bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospection, fairness, and economic shocks: how do voters judge policy responses to natural disasters?
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Mannino Massimo
Published: November 2020

Which factors explain voters’ evaluations of policy responses to economic shocks? We explore this question in the context of mass preferences over the distribution of disaster relief and evaluate three fairness-based explanations related to affectedness, need, and political ties. We analyze experimental data from an original survey conducted among American citizens and find that affectedness and need are key drivers of voters’ preferred disaster responses. We then compare these patterns with observed disaster relief distributions (1993–2008). The results suggest that observed relief allocations largely mirror the structure of voter preferences with respect to affectedness and need, but not to political ties. These findings have implications for an ongoing debate over the electoral effects of natural disasters, voters’ retrospective evaluations of incumbent performance, and the extent to which divide-the-dollar politics decisions align with mass preferences.
Deprivation or discrimination? Comparing two explanations for the reverse income–obesity gradient in the US and South Korea
Authors: Han SeungYong , Hruschka Daniel
Published: November 2020

In high-income countries, poverty is often associated with higher average body mass index (BMI). To account for this reverse gradient, deprivation theories posit that declining economic resources make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. By contrast, discrimination theories argue that anti-fat discrimination in hiring and marriage sorts heavier individuals into lower-income households. This study assesses competing predictions of these theories by examining how household income in representative samples from South Korea (2007–2014, N=20,823) and the US (1999–2014, N=6395) is related to BMI in two key contrasting groups: (1) currently-married and (2) never-married individuals. As expected by anti-fat discrimination in marriage, the reverse gradient is observed among currently-married women but not among never-married women in both countries. Also consistent with past studies no evidence was found for a reverse gradient among men. These findings are consistent with anti-fat discrimination in marriage as a key cause of the reverse gradient and raise serious challenges to deprivation accounts as well as explanations based on anti-fat discrimination in labour markets.
Simmental × Holstein crossbred: comparison of immunological traits with parental breeds during peripartum and early lactation period
Authors: Scatà Maria Carmela , Grandoni Francesco , Barile Vittoria Lucia , Catillo Gennaro , De Matteis Giovanna
Published: November 2020

The experiment described in this research communication aimed to compare the immunological traits of Simmental (sire) × Holstein (dam) crossbred cows with the two parental breeds in the peripartum and early lactation period and to estimate the effects of heterosis for these traits. Flow cytometric evaluation of leukocyte subpopulations was assessed in 16 Crossbred (CR), 8 Holstein (HO) and 8 Simmental (SI) cows. Estimated average values of innate and adaptive immune cells showed statistically significant differences between the crossbred cows and parental breeds. Interestingly, the most relevant differences between the three groups related to adaptive immune cells. In particular, the CR cows showed a lower percentage of CD3+ T lymphocytes compared with the SI group (P < 0.0001) and the highest proportions of CD21+ B lymphocytes among the three groups (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, we found the highest positive value of heterosis for the CD21+ B lymphocytes (7.0) and the lowest negative value for CD3+ T lymphocytes (−4.8) in F1 derived population. It seems reasonable to believe that these differences could affect immune function of crossbred cows.
Wireless Robotic Components for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Villa-Medina Juan Francisco , Porta-Gándara Miguel Ángel , Gutiérrez Joaquín
Published: November 2020

A versatile architecture is presented to implement autonomous vehicles. The focus idea consists of a set of standalone modules, called wireless robotic components wireless robotic components (WRCs). Each component performs a particular function by means of a radio modem interface, a processing unit, and a sensor/actuator. The components interact through a coordinator that redirects asynchronous requests to the appropriate WRCs, configuring a built-in network. The WRC architecture has been tested in marine and terrestrial platforms to perform tasks of waypoint and wall following. Results show that the tested system complies with adaptability and portability that allow conforming a variety of autonomous vehicles.
Intracranial aneurysm and coarctation of the aorta: prevalence in the current era
Authors: Andrade Lauren , Hoskoppal Arvind , Hunt Martin Mary , Whitehead Kevin , Ou Zhining , Kuang Jinqiu , Cox Daniel
Published: November 2020

Background:

A 10% prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with coarctation of the aorta has been described in a few studies. Our objective is to describe the rate of intracranial aneurysm detection in patients with coarctation of the aorta in the current era. We hypothesise that, with earlier detection and coarctation of the aorta intervention, the rate of intracranial aneurysm is lower than previously reported and screening imaging may only be warranted in older patients or patients with certain risk factors.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 102 patients aged 13 years and older with coarctation who underwent brain computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetic resonance angiography between January, 2000 and February, 2018.

Results:

The median age of coarctation repair was 4.4 months (2 days–47 years) and the initial repair was primarily surgical (90.2%). There were 11 former smokers, 4 current smokers, and 13 patients with ongoing hypertension. Imaging modalities included computed tomography angiography (13.7%), MRI (41.2%), and magnetic resonance angiography (46.1%), performed at a median age of 33.3 years, 22.4 years, and 25 years, respectively. There were 42 studies performed for screening, 48 studies performed for neurologic symptoms, and 12 studies performed for both screening and symptoms. There were no intracranial aneurysms detected in this study.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the rate of intracranial aneurysms may be lower than previously reported and larger studies should explore the risk of intracranial aneurysms in coarctation of the aorta in the current era.
A validated FFQ to determine dietary intake of vitamin D
Authors: Watkins Stephanie , Freeborn Ellen , Mushtaq Sohail
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a vitamin D FFQ for assessment of dietary vitamin D intake in healthy adults in England, UK.

