bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Spatial Origin of Meltwater Pulse 1A Using Oxygen‐Isotope Fingerprinting
Authors: Yeung N. K. H. , Menviel L. , Meissner K. J. , Sikes E.
Published: November 2019

One of the major phases of sea level rise during the last deglaciation (∼19–11 thousand years before present [ka BP]) is Meltwater Pulse‐1A (MWP‐1A; ∼14.5 ka BP), when sea levels rose by 8.6 to 18 m in less than 400 years. Whether the meltwater originated from the partial disintegration of northern hemispheric ice sheets, from Antarctica, or both, remains controversial. Here we perform a series of idealized transient simulations of the last deglaciation, focusing on MWP‐1A, with a three‐dimensional oxygen‐isotope enabled Earth System Climate Model. Three meltwater scenarios are considered during MWP‐1A: a sole northern hemispheric source discharging into the North Atlantic, a sole Antarctic source, and a combined northern hemispheric‐Antarctic source. A comparison of simulated changes in the oxygen‐isotope composition (δ18O) of seawater and calcite with published marine sediment records points to a significant contribution from Antarctica. The best model‐data fit is obtained with a contribution from both hemispheres. While the simulated changes over the 350 years of MWP‐1A are overestimated in our simulations, the millennial‐scale changes (∼14.6–13 ka BP) are underestimated, potentially alluding to a longer and sustained meltwater input over the whole period. Meltwater was not applied in the Arctic, the Gulf of Mexico, or the North Pacific in our simulations, and therefore, scenarios with meltwater originating from these regions cannot be excluded.
Examining overlap and homogeneity in ASD, ADHD, and OCD: a data-driven, diagnosis-agnostic approach
Authors: Kushki Azadeh , Anagnostou Evdokia , Hammill Christopher , Duez Pierre , Brian Jessica , Iaboni Alana , Schachar Russell , Crosbie Jennifer , Arnold Paul , Lerch Jason P.
Published: November 2019

The validity of diagnostic labels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an open question given the mounting evidence that these categories may not correspond to conditions with distinct etiologies, biologies, or phenotypes. The objective of this study was to determine the agreement between existing diagnostic labels and groups discovered based on a data-driven, diagnosis-agnostic approach integrating cortical neuroanatomy and core-domain phenotype features. A machine learning pipeline, called bagged-multiview clustering, was designed to discover homogeneous subgroups by integrating cortical thickness data and measures of core-domain phenotypic features of ASD, ADHD, and OCD. This study was conducted using data from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network, a multi-center study in Ontario, Canada. Participants (n = 226) included children between the ages of 6 and 18 with a diagnosis of ASD (n = 112, median [IQR] age = 11.7[4.8], 21% female), ADHD (n = 58, median [IQR] age = 10.2[3.3], 14% female), or OCD (n = 34, median [IQR] age = 12.1[4.2], 38% female), as well as typically developing controls (n = 22, median [IQR] age = 11.0[3.8], 55% female). The diagnosis-agnostic groups were significantly different than each other in phenotypic characteristics (SCQ: χ2(9) = 111.21, p < 0.0001; SWAN: χ2(9) = 142.44, p < 0.0001) as well as cortical thickness in 75 regions of the brain. The analyses revealed disagreement between existing diagnostic labels and the diagnosis-agnostic homogeneous groups (normalized mutual information < 0.20). Our results did not support the validity of existing diagnostic labels of ASD, ADHD, and OCD as distinct entities with respect to phenotype and cortical morphology.
Loss of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (Ubc9) in macrophages exacerbates multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes by attenuating M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Wang Faxi , Sun Fei , Luo Jiahui , Yue Tiantian , Chen Longmin , Zhou Haifeng , Zhang Jing , Yang Chunliang , Luo Xi , Zhou Qing , Zhu He , Li Jinxiu , Yang Ping , Xiong Fei , Yu Qilin , Zhang Huilan , Zhang Wanguang , Xu Aimin , Zhou Zhiguang , Lu Qianjin , Eizirik Decio L. , Zhang Shu , Wang Cong-Yi
Published: November 2019

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by the selective autoimmune destruction of the islet β cells, and macrophages play a significant role in this process. Small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) is an important posttranslational modification involved in T1D pathogenesis, but its function in macrophages remains unexplored. We presently developed and used macrophage-specific ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (Ubc9) knockout (LyzM-Cre-Ubc9fl/fl, KO) mice to address the impact of SUMOylation on macrophage function in a T1D model. We observed that blocking Ubc9 in macrophages exacerbated multiple-low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ)-induced diabetes. Specifically, after STZ treatment, blood glucose levels were consistently elevated in the KO mice. The KO mice exhibited a higher diabetes incidence than WT controls (85% vs. 55%, P < 0.01) along with a higher insulitis severity. The loss of Ubc9 impaired macrophage energy metabolism and attenuated macrophage M2 program, thereby enhancing T cell activation. Pancreas-resident macrophages, rather than migrant macrophages, played a predominant role in MLD-STZ-induced diabetes. Mechanistically, Ubc9-mediated SUMOylation of interferon regulator factor 4 (IRF4) enhanced its nuclear localization and stability, thereby transcribing IL-4 and arginase 1 (Arg1) to promote the macrophage M2 program. Ubc9-mediated SUMOylation modulates T1D risk at least in part by regulating macrophage function. Modulation of disturbed SUMOylation process in macrophages, either through cell adoptive transfer or targeted drug-delivery, could help to establish a tolerant pancreatic microenvironment and promote inflammation resolution in early insulitis stage, thus hindering T1D progression.
ILF3 is a substrate of SPOP for regulating serine biosynthesis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Kai , Wu Jian-lin , Qin Baifu , Fan Zongmin , Tang Qin , Lu Weisi , Zhang Haipeng , Xing Fan , Meng Manqi , Zou Shaomin , Wei Wenxia , Chen Honglei , Cai Jian , Wang Huaiming , Zhang Hui , Cai Jiayue , Fang Ling , Bian Xiqing , Chen Chuangqi , Lan Ping , Ghesquière Bart , Fang Lekun , Lee Mong-Hong
Published: November 2019

