bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHITE RESPONSE TO BLACK DEATH
Authors: Walker Hannah , Collingwood Loren , Bunyasi Tehama Lopez
Published: October 2020

In the United States, Blacks overwhelmingly bear the brunt of gun violence. While Blacks are more likely to favor gun restrictions than are Whites, the influence of Black gun death on Whites’ attitudes about gun control has not been investigated. We advance a theory to explain White response to Black firearm fatalities: Black gun death is explicitly and implicitly racialized in the public discourse and imagination. The roots of the gun control debate are themselves likewise racialized, and portrayals of Black gun death has the potential to tap latent racial biases among Whites. As a consequence, exposure to routinized Black gun death either fails to move White opinion, or moves Whites to greater support for gun rights. The influence of race on White public opinion is particularly concerning in an era when health officials consider gun death a public health crisis. First, we evaluate this theory with a regression discontinuity (RDD) analysis of the effects of a highly salient gun death of a young Black boy in Chicago on Whites’ opinions about gun control. Relative to White people interviewed before the death, White people interviewed after the death record greater opposition to gun control. Second, we fielded a survey experiment, exposing respondents to the reported gun homicide of either Black or White thirteen-year-old boys. Relative to a control, respondents in the Black death condition are unmoved, whereas respondents in the White death condition report greater levels of support for gun control. Implications are discussed.
Intrinsic absorption profile and radiative cooling rate of a PAH cation revealed by action spectroscopy in the cryogenic electrostatic storage ring DESIREE
Authors: Stockett Mark H. , Björkhage Mikael , Cederquist Henrik , Schmidt Henning T. , Henning Zettergren
Published: October 2020

The multi-photon photodissociation (MPD) action spectrum of the coronene cation $$({{\rm{C}}_{24}}{\rm{H}}_{12}^ + )$$ has been measured as a function of storage time up to 60 s in the cryogenic electrostatic storage ring DESIREE. These measurements reveal not only the intrinsic absorption profile of isolated coronene cations, but also the rate at which hot-band absorptions are quenched by radiative cooling. The cooling rate is interpreted using a Simple Harmonic Cascade model of infrared vibrational emission.
PAH clusters as interstellar very small grains
Authors: Roser Joseph. E. , Ricca Alessandra
Published: October 2020

PAH clusters are one candidate species for the interstellar “very small grains” or “VSGs”, i.e., dust grains small enough to be stochastically heated and contribute to the aromatic infrared emission bands (AIBs). This possibility motivated laboratory experiments on the infrared spectroscopy of PAH clusters using matrix isolation spectroscopy. The spectral shifts due to PAH clustering in argon matrices provide clues for the AIB contribution from PAH clusters in the interstellar medium. Here we review results from a number of small PAH species, extrapolation to the much larger PAHs believed to be present in the interstellar medium, and the implications for a PAH cluster contribution to the VSG population.
On the formation of urea in the ISM
Authors: Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Slate Eren C. S. , Barker Rory , Euesden Ryan T. , Revels Max R.
Published: October 2020

Potential routes to the formation of urea were investigated using electronic structure methods. The most likely pathways involve either the reaction of the formamide and amine radicals or involve protonated isocyanic acid as a starting point.
Characterization of large carbonaceous molecules in cosmic dust analogues and meteorites
Authors: Sabbah Hassan , Carlos Mickaël , Joblin Christine
Published: October 2020

We present a new experimental setup called AROMA (The Aromatic Research of Organics with Molecular Analyzer) based on the use of laser mass spectrometry techniques. We demonstrate the potential of AROMA for the analysis of meteoritic samples and cosmic dust analogues. Tens of peaks are identified in the mass spectra with notable discrepancies across the different samples. These discrepancies provide clues on the chemical history of each sample and are not a bias of our analysis. A double bound-equivalent (DBE) method is applied to sort the detected carbonaceous molecules into families of compounds. It reveals in addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the presence of other populations such as mixed aromatic-aliphatic species and carbon clusters.
Using cold plasma to investigate the mechanisms involved in cosmic dust formation: Role of the C/O ratio and metals
Authors: Bérard Rémi , Makasheva Kremena , Sabbah Hassan , Demyk Karine , Joblin Christine
Published: October 2020

Using a cold plasma reactor in which we inject an organosilicon molecular precursor, we investigate chemical mechanisms that can be involved in dust formation in evolved stars. By injecting metal atoms into the gas-phase, we investigate the role of metals on dust composition. We show the formation of composite particles made of pure metal (silver) nanoparticles embedded in an organosilicon dust. We study the impact of oxygen and show that it can inhibit dust formation, likely through the destruction of nucleation seeds.
Laboratory astrophysics: Key to understanding the Universe
Authors: van Dishoeck Ewine F.
Published: October 2020

