic seedlings and non-transgenic seedlings. The transgenic seedlings usually had multiple branches and slender leaves, with some leaves not being fully developed. The results of transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were involved in the growth of poplars, including proteins, transcription factors and protein kinases. Genes related to the positive regulation in plant hormone signal transduction pathways were up-regulated, and the genes related to lignin synthesis were down-regulated. The RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the expression levels of the genes involved in the plant hormone signal transduction pathways and phenylpropanoid pathway. In conclusion, the ARK1 gene had a positive regulatory effect on plant growth, and the gene’s coding enzymes related to lignin synthesis were down-regulated.
Location of the accessory infraorbital foramen with reference to external landmarks and its clinical implications
Authors: Shin Kang-Jae , Lee Shin-Hyo , Park Min-Gyu , Shin Hyun Jin , Lee Andrew G.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to define the location of the accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) with reference to accessible external landmarks in order to facilitate orbital and oculoplastic surgical procedures in the maxillofacial region. Forty-four hemifaces from 25 cadavers were dissected. The lateral canthus, subnasal point, and lacrimal caruncle were used as anatomic reference points. The AIOF was observed in 8 of the 44 hemifaces (18.2%) and was situated at a mean distance of 7.2 mm superomedial to the IOF. The horizontal distance from the lacrimal caruncle to the AIOF was 0.3 mm. In all cases the AIOF was situated at a point that was no more than 8 mm from the intersection point of a vertical line passing through the lacrimal caruncle and an oblique line joining the lateral canthus and the subnasal point. Surgeons anesthetizing or performing surgical procedures in the maxillofacial region should be aware of the frequency of the AIOF (18.2%) and its location (on the superomedial side of the IOF). We propose that injecting at the intersection point of a vertical line passing through the lacrimal caruncle and an oblique line joining the lateral canthus and the subnasal point would successfully block the accessory branch of the infraorbital nerve. Likewise, surgeons operating in this region should be aware of the location of the AIOF in order to avoid inadvertent iatrogenic injury to a duplicated infraorbital nerve.
Enhanced Kinetic Impactor for Deflecting Large Potentially Hazardous Asteroids via Maneuvering Space Rocks
Authors: Li Mingtao , Wang Yirui , Wang Youliang , Zhou Binghong , Zheng Wei
Published: May 2020

Asteroid impacts pose a major threat to all life on Earth. The age of the dinosaurs was abruptly ended by a 10-km-diameter asteroid. Currently, a nuclear device is the only means of deflecting large Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) away from an Earth-impacting trajectory. The Enhanced Kinetic Impactor (EKI) concept is proposed to deflect large PHAs via maneuvering space rocks. First, an unmanned spacecraft is launched to rendezvous with an intermediate Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA). Then, more than one hundred tons of rocks are collected from the NEA as the EKI. The NEA can also be captured as the EKI if the NEA is very small. Finally, the EKI is maneuvered to impact the PHA at a high speed, resulting in a significant deflection of the PHA. For example, to deflect Apophis, as much as 200 t of rocks could be collected from a NEA as the EKI based on existing engineering capabilities. The EKI can produce a velocity increment (∆v) of 39.81 mm/s in Apophis, thereby increasing the minimum geocentric distance during the close encounter in 2029 by 1,866.93 km. This mission can be completed in 3.96 years with a propellant cost of 2.98 t. Compared with a classic kinetic impactor, the deflection distance can be increased one order of magnitude. The EKI concept breaks through the limitation of the ground-based launch capability, which can significantly increase the mass of the impactor. We anticipate that our research will be a starting point for efficient planetary defense against large PHAs.
Development and validation of immunoassay for whole cell detection of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis
Authors: Hans Richa , Yadav Pranjal Kumar , Sharma Pushpendra Kumar , Boopathi Mannan , Thavaselvam Duraipandian
Published: May 2020

Brucella is alpha-2 Proteobacteria mainly responsible for multi-factorial bacterial zoonotic disease brucellosis with low concentration (10–100 CFU) required to establish the infection. In this study, we developed sandwich ELISA with detection range of 102 to 108 cells mL−1 and limit of detection at 103 cells mL−1 by employing polyclonal rabbit IgG (capture antibody, 10 µg mL−1) and mice IgG (detection antibody, 50 µg mL−1) antibody for its detection. Surface Plasmon Resonance evaluated the interaction of detection antibody with whole cell spiked serum samples at LOD of 102 cells mL−1 along with non co-operative interaction of protein albumin. Further, kinetic evaluation study using detection antibody against cell envelope antigen was performed whereby, Equilibrium Dissociation Constant (KD) and Maximum Binding Capacity (Bmax) were found to be 16.48 pM and 81.67 m° for Brucella abortus S99 and 0.42 pM and 54.50 m° for Brucella melitensis 16 M, respectively. During interference study, sandwich ELISA assay cross-reacted with either of the polyclonal antibody of above Brucella species. Upon validation, no cross-reactivity observed with bacteria-closely related to Brucella. In conclusion, developed semi-quantitative sandwich immunoassay is sensitively rapid in whole cell detection of Brucella and will be useful in development of detection assays from environmental and clinical matrices.
Premature termination codon readthrough in Drosophila varies in a developmental and tissue-specific manner
Authors: Chen Yanan , Sun Tianhui , Bi Zhuo , Ni Jian-Quan , Pastor-Pareja Jose C. , Javid Babak
Published: May 2020

Despite their essential function in terminating translation, readthrough of stop codons occurs more frequently than previously supposed. However, little is known about the regulation of stop codon readthrough by anatomical site and over the life cycle of animals. Here, we developed a set of reporters to measure readthrough in Drosophila melanogaster. A focused RNAi screen in whole animals identified upf1 as a mediator of readthrough, suggesting that the stop codons in the reporters were recognized as premature termination codons (PTCs). We found readthrough rates of PTCs varied significantly throughout the life cycle of flies, being highest in older adult flies. Furthermore, readthrough rates varied dramatically by tissue and, intriguingly, were highest in fly brains, specifically neurons and not glia. This was not due to differences in reporter abundance or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) surveillance between these tissues. Readthrough rates also varied within neurons, with cholinergic neurons having highest readthrough compared with lowest readthrough rates in dopaminergic neurons. Overall, our data reveal temporal and spatial variation of PTC-mediated readthrough in animals, and suggest that readthrough may be a potential rescue mechanism for PTC-harboring transcripts when the NMD surveillance pathway is inhibited.
Assessing the Big Five personality traits using real-life static facial images
Authors: Kachur Alexander , Osin Evgeny , Davydov Denis , Shutilov Konstantin , Novokshonov Alexey
Published: May 2020

There is ample evidence that morphological and social cues in a human face provide signals of human personality and behaviour. Previous studies have discovered associations between the features of artificial composite facial images and attributions of personality traits by human experts. We present new findings demonstrating the statistically significant prediction of a wider set of personality features (all the Big Five personality traits) for both men and women using real-life static facial images. Volunteer participants (N = 12,447) provided their face photographs (31,367 images) and completed a self-report measure of the Big Five traits. We trained a cascade of artificial neural networks (ANNs) on a large labelled dataset to predict self-reported Big Five scores. The highest correlations between observed and predicted personality scores were found for conscientiousness (0.360 for men and 0.335 for women) and the mean effect size was 0.243, exceeding the results obtained in prior studies using ‘selfies’. The findings strongly support the possibility of predicting multidimensional personality profiles from static facial images using ANNs trained on large labelled datasets. Future research could investigate the relative contribution of morphological features of the face and other characteristics of facial images to predicting personality.