bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paper Stones Revisited: Class Voting, Unionization and the Electoral Decline of the Mainstream Left
Authors: Rennwald Line , Pontusson Jonas
Published: March 2020

Relying on post-election surveys, we analyze how class and union membership condition voters’ abandonment of mainstream Left parties and the alternatives chosen by former mainstream-Left voters in the period 2001–2015. Inspired by Przeworski and Sprague’s Paper Stones (1986), our analysis shows that Left parties face a trade-off between mobilizing workers and other voters and that unionization renders workers more loyal to Left parties that mobilize non-workers. By contrast, unionization does not render non-workers more loyal to Left parties that mobilize workers. Union membership increases the likelihood that workers who abandon the mainstream Left continue to vote. It also increases the likelihood that voters abandon the mainstream Left in favor of radical Left parties rather than Center-Right parties. Finally, we show that workers are more likely to abandon mainstream Left parties in favor of radical Right parties than non-workers and that union membership does not affect their propensity to do so. We conclude that reversing the decline of working-class organization should be a long-term objective of mainstream Left parties.
Exploring the neglected dimension of the economic vote: a global analysis of the positional economics thesis
Authors: Quinlan Stephen , Okolikj Martin
Published: March 2020

While much ink has been spilled as to how economics impacts election outcomes, existing scholarship has concentrated on the valence model, which focuses on assessments of incumbent administration’s handling of the economy. Recently, however, there has been an appreciation that economic voting is multidimensional. Nonetheless, the impact of positional economics – voters’ views of economic policy – on the vote remains less explored, especially from a cross-national perspective. In this contribution, we examine the impact of economic policy preferences regarding income redistribution and spending preferences on the vote in 32 states. Using the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems Module 4 data and hierarchical models, we show that voters’ economic policy preferences directly impact vote choice in many states. We also show that positional economic voting is more likely to take hold in mature democracies. However, support for the idea that ideological polarization contributes to macro-diversity concerning positional economic voting is mixed at best. Our research breaks new ground regarding positional economic voting and highlights how context impacts the extent of positional economic voting.
Use of Double Channel Differences for Reducing the Surface Emissivity Dependence of Microwave Atmospheric Temperature and Humidity Retrievals
Authors: Cui X. , Yao Z. , Zhao Z. , Zhai Y. , Sun Z. , Cheng W. , Gu C.
Published: March 2020

Surface emissivity has a significant impact on atmospheric parameter retrievals from microwave sounding instruments. To reduce the dependence of retrievals on surface emissivity, a double channel differences equation is deduced, and a corresponding retrieval scheme is constructed. Retrieval experiments are performed using Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit‐A (AMSU‐A) and Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) simulations and global measurements. Simulation experiments show that the double channel differences scheme can reduce the root mean square errors (RMSE) of the temperature and humidity profiles in the middle and lower atmosphere. Retrieval experiments based on AMSU‐A and MHS global measurements show that the proposed scheme can significantly reduce the RMSE of temperature profiles in the lower atmosphere and humidity profiles in the middle and lower atmosphere for cloudy and cloudless conditions, different surface types, and different scan angles, with maximum reduction values of 0.64 K and 9.03%, respectively. Regarding RMSE improvement, that of the cloudy condition is greater than that of the cloudless condition, that of the land is greater than that of the coast and the sea, and there is no significant dependence on the scan angles. The double channel differences scheme is very sensitive to initial near‐surface temperatures. Reducing the initial near‐surface temperature error can significantly improve the temperature retrieval accuracy below 900 hPa, with maximum reduction value of 3.25 K.
Dynamic Rupture Simulations of theM6.4 andM7.1 July 2019 Ridgecrest, California, Earthquakes
Authors: Lozos J. C. , Harris R. A.
Published: March 2020

The largest earthquakes of the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, sequence were aM6.4 left‐lateral rupture followed 34 hr later by aM7.1 on a perpendicular right‐lateral fault. We use dynamic rupture modeling to address the questions of why the first earthquake did not propagate through the right‐lateral fault in one larger event, whether stress changes from theM6.4 were necessary for theM7.1 to occur, and how the Ridgecrest earthquakes affected the nearby Garlock Fault. We find that dynamic clamping and shear stress reduction confined surface rupture in theM6.4 to the left‐lateral fault. We also find that stress changes from theM6.4 were not necessary to allow aM7.1 on the right‐lateral fault but that they affected the slip and likely accelerated the timing of theM7.1. Lastly, we find that the Ridgecrest earthquakes may have brought the central Garlock Fault closer to failure.
A Polar Surface Eddy Obscured by Thermal Stratification
Authors: Porter M. , Henley S. F. , Orkney A. , Bouman H. A. , Hwang B. , Dumont E. , Venables E. J. , Cottier F.
Published: March 2020

