bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaze and eye movement in dialogue interpreting: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Tiselius Elisabet , Sneed Kayle
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have investigated the cognitive processes of simultaneous interpreting and translation using eye-tracking. No study has yet utilized eye-tracking to investigate cognitive load and cognitive effort in dialogue interpreting. An eye-tracking study was conducted on two groups of interpreters (experienced and inexperienced) with varying language backgrounds during a staged dialogue interpreting session. The aim of the study was to explore gaze patterns in dialogue interpreting in relation to the interpreters’ action and translation direction. The results indicated there were differences in gaze patterns depending on the action and the language used. Participants averted gaze more when interpreting into the allophone language (the L2 for a majority of the participants in this study). This may indicate that interpreting into L2 in a dialogue may involve more cognitive effort than interpreting into L1. Finally, gaze patterns did not differ significantly between inexperienced and experienced dialogue interpreters.
A Brief History of the Collaboration between Dr Nathan Gillespie and Professor Nick Martin Including Personal Reflections
Authors: Gillespie Nathan A.
Published: May 2020

This article describes Dr Nathan Gillespie’s PhD training and supervision under Professor Nick Martin and their ongoing collaborations. Drs Gillespie and Martin have collaborated on numerous biometrical genetic analyses applied to cross-sectional and longitudinal twin data, combined molecular and phenotypic modeling, as well as genomewide meta-analyses of psychoactive substance use and misuse. Dr Gillespie remains an active collaborator with Professor Martin, including ongoing data collection, analysis and publications related to the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study.
Impact of postemergence herbicides on soybean injury and canopy formation
Authors: Priess Grant L. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Roberts Trenton L. , Gbur Edward E.
Published: May 2020

Field studies were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in Arkansas to evaluate the injury caused by herbicides on soybean canopy formation and yield. Fomesafen, acifluorfen, S-metolachlor + fomesafen, and S-metolachlor + fomesafen + chlorimuron alone and in combination with glufosinate were applied to glufosinate-resistant soybean at the V2 growth stage. Soybean injury resulting from these labeled herbicide treatments ranged from 9% to 25% at 2 wk after application. This level of injury resulted in a 4-, 5-, 6-, and 6-d delay in soybean reaching 80% groundcover following fomesafen, acifluorfen, S-metolachlor + fomesafen, and S-metolachlor + fomesafen + chlorimuron, respectively. There was a 2-d delay in soybean reaching a canopy volume of 15,000 cm3 following each of the four herbicide treatments. The addition of glufosinate to the herbicide applications resulted in longer delays in canopy formation with every herbicide treatment except glufosinate + fomesafen. Fomesafen, acifluorfen, S-metolachlor + fomesafen, and S-metolachlor + fomesafen + chlorimuron, each applied with glufosinate, delayed soybean from reaching 80% groundcover by 2, 7, 8, and 9 d, respectively, and delayed the number of days for soybean to reach a canopy volume of 15,000 cm3 by 2, 3, 2, and 2 d, respectively. No yield loss occurred with any herbicide application. A delay in percent groundcover in soybean allows sunlight to reach the soil surface for longer periods throughout the growing season, possibly promoting late-season weed germination and the need for an additional POST herbicide application.
Clinical factors correlated with vitamin D deficiency in patients with obesity scheduled for bariatric surgery: A single center experience
Authors: Pilone Vincenzo , Tramontano Salvatore , Cutolo Carmen , Marchese Federica , Pagano Antonio Maria , Di Spirito Federica , Schiavo Luigi
Published: May 2020

Abstract. We aim to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery (BS), and to identify factors that might be associated with VDD. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving all consecutive patients scheduled for BS from 2017 to 2019. The exclusion criteria were missing data for vitamin D levels, intake of vitamin D supplements in the 3 months prior to serum vitamin D determination, and renal insufficiency. A total of 206 patients (mean age and body mass index [BMI] of 34.9 ± 10.7 years, and 44.3 ± 6.99 kg/m2, respectively) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled for data analysis. VDD (<19.9 ng/mL), severe VDD (<10 ng/mL), and vitamin D insufficiency (20–29.9 ng/mL) were present in 68.8 %, 12.5 %, and 31.2 % of patients, respectively. A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin D levels and initial BMI, parathyroid hormone, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (r = −0.280, p < 0.05; r = −0.407, p = 0.038; r = −0.445, p = 0.005), respectively. VDD was significantly more prevalent in patients with higher BMI [−0.413 ± 0.12, CI95 % (−0.659; −0.167), p = 0.006], whereas no significant association between hypertension [−1.005 ± 1.65, CI95 % (−4.338; 2.326), p = 0.001], and diabetes type 2 (T2D) [−0.44 ± 2.20, CI95 % (−4.876; 3.986), p = 0.841] was found. We observed significant association between female sex and levels of vitamin D [6.69 ± 2.31, CI95 % (2.06; 11.33), p = 0.006]. The present study shows that in patients scheduled for BS, VDD deficiency is common and was associated with higher BMI, and female sex.
Relationships Between Supermicrometer Sea Salt Aerosol and Marine Boundary Layer Conditions: Insights From Repeated Identical Flight Patterns
Authors: Schlosser Joseph S. , Dadashazar Hossein , Edwards Eva‐Lou , Hossein Mardi Ali , Prabhakar Gouri , Stahl Connor , Jonsson Haflidi H. , Sorooshian Armin
Published: May 2020