Design:

The current study assessed the agreement between a four-day food diary (4 d-FD) and a new vitamin D FFQ to measure dietary intake of vitamin D. Dietary intake was estimated using Nutritics dietary analysis software, and Spearman’s and Bland–Altman tests were utilised to assess correlation and agreement, respectively. Participants also provided a blood sample for plasma analysis of vitamin D concentrations.

Setting:

Home setting.

Participants:

Fifty participants were recruited to the study from the University of Chester and vicinity.

Results:

Results showed a strong correlation between vitamin D intake recorded by the FFQ and the 4 d-FD (r = 0·609; P < 0·0001) within 95 % limits of agreement. Furthermore, a significant correlation between plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and vitamin D intake measured by the FFQ (r = 0·290, P = 0·041) and the 4 d-FD (r = 0·360, P = 0·01) was observed.

Conclusion:

Our analysis suggests this FFQ is a useful and rapid tool for researchers and health professionals to assess vitamin D dietary intakes in healthy adults in the UK.
Viral surveillance and the 1968 Hong Kong flu pandemic
Authors: Peckham Robert
Published: November 2020

This article traces the diffusion of the 1968 Hong Kong influenza pandemic against the backdrop of scientific and global health developments, a global wave of social protests, and Cold War tensions between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Although the outbreak was far less severe than the 1918–19 ‘Spanish’ influenza pandemic, the ease with which influenza spread globally between 1968 and 1970 contributed to a reformulation of global health that emphasized the need for enhanced preparedness and rapid vaccine production. From the 1950s through the 1960s, the scope of disease surveillance expanded, with China increasingly identified as the global epicentre of viral threats. In so arguing, the article challenges histories of global health that suggest that this was a period when concerns for infectious disease receded, in contrast to the final two decades of the twentieth century that saw the ascendancy of an ‘emerging diseases worldview’.
Germs, genomes, and global history in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Harper Kyle
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities and challenges for historians working on the global history of health and disease. This article argues that the history of disease will benefit from interdisciplinary work that brings together historians, microbiologists, and archaeologists. Genomes are historical archives, in two complementary ways. Palaeogenomics provide direct access to genomes of the past, while phylogenetics furnish historical insight from evolutionary relationships. Both palaeogenomics and phylogenetics have already contributed enormously to the history of disease, helping us understand how human ecological transformation drives the evolution of our microparasites.
Revision ofErpetosuchus(Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) and new erpetosuchid material from the Late Triassic ‘Elgin Reptile’ fauna based on μCT scanning techniques
Authors: FOFFA Davide , BUTLER Richard J. , NESBITT Sterling J. , WALSH Stig , BARRETT Paul M. , BRUSATTE Stephen L. , FRASER Nicholas C.
Published: November 2020

The Late Triassic fauna of the Lossiemouth Sandstone Formation (LSF) from the Elgin area, Scotland, has been pivotal in expanding our understanding of Triassic terrestrial tetrapods. Frustratingly, due to their odd preservation, interpretations of the Elgin Triassic specimens have relied on destructive moulding techniques, which only provide incomplete, and potentially distorted, information. Here, we show that micro-computed tomography (μCT) could revitalise the study of this important assemblage. We describe a long-neglected specimen that was originally identified as a pseudosuchian archosaur,Ornithosuchus woodwardi. μCT scans revealed dozens of bones belonging to at least two taxa: a small-bodied pseudosuchian and a specimen of the procolophonidLeptopleuron lacertinum. The pseudosuchian skeleton possesses a combination of characters that are unique to the clade Erpetosuchidae. As a basis for investigating the phylogenetic relationships of this new specimen, we reviewed the anatomy, taxonomy and systematics of other erpetosuchid specimens from the LSF (all previously referred toErpetosuchus). Unfortunately, due to the differing representation of the skeleton in the availableErpetosuchusspecimens, we cannot determine whether the erpetosuchid specimen we describe here belongs toErpetosuchus granti(to which we show it is closely related) or if it represents a distinct new taxon. Nevertheless, our results shed light on rarely preserved details of erpetosuchid anatomy. Finally, the unanticipated new information extracted from both previously studied and neglected specimens suggests that fossil remains may be much more widely distributed in the Elgin quarries than previously recognised, and that the richness of the LSF might have been underestimated.
Synthesis technique of a low-profile multiple sub-beam phased array antenna for high-throughput satellite applications
Authors: Sharifi Moghaddam Elham , Ahmadi Arash
Published: November 2020

