bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutron Autoradiography Combined With UV-C Sensitization: Toward the Intracellular Localization of Boron
Authors: Gadan Mario A. , Lloyd Rodrigo , Saint Martin Gisela , Olivera María S. , Policastro Lucía , Portu Agustina M.
Published: October 2019

Our group has reported the imprint formation of biological material on polycarbonate nuclear track detectors by UV-C exposure, which is used as an approach to simultaneously visualize cell imprints and nuclear tracks coming from the boron neutron capture reaction. Considering that the cell nucleus has a higher UV-C absorption than the cytoplasm and that hematoxylin preferentially stains the nucleus, we proposed to enhance the contrast between these two main cell structures by hematoxylin staining before UV-C sensitization. In this study, several experiments were performed in order to optimize UV-C exposure parameters and chemical etching conditions for cell imprint formation using the SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line. The proposed method improves significantly the resolution of the cell imprints. It allows clear differentiation of the nucleus from the rest of the cell, together with nuclear tracks pits. Moreover, it reduces considerably the UV-C exposure time, an important experimental issue. The proposed methodology can be applied to study the boron distribution independently from the chosen cell line and/or boron compounds.
Local and Regional Indian Summer Monsoon Precipitation Dynamics During Termination II and the Last Interglacial
Authors: Magiera Matthias , Lechleitner Franziska A. , Erhardt Andrea M. , Hartland Adam , Kwiecien Ola , Cheng Hai , Bradbury Harold J. , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Riechelmann Sylvia , Edwards Lawrence , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M.
Published: October 2019

To date Indian summer monsoon (ISM) dynamics have been assessed by changes in stalagmite δ18O. However, stalagmite δ18O is influenced by multiple environmental factors (e.g., atmospheric moisture transport, rainfall amount at the study site, and ISM seasonality), precluding simple and clear reconstructions of rainfall amount or variability. This study aims to disentangle these environmental factors by combining δ18O, δ44Ca, and elemental data from a stalagmite covering Termination II and the last interglacial from Mawmluh Cave, NE India, to produce a semiquantitative reconstruction of past ISM rainfall. We interpret δ18O as a mixed signal of rainfall source dynamics and rainfall amount and coupled δ44Ca and X/Ca ratios as indicators of local infiltration rate and prior calcite precipitation in the karst zone. The wettest conditions in our studied interval (135 and 100 kyrs BP; BP = before present, with the present being 1950 CE) occurred during Marine Isotope Stage 5e. Our multiproxy data set suggests a likely change in seasonal distribution of Marine Isotope Stage 5e rainfall compared to the Holocene; the wet season was longer with higher‐than‐modern dry season rainfall. Using the last interglacial as an analogue for future anthropogenic warming, our data suggest a more erratic ISM behavior in a warmer world.
Coseismic Rupture Process of the Large 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquakes From Joint Inversion of Geodetic and Seismological Observations
Authors: Liu Chengli , Lay Thorne , Brodsky Emily E. , Dascher‐Cousineau Kelian , Xiong Xiong
Published: October 2019

On 4 and 6 July 2019, two large strike‐slip earthquakes withW‐phase moment magnitudesMWW6.5 (foreshock) andMWW7.1 (mainshock) struck the Eastern California Shear Zone, northeast of Ridgecrest. The faulting geometry and kinematic coseismic slip distribution of both events are determined by jointly inverting seismological and geodetic observations guided by aftershock and surface rupture locations. The foreshock ruptured two orthogonal faults with a prominent L‐shaped geometry with maximum slip of ~1.1 m on the NE‐SW segment. The mainshock faulting extended NW‐SE along several primary fault segments that straddle the foreshock slip. The surface rupture and slip model indicate mostly near‐horizontal strike‐slip motion with maximum slip of ~3.7 m, but there is a localized vertical dip‐slip motion. Both the foreshock and mainshock ruptures terminate in regions of complex surface offsets. High aftershock productivity and low rupture velocity may be the result of rupture of a relatively immature fault system.
Thermospheric Density Cells at High Latitudes as Observed by GOCE Satellite: Preliminary Results
Authors: Weng Libin , Lei Jiuhou , Liu Huixin , Dou Xiankang , Fang Hanxian
Published: October 2019

This study provides a climatological view of density cell structures at high latitudes in the lower thermosphere, using neutral mass density at 270 km derived from Gravity field and steady‐state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite. Three types of the density cells named isolated low, isolated high, and wavy density cells are analyzed. Our results revealed that the density cell structures generally occur in the Northern Hemisphere and the local summer, but they are less frequently observed in the Southern Hemisphere. The low density cell tends to have greater occurrence in the dawn side than in other sampled local times, while the high and wavy density cells occur more frequently in the morning side in terms of the GOCE trajectory. Moreover, the characteristics of density cell structures, including the central locations, horizontal scales, and relative magnitudes, strongly depend on the type of the density cell structure. These results can serve as a baseline to further validate the theoretical models and also to improve our understanding of the density variability of the lower thermosphere at high latitudes.
An Assessment of Rainfall from Hurricanes Harvey and Florence Relative to Other Extremely Wet Storms in the United States
Authors: Kunkel Kenneth E. , Champion Sarah M.
Published: October 2019

