bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
East Asia Atmospheric River catalog: Annual Cycle, Transition Mechanism, and Precipitation
Authors: Pan Mengxin , Lu Mengqian
Published: July 2020

An all‐season East Asia Atmospheric River (EA AR) catalog is constructed based on PanLu2.0. The annual cycle of EA AR exhibits eight stages, synchronizing with the seasonal‐to‐subseasonal variation of precipitation and their associated atmospheric steering. Particularly, extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) to south China sea, due to the springtime east‐west thermal contrast, steers ARs over Southeast China (SEC), inducing spring precipitation. During the Asian summer monsoon season, the spatial variation of the AR main route echoes the northward displacement of WNPSH, coincides with the prevailing monsoonal wind onset and stepwise propagation of rain belt. The warm moisture‐laden air of the wintertime ARs confronts the dry and cold air over SEC, contributing to the winter precipitation. ARs offer substantial potential predictability of (heavy) precipitation days over the midlatitude from the late spring to early summer, and over SEC and south Japan from late winter to early spring.
What Is a Debris Flood?
Authors: Church Michael , Jakob Matthias
Published: July 2020

Debris floods have been defined descriptively as mineral and organic sediment‐rich floods, occurring in a steep channel and potentially destabilizing the streambed and banks. While this definition allows one to visualize the process, it does not inform on the mechanics, nor does it recognize different types. We propose to define debris floods as “floods during which the entire bed, possibly barring the very largest clasts, becomes mobile for at least a few minutes and over a length scale of at least 10 times the channel width.” We define the onset of a debris flood by the exceedance of a critical shear stress threshold required to mobilize at least the D84 of bed material. A threefold classification is proposed in which the first type is triggered by the shear stress exceedance. The second is initiated by transition from a debris flow either in the channel or by oblique impact of a debris‐flow‐prone tributary. In this context we highlight the importance of effective fluid density. The third type is associated with outbreak floods from artificial or natural dams. A further subdivision of debris floods is made by using the ratio of the actual shear stress to the critical shear stress, with higher values indicating damaging and finally catastrophic debris floods in which even preexisting channel bank and bed protection is mobilized. This contribution aims to provide a more succinct mechanistic definition of debris floods that can be implemented in hazard and risk assessments for steep streams and rivers.
The gut microbiota of brood parasite and host nestlings reared within the same environment: disentangling genetic and environmental effects
Authors: Lee Chop Yan , Peralta-Sánchez Juan Manuel , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Møller Anders Pape , Rabelo-Ruiz Miguel , Zamora-Muñoz Carmen , Soler Juan José
Published: July 2020

Gut microbiota are essential for host health and survival, but we are still far from understanding the processes involved in shaping their composition and evolution. Controlled experimental work under lab conditions as well as human studies pointed at environmental factors (i.e., diet) as the main determinant of the microbiota with little evidence of genetic effects, while comparative interspecific studies detected significant phylogenetic effects. Different species, however, also differ in diet, feeding behavior, and environmental characteristics of habitats, all of which also vary interspecifically, and, therefore, can potentially explain most of the detected phylogenetic patterns. Here, we take advantage of the reproductive strategy of avian brood parasites and investigate gut microbiotas (esophageal (food and saliva) and intestinal) of great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and magpie (Pica pica) nestlings that grow in the same nests. We also estimated diet received by each nestling and explored its association with gut microbiota characteristics. Although esophageal microbiota of magpies and great spotted cuckoos raised within the same environment (nest) did not vary, the microbiota of cloacal samples showed clear interspecific differences. Moreover, diet of great spotted cuckoo and magpie nestlings explained the microbiota composition of esophageal samples, but not of cloaca samples. These results strongly suggest a genetic component determining the intestinal microbiota of host and parasitic bird species, indicating that interspecific differences in gut morphology and physiology are responsible for such interspecific differences.
A combination of AZD5363 and FH5363 induces lethal autophagy in transformed hepatocytes
Authors: Patra Tapas , Meyer Keith , Ray Ratna B. , Ray Ranjit
Published: July 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. High Akt activation and aberrant β-catenin expression contribute to HCC cell proliferation, stem cell generation, and metastasis. Several signaling pathway-specific inhibitors are in clinical trials and display different efficacies against HCC. In this study, we observed that a β-catenin inhibitor (FH535) displays antiproliferative effect on transformed human hepatocytes (THH). A combination treatment of these cells with FH535 and Akt inhibitor (AZD5363) exerted a stronger effect on cell death. Treatment of THH with AZD5363 and FH535 inhibited cell-cycle progression, enhanced autophagy marker protein expression, and autophagy-associated death, while FH535 treatment alone induced apoptosis. The use of chloroquine or z-VAD further verified these observations. Autophagy flux was evident from lowering marker proteins LAMP2, LAPTM4B, and autophagic protein expression by confocal microscopy using mCherry-EGFP-LC3 reporter construct. A combination treatment with AZD5363 and FH535 enhanced p53 expression, by modulating MDM2 activation; however, AZD5363 treatment alone restricted p53 to the nucleus by inhibiting dynamin-related protein activation. Nuclear p53 plays a crucial role for activation of autophagy by regulating the AMPK–mTOR-ULK1 pathway. Hep3B cells with null p53 did not modulate autophagy-dependent death from combination treatment. Together, our results strongly suggested that a combination treatment of Akt and β-catenin inhibitors exhibits efficient therapeutic potential for HCC.
Itraconazole inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway thereby inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis of colon cancer cells
Authors: Deng Huiming , Huang Ling , Liao Zhongkai , Liu Mi , Li Qiang , Xu Ronghua
Published: July 2020