Sub-beam concept is very useful for size reduction of multiple beam phased array antenna (PAA) systems that are applied for high-throughput communication satellites. In this paper, the synthesis procedure for a PAA with multiple sub-beams in two dimensions of the coverage domain is proposed and analyzed. In the design procedure, the interleaved sub-arraying technique has been applied to eliminate the grating lobes. The extremely short angular distance between adjacent sub-beams is challenging. An innovative beam forming network is proposed, which can generate multiple orthogonal sub-beams while keeping the required angular distance between sub-beams. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the design technique, an example considering the requirements derived from conceptual design of a high-throughput communication payload is presented. The array is optimized using the genetic algorithm while taking into account the technical requirements of the antenna. The gain patterns exhibit a 0.4° angular distance between adjacent sub-beams. In addition, the number of sub-arrays and element spacing guarantee the orthogonality of the sub-beams. The calculated carrier to interference ratio in the synthesized array shows that it has acceptable values in each spot. The aperture size reduction in the synthesized array compared to a conventional multiple beam array is more than 36.7%.
The victim-bully cycle of sexual minority school adolescents in China: prevalence and the association of mood problems and coping strategies
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Hui , Yang Yong , Li Ronghua , Wilson Amanda , Wang Shuilan , Drescher Jack , Chen Runsen
Published: November 2020

Aims

Compared to their heterosexual peers, youth who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) tend to suffer higher rates of peer victimisation from bullying. However, studies of LGB adolescents' participation as bullies are scarce. We aimed to examine the possible association of sexual minority identity and the heightened risk of not only being bullied but bullying others as well. We also explored the effect of one's sexual identity on their involvement in bullying through the mediation of coping strategies and mood states.

Methods

A total of 12 218 students were recruited from 18 secondary schools in China. The demographic information, positive and negative coping strategies, mood state (anxiety, depression and hypomania) and information related to bullying and being bullied were collected. Multinomial regression was used to assess the heightened risk of sexual minority groups in comparison to their heterosexual adolescents' counterparts. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediating role of coping strategy and mood state between one's sex, sexual identity and bullying experience.

Results

Two trends could be observed: (1) LGB groups reported heightened risks of being bullied and bullying others at school than heterosexual peers. However, being a sexual-undeveloped girl seemed to have a protective effect on bullying-related problems. (2) Birth-assigned males were more likely to be bullied as well as bullying others at school when compared to birth-assigned females. SEM analysis revealed that being a sexual minority was directly associated with a higher frequency of being bullied (B = 0.16, 95% CI [0.10, 0.22], p < 0.001) but not bullying others (B = 0.02, 95% CI [−0.02, 0.06], p = 0.398) when compared to the heterosexual group. Negative coping, hypomania, anxiety and depression were associated with a higher frequency of being bullied, while positive coping was associated with a lower frequency of being bullied. Moreover, negative coping, hypomania and depression were associated with a higher frequency of bullying others, while positive coping was associated with a reduced likelihood of bullying others. In addition, being bullied and bullying others were significantly correlated in the SEM model.

Conclusions

This novel research investigated the dynamic nature of the interaction between victim and bullying of LGB school adolescents in China, with a specific exploration of the psychological mechanism behind the pattern of being bullied and bullying others. School-level interventions aimed at teaching positive coping strategies to lower psychological distress are recommended to support sexual minority students.
„Es gibt viel Raum, sich einzubringen“
Authors: Altmeppen Sandra , Bohrer Annerose , Heinze Cornelia , Junghahn Marie-Luise ,  Rohde Katrin S.
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die notwendige, intensive Entwicklungsarbeit für die Pflegeausbildungen ab 2020 stellt auch die Lehrenden und Praxisanleitenden im Land Berlin vor enorme Herausforderungen. Das Projekt CurAP der Berliner Senatsverwaltung verfolgt einen partizipativen Ansatz: Lehrende und Praxisanleitende erhalten in vielfältiger Form die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam und im Austausch die Pflegeausbildung neu zu denken.
An Initial Investigation of Suicide Attempt Disclosures Among US Veterans
Authors: Ammerman Brooke A. , Carter Sarah P. , Gebhardt Heather M. , Buchholz Jonathan , Reger Mark A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Background: Patient disclosure of prior suicidal behaviors is critical for effectively managing suicide risk; however, many attempts go undisclosed. Aims: The current study explored how responses following a suicide attempt disclosure may relate to help-seeking outcomes. Method: Participants included 37 veterans with a previous suicide attempt receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Veterans reported on their most and least helpful experiences disclosing their suicide attempt to others. Results: Veterans disclosed their suicide attempt to approximately eight individuals. Mental health professionals were the most cited recipient of their most helpful disclosure; romantic partners were the most common recipient of their least helpful disclosures. Positive reactions within the context of the least helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with a sense of connection with the disclosure recipient. Positive reactions within the most helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with the likelihood of future disclosure. No reactions were associated with having sought professional care or likelihood of seeking professional care. Limitations: The results are considered preliminary due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Findings suggest that while positive reactions may influence suicide attempt disclosure experiences broadly, additional research is needed to clarify factors that drive the decision to disclose a suicide attempt to a professional.
Collision‐Induced Absorption of CH4‐CO2 and H2‐CO2 Complexes and Their Effect on the Ancient Martian Atmosphere
Authors: Godin Paul J. , Ramirez Ramses M. , Campbell Charissa L. , Wizenberg Tyler , Nguyen Tue Giang , Strong Kimberly , Moores John E.
Published: November 2020