This brief overview stresses the importance of laboratory data and theory in analyzing astronomical observations and understanding the physical and chemical processes that drive the astrophysical phenomena in our Universe. This includes basic atomic and molecular data such as spectroscopy and collisional rate coefficients, but also an improved understanding of nuclear, plasma and particle physics, as well as reactions and photoprocesses in the gaseous and solid state that lead to chemical complexity and building blocks for life. Systematic laboratory collision experiments have provided detailed insight into the steps that produce pebbles, bricks and ultimately planetesimals starting from sub-μ-sized grains. Sample return missions and meteoritic studies benefit from increasingly sophisticated laboratory machines to analyze materials and provide compositional images on nanometer scales. Prioritization of future data requirements will be needed to cope with the increasing data streams from a diverse range of future astronomical facilities within a constrained laboratory astrophysics budget.
H2 formation on Mg-rich amorphous silicates
Authors: Mennella Vito , Suhasaria Tushar
Published: October 2020

We present the results of an experimental study on the interaction of D atoms with Mg-rich amorphous silicates. The effects of D irradiation have been analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that HD forms by abstraction of hydrogen atoms chemisorbed in the hydroxyl groups of silicate grains. The formation process occurs for grain and atom temperatures relevant to photodissociation regions.
Extremely peculiar spectrum of the primary component of the eclipsing binary HD 66051
Authors: Niemczura E. , Kołaczek-Szymański P. A. , Castelli F. , Hubrig S. , Järvinen S. P. , Monier R. , Hümmerich S.
Published: October 2020

HD 66051 is an eclipsing and spectroscopic double-lined binary (SB2), hosting two chemically peculiar stars: a highly peculiar B star as primary and an Am star as secondary. The investigation of the new high-resolution UVES spectrum of HD 66051 allowed us to decide on the chemical peculiarity type of both components with more reliability. An analysis of TESS photometric time series data will further specify the physical parameters of the stars and the orbital parameters of the system.
From molecules to dust grains: The role of alumina cluster seeds
Authors: Gobrecht David , Plane John M.C. , Bromley Stefan T. , Decin Leen , Cristallo Sergio
Published: October 2020

Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars contribute a major part to the global dust budget in galaxies. Owing to their refractory nature alumina (stoichiometric formula AlO) is a promising candidate to be the first condensate emerging in the atmospheres of oxygen-rich AGB stars. Strong evidence for that is supplied by the presence of alumina in pristine meteorites and a broad spectral feature observed around ∼ 13 μm. The emergence of a specific condensate depends on the thermal stability of the solid, the gas density and its composition. The evaluation of the condensates is based on macroscopic bulk properties. The growth and size distribution of dust grains is commonly described by Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT). We question the applicability of CNT in an expanding circumstellar envelope as CNT presumes thermodynamic equilibrium and requires, in practise, seed nuclei on which material can condense. However, nano-sized molecular clusters differ significantly from bulk analogues. Quantum effects of the clusters lead to non-crystalline structures, whose characteristics (energy, geometry) differ substantially, compared to the bulk material. Hence, a kinetic quantum-chemical treatment involving various transition states describes dust nucleation most accurately. However, such a treatment is prohibitive for systems with more than 10 atoms. We discuss the viability of chemical-kinetic routes towards the formation of the monomer (Al2O3) and the dimer (Al4O6) of alumina.
Thermal desorption of formamide and methylamine from graphite and amorphous water ice surfaces
Authors: Chaabouni Henda , Diana Stephan , Nguyen Thanh
Published: October 2020

Thermal desorption experiments of Formamide (NH2CHO) and methylamine (CH3NH2) were performed in LERMA-Cergy laboratory to determine the values of the desorption energies of formamide and methylamine from analogues of interstellar dust grain surfaces, and to understand their interaction with water ice. We found that more than 95 % of solid NH2CHO diffuses through the np-ASW ice surface towards the graphitic substrate, and is released into the gas phase with a desorption energy distribution Edes = (7460 – 9380) K, measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A=1018 s-1. Whereas, the desorption energy distribution of methylamine from the np-ASW ice surface (Edes =3850-8420 K) is measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A=1012s-1. A fraction of solid methylamine, of about 0.15 monolayer diffuses through the water ice surface towards the HOPG substrate, and desorbs later, with higher binding energies (5050-8420 K), which exceed that of the crystalline water ice (Edes =4930 K), calculated with the same pre-exponential factor A=1012 s-1.
The formation of the building blocks of peptides on interstellar dust grains
Authors: Ligterink N. F. W. , van Scheltinga J. Terwisscha , Kofman V. , Taquet V. , Cazaux S. , Jørgensen J. K. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Linnartz H. ,   The PILS team
Published: October 2020

