bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive self-learning mechanisms for updating short-term production decisions in an industrial mining complex
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Dimitrakopoulos Roussos , Maulen Marco
Published: April 2020

A mining complex is an integrated value chain where the materials extracted from a group of mineral deposits are sent to different processing streams to produce sellable products. A major short-term decision in a mining complex is to determine the flow of materials that first includes deciding which handling facilities to send the extracted materials and then determining how to utilize the processing facilities. The flow of materials through the mining complex is significantly dependent on the performance of and interaction between its different components. New digital technologies, including the development of advanced sensors and monitoring devices, have enabled a mining complex to acquire new information about the performance of its different components. This paper proposes a new continuous updating framework that combines policy gradient reinforcement learning and an extended ensemble Kalman filter to adapt the short-term flow of materials in a mining complex with incoming information. The framework first uses a new extended ensemble Kalman filter to update the uncertainty models of the different components of a mining complex with new incoming information. Then, the updated uncertainty models are fed to a neural network trained using a policy gradient reinforcement learning algorithm to adapt the short-term flow of materials in a mining complex. The proposed framework is applied to a copper mining complex and shows its ability to efficiently adapt the short-term flow of materials in an operational mining environment with new incoming information. The framework better meets the different production targets while improving the cumulative cash flow compared to industry standard approaches.
Thermoanalytical and dilatometric studies of the Al2O3–Cu–Mo hybrid composite
Authors: Zygmuntowicz J. , Piątek M. , Wachowski M. , Piotrkiewicz P. , Kaszuwara W.
Published: April 2020

The present research is focused on the characterization of the composites from Al2O3–Cu–Mo system. The composites were prepared by slip casting method and subsequent sintering of green bodies in a reduced atmosphere. Two series of samples with different volume content of metallic powders were produced in the work: 10 vol% and 15 vol% of metal content with respect to the total solid-phase content. The sintering process of the composites was analyzed in detail. The linear shrinkage of the composites was measured. The shrinkage curves were obtained by dilatometry test in a heating mode. The composites were characterized by DTA/TG analyses and thermal conductivity. The composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDX. The hardness was measured by Vickers hardness tester. Moreover, the Brazilian test was performed to determine the tensile mechanical properties of the composites. Fractography investigation was carried out as well. Dilatometric tests showed that the increase of the metallic phase volume in the ceramic matrix causes a decrease in the starting temperature of densification. Simultaneously, dilatometric experiments indicated that an increasing amount of metallic particles into the ceramic matrix increases the temperature of maximum densification and decreases the total shrinkage of the composites during sintering. The DTA/TG showed the characteristics of the dispersant decomposition to the atmosphere during thermal treatment and increase of mass connected with the oxidation of metals. Fractography results revealed good adhesion between Al2O3 matrix and the metallic phase. The observation allowed to conclude that the Al2O3 matrix surface is characterized by the brittle fracture mechanism.
International assessment of low reading proficiency in the adult population: A question of components or lower rungs?
Authors: Grotlüschen Anke , Nienkemper Barbara , Duncker-Euringer Caroline
Published: April 2020

Among the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) launched in 2015, the fourth goal (SDG 4) is dedicated to education, and one of the ten targets within that goal specifically addresses adult literacy and numeracy skills. Efforts to reach this target involve monitoring, which in turn involves assessment. The most powerful instrument for assessing literacy proficiency is the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It has five hierarchically organised proficiency levels for literacy. A sixth category, labelled “below Level 1”, lumps together low proficiencies at the bottom end of the proficiency continuum. To boost effective action in addressing SDG 4, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) recently launched the Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML), which aims to support national assessment strategies and to develop internationally comparable indicators and methodological measurement tools. While PIAAC Levels 1–5 are already broadly suitable for international comparison, the “below Level 1” category has so far only been assessed by individual countries (e.g. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany) using instruments developed nationally. Focusing on the reading aspect of literacy, the authors of this article investigate how these nationally developed low proficiency assessment instruments might be adjusted to facilitate international comparability.
Environmental assessment of physical-chemical features of Lake Nasser, Egypt
Authors: Rizk Roquia , Juzsakova Tatjána , Cretescu Igor , Rawash Mohamed , Sebestyén Viktor , Le Phuoc Cuong , Kovács Zsófia , Domokos Endre , Rédey Ákos , Shafik Hesham
Published: April 2020

Lake Nasser is one of the largest man-made lakes on earth. It has a vital importance to Egypt for several decades because of the safe water supply of the country. Therefore, the water quality of the Lake Nasser must be profoundly investigated, and physico-chemical parameter changes of the water of the Lake Nasser should be continuously monitored and assessed. This work describes the present state of the physico-chemical (nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, orthophosphate, total phosphate content, dissolved oxygen content, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand) water parameters of Lake Nasser in Egypt at nine measurement sites along the Lake Nasser. The algorithm was devised at the University of Pannonia, Hungary, for the evaluation of the water quality. The aquatic environmental indices determined alongside the Lake Nasser fall into the category of “good” water quality at seven sampling sites and exhibited “excellent” water quality at two sampling sites according to Egyptian Governmental Decree No. 92/2013. In light of the tremendous demand for safe and healthy water supply in Egypt and international requirements, the water quality assessment is a very important tool for providing reliable information on the water quality. The protocol for water quality assessment could significantly contribute to the provision of high-quality water supply in Egypt. In conclusion, it can be stated that the parameters under investigation in different regions of Lake Nasser fall within the permissible ranges and the water of the Lake has good quality for drinking, irrigation, and fish cultures according to Egyptian standards; however, according to European specifications, there are steps to be accomplished for future water quality improvement.
No–arbitrage commodity option pricing with market manipulation
Authors: Aïd René , Callegaro Giorgia , Campi Luciano
Published: April 2020