Experimental measurements of collision‐induced absorption (CIA) cross sections for CO2‐H2 and CO2‐CH4 complexes were performed using Fourier transform spectroscopy over a spectral range of 150–475 cm−1 and a temperature range of 200–300 K. These experimentally derived CIA cross sections agree with the spectral range of the calculation by Wordsworth et al. (2017) however, the amplitude is half of what was predicted. Furthermore, the CIA cross sections reported here agree with those measured by Turbet et al. (2019, 2019). Additionally, radiative transfer calculations of the early Mars atmosphere were performed, and showed that CO2‐CH4 CIA would require surface pressure greater than 3 bar for a 10% methane atmosphere to achieve 273 K at the surface. For CO2‐H2, liquid water is possible with 5% hydrogen and less than 2 bar of surface pressure.
Body Wave Speed Structure of Eastern North America
Authors: Savage Brian
Published: November 2020

The eastern, passive margin of the North American continent is more heterogeneous than originally envisioned. Imaged by teleseismic body wave arrivals, both compressional Vp and shear Vsh, the lithospheric mantle of the stable, eastern North America contains rapid and large wave speed variations from the fast, older interior toward the slower, margin structures along the continental edge. At multiple regions at the continental edge, wave speeds indicate the presence of a small amount of melt, <1%–2%. Melt assessments were computed using a suite of mineralogical/petrological models to convert Vp and Vsh into absolute temperatures and melt fraction. Moreover, along the Atlantic margin, wave speeds are lower than expected for a previously rifted margin. Within the continent interior, wave speeds in the mantle lithosphere vary spatially at wavelengths, suggesting strong compositional and mineralogical influence likely a result of later stage alteration from volatile rich fluids.
A New Ensemble‐Based Approach to Correct the Systematic Ocean Temperature Bias of CAS‐ESM‐C to Improve Its Simulation and Data Assimilation Abilities
Authors: Du Mengjiao , Zheng Fei , Zhu Jiang , Lin Renping , Yang Haipeng , Chen Quanliang
Published: November 2020

Over the past several decades, many efforts have been devoted to increasing the simulation performance of climate models, but significant biases remain that hinder the performance of coupled systems. Hence, bias correction is regarded not only as a useful tool for improving climate simulations but also as an important step before data assimilation, which depends on the hypothesis of unbiasedness. In this study, using sea temperature climatological data, a new ensemble‐based approach is proposed for correcting the biases of the sea temperature in CAS‐ESM‐C. Through analyzing the results of the proposed bias correction method with various intensities and time windows, its performance in suppressing the simulation biases of ocean fields is evaluated. The simulation biases of atmospheric variables are also reduced via air‐sea interactions, which will improve the ocean simulation performance. Additional benefits can be realized by applying the bias correction method. For example, a superior simulation of climate variabilities in a coupled model, such as ENSO (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation), is realized due to the improvement of climatological fields. The ability to assimilate various ocean observations is also significantly improved with a better background mean state.
Age-severity matched cytokine profiling reveals specific signatures in Covid-19 patients
Authors: Angioni Roberta , Sánchez-Rodríguez Ricardo , Munari Fabio , Bertoldi Nicole , Arcidiacono Diletta , Cavinato Silvia , Marturano Davide , Zaramella Alice , Realdon Stefano , Cattelan Annamaria , Viola Antonella , Molon Barbara
Published: November 2020

A global effort is currently undertaken to restrain the COVID-19 pandemic. Host immunity has come out as a determinant for COVID-19 clinical outcomes, and several studies investigated the immune profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infected people to properly direct the clinical management of the disease. Thus, lymphopenia, T-cell exhaustion, and the increased levels of inflammatory mediators have been described in COVID-19 patients, in particular in severe cases1. Age represents a key factor in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality2. Understanding age-associated immune signatures of patients are therefore important to identify preventive and therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the immune profile of COVID-19 hospitalized patients identifying a distinctive age-dependent immune signature associated with disease severity. Indeed, defined circulating factors - CXCL8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-27, and TNF-α - positively correlate with older age, longer hospitalization, and a more severe form of the disease and may thus represent the leading signature in critical COVID-19 patients.
SYK inhibition targets acute myeloid leukemia stem cells by blocking their oxidative metabolism
Authors: Polak Anna , Bialopiotrowicz Emilia , Krzymieniewska Beata , Wozniak Jolanta , Stojak Marta , Cybulska Magdalena , Kaniuga Ewelina , Mikula Michał , Jablonska Ewa , Gorniak Patryk , Noyszewska-Kania Monika , Szydlowski Maciej , Piechna Karolina , Piwocka Katarzyna , Bugajski Lukasz , Lech-Maranda Ewa , Barankiewicz Joanna , Kolkowska-Lesniak Agnieszka , Patkowska Elzbieta , Glodkowska-Mrowka Eliza , Baran Natalia , Juszczynski Przemyslaw
Published: November 2020