The emergence of life on Earth may have its origin in organic molecules formed in the interstellar medium. Molecules with amide and isocyanate groups resemble structures found in peptides and nucleobases and are necessary for their formation. Their formation is expected to take place in the solid state, on icy dust grains, and is studied here by far-UV irradiating a CH4:HNCO mixture at 20 K in the laboratory. Reaction products are detected by means of infrared spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption - mass spectrometry. Various simple amides and isocyanates are formed, showing the importance of ice chemistry for their interstellar formation. Constrained by experimental conditions, a reaction network is derived, showing possible formation pathways of these species under interstellar conditions.
Sensitivity to salinity at the emergence and seedling stages of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), weedy rice (Oryza sativa), and rice with different tolerances to ALS-inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Fogliatto Silvia , Patrucco Lorenzo , Milan Marco , Vidotto Francesco
Published: October 2020

Salinization is affecting many rice (Oryza sativa L.) areas worldwide and weed infestation, together with the occurrence of herbicide-resistant populations, is further limiting rice yield. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of water salinity on the emergence and seedling growth of five Italian barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] populations (three sensitive and two resistant to acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides), three Italian weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) populations (all sensitive to imazamox), and two rice varieties (the conventional ‘Baldo’ variety and the imazamox-tolerant ‘CL80’ one). In 2017, seeds were sown in alveolar trays filled with sand, a nutrient solution, and water with the following salt concentrations: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM NaCl. Plant emergence (after 15 d), plant height, shoot and root weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content were measured at 40 d after sowing. Echinochloa crus-galli showed a higher tolerance to salinity than O. sativa and rice. All species were affected more at the seedling stage than at emergence. A variable behavior of the herbicide-resistant populations was shown; one resistant E. crus-galli population was affected more by salinity and showed a lower emergence rate (about 20% against 40% emergence of the other populations at the highest salt concentration) and reduced seedling growth, while the other resistant population’s response was similar to that of the sensitive populations. The chlorophyll content increased as the salt content increased in all E. crus-galli populations. The highest emergence and growth reduction in O. sativa were recorded in the imazamox-tolerant rice. Rice and O. sativa were able to grow only up to 50 mM. Echinochloa crus-galli populations are probably favored under saline conditions, while lower infestation by O. sativa can be expected.
Allow Peace to Reign: Musical Genres ofFújìandIslamicAllegorise Nigerian Unity in the Era of Boko Haram
Authors: KLEIN DEBRA L.
Published: October 2020

A proliferation of popular music genres flourished in post-independence Nigeria: highlife,jùjú, Afrobeat, andfújì.Originating within Yorùbá Muslim communities, the genres offújìand Islamic are Islamised dance music genres characterised by their Arabic-influenced vocal style, Yorùbá praise poetry, driving percussion, and aesthetics of incorporation, flexibility, and cultural fusion. Based on analysis of interviews and performances in Ìlọrin in the 2010s, this article argues that the genres offújìand Islamic allegorise Nigerian unity—an ideology of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and equity—while exposing the gap between the aspiration for unity and everyday inequities shaped by gender and morality.
The Associations Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and the Big Five Personality Traits in a Japanese Sample
Authors: Yano Kosuke , Kase Takayoshi , Oishi Kazuo
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a temperament trait characterized by deeper processing of sensory information, being easily overstimulated, stronger emotional reactivity, and more awareness of subtle stimuli. Many studies on Western samples have associated SPS and/or its three components (i.e., low sensory threshold [LST], ease of excitation [EOE], and aesthetic sensitivity [AES]) with the Big Five personality traits, but cultural factors may influence these relationships. This study surveyed a Japanese sample ( N = 1,626) to investigate the associations. Bivariate correlation analyses found that AES had a negatively weak correlation with neuroticism, while it was positively correlated with openness (strongly), extraversion, agreeableness (moderately), and conscientiousness (weakly). LST and EOE had strong positive correlations with neuroticism and moderate negative or weak correlations with the other four traits. The canonical correlation analysis revealed commonality between the constructs of about 55%. While some results were consistent with those of the former studies, others were not. The results contrary to studies on Western samples might be explained by the differences between collectivist and individualist cultures, biological differences, and/or measurement weaknesses.
Better Battles by a Self-Compassionate Partner?
Authors: Tandler Nancy , Krüger Martin , Petersen Lars-Eric
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Self-compassion entails being kind towards oneself when encountering uncontrollable life events, inadequacies, or failure. When in conflict with a romantic partner, we expected self-compassion to be associated positively with functional (positive problem solving) and negatively with dysfunctional styles (conflict engagement, withdrawal, compliance). Adult individuals ( n = 163) involved in a serious romantic relationship for at least 2 years responded to a questionnaire that assessed self-compassion, personality factors, conflict resolution styles, and relationship satisfaction. High self-compassionate partners reported more functional and less dysfunctional styles when statistically controlling for demographics, neuroticism, and agreeableness. Conflict resolution styles fully mediated the significant path between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction.
Peer Perceptions of Communal Narcissism and Communalism in At-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Barry Christopher T. , Sidoti Chloe L. , Wong Megan
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The present study extended research on the relation of communal narcissism in adolescents with self- and peer-reported personality and behavior. Although communal narcissism may be associated with negative peer perceptions, a communal orientation that does not also convey superiority (i.e., communalism) may be viewed more favorably. Self- and peer-perceptions were investigated as a function of communal narcissism and a non-narcissistic communal orientation (i.e., by altering the Communal Narcissism Inventory to reflect more humble self-views). Participants were 246 adolescents, ages 16–19 years, who were attending a quasi-military residential program for youth who have dropped out, or were at-risk of dropping out, of school. Communal narcissism and communalism were significantly interrelated. Communal narcissism was negatively associated with unique variance in self-reported empathy, whereas communalism was positively associated with self-reported empathy and more strongly related to peer-reported prosociality. The role of superiority in communal domains in adolescent self-perception and peer relationships is discussed.
Selflessness and Happiness in Everyday Life
Authors: Pellerin Nicolas , Raufaste Eric , Dambrun Michael
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Using the experience sampling method (ESM), this study examines the relationship between experienced selflessness and experienced happiness. Based on the self-centered/selflessness happiness model (SSHM), we hypothesized that: (a) these two constructs would be positively related and (b) harmony feeling would mediate this relation. Using ESM, the participants ( N = 63) filled in a short survey, five times a day during 2 days (response rate = 79.2%; 482 observations). A linear mixed-model analysis showed that selflessness and harmony feelings were significant predictors of happiness. Finally, a mediation analysis indicated that harmony feeling emerged as a significant mediator of the relationship between selflessness and happiness at the experienced level. Overall, the study supports the idea that happiness does not depend solely on the satisfaction of one’s expectations but experiencing the self as an interdependent and relational entity also plays an important role. The implications of this study are discussed.
Annual and Seasonal Surface Circulation Over the Mid‐Atlantic Bight Continental Shelf Derived From a Decade of High Frequency Radar Observations
Authors: Roarty Hugh , Glenn Scott , Brodie Joseph , Nazzaro Laura , Smith Michael , Handel Ethan , Kohut Josh , Updyke Teresa , Atkinson Larry , Boicourt William , Brown Wendell , Seim Harvey , Muglia Mike , Wang Haixing , Gong Donglai
Published: October 2020