The Serine–Glycine–One-Carbon (SGOC) pathway is pivotal in multiple anabolic processes. Expression levels of SGOC genes are deregulated under tumorigenic conditions, suggesting participation of oncogenes in deregulating the SGOC biosynthetic pathway. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identified that Interleukin enhancer-binding factor 3 (ILF3) is overexpressed in primary CRC patient specimens and correlates with poor prognosis. ILF3 is critical in regulating the SGOC pathway by directly regulating the mRNA stability of SGOC genes, thereby increasing SGOC genes expression and facilitating tumor growth. Mechanistic studies showed that the EGF–MEK–ERK pathway mediates ILF3 phosphorylation, which hinders E3 ligase speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP)-mediated poly-ubiquitination and degradation of ILF3. Significantly, combination of SGOC inhibitor and the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab can hinder the growth of patient-derived xenografts that sustain high ERK-ILF3 levels. Taken together, deregulation of ILF3 via the EGF–ERK signaling plays an important role in systemic serine metabolic reprogramming and confers a predilection toward CRC development. Our findings indicate that clinical evaluation of SGOC inhibitor is warranted for CRC patients with ILF3 overexpression.
An MPER antibody neutralizes HIV-1 using germline features shared among donors
Authors: Zhang Lei , Irimia Adriana , He Lingling , Landais Elise , Rantalainen Kimmo , Leaman Daniel P. , Vollbrecht Thomas , Stano Armando , Sands Daniel I. , Kim Arthur S. ,   IAVI Protocol G Investigators, Miiro George , Serwanga Jennifer , Pozniak Anton , McPhee Dale , Manigart Oliver , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Karita Etienne , Inwoley André , Jaoko Walter , DeHovitz Jack , Bekker Linda-Gail , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Paris Robert , Allen Susan , Poignard Pascal , Burton Dennis R. , Murrell Ben , Ward Andrew B. , Zhu Jiang , Wilson Ian A. , Zwick Michael B.
Published: November 2019

The membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) can be targeted by neutralizing antibodies of exceptional breadth. MPER antibodies usually have long, hydrophobic CDRH3s, lack activity as inferred germline precursors, are often from the minor IgG3 subclass, and some are polyreactive, such as 4E10. Here we describe an MPER broadly neutralizing antibody from the major IgG1 subclass, PGZL1, which shares germline V/D-region genes with 4E10, has a shorter CDRH3, and is less polyreactive. A recombinant sublineage variant pan-neutralizes a 130-isolate panel at 1.4 μg/ml (IC50). Notably, a germline revertant with mature CDR3s neutralizes 12% of viruses and still binds MPER after DJ reversion. Crystal structures of lipid-bound PGZL1 variants and cryo-EM reconstruction of an Env-PGZL1 complex reveal how these antibodies recognize MPER and viral membrane. Discovery of common genetic and structural elements among MPER antibodies from different patients suggests that such antibodies could be elicited using carefully designed immunogens.
Extravascular gelation shrinkage-derived internal stress enables tumor starvation therapy with suppressed metastasis and recurrence
Authors: Zhang Kun , Fang Yan , He Yaping , Yin Haohao , Guan Xin , Pu Yinying , Zhou Bangguo , Yue Wenwen , Ren Weiwei , Du Dou , Li Hongyan , Liu Chang , Sun Liping , Chen Yu , Xu Huixiong
Published: November 2019

Despite the efficacy of current starvation therapies, they are often associated with some intrinsic drawbacks such as poor persistence, facile tumor metastasis and recurrence. Herein, we establish an extravascular gelation shrinkage-derived internal stress strategy for squeezing and narrowing blood vessels, occluding blood & nutrition supply, reducing vascular density, inducing hypoxia and apoptosis and eventually realizing starvation therapy of malignancies. To this end, a biocompatible composite hydrogel consisting of gold nanorods (GNRs) and thermal-sensitive hydrogel mixture was engineered, wherein GRNs can strengthen the structural property of hydrogel mixture and enable robust gelation shrinkage-induced internal stresses. Systematic experiments demonstrate that this starvation therapy can suppress the growths of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer and 4T1 breast cancer. More significantly, this starvation strategy can suppress tumor metastasis and tumor recurrence via reducing vascular density and blood supply and occluding tumor migration passages, which thus provides a promising avenue to comprehensive cancer therapy.
All-small-molecule organic solar cells with over 14% efficiency by optimizing hierarchical morphologies
Authors: Zhou Ruimin , Jiang Zhaoyan , Yang Chen , Yu Jianwei , Feng Jirui , Adil Muhammad Abdullah , Deng Dan , Zou Wenjun , Zhang Jianqi , Lu Kun , Ma Wei , Gao Feng , Wei Zhixiang
Published: November 2019