The top 100 largest area‐averaged, multiday precipitation events in the U.S. historical record for the period 1949–2018 were identified by calculating box‐average precipitation using a network of observing stations with minimal missing data. Hurricane Harvey was the single largest event for an area sized 50,000 km2 and a duration of 4 days. Rainfall associated with Hurricane Florence ranked seventh. Almost all of the top 100 events occurred in the southeastern United States or along the Pacific coast. The predominant meteorological cause (in 59% of the events) was fronts associated with extratropical cyclones, including 15% that were also associated with atmospheric rivers. Tropical cyclones were a significant cause, representing 25% of all events. The spatial locations, the seasonal distribution, and the spectrum of meteorological causes of these events are characteristics of the precipitation climatology that could be used as metrics to evaluate climate models.
Development of a Convection‐Permitting Air‐Sea‐Coupled Ensemble Data Assimilation System for Tropical Cyclone Prediction
Authors: Chen Xingchao , Zhang Fuqing
Published: October 2019

A regional‐scale fully coupled data assimilation (DA) system based on the ensemble Kalman filter is developed for a high‐resolution coupled atmosphere‐ocean model. Through the flow‐dependent covariance both within and across the oceanic and atmospheric domains, the fully coupled DA system is capable of updating both atmospheric and oceanic state variables simultaneously by assimilating either atmospheric and/or oceanic observations. The potential impacts of oceanic observations, including sea‐surface temperature, sea‐surface height anomaly, and sea‐surface current, in addition to the observation of the minimum surface pressure at the storm center (HPI), on tropical cyclone analysis and prediction are examined through observing system simulation experiments of Hurricane Florence (2018). Results show that assimilation of oceanic observations not only resulted in better analysis and forecast of the oceanic variables but also considerably reduced analysis and forecast errors in the atmospheric fields, including the intensity and structure of Florence. Compared to weakly coupled DA in which the analysis update is performed separately for the atmospheric and oceanic domains, fully coupled DA reduces the forecast errors of tropical cyclone track and intensity. Results show promise in potential further improvement in tropical cyclone prediction through assimilation of both atmospheric and oceanic observations using the ensemble‐based fully coupled DA system.
Material Transport in the Ocean Mixed Layer: Recent Developments Enabled by Large Eddy Simulations
Authors: Chamecki Marcelo , Chor Tomas , Yang Di , Meneveau Charles
Published: October 2019

Material transport in the ocean mixed layer (OML) is an important component of natural processes such as gas and nutrient exchanges. It is also important in the context of pollution (oil droplets, microplastics, etc.). Observational studies of small‐scale three‐dimensional turbulence in the OML are difficult, especially if one aims at a systematic coverage of relevant parameters and their effects, under controlled conditions. Numerical studies are also challenging due to the large‐scale separation between the physical processes dominating transport in the horizontal and vertical directions. Despite this difficulty, the application of large eddy simulation (LES) to study OML turbulence and, more specifically, its effects on material transport has resulted in major advances in the field in recent years. In this paper we review the use of LES to study material transport within the OML and then summarize and synthesize the advances it has enabled in the past decade or so. In the first part we describe the LES technique and the most common approaches when applying it in OML material transport investigations. In the second part we review recent results on material transport obtained using LES and comment on implications.
How Temperature Sensor Change Affects Warming Trends and Modeling: An Evaluation Across the State of Colorado
Authors: Ma C. , Fassnacht S.R. , Kampf S.K.
Published: October 2019

In the western United States, a temperature sensor change at the snow telemetry stations is responsible for erroneously greater temperature warming trends in high‐elevation mountain areas than lower elevation locations. This study examined how the temperature sensor changes influenced these trends across Colorado and evaluated two homogenization methods that adjust these data biases. Perspectives differ on whether the presensor (before the changing of the temperature sensors) or post‐sensor (after) change data are correct, so temperature records from both the pre‐ and post‐sensor change period (~1990s to mid‐2000s) were individually adjusted at 68 longer‐term stations. Trends were analyzed with and without the adjustments using the Mann‐Kendall significance test and Theil‐Sen's rate of change. Initially the post‐sensor change data were used to calibrate a temperature index snow water equivalent model that was evaluated with the original and adjusted temperature data sets. Mean temperature warming trends for the original data set averaged 0.95° per decade and reduced to less than 0.5° per decade for the adjusted data sets. Results from the temperature index model showed that snow water equivalent was simulated better with the homogenized temperatures from both methods relative to the original temperatures, with 44–69% of the stations within “good” and “very good” performance categories. This modeling was repeated using calibration of the presensor change data yielding very similar results. These findings show that accurate reconstruction of the historical temperature records is challenging but temperature adjustment methods can create more reliable temperature records for climate change analysis and hydroclimatic modeling.
Inhibition of Tet1- and Tet2-mediated DNA demethylation promotes immunomodulation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Yu Tingting , Liu Dawei , Zhang Ting , Zhou Yanheng , Shi Songtao , Yang Ruili
Published: October 2019

