bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active sorting of orbital angular momentum states of light with a cascaded tunable resonator
Authors: Wei Shibiao , Earl Stuart K. , Lin Jiao , Kou Shan Shan , Yuan Xiao-Cong
Published: January 2020

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light has been shown to be useful in diverse fields ranging from astronomy and optical trapping to optical communications and data storage. However, one of the primary impediments preventing such applications from widespread adoption is the lack of a straightforward and dynamic method to sort incident OAM states without altering the states. Here, we report a technique that can dynamically filter individual OAM states and preserve the incident OAM states for subsequent processing. Although the working principle of this technique is based on resonance, the device operation is not limited to a particular wavelength. OAM states with different wavelengths can resonate in the resonator without any additional modulation other than changing the length of the cavity. Consequently, we are able to demonstrate a reconfigurable OAM sorter that is constructed by cascading such optical resonators. This approach does not require specially designed components and is readily amenable to integration into potential applications.
Large-area epitaxial growth of curvature-stabilized ABC trilayer graphene
Authors: Gao Zhaoli , Wang Sheng , Berry Joel , Zhang Qicheng , Gebhardt Julian , Parkin William M. , Avila Jose , Yi Hemian , Chen Chaoyu , Hurtado-Parra Sebastian , Drndić Marija , Rappe Andrew M. , Srolovitz David J. , Kikkawa James M. , Luo Zhengtang , Asensio Maria C. , Wang Feng , Johnson A. T. Charlie
Published: January 2020

The properties of van der Waals (vdW) materials often vary dramatically with the atomic stacking order between layers, but this order can be difficult to control. Trilayer graphene (TLG) stacks in either a semimetallic ABA or a semiconducting ABC configuration with a gate-tunable band gap, but the latter has only been produced by exfoliation. Here we present a chemical vapor deposition approach to TLG growth that yields greatly enhanced fraction and size of ABC domains. The key insight is that substrate curvature can stabilize ABC domains. Controllable ABC yields ~59% were achieved by tailoring substrate curvature levels. ABC fractions remained high after transfer to device substrates, as confirmed by transport measurements revealing the expected tunable ABC band gap. Substrate topography engineering provides a path to large-scale synthesis of epitaxial ABC-TLG and other vdW materials.
Formation of bridgmanite-enriched layer at the top lower-mantle during magma ocean solidification
Authors: Xie Longjian , Yoneda Akira , Yamazaki Daisuke , Manthilake Geeth , Higo Yuji , Tange Yoshinori , Guignot Nicolas , King Andrew , Scheel Mario , Andrault Denis
Published: January 2020

Thermochemical heterogeneities detected today in the Earth’s mantle could arise from ongoing partial melting in different mantle regions. A major open question, however, is the level of chemical stratification inherited from an early magma-ocean (MO) solidification. Here we show that the MO crystallized homogeneously in the deep mantle, but with chemical fractionation at depths around 1000 km and in the upper mantle. Our arguments are based on accurate measurements of the viscosity of melts with forsterite, enstatite and diopside compositions up to ~30 GPa and more than 3000 K at synchrotron X-ray facilities. Fractional solidification would induce the formation of a bridgmanite-enriched layer at ~1000 km depth. This layer may have resisted to mantle mixing by convection and cause the reported viscosity peak and anomalous dynamic impedance. On the other hand, fractional solidification in the upper mantle would have favored the formation of the first crust.
Blood-triggered generation of platinum nanoparticle functions as an anti-cancer agent
Authors: Zeng Xin , Sun Jie , Li Suping , Shi Jiyun , Gao Han , Sun Leong Wei , Wu Yiqi , Li Minghui , Liu Chengxin , Li Ping , Kong Jing , Wu Yi-Zhou , Nie Guangjun , Fu Yuming , Zhang Gen
Published: January 2020

Since the discovery of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in the 1960s, unknown toxicity, cost and the ethical hurdles of research in humans have hindered the translation of these NPs to clinical use. In this work, we demonstrate that Pt NPs with protein coronas are generated in vivo in human blood when a patient is treated with cisplatin. These self-assembled Pt NPs form rapidly, accumulate in tumors, and remain in the body for an extended period of time. Additionally, the Pt NPs are safe for use in humans and can act as anti-cancer agents to inhibit chemotherapy-resistant tumor growth by consuming intracellular glutathione and activating apoptosis. The tumor inhibitory activity is greatly amplified when the Pt NPs are loaded in vitro with the chemotherapeutic drug, daunorubicin, and the formulation is effective even in daunorubicin-resistant models. These in vivo-generated metal NPs represent a biocompatible drug delivery platform for chemotherapy resistant tumor treatment.
An all-optical technique enables instantaneous single-shot demodulation of images at high frequency
Authors: Panigrahi Swapnesh , Fade Julien , Agaisse Romain , Ramachandran Hema , Alouini Mehdi
Published: January 2020