Mesoscale and submesoscale eddies play an important role in the distribution of heat and biogeochemical properties throughout the global oceans. Such eddies are important in the Arctic Ocean, particularly in the frontal regions, but are difficult to detect using traditional satellite‐based methods. Here we use high‐resolution in situ data from an underwater glider to identify a surface eddy that was masked from remote‐sensing observations. We hypothesize that this masking was driven by thermal stratification driven by surface heat fluxes. The eddy was likely generated north of the Polar Front, before crossing the front and traveling south. We estimate that the observed eddy contained 4 × 1010 m3 of Arctic Water. The observation of this eddy, masked in satellite observations of sea surface temperature, suggests a historical underestimation of the prevalence and importance of eddies in this key mixing region. The water column of the Barents Sea, one of the circumpolar Arctic seas has a seemingly simple structure. In the south, warm Atlantic Water dominates; in the north, cold Arctic Water dominates; while at their boundary, the Arctic Water overlies the Atlantic Water. In the summer, the Arctic Water is largely devoid of the nutrients required to fuel the growth of phytoplankton, which is key to maintaining life in the ocean. In contrast, the Atlantic Water is one of the primary sources of nutrient‐rich water into the Arctic. In this study, we have used an underwater robotic instrument to identify a patch of Arctic Water which has been shed from the Arctic sector of the Barents Sea into the Atlantic sector. This patch of water is seen to have lower phytoplankton concentrations than the surrounding water. Due to atmospheric heating of the surface, this patch would be indistinguishable from the surrounding Atlantic Water and so would be absent for satellite observations of sea surface temperature. We suggest that this temperature masking has meant that we have previously underestimated how much water is moved within these patches in the Arctic seas.
Channel Network Control on Seasonal Lake Area Dynamics in Arctic Deltas
Authors: Vulis Lawrence , Tejedor Alejandro , Schwenk Jon , Piliouras Anastasia , Rowland Joel , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi
Published: March 2020

The abundant lakes dotting arctic deltas are hotspots of methane emissions and biogeochemical activity, but seasonal variability in lake extents introduces uncertainty in estimates of lacustrine carbon emissions, typically performed at annual or longer time scales. To characterize variability in lake extents, we analyzed summertime lake area loss (i.e., shrinkage) on two deltas over the past 20 years, using Landsat‐derived water masks. We find that monthly shrinkage rates have a pronounced structured variability around the channel network with the shrinkage rate systematically decreasing farther away from the channels. This pattern of shrinkage is predominantly attributed to a deeper active layer enhancing near‐surface connectivity and storage and greater vegetation density closer to the channels leading to increased evapotranspiration rates. This shrinkage signal, easily extracted from remote sensing observations, may offer the means to constrain estimates of lacustrine methane emissions and to develop process‐based estimates of depth to permafrost on arctic deltas.
Observed Warm‐Season Characteristics of MCS and Non‐MCS Rainfall and Their Recent Changes in the Central United States
Authors: Hu Huancui , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe
Published: March 2020

Warm‐season rainfall characteristics in the central United States are investigated as they play important roles in ecohydrology and agricultural productivity. Using rainfall observations, we compare the April–August mesoscale convective systems (MCS) and non‐MCS rainfall characteristics and examine their linear trends between 1997 and 2018. MCS rainfall is found to be approximately seven times more intense than non‐MCS rainfall but it occurs less frequently in time and space. MCS rainfall peaks in nocturnal hours, with synchronized timing of rainfall intensity, area, and occurrence, while non‐MCS rainfall peaks in late‐afternoon hours, mostly attributed to the timing of peak rainfall area. MCS rainfall has increased in the last 22 years due to an increase in frequency and a longer duration per MCS. In contrast, non‐MCS rainfall has decreased mainly due to a reduction in rainfall area, leading to fewer total wet days and increased dry intervals between events.
Assessing Compound Flooding From Landfalling Tropical Cyclones on the North Carolina Coast
Authors: Gori Avantika , Lin Ning , Smith James
Published: March 2020

Tropical cyclone (TC) events are major drivers of compound flooding due to the interaction of wind‐driven storm surge and TC rainfall. Traditionally, coastal flood risk models have only taken into account surge flooding, even though it is known that the role of rainfall‐runoff is critical. There is limited understanding about the types of TC events that are capable of producing significant compounding and how site conditions at the coast affect the extent to which storm surge and rainfall‐runoff interact. This study investigates a suite of historical TCs making landfall near the Cape Fear River Estuary, NC, through a loosely coupled physical modeling methodology in order to draw conclusions about the spatial and temporal patterns of storm surge and rainfall that are able to induce significant compound impacts. Results indicate that intense outer rain bands falling over inland portions of the study area can be a driver of river‐surge compounding (increasing river levels by up to 0.36 m), while intense eyewall rainfall along the coast can result in localized compound impacts to coastal streams and tributaries if peak rainfall occurs near the time of peak storm tide. These localized compound impacts can result in defined interaction zones, where neither storm tide alone nor rainfall‐runoff alone can fully explain the observed maximum water levels. These results provide insight about the relative timing and spatial patterns of rainfall and storm surge that are capable of inducing compound flooding during TC events.
Franziska C. Landes Receives 2019 Science for Solutions Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2020