Itraconazole is as an antifungal medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. Recently, it has been reported to be effective in suppressing tumor growth by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated whether itraconazole induces autophagy-mediated cell death of colon cancer cells through the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of the colon cancer cell lines SW-480 and HCT-116 were detected by flow cytometry and terminal TUNEL assay. Autophagy and signal proteins were detected by western blotting and cell proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 was measured using immunohistochemistry. The images of autophagy flux and formation of autophagosomes were observed by laser scanning confocal and/or transmission electron microscopy. Colon cancer cell xenograft mouse models were also established. Itraconazole treatment inhibited cell proliferation via G1 cell cycle arrest as well as autophagy-mediated apoptosis of SW-480 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. In addition, the Hedgehog pathway was found to be involved in activation of itraconazole-mediated autophagy. After using the Hedgehog agonist recombinant human Sonic Hedgehog (rhshh), itraconazole could counteract the activation of rhshh. Moreover, treatment with itraconazole produced significant cancer inhibition in HCT-116-bearing mice. Thus, itraconazole may be a potential and effective therapy for the treatment of colon cancer.
A clinical study of patients with novel CDHR1 genotypes associated with late-onset macular dystrophy
Authors: Ba-Abbad Rola , Robson Anthony G. , Mahroo Omar A. , Wright Genevieve , Schiff Elena , Duignan Emma S. , Michaelides Michel , Arno Gavin , Webster Andrew R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of adult-onset macular dystrophy, due to novel combinations of CDHR1 alleles, and compare the associated phenotypes with previous reports.

Methods

The clinical records of patients with macular dystrophy and biallelic variants in CDHR1 were reviewed. Data analysed included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus images: autofluorescence (AF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT); full field electroretinography (ERG) and pattern ERG (PERG).

Results

Seven patients from six pedigrees were ascertained. One patient was homozygous for a known synonymous variant p.(Pro261=), four were compound heterozygous for the p.(Pro261=) variant and a novel allele of CDHR1: p.(Gly188Ser), p.(Met1?), or p.(Val458Asp); one patient was compound heterozygous for two previously unreported variants: c.297+1G>T in trans with p.(Pro735Thr). The range of BCVA at the last clinic review was (6/5–6/60). Autofluorescence showed macular flecks of increased AF in mild cases and patches of reduced AF in severe cases. The OCT showed attenuation of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in mild cases and loss of the EZ and the outer nuclear layer in severe cases; one patient had subfoveal hyporeflective region between the EZ and the retinal pigment epithelium. The full field ERG was normal or borderline subnormal in all cases, and the PERG was subnormal in mild cases or undetectable in severe cases.

Conclusions

This report corroborates previous observations that genotypes distinct from those causing pan-retinal dystrophy can cause a milder phenotype, predominantly affecting the macula, and expands the spectrum of these genotypes. The findings in this cohort suggest a potential macular susceptibility to mild perturbations of the photoreceptor cadherin.
BRCA1-associated structural variations are a consequence of polymerase theta-mediated end-joining
Authors: Kamp J. A. , van Schendel R. , Dilweg I. W. , Tijsterman M.
Published: July 2020

Failure to preserve the integrity of the genome is a hallmark of cancer. Recent studies have revealed that loss of the capacity to repair DNA breaks via homologous recombination (HR) results in a mutational profile termed BRCAness. The enzymatic activity that repairs HR substrates in BRCA-deficient conditions to produce this profile is currently unknown. We here show that the mutational landscape of BRCA1 deficiency in C. elegans closely resembles that of BRCA1-deficient tumours. We identify polymerase theta-mediated end-joining (TMEJ) to be responsible: knocking out polq-1 suppresses the accumulation of deletions and tandem duplications in brc-1 and brd-1 animals. We find no additional back-up repair in HR and TMEJ compromised animals; non-homologous end-joining does not affect BRCAness. The notion that TMEJ acts as an alternative to HR, promoting the genome alteration of HR-deficient cells, supports the idea that polymerase theta is a promising therapeutic target for HR-deficient tumours.
Sensitivity and breadth of detection of high-throughput sequencing for adventitious virus detection
Authors: Charlebois Robert L. , Sathiamoorthy Sarmitha , Logvinoff Carine , Gisonni-Lex Lucy , Mallet Laurent , Ng Siemon H. S.
Published: July 2020

