bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skull Base Calcifying Pseudoneoplasms of the Neuraxis: Two Case Reports and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Yang Kaiyun , Reddy Kesava , Ellenbogen Yosef , Wang Bill Hao , Bojanowski Michel W. , Lu Jian-Qiang
Published: December 2019

Background:

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON) is a rare tumefactive lesion. CAPNONs can mimic calcified meningiomas at the skull base.

Methods:

Here, we report two cases of CAPNON and present a systematic review of the literature on skull base CAPNONs, to compare CAPNONs with calcified meningiomas.

Results:

Case 1: A 57-year-old man presented with right-sided lower cranial neuropathies and gait ataxia. He underwent a subtotal resection of a right cerebellopontine angle lesion, with significant improvement of his gait ataxia. However, his cranial neuropathies persisted. Pathological examination of the lesion was diagnostic of CAPNON, with the entrapped nerve fibers identified at the periphery of the lesion, correlating with the patient’s cranial neuropathy. Case 2: A 70-year-old man presented with progressive headache, gait difficulty, and cognitive impairment. He underwent a frontotemporal craniotomy for a near-total resection of his right basal frontal CAPNON. He remained neurologically stable 7 years after the initial resection without evidence of disease recurrence. We analyzed 24 reported CAPNONs at the skull base in our systematic review of the literature. Cranial neuropathies were present in 11 (45.8%) patients. Outcomes regarding cranial neuropathies were documented in six patients: two had sacrifice of the nerve function with surgical approaches and four had persistent cranial neuropathies.

Conclusion:

While CAPNON can radiologically and grossly mimic calcified meningiomas, they are two distinctly different pathologies. CAPNONs located at the skull base are commonly associated with cranial neuropathies, which may be difficult to reverse despite surgical intervention.
Meso-Cenozoic uplift of the Taihang Mountains, North China: evidence from zircon and apatite thermochronology
Authors: Wu Lin , Wang Fei , Yang Jinhui , Wang Yinzhi , Zhang Weibin , Yang Liekun , Shi Wenbei
Published: December 2019

The Taihangshan Mountain Belt, in the central North China Craton, represents an important crustal and tectonic boundary. To explore the complex tectonic evolution of this area during the Mesozoic–Cenozoic, we gathered zircon and apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronology data along a vertical transect (elevation of 630−1584 m) of the northern part of the Taihang Mountain Belt. From our data, we observed three separate rapid cooling phases that occurred at 100 Ma, 50−40 Ma and 27 Ma. Combined with previously published geochronological ages, we suggest that the uplift of the Taihang Mountain Belt initiated during the Jurassic and experienced multiphase rapid uplift from the Cretaceous to the Cenozoic. The early Cretaceous rapid cooling/uplifting events are widespread in the North China Craton and are caused by the collision between the Okhotomorsk Block and the East Asian continental margin. The Eocene and Oligocene rapid cooling events correspond to the initial rifting and thermal subsidence of the Bohai Bay Basin, indicating a coupling between the creation of basins and mountains.
A tool for routine monitoring and feedback of morbidities following paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Grieco Luca , Pagel Christina , Utley Martin , Barron David J. , Stoica Serban , Tibby Shane , Rodrigues Warren , Tsang Victor , Brown Katherine L.
Published: December 2019

Short-term survival after paediatric cardiac surgery has improved significantly over the past 20 years and increasing attention is being given to measuring and reducing incidence of morbidities following surgery. How to best use routinely collected data to share morbidity information constitutes a challenge for clinical teams interested in analysing their outcomes for quality improvement. We aimed to develop a tool facilitating this process in the context of monitoring morbidities following paediatric cardiac surgery, as part of a prospective multi-centre research study in the United Kingdom.

We developed a prototype software tool to analyse and present data about morbidities associated with cardiac surgery in children. We used an iterative process, involving engagement with potential users, tool design and implementation, and feedback collection. Graphical data displays were based on the use of icons and graphs designed in collaboration with clinicians.

Our tool enables automatic creation of graphical summaries, displayed as a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, from a spreadsheet containing patient-level data about specified cardiac surgery morbidities. Data summaries include numbers/percentages of cases with morbidities reported, co-occurrences of different morbidities, and time series of each complication over a time window.

Our work was characterised by a very high level of interaction with potential users of the tool, enabling us to promptly account for feedback and suggestions from clinicians and data managers. The United Kingdom centres involved in the project received the tool positively, and several expressed their interest in using it as part of their routine practice.
YtfK activates the stringent response by triggering the alarmone synthetase SpoT in Escherichia coli
Authors: Germain Elsa , Guiraud Paul , Byrne Deborah , Douzi Badreddine , Djendli Meriem , Maisonneuve Etienne
Published: December 2019

The stringent response is a general bacterial stress response that allows bacteria to adapt and survive adverse conditions. This reprogramming of cell physiology is caused by the accumulation of the alarmone (p)ppGpp which, in Escherichia coli, depends on the (p)ppGpp synthetase RelA and the bifunctional (p)ppGpp synthetase/hydrolase SpoT. Although conditions that control SpoT-dependent (p)ppGpp accumulation have been described, the molecular mechanisms regulating the switching from (p)ppGpp degradation to synthesis remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the protein YtfK promotes SpoT-dependent accumulation of (p)ppGpp in E. coli and is required for activation of the stringent response during phosphate and fatty acid starvation. Our results indicate that YtfK can interact with SpoT. We propose that YtfK activates the stringent response by tilting the catalytic balance of SpoT toward (p)ppGpp synthesis.
Highly multiplexed immunofluorescence images and single-cell data of immune markers in tonsil and lung cancer
Authors: Rashid Rumana , Gaglia Giorgio , Chen Yu-An , Lin Jia-Ren , Du Ziming , Maliga Zoltan , Schapiro Denis , Yapp Clarence , Muhlich Jeremy , Sokolov Artem , Sorger Peter , Santagata Sandro
Published: December 2019

