bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It’s Hot Today, Eh? Montreal’s 2018 Heat Wave from Urgences-santé’s Perspective
Authors: D’ulisse Nicola
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

A heatwave hit the Greater Montreal area during the week of July 1 to July 8. The Urgences-santé Corporation (USC), Quebec’s largest emergency medical service (EMS), saw its crews struggling to respond to a record-breaking number of emergency calls while going door-to-door to make sure the at-risk population was not overburdened by the heat.

Aim:

USC’s mission was to ensure its population’s emergency medical care and safety under extenuating conditions. In conjunction with our municipal partners and the public health services, we deployed an aggressive communication strategy, urging people to only call 911 in the case of a life-threatening emergency, with the aim of limiting ambulance transports.

Methods:

Ambulance resources were increased (> 20% compared to the same period in 2017). More than 60 media interviews were given. Paramedic supervisors were sent to emergency departments to contain the offload delays. USC’s community response team was going door-to-door in pre-identified urban heat islands (UHI), bringing medical attention directly to those in need.

Results:

Despite our communications efforts, a record-breaking 1,568 calls (> 37% compared to the same period in 2017) were received in a 24 hour period. Through the door-to-door campaign, 12 people in need received medical attention. More than 90 people are suspected to have died as a result of a July heat wave in Quebec, with figures showing that 60 deaths in the cities of Montreal and Laval alone may be linked to elevated temperatures.

Discussion:

Through strong collaboration with our municipal and provincial partners, and the public health services, an important communication strategy and additional resources were deployed. Crews were able to prevent additional deaths. With the observed increase in extreme weather events, this strategy will definitely be useful in the future.
Forecasting Fed Cattle, Feeder Cattle, and Corn Cash Price Volatility: The Accuracy of Time Series, Implied Volatility, and Composite Approaches
Authors: Manfredo Mark R. , Leuthold Raymond M. , Irwin Scott H.
Published: May 2019

Economists and others need estimates of future cash price volatility to use in risk management evaluation and education programs. This paper evaluates the performance of alternative volatility forecasts for fed cattle, feeder cattle, and corn cash price returns. Forecasts include time series (e.g. GARCH), implied volatility from options on futures contracts, and composite specifications. The overriding finding from this research, consistent with the existing volatility forecasting literature, is that no single method of volatility forecasting provides superior accuracy across alternative data sets and horizons. However, evidence is provided suggesting that risk managers and extension educators use composite methods when both time series and implied volatilities are available.
Predictors of functional response and remission with desvenlafaxine 50 mg and 100 mg: a pooled analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Soares Claudio N. , Wajsbrot Dalia B. , Boucher Matthieu
Published: May 2019

Objective.

The value of early functional improvement at week 2 for predicting subsequent functional outcomes at week 8 was assessed in a pooled analysis of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with desvenlafaxine (50 or 100 mg/d) or placebo.

Methods.

Data were pooled from eight double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d or 100 mg/d for the treatment of MDD. Optimal week-2 improvement thresholds in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) score, which best predicted week-8 treatment success, were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Four definitions of treatment success were established: (1) functional response, (2) functional/depression response, (3) functional remission, and (4) functional/depression remission. Odds ratios (ORs) of early improvement for prediction (based on thresholds determined in the ROC analysis) of week-8 treatment success were computed using logistic regression models.

Results.

Functional early improvement thresholds of 17%–32% were predictive of week-8 treatment success across treatment groups and definitions of treatment success. Optimal thresholds were higher for more stringent definitions. Negative predictive value exceeded positive predictive value, indicating that failure to achieve early functional improvement was more informative about later treatment success than was the achievement of early functional improvement. Early change in SDS was a highly significant predictor of functional response/remission (ORs, 4.981–8.737; all p < 0.0001); the interaction between treatment and early functional improvement was not significant.

Conclusion.