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is an important oncogene and signaling mediator activated by cell surface receptors crucial for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) maintenance and progression. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of SYK in AML cells leads to increased differentiation, reduced proliferation, and cellular apoptosis. Herein, we addressed the consequences of SYK inhibition to leukemia stem-cell (LSC) function and assessed SYK-associated pathways in AML cell biology. Using gain-of-function MEK kinase mutant and constitutively active STAT5A, we demonstrate that R406, the active metabolite of a small-molecule SYK inhibitor fostamatinib, induces differentiation and blocks clonogenic potential of AML cells through the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway and STAT5A transcription factor, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of SYK with R406 reduced LSC compartment defined as CD34+CD38−CD123+ and CD34+CD38−CD25+ in vitro, and decreased viability of LSCs identified by a low abundance of reactive oxygen species. Primary leukemic blasts treated ex vivo with R406 exhibited lower engraftment potential when xenotransplanted to immunodeficient NSG/J mice. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated by disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and suppression of oxidative metabolism (OXPHOS) in LSCs. These mechanisms appear to be partially dependent on inhibition of STAT5 and its target gene MYC, a well-defined inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, inhibition of SYK increases the sensitivity of LSCs to cytarabine (AraC), a standard of AML induction therapy. Taken together, our findings indicate that SYK fosters OXPHOS and participates in metabolic reprogramming of AML LSCs in a mechanism that at least partially involves STAT5, and that SYK inhibition targets LSCs in AML. Since active SYK is expressed in a majority of AML patients and confers inferior prognosis, the combination of SYK inhibitors with standard chemotherapeutics such as AraC constitutes a new therapeutic modality that should be evaluated in future clinical trials.
Surface-controlled reversal of the selectivity of halogen bonds
Authors: Tschakert Jalmar , Zhong Qigang , Martin-Jimenez Daniel , Carracedo-Cosme Jaime , Romero-Muñiz Carlos , Henkel Pascal , Schlöder Tobias , Ahles Sebastian , Mollenhauer Doreen , Wegner Hermann A. , Pou Pablo , Pérez Rubén , Schirmeisen André , Ebeling Daniel
Published: November 2020

Intermolecular halogen bonds are ideally suited for designing new molecular assemblies because of their strong directionality and the possibility of tuning the interactions by using different types of halogens or molecular moieties. Due to these unique properties of the halogen bonds, numerous areas of application have recently been identified and are still emerging. Here, we present an approach for controlling the 2D self-assembly process of organic molecules by adsorption to reactive vs. inert metal surfaces. Therewith, the order of halogen bond strengths that is known from gas phase or liquids can be reversed. Our approach relies on adjusting the molecular charge distribution, i.e., the σ-hole, by molecule-substrate interactions. The polarizability of the halogen and the reactiveness of the metal substrate are serving as control parameters. Our results establish the surface as a control knob for tuning molecular assemblies by reversing the selectivity of bonding sites, which is interesting for future applications.
Solid cyclooctatetraene-based triplet quencher demonstrating excellent suppression of singlet–triplet annihilation in optical and electrical excitation
Authors: Mai Van T. N. , Ahmad Viqar , Mamada Masashi , Fukunaga Toshiya , Shukla Atul , Sobus Jan , Krishnan Gowri , Moore Evan G. , Andersson Gunther G. , Adachi Chihaya , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Lo Shih-Chun
Published: November 2020

Triplet excitons have been identified as the major obstacle to the realisation of organic laser diodes, as accumulation of triplet excitons leads to significant losses under continuous wave (CW) operation and/or electrical excitation. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a solid-state organic triplet quencher, as well as in-depth studies of its dispersion into a solution processable bis-stilbene-based laser dye. By blending the laser dye with 20 wt% of the quencher, negligible effects on the ASE thresholds, but a complete suppression of singlet–triplet annihilation (STA) and a 20-fold increase in excited-state photostability of the laser dye under CW excitation, were achieved. We used small-area OLEDs (0.2 mm2) to demonstrate efficient STA suppression by the quencher in the nanosecond range, supported by simulations to provide insights into the observed STA quenching under electrical excitation. The results demonstrate excellent triplet quenching ability under both optical and electrical excitations in the nanosecond range, coupled with excellent solution processability.
Tp63-expressing adult epithelial stem cells cross lineages boundaries revealing latent hairy skin competence
Authors: Claudinot Stéphanie , Sakabe Jun-Ichi , Oshima Hideo , Gonneau Christèle , Mitsiadis Thimios , Littman Daniel , Bonfanti Paola , Martens Geert , Nicolas Michael , Rochat Ariane , Barrandon Yann
Published: November 2020

The formation of hair follicles, a landmark of mammals, requires complex mesenchymal–epithelial interactions and it is commonly believed that embryonic epidermal cells are the only cells that can respond to hair follicle morphogenetic signals in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that epithelial stem cells of non-skin origin (e.g. that of cornea, oesophagus, vagina, bladder, prostate) that express the transcription factor Tp63, a master gene for the development of epidermis and its appendages, can respond to skin morphogenetic signals. When exposed to a newborn skin microenvironment, these cells express hair-follicle lineage markers and contribute to hair follicles, sebaceous glands and/or epidermis renewal. Our results demonstrate that lineage restriction is not immutable and support the notion that all Tp63-expressing epithelial stem cells, independently of their embryonic origin, have latent skin competence explaining why aberrant hair follicles or sebaceous glands are sometimes observed in non-skin tissues (e.g. in cornea, vagina or thymus).
Identification of phenothiazine derivatives as UHM-binding inhibitors of early spliceosome assembly
Authors: Jagtap Pravin Kumar Ankush , Kubelka Tomáš , Soni Komal , Will Cindy L. , Garg Divita , Sippel Claudia , Kapp Tobias G. , Potukuchi Harish Kumar , Schorpp Kenji , Hadian Kamyar , Kessler Horst , Lührmann Reinhard , Hausch Felix , Bach Thorsten , Sattler Michael
Published: November 2020