Franziska C. Landes was awarded the 2019 Science for Solutions Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given “for significant contributions in the application and use of the Earth and space sciences to solve societal problems.”
James E. Broda Receives 2019 Edward A. Flinn III Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2020

James E. Broda was awarded the 2019 Edward A. Flinn III Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given “for an individual or small group who personifies AGU’s motto of ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.”
Alexandra Witze Receives 2019 Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2020

Alexandra Witze was awarded the 2019 Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given “for recognition of a journalist or team of journalists who have made significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting on the Earth and space sciences for the general public.”
“Electron Wings” Can Interfere with Spacecraft Measurements
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: March 2020

Spacecraft sometimes produce a form of electrical self-interference as they zip through plasmas in space—a previously unreported effect that may be lurking in old data sets.
Andy Green Receives 2019 Africa Award for Research Excellence in Ocean Sciences
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2020

Andy Green was awarded the 2019 Africa Award for Research Excellence in Ocean Sciences at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of “significant work that shows the focus and promise of making outstanding contributions to research in Earth or ocean sciences.”
Between Past and Future
Authors: Thomas Ellen
Published: March 2020

The outgoing Editor in Chief of Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology reflects on her tenure and changes in the journal over those years.
New Editor in Chief of Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology
Authors: Huber Matthew
Published: March 2020

Find out about the person taking the helm of Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology and his vision for the coming years.
Brian May Receives 2019 Athelstan Spilhaus Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2020

Brian May was awarded the 2019 Athelstan Spilhaus Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given “for the enhancement of the public engagement with Earth and space sciences through devoting portions of their career conveying to the general public the excitement, significance, and beauty of Earth and space science.”
Microbial Influences on Subduction Zone Carbon Cycling
Authors: Giovannelli Donato , Barry Peter , de Moor J. , Lloyd Karen , Schrenk Matthew
Published: March 2020

An innovative collaboration is investigating how geobiological processes alter fluxes of carbon and other materials between the deep Earth and the surface.
The Ecological Costs of Removing California’s Offshore Oil Rigs
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: March 2020

Offshore oil- and gas-drilling platforms are rich habitats for fish, and removing them completely would result in a loss of over 95% of fish biomass, new research has revealed.
Coastal Wetlands Save $1.8 Million per Year for Each Square Kilometer
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: March 2020

The protective value of a plot of wetlands varies widely based on the county it shields from storm-related property damage.
Climate Data You Can Trust
Authors: Elamparuthy Amrutha , Sherman Reid
Published: March 2020

Creating, curating, and developing the repository of climate data that underlies the U.S. National Climate Assessments requires the ongoing efforts of hundreds of experts.
UN Report: 2019 Was Likely the Second-Warmest Year in Recorded History
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2020

In response to the World Meteorological Organization analysis, United Nations head Ant�nio Guterres called 2020 a pivotal year to address climate change.
Microbes Discovered Hanging Out in the Ocean’s Crust
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: March 2020

“The lower ocean crust is one of the last frontiers of the exploration for life on Earth.”
Spatially Distinct Effects of Two El Niño Types on Summer Heat Extremes in China
Authors: Gao Tao , Luo Ming , Lau Ngar‐Cheung , Chan Ting On
Published: March 2020

Changes in the activity of summer high‐temperature extremes (HTEs) over many regions are linked with the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. However, how the HTEs respond to different flavors of El Niño remains unclear. Using observational analyses, we show that summer HTEs in China during eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) types of El Niño exhibit different spatial patterns. EP (CP) El Niño is significantly correlated with summer HTEs over South China (Yangtze River valley). These relationships can be attributed to the modulation of the western North Pacific subtropical high and the East Asian jet stream. EP (CP) El Niño events are accompanied by westward (eastward) extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high and equatorward (poleward) movement of the jet stream over East Asia (Pacific). During EP (CP) El Niño episodes, the westward (eastward) and equatorward (poleward) displacements of upper‐tropospheric anticyclone over the western North Pacific coincide with the subsidence anomaly over South China (Yangtze River valley).
Detection of Negative Pickup Ions at Saturn's Moon Dione
Authors: Nordheim T. A. , Wellbrock A. , Jones G. H. , Desai R. T. , Coates A. J. , Teolis B. D. , Jasinski J. M.
Published: March 2020