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) possess great potential for clinical treatment of immune diseases due to their extensive immunomodulatory properties. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are still not fully elucidated. Here, we show that member of the Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family, a group of DNA demethylases, are capable of regulating PDLSC immunomodulatory functions. Tet1 and Tet2 deficiency enhance PDLSC-induced T cell apoptosis and ameliorate the disease phenotype in colitis mice. Mechanistically, we found that downregulation of Tet1 and Tet2 leads to hypermethylation of DKK-1 promoter, leading to the activation of WNT signaling pathway and therefore promoting Fas ligand (FasL) expression, which results in elevated immunomodulatory capacity of PDLSCs. These results reveal a previously unrecognized role of Tet1 and Tet2 in regulating immunomodulation of PDLSCs. This Tet/DKK-1/FasL cascade may serve as a promising target for enhancing PDLSC-based immune therapy.
Antitumor immunity augments the therapeutic effects of p53 activation on acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hayashi Yasutaka , Goyama Susumu , Liu XiaoXiao , Tamura Moe , Asada Shuhei , Tanaka Yosuke , Fukuyama Tomofusa , Wunderlich Mark , O’Brien Eric , Mizukawa Benjamin , Yamazaki Satoshi , Matsumoto Akiko , Yamasaki Satoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Matsuda Koichi , Sashida Goro , Takizawa Hitoshi , Kitamura Toshio
Published: October 2019

The negative regulator of p53, MDM2, is frequently overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that retains wild-type TP53 alleles. Targeting of p53-MDM2 interaction to reactivate p53 function is therefore an attractive therapeutic approach for AML. Here we show that an orally active inhibitor of p53-MDM2 interaction, DS-5272, causes dramatic tumor regressions of MLL-AF9-driven AML in vivo with a tolerable toxicity. However, the antileukemia effect of DS-5272 is markedly attenuated in immunodeficient mice, indicating the critical impact of systemic immune responses that drive p53-mediated leukemia suppression. In relation to this, DS-5272 triggers immune-inflammatory responses in MLL-AF9 cells including upregulation of Hif1α and PD-L1, and inhibition of the Hif1α-PD-L1 axis sensitizes AML cells to p53 activation. We also found that NK cells are important mediators of antileukemia immunity. Our study showed the potent activity of a p53-activating drug against AML, which is further augmented by antitumor immunity.
Injectable human recombinant collagen matrices limit adverse remodeling and improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: McLaughlin Sarah , McNeill Brian , Podrebarac James , Hosoyama Katsuhiro , Sedlakova Veronika , Cron Gregory , Smyth David , Seymour Richard , Goel Keshav , Liang Wenbin , Rayner Katey J. , Ruel Marc , Suuronen Erik J. , Alarcon Emilio I.
Published: October 2019

Despite the success of current therapies for acute myocardial infarction (MI), many patients still develop adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure. With the growing prevalence of heart failure, a new therapy is needed that can prevent remodeling and support tissue repair. Herein, we report on injectable recombinant human collagen type I (rHCI) and type III (rHCIII) matrices for treating MI. Injecting rHCI or rHCIII matrices in mice during the late proliferative phase post-MI restores the myocardium’s mechanical properties and reduces scar size, but only the rHCI matrix maintains remote wall thickness and prevents heart enlargement. rHCI treatment increases cardiomyocyte and capillary numbers in the border zone and the presence of pro-wound healing macrophages in the ischemic area, while reducing the overall recruitment of bone marrow monocytes. Our findings show functional recovery post-MI using rHCI by promoting a healing environment, cardiomyocyte survival, and less pathological remodeling of the myocardium.
YTHDF1 links hypoxia adaptation and non-small cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Shi Yulin , Fan Songqing , Wu Mengge , Zuo Zhixiang , Li Xingyang , Jiang Liping , Shen Qiushuo , Xu Peifang , Zeng Lin , Zhou Yongchun , Huang Yunchao , Yang Zuozhang , Zhou Jumin , Gao Jing , Zhou Hu , Xu Shuhua , Ji Hongbin , Shi Peng , Wu Dong-Dong , Yang Cuiping , Chen Yongbin
Published: October 2019

Hypoxia occurs naturally at high-altitudes and pathologically in hypoxic solid tumors. Here, we report that genes involved in various human cancers evolved rapidly in Tibetans and six Tibetan domestic mammals compared to reciprocal lowlanders. Furthermore, m6A modified mRNA binding protein YTHDF1, one of evolutionary positively selected genes for high-altitude adaptation is amplified in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We show that YTHDF1 deficiency inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and xenograft tumor formation through regulating the translational efficiency of CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin D1, and that YTHDF1 depletion restrains de novo lung adenocarcinomas (ADC) progression. However, we observe that YTHDF1 high expression correlates with better clinical outcome, with its depletion rendering cancerous cells resistant to cisplatin (DDP) treatment. Mechanistic studies identified the Keap1-Nrf2-AKR1C1 axis as the downstream mediator of YTHDF1. Together, these findings highlight the critical role of YTHDF1 in both hypoxia adaptation and pathogenesis of NSCLC.
A nucleotide resolution map of Top2-linked DNA breaks in the yeast and human genome
Authors: Gittens William H. , Johnson Dominic J. , Allison Rachal M. , Cooper Tim J. , Thomas Holly , Neale Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