The MONterey Aerosol Research Campaign (MONARC) in May–June 2019 featured 14 repeated identical flights off the California coast over the open ocean at the same time each flight day. The objective of this study is to use MONARC data along with machine learning analysis to evaluate relationships between both supermicrometer sea salt aerosol number (N>1) and volume (V>1) concentrations and wind speed, wind direction, sea surface temperature (SST), ambient temperature (Tamb), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), relative humidity (RH), marine boundary layer (MBL) depth, and drizzle rate. Selected findings from this study include the following: (i) Near surface (<60 m) N>1 and V>1 concentration ranges were 0.1–4.6 cm−3 and 0.3–28.2 μm3 cm−3, respectively; (ii) four meteorological regimes were identified during MONARC with each resulting in different N>1 and V>1 concentrations and also varying horizontal and vertical profiles; (iii) the relative predictive strength of the MBL properties varies depending on predicting N>1 or V>1, with MBL depth being more highly ranked for predicting N>1 and with TKE being higher for predicting V>1; (iv) MBL depths >400 m (<200 m) often correspond to lower (higher) N>1 and V>1 concentrations; (v) enhanced drizzle rates coincide with reduced N>1 and V>1 concentrations; (vi) N>1 and V>1 concentrations exhibit an overall negative relationship with SST and RH and an overall positive relationship with Tamb; and (vii) wind speed and direction were relatively weak predictors of N>1 and V>1.
Effect on Subduction of Deeply Buried Seamounts Offshore of Kodiak Island
Authors: Frederik Marina C. G. , Gulick Sean P. S. , Miller John J.
Published: May 2020

Seamounts are ubiquitous on the oceanic plate; those situated near convergent margins will eventually undergo subduction. Using six prestack depth migrated MCS profiles transecting the Aleutian Trench, we investigate deeply buried seamounts offshore Kodiak Island, within 145–155°W and 55–58°N. A distinct sedimentary horizon exists in all six seismic profiles, at or above the average height of seamounts, which appears to be the preferred structural detachment zone. Where drilled, this horizon contains gravel‐sized debris interpreted to be ice rafted and marks the onset of intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation at ~2.7 Ma. Beneath this horizon, sediments prior to the Surveyor Fan development were deposited, all or the majority of these sediments will eventually be subducted. Despite the subducted seamounts being deeply buried, these features cause enhanced surface slope of the accretionary prism. Our observations lead us to propose a model for the stages of subduction for deeply buried seamounts. These stages include the following: (1) Prior to subduction, the protothrust zone undergoes enhanced shortening, (2) frontal thrust steepening and enhanced backthrusting occurs during subduction with a potential décollement step down seaward and a steeping outward of the deformation front to the limit of the protothrust zone, and (3) further subduction results in a pattern of uplift farther into the wedge resulting in enhanced out‐of‐sequence thrusting and persistence of the more seaward deformation front position. This pattern is distinct from the dominance of embayments and effective removal of prism material during seamount subduction described along margins with less deeply buried edifices.
Muztaghata Dome Miocene Eclogite Facies Metamorphism: A Record of Lower Crustal Evolution of the NE Pamir
Authors: Li Yi‐Peng , Robinson Alexander C. , Lapen Thomas J. , Righter Minako , Stevens Michael K.
Published: May 2020

The Pamir gneiss domes represent the most extensive exposure of mid to lower crustal rocks in the Himalayan‐Tibetan orogen north of the India‐Asia suture zone. Unlike other domes in the Central and Southern Pamir, the Muztaghata dome stands out due to its higher metamorphic grade, more complex structural elements, and variable timing of metamorphism. In order to unravel the P‐T‐t history of the Muztaghata dome and better constrain the timing of peak metamorphism, we applied petrologic modeling in concert with geochronology to samples from the structure. The Muztaghata gneiss dome is composed of a structurally higher metapelite‐dominated terrane in the west and a structurally lower orthogneiss terrane in the east. Our results from the western terrane indicate high‐pressure eclogite facies peak conditions of ~800°C/22 kbar at ~25–20 Ma. Zircon grains from metapelitic samples from the western terrane also yield Early Jurassic metamorphic U‐Pb ages with REE signals that indicate coeval garnet growth. Our results from the eastern terrane record high‐pressure amphibolite facies peak conditions of ~650°C/14 kbar at ~24–20 Ma, noticeably lower than the structurally higher western terrane indicating structural juxtaposition during Miocene exhumation. Peak metamorphic conditions from the eastern terrane indicate depths below the current Moho, supporting the interpretation that the Early Miocene Pamir crust was thicker than present. This was followed by rapid exhumation from depths of ~75–80 km and partial westward collapse of the Pamir after 20 Ma, possibly driven in part by regional lithospheric delamination.
Assessment and Prediction of Pore‐Scale Reactive Mixing From Experimental Conservative Transport Data
Authors: Perez Lazaro J. , Hidalgo Juan J. , Puyguiraud Alexandre , Jiménez‐Martínez Joaquín , Dentz Marco
Published: May 2020