We investigate a possible negative ion feature observed by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) during a flyby of Saturn's moon Dione that occurred on 7 April 2010. By examining possible particle trajectories, we find that the observed particles are consistent with negative pickup ions originating near the moon's surface. We find that the mass of the negative pickup ions is in the range of 15–25 u and tentatively identify this species as O−, likely resulting from ionization and subsequent pickup from Dione's O2‐CO2 exosphere. Our estimates show that the negative ion density is ~3 × 10−3 cm−3. This is comparable to, but slightly smaller than, that previously reported for the density of O2+ pickup ions for the same flyby, indicating that negative pickup ions may represent a major loss channel for Dione's exosphere.
Correction: External validation of risk prediction models for incident colorectal cancer using UK Biobank
Authors: Usher-Smith J. A. , Harshfield A. , Saunders C. L. , Sharp S. J. , Emery J. , Walter F. M. , Muir K. , Griffin S. J.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Two first-in-human studies of xentuzumab, a humanised insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-neutralising antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumours
Authors: de Bono Johann , Lin Chia-Chi , Chen Li-Tzong , Corral Jesus , Michalarea Vasiliki , Rihawi Karim , Ong Michael , Lee Jih-Hsiang , Hsu Chih-Hung , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Shiah Her-Shyong , Yen Chia-Jui , Anthoney Alan , Jove Maria , Buschke Susanne , Fuertig René , Schmid Ulrike , Goeldner Rainer-Georg , Strelkowa Natalja , Huang Dennis Chin-Lun , Bogenrieder Thomas , Twelves Chris , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: March 2020

Background

Xentuzumab, an insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1/IGF-2-neutralising antibody, binds IGF-1 and IGF-2, inhibiting their growth-promoting signalling. Two first-in-human trials assessed the maximum-tolerated/relevant biological dose (MTD/RBD), safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and activity of xentuzumab in advanced/metastatic solid cancers.

Methods

These phase 1, open-label trials comprised dose-finding (part I; 3 + 3 design) and expansion cohorts (part II; selected tumours; RBD [weekly dosing]). Primary endpoints were MTD/RBD.

Results

Study 1280.1 involved 61 patients (part I: xentuzumab 10–1800 mg weekly, n = 48; part II: 1000 mg weekly, n = 13); study 1280.2, 64 patients (part I: 10–3600 mg three-weekly, n = 33; part II: 1000 mg weekly, n = 31). One dose-limiting toxicity occurred; the MTD was not reached for either schedule. Adverse events were generally grade 1/2, mostly gastrointestinal. Xentuzumab showed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. Total plasma IGF-1 increased dose dependently, plateauing at ~1000 mg/week; at ≥450 mg/week, IGF bioactivity was almost undetectable. Two partial responses occurred (poorly differentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour). Integration of biomarker and response data by Bayesian Logistic Regression Modeling (BLRM) confirmed the RBD.

Conclusions

Xentuzumab was well tolerated; MTD was not reached. RBD was 1000 mg weekly, confirmed by BLRM. Xentuzumab showed preliminary anti-tumour activity.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01403974; NCT01317420.
A supertough electro-tendon based on spider silk composites
Authors: Pan Liang , Wang Fan , Cheng Yuan , Leow Wan Ru , Zhang Yong-Wei , Wang Ming , Cai Pingqiang , Ji Baohua , Li Dechang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2020

Compared to transmission systems based on shafts and gears, tendon-driven systems offer a simpler and more dexterous way to transmit actuation force in robotic hands. However, current tendon fibers have low toughness and suffer from large friction, limiting the further development of tendon-driven robotic hands. Here, we report a super tough electro-tendon based on spider silk which has a toughness of 420 MJ/m3and conductivity of 1,077 S/cm. The electro-tendon, mechanically toughened by single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and electrically enhanced by PEDOT:PSS, can withstand more than 40,000 bending-stretching cycles without changes in conductivity. Because the electro-tendon can simultaneously transmit signals and force from the sensing and actuating systems, we use it to replace the single functional tendon in humanoid robotic hand to perform grasping functions without additional wiring and circuit components. This material is expected to pave the way for the development of robots and various applications in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Acid ceramidase of macrophages traps herpes simplex virus in multivesicular bodies and protects from severe disease
Authors: Lang Judith , Bohn Patrick , Bhat Hilal , Jastrow Holger , Walkenfort Bernd , Cansiz Feyza , Fink Julian , Bauer Michael , Olszewski Dominik , Ramos-Nascimento Ana , Duhan Vikas , Friedrich Sarah-Kim , Becker Katrin Anne , Krawczyk Adalbert , Edwards Michael J. , Burchert Andreas , Huber Magdalena , Friebus-Kardash Justa , Göthert Joachim R. , Hardt Cornelia , Probst Hans Christian , Schumacher Fabian , Köhrer Karl , Kleuser Burkhard , Babiychuk Eduard B. , Sodeik Beate , Seibel Jürgen , Greber Urs F. , Lang Philipp A. , Gulbins Erich , Lang Karl S.
Published: March 2020

Macrophages have important protective functions during infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). However, molecular mechanisms that restrict viral propagation and protect from severe disease are unclear. Here we show that macrophages take up HSV-1 via endocytosis and transport the virions into multivesicular bodies (MVBs). In MVBs, acid ceramidase (aCDase) converts ceramide into sphingosine and increases the formation of sphingosine-rich intraluminal vesicles (ILVs). Once HSV-1 particles reach MVBs, sphingosine-rich ILVs bind to HSV-1 particles, which restricts fusion with the limiting endosomal membrane and prevents cellular infection. Lack of aCDase in macrophage cultures or in Asah1−/− mice results in replication of HSV-1 and Asah1−/− mice die soon after systemic or intravaginal inoculation. The treatment of macrophages with sphingosine enhancing compounds blocks HSV-1 propagation, suggesting a therapeutic potential of this pathway. In conclusion, aCDase loads ILVs with sphingosine, which prevents HSV-1 capsids from penetrating into the cytosol.
Aptamer-based optical manipulation of protein subcellular localization in cells
Authors: Xie Sitao , Du Yulin , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Dailiang , He Lei , Qiu Liping , Jiang Jianhui , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2020