The high efficiency all-small-molecule organic solar cells (OSCs) normally require optimized morphology in their bulk heterojunction active layers. Herein, a small-molecule donor is designed and synthesized, and single-crystal structural analyses reveal its explicit molecular planarity and compact intermolecular packing. A promising narrow bandgap small-molecule with absorption edge of more than 930 nm along with our home-designed small molecule is selected as electron acceptors. To the best of our knowledge, the binary all-small-molecule OSCs achieve the highest efficiency of 14.34% by optimizing their hierarchical morphologies, in which the donor or acceptor rich domains with size up to ca. 70 nm, and the donor crystals of tens of nanometers, together with the donor-acceptor blending, are proved coexisting in the hierarchical large domain. All-small-molecule photovoltaic system shows its promising for high performance OSCs, and our study is likely to lead to insights in relations between bulk heterojunction structure and photovoltaic performance.
Enantioselective cyanation via radical-mediated C–C single bond cleavage for synthesis of chiral dinitriles
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yi-Ning , Wang Rui , Zhang Bo-Chao , Yang Chi , Li Yan-Lin , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: November 2019

Ring-opening reaction via selective cleavage of C–C bond is known as a powerful strategy for construction of complex molecules. Complementary to the ionic process focusing on mostly small ring systems, radical-mediated C–C bond cleavage offers a solution for further diverse enantioselective functionalization benefited from its mild conditions, whereas such asymmetric transformations are still limited to three-membered rings so far. Herein, we describe radical-mediated ring-opening and enantioselective cyanation of four- and five-membered cycloketone oxime esters to access chiral 1,5- and 1,6-dinitriles. Employment of dual photoredox/copper catalysis is essential for the asymmetric ring-opening cyanation of cyclopentanone oxime esters. Both reactions proceed under mild conditions giving chiral dinitriles in high yields and enantioselectivity with low catalyst loading and broad substrate scope. The products dinitriles can be converted to valuable optically active diamides and diamines. Mechanistic studies indicate that the benzylic radical generated via C–C single bond cleavage is involved in the catalytic cycle.
The Scales Project, a cross-national dataset on the interpretation of thermal perception scales
Authors: Schweiker Marcel , Abdul-Zahra Amar , André Maíra , Al-Atrash Farah , Al-Khatri Hanan , Alprianti Rea Risky , Alsaad Hayder , Amin Rucha , Ampatzi Eleni , Arsano Alpha Yacob , Azadeh Montazami , Azar Elie , Bahareh Bannazadeh , Batagarawa Amina , Becker Susanne , Buonocore Carolina , Cao Bin , Choi Joon-Ho , Chun Chungyoon , Daanen Hein , Damiati Siti Aisyah , Daniel Lyrian , Vecchi Renata De , Dhaka Shivraj , Domínguez-Amarillo Samuel , Dudkiewicz Edyta , Edappilly Lakshmi Prabha , Fernández-Agüera Jesica , Folkerts Mireille , Frijns Arjan , Gaona Gabriel , Garg Vishal , Gauthier Stephanie , Jabbari Shahla Ghaffari , Harimi Djamila , Hellwig Runa T. , Huebner Gesche M. , Jin Quan , Jowkar Mina , Kania Renate , Kim Jungsoo , King Nelson , Kingma Boris , Koerniawan M. Donny , Kolarik Jakub , Kumar Shailendra , Kwok Alison , Lamberts Roberto , Laska Marta , Lee M. C. Jeffrey , Lee Yoonhee , Lindermayr Vanessa , Mahaki Mohammadbagher , Marcel-Okafor Udochukwu , Marín-Restrepo Laura , Marquardsen Anna , Martellotta Francesco , Mathur Jyotirmay , McGill Gráinne , Mino-Rodriguez Isabel , Mou Di , Moujalled Bassam , Nakajima Mia , Ng Edward , Okafor Marcellinus , Olweny Mark , Ouyang Wanlu , Papst de Abreu Ana Ligia , Pérez-Fargallo Alexis , Rajapaksha Indrika , Ramos Greici , Rashid Saif , Reinhart Christoph F. , Rivera Ma. Isabel , Salmanzadeh Mazyar , Schakib-Ekbatan Karin , Schiavon Stefano , Shooshtarian Salman , Shukuya Masanori , Soebarto Veronica , Suhendri  , Tahsildoost Mohammad , Tartarini Federico , Teli Despoina , Tewari Priyam , Thapa Samar , Trebilcock Maureen , Trojan Jörg , Tukur Ruqayyatu B. , Voelker Conrad , Yam Yeung , Yang Liu , Zapata-Lancaster Gabriela , Zhai Yongchao , Zhu Yingxin , Zomorodian Zahra Sadat
Published: November 2019

Thermal discomfort is one of the main triggers for occupants’ interactions with components of the built environment such as adjustments of thermostats and/or opening windows and strongly related to the energy use in buildings. Understanding causes for thermal (dis-)comfort is crucial for design and operation of any type of building. The assessment of human thermal perception through rating scales, for example in post-occupancy studies, has been applied for several decades; however, long-existing assumptions related to these rating scales had been questioned by several researchers. The aim of this study was to gain deeper knowledge on contextual influences on the interpretation of thermal perception scales and their verbal anchors by survey participants. A questionnaire was designed and consequently applied in 21 language versions. These surveys were conducted in 57 cities in 30 countries resulting in a dataset containing responses from 8225 participants. The database offers potential for further analysis in the areas of building design and operation, psycho-physical relationships between human perception and the built environment, and linguistic analyses.
Room-level occupant counts and environmental quality from heterogeneous sensing modalities in a smart building
Authors: Schwee Jens Hjort , Johansen Aslak , Jørgensen Bo Nørregaard , Kjærgaard Mikkel Baun , Mattera Claudio Giovanni , Sangogboye Fisayo Caleb , Veje Christian
Published: November 2019