DNA topoisomerases are required to resolve DNA topological stress. Despite this essential role, abortive topoisomerase activity generates aberrant protein-linked DNA breaks, jeopardising genome stability. Here, to understand the genomic distribution and mechanisms underpinning topoisomerase-induced DNA breaks, we map Top2 DNA cleavage with strand-specific nucleotide resolution across the S. cerevisiae and human genomes—and use the meiotic Spo11 protein to validate the broad applicability of this method to explore the role of diverse topoisomerase family members. Our data characterises Mre11-dependent repair in yeast and defines two strikingly different fractions of Top2 activity in humans: tightly localised CTCF-proximal, and broadly distributed transcription-proximal, the latter correlated with gene length and expression. Moreover, single nucleotide accuracy reveals the influence primary DNA sequence has upon Top2 cleavage—distinguishing sites likely to form canonical DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) from those predisposed to form strand-biased DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) induced by etoposide (VP16) in vivo.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing of herpes simplex virus 1-infected cells connects NRF2 activation to an antiviral program
Authors: Wyler Emanuel , Franke Vedran , Menegatti Jennifer , Kocks Christine , Boltengagen Anastasiya , Praktiknjo Samantha , Walch-Rückheim Barbara , Bosse Jens , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Grässer Friedrich , Akalin Altuna , Landthaler Markus
Published: October 2019

Herpesvirus infection initiates a range of perturbations in the host cell, which remain poorly understood at the level of individual cells. Here, we quantify the transcriptome of single human primary fibroblasts during the first hours of lytic infection with HSV-1. By applying a generalizable analysis scheme, we define a precise temporal order of early viral gene expression and propose a set-wise emergence of viral genes. We identify host cell genes and pathways relevant for infection by combining three different computational approaches: gene and pathway overdispersion analysis, prediction of cell-state transition probabilities, as well as future cell states. One transcriptional program, which correlates with increased resistance to infection, implicates the transcription factor NRF2. Consequently, Bardoxolone methyl and Sulforaphane, two known NRF2 agonists, impair virus production, suggesting that NRF2 activation restricts viral infection. Our study provides insights into early stages of HSV-1 infection and serves as a general blueprint for the investigation of heterogeneous cell states in virus infection.
Tau deposition is associated with functional isolation of the hippocampus in aging
Authors: Harrison Theresa M. , Maass Anne , Adams Jenna N. , Du Richard , Baker Suzanne L. , Jagust William J.
Published: October 2019

The tau protein aggregates in aging and Alzheimer disease and may lead to memory loss through disruption of medial temporal lobe (MTL)-dependent memory systems. Here, we investigated tau-mediated mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction that underlie the expression of episodic memory decline using fMRI measures of hippocampal local coherence (regional homogeneity; ReHo), distant functional connectivity and tau-PET. We show that age and tau pathology are related to higher hippocampal ReHo. Functional disconnection between the hippocampus and other components of the MTL memory system, particularly an anterior-temporal network specialized for object memory, is also associated with higher hippocampal ReHo and greater tau burden in anterior-temporal regions. These associations are not observed in the posteromedial network, specialized for context/spatial information. Higher hippocampal ReHo predicts worse memory performance. These findings suggest that tau pathology plays a role in disconnecting the hippocampus from specific MTL memory systems leading to increased local coherence and memory decline.
MT1-MMP directs force-producing proteolytic contacts that drive tumor cell invasion
Authors: Ferrari Robin , Martin Gaëlle , Tagit Oya , Guichard Alan , Cambi Alessandra , Voituriez Raphaël , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Chavrier Philippe
Published: October 2019

Unraveling the mechanisms that govern the formation and function of invadopodia is essential towards the prevention of cancer spread. Here, we characterize the ultrastructural organization, dynamics and mechanical properties of collagenotytic invadopodia forming at the interface between breast cancer cells and a physiologic fibrillary type I collagen matrix. Our study highlights an uncovered role for MT1-MMP in directing invadopodia assembly independent of its proteolytic activity. Electron microscopy analysis reveals a polymerized Arp2/3 actin network at the concave side of the curved invadopodia in association with the collagen fibers. Actin polymerization is shown to produce pushing forces that repel the confining matrix fibers, and requires MT1-MMP matrix-degradative activity to widen the matrix pores and generate the invasive pathway. A theoretical model is proposed whereby pushing forces result from actin assembly and frictional forces in the actin meshwork due to the curved geometry of the matrix fibers that counterbalance resisting forces by the collagen fibers.
Author Correction: Strain engineering of electro-optic constants in ferroelectric materials
Authors: Paillard Charles , Prokhorenko Sergei , Bellaiche Laurent
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Thermophysical properties of liquid Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5—prospects for bulk metallic glass manufacturing in space
Authors: Mohr M. , Wunderlich R. K. , Hofmann D. C. , Fecht H.-J.
Published: October 2019