We design three continuous-time models in finite horizon of a commodity price, whose dynamics can be affected by the actions of a representative risk-neutral producer and a representative risk-neutral trader. Depending on the model, the producer can control the drift and/or the volatility of the price whereas the trader can at most affect the volatility. The producer can affect the volatility in two ways: either by randomizing her production rate or, as the trader, using other means such as spreading false information. Moreover, the producer contracts at time zero a fixed position in a European convex derivative with the trader. The trader can be price-taker, as in the first two models, or she can also affect the volatility of the commodity price, as in the third model. We solve all three models semi-explicitly and give closed-form expressions of the derivative price over a small time horizon, preventing arbitrage opportunities to arise. We find that when the trader is price-taker, the producer can always compensate the loss in expected production profit generated by an increase of volatility by a gain in the derivative position by driving the price at maturity to a suitable level. Finally, in case the trader is active, the model takes the form of a nonzero-sum linear-quadratic stochastic differential game and we find that when the production rate is already at its optimal stationary level, there is an amount of derivative position that makes both players better off when entering the game.
Neurological and behavioral features of locomotor imagery in the blind
Authors: Amemiya Kaoru , Morita Tomoyo , Hirose Satoshi , Ikegami Tsuyoshi , Hirashima Masaya , Naito Eiichi
Published: April 2020

In people with normal sight, mental simulation (motor imagery) of an experienced action involves a multisensory (especially kinesthetic and visual) emulation process associated with the action. Here, we examined how long-term blindness influences sensory experience during motor imagery and its neuronal correlates by comparing data obtained from blind and sighted people. We scanned brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while 16 sighted and 14 blind male volunteers imagined either walking or jogging around a circle of 2 m radius. In the training before fMRI, they performed these actions with their eyes closed. During scanning, we explicitly instructed the blindfolded participants to generate kinesthetic motor imagery. After the experimental run, they rated the degree to which their motor imagery became kinesthetic or spatio-visual. The imagery of blind people was more kinesthetic as per instructions, while that of the sighted group became more spatio-visual. The imagery of both groups commonly activated bilateral frontoparietal cortices including supplementary motor areas (SMA). Despite the lack of group differences in degree of brain activation, we observed stronger functional connectivity between the SMA and cerebellum in the blind group compared to that in the sighted group. To conclude, long-term blindness likely changes sensory emulation during motor imagery to a more kinesthetic mode, which may be associated with stronger functional coupling in kinesthetic brain networks compared with that in sighted people. This study adds valuable knowledge on motor cognition and mental imagery processes in the blind.
Subelliptic geometric Hardy type inequalities on half-spaces and convex domains
Authors: Ruzhansky Michael , Sabitbek Bolys , Suragan Durvudkhan
Published: April 2020

In this paper we present$$L^2$$L2and$$L^p$$Lpversions of the geometric Hardy inequalities in half-spaces and convex domains on stratified (Lie) groups. As a consequence, we obtain the geometric uncertainty principles. We give examples of the obtained results for the Heisenberg and the Engel groups.
Close Range Spectral Imaging for Disease Detection in Plants Using Autonomous Platforms: a Review on Recent Studies
Authors: Mishra Puneet , Polder Gerrit , Vilfan Nastassia
Published: April 2020

Purpose of Review

A short introduction to the spectral imaging (SI) of plants along with a comprehensive overview of the recent research works related to disease detection in plants using autonomous phenotyping platforms is provided. Key benefits and challenges of SI for plant disease detection on robotic platforms are highlighted.

Recent Findings

SI is becoming a potential tool for autonomous platforms for non-destructive plant assessment. This is because it can provide information on the plant pigments such as chlorophylls, anthocyanins and carotenoids and supports quantification of biochemical parameters such as sugars, proteins, different nutrients, water and fat content. A plant suffering from diseases will exhibit different physicochemical parameters compared with a healthy plant, allowing the SI to capture those differences as a function of reflected or absorbed light.