In this data descriptor, we document a dataset of multiplexed immunofluorescence images and derived single-cell measurements of immune lineage and other markers in formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tonsil and lung cancer tissue. We used tissue cyclic immunofluorescence (t-CyCIF) to generate fluorescence images which we artifact corrected using the BaSiC tool, stitched and registered using the ASHLAR algorithm, and segmented using ilastik software and MATLAB. We extracted single-cell features from these images using HistoCAT software. The resulting dataset can be visualized using image browsers and analyzed using high-dimensional, single-cell methods. This dataset is a valuable resource for biological discovery of the immune system in normal and diseased states as well as for the development of multiplexed image analysis and viewing tools.
Distinct mechanisms of signal processing by lamina I spino-parabrachial neurons
Authors: Agashkov K. , Krotov V. , Krasniakova M. , Shevchuk D. , Andrianov Y. , Zabenko Y. , Safronov B. V. , Voitenko N. , Belan P.
Published: December 2019

Lamina I spino-parabrachial neurons (SPNs) receive peripheral nociceptive input, process it and transmit to the supraspinal centres. Although responses of SPNs to cutaneous receptive field stimulations have been intensively studied, the mechanisms of signal processing in these neurons are poorly understood. Therefore, we used an ex-vivo spinal cord preparation to examine synaptic and cellular mechanisms determining specific input-output characteristics of the neurons. The vast majority of the SPNs received a few direct nociceptive C-fiber inputs and generated one spike in response to saturating afferent stimulation, thus functioning as simple transducers of painful stimulus. However, 69% of afferent stimulation-induced action potentials in the entire SPN population originated from a small fraction (19%) of high-output neurons. These neurons received a larger number of direct Aδ- and C-fiber inputs, generated intrinsic bursts and efficiently integrated a local network activity via NMDA-receptor-dependent mechanisms. The high-output SPNs amplified and integrated the nociceptive input gradually encoding its intensity into the number of generated spikes. Thus, different mechanisms of signal processing allow lamina I SPNs to play distinct roles in nociception.
Supercritical fluid extraction of β-carotene from ripe bitter melon pericarp
Authors: Patel Avinash Singh , Kar Abhijit , Dash Sukanta , Dash Sanjaya K.
Published: December 2019

Study ascertained the recovery of β-carotene from enzyme-treated (enzyme load of 167 U/g) pericarp of ripe bitter melon using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique. Effect of different pressure (ranged from 150–450 bar), carbon dioxide (CO2) flow rates (ranged from 15 to 55 ml/min), temperatures (from 50 to 90 °C), and extraction periods (from 45–225 minutes) were observed on the extraction efficiency of β-carotene. Results showed that extraction pressure (X1) among extraction parameters had the most significant (p < 0.05) effect on extraction efficiency of the β-carotene followed by allowed extraction time (X4), CO2 flow rate (X2) and the temperature of the extraction (X3). The maximum yield of 90.12% of β-carotene from lyophilized enzymatic pretreated ripe bitter melon pericarp was achieved at the pressure of approx. 390 bar, flow rate of 35 mL/min, temperature at 70 °C and extraction time of 190 min, respectively. Based on the accelerated storage study the 70% retention shelf life of the β-carotene into extract was estimated up to 2.27 months at 10 °C and up to 3.21 months at 5 °C.
Multiple transitions between normal and hyperballistic diffusion in quantum walks with time-dependent jumps
Authors: Pires Marcelo A. , Molfetta Giuseppe Di , Queirós Sílvio M. Duarte
Published: December 2019

We extend to the gamut of functional forms of the probability distribution of the time-dependent step-length a previous model dubbed Elephant Quantum Walk, which considers a uniform distribution and yields hyperballistic dynamics where the variance grows cubicly with time, σ2 ∝ t3, and a Gaussian for the position of the walker. We investigate this proposal both locally and globally with the results showing that the time-dependent interplay between interference, memory and long-range hopping leads to multiple transitions between dynamical regimes, namely ballistic → diffusive → superdiffusive → ballistic → hyperballistic for non-hermitian coin whereas the first diffusive regime is quelled for implementations using the Hadamard coin. In addition, we observe a robust asymptotic approach to maximal coin-space entanglement.
High Levels of Oxidative Stress and Skin Microbiome are Critical for Initiation and Development of Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Kim Jane H. , Yang Benjamin , Tedesco Amanda , Lebig Elyson Gavin D. , Ruegger Paul M. , Xu Karen , Borneman James , Martins-Green Manuela
Published: December 2019