A decade (2007–2016) of hourly 6‐km‐resolution maps of the surface currents across the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) generated by a regional‐scale High Frequency Radar network are used to reveal new insights into the spatial patterns of the annual and seasonal mean surface flows. Across the 10‐year time series, temporal means and interannual and intra‐annual variability are used to quantify the variability of spatial surface current patterns. The 10‐year annual mean surface flows are weaker and mostly cross‐shelf near the coast, increasing in speed and rotating to more alongshore directions near the shelfbreak, and increasing in speed and rotating to flow off‐shelf in the southern MAB. The annual mean surface current pattern is relatively stable year to year compared to the hourly variations within a year. The 10‐year seasonal means exhibit similar current patterns, with winter and summer more cross‐shore while spring and fall transitions are more alongshore. Fall and winter mean speeds are larger and correspond to when mean winds are stronger and cross‐shore. Summer mean currents are weakest and correspond to a time when the mean wind opposes the alongshore flow. Again, intra‐annual variability is much greater than interannual, with the fall season exhibiting the most interseasonal variability in the surface current patterns. The extreme fall seasons of 2009 and 2011 are related to extremes in the wind and river discharge events caused by different persistent synoptic meteorological conditions, resulting in more or less rapid fall transitions from stratified summer to well‐mixed winter conditions.
Global Intercomparison of Atmospheric Rivers Precipitation in Remote Sensing and Reanalysis Products
Authors: Arabzadeh Alireza , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Guan Bin , Heflin Stella , Behrangi Ali
Published: October 2020

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) play an important role in the total annual precipitation regionally and globally, delivering precious freshwater to many arid/semiarid regions. On the other hand, they may cause intense precipitation and floods with huge socioeconomic effects worldwide. In this study, we investigate AR‐related precipitation using 18 years (2001–2018) of globally gridded AR locations derived from Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2). AR precipitation features are explored regionally and seasonally using remote sensing (Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM version 6 [IMERG V6], daily Global Precipitation Climatology Project version 1.3 [GPCP V1.3], bias‐adjusted CPC Morphing Technique version 1 [CMORPH V1], and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks [PERSIANN‐CDR]) and reanalysis (MERRA‐2 and ECMWF Reanalysis 5th Generation [ERA5]) precipitation products. The results show that most of the world (except the tropics) experience more intense precipitation from AR‐related events compared to non‐AR events. Over the oceans (especially the Southern Ocean), the contribution of ARs to the total precipitation and extreme events is larger than over land. However, some coastal areas over land are highly affected by ARs (e.g., the western and eastern United States and Canada, Western Europe, North Africa, and part of the Middle East, East Asia, and eastern South America and part of Australia). Although spatial correlations for pairs of IMERG/CMORPH and GPCP/PERSIANN‐CDR are fairly high, considerable discrepancies are shown in their estimation of AR‐related events (i.e., overall IMERG and CMORPH show a higher fraction of AR‐related precipitation). It was found that the degree of consistency between reanalysis and satellite‐based products is highly regionally dependent, partly due to the uneven distribution of in situ measurements.
A novel PPARɣ ligand, PPZ023, overcomes radioresistance via ER stress and cell death in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Hong Da-Won , Kang Chang-Mo , Hong Sung Hee
Published: October 2020