Potential of SI to non-destructively capture physicochemical parameters in plants makes it a key technique to support disease detection on autonomous platforms. SI can be broadly used for crop disease detection by quantification of physicochemical changes in the plants.
Just the Facts: Protecting frontline clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Atkinson Paul , French James , Lang Eddy , McColl Tamara , Mazurik Laurie
Published: April 2020

There is no patient emergency more important than protecting health care workers during a pandemic.
How/Should We Generalize?
Authors: Erickson Ansley T.
Published: April 2020

In Carl Kaestle's 1992 essay “Standards of Evidence,” generalization is how we know when we know. Kaestle sketches a model of increasing certainty in historical claims as they are developed and refined at increasing scales of research, from local to international. A historical claim might originate in the study of a particular place or case, but to know that the claims were true, the historian needed to move from the microlevel view to a more macro one, perhaps at the national rather than local level. Once tested and refined through comparison with other cases, possibly smoothing some of the rougher edges in the process, the claim could then be transferred beyond national borders. When a historical claim is polished enough to fit other contexts, we know it is true. Kaestle illustrates this increasing certainty through increasing scale with reference to the history of literacy and, more specifically, to scholarship on how Western European and US industrialization shaped literacy rates. Bringing studies from various locales into connection, and then comparing these cases with the national context, Kaestle summarizes that it was the commercial processes of urbanization, rather than industrialization itself, that helped produce rising literacy in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Generalization at greater scale becomes not only the means through which to claim the value of historical work, but the basis for constructing historical knowledge in the first place.
Visceral infection byPorocephalusspp. (Pentastomida) in Neotropical wild mammals
Authors: Gomez-Puerta L.A. , Baselly L. , Lopez-Urbina M.T. , Gonzalez A.E. , Mayor P.
Published: April 2020

Larval stages of pentastomids were collected from different organs of small mammals from the Peruvian Amazon. These parasitized mammals included: a western Amazonian oryzomys (Hylaeamys perenensis), an elegant oryzomys (Euryoryzomys nitidus), a lowland paca (Cuniculus paca), two kinkajous (Potos flavus), two silvery woolly monkeys (Lagothrix poeppigii) and a brown-mantled tamarin (Leontocebus fuscicollis). Pentastomids were found in the mesentery and parenchyma of the liver and lungs of these animals. All pentastomids were morphologically identified as nymphs ofPorocephalusspp. Only the nymphs collected from select animals (the western Amazonian oryzomys, the elegant oryzomys and the brown-mantled tamarin) were analysed molecularly. Molecular analysis was performed amplifying the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I gene from select nymphs collected from the western Amazonian oryzomys, the elegant oryzomys and the brown-mantled tamarin. The nucleotide sequences exhibited 95.8–97.7% similarity between them. Also, these sequences showed an identity of 95.8–97.9% toPorocephalus crotali(GenBank accession numbers MG559647–MG559655). Molecular analysis indicated the presence of at least twoPorocephalusspecies. These findings represent the first record ofPorocephalusin these mammals, thus adding new intermediate hosts for this pentastomid genus. This work represents the first molecular data ofPorocephalusin a Neotropical climate.
Declining Public Health Protections within Autocratic Regimes: Impact on Global Public Health Security, Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics
Authors: Burkle Frederick M.
Published: April 2020

Public health emergencies of international concern, in the form of infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, represent an increasing risk to the worldʼs population. Management requires coordinated responses, across many disciplines and nations, and the capacity to muster proper national and global public health education, infrastructure, and prevention measures. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of nations are ruled by autocratic regimes which have characteristically failed to adopt investments in public health infrastructure, education, and prevention measures to keep pace with population growth and density. Autocratic leaders have a direct impact on health security, a direct negative impact on health, and create adverse political and economic conditions that only complicate the crisis further. This is most evident in autocratic regimes where health protections have been seriously and purposely curtailed. All autocratic regimes define public health along economic and political imperatives that are similar across borders and cultures. Autocratic regimes are seriously handicapped by sociopathic narcissistic leaders who are incapable of understanding the health consequences of infectious diseases or the impact on their population. A cross section of autocratic nations currently experiencing the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) are reviewed to demonstrate the manner where self-serving regimes fail to manage health crises and place the rest of the world at increasing risk. It is time to re-address the pre-SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) global agendas calling for stronger strategic capacity, legal authority, support, and institutional status under World Health Organization (WHO) leadership granted by an International Health Regulations Treaty. Treaties remain the most successful means the world has in preventing, preparing for, and controlling epidemics in an increasingly globalized world.

“Honesty is worth a lot more than hope…” The Economist, February 17, 2020.
Shift in body fat distribution from lower body to upper body among urban Colombian women, 1988–1989 to 2007–2008
Authors: Bender Richard L , Bekelman Traci A , Sandberg Paul A , Dufour Darna L , Reina Julio C
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Body fat distribution may be a stronger predictor of metabolic risk than BMI. Yet, few studies have investigated secular changes in body fat distribution in middle-income countries or how those changes vary by socioeconomic status (SES). This study evaluated changes in body fat distribution by SES in Colombia, a middle-income country where BMI is increasing rapidly.

Design:

We applied factor analysis to previously published data to assess secular changes in adiposity and body fat distribution in cross-sectional samples of urban Colombian women. Anthropometry was used to assess weight, height and skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh, calf).

Setting:

Cali, Colombia.

Participants:

Women (18–44 years) in 1988–1989 (n 1533) and 2007–2009 (n 577) from three SES groups.