A balanced redox state is critical for proper healing. Although human chronic wounds are characterized by high levels of oxidative stress (OS), whether OS levels are critical for chronic wound development is not known. For these studies, we used our chronic wound model in diabetic mice that has similar characteristics as human chronic wounds, including naturally developed biofilm. We hypothesize that OS levels in wound tissues are critical for chronic wound initiation and development. We show that increased OS levels in the wound correlate with increased chronicity. Moreover, without increased OS levels, biofilm taken from chronic wounds and placed in new excision wounds do not create chronic wounds. Similarly, high OS levels in the wound tissue in the absence of the skin microbiome do not lead to chronic wounds. These findings show that both high OS levels and bacteria are needed for chronic wound initiation and development. In conclusion, OS levels in the wound at time of injury are critical for biofilm formation and chronic wound development and may be a good predictor of the degree of wound chronicity. Treating such wounds might be accomplished by managing OS levels with antioxidants combined with manipulation of the skin microbiome after debridement.
Lower risk of smoking-related cancer in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia compared with controls: a prospective matched cohort study
Authors: Krogh Henriette W. , Svendsen Karianne , Igland Jannicke , Mundal Liv J. , Holven Kirsten B. , Bogsrud Martin P. , Leren Trond P. , Retterstøl Kjetil
Published: December 2019

According to guidelines, individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) shall receive lifestyle intervention and intensive lipid-lowering treatment from early in life to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Our aim was to study if treatment of FH also could affect risk of lifestyle-related cancer. We presented cumulative incidence of total cancer and lifestyle-related cancer sites in individuals with genetically verified FH (n = 5531) compared with age and sex matched controls (n = 108354). Individuals with FH had 20% lower risk of smoking-related cancer compared with the control population [HR 0.80 (95% CI, 0.65–0.98)], in particular men with FH at 40–69 years at age of diagnosis with HR 0.69 (95% CI, 0.49–0.97). The FH population and controls had similar rates of total cancer [HR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.86–1.09)], cancer related to poor diet [HR 0.82 (95% CI, 0.59–1.15)], cancer related to physical inactivity [HR 0.93 (95% CI, 0.73–1.18)], alcohol-related cancer [HR 0.98 (95% CI, 0.80–1.22)] and cancer related to obesity [HR 1.03 (95% CI, 0.89–1.21)]. In summary, we found reduced risk of smoking-related cancer in individuals with FH, most likely due to a lower prevalence of smoking. Implications of these findings can be increased motivation and thus compliance to treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis by photobiomodulation increases viability of the auditory cell line after gentamicin-induced intrinsic apoptosis
Authors: Chang So-Young , Lee Min Young , Chung Phil-Sang , Kim Sehwan , Choi Bernard , Suh Myung-Whan , Rhee Chung-Ku , Jung Jae Yun
Published: December 2019

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been suggested to have a therapeutic effect on irreversible hearing loss induced by aminoglycosides, including gentamicin (GM). However, its intracellular mechanism(s) in GM-induced ototoxicity remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PBM in GM-induced ototoxicity in auditory cells. We tried to characterize the downstream process by PBM, and the process that triggered the increased cell viability of auditory cells. As a result, the effects of PBM against GM-induced ototoxicity by increasing ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential was confirmed. These results suggest a theory to explain the therapeutic effects and support the use of PBM for aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss.
Comparative genomics study reveals Red Sea Bacillus with characteristics associated with potential microbial cell factories (MCFs)
Authors: Othoum G. , Prigent S. , Derouiche A. , Shi L. , Bokhari A. , Alamoudi S. , Bougouffa S. , Gao X. , Hoehndorf R. , Arold S. T. , Gojobori T. , Hirt H. , Lafi F. F. , Nielsen J. , Bajic V. B. , Mijakovic I. , Essack M.
Published: December 2019

Recent advancements in the use of microbial cells for scalable production of industrial enzymes encourage exploring new environments for efficient microbial cell factories (MCFs). Here, through a comparison study, ten newly sequenced Bacillus species, isolated from the Rabigh Harbor Lagoon on the Red Sea shoreline, were evaluated for their potential use as MCFs. Phylogenetic analysis of 40 representative genomes with phylogenetic relevance, including the ten Red Sea species, showed that the Red Sea species come from several colonization events and are not the result of a single colonization followed by speciation. Moreover, clustering reactions in reconstruct metabolic networks of these Bacillus species revealed that three metabolic clades do not fit the phylogenetic tree, a sign of convergent evolution of the metabolism of these species in response to special environmental adaptation. We further showed Red Sea strains Bacillus paralicheniformis (Bac48) and B. halosaccharovorans (Bac94) had twice as much secreted proteins than the model strain B. subtilis 168. Also, Bac94 was enriched with genes associated with the Tat and Sec protein secretion system and Bac48 has a hybrid PKS/NRPS cluster that is part of a horizontally transferred genomic region. These properties collectively hint towards the potential use of Red Sea Bacillus as efficient protein secreting microbial hosts, and that this characteristic of these strains may be a consequence of the unique ecological features of the isolation environment.
Clustering of atomic displacement parameters in bovine trypsin reveals a distributed lattice of atoms with shared chemical properties
Authors: Gagnér Viktor Ahlberg , Lundholm Ida , Garcia-Bonete Maria-Jose , Rodilla Helena , Friedman Ran , Zhaunerchyk Vitali , Bourenkov Gleb , Schneider Thomas , Stake Jan , Katona Gergely
Published: December 2019