Bulk metallic glasses are of critical interest for a wide range of applications, including their use in spacecraft gearboxes and mechanisms due to their excellent low-temperature, unlubricated wear resistance. Also of interest, is the potential for in-space manufacturing of metal alloys and the use of microgravity to determine fundamental thermophysical properties to inform ground-based modeling and experimentation. In this work, a Zr-based bulk metallic glass was processed in the electromagnetic levitator ISS-EML to determine undercooling, electrical resistivity, specific heat capacity, surface tension, and viscosity. A 6.5 mm sphere was vitrified during the processing, resulting in the first bulk metallic glass manufactured on board the international space station (ISS).
The effect of irradiation on the atomic structure and chemical durability of calcite and dolomite
Authors: Hsiao Yi-Hsuan , Wang Bu , La Plante Erika Callagon , Pignatelli Isabella , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Le Pape Yann , Neithalath Narayanan , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav
Published: October 2019

When exposed to irradiation—e.g., in nuclear power plant environments—minerals may experience alterations in their atomic structure which, in turn, result in changes in their physical and chemical properties. Herein, we mimic via Ar+ implantation the effects of neutron irradiation on calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) – two carbonate minerals that often find use as aggregates in concrete: a material that is extensively used in the construction of critical structural and safety components in nuclear power plants. By a pioneering combination of nanoscale quantifications of mineral dissolution rates (i.e., a proxy for chemical durability) in alkaline solutions, vibrational (infrared and Raman) spectroscopy, and molecular simulations, we find that irradiation minimally affects the atomic structure and properties of these carbonate minerals. This insensitivity to radiation arises from the predominantly ionic nature of the interatomic bonds in these minerals which can relax and recover their initial configuration, thus ensuring minimal damage and permanent alterations to these minerals following radiation exposure. The outcomes have significant implications on the selection, use, and specification of mineral aggregates for use in nuclear concrete construction.
Accelerated low water corrosion: the microbial sulfur cycle in microcosm
Authors: Smith Martin , Bardiau Marjorie , Brennan Richard , Burgess Heidi , Caplin Jonathan , Ray Santanu , Urios Thomas
Published: October 2019

Accelerated low water corrosion is a form of marine steel corrosion caused by bacterial activity. It has a global spread and is potentially responsible for billions of pounds of damage. We have determined in detail both the chemistry of corrosion products and the associated microbiology at a UK site. The corrosion products form a layered structure with iron sulfides at the steel surface and iron oxides and sulfates in contact with water. The iron sulfides are formed by reaction of steel with hydrogen sulfide formed by sulfate-reducing bacteria and are oxidised through a series of sulfur oxidation states by sulfide-oxidising bacteria, forming acid at all stages and encompassing the whole of the bacterial sulfur cycle. The bacteria involved are endemic in anoxic bed sediment, and the process is a response to the presence of steel as an electron donor, and the generation of anoxic microenvironments within corrosion products.
Global humid tropics forest structural condition and forest structural integrity maps
Authors: Hansen Andrew , Barnett Kevin , Jantz Patrick , Phillips Linda , Goetz Scott J. , Hansen Matt , Venter Oscar , Watson James E. M. , Burns Patrick , Atkinson Scott , Rodríguez-Buritica Susana , Ervin Jamison , Virnig Anne , Supples Christina , De Camargo Rafael
Published: October 2019

Remotely sensed maps of global forest extent are widely used for conservation assessment and planning. Yet, there is increasing recognition that these efforts must now include elements of forest quality for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Such data are not yet available globally. Here we introduce two data products, the Forest Structural Condition Index (SCI) and the Forest Structural Integrity Index (FSII), to meet this need for the humid tropics. The SCI integrates canopy height, tree cover, and time since disturbance to distinguish short, open-canopy, or recently deforested stands from tall, closed-canopy, older stands typical of primary forest. The SCI was validated against estimates of foliage height diversity derived from airborne lidar. The FSII overlays a global index of human pressure on SCI to identify structurally complex forests with low human pressure, likely the most valuable for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. These products represent an important step in maturation from conservation focus on forest extent to forest stands that should be considered “best of the last” in international policy settings.
Q Fever Endocarditis in Iran
Authors: Moradnejad Pardis , Esmaeili Saber , Maleki Majid , Sadeghpour Anita , Kamali Monireh , Rohani Mahdi , Ghasemi Ahmad , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Pasha Hamid Reza , Boudagh Shabnam , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Naderi Nasim , Ghadrdoost Behshid , Lotfian Sara , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Mostafavi Ehsan
Published: October 2019

Patients with the underlying valvular heart disease are at the high risk of developing sub-acute or chronic endocarditis secondary to Coxiella burnetii. Q fever endocarditis is the most common manifestation along with persistent the infection. There is some serologic and molecular evidence of C. burnetii infection in humans and livestock in Iran. As it is possible to observe chronic Q fever in Iran, it seems necessary to study the prevalence of Q fever endocarditis in this country. In the present study, Infective Endocarditis (IE) patients (possible or definite based on Duke Criteria) hospitalized in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center were enrolled from August 2016 to September 2018. Culture-negative endocarditis patients were evaluated by Raoult criteria for diagnosis Q fever endocarditis. The serological results for brucellosis were negative for all subjects. All blood and tissue samples including valve samples were tested for C. burnetii infection using serology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In this study, 126 patients who were admitted to the hospital were enrolled; of which 52 subjects were culture-negative IE. Among the participants, 16 patients (30.77%) were diagnosed with Q fever IE and underwent medical treatment. The mean age of patients was 46.6 years ranging from 23 to 69 years and 75% of them were male. Considering the high prevalence of Q fever IE, evaluation of the patients with culture-negative IE for C. burnetii infections was highly recommended.
Retrospective Analysis of 28 Cases of Tuberculosis in Pregnant Women in China
Authors: Li Qiang , Song Yanhua , Chen Hongmei , Xie Li , Gao Mengqiu , Ma Liping , Huang Yinxia
Published: October 2019