High-frequency demodulation of wide area optical signals in a snapshot manner remains a technological challenge. If solved, it could open tremendous perspectives in 3D imaging, vibrometry, free-space communications, automated vision, or ballistic photon imaging in scattering media with numerous applications in smart autonomous vehicles and medical diagnosis. We present here a snapshot quadrature demodulation imaging technique, capable of estimating the amplitude and phase from a single acquisition, without synchronization of emitter and receiver, and with the added capability of continuous frequency tuning. This all-optical optimized setup comprises an electro-optic crystal acting as a fast sinusoidal optical transmission gate, and allows four quadrature image channels to be recorded simultaneously with any conventional camera. We report the design, experimental validation and examples of applications of such wide-field quadrature demodulating system that allowed snapshot demodulation of images with good spatial resolution and continuous frequency selectivity up to a few 100s of kilohertz.
Fingerprint of rice paddies in spatial–temporal dynamics of atmospheric methane concentration in monsoon Asia
Authors: Zhang Geli , Xiao Xiangming , Dong Jinwei , Xin Fengfei , Zhang Yao , Qin Yuanwei , Doughty Russell B. , Moore Berrien
Published: January 2020

Agriculture (e.g., rice paddies) has been considered one of the main emission sources responsible for the sudden rise of atmospheric methane concentration (XCH4) since 2007, but remains debated. Here we use satellite-based rice paddy and XCH4data to investigate the spatial–temporal relationships between rice paddy area, rice plant growth, and XCH4in monsoon Asia, which accounts for ~87% of the global rice area. We find strong spatial consistencies between rice paddy area and XCH4and seasonal consistencies between rice plant growth and XCH4. Our results also show a decreasing trend in rice paddy area in monsoon Asia since 2007, which suggests that the change in rice paddy area could not be one of the major drivers for the renewed XCH4growth, thus other sources and sinks should be further investigated. Our findings highlight the importance of satellite-based paddy rice datasets in understanding the spatial–temporal dynamics of XCH4in monsoon Asia.
Unprecedented Fe delivery from the Congo River margin to the South Atlantic Gyre
Authors: Vieira Lúcia H. , Krisch Stephan , Hopwood Mark J. , Beck Aaron J. , Scholten Jan , Liebetrau Volker , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: January 2020

Rivers are a major supplier of particulate and dissolved material to the ocean, but their role as sources of bio-essential dissolved iron (dFe) is thought to be limited due to rapid, efficient Fe removal during estuarine mixing. Here, we use trace element and radium isotope data to show that the influence of the Congo River margin on surface Fe concentrations is evident over 1000 km from the Congo outflow. Due to an unusual combination of high Fe input into the Congo-shelf-zone and rapid lateral transport, the Congo plume constitutes an exceptionally large offshore dFe flux of 6.8 ± 2.3 × 108 mol year−1. This corresponds to 40 ± 15% of atmospheric dFe input into the South Atlantic Ocean and makes a higher contribution to offshore Fe availability than any other river globally. The Congo River therefore contributes significantly to relieving Fe limitation of phytoplankton growth across much of the South Atlantic.
HSP90A inhibition promotes anti-tumor immunity by reversing multi-modal resistance and stem-like property of immune-refractory tumors
Authors: Song Kwon-Ho , Oh Se Jin , Kim Suyeon , Cho Hanbyoul , Lee Hyo-Jung , Song Joon Seon , Chung Joon-Yong , Cho Eunho , Lee Jaeyoon , Jeon Seunghyun , Yee Cassian , Lee Kyung-Mi , Hewitt Stephen M. , Kim Jae-Hoon , Woo Seon Rang , Kim Tae Woo
Published: January 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising cancer treatment. However, the presence of immune-refractory tumor cells limits its clinical success by blocking amplification of anti-tumor immunity. Previously, we found that immune selection by immunotherapy drives the evolution of tumors toward multi-modal resistant and stem-like phenotypes via transcription induction of AKT co-activator TCL1A by NANOG. Here, we report a crucial role of HSP90A at the crossroads between NANOG-TCL1A axis and multi-aggressive properties of immune-edited tumor cells by identifying HSP90AA1 as a NANOG transcriptional target. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HSP90A potentiates AKT activation through TCL1A-stabilization, thereby contributing to the multi-aggressive properties in NANOGhigh tumor cells. Importantly, HSP90 inhibition sensitized immune-refractory tumor to adoptive T cell transfer as well as PD-1 blockade, and re-invigorated the immune cycle of tumor-reactive T cells. Our findings implicate that the HSP90A-TCL1A-AKT pathway ignited by NANOG is a central molecular axis and a potential target for immune-refractory tumor.
Systemic infection facilitates transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice
Authors: Bachta Kelly E. R. , Allen Jonathan P. , Cheung Bettina H. , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Hauser Alan R.
Published: January 2020

Health care-associated infections such asPseudomonas aeruginosabacteremia pose a major clinical risk for hospitalized patients. However, these systemic infections are presumed to be a “dead-end” forP. aeruginosaand to have no impact on transmission. Here, we use a mouse infection model to show thatP. aeruginosacan spread from the bloodstream to the gallbladder, where it replicates to extremely high numbers. Bacteria in the gallbladder can then seed the intestines and feces, leading to transmission to uninfected cage-mate mice. Our work shows that the gallbladder is crucial for spread ofP. aeruginosafrom the bloodstream to the feces during bacteremia, a process that promotes transmission in this experimental system. Further research is needed to test to what extent these findings are relevant to infections in patients.
Physical and behavioral adaptations to prevent overheating of the living wings of butterflies
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Chia , Childers Richard A. , Nan Shi Norman , Ren Crystal , Pelaez Julianne N. , Bernard Gary D. , Pierce Naomi E. , Yu Nanfang
Published: January 2020