Results:

We identified an overall adiposity factor, which increased between 1988–1989 and 2007–2008 in all SES groups, particularly in the middle SES group. We also identified arm, leg and trunk adiposity factors. In all SES groups, leg adiposity decreased, while trunk and arm adiposity increased.

Conclusions:

Factor analysis highlighted three trends that were not readily visible in BMI data and variable-by-variable analysis of skinfolds: (i) overall adiposity increased between time periods in all SES groups; (ii) the adiposity increase was driven by a shift from lower body to upper body; (iii) the adiposity increase was greatest in the middle SES group. Factor analysis provided novel insights into secular changes and socioeconomic variation in body fat distribution during a period of rapid economic development in a middle-income country.
Flechtner Receives 2019 Ivan I. Mueller Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2020

Frank Flechtner received the Ivan I. Mueller Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2019, held 9–13 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award acknowledges “major achievements in service to and/or leadership within the field of geodesy.”
Florida Coastlines Respond to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

For more than a century, carbon burial rates have been increasing on some southern Florida coasts. Scientists now verify this trend and propose an explanation.
Genetically similar temperate phages form coalitions with their shared host that lead to niche-specific fitness effects
Authors: Basso Jonelle T R , Ankrah Nana Y D , Tuttle Matthew J , Grossman Alex S , Sandaa Ruth-Anne , Buchan Alison
Published: April 2020

Temperate phages engage in long-term associations with their hosts that may lead to mutually beneficial interactions, of which the full extent is presently unknown. Here, we describe an environmentally relevant model system with a single host, a species of the Roseobacter clade of marine bacteria, and two genetically similar phages (ɸ-A and ɸ-D). Superinfection of a ɸ-D lysogenized strain (CB-D) with ɸ-A particles resulted in a lytic infection, prophage induction, and conversion of a subset of the host population, leading to isolation of a newly ɸ-A lysogenized strain (CB-A). Phenotypic differences, predicted to result from divergent lysogenic-lytic switch mechanisms, are evident between these lysogens, with CB-A displaying a higher incidence of spontaneous induction. Doubling times of CB-D and CB-A in liquid culture are 75 and 100 min, respectively. As cell cultures enter stationary phase, CB-A viable counts are half of CB-D. Consistent with prior evidence that cell lysis enhances biofilm formation, CB-A produces twice as much biofilm biomass as CB-D. As strains are susceptible to infection by the opposing phage type, co-culture competitions were performed to test fitness effects. When grown planktonically, CB-A outcompeted CB-D three to one. Yet, during biofilm growth, CB-D outcompeted CB-A three to one. These results suggest that genetically similar phages can have divergent influence on the competitiveness of their shared hosts in distinct environmental niches, possibly due to a complex form of phage-mediated allelopathy. These findings have implications for enhanced understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of host-phage interactions that are pervasive in all ecosystems.
Real-world data on cervical cancer risk stratification by cytology and HPV genotype to inform the management of HPV-positive women in routine cervical screening
Authors: Hashim Dana , Engesæter Birgit , Baadstrand Skare Gry , Castle Philip E. , Bjørge Tone , Tropé Ameli , Nygård Mari
Published: April 2020

Background

HPV16/18 detection may improve cervical cancer risk stratification and better guide which HPV-positive women warrant immediate colposcopy/biopsy. We estimated risks of cervical precancer and cancer by HPV genotype and cytology during the implementation phase of primary HPV testing in Norway.

Methods

A total of 3111 women, aged 34–69 years, testing HPV-positive at baseline and undergoing cytology testing from February 2015 to April 2018 had data available for analysis. Risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or more severe (CIN3+) were estimated for cytology results and HPV genotypes (HPV16, HPV18, and other high-risk HPV).

Results

CIN3+ risks were higher for HPV16/18 than other high-risk HPV genotypes. Among women with any cytologic abnormality [atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse], immediate risks were 57.8% (95%CI = 53.0–62.6%) for HPV16, 40.2% (95%CI = 32.3–49.2%) for HPV18, and 31.4% (95%CI = 28.7–34.3%) for other high-risk HPV. Among those with normal cytology, CIN3+ risks were 19.9% (95%CI = 15.0–26.1%) for HPV16 positives, 10.8% (95%CI = 5.6–20.5%) for HPV18 positives, and 5.5% (95%CI = 4.2–7.1%) for other high-risk HPV.