We investigate the impact of pore‐scale heterogeneity on reactive mixing using experimental data from inert fluid‐fluid displacement in a quasi 2‐D porous medium. We interpret the invading and defending fluids as the conservative components A+C and B+C of the instantaneous irreversible bimolecular chemical reaction A+B→C and determine the reaction product C. We find strong growth of the reaction rate at short and intermediate times due to deformation of the mixing interface and heterogeneity‐induced increase of the mixing area. This behavior is captured by a dispersive lamella approach that quantifies the mixing dynamics at the interface in terms of temporally evolving effective dispersion coefficients. The latter capture the dominant controls on the evolution of the mixing interface, namely, advective heterogeneity and transverse mixing. Reactive transport formulations based on constant hydrodynamic dispersion coefficients are not able to describe the observed behavior due to the lack of complete mixing on the support scale, which is required for these approaches to hold. These results shed some new light on the origins of heterogeneity‐induced mixing and reaction dynamics in porous media and their systematic upscaling.
Global distribution of a chlorophyll f cyanobacterial marker
Authors: Antonaru Laura A , Cardona Tanai , Larkum Anthony W D , Nürnberg Dennis J
Published: May 2020

Some cyanobacteria use light outside the visible spectrum for oxygenic photosynthesis. The far-red light (FRL) region is made accessible through a complex acclimation process that involves the formation of new phycobilisomes and photosystems containing chlorophyll f. Diverse cyanobacteria ranging from unicellular to branched-filamentous forms show this response. These organisms have been isolated from shaded environments such as microbial mats, soil, rock, and stromatolites. However, the full spread of chlorophyll f-containing species in nature is still unknown. Currently, discovering new chlorophyll f cyanobacteria involves lengthy incubation times under selective far-red light. We have used a marker gene to detect chlorophyll f organisms in environmental samples and metagenomic data. This marker, apcE2, encodes a phycobilisome linker associated with FRL-photosynthesis. By focusing on a far-red motif within the sequence, degenerate PCR and BLAST searches can effectively discriminate against the normal chlorophyll a-associated apcE. Even short recovered sequences carry enough information for phylogenetic placement. Markers of chlorophyll f photosynthesis were found in metagenomic datasets from diverse environments around the globe, including cyanobacterial symbionts, hypersaline lakes, corals, and the Arctic/Antarctic regions. This additional information enabled higher phylogenetic resolution supporting the hypothesis that vertical descent, as opposed to horizontal gene transfer, is largely responsible for this phenotype’s distribution.
Beclin 1 functions as a negative modulator of MLKL oligomerisation by integrating into the necrosome complex
Authors: Seo Jinho , Seong Daehyeon , Nam Young Woo , Hwang Chi Hyun , Lee Seung Ri , Lee Choong-Sil , Jin Young , Lee Han-Woong , Oh Doo-Byoung , Vandenabeele Peter , Song Jaewhan
Published: May 2020

Necroptosis is a form of regulated cell death caused by formation of the necrosome complex. However, the factors modulating this process and the systemic pathophysiological effects of necroptosis are yet to be understood. Here, we identified that Beclin 1 functions as an anti-necroptosis factor by being recruited into the necrosome complex upon treatment with TNFα, Smac mimetic, and pan-caspase inhibitor and by repressing MLKL oligomerisation, thus preventing the disruption of the plasma membrane. Cells ablated or knocked-out for Beclin 1 become sensitised to necroptosis in an autophagy-independent manner without affecting the necrosome formation itself. Interestingly, the recruitment of Beclin 1 into the necrosome complex is dependent on the activation and phosphorylation of MLKL. Biochemically, the coiled-coil domain (CCD) of Beclin 1 binds to the CCD of MLKL, which restrains the oligomerisation of phosphorylated MLKL. Finally, Beclin 1 depletion was found to promote necroptosis in leukaemia cells and enhance regression of xenografted-tumour upon treatment with Smac mimetics and caspase inhibitors. These results suggest that Beclin 1 functions as a negative regulator in the execution of necroptosis by suppressing MLKL oligomerisation.
Understanding the metabolism of the tetralin degrader Sphingopyxis granuli strain TFA through genome-scale metabolic modelling
Authors: García-Romero Inmaculada , Nogales Juan , Díaz Eduardo , Santero Eduardo , Floriano Belén
Published: May 2020

Sphingopyxis granuli strain TFA is an α-proteobacterium that belongs to the sphingomonads, a group of bacteria well-known for its degradative capabilities and oligotrophic metabolism. Strain TFA is the only bacterium in which the mineralisation of the aromatic pollutant tetralin has been completely characterized at biochemical, genetic, and regulatory levels and the first Sphingopyxis characterised as facultative anaerobe. Here we report additional metabolic features of this α-proteobacterium using metabolic modelling and the functional integration of genomic and transcriptomic data. The genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) of strain TFA, which has been manually curated, includes information on 743 genes, 1114 metabolites and 1397 reactions. This represents the largest metabolic model for a member of the Sphingomonadales order thus far. The predictive potential of this model was validated against experimentally calculated growth rates on different carbon sources and under different growth conditions, including both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms. Moreover, new carbon and nitrogen sources were predicted and experimentally validated. The constructed metabolic model was used as a platform for the incorporation of transcriptomic data, generating a more robust and accurate model. In silico flux analysis under different metabolic scenarios highlighted the key role of the glyoxylate cycle in the central metabolism of strain TFA.
Width identification of transition zone between desert and oasis based on NDVI and TCI
Authors: JI Shuxin , Bai Xuelian , Qiao Rongrong , Wang Lixiang , Chang Xueli
Published: May 2020