Low-frequency vibrations are crucial for protein structure and function, but only a few experimental techniques can shine light on them. The main challenge when addressing protein dynamics in the terahertz domain is the ubiquitous water that exhibit strong absorption. In this paper, we observe the protein atoms directly using X-ray crystallography in bovine trypsin at 100 K while irradiating the crystals with 0.5 THz radiation alternating on and off states. We observed that the anisotropy of atomic displacements increased upon terahertz irradiation. Atomic displacement similarities developed between chemically related atoms and between atoms of the catalytic machinery. This pattern likely arises from delocalized polar vibrational modes rather than delocalized elastic deformations or rigid-body displacements. The displacement correlation between these atoms were detected by a hierarchical clustering method, which can assist the analysis of other ultra-high resolution crystal structures. These experimental and analytical tools provide a detailed description of protein dynamics to complement the structural information from static diffraction experiments.
Investigation on energy bandgap states of amorphous SiZnSnO thin films
Authors: Lee Byeong Hyeon , Cho Kyung-Sang , Lee Doo-Yong , Sohn Ahrum , Lee Ji Ye , Choo Hyuck , Park Sungkyun , Kim Sang-Woo , Kim Sangsig , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: December 2019

The variation in energy bandgaps of amorphous oxide semiconducting SiZnSnO (a-SZTO) has been investigated by controlling the oxygen partial pressure (Op). The systematic change in Op during deposition has been used to control the electrical characteristics and energy bandgap of a-SZTO. As Op increased, the electrical properties degraded, while the energy bandgap increased systematically. This is mainly due to the change in the oxygen vacancy inside the a-SZTO thin film by controlling Op. Changes in oxygen vacancies have been observed by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and investigated by analyzing the variation in density of states (DOS) inside the energy bandgaps. In addition, energy bandgap parameters, such as valence band level, Fermi level, and energy bandgap, were extracted by using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. As a result, it was confirmed that the difference between the conduction band minimum and the Fermi level in the energy bandgap increased systematically as Op increases. This shows good agreement with the measured results of XPS and DOS analyses.
The Adult Murine Intestine is Dependent on Constitutive Laminin-γ1 Synthesis
Authors: Fields British , DeLaForest Ann , Zogg Mark , May Jennifer , Hagen Catherine , Komnick Kristin , Wieser Jon , Lundberg Alexander , Weiler Hartmut , Battle Michele A. , Carlson Karen-Sue
Published: December 2019

Laminin-γ1 is required for early embryonic development; however, the need for laminin-γ1 synthesis in adulthood is unknown. A global and inducible mouse model of laminin-γ1 deficiency was generated to address this question. Genetic ablation of the Lamc1 gene in adult mice was rapidly lethal. Despite global Lamc1 gene deletion in tamoxifen-induced mutant mice, there was minimal change in total cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal laminin protein. In contrast, laminin-γ1 was significantly depleted in the small intestines, which showed crypt hyperplasia and dissociation of villous epithelium from adjacent mesenchyme. We conclude that the physiologic requirement for laminin-γ1 synthesis in adult mice is dependent on a tissue-specific basal rate of laminin-γ1 turnover that results in rapid depletion of laminin-γ1 in the intestine.
Exploring ultrafast threshold switching in In3SbTe2 phase change memory devices
Authors: Saxena Nishant , Persch Christoph , Wuttig Matthias , Manivannan Anbarasu
Published: December 2019

Phase change memory (PCM) offers remarkable features such as high-speed and non-volatility for universal memory. Yet, simultaneously achieving better thermal stability and fast switching remains a key challenge. Thus, exploring novel materials with improved characteristics is of utmost importance. We report here, a unique property-portfolio of high thermal stability and picosecond threshold switching characteristics in In3SbTe2 (IST) PCM devices. Our experimental findings reveal an improved thermal stability of amorphous IST compared to most other phase change materials. Furthermore, voltage dependent threshold switching and current-voltage characteristics corroborate an extremely fast, yet low electric field threshold switching operation within an exceptionally small delay time of less than 50 picoseconds. The combination of low electric field and high speed switching with improved thermal stability of IST makes the material attractive for next-generation high-speed, non-volatile memory applications.
Morphological, physiochemical and antioxidant responses of Maclura pomifera to drought stress
Authors: Khaleghi Alireza , Naderi Rohangiz , Brunetti Cecilia , Maserti Bianca Elena , Salami Seyed Alireza , Babalar Mesbah
Published: December 2019