Conclusions

The benefits and harms of managing women based on HPV positivity and cytology results can be better balanced by inclusion of HPV genotyping in screening and choosing more conservative management for other high-risk HPV compared to HPV16/18.
Embryonic endothelial evolution towards first hematopoietic stem cells revealed by single-cell transcriptomic and functional analyses
Authors: Hou Siyuan , Li Zongcheng , Zheng Xiaona , Gao Yun , Dong Ji , Ni Yanli , Wang Xiaobo , Li Yunqiao , Ding Xiaochen , Chang Zhilin , Li Shuaili , Hu Yuqiong , Fan Xiaoying , Hou Yu , Wen Lu , Liu Bing , Tang Fuchou , Lan Yu
Published: April 2020

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in adults are believed to be born from hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) in mid-gestational embryos. Due to the rare and transient nature, the HSC-competent HECs have never been stringently identified and accurately captured, let alone their genuine vascular precursors. Here, we first used high-precision single-cell transcriptomics to unbiasedly examine the relevant EC populations at continuous developmental stages with intervals of 0.5 days from embryonic day (E) 9.5 to E11.0. As a consequence, we transcriptomically identified two molecularly different arterial EC populations and putative HSC-primed HECs, whose number peaked at E10.0 and sharply decreased thereafter, in the dorsal aorta of the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. Combining computational prediction and in vivo functional validation, we precisely captured HSC-competent HECs by the newly constructed Neurl3-EGFP reporter mouse model, and realized the enrichment further by a combination of surface markers (Procr+Kit+CD44+, PK44). Surprisingly, the endothelial-hematopoietic dual potential was rarely but reliably witnessed in the cultures of single HECs. Noteworthy, primitive vascular ECs from E8.0 experienced two-step fate choices to become HSC-primed HECs, namely an initial arterial fate choice followed by a hemogenic fate conversion. This finding resolves several previously observed contradictions. Taken together, comprehensive understanding of endothelial evolutions and molecular programs underlying HSC-primed HEC specification in vivo will facilitate future investigations directing HSC production in vitro.
GPR56/ADGRG1 is associated with response to antidepressant treatment
Authors: Belzeaux Raoul , Gorgievski Victor , Fiori Laura M. , Lopez Juan Pablo , Grenier Julien , Lin Rixing , Nagy Corina , Ibrahim El Chérif , Gascon Eduardo , Courtet Philippe , Richard-Devantoy Stéphane , Berlim Marcelo , Chachamovich Eduardo , Théroux Jean-François , Dumas Sylvie , Giros Bruno , Rotzinger Susan , Soares Claudio N. , Foster Jane A. , Mechawar Naguib , Tall Gregory G. , Tzavara Eleni T. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Turecki Gustavo
Published: April 2020

It remains unclear why many patients with depression do not respond to antidepressant treatment. In three cohorts of individuals with depression and treated with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (N = 424) we show that responders, but not non-responders, display an increase of GPR56 mRNA in the blood. In a small group of subjects we also show that GPR56 is downregulated in the PFC of individuals with depression that died by suicide. In mice, we show that chronic stress-induced Gpr56 downregulation in the blood and prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is accompanied by depression-like behavior, and can be reversed by antidepressant treatment. Gpr56 knockdown in mouse PFC is associated with depressive-like behaviors, executive dysfunction and poor response to antidepressant treatment. GPR56 peptide agonists have antidepressant-like effects and upregulated AKT/GSK3/EIF4 pathways. Our findings uncover a potential role of GPR56 in antidepressant response.
ASK1 inhibits browning of white adipose tissue in obesity
Authors: Lucchini Fabrizio C. , Wueest Stephan , Challa Tenagne D. , Item Flurin , Modica Salvatore , Borsigova Marcela , Haim Yulia , Wolfrum Christian , Rudich Assaf , Konrad Daniel
Published: April 2020

Increasing energy expenditure via induction of adipose tissue browning has become an appealing strategy to treat obesity and associated metabolic complications. Herein, we identify adipocyte-expressed apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as regulator of adipose tissue browning. High fat diet-fed adipocyte-specific ASK1 knockout mice reveal increased UCP1 protein levels in inguinal adipose tissue concomitant with elevated energy expenditure, reduced obesity and ameliorated glucose tolerance compared to control littermates. In addition, ASK1-depletion blunts LPS-mediated downregulation of isoproterenol-induced UCP1 in subcutaneous fat both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, adipocyte-specific ASK1 overexpression in chow-fed mice attenuates cold-induced UCP1 protein levels in inguinal fat. Mechanistically, ASK1 phosphorylates interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced Ucp1 expression. Taken together, our studies unravel a role of ASK1 in mediating the inhibitory effect of caloric surplus or LPS-treatment on adipose tissue browning. Adipocyte ASK1 might be a pharmacological target to combat obesity and associated morbidities.
Emergence of ferromagnetism due to charge transfer in compressed ilmenite powder using super-high-energy ball milling
Authors: Ohara Satoshi , Naka Takashi , Sunakawa Kousuke , Kubuki Shiro , Senna Mamoru , Hashishin Takeshi
Published: April 2020

Ilmenite, FeTiO3, is a common mineral in nature, existing as an accessory phase in the most basic igneous and metamorphic rocks, for example, it is derived from the upper mantle. Therefore, an understanding of the high-pressure physics of FeTiO3 is of fundamental importance in the study of rock magnetization. Here, we provide experimental evidence of lattice compression of FeTiO3 powder using super-high-energy ball milling, enabling the very high collision energy of 420 times gravitational acceleration. A sample obtained as an ilmenite- hematite 0.5FeTiO3·0.5Fe2O3 solid solution showed a decrease in molar volume of approximately 1.8%. Consequently, the oxidation state in FeTiO3 powder was changed into almost Fe3+Ti3+, corresponding to 87% Fe3+ of the total Fe for FeTiO3, resulting in the emergence of ferromagnetism. This new ferromagnetic behaviour is of crucial importance in the study of rock magnetization which is used to interpret historical fluctuations in geomagnetism. In addition, the super-high-energy ball mill can be used to control a range of charge and spin states in transition metal oxides with high pressure.
Immune dysregulation among students exposed to exam stress and its mitigation by mindfulness training: findings from an exploratory randomised trial
Authors: Turner Lorinda , Galante Julieta , Vainre Maris , Stochl Jan , Dufour Géraldine , Jones Peter B.
Published: April 2020