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) is capable of broad virus detection encompassing both known and unknown adventitious viruses in a variety of sample matrices. We describe the development of a general-purpose HTS-based method for the detection of adventitious viruses. Performance was evaluated using 16 viruses equivalent to well-characterized National Institutes of Health (NIH) virus stocks and another six viruses of interest. A viral vaccine crude harvest and a cell substrate matrix were spiked with 22 viruses. Specificity was demonstrated for all 22 viruses at the species level. Our method was capable of detecting and identifying adventitious viruses spiked at 104 genome copies per milliliter in a viral vaccine crude harvest and 0.01 viral genome copies spiked per cell in a cell substrate matrix. Moreover, 9 of the 11 NIH model viruses with published in vivo data were detected by HTS with an equivalent or better sensitivity (in a viral vaccine crude harvest). Our general-purpose HTS method is unbiased and highly sensitive for the detection of adventitious viruses, and has a large breadth of detection, which may obviate the need to perform in vivo testing.
Author Correction: The Apostasia genome and the evolution of orchids
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qiang , Liu Ke-Wei , Li Zhen , Lohaus Rolf , Hsiao Yu-Yun , Niu Shan-Ce , Wang Jie-Yu , Lin Yao-Cheng , Xu Qing , Chen Li-Jun , Yoshida Kouki , Fujiwara Sumire , Wang Zhi-Wen , Zhang Yong-Qiang , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Wang Meina , Liu Guo-Hui , Pecoraro Lorenzo , Huang Hui-Xia , Xiao Xin-Ju , Lin Min , Wu Xin-Yi , Wu Wan-Lin , Chen You-Yi , Chang Song-Bin , Sakamoto Shingo , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Yagi Masafumi , Zeng Si-Jin , Shen Ching-Yu , Yeh Chuan-Ming , Luo Yi-Bo , Tsai Wen-Chieh , Van de Peer Yves , Liu Zhong-Jian
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Entropy decay during grain growth
Authors: Vedanti Pawan , Wu Xin , Berdichevsky Victor
Published: July 2020

Materials with random microstructure are characterized by additional thermodynamic parameters, entropy and temperature of microstructure. It has been argued that there is one more law of thermodynamics: entropy of microstructure decays in isolated systems. In this paper, we check this assertion experimentally for the process of grain growth. We show that entropy of grain structure decays indeed as expected. We study also the equation of state for microstructure entropy. In general, microstructure entropy should be a function of microstructure energy and the average grain size. We observed that the equation of state degenerates, and there is a universal dependence of microstructure entropy on microstructure energy, at least at the stage of self similar grain growth.
Recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in recovered COVID-19 patients during medical isolation observation
Authors: Yuan Bo , Liu Han-Qing , Yang Zheng-Rong , Chen Yong-Xin , Liu Zhi-Yong , Zhang Kai , Wang Cheng , Li Wei-Xin , An Ya-Wen , Wang Jian-Chun , Song Shuo
Published: July 2020

Recently, the recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in recovered COVID-19 patients is receiving more attention. Herein we report a cohort study on the follow-up of 182 recovered patients under medical isolation observation. Twenty (10.99%) patients out of the 182 were detected to be SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive (re-positives), although none showed any clinical symptomatic recurrence, indicating that COVID-19 responds well to treatment. Patients aged under 18 years had higher re-positive rates than average, and none of the severely ill patients re-tested positive. There were no significant differences in sex between re-positives and non-re-positives. Notably, most of the re-positives turned negative in the following tests, and all of them carried antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This indicates that they might not be infectious, although it is still important to perform regular SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing and follow-up for assessment of infectivity. The findings of this study provide information for improving the management of recovered patients, and for differentiating the follow-up of recovered patients with different risk levels.
Hepcidin and ferritin levels in restless legs syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Chenini Sofiene , Delaby Constance , Rassu Anna-Laura , Barateau Lucie , Vialaret Jérôme , Hirtz Christophe , Dupuy Anne Marie , Lehmann Sylvain , Jaussent Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: July 2020

The association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and iron homeostasis remains unclear. We compared serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in patients with RLS and controls, and assessed their relationships with RLS phenotype, drug intake, and history of augmentation syndrome. 102 drug-free RLS patients (age 58.9 [24.5–77.2], 63 females) and 73 controls (age 56.8 [23.46–76.6], 45 females) underwent a polysomnography recording. Hepcidin levels were quantified by ELISA. 34 RLS patients had a second assessment after starting dopaminergic drugs. Ferritin level was low (< 50 µg/l) in 14.7% of patients and 25% of controls, with no between-group differences in the mean values. Hepcidin levels were higher in patients even after adjustment for confounding factors, and excluding participants with low ferritin levels. Ferritin and hepcidin levels were comparable before and after treatment, and between patients with (n = 17) and without history of augmentation. Ferritin and hepcidin levels correlated with age, body mass index, and periodic leg movements. Higher hepcidin levels were associated with older age, older age at RLS onset, less daytime sleepiness and familial RLS. In conclusion, serum hepcidin levels but not ferritin were higher in RLS patients regardless of treatment and history of augmentation. Serum hepcidin may be a more relevant biomarker of RLS than ferritin.
Unraveling ecosystem functioning in intertidal soft sediments: the role of density-driven interactions
Authors: Schenone Stefano , Thrush Simon F.
Published: July 2020