The wings of Lepidoptera contain a matrix of living cells whose function requires appropriate temperatures. However, given their small thermal capacity, wings can overheat rapidly in the sun. Here we analyze butterfly wings across a wide range of simulated environmental conditions, and find that regions containing living cells are maintained at cooler temperatures. Diverse scale nanostructures and non-uniform cuticle thicknesses create a heterogeneous distribution of radiative cooling that selectively reduces the temperature of structures such as wing veins and androconial organs. These tissues are supplied by circulatory, neural and tracheal systems throughout the adult lifetime, indicating that the insect wing is a dynamic, living structure. Behavioral assays show that butterflies use wings to sense visible and infrared radiation, responding with specialized behaviors to prevent overheating of their wings. Our work highlights the physiological importance of wing temperature and how it is exquisitely regulated by structural and behavioral adaptations.
RNA proximity sequencing data and analysis pipeline from a human neuroblastoma nuclear transcriptome
Authors: Wingett Steven W. , Andrews Simon , Fraser Peter , Morf Jörg
Published: January 2020

We have previously developed and described a method for measuring RNA co-locations within cells, called Proximity RNA-seq, which promises insights into RNA expression, processing, storage and translation. Here, we describe transcriptome-wide proximity RNA-seq datasets obtained from human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell nuclei. To aid future users of this method, we also describe and release our analysis pipeline, CloseCall, which maps cDNA to a custom transcript annotation and allocates cDNA-linked barcodes to barcode groups. CloseCall then performs Monte Carlo simulations on the data to identify pairs of transcripts, which are co-barcoded more frequently than expected by chance. Furthermore, derived co-barcoding frequencies for individual transcripts, dubbed valency, serve as proxies for RNA density or connectivity for that given transcript. We outline how this pipeline was applied to these sequencing datasets and openly share the processed data outputs and access to a virtual machine that runs CloseCall. The resulting data specify the spatial organization of RNAs and builds hypotheses for potential regulatory relationships between RNAs.
The majority of autosomal recessive nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmia can be attributed to biallelic sequence and structural variants in MFRP and PRSS56
Authors: Almoallem Basamat , Arno Gavin , De Zaeytijd Julie , Verdin Hannah , Balikova Irina , Casteels Ingele , de Ravel Thomy , Hull Sarah , Suzani Martina , Destrée Anne , Peng Michelle , Williams Denise , Ainsworth John R. , Webster Andrew R. , Leroy Bart P. , Moore Anthony T. , De Baere Elfride
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to genetically and clinically characterize a unique cohort of 25 individuals from 21 unrelated families with autosomal recessive nanophthalmos (NNO) and posterior microphthalmia (MCOP) from different ethnicities. An ophthalmological assessment in all families was followed by targeted MFRP and PRSS56 testing in 20 families and whole-genome sequencing in one family. Three families underwent homozygosity mapping using SNP arrays. Eight distinct MFRP mutations were found in 10/21 families (47.6%), five of which are novel including a deletion spanning the 5′ untranslated region and the first coding part of exon 1. Most cases harbored homozygous mutations (8/10), while a compound heterozygous and a monoallelic genotype were identified in the remaining ones (2/10). Six distinct PRSS56 mutations were found in 9/21 (42.9%) families, three of which are novel. Similarly, homozygous mutations were found in all but one, leaving 2/21 families (9.5%) without a molecular diagnosis. Clinically, all patients had reduced visual acuity, hyperopia, short axial length and crowded optic discs. Retinitis pigmentosa was observed in 5/10 (50%) of the MFRP group, papillomacular folds in 12/19 (63.2%) of MCOP and in 3/6 (50%) of NNO cases. A considerable phenotypic variability was observed, with no clear genotype-phenotype correlations. Overall, our study represents the largest NNO and MCOP cohort reported to date and provides a genetic diagnosis in 19/21 families (90.5%), including the first MFRP genomic rearrangement, offering opportunities for gene-based therapies in MFRP-associated disease. Finally, our study underscores the importance of sequence and copy number analysis of the MFRP and PRSS56 genes in MCOP and NNO.
Annealing of ion tracks in apatite under pressure characterized in situ by small angle x-ray scattering
Authors: Schauries Daniel , Afra Boshra , Mota-Santiago Pablo , Trautmann Christina , Lang Maik , Ewing Rodney C. , Kirby Nigel , Kluth Patrick
Published: January 2020

Fission track thermochronology is routinely used to investigate the thermal history of sedimentary basins, as well as tectonic uplift and denudation rates. While the effect of temperature on fission track annealing has been studied extensively to calibrate the application of the technique, the effect of pressure during annealing is generally considered to be negligible. However, a previous study suggested elevated pressure results in a significantly different annealing behaviour that was previously unknown. Here, we present a method to study track annealing in situ under high pressure by using synchrotron-based small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). To simulate fission tracks in a controlled environment, ion tracks were created in apatite from Durango, Mexico using 2 GeV Au or Bi ions provided by an ion accelerator facility. Samples were annealed at 250 °C at approximately 1 GPa pressure using diamond anvil cells (DACs) with heating capabilities. Additional in situ annealing experiments at ambient pressure and temperatures between 320 and 390 °C were performed for comparison. At elevated pressure a significantly accelerated annealing rate of the tracks was observed compared with annealing at ambient pressure. However, when extrapolated to geologically relevant temperatures and pressures, the effects become very small. The measurement methodology presented provides a new avenue to study materials behaviour in extreme environments.
EasyPrimer: user-friendly tool for pan-PCR/HRM primers design. Development of an HRM protocol on wzi gene for fast Klebsiella pneumoniae typing
Authors: Perini Matteo , Piazza Aurora , Panelli Simona , Di Carlo Domenico , Corbella Marta , Gona Floriana , Vailati Francesca , Marone Piero , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Farina Claudio , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Comandatore Francesco
Published: January 2020