While tuberculosis (TB) in pregnant women is reported globally, clinical data is unavailable in China. To describe clinical features and identify difficulties in the diagnosis of pregnancy-related TB, we performed a retrospective study of 28 TB inpatients at Beijing Chest Hospital. The results were presented in terms of interquartile range (IQR) for age, and medians and percentages with respect to the categorical variables. One patient (3.6%) was immediately diagnosed; for 27 patients (96.4%), the median interval from the initial onset of symptoms to diagnosis was five weeks. Eight cases (28.6%) were microbiologically confirmed. 22 (78.6%) were pulmonary TB (PTB), while six (21.4%) were extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). In addition, eight (28.6%) were miliary TB and six (21.4%) were cerebral TB. 27 (96.4%) were cured and one (3.6%) died. 15 neonates were identified, nine of which were healthy. Two were small for the gestational age (SGA) and one was a stillbirth. Three had neonatal TB, one of which died. Nine were legal abortions and four were spontaneous abortions. Indeed, there was a substantial delay in the diagnosis of TB in the pregnant women and a high incidence of both miliary and cerebral TB was evident. With timely treatment, prognosis is positive.
Synthetic hydrophobic peptides derived from MgtR weaken Salmonella pathogenicity and work with a different mode of action than endogenously produced peptides
Authors: Olvera Mariana Rosas , Garai Preeti , Mongin Grégoire , Vivès Eric , Gannoun-Zaki Laila , Blanc-Potard Anne-Béatrice
Published: October 2019

Due to the antibiotic resistance crisis, novel therapeutic strategies need to be developed against bacterial pathogens. Hydrophobic bacterial peptides (small proteins under 50 amino acids) have emerged as regulatory molecules that can interact with bacterial membrane proteins to modulate their activity and/or stability. Among them, the Salmonella MgtR peptide promotes the degradation of MgtC, a virulence factor involved in Salmonella intramacrophage replication, thus providing the basis for an antivirulence strategy. We demonstrate here that endogenous overproduction of MgtR reduced Salmonella replication inside macrophages and lowered MgtC protein level, whereas a peptide variant of MgtR (MgtR-S17I), which does not interact with MgtC, had no effect. We then used synthetic peptides to evaluate their action upon exogenous addition. Unexpectedly, upon addition of synthetic peptides, both MgtR and its variant MgtR-S17I reduced Salmonella intramacrophage replication and lowered MgtC and MgtB protein levels, suggesting a different mechanism of action of exogenously added peptides versus endogenously produced peptides. The synthetic peptides did not act by reducing bacterial viability. We next tested their effect on various recombinant proteins produced in Escherichia coli and showed that the level of several inner membrane proteins was strongly reduced upon addition of both peptides, whereas cytoplasmic or outer membrane proteins remained unaffected. Moreover, the α-helical structure of synthetic MgtR is important for its biological activity, whereas helix-helix interacting motif is dispensable. Cumulatively, these results provide perspectives for new antivirulence strategies with the use of peptides that act by reducing the level of inner membrane proteins, including virulence factors.
Far-UV photoluminescence microscope for impurity domain in hexagonal-boron-nitride single crystals by high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis
Authors: Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi
Published: October 2019

Hexagonal-boron-nitride single crystals grown by high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis are commonly used as the insulated substrate dielectric for two-dimensional (2D) atomic-layered materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to improve the flatness of the 2D materials atomically without disturbing the 2D electronic characteristics. However, HPHT single crystals often contain impure regions, which can hold subtle clues in regard to the 2D atomic-layered materials for new discoveries in the physics of 2D materials. To identify the position of the impure domains and to avoid them when the 2D devices are prepared, a far-ultraviolet photoluminescence microscope was developed. This microscope makes it possible to visualize the impure-growth region with ease in a no-contact and non-destructive manner.
Dynamic covalent chemistry steers synchronizing nanoparticle self-assembly with interfacial polymerization
Authors: Zhang Fenghua , Yang Zhijie , Hao Jinjie , Zhao Kaixuan , Hua Mingming , Yang Yanzhao , Wei Jingjing
Published: October 2019

Precise organization of matter across multiple length scales is of particular interest because of its great potential with advanced functions and properties. Here we demonstrate a simple yet versatile strategy that enables the organization of hydrophobic nanoparticles within the covalent organic framework (COF) in an emulsion droplet. The interfacial polymerization takes place upon the addition of Lewis acid in the aqueous phase, which allows the formation of COF after a crystallization process. Meanwhile, the interaction between nanoparticles and COF is realized by the use of amine-aldehyde reactions in the nearest loci of the nanoparticles. Importantly, the competition between the nanoparticle self-assembly and interfacial polymerization allows control over the spatial distribution of nanoparticles within COF. As a general strategy, a wide variety of COF-wrapped nanoparticle assemblies can be synthesized and these hybridized nanomaterials could find applications in optoelectronics, heterogeneous catalysis and energy chemistry.
Efficiently reconstructing compound objects by quantum imaging with higher-order correlation functions
Authors: Mikhalychev A. B. , Bessire B. , Karuseichyk I. L. , Sakovich A. A. , Unternährer M. , Lyakhov D. A. , Michels D. L. , Stefanov A. , Mogilevtsev D.
Published: October 2019