Drought is one of the most important environmental factor limiting the growth of woody and non woody plants. In the present paper, we aimed to explore the performance of Maclura pomifera under a prolonged drought period followed by re-watering. M. pomifera plants were exposed to four different watering regimes (100%, 75%, 50% and 30% of the field capacity (FC)) for three weeks and then rewatered. The exposure to drought affected physiological, morphological and biochemical traits of M. pomifera. Leaf area, relative water content and water potential of leaf decreased in parallel with increased water deficit. Malondialdehyde content increased along with the drought stress experiment. Soluble carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose and fructose) accumulated during drought stress, but decreased after 22 days of water deficit in severe stressed plants (30% FC). Proline and mannitol, two compatible osmolytes, were higher in drought stresses plants than in control plants. Additionally the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX, DHAR and GR) resulted affected by drought stress. In the recovery period, the physiological parameters as well as the proline content recovered at control levels, whereas soluble sugars, mannitol and total activity of antioxidant enzymes remained slight higher than in control plants, presumably to allow plants a complete recovery after stress. Our results suggest that M. pomifera has a good adaptive response to drought stress, probably corresponded to decreasing oxidative injury by induction of the antioxidant system and accumulation of stable and protective osmolytes such as proline and mannitol at higher rates.
Morphometric analysis of sella turcica in growing patients: an observational study on shape and dimensions in different sagittal craniofacial patterns
Authors: Tepedino Michele , Laurenziello Michele , Guida Laura , Montaruli Graziano , Troiano Giuseppe , Chimenti Claudio , Colonna Marco , Ciavarella Domenico
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in sella dimensions and shape between growing patients with Class I, Class II, and Class III skeletal malocclusions, evaluated through morphometric analysis. Seventy-eight subjects aged between 9 and 13 years were selected and assigned to either the Class I, Class II, or Class III groups according to the measured ANB angle (the angle between the Nasion, skeletal A-point and skeletal B-point). Six landmarks were digitised to outline the shape of the sella turcica. Linear measurements of the sella length and depth were also performed. Procrustes superimposition, principal component analysis, and canonical variate analysis were used to evaluate the differences in sella shape between the three groups. A one-way MANOVA and Tukey’s or Games-Howell tests were used to evaluate the presence of differences in sella dimensions between the three groups, gender, and age. The canonical variate analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in sella shape between the Class I and the Class II groups, mostly explained by the CV1 axis and related to the posterior clinoidal process and the floor of the sella. No differences were found regarding linear measurements, except between subjects with different age. These differences in sella shape, that are present in the earlier developmental stages, could be used as a predictor of facial growth, but further studies are needed.
Real-time monitoring of the reaction between aniline and acetonylacetone using extractive electorspray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xinglei , Pei Miaorong , Wu Debo , Yang Shuiping , Le Zhanggao
Published: December 2019

In this work an on-line monitoring method was developed to study the mechanism of acetic acid catalyzed reaction between aniline and acetonylacetone using extractive electorspray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (EESI-MS). The signals of reactants, intermediates and various byproducts were continuously detected as a function of reaction time. The chemical assignment of each signal was done via multi-stage collision induced dissociation (CID) analysis, and the reaction mechanism between aniline and acetonylacetone was deduced based on the generated molecular ions and fragment ions. The results indicate that on-line EESI-MS is an effective technique for the real time analysis of chemical reactions. EESI avoids off-line sample pretreatment and provides “soft” ionization, which allows direct analysis of various analytes at molecular level.
Rumen Bacteria and Serum Metabolites Predictive of Feed Efficiency Phenotypes in Beef Cattle
Authors: Clemmons Brooke A. , Martino Cameron , Powers Joshua B. , Campagna Shawn R. , Voy Brynn H. , Donohoe Dallas R. , Gaffney James , Embree Mallory M. , Myer Phillip R.
Published: December 2019

The rumen microbiome is critical to nutrient utilization and feed efficiency in cattle. Consequently, the objective of this study was to identify microbial and biochemical factors in Angus steers affecting divergences in feed efficiency using 16S amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Based on calculated average residual feed intake (RFI), steers were divided into high- and low-RFI groups. Features were ranked in relation to RFI through supervised machine learning on microbial and metabolite compositions. Residual feed intake was associated with several features of the bacterial community in the rumen. Decreased bacterial α- (P = 0.03) and β- diversity (P < 0.001) was associated with Low-RFI steers. RFI was associated with several serum metabolites. Low-RFI steers had greater abundances of pantothenate (P = 0.02) based on fold change (high/low RFI). Machine learning on RFI was predictive of both rumen bacterial composition and serum metabolomic signature (AUC ≥ 0.7). Log-ratio proportions of the bacterial classes Flavobacteriia over Fusobacteriia were enriched in low-RFI steers (F = 6.8, P = 0.01). Reductions in Fusobacteriia and/or greater proportions of pantothenate-producing bacteria, such as Flavobacteriia, may result in improved nutrient utilization in low-RFI steers. Flavobacteriia and Pantothenate may potentially serve as novel biomarkers to predict or evaluate feed efficiency in Angus steers.
The Detection of Early Epigenetic Inheritance of Mitochondrial Stress in C. Elegans with a Microfluidic Phenotyping Platform
Authors: Atakan H. B. , Hof K. S. , Cornaglia M. , Auwerx J. , Gijs M. A. M.
Published: December 2019

Fluctuations and deterioration in environmental conditions potentially have a phenotypic impact that extends over generations. Transgenerational epigenetics is the defined term for such intergenerational transient inheritance without an alteration in the DNA sequence. The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is exceptionally valuable to address transgenerational epigenetics due to its short lifespan, well-mapped genome and hermaphrodite behavior. While the majority of the transgenerational epigenetics on the nematodes focuses on generations-wide heritage, short-term and in-depth analysis of this phenomenon in a well-controlled manner has been lacking. Here, we present a novel microfluidic platform to observe mother-to-progeny heritable transmission in C. elegans at high imaging resolution, under significant automation, and enabling parallelized studies. After approximately 24 hours of culture of L4 larvae under various concentrations and application periods of doxycycline, we investigated if mitochondrial stress was transferred from the mother nematodes to the early progenies. Automated and custom phenotyping algorithms revealed that a minimum doxycycline concentration of 30 µg/mL and a drug exposure time of 15 hours applied to the mothers could induce mitochondrial stress in first embryo progenies indeed, while this inheritance was not clearly observed later in L1 progenies. We believe that our new device could find further usage in transgenerational epigenetic studies modeled on C. elegans.
One-Pot Radiosynthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Caspase-3 Selective 5-[123,125I]iodo-1,2,3-triazole derived Isatin SPECT Tracer
Authors: Glaser Matthias , Rajkumar Vineeth , Diocou Seckou , Gendron Thibault , Yan Ran , Sin Pak Kwan Brian , Sander Kerstin , Carroll Laurence , Pedley R. Barbara , Aboagye Eric O. , Witney Timothy H. , Årstad Erik
Published: December 2019