Early improvement in SDS total score was predictive of functional outcomes for patients treated with desvenlafaxine 50 mg, desvenlafaxine 100 mg, or placebo.
Responses to selection for lean growth in sheep
Authors: Simm G. , Lewis R.M. , Grundy B. , Dingwall W.S.
Published: May 2019

This paper reports the selection responses achieved, and related results, following 9 years of index selection for lean growth in Suffolk sheep. The breeding goal of the index used comprised carcass lean weight and carcass fat weight at a constant age, with relative economic values of + 3 and –1 per kg. The selection criteria were live weight (LWT), ultrasonic fat depth (UFD) and ultrasonic muscle depth (UMD) adjusted to a constant age of 150 days. By year 9, responses in LWT, UFD and UMD in both sexes, as judged by the divergence between selection and control line performance, amounted to 4·88 kg, -1·1 mm and 2·8 mm respectively; these responses are between 7 and 15% of the overall means of the traits concerned. Although selection was originally on index scores based on phenotypic records, the retrospective analyses reported here used the mixed model applications of residual maximum likelihood to estimate parameters and best linear unbiased prediction to predict breeding values. The statistical model comprised fixed effects plus random effects accounting for direct additive, maternal additive and temporary environmental variation. Estimated genetic trends obtained by regressing estimated breeding values on year of birth were similar to annual responses estimated by comparing selection and control line means. Estimates of direct heritabilities were 0·054, 0·177, 0·286, 0·561 and 0·410 for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), LWT, UFD and UMD respectively. Corresponding estimates of maternal heritabilities were 0·287, 0·205, 0·160, 0·083 and 0·164. Phenotypic correlations between all pairs of traits were positive and usually moderately high. There were low negative direct additive correlations between BWT and WWT, and between BWT and LWT, but higher positive maternal additive correlations between all other pairs of weight traits.
Comparison of enzymatic and mechanical methods for the collection of bovine preantral follicles
Authors: Saha S. , Shimizu M. , Geshi M. , Izaike Y.
Published: May 2019

A comparison was made of various devices to obtain preantral follicles from bovine ovaries. The most productive collection methods in terms of number of follicles obtained were the tissue chopper and the grinder method, with an average number of 122·25 (s.e. 5·06) and 120·45 (s.e. 6·89) preantral follicles, respectively. These were followed by ficoll gradation (119·90, s.e. 7·95), mincer (101·75, s.e. 3·98), cell dissociation sieve (100·50, s.e. 3·42) and homogenizer (95·75, s.e. 6·38). For enzymatic digestion, more time was needed and the method was less productive. Microdissection could supply good quality (80% live when collected), larger sized follicles (120 to 220 µm) but with the lowest yield (10·65, s.e. 0·94) per ovary. The isolated follicles did not show any difference (P > 0·05) in viability until day 7 of in-vitro culture irrespective of method used to harvest follicles. Accordingly the new grinding device can be recommended as a replacement for the existing mechanical devices as it can yield the same percentage (47%) of live preantral follicles but of a wider diameter range (40 to 180 µm) per ovary.
Rumen microbial counts and in vivo digestibility in buffaloes and cattle given different diets
Authors: Puppo S. , Bartocci S. , Terramoccia S. , Grandoni F. , Amici A.
Published: May 2019

Ruminal bacterial counts and in vivo digestibility were determined on four Mediterranean buffalo bulls and four Friesian bulls, all fistulated at the rumen, and given at maintenance level (50 g/kg M0·75 per day of dry matter) four different diets with the same crude protein content (N ✕ 6·25 = 140 g/kg dry matter) and with forage: concentrate ratios as follows: diet D12·5 = 0·875: 0·125; diet D25·0 = 0·75: 0·25; diet D37·5 = 0·625: 0·375; diet D50·0 = 0·5: 0·5. All the animals received the diets during four consecutive periods in a Latin-square design. Buffaloes had higher total microbial counts (10·78 v. 10·08 log10cells per g dry rumen content, P < 0·01) as compared with cattle; differences in total ruminal bacterial counts among the diets were only observed within the buffalo species (diet D12·5 v. diets D25·0, D37·5, D50·0: 10·04 v. 10·92, 10·98, 11·17 log10cells per g dry rumen content, P 0·01) and when comparing the two species for each diet, significantly higher values for bacterial counts in buffaloes were found for diets D25·0: 10·92 v. 10·28 (P 0·05), D37·5: 10·98 v. 10·08 (P 0·01) and D50·0: 11·17 v. 9·76 (P 0·01) log10cells per g dry rumen content. Cattle showed significantly higher digestibility values for: organic matter (0·696 v. 0·676, P 0·05), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF; 0·548 v. 0·511, P 0·05) and cellulose (0·621 v. 0 · 509, P 0·01), while the crude protein digestibility (CPD) values were similar (0·667 and 0·671). Comparing the two species for each diet, cattle showed significantly higher digestibility values for organic matter in diet D50·0 only (0·714 v. 0·688, P 0·01), for NDF in diet D12·5 only (0·578 v. 0·531, P 0·05) and for cellulose in all diets (0·660 v. 0·546, 0·630 v. 0·525, 0·605 v. 0·505, 0·588 v. 0·460, P 0·01); in contrast buffaloes showed higher values of the CPD for diet D12·5 (0·662 v. 0·632, P 0·05).
Diurnal rhythm of melatonin in young calves and intake of melatonin in milk
Authors: Valtonen M. , Kangas A.-P. , Voutilainen M. , Eriksson L.
Published: May 2019