Interactions between U2AF homology motifs (UHMs) and U2AF ligand motifs (ULMs) play a crucial role in early spliceosome assembly in eukaryotic gene regulation. UHM-ULM interactions mediate heterodimerization of the constitutive splicing factors U2AF65 and U2AF35 and between other splicing factors that regulate spliceosome assembly at the 3′ splice site, where UHM domains of alternative splicing factors, such as SPF45 and PUF60, contribute to alternative splicing regulation. Here, we performed high-throughput screening using fluorescence polarization assays with hit validation by NMR and identified phenothiazines as general inhibitors of UHM-ULM interactions. NMR studies show that these compounds occupy the tryptophan binding pocket of UHM domains. Co-crystal structures of the inhibitors with the PUF60 UHM domain and medicinal chemistry provide structure-activity-relationships and reveal functional groups important for binding. These inhibitors inhibit early spliceosome assembly on pre-mRNA substrates in vitro. Our data show that spliceosome assembly can be inhibited by targeting UHM-ULM interactions by small molecules, thus extending the toolkit of splicing modulators for structural and biochemical studies of the spliceosome and splicing regulation.
Author Correction: Surfaceome dynamics reveal proteostasis-independent reorganization of neuronal surface proteins during development and synaptic plasticity
Authors: van Oostrum Marc , Campbell Benjamin , Seng Charlotte , Müller Maik , Dieck Susanne tom , Hammer Jacqueline , Pedrioli Patrick G. A. , Földy Csaba , Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Wollscheid Bernd
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: TGF-β signaling in Th17 cells promotes IL-22 production and colitis-associated colon cancer
Authors: Perez Laura Garcia , Kempski Jan , McGee Heather M. , Pelzcar Penelope , Agalioti Theodora , Giannou Anastasios , Konczalla Leonie , Brockmann Leonie , Wahib Ramez , Xu Hao , Vesely Maria Carolina Amezcua , Soukou Shiwa , Steglich Babett , Bedke Tanja , Manthey Carolin , Seiz Oliver , Diercks Björn-Philipp , Gnafakis Stylianos , Guse Andreas H. , Perez Daniel , Izbicki Jakob R. , Gagliani Nicola , Flavell Richard A. , Huber Samuel
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Structure of the yeast Swi/Snf complex in a nucleosome free state
Authors: Wang Chengcheng , Guo Zhouyan , Zhan Xiechao , Yang Fenghua , Wu Mingxuan , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Suppressing the ferroelectric switching barrier in hybrid improper ferroelectrics
Authors: Li Shutong , Birol Turan
Published: November 2020

Integration of ferroelectric materials into novel technological applications requires low coercive field materials, and consequently, design strategies to reduce the ferroelectric switching barriers. In this first principles study, we show that biaxial strain, which has a strong effect on the ferroelectric ground states, can also be used to tune the switching barrier of hybrid improper ferroelectric Ruddlesden–Popper oxides. We identify the region of the strain-tolerance factor phase diagram where this intrinsic barrier is suppressed, and show that it can be explained in relation to strain-induced phase transitions to nonpolar phases.
Learning to encode cellular responses to systematic perturbations with deep generative models
Authors: Xue Yifan , Ding Michael Q. , Lu Xinghua
Published: November 2020

Cellular signaling systems play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis when a cell is exposed to different perturbations. Components of the systems are organized as hierarchical networks, and perturbing different components often leads to transcriptomic profiles that exhibit compositional statistical patterns. Mining such patterns to investigate how cellular signals are encoded is an important problem in systems biology, where artificial intelligence techniques can be of great assistance. Here, we investigated the capability of deep generative models (DGMs) to modeling signaling systems and learn representations of cellular states underlying transcriptomic responses to diverse perturbations. Specifically, we show that the variational autoencoder and the supervised vector-quantized variational autoencoder can accurately regenerate gene expression data in response to perturbagen treatments. The models can learn representations that reveal the relationships between different classes of perturbagens and enable mappings between drugs and their target genes. In summary, DGMs can adequately learn and depict how cellular signals are encoded. The resulting representations have broad applications, demonstrating the power of artificial intelligence in systems biology and precision medicine.
Mapping of subthalamic nucleus using microelectrode recordings during deep brain stimulation
Authors: Koirala Nabin , Serrano Lucas , Paschen Steffen , Falk Daniela , Anwar Abdul Rauf , Kuravi Pradeep , Deuschl Günther , Groppa Sergiu , Muthuraman Muthuraman
Published: November 2020