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARɣ) agonists exert powerful anticancer effects by suppressing tumor growth. In this study, we developed PPZ023 (1-(2-(ethylthio)benzyl)-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine), a novel PPAR ligand candidate, and investigated the underlying signaling pathways in both non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and radio-resistant NSCLC cells. To identify whether PPZ023 has anticancer effects in NSCLC and radioresistant NSCLC cells, we performed WST-1, LDH, Western blot, and caspase-3 and -9 activity assays. Furthermore, we isolated exosomes from PPZ023-treated NSCLC cells and studied cell death signaling. PPZ023 reduces cell viability and increases LDH cytotoxicity and caspase-3 activity in NSCLC cells. PPZ023 induces cell death by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggering mitochondrial cytochrome c release. PPZ023 treatment causes cell death via the PERK–eIF2α–CHOP axis in both NSCLC cell lysates and exosomes, and PERK and CHOP knockdown significantly blocks ER stress-mediated apoptosis by reducing cleaved caspase-3. Interestingly, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI, a Nox inhibitor) inhibits PPZ023-induced cell death via ER stress, and PPARɣ knockdown inhibits PPZ023-induced ROS, ER stress, and cell death. Moreover, PPZ023, in combination with radiation, causes synergic cell death via exosomal ER stress in radioresistant NSCLC cells, indicating that PPZ023/radiation overcomes radioresistance. Taken together, our results suggest that PPZ023 is a powerful anticancer reagent for overcoming radioresistance.
Influence of race/ethnicity and income on the link between adverse childhood experiences and child flourishing
Authors: Goldstein Ellen , Topitzes James , Miller-Cribbs Julie , Brown Roger L.
Published: October 2020

Background

The impact of early adversity increases the risk of poor outcomes across the life course. Identifying factors that protect against or contribute to deleterious life outcomes represents an important step in resilience promotion among children exposed to adversity. Informed by resilience science, we hypothesized that family resilience mediates the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child flourishing, and these pathways vary by race/ethnicity and income.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis using the 2016–17 National Survey of Children’s Health data reported by parents/guardians for 44,686 children age 6–17 years. A moderated-mediation model estimated direct, indirect, and total effects using a probit link function and stacked group approach with weighted least square parameter estimates.

Results

The main variables were related in expected directions. Family resilience partially mediated the ACEs-flourishing association. Although White and socioeconomically advantaged families were more likely to maintain family resilience, their children functioned more poorly at high-risk levels relative to Black and Hispanic children and across income groups.

Conclusion

Children suffer from cumulative adversity across race/ethnicity and income. Partial mediation of family resilience indicates that additional protective factors are needed to develop comprehensive strategies, while racial/ethnic differences underscore the importance of prevention and intervention programs that are culturally sensitive.

Impact

The key message of the article reinforces the notion that children suffer from cumulative adversity across race/ethnicity and income, and prevention of ACEs should be the number one charge of public policy, programs, and healthcare.

This is the first study to examine family resilience in the National Survey Children’s Health (NSCH) data set as mediating ACEs-flourishing by race/ethnicity and family poverty level.

Examining an ACEs dose–response effect using population-based data within the context of risk and protective factors can inform a public health response resulting in a greater impact on prevention efforts.
Correction: Exosomal miR-25-3p from mesenchymal stem cells alleviates myocardial infarction by targeting pro-apoptotic proteins and EZH2
Authors: Peng Yi , Zhao Ji-Ling , Peng Zhi-Yong , Xu Wei-Fang , Yu Guo-Long
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Osteocyte apoptosis: the roles and key molecular mechanisms in resorption-related bone diseases
Authors: Ru Jiang-ying , Wang Yan-fen
Published: October 2020