In this work we present EasyPrimer, a user-friendly online tool developed to assist pan-PCR and High Resolution Melting (HRM) primer design. The tool finds the most suitable regions for primer design in a gene alignment and returns a clear graphical representation of their positions on the consensus sequence. EasyPrimer is particularly useful in difficult contexts, e.g. on gene alignments of hundreds of sequences and/or on highly variable genes. HRM analysis is an emerging method for fast and cost saving bacterial typing and an HRM scheme of six primer pairs on five Multi-Locus Sequence Type (MLST) genes is already available for Klebsiella pneumoniae. We validated the tool designing a scheme of two HRM primer pairs on the hypervariable gene wzi of Klebsiella pneumoniae and compared the two schemes. The wzi scheme resulted to have a discriminatory power comparable to the HRM MLST scheme, using only one third of primer pairs. Then we successfully used the wzi HRM primer scheme to reconstruct a Klebsiella pneumoniae nosocomial outbreak in few hours. The use of hypervariable genes reduces the number of HRM primer pairs required for bacterial typing allowing to perform cost saving, large-scale surveillance programs.
The expression of the long NEAT1_2 isoform is associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancers
Authors: Knutsen Erik , Lellahi Seyed Mohammad , Aure Miriam Ragle , Nord Silje , Fismen Silje , Larsen Kenneth Bowitz , Gabriel Marta Tellez , Hedberg Annica , Bjørklund Sunniva Stordal ,   Oslo Breast Cancer Research Consortium (OSBREAC), Geisler Jürgen , Hofvind Solveig , Bathen Tone F. , Borgen Elin , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Engebråten Olav , Garred Øystein , Geitvik Gry Aarum , Langerød Anita , Naume Bjørn , Russnes Hege G. , Schlichting Ellen , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Kristensen Vessela N. , Skjerven Helle Kristine , Papathomas Thomas , Hartman-Johnsen Olaf-Johan , Sahlberg Kristine Kleivi , Bofin Anna Mary , Mælandsmo Gunhild Mari , Sørlie Therese , Mortensen Elin Synnøve , Perander Maria
Published: January 2020

The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 locus is transcribed into two overlapping isoforms, NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2, of which the latter is essential for the assembly of nuclear paraspeckles. NEAT1 is abnormally expressed in a wide variety of human cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that the two isoforms have distinct functions in gene expression regulation, and recently it was shown that NEAT1_2, but not NEAT1_1, expression predicts poor clinical outcome in cancer. Here, we report that NEAT1_2 expression correlates with HER2-positive breast cancers and high-grade disease. We provide evidence that NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 have distinct expression pattern among different intrinsic breast cancer subtypes. Finally, we show that NEAT1_2 expression and paraspeckle formation increase upon lactation in humans, confirming what has previously been demonstrated in mice.
Advances in Kriging-Based Autonomous X-Ray Scattering Experiments
Authors: Noack Marcus M. , Doerk Gregory S. , Li Ruipeng , Fukuto Masafumi , Yager Kevin G.
Published: January 2020

Autonomous experimentation is an emerging paradigm for scientific discovery, wherein measurement instruments are augmented with decision-making algorithms, allowing them to autonomously explore parameter spaces of interest. We have recently demonstrated a generalized approach to autonomous experimental control, based on generating a surrogate model to interpolate experimental data, and a corresponding uncertainty model, which are computed using a Gaussian process regression known as ordinary Kriging (OK). We demonstrated the successful application of this method to exploring materials science problems using x-ray scattering measurements at a synchrotron beamline. Here, we report several improvements to this methodology that overcome limitations of traditional Kriging methods. The variogram underlying OK is global and thus insensitive to local data variation. We augment the Kriging variance with model-based measures, for instance providing local sensitivity by including the gradient of the surrogate model. As with most statistical regression methods, OK minimizes the number of measurements required to achieve a particular model quality. However, in practice this may not be the most stringent experimental constraint; e.g. the goal may instead be to minimize experiment duration or material usage. We define an adaptive cost function, allowing the autonomous method to balance information gain against measured experimental cost. We provide synthetic and experimental demonstrations, validating that this improved algorithm yields more efficient autonomous data collection.
Predicting clustered weather patterns: A test case for applications of convolutional neural networks to spatio-temporal climate data
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ashesh , Hassanzadeh Pedram , Pasha Saba
Published: January 2020