The oasis-desert transition zone, the boundary between the desert and oasis, has special significance in maintaining oasis stability and indicating ecosystem health. The width of the boundary is one of the critical indicators to determine the sampling design and restrict findings scaling in the study of the desert oasis transition zone. Buffer analyze and focal analyze were conducted to determine the width among oasis-desert transition zone and oasis artificial sand fixation zone in Hexi corridor China. Focal analyses indicate that TCImax and TCImin can constrain NDVI of trend variation, and the effect increases with the analysis scale. On the same spatial scale, NDVI and TCI have opposite trends and have intersections. The intersection of the sandy desert transition zone is between 30–90 m, and the oasis artificial sand-fixaion zone is between 90–150 m. The width of the sandy desert transition zone is between 220–300 m, and the width increases with the increase of analysis scale. The oasis artificial sand-fixation zone is between 420 and 540 m, which decreases with the increase of the analysis scale. NDVI shows a trend of decreasing from the oasis boundary to the desert, the trend of TCI is different from that of NDVI, showing an increase from the edge of oasis to the interior of desert. The differences in the spatial distribution of NDVI and TCI can be clearly expressed, and different types of transition zones and analysis scales have their own characteristics.
Controllable skyrmion chirality in ferroelectrics
Authors: Tikhonov Yu. , Kondovych S. , Mangeri J. , Pavlenko M. , Baudry L. , Sené A. , Galda A. , Nakhmanson S. , Heinonen O. , Razumnaya A. , Luk’yanchuk I. , Vinokur V. M.
Published: May 2020

Chirality, an intrinsic handedness, is one of the most intriguing fundamental phenomena in nature. Materials composed of chiral molecules find broad applications in areas ranging from nonlinear optics and spintronics to biology and pharmaceuticals. However, chirality is usually an invariable inherent property of a given material that cannot be easily changed at will. Here, we demonstrate that ferroelectric nanodots support skyrmions the chirality of which can be controlled and switched. We devise protocols for realizing control and efficient manipulations of the different types of skyrmions. Our findings open the route for controlled chirality with potential applications in ferroelectric-based information technologies.
Microglia Dynamics and Interactions with Motoneurons Axotomized After Nerve Injuries Revealed By Two-Photon Imaging
Authors: Rotterman Travis M. , Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: May 2020

The significance of activated microglia around motoneurons axotomized after nerve injuries has been intensely debated. In particular, whether microglia become phagocytic is controversial. To resolve these issues we directly observed microglia behaviors with two-photon microscopy in ex vivo spinal cord slices from CX3CR1-GFP mice complemented with confocal analyses of CD68 protein. Axotomized motoneurons were retrogradely-labeled from muscle before nerve injuries. Microglia behaviors close to axotomized motoneurons greatly differ from those within uninjured motor pools. They develop a phagocytic phenotype as early as 3 days after injury, characterized by frequent phagocytic cups, high phagosome content and CD68 upregulation. Interactions between microglia and motoneurons changed with time after axotomy. Microglia first extend processes that end in phagocytic cups at the motoneuron surface, then they closely attach to the motoneuron while extending filopodia over the cell body. Confocal 3D analyses revealed increased microglia coverage of the motoneuron cell body surface with time after injury and the presence of CD68 granules in microglia surfaces opposed to motoneurons. Some microglia formed macroclusters associated with dying motoneurons. Microglia in these clusters display the highest CD68 expression and associate with cytotoxic T-cells. These observations are discussed in relation to current theories on microglia function around axotomized motoneurons.
New insights for understanding spatial patterning and formation processes of the Neanderthal occupation in the Amalda I cave (Gipuzkoa, Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Laura , Benito-Calvo Alfonso , Marín-Arroyo Ana B. , Agudo-Pérez Lucía , Karampaglidis Theodoros , Rios-Garaizar Joseba
Published: May 2020

The Level VII of Amalda I cave (Gipuzkoa, Spain) represents one of the latest Middle Palaeolithic occupations in the Cantabrian Region. It is characterized by the presence of Middle Palaeolithic lithic industry and animal remains, with clear evidences of anthropic and carnivore manipulation. At this site, the Neanderthal presence has been questioned in relation to the role of carnivores in the accumulation of large, medium-sized and small mammals. It has also been proposed that the Neanderthal occupation could have consisted of short-term occupations, where different activities took place in a structured space within the cave. However, all hypotheses lacked any integrative analysis of the site formation processes. With the aim of understanding these processes, a combination of spatial techniques, based on GIS and inferential statistics (density analysis, hotspots tools and palaeotopographic reconstruction), along with the taphonomic study of identifiable and non-identifiable macromammals remains, were employed. This study has revealed distinct use of the cave space by Neanderthals and carnivores. The major concentrations of lithics and medium-size mammal remains were clearly accumulated by humans at the cave entrance, while the small-size mammals were gathered by carnivores in an inner zone. The activities of the Neanderthals seem to be distinctly structured, suggesting a parallel exploitation of resources.
Observation of elliptically polarized light from total internal reflection in bubbles
Authors: Miller Sawyer , Ding Yitian , Jiang Linan , Tu Xingzhou , Pau Stanley
Published: May 2020