Vital osteocytes have been well known to function as an important orchestrator in the preservation of robustness and fidelity of the bone remodeling process. Nevertheless, some key pathological factors, such as sex steroid deficiency and excess glucocorticoids, and so on, are implicated in inducing a bulk of apoptotic osteocytes, subsequently resulting in resorption-related bone loss. As much, osteocyte apoptosis, under homeostatic conditions, is in an optimal state of balance tightly controlled by pro- and anti-apoptotic mechanism pathways. Importantly, there exist many essential signaling proteins in the process of osteocyte apoptosis, which has a crucial role in maintaining a homeostatic environment. While increasing in vitro and in vivo studies have established, in part, key signaling pathways and cross-talk mechanism on osteocyte apoptosis, intrinsic and complex mechanism underlying osteocyte apoptosis occurs in various states of pathologies remains ill-defined. In this review, we discuss not only essential pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways and key biomarkers involved in these key mechanisms under different pathological agents, but also the pivotal role of apoptotic osteocytes in osteoclastogenesis-triggered bone loss, hopefully shedding new light on the attractive and proper actions of pharmacotherapeutics of targeting apoptosis and ensuing resorption-related bone diseases such as osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Type 2 and interferon inflammation regulate SARS-CoV-2 entry factor expression in the airway epithelium
Authors: Sajuthi Satria P. , DeFord Peter , Li Yingchun , Jackson Nathan D. , Montgomery Michael T. , Everman Jamie L. , Rios Cydney L. , Pruesse Elmar , Nolin James D. , Plender Elizabeth G. , Wechsler Michael E. , Mak Angel C. Y. , Eng Celeste , Salazar Sandra , Medina Vivian , Wohlford Eric M. , Huntsman Scott , Nickerson Deborah A. , Germer Soren , Zody Michael C. , Abecasis Gonçalo , Kang Hyun Min , Rice Kenneth M. , Kumar Rajesh , Oh Sam , Rodriguez-Santana Jose , Burchard Esteban G. , Seibold Max A.
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, an emerging virus that utilizes host proteins ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as entry factors. Understanding the factors affecting the pattern and levels of expression of these genes is important for deeper understanding of SARS-CoV-2 tropism and pathogenesis. Here we explore the role of genetics and co-expression networks in regulating these genes in the airway, through the analysis of nasal airway transcriptome data from 695 children. We identify expression quantitative trait loci for bothACE2andTMPRSS2, that vary in frequency across world populations. We findTMPRSS2is part of a mucus secretory network, highly upregulated by type 2 (T2) inflammation through the action of interleukin-13, and that the interferon response to respiratory viruses highly upregulatesACE2expression. IL-13 and virus infection mediated effects onACE2expression were also observed at the protein level in the airway epithelium. Finally, we define airway responses to common coronavirus infections in children, finding that these infections generate host responses similar to other viral species, including upregulation ofIL6andACE2. Our results reveal possible mechanisms influencing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and COVID-19 clinical outcomes.
Mechanical forces drive ordered patterning of hair cells in the mammalian inner ear
Authors: Cohen Roie , Amir-Zilberstein Liat , Hersch Micha , Woland Shiran , Loza Olga , Taiber Shahar , Matsuzaki Fumio , Bergmann Sven , Avraham Karen B. , Sprinzak David
Published: October 2020

Periodic organization of cells is required for the function of many organs and tissues. The development of such periodic patterns is typically associated with mechanisms based on intercellular signaling such as lateral inhibition and Turing patterning. Here we show that the transition from disordered to ordered checkerboard-like pattern of hair cells and supporting cells in the mammalian hearing organ, the organ of Corti, is likely based on mechanical forces rather than signaling events. Using time-lapse imaging of mouse cochlear explants, we show that hair cells rearrange gradually into a checkerboard-like pattern through a tissue-wide shear motion that coordinates intercalation and delamination events. Using mechanical models of the tissue, we show that global shear and local repulsion forces on hair cells are sufficient to drive the transition from disordered to ordered cellular pattern. Our findings suggest that mechanical forces drive ordered hair cell patterning in a process strikingly analogous to the process of shear-induced crystallization in polymer and granular physics.
Deep transfer learning for reducing health care disparities arising from biomedical data inequality
Authors: Gao Yan , Cui Yan
Published: October 2020

As artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly applied to biomedical research and clinical decisions, developing unbiased AI models that work equally well for all ethnic groups is of crucial importance to health disparity prevention and reduction. However, the biomedical data inequality between different ethnic groups is set to generate new health care disparities through data-driven, algorithm-based biomedical research and clinical decisions. Using an extensive set of machine learning experiments on cancer omics data, we find that current prevalent schemes of multiethnic machine learning are prone to generating significant model performance disparities between ethnic groups. We show that these performance disparities are caused by data inequality and data distribution discrepancies between ethnic groups. We also find that transfer learning can improve machine learning model performance for data-disadvantaged ethnic groups, and thus provides an effective approach to reduce health care disparities arising from data inequality among ethnic groups.
Mechanical characterization and induced crystallization in nanocomposites of thermoplastics and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cruz-Chú Eduardo R. , Villegas-Rodríguez Gonzalo J. , Jäger Tobias , Valentini Luca , Pugno Nicola M. , Gkagkas Konstantinos , Gräter Frauke
Published: October 2020