Deep learning techniques such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can potentially provide powerful tools for classifying, identifying, and predicting patterns in climate and environmental data. However, because of the inherent complexities of such data, which are often spatio-temporal, chaotic, and non-stationary, the CNN algorithms must be designed/evaluated for each specific dataset and application. Yet CNN, being a supervised technique, requires a large labeled dataset to start. Labeling demands (human) expert time which, combined with the limited number of relevant examples in this area, can discourage using CNNs for new problems. To address these challenges, here we (1) Propose an effective auto-labeling strategy based on using an unsupervised clustering algorithm and evaluating the performance of CNNs in re-identifying and predicting these clusters up to 5 days ahead of time; (2) Use this approach to label thousands of daily large-scale weather patterns over North America in the outputs of a fully-coupled climate model and show the capabilities of CNNs in re-identifying and predicting the 4 clustered regimes up to 5 days ahead of time. The deep CNN trained with 1000 samples or more per cluster has an accuracy of 90% or better for both identification and prediction while prediction accuracy scales weakly with the number of lead days. Accuracy scales monotonically but nonlinearly with the size of the training set, e.g. reaching 94% with 3000 training samples per cluster for identification and 93–76% for prediction at lead day 1–5, outperforming logistic regression, a simpler machine learning algorithm, by  ~ 25%. Effects of architecture and hyperparameters on the performance of CNNs are examined and discussed.
Position and Direction Tracking of a Magnetic Object Based on an Mx-Atomic Magnetometer
Authors: Soheilian Asieh , Ranjbaran Maliheh , Tehranchi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2020

Remote and non-invasive tracking of a moving magnetic object based on an atomic magnetometer has been developed recently. The sensitivity of atomic magnetometers is limited by mechanisms that relax the spin precession of alkali atoms. Meanwhile, some of these mechanisms such as magnetic field gradient are applicable in magnetic object tracking. Correspondingly, we have illustrated a way of operating an Mx atomic magnetometer to measure the magnetic field and its gradient simultaneously for a moving magnetic microwire, which resulted in recording a spike-like signal. We described the dependency of the signal on the position, velocity, and direction of the microwire. According to the results, the measurement of the inhomogeneous local magnetic field gradient opens new ways for obtaining the direction of the velocity of magnetic objects accessible in cells with large sizes. Furthermore, the accuracy of the velocimetry was found as 40 µm/s which could be an important means for assessing the microvascular blood flow.
CA19-9 for detecting recurrence of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Azizian Azadeh , Rühlmann Felix , Krause Tanja , Bernhardt Markus , Jo Peter , König Alexander , Kleiß Mathias , Leha Andreas , Ghadimi Michael , Gaedcke Jochen
Published: January 2020

CA19-9 values are regularly measured in patients with pancreatic cancer. Certainly, its potential as a biomarker has been compromised by false negative results in CA19-9 negative patients and false positive results in benign pancreatico-biliary diseases. For detection of PDAC recurrence, however, CA19-9 might play an important role. The aim of this study is to analyze the accuracy of CA19-9 for detecting recurrence of pancreatic cancer. All included patients were treated either at the University Medical Center Goettingen, or at the Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Pneumonology, DRK-Kliniken Nordhessen, Kassel. We analyzed data of 93 patients with pancreatic cancer in the training set and 41 in the validation set, both retrospectively. Pre- and postoperative CA19-9 values and results of imaging techniques were compared. We performed ROC-analysis. The association between longitudinally measured CA19-9 values and relapse was studied with a joint model between a random effects model for the longitudinal CA19-9 measurements and a Cox proportional hazards models for the survival data. In the test set (n = 93 patients) the median follow-up time was 644 days (22 months). Overall, 71 patients (76.3%) developed recurrence during follow-up. Patients with CA19-9 values of <10kU/l were considered as CA19-9 negative patients (n = 11) and excluded from further analysis. Among the rest, approximately 60% of the patients showed significantly elevated CA19-9 prior to detection of recurrence by imaging techniques. Recurrence was shown by 2.45 times elevated CA19-9 values with 90% positive predictive value. In the validation set, 2.45 times elevated CA19-9 values showed recurrence with 90% sensitivity and 83,33% specificity, with an area under the curve of 95%. Based on measured CA19-9 values during follow-up care, the joint model estimates in recurrence-free patients the probability of recurrence-free survival. CA19-9 elevation is an early and reliable sign for PDAC recurrence. On the strength of a very high accuracy in CA19-9 positive patients, it should be considered to use CA19-9 for therapy decision even without a correlate of imaging technics. Using the joint model, follow-up care of PDAC patients after curative therapy can be stratified.
Cucurbitacin B and I inhibits colon cancer growth by targeting the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Dandawate Prasad , Subramaniam Dharmalingam , Panovich Peyton , Standing David , Krishnamachary Balaji , Kaushik Gaurav , Thomas Sufi Mary , Dhar Animesh , Weir Scott J. , Jensen Roy A. , Anant Shrikant
Published: January 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew and induce drug resistance and recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). As current chemotherapy doesn’t eliminate CSCs completely, there is a need to identify novel agents to target them. We investigated the effects of cucurbitacin B (C-B) or I (C-I), a natural compound that exists in edible plants (bitter melons, cucumbers, pumpkins and zucchini), against CRC. C-B or C-I inhibited proliferation, clonogenicity, induced G2/M cell-cycle arrest and caspase-mediated-apoptosis of CRC cells. C-B or C-I suppressed colonosphere formation and inhibited expression of CD44, DCLK1 and LGR5. These compounds inhibited notch signaling by reducing the expression of Notch 1–4 receptors, their ligands (Jagged 1-2, DLL1,3,4), γ-secretase complex proteins (Presenilin 1, Nicastrin), and downstream target Hes-1. Molecular docking showed that C-B or C-I binds to the ankyrin domain of Notch receptor, which was confirmed using the cellular thermal shift assay. Finally, C-B or C-I inhibited tumor xenograft growth in nude mice and decreased the expression of CSC-markers and notch signaling proteins in tumor tissues. Together, our study suggests that C-B and C-I inhibit colon cancer growth by inhibiting Notch signaling pathway.
Characterization and diversity of the complete set of GH family 3 enzymes from Rhodothermus marinus DSM 4253
Authors: Ara Kazi Zubaida Gulshan , Månberger Anna , Gabriško Marek , Linares-Pastén Javier A. , Jasilionis Andrius , Friðjónsson Ólafur H. , Hreggviðsson Guðmundur Ó. , Janeček Štefan , Nordberg Karlsson Eva
Published: January 2020