Although they only occupy a relatively small portion of the surface of the planet, coastal habitats are some of the most productive and valued ecosystems in the world. Among these habitats, tidal flats are an important component of many harbours and estuaries, but their deterioration due to human activities poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Benthic communities are usually arranged in patches dominated by key species with overlapping distributions. Understanding the ecological consequences of interactions between these species in transition zones where their habitats overlap is necessary in order to quantify their contribution to overall ecosystem functioning and to scale-up and generalize results. Spatial transition in abundance and the interaction of multiple factors that drive ecosystem function are complex processes that require real-world research. Through a multi-site mensurative experiment, we show that transition areas drive non-linear effects on biogeochemical fluxes that have important implications for quantifying overall functioning. In our study the main drivers of ecosystem function were the abundance of two large but functionally very different species rather than biodiversity per se. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the use of the biogenic features created by specific infaunal species at the sediment–water interface is a better predictor of ecosystem functioning than the density of the species per se, making this approach particularly appealing for large scale, mapping and monitoring studies.
Treatment-dependent surface chemistry and gas sensing behavior of the thinnest member of titanium carbide MXenes
Authors: Sun Qian , Wang Jian , Wang Xiang , Dai Jie , Wang Xiaoshan , Fan Huacheng , Wang Zhiwei , Li Hai , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

Treatment-dependent surface functionalization and gas sensing behavior of Ti2CTx-based materials.
Metal–organic framework derived amorphous VOx coated Fe3O4/C hierarchical nanospindle as anode material for superior lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cong Bowen , Hu Yongyuan , Sun Shanfu , Wang Yu , Wang Bo , Kong Huabin , Chen Gang
Published: July 2020

A novel Fe3O4/C@VOx hierarchical nanospindle anode material for LIBs has been successfully designed and fabricated through a MOF-derived route, which delivers high coulombic efficiency, outstanding cycling stability and rate performance.
Rational design of a reversible Mg2+/EDTA-controlled molecular switch based on a DNA minidumbbell
Authors: Wan Liqi , Lam Sik Lok , Lee Hung Kay , Guo Pei
Published: July 2020

The minidumbbell containing an abasic site is used to construct a Mg2+/EDTA-controlled molecular switch for regulating DNA duplex formation and dissociation instantly and reversibly.
Enhanced ionic photocurrent generation through a homogeneous graphene derivative composite membrane
Authors: Zhang Yanbing , Zhao Guoke , Zhu Hongwei , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2020

A 2D nanofluidic system based on a homogeneous graphene derivative composite membrane is highly competent for proton transport.
Conformational analysis and molecular dynamics of glass-forming aromatic thiacrown ethers
Authors: Hellwig Hubert , Nowok Andrzej , Małecki Jan Grzegorz , Kuś Piotr , Jędrzejowska Agnieszka , Grzybowska Katarzyna , Pawlus Sebastian
Published: July 2020

The dielectric properties, glass transition temperature and molecular dynamics of thiacrown ethers are strongly dependent on the thiacrown ring type.
An assessment of water placement algorithms in quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics modeling: the case of rhodopsins’ first spectral absorption band maxima
Authors: Nikolaev Dmitrii M. , Shtyrov Andrey A. , Mereshchenko Andrey S. , Panov Maxim S. , Tveryanovich Yuri S. , Ryazantsev Mikhail N.
Published: July 2020

Accurate prediction of water molecules in protein cavities is an important factor for obtaining high-quality rhodopsin QM/MM models.
The first amino acid bound manganese–calcium clusters: a {[MnIII3Ca]2} methylalanine complex, and a [MnIII6Ca] trigonal prism
Authors: Tziotzi Thomais G. , Andreou Evangelos K. , Tzanetou Eirini , Kalofolias Dimitris A. , Cutler Daniel J. , Weselski Marek , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Brechin Euan K. , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: July 2020

The use of methylalanine in manganese/calcium chemistry has led to the synthesis and characterization of the first manganese/calcium amino acid containing polynuclear clusters.
A facile synthesis of one-dimensional hierarchical magnetic metal silicate microtubes with enhanced adsorption performance
Authors: Niu Qian , Zhang Min , Liu Libin , Zheng Jing , Fang Qunling , Xu Jingli
Published: July 2020

One-dimensional hierarchical magnetic metal silicate microtubes were facilely synthesized with MoO3as template, which displayed excellent performance as good adsorbents for bovine hemoglobin (BHb) and methylene blue.
An affordable 3D-printed positioner fixture improves the resolution of conventional milling for easy prototyping of acrylic microfluidic devices
Authors: Guevara-Pantoja Pablo E. , Chavez-Pineda Oriana G. , Solis-Serrano Alberto M. , Garcia-Cordero Jose L. , Caballero-Robledo Gabriel A.
Published: July 2020

The positioner fixture is a mechatronic platform that consists of piezoelectric actuators assembled in a housing made of 3D printed parts.
An amphiphilic BODIPY-based selective probe for parallel G4 DNA targetingviadisaggregation-induced emission
Authors: Wang Ming-Qi , Gao Juan-Juan , Yu Quan-Qi , Liu Hong-Bei
Published: July 2020

An amphiphilic BODIPY-based probe,AB-1, was established for parallel G4 DNA targeting based on the concept of triggered disaggregation-induced emission.
Bio-inspired lubricant drug delivery particles for the treatment of osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Yuxiao , Shou Xin , Ni Dong , Kong Tiantian , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: July 2020