Nanocomposites built from polymers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising class of materials. Computer modeling can provide nanoscale views of the polymer–CNT interface, which are much needed to foster the manufacturing and development of such materials. However, setting up periodic nanocomposite models is a challenging task. Here we propose a computational workflow based on Molecular Dynamics simulations. We demonstrate its capabilities and showcase its applications, focusing on two existing nanocomposite materials: polystyrene (PS) with CNT and polyether ether ketone with CNT. The models provide insights into the polymer crystallization inside CNTs. Furthermore, the PS+CNT nanocomposite models are mechanically tested and able to predict an enhancement in Young’s modulus due to the addition of highly dispersed CNTs. We accompany those results with experimental tests and provide a prediction model based on Dynamic Quantized Fracture Mechanics theory. Our study proposes representative simulations of polymer–CNT nanocomposites as promising tools to guide the rational design of this class of materials.
The influence of common polygenic risk and gene sets on social skills group training response in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Li Danyang , Choque-Olsson Nora , Jiao Hong , Norgren Nina , Jonsson Ulf , Bölte Sven , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: October 2020

Social skills group training (SSGT) is a frequently used behavioral intervention in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the effects are moderate and heterogeneous. Here, we analyzed the effect of polygenic risk score (PRS) and common variants in gene sets on the intervention outcome. Participants from the largest randomized clinical trial of SSGT in ASD to date were selected (N = 188, 99 from SSGT, 89 from standard care) to calculate association between the outcomes in the SSGT trial and PRSs for ASD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and educational attainment. In addition, specific gene sets were selected to evaluate their role on intervention outcomes. Among all participants in the trial, higher PRS for ADHD was associated with significant improvement in the outcome measure, the parental-rated Social Responsiveness Scale. The significant association was due to better outcomes in the standard care group for individuals with higher PRS for ADHD (post-intervention: β = −4.747, P = 0.0129; follow-up: β = −5.309, P = 0.0083). However, when contrasting the SSGT and standard care group, an inferior outcome in the SSGT group was associated with higher ADHD PRS at follow-up (β = 6.67, P = 0.016). Five gene sets within the synaptic category showed a nominal association with reduced response to interventions. We provide preliminary evidence that genetic liability calculated from common variants could influence the intervention outcomes. In the future, larger cohorts should be used to investigate how genetic contribution affects individual response to ASD interventions.
StableClim, continuous projections of climate stability from 21000 BP to 2100 CE at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Brown Stuart C. , Wigley Tom M. L. , Otto-Bliesner Bette L. , Fordham Damien A.
Published: October 2020

Paleoclimatic data are used in eco-evolutionary models to improve knowledge of biogeographical processes that drive patterns of biodiversity through time, opening windows into past climate–biodiversity dynamics. Applying these models to harmonised simulations of past and future climatic change can strengthen forecasts of biodiversity change. StableClim provides continuous estimates of climate stability from 21,000 years ago to 2100 C.E. for ocean and terrestrial realms at spatial scales that include biogeographic regions and climate zones. Climate stability is quantified using annual trends and variabilities in air temperature and precipitation, and associated signal-to-noise ratios. Thresholds of natural variability in trends in regional- and global-mean temperature allow periods in Earth’s history when climatic conditions were warming and cooling rapidly (or slowly) to be identified and climate stability to be estimated locally (grid-cell) during these periods of accelerated change. Model simulations are validated against independent paleoclimate and observational data. Projections of climatic stability, accessed through StableClim, will improve understanding of the roles of climate in shaping past, present-day and future patterns of biodiversity.
Protein ontology on the semantic web for knowledge discovery
Authors: Chen Chuming , Huang Hongzhan , Ross Karen E. , Cowart Julie E. , Arighi Cecilia N. , Wu Cathy H. , Natale Darren A.
Published: October 2020

The Protein Ontology (PRO) provides an ontological representation of protein-related entities, ranging from protein families to proteoforms to complexes. Protein Ontology Linked Open Data (LOD) exposes, shares, and connects knowledge about protein-related entities on the Semantic Web using Resource Description Framework (RDF), thus enabling integration with other Linked Open Data for biological knowledge discovery. For example, proteins (or variants thereof) can be retrieved on the basis of specific disease associations. As a community resource, we strive to follow the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIR) principles, disseminate regular updates of our data, support multiple methods for accessing, querying and downloading data in various formats, and provide documentation both for scientists and programmers. PRO Linked Open Data can be browsed via faceted browser interface and queried using SPARQL via YASGUI. RDF data dumps are also available for download. Additionally, we developed RESTful APIs to support programmatic data access. We also provide W3C HCLS specification compliant metadata description for our data. The PRO Linked Open Data is available at https://lod.proconsortium.org/.
Direct visualization of the extracellular binding structure of E-cadherins in liquid
Authors: Shibata-Seki Teiko , Nagaoka Masato , Goto Mitsuaki , Kobatake Eiry , Akaike Toshihiro
Published: October 2020