The research areas of occupant sensing and occupant behavior modeling are lacking comprehensive public datasets for providing baseline results and fostering data-driven approaches. This data descriptor covers a dataset collected via sensors on room-level occupant counts together with related data on indoor environmental quality. The dataset comprises 44 full days, collated in the period March 2018 to April 2019, and was collected in a public building in Northern Europe. Sensor readings cover three rooms, including one lecture room and two study zones. The data release contains two versions of the dataset, one which has the raw readings and one which has been upsampled to a one-minute resolution. The dataset can be used for developing and evaluating data-driven applications, occupant sensing, and building analytics. This dataset can be an impetus for the researchers and designers to conduct experiments and pilot studies, hence used for benchmarking.
flEECe, an energy use and occupant behavior dataset for net-zero energy affordable senior residential buildings
Authors: Paige Frederick , Agee Philip , Jazizadeh Farrokh
Published: November 2019

The behaviors of building occupants have continued to perplex scholars for years in our attempts to develop models for energy efficient housing. Building simulations, project delivery approaches, policies, and more have fell short of their optimistic goals due to the complexity of human behavior. As a part of a multiphase longitudinal affordable housing study, this dataset represents energy and occupant behavior attributes for 6 affordable housing units over nine months in Virginia, USA which are not performing to the net-zero energy standard they were designed for. This dataset provides researchers the ability to analyze the following variables: energy performance, occupant behaviors, energy literacy, and ecological perceptions. Energy data is provided at a 1 Hz sampling rate for four circuits: main, hot water heater, dryer, and HVAC. Building specifications, occupancy, weather data, and neighboring building energy use data are provided to add depth to the dataset. This dataset can be used to update building energy use models, predictive maintenance, policy frameworks, construction risk models, economic models, and more.
Applying the Fokker–Planck equation to grating-based x-ray phase and dark-field imaging
Authors: Morgan Kaye S. , Paganin David M.
Published: November 2019

X-ray imaging has conventionally relied upon attenuation to provide contrast. In recent years, two complementary modalities have been added; (a) phase contrast, which can capture low-density samples that are difficult to see using attenuation, and (b) dark-field x-ray imaging, which reveals the presence of sub-pixel sample structures. These three modalities can be accessed using a crystal analyser, a grating interferometer or by looking at a directly-resolved grid, grating or speckle pattern. Grating and grid-based methods extract a differential phase signal by measuring how far a feature in the illumination has been shifted transversely due to the presence of a sample. The dark-field signal is extracted by measuring how the visibility of the structured illumination is decreased, typically due to the presence of sub-pixel structures in a sample. The strength of the dark-field signal may depend on the grating period, the pixel size and the set-up distances, and additional dark-field signal contributions may be seen as a result of strong phase effects or other factors. In this paper we show that the finite-difference form of the Fokker–Planck equation can be applied to describe the drift (phase signal) and diffusion (dark-field signal) of the periodic or structured illumination used in phase contrast x-ray imaging with gratings, in order to better understand any cross-talk between attenuation, phase and dark-field x-ray signals. In future work, this mathematical description could be used as a basis for new approaches to the inverse problem of recovering both phase and dark-field information.
Changes in monocyte subsets are associated with clinical outcomes in severe malarial anaemia and cerebral malaria
Authors: Royo Jade , Rahabi Mouna , Kamaliddin Claire , Ezinmegnon Sem , Olagnier David , Authier Hélène , Massougbodji Achille , Alao Jules , Ladipo Yélé , Deloron Philippe , Bertin Gwladys , Pipy Bernard , Coste Agnès , Aubouy Agnès
Published: November 2019

Monocytes are plastic heterogeneous immune cells involved in host-parasite interactions critical for malaria pathogenesis. Human monocytes have been subdivided into three populations based on surface expression of CD14 and CD16. We hypothesised that proportions and phenotypes of circulating monocyte subsets can be markers of severity or fatality in children with malaria. To address this question, we compared monocytes sampled in children with uncomplicated malaria, severe malarial anaemia, or cerebral malaria. Flow cytometry was used to distinguish and phenotype monocyte subsets through CD14, CD16, CD36 and TLR2 expression. Data were first analysed by univariate analysis to evaluate their link to severity and death. Second, multinomial logistic regression was used to measure the specific effect of monocyte proportions and phenotypes on severity and death, after adjustments for other variables unrelated to monocytes. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that decreased percentages of non-classical monocytes were associated with death, suggesting that this monocyte subset has a role in resolving malaria. Using univariate analysis, we also showed that the role of non-classical monocytes involves a mostly anti-inflammatory profile and the expression of CD16. Further studies are needed to decipher the functions of this sub-population during severe malaria episodes, and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Space division multiplexing in standard multi-mode optical fibers based on speckle pattern classification
Authors: Pauwels Jaël , Van der Sande Guy , Verschaffelt Guy
Published: November 2019