Bio-inspired lubricant drug delivery particles can be used for osteoarthritis treatment.
A strong zero-phonon line red phosphor BaNbF7:Mn4+for white LEDs
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Cuiping , Zhang Tian , Wang Yonggang , Dou Fan , Jiao Huan
Published: July 2020

A novel red fluoride phosphor BaNbF7:Mn4+was synthesized by co-precipitation method. Under UV and blue light excitation, this phosphor shows strong ZPL emission intensity at 630 nm and which makes it an attractive red phosphor candidate for WLEDs.
Dual-targeted photothermal agents for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Kaiye , Xiang Yanan , Pan Wei , Wang Hongyu , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: July 2020

In this perspective, the design, applications and potential directions of photothermal therapeutic agents with dual-targeted properties are systematically described.
Anisotropyversusfluctuations in the fractal self-assembly of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Anurag , Khatun Suparna , Gupta Amar Nath
Published: July 2020

Gaussian noise-reduced DLA (G(m,σ2)) is proposed and used to address the interplay between shape (p) and size (a) induced anisotropy and fluctuations in the fractal self-assembly of AuNPs.
Non-equilibrium interaction between catalytic colloids: boundary conditions and penetration depth
Authors: Grosberg Alexander Y. , Rabin Yitzhak
Published: July 2020

Spherical colloids that catalyze the interconversion reaction A ⇋ B between solute molecules A and B whose concentration at infinity is maintained away from equilibrium effectively interact due to the non-uniform fields of solute concentrations.
A constitutive hemorheological model addressing the deformability of red blood cells in Ringer solutions
Authors: Stephanou Pavlos S. , Tsimouri Ioanna Ch.
Published: July 2020

Predicting the deformability and tumbling of non-aggregating red blood cells in Ringer solutions.
An Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm for Manipulators Based on Six-Order Polynomial Trajectory Planning
Authors: Ma Yuhao , Liang Yanbing
Published: July 2020

Aiming at a series of requirements of obstacle avoidance trajectory planning of manipulators, a new algorithm based on six-order polynomial trajectory planning is proposed. Firstly, the six-order polynomial is used for the trajectory planning of the manipulator. Assuming that the coefficients of the sixth order term in the curve equation are undetermined parameters, by adjusting these parameters, the shape of the curve can be changed to make manipulators avoid the obstacle and to optimize performance indicators of the trajectory simultaneously. Thus, the obstacle avoidance trajectory planning of manipulators is transformed into a multi-objective optimization problem. Secondly, combining collision detection results and kinematics indexes, a fitness function is defined by the weighting coefficient method. At last, an ideal collision-free trajectory that is collaborative optimized in kinematics, trajectory length and rotation angle is planned in the joint space through genetic algorithm optimization. Additionally, the algorithm is validated by simulation experiments with MATLAB, the results show that the method of this study can effectively plan obstacle-free trajectories satisfying the performance requirements of the manipulator.
The Role of Calpains in Skeletal Muscle Remodeling with Exercise and Inactivity-induced Atrophy
Authors: Hyatt Hayden W. , Powers Scott K.
Published: July 2020

Calpains are cysteine proteases expressed in skeletal muscle fibers and other cells. Although calpain was first reported to act as a kinase activating factor in skeletal muscle, the consensus is now that calpains play a canonical role in protein turnover. However, recent evidence reveals new and exciting roles for calpains in skeletal muscle. This review will discuss the functions of calpains in skeletal muscle remodeling in response to both exercise and inactivity-induced muscle atrophy. Calpains participate in protein turnover and muscle remodeling by selectively cleaving target proteins and creating fragmented proteins that can be further degraded by other proteolytic systems. Nonetheless, an often overlooked function of calpains is that calpain-mediated cleavage of proteins can result in fragmented proteins that are biologically active and have the potential to actively influence cell signaling. In this manner, calpains function beyond their roles in protein turnover and influence downstream signaling effects. This review will highlight both the canonical and noncanonical roles that calpains play in skeletal muscle remodeling including sarcomere transformation, membrane repair, triad junction formation, regulation of excitation-contraction coupling, protein turnover, cell signaling, and mitochondrial function. We conclude with a discussion of key unanswered questions regarding the roles that calpains play in skeletal muscle.
The Effect of Dihydromyricetin, a Natural Flavonoid, on
Morphine-induced Conditioned Place Preference and Physical Dependence in
Mice
Authors: Etemad Leila , Farkhari Hadi , Alavi Mohaddeseh Sadat , Roohbakhsh Ali
Published: July 2020

Objective Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid, is used to reduce
alcohol hangover. It has a modulatory role on GABAA receptors with significant
effects on seizure and anxiety in animal models. We aimed to evaluate the effect
of DHM on morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) and withdrawal sings
following morphine dependence using animal models.

Methods The effect of DHM (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg,
intraperitoneal; ip) on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP
was evaluated in male mice. Administration of morphine for three consecutive
days induced physical dependence. The withdrawal signs such as jumping and
defecation were precipitated by administration of naloxone
(8 mg/kg, ip). The effect of DHM on the development of physical
dependence was assessed by injection of DHM before morphine administrations.

Results DHM, at the dose of 5 mg/kg, reduced expression
of morphine CPP with an increase in the locomotor activity. DHM, at the doses of
2 and 5 mg/kg, also reduced development of morphine CPP. DHM
alleviated development of morphine-induced physical dependence at the dose of 1,
2, and 5 mg/kg by decreasing jumping and defecation.