Bubbles are ubiquitous in the natural environment, where different substances and phases of the same substance forms globules due to differences in pressure and surface tension. Total internal reflection occurs at the interface of a bubble, where light travels from the higher refractive index material outside a bubble to the lower index material inside a bubble at appropriate angles of incidence, which can lead to a phase shift in the reflected light. Linearly polarized skylight can be converted to elliptically polarized light with efficiency up to 53% by single scattering from the water-air interface. Total internal reflection from air bubble in water is one of the few sources of elliptical polarization in the natural world. Stationary and dynamic scenes of air bubbles in water in both indoor and outdoor settings are studied using an imaging polarimeter. Our results are important for studies in fluid dynamics, remote sensing, and polarimetry.
Structural dynamic studies on identification of EGCG analogues for the inhibition of Human Papillomavirus E7
Authors: Aarthy Murali , Panwar Umesh , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: May 2020

High risk human papillomaviruses are highly associated with the cervical carcinoma and the other genital tumors. Development of cervical cancer passes through the multistep process initiated from benign cyst to increasingly severe premalignant dysplastic lesions in an epithelium. Replication of this virus occurs in the fatal differentiating epithelium and involves in the activation of cellular DNA replication proteins. The oncoprotein E7 of human papillomavirus expressed in the lower epithelial layers constrains the cells into S-phase constructing an environment favorable for genome replication and cell proliferation. To date, no suitable drug molecules exist to treat HPV infection whereas anticipation of novel anti-HPV chemotherapies with distinctive mode of actions and identification of potential drugs are crucial to a greater extent. Hence, our present study focused on identification of compounds analogue to EGCG, a green tea molecule which is considered to be safe to use for mammalian systems towards treatment of cancer. A three dimensional similarity search on the small molecule library from natural product database using EGCG identified 11 potential small molecules based on their structural similarity. The docking strategies were implemented with acquired small molecules and identification of the key interactions between protein and compounds were carried out through binding free energy calculations. The conformational changes between the apoprotein and complexes were analyzed through simulation performed thrice demonstrating the dynamical and structural effects of the protein induced by the compounds signifying the domination. The analysis of the conformational stability provoked us to describe the features of the best identified small molecules through electronic structure calculations. Overall, our study provides the basis for structural insights of the identified potential identified small molecules and EGCG. Hence, the identified analogue of EGCG can be potent inhibitors against the HPV 16 E7 oncoprotein.
Nanoparticle delivery of a pH-sensitive prodrug of doxorubicin and a mitochondrial targeting VES-H8R8 synergistically kill multi-drug resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Czupiel Petro , Delplace Vianney , Shoichet Molly
Published: May 2020

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) remains a major obstacle in cancer treatment while being heavily dependent on mitochondrial activity and drug efflux. We previously demonstrated that cationic lipids, such as the vitamin E succinate modified octahistidine-octaarginine (VES-H8R8) conjugate, target mitochondria, resulting in depolarized mitochondria and inhibited drug efflux in MDR breast cancer cells. We hypothesized that the effective cell uptake, efflux inhibition, and mitochondrial depolarization properties of VES-H8R8 would synergistically enhance the toxicity of a pH-sensitive prodrug of doxorubicin (pDox) when co-encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs). pDox was successfully synthesized and validated for pH-sensitive release from NPs under lysosome-mimicking, acidic conditions. The synergistic effect of VES-H8R8 and pDox was confirmed against MDR breast cancer cells in vitro. Importantly, synergism was only observed when VES-H8R8 and pDox were co-encapsulated in a single nanoparticulate system. The synergistic mechanism was investigated, confirming superior pDox uptake and retention, Pgp efflux inhibition, mitochondrial depolarization, and enhanced induction of ROS, and apoptosis. This work demonstrates the translational potential of doubly-loaded NPs co-encapsulating pDox with VES-H8R8 to synergistically kill MDR breast cancer cells.
Instrumentation for quantitative analysis of volatile compounds emission at elevated temperatures. Part 1: Design and implementation
Authors: Lourenço Célia , Bergin Sarah , Hodgkinson Jane , Francis Daniel , Staines Stephen E. , Saffell John R. , Walton Christopher , Tatam Ralph P.
Published: May 2020

A novel suite of instrumentation for the characterisation of materials held inside an air-tight tube furnace operated up to 250 °C has been developed. Real-time detection of released gases (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2, NO, NO2, SO2, CO and O2) was achieved combining commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) gas sensors and sorbent tubes for further qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled to thermal desorption (TD-GC-MS). The test system was designed to provide a controlled flow (1000 cm3 min−1) of hydrocarbon free air through the furnace. The furnace temperature ramp was set at a rate of 5 °C min−1 with 10 min dwell points at 70 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C and 250 °C to allow time for stabilisation and further headspace sampling onto sorbent tubes. Experimental design of the instrumentation is described here and an example data set upon exposure to a gas sample is presented.
Opposite Roles of the JMJD1A Interaction Partners MDFI and MDFIC in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sui Yuan , Li Xiaomeng , Oh Sangphil , Zhang Bin , Freeman Willard M. , Shin Sook , Janknecht Ralf
Published: May 2020