Induction of apoptosis is often necessary for successful cancer therapy, and the non-invasive monitoring of apoptosis post-therapy could assist in clinical decision making. Isatins are a class of compounds that target activated caspase-3 during apoptosis. Here we report the synthesis of the 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole (FITI) analog of the PET tracer [18F]ICMT11 as a candidate tracer for imaging of apoptosis with SPECT, as well as PET. Labelling with radioiodine (123,125I) was achieved in 55 ± 12% radiochemical yield through a chelator-accelerated one-pot cycloaddition reaction mediated by copper(I) catalysis. The caspase-3 binding affinity and selectivity of FITI compares favourably to that of [18F]ICMT11 (Ki = 6.1 ± 0.9 nM and 12.4 ± 4.7 nM, respectively). In biodistribution studies, etoposide-induced cell death in a SW1222 xenograft model resulted in a 2-fold increase in tumour uptake of the tracer. However, the tumour uptake was too low to allow in vivo imaging of apoptosis with SPECT.
Desiderata for delivering NLP to accelerate healthcare AI advancement and a Mayo Clinic NLP-as-a-service implementation
Authors: Wen Andrew , Fu Sunyang , Moon Sungrim , El Wazir Mohamed , Rosenbaum Andrew , Kaggal Vinod C. , Liu Sijia , Sohn Sunghwan , Liu Hongfang , Fan Jungwei
Published: December 2019

Data is foundational to high-quality artificial intelligence (AI). Given that a substantial amount of clinically relevant information is embedded in unstructured data, natural language processing (NLP) plays an essential role in extracting valuable information that can benefit decision making, administration reporting, and research. Here, we share several desiderata pertaining to development and usage of NLP systems, derived from two decades of experience implementing clinical NLP at the Mayo Clinic, to inform the healthcare AI community. Using a framework, we developed as an example implementation, the desiderata emphasize the importance of a user-friendly platform, efficient collection of domain expert inputs, seamless integration with clinical data, and a highly scalable computing infrastructure.
Evening out the spin and charge parity to increase $${T}_{c}$$ in $${{\rm{Sr}}}_{2}{{\rm{RuO}}}_{4}$$
Authors: Acharya Swagata , Pashov Dimitar , Weber Cédric , Park Hyowon , Sponza Lorenzo , Schilfgaarde Mark Van
Published: December 2019

Unconventional superconductivity in $${{\rm{Sr}}}_{2}{{\rm{RuO}}}_{4}$$Sr2RuO4 has been intensively studied for decades. However, the nature of pairing continues to be widely debated. Here we develop a detailed ab initio theory, coupling quasiparticle self-consistent GW approximation with dynamical mean field theory (DMFT), including both local and non-local correlations to address the subtle interplay among spin, charge and orbital degrees of freedom. We report that the superconducting instability has multiple triplet and singlet components. In the unstrained case the triplet eigenvalues are larger than the singlets. Under uniaxial strain, the triplet eigenvalues drop and the singlet components increase. This is concomitant with our observation of spin and charge fluctuations shifting closer to wave-vectors favoring singlet pairing. We identify a complex mechanism where charge fluctuations and spin fluctuations co-operate in the even-parity channel under strain leading to increment in critical temperature (Tc), thus proposing a novel mechanism for pushing the frontier of critical temperature (Tc) in unconventional ‘triplet’ superconductors.
Duo of (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and doxorubicin loaded by polydopamine coating ZIF-8 in the regulation of autophagy for chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy
Authors: Chen Xuerui , Tong Rongliang , Liu Bingbing , Liu Hua , Feng Xiaode , Ding Shiping , Lei Qunfang , Tang Guping , Wu Jian , Fang Wenjun
Published: December 2019

A pH- and photothermal-responsive zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) compound was designed for loading a dual-drug in the tumor site and improving their curative effects.
Vanillin enhances the passive transport rate and absorption of drugs with moderate oral bioavailability in vitro and in vivo by affecting the membrane structure
Authors: Huang Wen'ge , Yang Yingzhuo , Wen Wen , Luo Yu , Wu Jiasi , Xiang Li , Hu Yinfan , Xu Shijun , Chen Simin , Wang Ping
Published: December 2019

Vanillin is a popular flavoring agent in the food, tobacco, and perfume industries.
Anchoring and packing of self-assembled monolayers ofsemithio-bambusurils on Au(111)
Authors: Kunturu Pramod Patil , Kap Özlem , Sotthewes Kai , Cazade Pierre , Zandvliet Harold J. W. , Thompson Damien , Reany Ofer , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: December 2019

Self-assembled monolayers have been formed ofsemithio-bambusurils that undergo conformational changes to direct all S atoms to the gold surface.
Condensation of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds with modified Huisgen zwitterions: synthesis ofN-aryl–N-acyl hydrazones
Authors: Liu Jialin , Cao Jilei , Liu Rongfang , Li Ruifeng , Qiao Yan , Zhou Rong
Published: December 2019