Conclusion These results indicated that DHM decreased acquisition and
expression of morphine CPP and inhibited development of morphine-induced
physical dependence.
Manguito capturado: Um fator de mau prognóstico no reparo do manguito rotador
Authors: de França Flavio Oliveira , Freitas José Márcio Alves , Medeiros Ricardo Palombini , de Queiroga Romero Ruan Cartaxo , Nunes Tiago Prause , Godinho Glaydson Gomes
Published: July 2020

Objetivo Descrever uma nova apresentação de ruptura e rerruptura do manguito rotador (MR), a qual denominamos manguito capturado (MC). Objetivamos também avaliá-la clinicamente e por meio de imagens.

Métodos Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 16 pacientes com diagnóstico intraoperatório de MC no período de março de 2005 a setembro de 2017; por meio de exames de imagem (radiografia e ressonância magnética [RM]) e escores funcionais (UCLA e Constant & Murley). Nas imagens, analisamos a evolução para artropatia do manguito rotador e presença de rerrupturas. Funcionalmente, comparamos o lado afetado com o contralateral e as lesões extensas com nãoextensas.

Resultados Cinco (31,25%) pacientes evoluíram com artropatia do manguito rotador e 10 (62,5%) tiveram rerrupturas. Três (75%) pacientes com lesões não extensas tiveram UCLA e Constant & Murley bons/excelentes. Nos pacientes com lesões extensas, quando avaliado Constant & Murley, 6 (50%) apresentaram resultados bons/excelentes, e no escore UCLA, 7 (58,3%). Comparando o lado acometido (Constant 74,72 pontos; UCLA 20 pontos) com o contralateral (Constant 96,96 pontos; UCLA 25,63 pontos), houve pior resultado funcional com significância estatística.

Conclusão O diagnóstico de MC é suspeitado por achados característicos na RM e confirmado na artroscopia. Os ombros acometidos apresentam piores escores funcionais pós-operatórios.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in Dogs with Early-Stage Heart Failure
Authors: Balbueno Melina Castilho de Souza , Peixoto Kleber da Cunha , Coelho Cidéli de Paula
Published: July 2020

Background Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiopathy in middle-aged dogs. When the dog is asymptomatic and has an enlarged left atrium, treatment is beneficial; however, some allopathic drugs are very costly and may produce side effects. To extend the duration of this asymptomatic phase, complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy are available. Although herbal therapy with extract of Crataegus oxyacantha is beneficial, there is a risk of adverse reactions—unlike with homeopathy, where the risk is minimized with the administration of ultra-diluted doses.

Objective This study evaluated the efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha, as mother tincture (MT) and in 6 cH homeopathic formulation, in treating the initial phase of heart failure due to MMVD in a veterinary clinic setting.

Methods A total of 30 dogs with MMVD, 7 years or older and weighing up to 10 kg, were randomized into three groups as follows: Crataegus 6 cH, Crataegus MT, and hydroalcoholic solution (placebo). Animals were evaluated through echocardiography parameters, laboratory blood tests, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after initiation of therapy, for statistical analysis and monitoring of the blinded study.

Results Patients who received Crataegus 6 cH showed a reduction in SBP 60 days after treatment, while those receiving Crataegus MT exhibited a reduction 90 days after the therapy was initiated. There was a significant linear regression when evaluating the effect of treatment with Crataegus 6 cH on SBP measurements over the evaluation intervals (linear equation: SBP = 176.57 mm Hg – 0.21x, where x represents days of treatment). There was an increase in both fractional shortening and isovolumetric relaxation time for those patients receiving the homeopathic formulation.

Conclusions Therapy with Crataegus was beneficial for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs with MMVD, extending the duration of the asymptomatic phase. The reduction in SBP occurred more swiftly in the 6 cH group than in the MT-treated dogs.
Comparison of Effectiveness between Anticoagulation and Thrombolysis Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Complicated with Shock: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Jen-Kuang , Chen Wen-Hsin , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Chen Tien-Hsing
Published: July 2020

Objective This study aimed to compare the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy and thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients complicated with shock.

Methods This retrospective cohort study used administrative data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients admitted due to PE who received inotropic support between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2011, were included. To closely mimic a randomized experiment, anticoagulation and thrombolysis plus anticoagulation groups were subjected to propensity score matching (PSM) according to demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and inotropic agent dosage. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was 3-month mortality after discharge.

Results After PSM, a total of 820 patients, including 164 thrombolysis and 656 anticoagulation patients, were enrolled. The in-hospital mortality was 48.2% in the thrombolysis group and 52.4% in the anticoagulation group (odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–1.18). Major bleeding occurred in 19 (11.6%) of the thrombolysis patients and 57 (8.7%) of the anticoagulation patients (OR 1.37, 95% CI, 0.79–2.38). The 90-day mortality rates in the thrombolysis and anticoagulation groups were 15.3% (13 patients) and 17.6% (55 patients), respectively; this difference was not significant (hazard ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.48–1.61).