MyoD family inhibitor (MDFI) and MDFI domain-containing (MDFIC) are homologous proteins known to regulate myogenic transcription factors. Hitherto, their role in cancer is unknown. We discovered that MDFI is up- and MDFIC downregulated in colorectal tumors. Mirroring these different expression patterns, MDFI stimulated and MDFIC inhibited growth of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Further, MDFI and MDFIC interacted with Jumonji C domain-containing (JMJD) 1 A, a histone demethylase and epigenetic regulator involved in colorectal cancer. JMJD1A influenced transcription of several genes that were also regulated by MDFI or MDFIC. Notably, the HIC1 tumor suppressor gene was stimulated by JMJD1A and MDFIC, but not by MDFI, and HIC1 overexpression phenocopied the growth suppressive effects of MDFIC in HCT116 cells. Similar to colorectal cancer, MDFI was up- and MDFIC downregulated in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, but both were overexpressed in brain, gastric and pancreatic tumors that implies MDFIC to also promote tumorigenesis in certain tissues. Altogether, our data suggest a tumor modulating function for MDFI and MDFIC in colorectal and other cancers that may involve their interaction with JMJD1A and a MDFIC→HIC1 axis.
Epithelial-interleukin-1 inhibits collagen formation by airway fibroblasts: Implications for asthma
Authors: Osei Emmanuel T. , B. Mostaço-Guidolin Leila , Hsieh Aileen , Warner Stephanie M. , AL-Fouadi May , Wang Mary , Cole Darren J. , Maksym Geoffrey N. , S. Hallstrand Teal , Timens Wim , Brandsma Corry-Anke , Heijink Irene H. , Hackett Tillie-Louise.
Published: May 2020

In asthma, the airway epithelium has an impaired capacity to differentiate and plays a key role in the development of airway inflammation and remodeling through mediator release. The study objective was to investigate the release of (IL)-1 family members from primary airway epithelial-cells during differentiation, and how they affect primary airway fibroblast (PAF)-induced inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and collagen I remodeling. The release of IL-1α/β and IL-33 during airway epithelial differentiation was assessed over 20-days using air-liquid interface cultures. The effect of IL-1 family cytokines on airway fibroblasts grown on collagen-coated well-plates and 3-dimensional collagen gels was assessed by measurement of inflammatory mediators and ECM proteins by ELISA and western blot, as well as collagen fiber formation using non-linear optical microscopy after 24-hours. The production of IL-1α is elevated in undifferentiated asthmatic-PAECs compared to controls. IL-1α/β induced fibroblast pro-inflammatory responses (CXCL8/IL-8, IL-6, TSLP, GM-CSF) and suppressed ECM-production (collagen, fibronectin, periostin) and the cell’s ability to repair and remodel fibrillar collagen I via LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL2 activity, as confirmed by inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile. These data support a role for epithelial-derived-IL-1 in the dysregulated repair of the asthmatic-EMTU and provides new insights into the contribution of airway fibroblasts in inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma.
New capabilities of Sentinel-2A/B satellites combined with in situ data for monitoring small harmful algal blooms in complex coastal waters
Authors: Caballero Isabel , Fernández Raúl , Escalante Oscar Moreno , Mamán Luz , Navarro Gabriel
Published: May 2020

The increased frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is a major environmental concern worldwide, resulting not only in increased treatment costs for drinking water but also in impacts on tourism, commercial fishing and aquaculture and risks to human and animal health. Traditional strategies with ship-based approaches based on field sampling and laboratory analysis have been adopted to assess HABs. However, these methods are labour intensive and costly and do not provide synoptic views of the bloom conditions. Here, we show that the Sentinel-2 twin satellite mission of the Copernicus programme, in combination with in situ data, is a powerful tool that can offer valuable spatiotemporal information about a bloom of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra that occurred on the SW Iberian Peninsula. Using the robust ACOLITE atmospheric correction processor combined with the normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI), the enhanced mapping of small blooms can be performed at a 10 m spatial resolution, revealing surface patches and a heterogeneous distribution. This research also demonstrates the improved capabilities of Sentinel-2 compared to those of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-3 for continuous monitoring. The Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-2 missions provide ecosystem observations that allow the environmental community and water managers to evaluate changes in water quality and bloom distribution and that facilitate field-based measurements. Therefore, the value added by the Copernicus products in terms of frequency and synoptic observations is of paramount importance for ecological and management purposes at regional and national scales.
Ovarian Cancer Exosomes Trigger Differential Biophysical Response in Tumor-Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Amy H. , Ghosh Deepraj , Quach Nhat , Schroeder Devin , Dawson Michelle R.
Published: May 2020