Protein-dominant cellular processes cannot be fully decoded without precise manipulation of their activity and localization in living cells. Advances in optogenetics have allowed spatiotemporal control over cellular proteins with molecular specificity; however, these methods require recombinant expression of fusion proteins, possibly leading to conflicting results. Instead of modifying proteins of interest, in this work, we focus on design of a tunable recognition unit and develop an aptamer-based near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanoplatform for manipulating the subcellular localization of specific proteins in their native states. Our results demonstrate that this nanoplatform allows photocontrol over the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling behavior of the target RelA protein (a member of the NF-κβ family), enabling regulation of RelA-related signaling pathways. With a modular design, this aptamer-based nanoplatform can be readily extended for the manipulation of different proteins (e.g., lysozyme and p53), holding great potential to develop a variety of label-free protein photoregulation strategies for studying complex biological events.
Ab initio electron-defect interactions using Wannier functions
Authors: Lu I-Te , Park Jinsoo , Zhou Jin-Jian , Bernardi Marco
Published: March 2020

Computing electron–defect (e–d) interactions from first principles has remained impractical due to computational cost. Here we develop an interpolation scheme based on maximally localized Wannier functions (WFs) to efficiently computee–d interaction matrix elements. The interpolated matrix elements can accurately reproduce those computed directly without interpolation and the approach can significantly speed up calculations ofe–d relaxation times and defect-limited charge transport. We show example calculations of neutral vacancy defects in silicon and copper, for which we compute thee–d relaxation times on fine uniform and random Brillouin zone grids (and for copper, directly on the Fermi surface), as well as the defect-limited resistivity at low temperature. Our interpolation approach opens doors for atomistic calculations of charge carrier dynamics in the presence of defects.
Immunization of mice with chimeric antigens displaying selected epitopes confers protection against intestinal colonization and renal damage caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Montero David A. , Del Canto Felipe , Salazar Juan C. , Céspedes Sandra , Cádiz Leandro , Arenas-Salinas Mauricio , Reyes José , Oñate Ángel , Vidal Roberto M.
Published: March 2020

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause diarrhea and dysentery, which may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Vaccination has been proposed as a preventive approach against STEC infection; however, there is no vaccine for humans and those used in animals reduce but do not eliminate the intestinal colonization of STEC. The OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins are widely distributed among clinical STEC strains and are recognized by serum IgG and IgA in patients with HUS. Here, we develop a vaccine formulation based on two chimeric antigens containing epitopes of OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins against STEC strains. Intramuscular and intranasal immunization of mice with these chimeric antigens elicited systemic and local long-lasting humoral responses. However, the class of antibodies generated was dependent on the adjuvant and the route of administration. Moreover, while intramuscular immunization with the combination of the chimeric antigens conferred protection against colonization by STEC O157:H7, the intranasal conferred protection against renal damage caused by STEC O91:H21. This preclinical study supports the potential use of this formulation based on recombinant chimeric proteins as a preventive strategy against STEC infections.
Draft genomes of female and male turbot Scophthalmus maximus
Authors: Xu Xi-wen , Shao Chang-wei , Xu Hao , Zhou Qian , You Feng , Wang Na , Li Wen-long , Li Ming , Chen Song-lin
Published: March 2020

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a commercially important flatfish species in aquaculture. It has a drastic sexual dimorphism, with females growing faster than males. In the present study, we sequenced and de novo assembled female and male turbot genomes. The assembled female genome was 568 Mb (scaffold N50, 6.2 Mb, BUSCO 97.4%), and the male genome was 584 Mb (scaffold N50, 5.9 Mb, BUSCO 96.6%). Using two genetic maps, we anchored female scaffolds representing 535 Mb onto 22 chromosomes. Annotation of the female anchored genome identified 87.8 Mb transposon elements and 20,134 genes. We identified 17,936 gene families, of which 369 gene families were flatfish specific. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the turbot, Japanese flounder and Chinese tongue sole form a clade that diverged from other teleosts approximately 78 Mya. This report of female and male turbot draft genomes and annotated genes provides a new resource for identifying sex determination genes, elucidating the evolution of adaptive traits in flatfish and developing genetic techniques to increase the sustainability of turbot aquaculture.
Variability in Language used on Social Media prior to Hospital Visits
Authors: Guntuku Sharath Chandra , Schwartz H. Andrew , Kashyap Adarsh , Gaulton Jessica S. , Stokes Daniel C. , Asch David A. , Ungar Lyle H. , Merchant Raina M.
Published: March 2020