Alongside stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging, microelectrode recording (MER) is frequently used during the deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for optimal target localization. The aim of this study is to optimize subthalamic nucleus (STN) mapping using MER analytical patterns. 16 patients underwent bilateral STN-DBS. MER was performed simultaneously for 5 microelectrodes in a setting of Ben’s-gun pattern in awake patients. Using spikes and background activity several different parameters and their spectral estimates in various frequency bands including low frequency (2–7 Hz), Alpha (8–12 Hz), Beta (sub-divided as Low_Beta (13–20 Hz) and High_Beta (21–30 Hz)) and Gamma (31 to 49 Hz) were computed. The optimal STN lead placement with the most optimal clinical effect/side-effect ratio accorded to the maximum spike rate in 85% of the implantation. Mean amplitude of background activity in the low beta frequency range was corresponding to right depth in 85% and right location in 94% of the implantation respectively. MER can be used for STN mapping and intraoperative decisions for the implantation of DBS electrode leads with a high accuracy. Spiking and background activity in the beta range are the most promising independent parameters for the delimitation of the proper anatomical site.
Functional redundancy of Burkholderia pseudomallei phospholipase C enzymes and their role in virulence
Authors: Srinon Varintip , Withatanung Patoo , Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Thongdee Metawee , Meethai Chatruthai , Stevens Joanne M. , Titball Richard W. , Korbsrisate Sunee
Published: November 2020

Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes are key virulence factors in several pathogenic bacteria. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, possesses at least three plc genes (plc1, plc2 and plc3). We found that in culture medium plc1 gene expression increased with increasing pH, whilst expression of the plc3 gene was pH (4.5 to 9.0) independent. Expression of the plc2 gene was not detected in culture medium. All three plc genes were expressed during macrophage infection by B. pseudomallei K96243. Comparing B. pseudomallei wild-type with plc mutants revealed that plc2, plc12 or plc123 mutants showed reduced intracellular survival in macrophages and reduced plaque formation in HeLa cells. However, plc1 or plc3 mutants showed no significant differences in plaque formation compared to wild-type bacteria. These findings suggest that Plc2, but not Plc1 or Plc3 are required for infection of host cells. In Galleria mellonella, plc1, plc2 or plc3 mutants were not attenuated compared to the wild-type strain, but multiple plc mutants showed reduced virulence. These findings indicate functional redundancy of the B. pseudomallei phospholipases in virulence.
Ganoderma lucidum Rhodiola compound preparation prevent d-galactose-induced immune impairment and oxidative stress in aging rat model
Authors: Yuan Shuo , Yang Yong , Li Jiao , Tan Xiaoyu , Cao Yuying , Li Shaoheng , Hong Hee-Do , Liu Liping , Zhang Qinggao
Published: November 2020

Aging is an irreversible process. This research aims to study the anti-aging effects of GRCP, a compound preparation made byGanoderma lucidumandRhodiola rosen, in aging rats. Rats were subcutaneously injected with 400 mg/kg ofd-galactose daily, and aging could be induced after 8 weeks. The aging rats were treated with GRCP. This experiment was divided into 6 groups. Rats were randomly divided into the model group, positive control group, low-dose GRCP group (25 mg/kg body weight), medium-dose GRCP group (50 mg/kg body weight), and high-dose GRCP group (100 mg/kg body weight), healthy and normal rats were used as blank controls. After the end, the results show that the use of GRCP at a dose of 100 mg/kg is the best treatment for improving aging rats. Rats gained weight, spleen and thymus indexes, and splenocyte proliferation improved, and inflammatory cytokine levels decreased. Besides, biochemical indicators show that GRCP can improve the antioxidant enzyme activity and reduce the content of lipofuscin and TGF-β in aging rats (P < 0.05). GRCP can also inhibit the activation of the MyD88/NF-κB pathway in rat hippocampus. These results seem to suggest that GRCP can be used as a potential natural supplement or functional food to prevent aging.
Simple annealing process for producing unique one-dimensional fullerene crystal named fullerene finned-micropillar
Authors: Onishi Taku , Tsukamoto Takahiro , Oya Takahide
Published: November 2020

We propose a process for easily fabricating a unique one-dimensional fullerene crystal, i.e., a fullerene finned-micropillar (FFMP). To fabricate a one-dimensional fullerene crystal more easily than when using current processes, fullerene was first annealed at 1173 K for 1 h with an argon gas flow of 0.5 L/min. We then examined how the FFMP structure changed when the fabrication process conditions, such as temperature, annealing time, and argon gas flow rate, were varied. FFMPs can be prepared within a short time and may have the same electrical characteristics as other one-dimensional crystals, e.g., fullerene nanowhiskers, so they are expected to be very useful for field-effect transistors, organic photovoltaics, and so on in the near future.
Influence of the ECMO circuit on the concentration of nutritional supplements
Authors: Lindberg Beate Rikken , Videm Vibeke , Dahl Thorleif , Sørensen Gro , Fiane Arnt Eltvedt , Thiara Amrit Singh
Published: November 2020

Circulating compounds such as drugs and nutritional components might adhere to the oxygenator fibers and tubing during ECMO support. This study evaluated the amount of nutritional supplements adsorbed to the ECMO circuit under controlled ex vivo conditions. Six identical ECMO circuits were primed with fresh human whole blood and maintained under physiological conditions at 36 °C for 24 h. A dose of nutritional supplement calculated for a 70 kg patient was added. 150 mL volume was drawn from the priming bag for control samples and kept under similar conditions. Blood samples were obtained at predetermined time points and analyzed for concentrations of vitamins, minerals, lipids, and proteins. Data were analyzed using mixed models with robust standard errors. No significant differences were found between the ECMO circuits and the controls for any of the measured variables: cobalamin, folate, vitamin A, glucose, minerals, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides or total proteins. There was an initial decrease and then an increase in the concentration of cobalamin and folate. Vitamin A concentrations decreased in both groups over time. There was a decrease in concentration of glucose and an increased concentration of lactate dehydrogenase over time in both groups. There were no significant alterations in the concentrations of nutritional supplements in an ex vivo ECMO circuit compared to control samples. The time span of this study was limited, thus, clinical studies over a longer period of time are needed.
Association between neutropenia and survival to nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Roviello Giandomenico , Ramello Monica , Catalano Martina , D’Angelo Alberto , Conca Raffaele , Gasperoni Silvia , Dreoni Lorenzo , Petrioli Roberto , Ianza Anna , Nobili Stefania , Aieta Michele , Mini Enrico
Published: November 2020