In optical communications the transmission bandwidth of single mode optical fibers is almost fully exploited. To further increase the capacity of a telecommunication link, multiplexing techniques can be applied across 5 physical dimensions: amplitude, quadrature, polarization, frequency and space, with all but the latter being nearly exhausted. We experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of an original space division multiplexing technique based on the classification of speckle patterns measured at the fiber’s output. By coupling multiple optical signals into a standard multimode optical fiber, speckle patterns arise at the fiber’s end facet. This is due to quasi-random interference between the excited modes of propagation. We show how these patterns depend on the parameters of the optical signal beams and the fiber length. Classification of the speckle patterns allows the detection of the independent signals: we can detect the state (i.e. on or off  ) of different beams that are multiplexed in the fiber. Our results show that the proposed space division multiplexing on standard multimode fibers is robust to mode-mixing and polarization scrambling effects.
3D-Printing and Machine Learning Control of Soft Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators
Authors: Carrico James D. , Hermans Tucker , Kim Kwang J. , Leang Kam K.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a new manufacturing and control paradigm for developing soft ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators for soft robotics applications. First, an additive manufacturing method that exploits the fused-filament (3D printing) process is described to overcome challenges with existing methods of creating custom-shaped IPMC actuators. By working with ionomeric precursor material, the 3D-printing process enables the creation of 3D monolithic IPMC devices where ultimately integrated sensors and actuators can be achieved. Second, Bayesian optimization is used as a learning-based control approach to help mitigate complex time-varying dynamic effects in 3D-printed actuators. This approach overcomes the challenges with existing methods where complex models or continuous sensor feedback are needed. The manufacturing and control paradigm is applied to create and control the behavior of example actuators, and subsequently the actuator components are combined to create an example modular reconfigurable IPMC soft crawling robot to demonstrate feasibility. Two hypotheses related to the effectiveness of the machine-learning process are tested. Results show enhancement of actuator performance through machine learning, and the proof-of-concepts can be leveraged for continued advancement of more complex IPMC devices. Emerging challenges are also highlighted.
A comparison of thermographic characteristics of the hands and wrists of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls
Authors: Gatt Alfred , Mercieca Cecilia , Borg Andrew , Grech Andrea , Camilleri Liberato , Gatt Corene , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Formosa Cynthia
Published: November 2019

Thermal imaging has been applied to detect possible temperature variations in various rheumatic disorders. This study sought to determine whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without active synovitis in their hands exhibit different baseline thermographic patterns of the fingers and palms when compared to healthy individuals. Data from 31 RA patients were compared to that of 51 healthy controls. The RA patients were recruited upon confirmed absence of synovitis by clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Participants underwent medical infrared imaging of the regions of interest (ROIs). Significant differences were found between the mean temperatures of the palm regions (29.37 °C (SD2.2); n = 306) and fingers (27.16 °C (SD3.2); n = 510) of the healthy participants when compared to the palm regions (31.4(SD1.84)°C; n = 186) and fingers (30.22 °C (SD2.4); n = 299) of their RA counterparts (p = 0.001), with the latter group exhibiting higher temperatures in all ROIs. Logistic regression models confirm that both palm and finger temperature increase significantly in RA without active inflammation. These innovative findings provide evidence that baseline thermal data in RA differs significantly from healthy individuals. Thermal imaging may have the potential to become an adjunct assessment method of disease activity in patients with RA.
Natural infection by the protozoan Leptomonas wallacei impacts the morphology, physiology, reproduction, and lifespan of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Vasconcellos Luiz Ricardo C. , Carvalho Luiz Max F. , Silveira Fernanda A. M. , Gonçalves Inês C. , Coelho Felipe S. , Talyuli Octávio A. C. , Alves e Silva Thiago L. , Bastos Leonardo S. , Sorgine Marcos H. F. , Reis Leonan A. , Dias Felipe A. , Struchiner Claudio J. , Gazos-Lopes Felipe , Lopes Angela H.
Published: November 2019

Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that infect thousands of globally dispersed hosts, potentially affecting their physiology. Several species of trypanosomatids are commonly found in phytophagous insects. Leptomonas wallacei is a gut-restricted insect trypanosomatid only retrieved from Oncopeltus fasciatus. The insects get infected by coprophagy and transovum transmission of L. wallacei cysts. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a natural infection by L. wallacei on the hemipteran insect O. fasciatus, by comparing infected and uninfected individuals in a controlled environment. The L. wallacei-infected individuals showed reduced lifespan and morphological alterations. Also, we demonstrated a higher infection burden in females than in males. The infection caused by L. wallacei reduced host reproductive fitness by negatively impacting egg load, oviposition, and eclosion, and promoting an increase in egg reabsorption. Moreover, we associated the egg reabsorption observed in infected females, with a decrease in the intersex gene expression. Finally, we suggest alterations in population dynamics induced by L. wallacei infection using a mathematical model. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that L. wallacei infection negatively affected the physiology of O. fasciatus, which suggests that L. wallacei potentially has a vast ecological impact on host population growth.
Publisher Correction: Cockade structures as a paleo-earthquake proxy in upper crustal hydrothermal systems
Authors: Berger Alfons , Herwegh Marco
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) in Foods commonly consumed in Southwest Nigeria and its Human Health Risk
Authors: Adeyi Adebola A. , Babalola Babafemi A.
Published: November 2019