Forecasting healthcare utilization has the potential to anticipate care needs, either accelerating needed care or redirecting patients toward care most appropriate to their needs. While prior research has utilized clinical information to forecast readmissions, analyzing digital footprints from social media can inform our understanding of individuals’ behaviors, thoughts, and motivations preceding a healthcare visit. We evaluate how language patterns on social media change prior to emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospital admissions in this case-crossover study of adult patients visiting a large urban academic hospital system who consented to share access to their history of Facebook statuses and electronic medical records. An ensemble machine learning model forecasted ED visits and inpatient admissions with out-of-sample cross-validated AUCs of 0.64 and 0.70 respectively. Prior to an ED visit, there was a significant increase in depressed language (Cohen’s d = 0.238), and a decrease in informal language (d = 0.345). Facebook posts prior to an inpatient admission showed significant increase in expressions of somatic pain (d = 0.267) and decrease in extraverted/social language (d = 0.357). These results are a first step in developing methods to utilize user-generated content to characterize patient care-seeking context which could ultimately enable better allocation of resources and potentially early interventions to reduce unplanned visits.
A novel hotspot specific isothermal amplification method for detection of the common PIK3CA p.H1047R breast cancer mutation
Authors: Kalofonou Melpomeni , Malpartida-Cardenas Kenny , Alexandrou George , Rodriguez-Manzano Jesus , Yu Ling-Shan , Miscourides Nicholas , Allsopp Rebecca , Gleason Kelly L. T. , Goddard Katie , Fernandez-Garcia Daniel , Page Karen , Georgiou Pantelis , Ali Simak , Coombes R. Charles , Shaw Jacqueline , Toumazou Christofer
Published: March 2020

Breast cancer (BC) is a common cancer in women worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, up to 30% of women eventually relapse and die of metastatic breast cancer. Liquid biopsy analysis of circulating cell-free DNA fragments in the patients’ blood can monitor clonality and evolving mutations as a surrogate for tumour biopsy. Next generation sequencing platforms and digital droplet PCR can be used to profile circulating tumour DNA from liquid biopsies; however, they are expensive and time consuming for clinical use. Here, we report a novel strategy with proof-of-concept data that supports the usage of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect PIK3CA c.3140 A > G (H1047R), a prevalent BC missense mutation that is attributed to BC tumour growth. Allele-specific primers were designed and optimized to detect the p.H1047R variant following the USS-sbLAMP method. The assay was developed with synthetic DNA templates and validated with DNA from two breast cancer cell-lines and two patient tumour tissue samples through a qPCR instrument and finally piloted on an ISFET enabled microchip. This work sets a foundation for BC mutational profiling on a Lab-on-Chip device, to help the early detection of patient relapse and to monitor efficacy of systemic therapies for personalised cancer patient management.
Strain perceptibility of elements on the diffusion in Zr-based amorphous alloys
Authors: Lee A. Y. , Kim S. Y. , Jang H. , Kim Y. D. , Spieckermann F. , Wilde G. , Eckert J. , Lee M. H.
Published: March 2020

With the discovery of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), there has been considerable interest in understanding their mechanical behavior. In spite of these previous observations on the relation between plastic deformation of metallic glasses and their diffusion behavior, a detailed understanding on the diffusion of BMGs is still unexplored. We evaluated the contribution of deformation-induced structural transformations (elastic, anelastic, viscoplastic or viscoelastic responsive and plastic strain) on the diffusion of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses in as-cast, elastostatically stressed and plastically deformed states. Experimental investigations of the diffusion process and the elemental distributions in the glassy alloy were performed following plastic deformation by multiple cold rolling and elastostatic cyclic compression, respectively. We compared the vacancy model and the transition state model to verify the diffusion mechanism in the deformed bulk metallic glass. The diffusion of tracer atoms, i.e., Fe, in the bulk metallic glass is affected by viscoelastic responsive strain governing the transition-state model. In contrast, the diffusion of constituent atoms, i.e., Ti, Zr, in the bulk metallic glass is dominantly affected by plastic strain governing the vacancy model. The results reveal that the diffusion behavior of bulk glassy alloys can be changed by variation of the constituent elements and applying different strain modes upon deformation.
Telomere length correlates with subtelomeric DNA methylation in long-term mindfulness practitioners
Authors: Mendioroz Maite , Puebla-Guedea Marta , Montero-Marín Jesús , Urdánoz-Casado Amaya , Blanco-Luquin Idoia , Roldán Miren , Labarga Alberto , García-Campayo Javier
Published: March 2020