The genome of Rhodothermus marinus DSM 4253 encodes six glycoside hydrolases (GH) classified under GH family 3 (GH3): RmBgl3A, RmBgl3B, RmBgl3C, RmXyl3A, RmXyl3B and RmNag3. The biochemical function, modelled 3D-structure, gene cluster and evolutionary relationships of each of these enzymes were studied. The six enzymes were clustered into three major evolutionary lineages of GH3: β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidases, β-1,4-glucosidases/β-xylosidases and macrolide β-glucosidases. The RmNag3 with additional β-lactamase domain clustered with the deepest rooted GH3-lineage of β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidases and was active on acetyl-chitooligosaccharides. RmBgl3B displayed β-1,4-glucosidase activity and was the only representative of the lineage clustered with macrolide β-glucosidases from Actinomycetes. The β-xylosidases, RmXyl3A and RmXyl3B, and the β-glucosidases RmBgl3A and RmBgl3C clustered within the major β-glucosidases/β-xylosidases evolutionary lineage. RmXyl3A and RmXyl3B showed β-xylosidase activity with different specificities for para-nitrophenyl (pNP)-linked substrates and xylooligosaccharides. RmBgl3A displayed β-1,4-glucosidase/β-xylosidase activity while RmBgl3C was active on pNP-β-Glc and β-1,3-1,4-linked glucosyl disaccharides. Putative polysaccharide utilization gene clusters were also investigated for both R. marinus DSM 4253 and DSM 4252T (homolog strain). The analysis showed that in the homolog strain DSM 4252TRmar_1080 (RmXyl3A) and Rmar_1081 (RmXyl3B) are parts of a putative polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL) for xylan utilization.
Temperature Dependency of Proton Pumping Activity for Marine Microbial Rhodopsin from Antartic Ocean
Authors: Kim Se-Hwan , Jung ByungHoon , Hong Soon Gyu , Jung Kwang-Hwan
Published: January 2020

Proteorhodopsin (PR) is discovered from marine bacteria and it has proton pumping activity from inside to outside of the cell using light energy. In general, PR classified into two groups by the maximum absorption spectra. In this study, we isolated the two of a full sequence of opsin homologues by PCR from the seawater sample near King George Island, Antarctica. One was the same sequence as the first reported GPR (Green-light absorbing PR) from Monterey Bay. Another named HSG119 was a newly discovered sequence which shows high sequence similarity with BPR (Blue-light absorbing PR). HSG119 has an absorption maximum at 493 nm with broader spectrum at pH7.0 and it can pump protons out of the cell membrane. Interestingly, it showed a similar temperature dependence to GPR(Y200N) that isolated near the North pole.
Author Correction: Anisotropic magnetocaloric effect in Fe3−xGeTe2
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Jun , Tao Jing , Zhu Yimei , Petrovic Cedomir
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Structure, optical and magnetic properties of a novel homometallic coordination polymers: Experimental and Computational studies
Authors: Ammari Y. , Baaalla N. , Hlil E. K. , Abid S.
Published: January 2020

Single crystal of 1D homometallic coordination polymer involving cobalt metal ion and P2Mo5 Strandberg type polyoxometallate cluster (C6H10N2)2[Co(H2O)4P2Mo5O23].6H2O, is prepared in aqueous solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance, fluorescence and magnetism. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that this compound crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P $$\,\bar{1}$$1¯. The 3-(ammoniomethyl)pyridine C6H8N2 organic fragment is used merely as stabilizer for the promotion of topological structure. DRS data indicate that the synthesized material can be identified as a ferromagnetic semiconductor with optical bands gaps energy of 1.81 and 2.74 eV, respectively. The large value of refractive index observed in the visible region make the simple a promising candidate for visible optical communication devices and fluorescent emisson result provides that the complex belongs to a blue luminescent compounds. Moreover, magnetic measurements and electronic structure calculations show that P2Mo5 Strandberg polyoxoanion can be reported as a new class of ligand that is candidate to construct metal-inorganic framworks with long distance ferromagnetic superechange between Co(II) centers. The evidence from this study suggests that the syntesized polymer can become a great multifunctional material openning the door for the developpement of new coordination polymers based on Strandberg type polyxoxmetalate with potential applications.
Rapid detection of terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton species by Amplified refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Shankarnarayan Shamanth A. , Shaw Dipika , Sharma Arunima , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Dogra Sunil , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil , Kaur Harsimran , Ghosh Anup , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M.
Published: January 2020