The reactivity patterns of the modified Huisgen zwitterions derived from arylazocarboxylates toward 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds have been studied for the first time for a facile synthesis ofN-aryl–N-acyl hydrazones.
Sorption of carbendazim on activated carbons derived from rape straw and its mechanism
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Huixue , Zhong Xiaoxiao , Liu Yonghong , Liao Shuijiao , Yue Xiali , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: December 2019

Due to the production and widespread application of pesticides, pesticide pollution poses a potential danger to human health and the ecosystem.
The role of polysaccharides and proteins in bio-oil production during the hydrothermal liquefaction of algae species
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Wang Zhaowei , Han Jianbo , Song Shuang , Zhang Yong , Gong Weimin
Published: December 2019

In order to understand the effects of the major algal components-carbohydrates and proteins on the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process of algae, the HTL of polysaccharides or proteins with lipids was performed at 220, 260, 300 °C, respectively.
Effect of synthesis pH on the structure and catalytic properties of FeMo catalysts
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Han Minghan
Published: December 2019

The effect of pH on polynuclear molybdenum species (isopolymolybdates) synthesis was investigated by Raman spectroscopy.
Enhancing the sensitivity of a surface plasmon resonance-based optical sensor for zinc ion detection by the modification of a gold thin film
Authors: Daniyal Wan Mohd Ebtisyam Mustaqim Mohd , Fen Yap Wing , Anas Nur Ain Asyiqin , Omar Nur Alia Sheh , Ramdzan Nur Syahira Md , Nakajima Hideki , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: December 2019

This work focus on sensitivity enhancement of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical sensor by modifying the gold thin film with nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) based material for zinc ion (Zn2+) detection.
A simple sensitive UFLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of artesunate, dihydroartemisinin and quercetin in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Puttappa Nethravathi , Yamjala Karthik , S. T. Narenderan , Raman Suresh Kumar , Kuppusamy Gowthamarajan , Babu Basuvan , Kumar P. Ram
Published: December 2019

An ultrafast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of artesunate (ART), dihydroartemisinin (DHA, an active metabolite of ART) and quercetin (QRT) in rat plasma.
Nanoporous hybrid CuO/ZnO/carbon papers used as ultrasensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors
Authors: Zhang Minwei , Zhang Wenrui , Chen Fei , Hou Chengyi , Halder Arnab , Chi Qijin
Published: December 2019

In this research, we demonstrate a facile approach for the synthesis of a graphite-analogous layer-by-layer heterostructured CuO/ZnO/carbon paper using a graphene oxide paper as a sacrificial template.
Retracted Article: LncRNA OIP5-AS1 contributes to ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through regulating the miR-128-3p/CDKN2A axis in macrophages
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Cao Quansheng , Wang Yanyu , Wang Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 (lncRNA OIP5-AS1) plays a significant role in ox-LDL induced inflammation.
An open-source programmable smart pipette for portable cell separation and counting
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Kim Byeongyeon , Choi Sungyoung
Published: December 2019

We present an open-source, programmable smart pipette that enables portable operation of microfluidic devices while maintaining the functionalities of commercial syringe pumps.
The influences of electronic effect and isomerization of salalen titanium(iv) complexes on ethylene polymerization in the presence of methylaluminoxane
Authors: Li Sihan , Zhu Yuqiong , Liang Huaqing , Xie Xiuli , Zhan Yipeng , Liang Guodong , Zhu Fangming
Published: December 2019

Herein, two salalen titanium(iv) complexes were synthesized and characterized. Both complexes were used as catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), and disentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene was obtained.
Immobilized TiO2nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes: an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of chromeno[b]pyridine derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Mirza Behrooz , Vessally Esmail
Published: December 2019

A new synthesis of chromeno[b]pyridines is describedviareaction of 4-aminocoumarin, aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile catalyzed by TiO2nanoparticles immobilized on CNTs as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst under ultrasonic irradiation.
Selective loading of platinum or silver cocatalyst onto a hydrogen-evolution photocatalyst in a silver-mediated all solid-state Z-scheme system for enhanced overall water splitting
Authors: Osaki Junya , Yoda Masaomi , Takashima Toshihiro , Irie Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Pt or Ag as a cocatalyst was selectively photo-deposited onto ZnRh2O4 in ZnRh2O4/Ag/Bi4V2O11 and resulted in the enhancement of the overall water-splitting activity of the photocatalyst.
A new ratiometric fluorescence assay based on resonance energy transfer between biomass quantum dots and organic dye for the detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives
Authors: Zhao Jingjin , Peng Yao , Yang Keqin , Chen Yunyun , Zhao Shulin , Liu Yi-Ming
Published: December 2019

A new ratiometric fluorescence assay has been developed for the detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives with repeatability and selectivity. The assay was applied to quantitate HSO3− in cell lysates with accurate results.
Search for high-capacity oxygen storage materials by materials informatics
Authors: Ohba Nobuko , Yokoya Takuro , Kajita Seiji , Takechi Kensuke
Published: December 2019