Psychological distress persisting for weeks or more promotes pro-inflammatory immune dysregulation, a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases. We have recently shown that mindfulness training reduces distress among university students. Here we present an exploratory trial to study immune dysregulation in a cohort of students who were exposed to progressively greater stress as the exam period approached, and to explore whether mindfulness training mitigated this dysregulation. Healthy University of Cambridge students were randomised to join an 8-week mindfulness course (N = 27), or to mental health support as usual (N = 27). Psychological distress, immune cell proportions, cytokines, CRP and serum cortisol were measured at baseline and during the exam period. Increased distress was associated with statistically significant increases in the proportion of B cells, regardless of trial arm (*p = 0.027). There were no other associations between any of the measured parameters, distress or mindfulness. Our finding that the proportion of B cells increases with psychological distress supports the findings of other studies. However, we found no evidence that mindfulness training is able to buffer the effects of psychological distress on healthy participants’ immune system. In order to detect these effects, should they exist, larger randomised trials will be required.
Evidence for functional selectivity in TUDC- and norUDCA-induced signal transduction via α5β1 integrin towards choleresis
Authors: Bonus Michele , Sommerfeld Annika , Qvartskhava Natalia , Görg Boris , Ludwig Beatrice Stefanie , Kessler Horst , Gohlke Holger , Häussinger Dieter
Published: April 2020

Functional selectivity is the ligand-specific activation of certain signal transduction pathways at a receptor and has been described for G protein-coupled receptors. However, it has not yet been described for ligands interacting with integrins without αI domain. Here, we show by molecular dynamics simulations that four side chain-modified derivatives of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC), an agonist of α5β1 integrin, differentially shift the conformational equilibrium of α5β1 integrin towards the active state, in line with the extent of β1 integrin activation from immunostaining. Unlike TUDC, 24-nor-ursodeoxycholic acid (norUDCA)-induced β1 integrin activation triggered only transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and, consequently, only transient insertion of the bile acid transporter Bsep into the canalicular membrane, and did not involve activation of epidermal growth factor receptor. These results provide evidence that TUDC and norUDCA exert a functional selectivity at α5β1 integrin and may provide a rationale for differential therapeutic use of UDCA and norUDCA.
Increasing fragmentation of forest cover in Brazil’s Legal Amazon from 2001 to 2017
Authors: Montibeller Bruno , Kmoch Alexander , Virro Holger , Mander Ülo , Uuemaa Evelyn
Published: April 2020

Persistent forest loss in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) is responsible for carbon emission, reduction of ecosystem services, and loss of biodiversity. Combining spatial data analysis with high spatial resolution data for forest cover and forest loss, we quantified the spatial and temporal patterns of forest dynamics in the BLA. We identified an alarming trend of increasing deforestation, with especially high rates in 2016 and 2017. Moreover, the creation of forest cover fragments is faster than ever due to decreasing size and dispersion of forest loss patches. From 2001 to 2017, the number of large forest loss patches decreased significantly, accompanied by a reduction in the size of these patches. Enforcement of field inspections and of initiatives to promote forest conservation will be required to stop this trend.
Cell body shape and directional movement stability in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Arioka Yuko , Shishido Emiko , Kushima Itaru , Mori Daisuke , Ozaki Norio
Published: April 2020

Neuronal migration is necessary in the process of the formation of brain architecture. Recently, we demonstrated that human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons exhibit directional migration in vitro. However, it remains unclear how the cell shape is involved in their migration. In this study, we performed live imaging analyses using human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons. Our automated method, which can automatically identify the cell body shape and the cell position at specific time points, revealed that healthy iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons migrate according to their shape. This migration behavior was out of accord in neurons derived from iPSCs carrying an RELN deletion. Our findings provide a novel theory that cell body orientation is related to the stability of movement direction for human dopaminergic neurons, under the regulation of RELN.
Integrated Optofluidic Chip for Oscillatory Microrheology
Authors: Vitali Valerio , Nava Giovanni , Zanchetta Giuliano , Bragheri Francesca , Crespi Andrea , Osellame Roberto , Bellini Tommaso , Cristiani Ilaria , Minzioni Paolo
Published: April 2020