Quantum imaging has a potential of enhancing the precision of objects reconstruction by exploiting quantum correlations of the imaging field, in particular for imaging with low-intensity fields up to the level of a few photons. However, it generally leads to nonlinear estimation problems. The complexity of these problems rapidly increases with the number of parameters describing the object and the correlation order. Here we propose a way to drastically reduce the complexity for a wide class of problems. The key point of our approach is to connect the features of the Fisher information with the parametric locality of the problem, and to reconstruct the whole set of parameters stepwise by an efficient iterative inference scheme that is linear on the total number of parameters. This general inference procedure is experimentally applied to quantum near-field imaging with higher-order correlated light sources, resulting in super-resolving reconstruction of grey compound transmission objects.
Ingestion of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis strain CCFM687 regulated emotional behavior and the central BDNF pathway in chronic stress-induced depressive mice through reshaping the gut microbiota
Authors: Tian Peijun , Zou Renying , Song Linhong , Zhang Xu , Jiang Bin , Wang Gang , Lee Yuan-kun , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: October 2019

Probiotics which enhance the biosynthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine in enterochromaffin cells could alleviate depression symptoms through regulating the CREB-BDNF pathway in the brain.
Structural analysis of healthy and cancerous epithelial-type breast cells by nanomechanical spectroscopy allows us to obtain peculiarities of the skeleton and junctions
Authors: Amiri Anahid , Hastert Florian , Stühn Lukas , Dietz Christian
Published: October 2019

Structural analysis of cancerous and healthy epithelial-type breast cells by high-resolution imaging using AFM.
Double acceptor block-based copolymers for efficient organic solar cells: side-chain and π-bridge engineered high open-circuit voltage and small driving force
Authors: Guo Hui , Chen Lie , Huang Bin , Xie Qian , Ding Shanshan , Chen Yiwang
Published: October 2019

Different from the traditional concept of donor–acceptor (D–A) structures, the newly reported acceptor1–acceptor2 (A1–A2) type copolymers has been regarded as an efficient approach to boost the open circuit voltage (Voc).
Synthesis of a novel nano-rod-shaped hierarchical silicoaluminophosphate SAPO-11 molecular sieve with enhanced hydroisomerization of oleic acid to iso-alkanes
Authors: Yang Lingmei , Li Huiwen , Fu Jun ying , Li Ming , Miao Changlin , Wang Zhongming , Lv Pengmei , Yuan Zhenhong
Published: October 2019

A novel nano-rod-shaped SAPO-11 with a thickness of ca. 100 nm was successfully fabricated by in situ seed-induced steam assisted method using the cationic surfactant CTAB as a mesoporous template and F127 as the crystal growth inhibitor.
Yeast lipid-based biofuels and oleochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass: life cycle impact assessment
Authors: Sharma Tripti , Dasgupta Diptarka , Singh Jasvinder , Bhaskar Thallada , Ghosh Debashish
Published: October 2019

Over the last few decades, much attention has been paid to various applications of microbial oil, including for transportation.
180 Gbit/s 4:1 power multiplexer for NRZ‐OOK signals with high output voltage swing in SiGe BiCMOS technology
Authors: Uhl C. , Hettrich H. , Möller M.
Published: October 2019

A 4:1 multiplexer (MUX) circuit in SiGe BiCMOS technology intended to directly drive a plasmonic Mach–Zehnder modulator for transmitter applications is presented. To achieve the highest data rates at a high output voltage swing, a power MUX concept is applied that maps the high‐speed performance of the final clock signal onto the output data. In the clock tree a novel wideband clock phase shifter circuit is utilised for timing adjustment and frequency doubling. Electrical measurements of the chip demonstrate open eye diagrams for non‐return‐to‐zero on‐off‐keying (NRZ‐OOK) signals up to 180 Gbit/s, which is record speed for Si‐based technologies. A differential output voltage swing of was measured that corresponds to an output voltage swing of more than without the bandwidth limit of the measurement equipment.
Architectural framework of a group key management system for enhancing e‐healthcare data security
Authors: Perumal Arun Mailerum , Nadar Edward Rajan Samuel
Published: October 2019

Presently, patient information quality, security, and privacy are important issues in the healthcare sector for promoting high standards of patient care. The adoption of digital patient files, enhanced regulation, health practitioner consolidation, and the increasing want for information exchange between patients, providers and payers need better information security. A novel master‐key management technique has been proposed for the purpose of managing the keys which enhance the healthcare information security and the multi‐key server approach is used for balancing the load in a key server, which provides quick access to electronic health records. This research focuses on the development of a new architecture of the large‐scale e‐healthcare group key management system to facilitate a secured and reliable assistance among the healthcare enterprises and service providers. The authors have tested in a group of healthcare users joining and leaving dynamically and validated by applying it to virtual servers, which shows that the rekeying overhead, threats and computational cost of the healthcare network system are minimised when compared with the existing schemes. This research work is driven by the investigation of different healthcare enterprise systems, consultations with the hospital, data centre, and medical device firm employees and sourcing industry knowledge from thought leaders.
Design methodology of high performance domestic induction heating systems under worktop
Authors: Plumed Emilio , Acero Jesús , Lope Ignacio , Burdío José M.
Published: October 2019