Conclusion In PE patients complicated with shock, anticoagulation therapy provides similar treatment efficacy to thrombolytic therapy in terms of in-hospital and 90-day mortality. The bleeding risk was also similar in the two treatment groups.
von Willebrand Factor Predicts Mortality in ACS Patients Treated with Potent P2Y12 Antagonists and is Inhibited by Aptamer BT200 Ex Vivo
Authors: Kovacevic Katarina D. , Jilma Bernd , Zhu Shuhao , Gilbert James C. , Winter Max-Paul , Toma Aurel , Hengstenberg Christian , Lang Irene , Kubica Jacek , Siller-Matula Jolanta M.
Published: July 2020

Background von Willebrand factor (VWF) is crucial for arterial thrombosis and its plasma levels are increased in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). The effects of conventional platelet inhibitors are compromised by elevated VWF under high shear rates. BT200 is a third-generation aptamer that binds and inhibits the A1 domain of human VWF. This article aims to study whether VWF is a predictor of mortality in ACS patients under potent P2Y12 blocker therapy and to examine the effects of a VWF inhibiting aptamer BT200 and its concentrations required to inhibit VWF in plasma samples of patients with ACS.

Methods VWF activity was measured in 320 patients with ACS, and concentration effect curves of BT200 were established in plasma pools containing different VWF concentrations.

Results Median VWF activity in patients was 170% (interquartile range % confidence interval [CI]: 85–255) and 44% of patients had elevated (> 180%) VWF activity. Plasma levels of VWF activity predicted 1-year (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.14–6.31; p < 0.024) and long-term (HR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.10–6.09) mortality despite treatment with potent platelet inhibitors (dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and prasugrel or ticagrelor). Although half-maximal concentrations were 0.1 to 0.2 µg/mL irrespective of baseline VWF levels, increasing concentrations (0.42–2.13 µg/mL) of BT200 were needed to lower VWF activity to < 20% of normal in plasma pools containing increasing VWF activity (p < 0.001).

Conclusion VWF is a predictor of all-cause mortality in ACS patients under contemporary potent P2Y12 inhibitor therapy. BT200 effectively inhibited VWF activity in a target concentration-dependent manner.
Effective Temporal Graph Layout: A Comparative Study of Animation versus Static Display Methods
Authors: Farrugia Michael , Quigley Aaron
Published: July 2020

Graph drawing algorithms have classically addressed the layout of static graphs. However, the need to draw evolving or dynamic graphs has brought into question many of the assumptions, conventions and layout methods designed to date. For example, social scientists studying evolving social networks have created a demand for visual representations of graphs changing over time. Two common approaches to represent temporal information in graphs include animation of the network and use of static snapshots of the network at different points in time. Here, we report on two experiments, one in a laboratory environment and another using an asynchronous remote web-based platform, Mechanical Turk, to compare the efficiency of animated displays versus static displays. Four tasks are studied with each visual representation, where two characterise overview level information presentation, and two characterise micro level analytical tasks. For the tasks studied in these experiments and within the limits of the experimental system, the results of this study indicate that static representations are generally more effective particularly in terms of time performance, when compared to fully animated movie representations of dynamic networks.
Scenario of a magnetic dynamo and magnetic reconnection in a plasma focus discharge
Authors: Kubes P. , Paduch M. , Sadowski M. J. , Cikhardt J. , Klir D. , Kravarik J. , Kwiatkowski R. , Munzar V. , Rezac K. , Szymaszek A. , Tomaszewski K. , Zielinska E. , Akel M. , Cikhardtova B.
Published: July 2020

The paper discusses a possible energy transformation that leads to the acceleration of fast ions and electrons. In plasma-focus discharges that occur during deuterium filling, which have a maximum current of about 1 MA, the accelerated deuterons produce fast fusion neutrons and fast electrons hard X-ray emissions. Their total energy, which is of the order of several kilojoules, can be delivered by the discharge through a magnetic dynamo and self-organization to the ordered plasma structures that are formed in a pinch during the several hundreds of nanoseconds of the pinch implosion, stagnation, and evolution of instabilities. This energy is finally released during the decay of the ordered plasma structures in the volume between the anode face and the umbrella front of the plasma and current sheath in the form of induced electric fields that accelerate fast electrons and ions.
Experiments on the characteristics of underwater electrical wire explosions for reservoir stimulation
Authors: Han Ruoyu , Wu Jiawei , Zhou Haibin , Zhang Yongmin , Qiu Aici , Yan Jiaqi , Ding Weidong , Li Chen , Zhang Chenyang , Ouyang Jiting
Published: July 2020

Underwater shock waves generated by pulsed electrical discharges are an effective, economical, and environmentally friendly means of stimulating reservoirs, and this technology has received much attention and intensive research in the past few years. This paper reviews the main results of recent work on underwater electrical wire explosion (UEWE) for reservoir stimulation. A platform is developed for microsecond single-wire explosions in water, and diagnostics based on a voltage probe, current coil, pressure probe, photodiode, and spectrometer are used to characterize the UEWE process and accompanying shock waves. First, the UEWE characteristics under different discharge types are studied and general principles are clarified. Second, the shock-wave generation mechanism is investigated experimentally by interrupting the electrical energy injection into the wire at different stages of the wire-explosion process. It is found that the vaporization process is vital for the formation of shock waves, whereas the energy deposited after voltage collapse has only a limited effect. Furthermore, the relationships between the electrical-circuit and shock-wave parameters are investigated, and an empirical approach is developed for estimating the shock-wave parameters. Third, how the wire material and water state affect the wire-explosion process is studied. To adjust the shock-wave parameters, a promising method concerning energetic material load is proposed and tested. Finally, the fracturing effect of the pulsed-discharge shock waves is discussed, as briefly are some of the difficulties associated with UEWE-based reservoir stimulation.
Delay induced swarm pattern bifurcations in mixed reality experiments
Authors: Edwards Victoria , deZonia Philip , Hsieh M. Ani , Hindes Jason , Triandaf Ioana , Schwartz Ira B.
Published: July 2020