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical ubiquitous in the environment and listed as an endocrine disruptor. It has the tendency of migrating into food stored in materials containing it. This study, therefore, determines the concentrations of BPA in foods commonly consumed in Southwest Nigeria by the adult population and also estimates the risk associated with human exposure. Eight different food categories were selected for this study. Standard QuEChERS protocol was used for sample extraction and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Vegetable oil had the highest BPA concentration (28.4 ng/g). This was followed by aquatic canned fish (26.3 ng/g), canned beef (21.3 ng/g) and crayfish (17.5 ng/g). These concentrations were below the 600 ng/g limit of the European Commission for BPA in foods. Bisphenol-A was not detected in raw beef, chicken, cheese, apple, tomatoes, beans and rice; and chicken eggs. The adult population had an average dietary intake of 30.4 ng/kg bw/day. There is no likely occurrence of harmful health effects of BPA in the selected foods with respect to the current concentrations found therein. However, routine monitoring is recommended to prevent human exposure to BPA.
Chemo-treated 4T1 breast cancer cells radiation response measured by single and multiple cell ionization using infrared laser trap
Authors: Muhammed Endris , Chen Li , Gao Ying , Erenso Daniel
Published: November 2019

We present a study that uses a laser trapping technique for measurement of radiation sensitivity of untreated and chemo-treated cancer cells. We used a human mammary tumor cell line (4T1) treated by an antitumor compound, 2-Dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2, 5-diene-1,4-dione (DMDD), which was extracted from the root of Averrhoa carambola L. The untreated control group, and both 2-hour and 24-hour treated groups of 4T1 cells were used in this study. The absorbed threshold ionization energy (TIE) and the threshold radiation dose (TRD) were determined using a high-power infrared laser (at 1064 nm) trap by single and multiple cells trapping and ionization. The results were analyzed using descriptive and t-statistics. The relation of the TIE and TRD to the mass of the individual cells were also analyzed for different hours of treatment in comparison with the control group. Both TIE and TRD decrease with increasing treatment periods. However, the TRD decreases with mass regardless of the treatment. Analyses of the TRD for single vs multiple cells ionizations within each group have also consistently showed this same behavior regardless of the treatment. The underlying factors for these observed relations are explained in terms of radiation, hyperthermia, and chemo effects.
Novel miR-29b target regulation patterns are revealed in two different cell lines
Authors: Zhao Wenting , Cheng Lesley , Quek Camelia , Bellingham Shayne A. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: November 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene or protein expression by targeting mRNAs and triggering either translational repression or mRNA degradation. Distinct expression levels of miRNAs, including miR-29b, have been detected in various biological fluids and tissues from a large variety of disease models. However, how miRNAs “react” and function in different cellular environments is still largely unknown. In this study, the regulation patterns of miR-29b between human and mouse cell lines were compared for the first time. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to stably knockdown miR-29b in human cancer HeLa cells and mouse fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells with minimum off-targets. Genome editing revealed mir-29b-1, other than mir-29b-2, to be the main source of generating mature miR-29b. The editing of miR-29b decreased expression levels of its family members miR-29a/c via changing the tertiary structures of surrounding nucleotides. Comparing transcriptome profiles of human and mouse cell lines, miR-29b displayed common regulation pathways involving distinct downstream targets in macromolecular complex assembly, cell cycle regulation, and Wnt and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways; miR-29b also demonstrated specific functions reflecting cell characteristics, including fibrosis and neuronal regulations in NIH/3T3 cells and tumorigenesis and cellular senescence in HeLa cells.
Proteome characterization of used nesting material and potential protein sources from group housed male mice, Mus musculus
Authors: Barabas Amanda J. , Aryal Uma K. , Gaskill Brianna N.
Published: November 2019

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus)communicate a variety of social messages through olfactory cues and it is often speculated that these cues are preserved in nesting material. Based on these speculations, a growing number of husbandry recommendations support preserving used nests at cage cleaning to maintain familiar odors in the new cage. However, the content of used nesting material has never been chemically analyzed. Here we present the first comprehensive proteome profile of used nesting material. Nests from cages of group housed male mice contain a variety of proteins that primarily originate from saliva, plantar sweat, and urine sources. Most notably, a large proportion of proteins found in used nesting material belong to major urinary protein (“MUP”) and odorant binding protein (“OBP”) families. Both protein families send messages about individual identity and bind volatile compounds that further contribute to identity cues. Overall, this data supports current recommendations to preserve used nesting material at cage cleaning to maintain odor familiarity.
Distribution pattern and molecular signature of cholinergic tuft cells in human gastro-intestinal and pancreatic-biliary tract
Authors: Schütz Burkhard , Ruppert Anna-Lena , Strobel Oliver , Lazarus Michael , Urade Yoshihiro , Büchler Markus W. , Weihe Eberhard
Published: November 2019

Despite considerable recent insight into the molecular phenotypes and type 2 innate immune functions of tuft cells in rodents, there is sparse knowledge about the region-specific presence and molecular phenotypes of tuft cells in the human digestive tract. Here, we traced cholinergic tuft cells throughout the human alimentary tract with immunohistochemistry and deciphered their region-specific distribution and biomolecule coexistence patterns. While absent from the human stomach, cholinergic tuft cells localized to villi and crypts in the small and large intestines. In the biliary tract, they were present in the epithelium of extra-hepatic peribiliary glands, but not observed in the epithelia of the gall bladder and the common duct of the biliary tract. In the pancreas, solitary cholinergic tuft cells were frequently observed in the epithelia of small and medium-size intra- and inter-lobular ducts, while they were absent from acinar cells and from the main pancreatic duct. Double immunofluorescence revealed co-expression of choline acetyltransferase with structural (cytokeratin 18, villin, advillin) tuft cell markers and eicosanoid signaling (cyclooxygenase 1, hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein) biomolecules. Our results indicate that region-specific cholinergic signaling of tuft cells plays a role in mucosal immunity in health and disease, especially in infection and cancer.
Ultra-thin ion exchange film on the ceramic supporter for output power improvement of reverse electrodialysis
Authors: Jung Dong Hyeon , Han Eui Don , Kim Byeong Hee , Seo Young Ho
Published: November 2019