Dermatophytosis has gained interest in India due to rise in terbinafine resistance and difficulty in management of recalcitrant disease. The terbinafine resistance in dermatophytes is attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in squalene epoxidase (SE) gene. We evaluated the utility of amplified refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS PCR) for detection of previously reported point mutations, including a mutation C1191A in theSEgene inTrichophytonspecies. ARMS PCR was standardized using nine non-wild type isolates and two wild type isolates ofTrichophytonspecies. Study included 214 patients with dermatophyte infection from March through December 2017. Antifungal susceptibility testing of isolated dermatophytes was performed according to CLSI-M38A2 guidelines. Among dermatophytes isolated in 68.2% (146/214) patients,Trichophytonspecies were predominant (66.4%). High (>2 mg/L, cut off) minimum inhibitory concentrations to terbinafine were noted in 15 (15.4%)Trichophyton mentagrophytescomplex isolates. A complete agreement was noted between ARMS PCR assay and DNA sequencing. C to A transversion was responsible for amino acid substitution in 397thposition ofSEgene in terbinafine resistant isolates. Thus, the ARMS PCR assay is a simple and reliable method to detect terbinafine-resistantTrichophytonisolates.
Multi-level anomalous Hall resistance in a single Hall cross for the applications of neuromorphic device
Authors: Kim Y.-U. , Kwon J. , Hwang H.-K. , Purnama I. , You C.-Y.
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate the process of obtaining memristive multi-states Hall resistance (RH) change in a single Hall cross (SHC) structure. Otherwise, the working mechanism successfully mimics the behavior of biological neural systems. The motion of domain wall (DW) in the SHC was used to control the ascend (or descend) of the RH amplitude. The primary synaptic functions such as long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), and spike-time-dependent plasticity (STDP) could then be emulated by regulating RH. Applied programmable magnetic field pulses are in varying conditions such as intensity and duration to adjust RH. These results show that analog readings of DW movement can be closely resembled with the change of synaptic weight and have great potentials for bioinspired neuromorphic computing.
Near-Infrared Fluorescent pH Responsive Probe for Targeted Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Siriwibool Siriwalee , Kaekratoke Nantawat , Chansaenpak Kantapat , Siwawannapong Kittipan , Panajapo Pannipa , Sagarik Kritsana , Noisa Parinya , Lai Rung-Yi , Kamkaew Anyanee
Published: January 2020

We developed a pH dependent amino heptamethine cyanine based theranostic probe (I2-IR783-Mpip) that can be activated by near infrared light. I2-IR783-Mpip, in acidic condition, exhibited an intense, broad NIR absorption band (820–950 nm) with high singlet oxygen generation upon exposure to NIR light (~850 nm). Theoretical calculations showed that the protonation of the probe in an acidic environment decreased the molecular orbital energy gaps and increased the intramolecular charge transfer efficiency. I2-IR783-Mpip exhibited good photodynamic efficiency towards liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells under physiological and slightly acidic conditions while normal human embryonic kidney cells remained alive under the same conditions. Detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells treated with I2-IR783-Mpip after NIR light exposure confirmed PDT efficiency of the probe in acidic environment. Moreover, I2-IR783-Mpip also demonstrated efficient phototoxicity under deep-seated tumour cell system. We believed this is the first PDT agent that possesses intrinsic tumour binding and selectively eradicate tumour in acidic environment under 850 nm NIR lamp.
Effect of Cutaneous Feedback on the Perception of Virtual Object Weight during Manipulation
Authors: Park Jaeyoung , Son Bukun , Han Ilhwan , Lee Woochan
Published: January 2020

Haptic interface technologies for virtual reality applications have been developed to increase the reality and manipulability of a virtual object by creating a diverse tactile sensation. Most evaluation of the haptic technologies, however, have been limited to the haptic perception of the tactile stimuli via static virtual objects. Noting this, we investigated the effect of lateral cutaneous feedback, along with kinesthetic feedback on the perception of virtual object weight during manipulation. We modeled the physical interaction between a participant’s finger avatars and virtual objects. The haptic stimuli were rendered with custom-built haptic feedback systems that can provide kinesthetic and lateral cutaneous feedback to the participant. We conducted two virtual object manipulation experiments, 1. a virtual object manipulation with one finger, and 2. the pull-out and lift-up of a virtual object grasped with a precision grip. The results of Experiment 1 indicate that the participants felt the virtual object rendered with lateral cutaneous feedback significantly heavier than with only kinesthetic feedback (p < 0.05 formref = 100 and 200 g). Similarly, the participants of Experiment 2 felt the virtual objects significantly heavier when lateral cutaneous feedback was available (p < 0.05 formref = 100, 200, and 300 g). Therefore, the additional lateral cutaneous feedback to the force feedback led the participants to feel the virtual object heavier than without the cutaneous feedback. The results also indicate that the contact force applied to a virtual object during manipulation can be a function of the perceived object weight (p = 0.005 for Experiment 1 andp = 0.02 for Experiment 2).
Stacking Fault Energy Analyses of Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel 316L and CrCoNi Medium Entropy Alloy Using In Situ Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Woo W. , Jeong J. S. , Kim D.-K. , Lee C. M. , Choi S.-H. , Suh J.-Y. , Lee S. Y. , Harjo S. , Kawasaki T.
Published: January 2020