Neutropenia is a common side effect associated with nab-paclitaxel gemcitabine (Nab-Gem) therapy. We retrospectively investigated the association between neutropenia induced by first-line Nab-Gem and survival in metastatic pancreatic carcinoma patients. Metastatic pancreatic patients treated with first-line Nab-Gem were included in this retrospective analysis. Neutropenia was categorized using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria scale. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate. 115 patients were analyzed. Median PFS was 7 months (95% CI 5–8) for patients with grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and 6 months (95% CI 5–6) for patients with grade < 3 neutropenia [p = 0.08; hazard ratio (HR 0.68)]. Median OS was 13 months (95% CI 10–18) for patients with grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and 10 months (95% CI 8–13) for patients with grade < 3 neutropenia (p = 0.04; HR 0.44). In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia showed a statistically significant association with OS (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.09–0.86; p = 0.05). Nab-Gem-induced neutropenia is associated with longer survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients.
Cell culture-based karyotyping of orectolobiform sharks for chromosome-scale genome analysis
Authors: Uno Yoshinobu , Nozu Ryo , Kiyatake Itsuki , Higashiguchi Nobuyuki , Sodeyama Shuji , Murakumo Kiyomi , Sato Keiichi , Kuraku Shigehiro
Published: November 2020

Karyotyping, traditionally performed using cytogenetic techniques, is indispensable for validating genome assemblies whose sequence lengths can be scaled up to chromosome sizes using modern methods. Karyotype reports of chondrichthyans are scarce because of the difficulty in cell culture. Here, we focused on carpet shark species and the culture conditions for fibroblasts and lymphocytes. The utility of the cultured cells enabled the high-fidelity characterization of their karyotypes, namely 2n = 102 for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), and 2n = 106 for the brownbanded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) and whitespotted bamboo shark (C. plagiosum). We identified heteromorphic XX/XY sex chromosomes for the two latter species and demonstrated the first-ever fluorescence in situ hybridization of shark chromosomes prepared from cultured cells. Our protocols are applicable to diverse chondrichthyan species and will deepen the understanding of early vertebrate evolution at the molecular level.
A highly sensitive poly(chrysoidine G)–gold nanoparticle composite based nitrite sensor for food safety applications
Authors: Ansari Sajid Ali , Lopa Nasrin Siraj , Parveen Nazish , Shaikh A. A. , Rahman Md. Mahbubur
Published: November 2020

A transparent and conducting FTO coated glass substrate was modified with AuNP-anchored conducting PCG. The AuNP/PCG/FTO sensor was applied for catalytic oxidation of NO2− with high selectivity, sensitivity, stability, and a low limit of detection.
Preferential phonon scattering and low energy carrier filtering by interfaces of in situ formed InSb nanoprecipitates and GaSb nanoinclusions for enhanced thermoelectric performance of In0.2Co4Sb12
Authors: Ghosh Sanyukta , Shankar Gyan , Karati Anirudha , Rogl Gerda , Rogl Peter , Bauer Ernst , Murty B. S. , Suwas Satyam , Mallik Ramesh Chandra
Published: November 2020

The dispersion of GaSb and InSb nanoinclusions in In-filled Co4Sb12 results in low lattice thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance.
Proton transfer in polyamine–P2Mo5 model adducts: exploring the effect of polyamine cations on their proton conductivity
Authors: Zhang Shan , Lu Ying , Sun Xiuwei , Li Zhuo , Dang Tianyi , Liu Shuxia
Published: November 2020

Polyamine–P2Mo5 model proton conductors composed of different polyamine cations and [HxP2Mo5O23](6−x)− (x = 0, 1, 2) anions were established.
Toward commercial-level mass-loading electrodes for supercapacitors: opportunities, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Guo Wei , Yu Chang , Li Shaofeng , Qiu Jieshan
Published: November 2020

This review decouples the fundamental mechanisms and bottleneck issues toward commercial-level mass-loading supercapacitors. Also, the involved impressive strategies and forward-looking perspectives are summarized and clarified.
Emerging investigator series: quaternary treatment with algae-assisted oxidation for antibiotics removal and refractory organics degradation in livestock wastewater effluent
Authors: Khan Waris , Nam Joo-Youn , Byun Seokjong , Kim Sungpyo , Han Changseok , Kim Hyun-Chul
Published: November 2020

This study deals with algae-induced alkalization of refractory wastewater, focusing on improving the performance of subsequent oxidation processes along with direct removal of antibiotics resistant to certain oxidation methods.