Swarms of coupled mobile agents subject to inter-agent wireless communication delays are known to exhibit multiple dynamic patterns in space that depend on the strength of the interactions and the magnitude of the communication delays. We experimentally demonstrate communication delay-induced bifurcations in the spatiotemporal patterns of robot swarms using two distinct hardware platforms in a mixed reality framework. Additionally, we make steps toward experimentally validating theoretically predicted parameter regions where transitions between swarm patterns occur. We show that multiple rotation patterns persist even when collision avoidance strategies are incorporated, and we show the existence of multi-stable, co-existing rotational patterns not predicted by usual mean field dynamics. Our experiments are the first significant steps toward validating existing theory and the existence and robustness of the delay-induced patterns in real robotic swarms.
Using networks and partial differential equations to forecast bitcoin price movement
Authors: Wang Yufang , Wang Haiyan
Published: July 2020

Over the past decade, the blockchain technology and its bitcoin cryptocurrency have received considerable attention. Bitcoin has experienced significant price swings in daily and long-term valuations. In this paper, we propose a partial differential equation (PDE) model on the bitcoin transaction network for forecasting the bitcoin price movement. Through analysis of bitcoin subgraphs or chainlets, the PDE model captures the influence of transaction patterns on the bitcoin price over time and combines the effect of all chainlet clusters. In addition, Google Trends index is incorporated to the PDE model to reflect the effect of the bitcoin market sentiment. The experiment results demonstrate that the PDE model is capable of forecasting the bitcoin price movement. The paper is the first attempt to apply a PDE model to the bitcoin transaction network for forecasting.
Additive manufacturing and characterization of AgI and AgI–Al2O3 composite electrolytes for resistive switching devices
Authors: Brownlee Benjamin J. , Tsui Lok-kun , Vempati Karthik , Plumley John B. , Iverson Brian D. , Peng Thomas L. , Garzon Fernando H.
Published: July 2020

This work investigates the electrochemical dynamics and performance of additively manufactured composite electrolytes for resistive switching. Devices are comprised of a Ag/AgI–Al2O3/Pt stack, where the solid state electrolyte is additively manufactured using extrusion techniques. AgI–Al2O3 composite electrolytes are characterized by x-ray diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivities of the electrolytes were measured for different concentrations of Al2O3, observing a maximum conductivity of 4.5 times the conductivity of pure AgI for composites with 20 mol. % Al2O3. There was little change in activation energy with the addition of Al2O3. Setting the Ag layer as the positive electrode and the Pt layer as the negative electrode, a high conductivity state was achieved by applying a voltage to electrochemically establish an electrically conducting Ag filament within the solid state AgI–Al2O3 electrolyte. The low conductivity state was restored by reversing this applied voltage to electrochemically etch the newly grown Ag filament. Pure AgI devices switch between specific electrical resistivity states that are separated by five orders of magnitude in electrical conductivity. Endurance tests find that the AgI resistive switches can transition between a low and high electrical conductivity state over 8500 times. Composite AgI–Al2O3 resistive switches formed initial Ag filaments significantly faster and also demonstrated two orders of magnitude separation in resistivity when cycling for 1600 cycles.
Recurrence analysis and time extrapolation of a confined turbulent jet using modal decomposition
Authors: Abbasi S. , Puttinger S. , Pirker S. , Lichtenegger T.
Published: July 2020

We investigated the long-term dynamics of a turbulent, submerged jet at Re = 16 400 to develop a strategy for data-assisted, fast calculations of passive species transport. We obtained our data from high-fidelity large eddy simulations LES, which we validated against in-house particle image velocimetry measurements. The flow was split into coherent and incoherent fields using the method of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Depending on the number of POD modes to construct coherent velocity fields, different patterns in the recurrence plot of the system were found. For low mode numbers, line segments parallel to the main diagonal were present, which indicated that close states evolved similarly for a finite duration. Strong turbulent fluctuations in the original velocity fields, on the other hand, hid any large-scale recurrences and caused a structureless recurrence statistics. Using an iterated method of analogs, we time-extrapolated a short time series of coherent, distinctly recurring velocity fields of 50 s to 250 s and performed a study of species transport. We found that coherent dynamics alone could not reproduce LES results due to the lack of turbulent, small-scale fluctuations, but already a small set of incoherent flow fields sufficed to cure this shortcoming considerably. Surprisingly, time extrapolation of the original database without decomposition and without any obvious recurrences led to the best results in very close agreement with LES but with high demands regarding memory. Our data-assisted simulations outperformed LES on the same computational mesh by a speed-up factor of 15.