Exosomes are cell-secreted microvesicles that play important roles in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression, as they are constantly secreted into ascites fluids. While cells spontaneously release exosomes, alterations in intracellular calcium or extracellular pH can release additional exosomes. Yet, little is known about how these exosomes compare to those that are continuously released without stimulation and how they mediate cellular activities important in cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that chelation of extracellular calcium leads to release of chelation-induced exosomes (CI-exosomes) from OVCAR-3 EOC cells. CI-exosomes display a unique miRNA profile compared to naturally secreted exosomes (SEC-exosomes). Furthermore, treatment with CI- and SEC-exosomes leads to differential biophysical and functional changes including, adhesion and migration in EOC-derived fibroblasts that suggest the development of a malignant tumor microenvironment. This result highlights how tumor environmental factors contribute to heterogeneity in exosome populations and how different exosome populations mediate diversity in stromal cell behavior.
Health status among greenhouse workers exposed to different levels of pesticides: A genetic matching analysis
Authors: Xie Yongxin , Li Jiangping , Guo Xin , Zhao Ji , Yang Biao , Xiao Wenwen , Yang Huifang
Published: May 2020

(1) Objective: Greenhouse workers are considered a special occupational group who are exposed to more toxic and harmful substances than ordinary farmers. The health problem of this group is a public health problem that warrants attention. Taking greenhouse workers in Ningxia, China, as the research sample, this study analyzed the health risk to practitioners posed by the greenhouse working environment. (2) Method: To analyze the relationship between pesticide exposure and the health of greenhouse workers, the genetic matching method was used to exclude the influence of covariates on the results. (3) Results: The results showed a statistical significance regarding the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), skeletal muscle system diseases (SMSD) and digestive diseases between the different exposure groups. Researching the disease symptoms found that different levels of exposure to pesticides in greenhouses could cause multisystem and multisymptom discomfort. In addition to some irritant symptoms such as eye itching, itching, and sneezing, there were also differences in terms of the frequency of discomfort such as back pain, a decline in sleep quality, memory loss, joint pain, swelling and weakness, upper abdominal pain and flatulence, in the different exposure groups. (4) Conclusion: Different levels of exposure to pesticides in greenhouses may be one of the risk factors for practitioners to suffer from various systemic diseases, affecting their health and work efficiency. This hazard is manifested not only in some acute irritant symptoms but also in chronic diseases due to long-term exposure.
Cave bacteria-induced amorphous calcium carbonate formation
Authors: Enyedi Nóra Tünde , Makk Judit , Kótai László , Berényi Bernadett , Klébert Szilvia , Sebestyén Zoltán , Molnár Zsombor , Borsodi Andrea K. , Leél-Őssy Szabolcs , Demény Attila , Németh Péter
Published: May 2020

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is a precursor of crystalline calcium carbonates that plays a key role in biomineralization and polymorph evolution. Here, we show that several bacterial strains isolated from a Hungarian cave produce ACC and their extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) shields ACC from crystallization. The findings demonstrate that bacteria-produced ACC forms in water-rich environment at room temperature and is stable for at least half year, which is in contrast to laboratory-produced ACC that needs to be stored in a desiccator and kept below 10 °C for avoiding crystallization. The ACC-shielding EPS consists of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. In particular, we identified large amount of long-chain fatty acid components. We suggest that ACC could be enclosed in a micella-like formula within the EPS that inhibits water infiltration. As the bacterial cells lyse, the covering protective layer disintegrates, water penetrates and the unprotected ACC grains crystallize to calcite. Our study indicates that bacteria are capable of producing ACC, and we estimate its quantity in comparison to calcite presumably varies up to 20% depending on the age of the colony. Since diverse bacterial communities colonize the surface of cave sediments in temperate zone, we presume that ACC is common in these caves and its occurrence is directly linked to bacterial activity and influences the geochemical signals recorded in speleothems.
MIR1246 in body fluids as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ishige Fumitaka , Hoshino Isamu , Iwatate Yosuke , Chiba Satoshi , Arimitsu Hidehito , Yanagibashi Hiroo , Nagase Hiroki , Takayama Wataru
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor associated with poor survival, and early detection is important to improve patient outcomes. In the present study, we examined MIR1246 expression as a biomarker of pancreatic cancer. Total RNA was extracted from serum, urine and saliva samples from healthy subjects (n = 30) and patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 41, stage 0–IV). The MIR1246 level in each fluid was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Significantly higher MIR1246 expression in serum and urine was observed in patients with cancer than in healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and urine MIR1246 expression (r = 0.34). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for MIR1246 in all three body fluids. The area under the curve for serum MIR1246 was 0.87 (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 73.3%), and that for urine MIR1246 was 0.90 (sensitivity, 90.2%; specificity, 83.3%). With a cut-off of the control group’s mean plus twice the standard deviation, the sensitivities of MIR1246 in serum and urine for pancreatic cancer were 60.9 and 58.5%, respectively. Combining both serum and urine MIR1246 expression yielded a sensitivity of 85%. These results indicate that MIR246 may be a useful diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
Surface modification effects of graphite for selective hydrogen absorption by titanium at room temperature
Authors: Shinzato Keita , Nakagawa Yuki , Hamamoto So , Hayashi Yuya , Miyaoka Hiroki , Isobe Shigehito , Shibayama Tamaki , Ogita Norio , Ichikawa Takayuki
Published: May 2020