Mindfulness and meditation techniques have proven successful for the reduction of stress and improvement in general health. In addition, meditation is linked to longevity and longer telomere length, a proposed biomarker of human aging. Interestingly, DNA methylation changes have been described at specific subtelomeric regions in long-term meditators compared to controls. However, the molecular basis underlying these beneficial effects of meditation on human health still remains unclear. Here we show that DNA methylation levels, measured by the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina) array, at specific subtelomeric regions containing GPR31 and SERPINB9 genes were associated with telomere length in long-term meditators with a strong statistical trend when correcting for multiple testing. Notably, age showed no association with telomere length in the group of long-term meditators. These results may suggest that long-term meditation could be related to epigenetic mechanisms, in particular gene-specific DNA methylation changes at distinct subtelomeric regions.
Assessment of the human bone lacuno-canalicular network at the nanoscale and impact of spatial resolution
Authors: Yu Boliang , Pacureanu Alexandra , Olivier Cécile , Cloetens Peter , Peyrin Françoise
Published: March 2020

Recently, increasing attention has been given to the study of osteocytes, the cells that are thought to play an important role in bone remodeling and in the mechanisms of bone fragility. The interconnected osteocyte system is deeply embedded inside the mineralized bone matrix and lies within a closely fitted porosity known as the lacuno-canalicular network. However, quantitative data on human samples remain scarce, mostly measured in 2D, and there are gaps to be filled in terms of spatial resolution. In this work, we present data on femoral samples from female donors imaged with isotropic 3D spatial resolution by magnified X-ray phase nano computerized-tomography. We report quantitative results on the 3D structure of canaliculi in human femoral bone imaged with a voxel size of 30 nm. We found that the lacuno-canalicular porosity occupies on average 1.45% of the total tissue volume, the ratio of the canalicular versus lacunar porosity is about 37.7%, and the primary number of canaliculi stemming from each lacuna is 79 on average. The examination of this number at different distances from the surface of the lacunae demonstrates branching in the canaliculi network. We analyzed the impact of spatial resolution on quantification by comparing parameters extracted from the same samples imaged with 120 nm and 30 nm voxel sizes. To avoid any bias related to the analysis region, the volumes at 120 nm and 30 nm were registered and cropped to the same field of view. Our results show that the measurements at 120 and 30 nm are strongly correlated in our data set but that the highest spatial resolution provides more accurate information on the canaliculi network and its branching properties.
Forecasting risk gene discovery in autism with machine learning and genome-scale data
Authors: Brueggeman Leo , Koomar Tanner , Michaelson Jacob J.
Published: March 2020

Genetics has been one of the most powerful windows into the biology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is estimated that a thousand or more genes may confer risk for ASD when functionally perturbed, however, only around 100 genes currently have sufficient evidence to be considered true “autism risk genes”. Massive genetic studies are currently underway producing data to implicate additional genes. This approach — although necessary — is costly and slow-moving, making identification of putative ASD risk genes with existing data vital. Here, we approach autism risk gene discovery as a machine learning problem, rather than a genetic association problem, by using genome-scale data as predictors to identify new genes with similar properties to established autism risk genes. This ensemble method, forecASD, integrates brain gene expression, heterogeneous network data, and previous gene-level predictors of autism association into an ensemble classifier that yields a single score indexing evidence of each gene’s involvement in the etiology of autism. We demonstrate that forecASD has substantially better performance than previous predictors of autism association in three independent trio-based sequencing studies. Studying forecASD prioritized genes, we show that forecASD is a robust indicator of a gene’s involvement in ASD etiology, with diverse applications to gene discovery, differential expression analysis, eQTL prioritization, and pathway enrichment analysis.
Superconductivity and Shubnikov - de Haas effect in polycrystalline Cd3As2 thin films
Authors: Oveshnikov Leonid N. , Davydov Alexander B. , Suslov Alexey V. , Ril’ Alexey I. , Marenkin Sergey F. , Vasiliev Alexander L. , Aronzon Boris A.
Published: March 2020

In this study we observed the reproducible superconducting state in Cd3As2 thin films without any external stimuli. Comparison with our previous results reveals similar qualitative behavior for films synthesized by different methods, while the difference in the values of the critical parameters clearly shows the possibility to control this state. The X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate the presence of the tetragonal Cd3As2 crystal phase in studied films. Measurements of high-field magnetoresistance reveal pronounced Shubnikov - de Haas oscillations. The analysis of these oscillations suggests that, due to high carrier concentration in studied Cd3As2 films, the initial Dirac semimetal phase may be partially suppressed, which, however, does not contradict with possible topological nature of the observed superconductivity.
Novel RvD6 stereoisomer induces corneal nerve regeneration and wound healing post-injury by modulating trigeminal transcriptomic signature
Authors: Pham Thang L. , Kakazu Azucena H. , He Jiucheng , Jun Bokkyoo , Bazan Nicolas G. , Bazan Haydee E. P.
Published: March 2020