We propose and demonstrate an on-chip optofluidic device allowing active oscillatory microrheological measurements with sub-μL sample volume, low cost and high flexibility. Thanks to the use of this optofluidic microrheometer it is possible to measure the viscoelastic properties of complex fluids in the frequency range 0.01–10 Hz at different temperatures. The system is based on the optical forces exerted on a microbead by two counterpropagating infrared laser beams. The core elements of the optical part, integrated waveguides and an optical modulator, are fabricated by fs-laser writing on a glass substrate. The system performance is validated by measuring viscoelastic solutions of aqueous worm-like micelles composed by Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPyCl) and Sodium Salicylate (NaSal).
Real-time Burn Classification using Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Lee Sangrock , Rahul  , Ye Hanglin , Chittajallu Deepak , Kruger Uwe , Boyko Tatiana , Lukan James K. , Enquobahrie Andinet , Norfleet Jack , De Suvranu
Published: April 2020

This article presents a real-time approach for classification of burn depth based on B-mode ultrasound imaging. A grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) computed from the ultrasound images of the tissue is employed to construct the textural feature set and the classification is performed using nonlinear support vector machine and kernel Fisher discriminant analysis. A leave-one-out cross-validation is used for the independent assessment of the classifiers. The model is tested for pair-wise binary classification of four burn conditions in ex vivo porcine skin tissue: (i) 200 °F for 10 s, (ii) 200 °F for 30 s, (iii) 450 °F for 10 s, and (iv) 450 °F for 30 s. The average classification accuracy for pairwise separation is 99% with just over 30 samples in each burn group and the average multiclass classification accuracy is 93%. The results highlight that the ultrasound imaging-based burn classification approach in conjunction with the GLCM texture features provide an accurate assessment of altered tissue characteristics with relatively moderate sample sizes, which is often the case with experimental and clinical datasets. The proposed method is shown to have the potential to assist with the real-time clinical assessment of burn degrees, particularly for discriminating between superficial and deep second degree burns, which is challenging in clinical practice.
Shear Stress in Schlemm’s Canal as a Sensor of Intraocular Pressure
Authors: McDonnell Fiona , Perkumas Kristin M. , Ashpole Nicole E. , Kalnitsky Joan , Sherwood Joseph M. , Overby Darryl R. , Stamer W. Daniel
Published: April 2020

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) narrows Schlemm’s canal (SC), theoretically increasing luminal shear stress. Using engineered adenoviruses containing a functional fragment of the shear-responsive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promoter, we tested effects of shear stress and elevated flow rate on reporter expression in vitro and ex vivo. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and SC cells were transduced with adenovirus containing eNOS promoter driving secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) or green fluorescent protein (GFP) and subjected to shear stress. In parallel, human anterior segments were perfused under controlled flow. After delivering adenoviruses to the SC lumen by retroperfusion, the flow rate in one anterior segment of pair was increased to double pressure. In response to high shear stress, HUVECs and SC cells expressed more SEAP and GFP than control. Similarly, human anterior segments perfused at higher flow rates released significantly more nitrites and SEAP into perfusion effluent, and SC cells expressed increased GFP near collector channel ostia compared to control. These data establish that engineered adenoviruses have the capacity to quantify and localize shear stress experienced by endothelial cells. This is the first in situ demonstration of shear-mediated SC mechanobiology as a key IOP-sensing mechanism necessary for IOP homeostasis.
Global Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Nirwan Jorabar Singh , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Conway Barbara R. , Ghori Muhammad Usman
Published: April 2020

Although gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common medical complaint, there is currently no consensus on the global prevalence of GORD. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on GORD prevalence and risk factors at a global level. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched, without language restrictions, for studies on the prevalence and risk factors of GORD. Data were pooled using a random effects model (95% confidence interval), and the odds ratio and relative risk for each risk factor were calculated. Out of 34,355 search results, 96 records reporting the results from 102 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, representing 37 countries and all regions of the UN geoscheme. The global pooled prevalence of GORD was 13.98% and varied greatly according to region (12.88% in Latin America and the Caribbean to 19.55% in North America) and country (4.16% in China to 22.40% in Turkey). Using the United Nations 2017 Revision of World Population Prospects, the estimated number of individuals suffering from GORD globally is 1.03 billion. Multiple risk factors associated with a significant increase in the risk of GORD were also identified. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that although a substantial proportion (13.98%) of the global population suffers from GORD, there are significant variations between regions and countries. Risk factors for GORD were also identified which may allow clinicians to recognise individuals most at risk.
The gut microbiome but not the resistome is associated with urogenital schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children
Authors: Osakunor Derick N. M. , Munk Patrick , Mduluza Takafira , Petersen Thomas N. , Brinch Christian , Ivens Alasdair , Chimponda Theresa , Amanfo Seth A. , Murray Janice , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Mutapi Francisca
Published: April 2020