Stacking fault energies (SFE) were determined in additively manufactured (AM) stainless steel (SS 316 L) and equiatomic CrCoNi medium-entropy alloys. AM specimens were fabricated via directed energy deposition and tensile loaded at room temperature.In situneutron diffraction was performed to obtain a number of faulting-embedded diffraction peaks simultaneously from a set of (hkl) grains during deformation. The peak profiles diffracted from imperfect crystal structures were analyzed to correlate stacking fault probabilities and mean-square lattice strains to the SFE. The result shows that averaged SFEs are 32.8 mJ/m2for the AM SS 316 L and 15.1 mJ/m2for the AM CrCoNi alloys. Meanwhile, during deformation, the SFE varies from 46 to 21 mJ/m2(AM SS 316 L) and 24 to 11 mJ/m2(AM CrCoNi) from initial to stabilized stages, respectively. The transient SFEs are attributed to the deformation activity changes from dislocation slip to twinning as straining. The twinning deformation substructure and atomic stacking faults were confirmed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The significant variance of the SFE suggests the critical twinning stress as 830 ± 25 MPa for the AM SS 316 L and 790 ± 40 MPa for AM CrCoNi, respectively.
Scutellarin inhibition of the rosuvastatin uptake in rat hepatocytes and the competition for organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 in HEK293T cells
Authors: Liu Jianming , Guo Yongmei , Liu Keqi , Ye Xiyong , Wang Fang , Xu Yanqi , Xia Chunhua
Published: January 2020

In this report, we investigated the hepatocytic uptake of rosuvastatin when administered with scutellarin (a Chinese herbal medicine) in rats and the role of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) plays in the uptake. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into two groups according to the medicine administered: rosuvastatin alone and rosuvastatin in combination with a series concentration of scutellarin. Rosuvastatin concentrations in blood and liver were measured using the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. The uptake was also measured in rat primary hepatocytes and OATP1B1 transfected human embryonic kidney 293 T (HEK293T) cells. The uptake was investigated under the optimal intake conditions. The rosuvastatin Cmax and AUC0−∞in rat plasma increased 55% and 61%, respectively in the combination treatment group; and the liver scutellarin concentrations decreased 32%, 34%, and 33% at 1 h, 2 h, and 6 h, respectively. All scutellarin dosages (20, 50, and 100 μM) inhibited the uptake of rosuvastatin in rat primary hepatocytes (4.71%, 22.73%, and 45.89%). Scutellarin of 10 μM significantly inhibited thein vitrouptake of rosuvastatin in OATP1B1-HEK293T cells (P < 0.05), with an IC50 of 60.53 ± 5.74 μM. Scutellarin increases the plasma concentration of rosuvastatin and inhibits the uptake in rat primary hepatocytes and OATP1B1-HEK293T cells, suggesting a drug interaction between scutellarin and rosuvastatin and OATP1B1 as a potential mechanism.
Fetal malnutrition-induced catch up failure is caused by elevated levels of miR-322 in rats
Authors: Nemoto Takahiro , Kakinuma Yoshihiko
Published: January 2020

If sufficient nutrition is not obtained during pregnancy, the fetus changes its endocrine system and metabolism to protect the brain, resulting in a loss of body size. The detailed mechanisms that determine the success or failure of growth catch-up are still unknown. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which catch-up growth failure occurs. The body weights of rat pups at birth from dams whose calorie intake during pregnancy was reduced by 40% were significantly lower than those of controls, and some offspring failed to catch up. Short-body-length and low-bodyweight rats showed blood IGF-1 levels and mRNA expression levels of IGF-1 and growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the liver that were lower than those in controls. The next generation offspring from low-bodyweight non-catch-up (LBW-NCG) rats had high expression of miR-322 and low expression of GHR and IGF-1. The expression of miR-322 showed a significant negative correlation with GHR expression and body length, and overexpression of miR-322 suppressed GHR expression. We found that insufficient intake of calories during pregnancy causes catch-up growth failure due to increased expression of miR-322 and decreased expression of GHR in the livers of offspring, and this effect is inherited by the next generation.
Larval exposure to a pyrethroid insecticide and competition for food modulate the melanisation and antibacterial responses of adult Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Hauser Gaël , Koella Jacob C.
Published: January 2020

The insecticides we use for agriculture and for vector control often arrive in water bodies, where mosquito larvae may be exposed to them. Not only will they then likely affect the development of the larvae, but their effects may carry over to the adults, potentially affecting their capacity at transmitting infectious diseases. Such an impact may be expected to be more severe when mosquitoes are undernourished. In this study, we investigated whether exposing larvae of the mosquitoAnopheles gambiaeto a sub-lethal dose of permethrin (a pyrethroid) and forcing them to compete for food would affect the immune response of the adults. We found that a low dose of permethrin increased the degree to which individually reared larvae melanised a negatively charged Sephadex bead and slowed the replication of injectedEscherichia coli. However, if mosquitoes had been reared in groups of three (and thus had been forced to compete for food) permethrin had less impact on the efficacy of the immune responses. Our results show how larval stressors can affect the immune response of adults, and that the outcome of exposure to insecticides strongly depends on environmental conditions.