In this study, ultra-thin ion exchange film on the ceramic supporter (UTFCS) composed of thin polymer layer and nanoporous ceramic layer with low electrical resistance was developed. The electrical properties and permselectivity of UTFCSs were evaluated and the properties of UTFCSs were compared with other ion exchange membranes. Fabricated UTFCSs were applied to a reverse electrodialysis (RED) system to evaluate the output characteristics and compared with other ion exchange membranes. The power density of RED using UTFCS was 36.6 mW/m2, which was 8% higher than that of a commercial anion exchange membrane. In addition, possibility as power source was experimentally verified by driving LEDs. The proposed UTFCS can be applied not only to RED but also to energy development such as fuel cells and microbial cells.
Mio-Pliocene piracy, relict landscape and drainage reorganization in the Namcha Barwa syntaxis zone of eastern Himalaya
Authors: Jaiswara Nilesh Kumar , Pandey Prabha , Pandey Anand K.
Published: November 2019

The presence of unique elevated low relief relict landscape in the transient Dibang catchment, at the orographic edge of Tibet-Himalaya in the tectonically active Namcha Barwa syntaxial zone, is modelled to understand evolving regional landscape, drainage reorganization and tectonics. This elevated low relief landscape represents a Mio-Pliocene abandoned paleo-channel of the Yarlung river, which was captured by the headward eroding Siang river owing to >600 m base level advantage. The river capture caused isolation of the Dibang river, which evolved as a transient parched catchment since 3–6 Ma after loss of ~17 times drainage area and 4–17 times discharge. The drainage area and discharge gained by the Siang river triggered enormous incision causing aneurysm leading to the accelerated growth of the Tsangpo gorge and affected regional tectonics. This paleo-drainage reorganization is reflected in the Mio-Pliocene sedimentation pattern in the southern Tibet-Himalaya and foreland basins.
Roles of Toll-like receptor 2/4, monoacylglycerol lipase, and cyclooxygenase in social defeat stress-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the brain and their behavioral relevance
Authors: Nie Xiang , Kitaoka Shiho , Shinohara Masakazu , Kakizuka Akira , Narumiya Shuh , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki
Published: November 2019

Inflammation in the brain and periphery has been associated with stress-related pathology of mental illness. We have shown that prostaglandin (PG) E2, an arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediator, and innate immune receptors Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 are crucial for repeated stress-induced behavioral changes in rodents. However, how the stress induces PGE2 synthesis in the brain and whether TLR2/4 are involved in the PGE2 synthesis remain unknown. Using mice lacking TLR2 and TLR4 in combination, here we show that social defeat stress (SDS) induced the PGE2 synthesis in subcortical, but not cortical, tissues in a TLR2/4-dependent manner. It is known that PGE2 in the brain is mainly derived by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)-mediated conversion of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol to free-arachidonic acid, a substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) for PGE2 synthesis. We found that TLR2/4 deletion reduced the mRNA expression of MAGL and COX1 in subcortical tissues after repeated SDS. Perturbation of MAGL and COX1 as well as COX2 abolished SDS-induced PGE2 synthesis in subcortical tissues. Furthermore, systemic administration of JZL184, an MAGL inhibitor, abolished repeated SDS-induced social avoidance. These results suggest that SDS induces PGE2 synthesis in subcortical regions of the brain via the MAGL-COX pathway in a TLR2/4-dependent manner, thereby leading to social avoidance.
A New Picture of the Global Impacts of El Nino-Southern Oscillation
Authors: Lin Jialin , Qian Taotao
Published: November 2019

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant interannual variability of Earth’s climate system and plays a central role in global climate prediction. Outlooks of ENSO and its impacts often follow a two-tier approach: predicting ENSO sea surface temperature anomaly in tropical Pacific and then predicting its global impacts. However, the current picture of ENSO global impacts widely used by forecasting centers and atmospheric science textbooks came from two earliest surface station datasets complied 30 years ago, and focused on the extreme phases rather than the whole ENSO lifecycle. Here, we demonstrate a new picture of the global impacts of ENSO throughout its whole lifecycle based on the rich latest satellite, in situ and reanalysis datasets. ENSO impacts are much wider than previously thought. There are significant impacts unknown in the previous picture over Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. The so-called “neutral years” are not neutral, but are associated with strong sea surface temperature anomalies in global oceans outside the tropical Pacific, and significant anomalies of land surface air temperature and precipitation over all the continents.
Functional conservation of RecQ helicase BLM between humans and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cox Rebecca L. , Hofley Carolyn M. , Tatapudy Pallavi , Patel Romil K. , Dayani Yaron , Betcher Madison , LaRocque Jeannine R.
Published: November 2019