Helminth parasites have been shown to have systemic effects in the host. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we characterise the gut microbiome and resistome of 113 Zimbabwean preschool-aged children (1–5 years). We test the hypothesis that infection with the human helminth parasite,Schistosoma haematobium, is associated with changes in gut microbial and antimicrobial resistance gene abundance/diversity. Here, we show that bacteria phylaBacteroidetes,Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and fungi phylaAscomycota, Microsporidia, Zoopagomycotadominate the microbiome. The abundance ofProteobacteria,Ascomycota, andBasidiomycotadiffer between schistosome-infected versus uninfected children. Specifically, infection is associated with increases inPseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Derxia, Thalassospira,Aspergillus, Tricholoma, andPeriglandula, with a decrease inAzospirillum. We find 262 AMR genes, from 12 functional drug classes, but no association with individual-specific data. To our knowledge, we describe a novel metagenomic dataset of Zimbabwean preschool-aged children, indicating an association between urogenital schistosome infection and changes in the gut microbiome.
Nature-inspired electrocatalysts and devices for energy conversion
Authors: Trogadas Panagiotis , Coppens Marc-Olivier
Published: April 2020

A NICE approach for the design of nature-inspired electrocatalysts and electrochemical devices for energy conversion.
Reconstruction, analysis, and segmentation of LA-ICP-MS imaging data using Python for the identification of sub-organ regions in tissues
Authors: Castellanos-García Laura J. , Gokhan Elci S. , Vachet Richard W.
Published: April 2020

Freely available software written in Python is described that can analyze and reconstruct laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) imaging data, and enable the segmentation of metal distributions in biological tissues.
The electrospinning of a thermo-responsive polymer with peptide conjugates for phenotype support and extracellular matrix production of therapeutically relevant mammalian cells
Authors: Ruiter F. A. A. , Sidney L. E. , Kiick K. L. , Segal J. I. , Alexander C. , Rose F. R. A. J.
Published: April 2020

The fabrication and application of a biocompatible peptide conjugated thermo-responsive fibrous scaffolds for cellular phenotype support and enzymatic-free passaging of mammalian cells.
A coupled polymeric porphyrin complex as a novel cathode for highly stable lithium organic batteries
Authors: Yuan Jingjun , Ren Bo , Feng Xin , Gao Ping , Liu Enhui , Tan Songting
Published: April 2020

A polymeric porphyrin as a new cathode exhibits both high reversible capacity and long-term cycling stability for lithium organic batteries.
CsPbBr3 nanowire polarized light-emitting diodes through mechanical rubbing
Authors: Wei Yaping , Xu Yinyan , Wang Qian , Wang Jianyue , Lu Hongbo , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2020

CsPbBr3 nanowire polarized light-emitting diodes with low turn-on voltage were obtained through mechanical rubbing combined with an optimal device structure.
Aza-crown ether locked on polyethyleneimine: solving the contradiction between transfection efficiency and safety during in vivo gene delivery
Authors: Li Shengran , Lin Lin , Wang Wenliang , Yan Xinxin , Chen Binggang , Jiang Sangni , Liu Sanrong , Ma Xiaojing , Tian Huayu , Yu Xifei
Published: April 2020

An aza-crown ether derivative to lock a hyperbranched PEI, which endows the PEI with tumor targeting ability, antiserum ability and extended circulation in the blood, meanwhile retaining the high gene complexation and high transfection efficiency.
A long lasting sunscreen controversy of 4-aminobenzoic acid and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde derivatives resolved by ultrafast spectroscopy combined with density functional theoretical study
Authors: Chan Chris Tsz-Leung , Ma Chensheng , Chan Ruth Chau-Ting , Ou Hui-Min , Xie Han-Xin , Wong Allen Ka-Wa , Wang Ming-Liang , Kwok Wai-Ming
Published: April 2020

Photoprotection or photodamage: a pivotal role of water in regulating dynamics and molecular mechanism for efficacy of DMABA, DMAAP and PABA sunscreen agents.
Gut microbiota mediate the protective effects on endometritis induced by Staphylococcus aureus in mice
Authors: Hu Xiaoyu , Mu Ruiying , Xu Mingyue , Yuan Xin , Jiang Peng , Guo Jian , Cao Yongguo , Zhang Naisheng , Fu Yunhe
Published: April 2020

Endometritis, the inflammation of the endometrial lining caused by bacterial pathogens, is associated with reproductive failure.
Broadband solar absorption with silicon metamaterials driven by strong proximity effects
Authors: Chauhan Ankit , Shalev Gil
Published: April 2020

Broadband absorption of the solar radiation is important to various absorption-based devices. Enhanced light trapping in arrays of light funnels is based on strong proximity effects.
Transparent lignin-containing wood nanofiber films with UV-blocking, oxygen barrier, and anti-microbial properties
Authors: Sirviö Juho Antti , Ismail Mostafa Y. , Zhang Kaitao , Tejesvi Mysore V. , Ämmälä Ari
Published: April 2020

Anti-microbial cationic wood nanofiber films exhibiting high visible light transparency and UV-blocking ability together with good mechanical and oxygen barrier properties were produced directly from sawdust.
Enhanced stability of α-phase FAPbI3perovskite solar cells by insertion of 2D (PEA)2PbI4nanosheets
Authors: Hu Ruiyuan , Zhang Yi , Paek Sanghyun , Gao Xiao-Xin , Li Xing'ao , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2020

Methylammonium-free perovskite was prepared by using a (PEA)2PbI4nanosheet/chlorobenzene suspension as the anti-solvent for enhanced device stability and photovoltaic performances.