The high-density corneal innervation plays a pivotal role in sustaining the integrity of the ocular surface. We have previously demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promotes corneal nerve regeneration; here, we report the mechanism involved and the discovery of a stereospecific Resolvin D6-isomer (RvD6si) that drives the process. RvD6si promotes corneal wound healing and functional recovery by restoring corneal innervation after injury. RvD6si applied to the eye surface elicits a specific transcriptome signature in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) that includes Rictor, the rapamycin-insensitive complex-2 of mTOR (mTORC2), and genes involved in axon growth, whereas genes related to neuropathic pain are decreased. As a result, attenuation of ocular neuropathic pain and dry eye will take place. Thus, RvD6si opens up new therapeutic avenues for pathologies that affect corneal innervation.
Fluorescence polarization assay to detect the presence of traces of ciprofloxacin
Authors: El Kojok Hiyam , El Darra Nada , Khalil Mahmoud , Capo Alessandro , Pennacchio Angela , Staiano Maria , Camarca Alessandra , D’Auria Sabato , Varriale Antonio
Published: March 2020

Detection of ciprofloxacin residues in milk by sensitive and rapid methods is of great interest due to its use in the treatment of dairy livestock health. Current analytical approaches to antibiotics detection, are laboratory-based methods and they are time-consuming and require trained personnel. To cope this problem, we propose an assay, based on fluorescence polarization principle, able to detect the presence of ciprofloxacin in diluted milk sample without any pre-treatment. The proposed method is based on the use of ciprofloxacin-protein conjugate labeled with near infrared fluorescence dye, which upon binding to specific antibody causes an increase of the fluorescence polarization emission signal. The developed assay allows for the detection of ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 1ppb, which represents an amount lower than the maximum residual limit (MRL) of ciprofloxacin in milk, as set by the European Union regulation (100 ppb).
Associations between Central Obesity and Outcomes of Adult In-hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Chih-Hung , Chang Wei-Tien , Huang Chien-Hua , Tsai Min-Shan , Lu Tsung-Chien , Chou Eric , Wu Yen-Wen , Chen Wen-Jone
Published: March 2020

To investigate the association between central obesity and outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). A single-centred retrospective study was conducted. Adult patients that experienced IHCA during 2006–2015 were screened. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated at hospital admission. Central obesity-related anthropometric parameters were measured by analysing computed tomography images. A total of 648 patients were included, with mean BMI of 23.0 kg/m2. The proportions of BMI-defined obesity in this cohort were underweight (13.1%), normal weight (41.4%), overweight (31.5%) and obesity (14.0%). The mean waist circumference was 85.9 cm with mean waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 0.53. The mean sagittal abdominal diameter was 21.2 cm with mean anterior and posterior abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) depths of 1.6 and 2.0 cm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated BMI of 11.7–23.3 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–5.85; p-value = 0.03), WHtR of 0.49–0.59 (OR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.56–7.65; p-value = 0.002) and anterior abdominal SAT depth <1.9 cm (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.05–7.74; p-value = 0.04) were positively associated with the favourable neurological outcome. Central obesity was associated with poor IHCA outcomes, after adjusting for the effects of BMI.
Brownian fluctuations and hydrodynamics of a microhelix near a solid wall
Authors: Bianchi Silvio , Carmona Sosa Viridiana , Vizsnyiczai Gaszton , Di Leonardo Roberto
Published: March 2020

We combine two-photon lithography and optical tweezers to investigate the Brownian fluctuations and propeller characteristics of a microfabricated helix. From the analysis of mean squared displacements and time correlation functions we recover the components of the full mobility tensor. We find that Brownian motion displays correlations between angular and translational fluctuations from which we can directly measure the hydrodynamic coupling coefficient that is responsible for thrust generation. By varying the distance of the microhelices from a no-slip boundary we can systematically measure the effects of a nearby wall on the resistance matrix. Our results indicate that a rotated helix moves faster when a nearby no-slip boundary is present, providing a quantitative insight on thrust enhancement in confined geometries for both synthetic and biological microswimmers.
Association between sleep quality and time with energy metabolism in sedentary adults
Authors: Jurado-Fasoli Lucas , Mochon-Benguigui Sol , Castillo Manuel J. , Amaro-Gahete Francisco J.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of sleep quality and time with basal metabolic rate (BMR) and fuel oxidation in basal conditions and during exercise in sedentary middle-aged adults. We also studied the mediation role of dietary intake and adherence to the traditional Mediterranean Diet in the relationship between sleep parameters and energy metabolism parameters.A secondary analysis of the FIT-AGEING study was undertaken. 70 middle-aged sedentary adults (40–65 years old) participated in the present study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and wrist accelerometers (ActiSleep, Actigraph, Pensacola, Florida, USA) for 7 consecutive days. BMR was measured with indirect calorimetry and fuel oxidation was estimated through stoichiometric equations. Maximal fat oxidation was determined by a walking graded exercise test and dietary intake with 24 h recalls. Adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was assessed through the PREDIMED questionnaire. PSQI global score (poor sleep quality) was associated with lower basal fat oxidation (BFox), both expressed in g/min and as a percentage of BMR, independently of confounders. We did not find any association between other sleep and energy metabolism parameters. No mediating role of the dietary intake or PREDIMED global score was observed in the association of PSQI and BFox. In conclusion, our study showed that a subjective poor sleep quality was associated with lower BFox, which is not mediated by dietary intake in sedentary adults.