RecQ helicases are a family of proteins involved in maintaining genome integrity with functions in DNA repair, recombination, and replication. The human RecQ helicase family consists of five helicases: BLM, WRN, RECQL, RECQL4, and RECQL5. Inherited mutations in RecQ helicases result in Bloom Syndrome (BLM mutation), Werner Syndrome (WRN mutation), Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (RECQL4 mutation), and other genetic diseases, including cancer. The RecQ helicase family is evolutionarily conserved, as Drosophila melanogaster have three family members: DmBlm, DmRecQL4, and DmRecQL5 and DmWRNexo, which contains a conserved exonuclease domain. DmBlm has functional similarities to human BLM (hBLM) as mutants demonstrate increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) and a decrease in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. To determine the extent of functional conservation of RecQ helicases, hBLM was expressed in Drosophila using the GAL4 > UASp system to determine if GAL4 > UASp::hBLM can rescue DmBlm mutant sensitivity to IR. hBLM was able to rescue female DmBlm mutant sensitivity to IR, supporting functional conservation. This functional conservation is specific to BLM, as human GAL4 > UASp::RECQL was not able to rescue DmBlm mutant sensitivity to IR. These results demonstrate the conserved role of BLM in maintaining the genome while reinforcing the applicability of using Drosophila as a model system to study Bloom Syndrome.
Enzyme-Assisted Photoinjection of Megadalton Molecules into Intact Plant Cells Using Femtosecond Laser Amplifier
Authors: Rukmana Taufiq Indra , Moran Gabriela , Méallet-Renault Rachel , Ohtani Misato , Demura Taku , Yasukuni Ryohei , Hosokawa Yoichiroh
Published: November 2019

Femtosecond laser photoporation has become a popular method to deliver various kinds of molecules such as genes, proteins, and fluorescent dyes into single mammalian cells. However, this method is not easily applied to plant cells because their cell wall and turgor pressure prevent the delivery, especially for larger molecules than the mesh size of the cell wall. This work is the first demonstration of the efficient photoinjection of megadalton molecules into a cytoplasm of an intact single plant cell by employing a femtosecond laser amplifier under moderate enzyme treatment conditions. The intense femtosecond laser pulse effectively formed a pore on the cell wall and membrane of Tobacco BY-2, and 2 MDa dextran molecules were introduced through the pore. Along with the pore formation, induced mechanical tensile stresses on BY-2 cells were considered to increase permeability of the cell membrane and enhance the uptake of large molecules. Moreover, the moderate enzyme treatment partially degraded the cell wall thereby facilitating the increase of the molecular introduction efficiency.
Asymmetrically twisted phenanthrimidazole derivatives as host materials for blue fluorescent, green and red phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Panimozhi Sekar , Thanikachalam Venugopal
Published: November 2019

The electroluminescent properties of asymmetrically twisted phenanthrimidazole derivatives comprised of fluorescent anthracene or pyrene unit namely, 1-(1-(anthracen-10-yl)naphthalen-4-yl)-2-styryl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (ANSPI), 1-(1-(pyren-1-yl) naphthalene-4-yl)-2-styryl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (PNSPI), 4-(2-(4-(anthracen-9-yl) styryl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-1-yl)naphthalene-1-carbonitrile (ASPINC) and 4-(2-(4-(pyren-1-yl)styryl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-1-yl)naphthalene-1-carbonitrile (PSPINC) for blue OLEDs have been analyzed. The asymmetrically twisted conformation interrupt π-conjugation effectively results in deep-blue emission. The pyrene containing PSPINC based non-doped blue device (476 nm) shows maximium efficiencies (current efficiency (ηc)-4.23 cd/A; power efficiency (ηp)-2.86 lm/W; external quantum efficiency (ηex)-3.48%: CIE (0.16, 0.17) at 3.10 V. Among the doped blue devices, An(PPI)2:ASPINC shows high efficiencies (ηc-12.13 cd/A; ηp-5.98 lm/W; ηex-6.79%; L-23986 cd m−2; EL-458 nm) at 3.15 V with CIE (0.15, 0.17) than An(PPI)2:PSPINC based device which is inconsistent with non-doped device performances. The green and red PhOLEDs show higher efficiencies with Ir(ppy)3: ASPINC (ηc-50.6 cd/A; ηp-53.4 lm/W; ηex-17.0%; L-61581 cd m−2; EL-501 nm, CIE (0.31, 0.60) at 3.32 V and (bt)2Ir(dipba): ASPINC (ηc-15.2 cd/A; ηp-16.5 lm/W; ηex-14.5%; L-13456 cd m−2; EL-610 nm), CIE (0.63, 0.36) at 3.20 V, respectively. The complete energy transfer between the host and dopant molecules improved the efficiency of PHOLEDs.
Sr/PTA Metal Organic Framework as A Drug Delivery System for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Authors: Li Zhen , Peng Ying , Xia Xingyu , Cao Zhe , Deng Yuqing , Tang Bin
Published: November 2019

A Sr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) is introduced as ketoprofen carrier to form a comprehensive system for treating osteoarthritis (OA), and the drug loading amount and release rate is investigated. Structural characterization of the samples showed that Sr/PTA-MOF had good crystal morphology and structure, and chemical and thermal stability. Ketoprofen was successfully loaded on the MOF carrier, which had been identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The release experiment manifested that more than 90% of ketoprofen released from Sr/PTA-MOF after 24 h, and ketoprofen delivery was mainly governed by the Higuchi model. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiment manifested that synthesized MOF carrier had no poisonous effect on OA chondrocytes, which provided a preliminary foundation for the realization of comprehensive treating OA.