This study presents design guidelines for planar induction systems whose winding is considerably farther from its load than in usual arrangements. Optimum efficiency design is paramount for larger distances due to the magnetic field dispersion. To this end, a parameterised finite element model is used to ascertain the system's parameters in this new configuration. This model is used to test variations in frequency, inductor‐load distance and inductor diameter. From simulation results, efficiency, output power, power loss volumetric density and near field measurement predictions are obtained. Graphical representation of these results is used to determine the viability of each possible design, choosing one to develop a prototype. Moreover, a study was carried out with Pareto techniques to determine the effect of ferrite coverage and thickness, as well as its distance to the aluminium shielding on efficiency and near field predictions in order to develop a second prototype. The validity of the model is confirmed by experimental tests in small and operating signal regimes.
Radar scattering characteristics of a UAV model in X‐band
Authors: Sukharevsky Oleg , Vasylets Vitaly , Orlenko Valery , Ryapolov Ivan
Published: October 2019

A method for evaluating the share of scattering component related to structural components of unmanned air vehicle (UAV) in the field scattered by the UAV is proposed. The method takes into account the scattering interaction of the UAV's dielectric hull with perfectly conducting elements under the hull as well as the scattering contribution of its dielectric components into the scattered field. The latter contributions are evaluated based on the methods of short‐wave diffraction. The model of UAV has been designed that includes both metallic elements and dielectric hull. Scattering simulation results are obtained and the UAV model's scattering characteristics are analysed.
Fast estimation of high‐order motion parameters for real‐time ISAR imaging
Authors: Xue Jiayin , Zhang Qinyu , Wang Ye , Gu Shushi
Published: October 2019

The inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) technique is an important tool for target recognition and classification; thus, the high‐quality and real‐time performance are two essential indicators for ISAR imaging. Based on the classical range–Doppler principle, the motion compensation is the prerequisite step for the subsequent imaging processing. Due to the non‐cooperative characteristic of the target, the unknown moving parameters are required to be well estimated. Generally, the translational motion of the target can be accurately described by two‐order dynamic parameters. However, the most parameter estimation methods can only estimate the one‐order parameter, while the common high‐order estimation methods require priori knowledge and are complex to implement. Aiming at this issue, the authors propose a high‐order symmetric accumulated cross‐correlation method to realise the rapid and accurate estimation of the motion parameters with no requirement of priori knowledge. It takes the advantage of the symmetric accumulation manner to offset the phase errors and optimise the computational complexity simultaneously, and then formulates the estimation to solve the least‐square problem. Experimental results verify that the proposed method shows distinct advantages on achieving the high‐accuracy and low‐complexity parameter estimation, which is highly conductive to realise the high‐quality motion compensation for real‐time ISAR imaging.
Depth from spectrally‐varying blurring detected by a snapshot narrow band multispectral imaging sensor
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yi Dingrong , Kong Linghua
Published: October 2019

There exists few reports in the literature aimed at estimating depth from the spectrally‐varying‐amount‐of‐defocus contained in a single image generally captured by a commercial colour camera. However, the colour camera can adversely affect the depth measurement accuracy, due to the cross‐talk between its wide and overlapping red/green/blue channels. In this study, the authors propose an improved method to estimate depth from non‐overlapping and narrow‐band spectral images captured by a snapshot narrow‐band multispectral imaging (SNB‐MSI) sensor. An optical lens with visible longitudinal chromatic aberration is placed in front of the SNB‐MSI sensor to enlarge the spectrally‐varying‐focal‐depth so that spectral images corresponding to different narrow bands are focused on apparently different planes. This setting not only differentiates depth ambiguity on both sides of the focal plane, that is caused by two different depths lead to the same blurred image, but also prevents cross talks between different spectral channels. Preliminary experimental data show that the central wavelength of best focused spectral band shifts with increasing depth of the target. This suggests that it is feasible to dynamically measure the depth of the scene using the combination of a longitudinal chromatic aberration optical lens with a SNB‐MSI sensor.
Review on numerical analysis of electromagnetic characteristics for ferromagnetic wear debris
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Li‐yong , Gu Yuhai , Tang Changliang
Published: October 2019

Wear is the main influential reason for the reliability and service life of machinery and the inductive monitoring is the most research and application of online ferromagnetic debris detection for its unique characteristics. In the electromagnetic characteristics analysis of the wear debris, the numerical analysis method can directly solve the problem of electromagnetic field in the form of value, program instead of analytic form. Based on the current research on numerical analysis of electromagnetic characteristics for ferromagnetic debris, the solved problems of numerical analysis are analysed. The core and theoretical basis of numerical analysis of electromagnetic characteristics are studied and assumptions and boundary conditions are provided. Then the present problems and future development trend of the numerical analysis of electromagnetic characteristics for ferromagnetic wear debris are discussed.