E-cadherin is a key Ca-dependent cell adhesion molecule, which is expressed on many cell surfaces and involved in cell morphogenesis, embryonic development, EMT, etc. The fusion protein E-cad-Fc consists of the extracellular domain of E-cadherin and the IgG Fc domain. On plates coated with this chimeric protein, ES/iPS cells are cultivated particularly well and induced to differentiate. The cells adhere to the plate via E-cad-Fc in the presence of Ca2+ and detach by a chelating agent. For the purpose of clarifying the structures of E-cad-Fc in the presence and absence of Ca2+, we analyzed the molecular structure of E-cad-Fc by AFM in liquid. Our AFM observations revealed a rod-like structure of the entire extracellular domain of E-cad-Fc in the presence of Ca2+ as well as trans-binding of E-cad-Fc with adjacent molecules, which may be the first, direct confirmation of trans-dimerization of E-cadherin. The observed structures were in good agreement with an X-ray crystallographic model. Furthermore, we succeeded in visualizing the changes in the rod-like structure of the EC domains with and without calcium. The biomatrix surface plays an important role in cell culture, so the analysis of its structure and function may help promote cell engineering based on cell recognition.
Stability theory of nano-fluid over an exponentially stretching cylindrical surface containing microorganisms
Authors: Ferdows M. , Hossan Amran , Bangalee M. Z. I. , Sun Shuyu , Alzahrani Faris
Published: October 2020

This research is emphasized to describe the stability analysis in the form of dual solution of the flow and heat analysis on nanofluid over an exponential stretching cylindrical surface containing microorganisms. The research is also implemented to manifest the dual profiles of velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration in the effect of velocity ratio parameter ($$s = \frac{{U_{w} }}{{U_{\infty } }}$$

s
=

U
w

U
∞

). Living microorganisms’ cell are mixed into the nanofluid to neglect the unstable condition of nano type particles. The governing equations are transformed to non-linear ordinary differential equations with respect to pertinent boundary conditions by using similarity transformation. The significant differential equations are solved using build in function bvp4c in MATLAB. It is seen that the solution is not unique for vertical stretching sheet. This research is reached to excellent argument when found results are compared with available result. It is noticed that dual results are obtained demanding on critical value ($$s_{c}$$

s
c

), the meanings are indicated at these critical values both solutions are connected and behind these critical value boundary layer separates thus the solution are not stable.
Impact of cold plasma processing on major peanut allergens
Authors: Venkataratnam Harshitha , Cahill Orla , Sarangapani Chaitanya , Cullen P. J. , Barry-Ryan Catherine
Published: October 2020

Cold plasma is emerging as a novel food processing technology, with demonstrated efficacies for microbial inactivation and residual chemical dissipation of food products. Given the technology’s multimodal action it has the potential to reduce allergens in foods, however data on the efficacy and mechanisms of action are sparse. This study investigates the efficacy of cold plasma on major peanut allergens (Ara h 1 and Ara h 2). For this purpose, dry, whole peanut (WP) and defatted peanut flour (DPF) were subjected to an atmospheric air discharge using a pin to plate cold plasma reactor for different treatment durations. With increases in plasma exposure, SDS-PAGE analysis revealed reduced protein solubility of the major peanut allergens. Alterations in allergenicity and structure of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 were examined using ELISA and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Competitive ELISA with proteins purified from plasma treated WP or DPF revealed reduced antigenicity for both Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. The highest reduction in antigenicity was 65% for Ara h 1 and 66% Ara h 2 when purified from DPF. Results from CD spectroscopy analysis of purified proteins strongly suggests the reduction in antigenicity is due to modifications in the secondary structure of the allergens induced by plasma reactive species. Cold plasma is effective at reducing peanut protein solubility and causes changes in allergen structure leading to reduced antigenicity.
Myocardial contraction fraction predicts mortality for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liao Hang , Wang Ziqiong , Zhao Liming , Chen Xiaoping , He Sen
Published: October 2020

The myocardial contraction fraction (MCF: stroke volume to myocardial volume) is a novel volumetric measure of left ventricular myocardial shortening. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether MCF could predict adverse outcomes for HCM patients. A retrospective cohort study of 438 HCM patients was conducted. The primary and secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality and HCM-related mortality. The association between MCF and endpoints was analysed. During a follow-up period of 1738.2 person-year, 76 patients (17.2%) reached primary endpoint and 50 patients (65.8%) reached secondary endpoint. Both all-cause mortality rate and HCM-related mortality rate decreased across MCF tertiles (24.7% vs. 17.9% vs. 9.5%, P trend = 0.003 for all-cause mortality; 16.4% vs. 9.7% vs. 6.1%, P trend = 0.021 for HCM-related mortality). Patients in the third tertile had a significantly lower risk of developing adverse outcomes than patients in the first tertile: all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.56, P = 0.001), HCM-related mortality (adjusted HR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07–0.42, P < 0.001). At 1-, 3-, and 5-year of follow-up, areas under curve were 0.699, 0.643, 0.618 for all-cause mortality and 0.749, 0.661, 0.613 for HCM-related mortality (all P value < 0.001), respectively. In HCM patients, MCF could independently predict all-cause mortality and HCM-related mortality, which should be considered for overall risk assessment in clinical practice.