Novel high-capacity oxygen storage material, Cu3Nb2O8, has been discovered by materials informatics.
Electrochemical CO2 reduction: from nanoclusters to single atom catalysts
Authors: Lü Fang , Bao Haihong , Mi Yuying , Liu Yifan , Sun Jiaqiang , Peng Xianyun , Qiu Yuan , Zhuo Longchao , Liu Xijun , Luo Jun
Published: December 2019

We reviewed recent significant developments of noble-metal or transition-metal-based nanoclusters or single-atom catalysts that have been used in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Aqueous solution synthesis of Na3SbS4–Na2WS4 superionic conductors
Authors: Yubuchi So , Ito Akane , Masuzawa Naoki , Sakuda Atsushi , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: December 2019

We report a facile synthetic protocol from aqueous solution for Na3SbS4-Na2WS4 superionic conductors with sodium-ion conductivity of 4.28 mS cm−1 at 25 °C, which is the highest one in reported sulfide electrolytes prepared via liquid-phase methods.
High-efficiency ternary nonfullerene polymer solar cells with increased phase purity and reduced nonradiative energy loss
Authors: Zhang Cai'e , Jiang Pengcheng , Zhou Xiaobo , Liu Haiqin , Guo Qingxin , Xu Xinjun , Liu Yahui , Tang Zheng , Ma Wei , Bo Zhishan
Published: December 2019

The ternary blend device demonstrates a significantly improved PCE of 12.07% with increased phase purity and reduced nonradiative energy loss.
Charge carrier traps in organic semiconductors: a review on the underlying physics and impact on electronic devices
Authors: Haneef Hamna F. , Zeidell Andrew M. , Jurchescu Oana D.
Published: December 2019

The phenomenon of charge carrier traps in organic semiconductors and their impact on electronic devices are reviewed.
Electrostatic interaction assisted synthesis of a CdS/BCN heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic effects
Authors: Zheng Yapeng , Hou Xinmei , Li Qun , Fang Zhi , Yang Tao , Liang Tongxiang , Duan Xiangmei , Shang Minghui , Yang Weiyou
Published: December 2019

CdS/BCN composites form a type-II heterojunction via electrostatic interaction assisted supersaturated recrystallization, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic effects.
Stimuli-responsive circularly polarized luminescent films with tunable emission
Authors: Yu Huli , Zhao Biao , Guo Jinbao , Pan Kai , Deng Jianping
Published: December 2019

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of a stimuli-responsive film can be reversibly controlled by manipulating fluorescence and chirality.
Delay analysis for aggregate traffic based on martingales theory
Authors: Yu Baozhu , Chi Xuefen , Sun Hongliang
Published: December 2019

Based on martingale theory, the authors explore a novel method to analyse the bound of delay violation probability for aggregate traffic in this study. The proposed arrival model, four‐state Markov modulated multinomial process, describes the behaviour of mixed service flows, which depicts the packet arrival process of two interweaved services and highlights the arrival characteristics of the batch, bursty, and heterogeneous. The traffic of data service is modelled by the interrupted multinomial process to depict the randomness and discontinuity. Relying on martingale theory, arrival‐supermartingales provide a model for integrating multiple heterogeneous services. They construct a supermartingale process of the backlog in the buffer, which enables the analysis of delay for the queuing system with multiple arrivals and a single server. Finally, the delay of aggregate traffic is featured by the parameters of its corresponding supermartingales. Based on the stopping time theory of martingales, the delay violation probability bound is derived, which matches the simulation results well and is tight.
User pairing scheme in mobility‐aware D2D communication system
Authors: Li Xujie , Sun Ying , Zhou Siyuan , Xu Yanli
Published: December 2019

In this study, a user pairing scheme in mobility‐aware device‐to‐device (D2D) communication system is proposed. One D2D user equipment (DUE) pair consists of a D2D transmitting user equipment and a D2D receiving user equipment. First of all, the network model, communication time model and moving model are presented. Then the mathematical characteristics of the capacities of DUEs in different moving mode are analysed. Based on the analysis above, a user pairing scheme in mobility‐aware D2D communication system is proposed. Finally, simulation results show the capacity performance of the proposed scheme outperforms that of the other algorithms. This result can be applied into the deployment and optimisation of D2D communication system.
Compact customisable bandstop‐bandpass‐bandstop cascaded filter based on substrate integrated waveguide coax cavities
Authors: Hung Shang‐Yu , Li Guann‐Pyng , Guo Yu
Published: December 2019

This study presents a highly customisable bandpass filter based on standard printed circuit board (PCB) material and process. Such a filter utilises cascaded bandstop‐bandpass‐bandstop (BS‐BP‐BS) topology. There is one substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) coax resonator in each bandstop section, whereas there are three SIW coax resonators in the bandpass section. The coax resonators are built by SIW vias, and the resonant frequency of each resonator is determined by the lumped capacitors mounted on the top side of the filter. While the bandpass section of the filter provides a necessary passband response, the bandstop sections that cascade on both sides of the filter introduce an optional notch to the spectrum. Furthermore, with additional sets of plated‐through vias purposefully placed between resonators, reconfiguring the bandwidth of the passband is achievable through changing the lumped capacitors mounted on the bottom side of the vias of the filter. Measured results show centre frequency, notch frequency, and bandwidth are individually configurable, and such configurations are very intuitive and predictable. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed design is the first single layer PCB SIW coax filter deploying BS‐BP‐BS topology that has a configurable centre frequency, flexible 3‐dB bandwidth as well as predefine transmission zero.