Surface modification effects of graphite and organic solvents on Ti were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations to improve its hydrogen absorption properties.
Overcoming the out-of-plane bending issue in an aromatic hydrocarbon: the anharmonic vibrational frequencies of c-(CH)C3H2+
Authors: Westbrook Brent R. , Del Rio Weston A. , Lee Timothy J. , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: May 2020

Two vibrational frequencies for this molecule correlate with observed but unknown interstellar infrared emission features.
A mechanism for two-step thermal decomposition of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105)
Authors: Yu Qian , Zhao Chuande , Liao Longyu , Li Hongzhen , Sui Heliang , Yin Ying , Li Jinshan
Published: May 2020

The thermal decomposition mechanism of the consecutive reactions of LLM-105 was investigated based on the gaseous products and solid reactants.
Nickel-decorated g-C3N4 hollow spheres as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxidation of amines to imines
Authors: Zhang Shishen , Qian Xiaobing , Yan Junqiu , Chen Kelong , Huang Jianhua
Published: May 2020

Photocatalysts composed of earth-abundant elements are highly desired for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution as well as oxidation of amines to imines without the requirement of precious metals.
Deciphering the selectivity of inhibitor MKC9989 towards residue K907 in IRE1α; a multiscalein silicoapproach
Authors: Mahdizadeh Sayyed Jalil , Carlesso Antonio , Eriksson Leif A.
Published: May 2020

The high selectivity of inhibitor MKC9989 towards Lys907 of IRE1α is explained by the unique pKaproperties of the lysine.
Simultaneous power generation and CO2valorization by aqueous Al–CO2batteries using nanostructured Bi2S3as the cathode electrocatalyst
Authors: Ding Pan , Zhang Jie , Han Na , Zhou Yuan , Jia Lin , Li Yanguang
Published: May 2020

Aqueous Al-CO2batteries provide a new energy solution with simultaneous power generation and CO2valorization.
Nanostructures based on vanadium disulfide growing on UCNPs: simple synthesis, dual-mode imaging, and photothermal therapy
Authors: Wang Shuhan , Xi Wensong , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Huijun , Zhao Lei , Fang Jianhui , Wang Haifang , Sun Lining
Published: May 2020

A simple method was developed by using core–shell UCNPs as seeds and heterogeneously growing VS2 nanoshell directly on the surface. The final nanostructures with uniform and small sizes afford dual-mode imaging and photothermal therapy in vitro.
Three-dimensional genome rewiring during the development of antibody-secreting cells
Authors: Chan Wing Fuk , Johanson Timothy M. , Allan Rhys S.
Published: May 2020

The development of B lymphocytes into antibody-secreting plasma cells is central to the adaptive immune system in that it confers protective and specific antibody response against invading pathogen. This developmental process involves extensive morphological and functional alterations that begin early after antigenic stimulation. These include chromatin restructuring that is critical in regulating gene expression, DNA rearrangement and other cellular processes. Here we outline the recent understanding of the three-dimensional architecture of the genome, specifically focused on its contribution to the process of B cell activation and terminal differentiation into antibody-secreting cells.
Maladie d’Alzheimer, neuro-inflammation et virus herpétiques
Authors: Epstein Alberto L.
Published: May 2020

L’infection du cerveau par divers types d’agents pathogènes, et les réponses inflammatoires qui s’en suivent, occupent une place grandissante dans notre compréhension de l’étiologie de la maladie d’Alzheimer (MA). Le fait que, parmi la vingtaine de gènes identifiés comme étant des facteurs à risque, plusieurs soient impliqués dans la modulation de la réponse immunitaire, ainsi que la diversité même des agents infectieux identifiés comme étant des acteurs possibles dans l’évolution de cette maladie, plaident en faveur de l’hypothèse neuro-inflammatoire, tout comme la prise de conscience que la protéine Aβ, l’un des marqueurs les plus importants de la MA, peut agir comme un système de défense antimicrobienne, capable de neutraliser des bactéries et des virus. Différent types de pathogènes, incluant des bactéries, des champignons, des protozoaires et des virus, ont été identifiés dans le cerveau malade, souvent près des lésions caractéristiques de la MA. Parmi eux, les virus herpétiques (surtout, mais pas seulement, HSV-1), qui se caractérisent par l’établissement d’infections latentes dans les neurones, ponctuées par des épisodes de réactivation suite à des stress ou des immunodépressions, apparaissent comme des candidats très solides à un rôle étiologique, ne serait-ce qu’en tant que cofacteurs, de la MA. La présence de génomes HSV-1 latents dans le cerveau, et donc le risque de réactivation, augmentent significativement avec l’âge. Des résultats récents montrent que, dans des neurones humains et de rat, l’infection par HSV-1 augmente l’expression de la β-sécrétase et de la nicastrine, deux enzymes impliquées dans la formation des Aβ selon la voie amyloïdogénique, ainsi que de celle de GSK3β et PKA, deux kinases impliquées dans la phosphorylation des protéines Tau, un autre marqueur essentiel de la MA. Les preuves croissantes obtenues, selon lesquelles les infections chroniques et les mécanismes de défense suscités, y compris les processus inflammatoires, sont au cœur de la MA, justifient de revoir les médicaments antiviraux tels que l’acyclovir, et peut-être aussi la vaccination, comme des voies potentielles de lutte contre la MA.