Peripheral concentrations of melatonin in the neonatal mammal are low and the diurnal rhythm is not apparent during the first days or weeks of life. Maternal milk provides a rhythmic although low source of melatonin to the newborn. Diurnal rhythm of serum melatonin was monitored in Friesian calves from birth to 4 weeks of age. Some of the calves under 1 week of age had no clear nocturnal elevation of serum concentrations of melatonin. Thereafter the nocturnal melatonin elevation was apparent in all calves and of the same amplitude as in adult cattle. The effect of oral intake of night-time milk or milk supplemented with low doses of synthetic melatonin was studied during day-time in a group of Ayrshire calves aged 1 to 5 weeks. Two and a half or 3 litres of night-time milk with a mean melatonin concentration of 40 pg/ml, providing 01 to 012 μg melatonin, did not cause any change in the day-time serum concentrations of melatonin, neither did addition of melatonin in doses up to 10 μg per animal. Only the highest dose of melatonin 200 μg in 2 l of milk (01 μg/ml) caused an elevation of day-time serum concentrations of melatonin. These studies show that the pineal gland of a very youg calf is functional and that the concentration of melatonin in blood does not reflect the concentration in milk at the time of feeding. The presence of melatonin in milk suggests, however, its potential significance for the neonate.
Analysis of cell population PDE models with general maturation rates
Authors: Liu Xinzhi , Sivaloganathan S. , Zhang Shenghai
Published: May 2019

This paper considers a cell population model with a general maturation rate. This model is described by a nonlinear PDE. We use the theory of operator semigroups to stud the problem under simple hypotheses on the growth function and the nonlinear term. By showing that a related operator generates a strongly continuous semigroup, we prove the existence of a classical solution of the nonlinear problem and its positivity. It is also proved that under simple hypotheses, the problem generates a semiflow. The invariance of the semiflow is studied as well.
Topological duality in humanoid robot dynamics
Authors: Ivancevic V. , Pearce C. E. M.
Published: May 2019

A humanoid robot system may be viewed as a collection of segments coupled at rotational joints which geometrically represent constrained rotational Lie groups. This allows a study of the dynamics of the motion of a humanoid robot. Several formulations are possible. In this paper, dual invariant topological structures are constructed and analyzed on the finite-dimensional manifolds associated with the humanoid motion. Both cohomology and homology structures are examined on the tangent (Lagrangian) as well as on the cotangent (Hamiltonian) bundles on the manifold of the humanoid motion configuration. represented by the toral Lie group. It is established all four topological structures give in essence the same description of humanoid dynamics. Practically this means that whichever of these approaches we use, ultimately we obtain the same mathematical results.
A simple model for oilspill containment
Authors: Belward Shaun R. , Forbes Lawrence K.
Published: May 2019

This paper develops a simple model for the containment of oil behind a boom in water. The flow of water beneath the oil is assumed two dimensional (horizontal and vertical) and perpendicular to the boom. We look for steady solutions and assume the oil is so viscous that the fluid velocity within the oil is zero. We are able to calculate what shape the oilslick will form and under which circumstances the boom will be successful (that is, no oil escapes under the boom) based on the predicted depth of the slick at the boom.
Nuclear Fréchet lattices
Authors: Fernández Antonio , Naranjo Francisco
Published: May 2019

We give a characterization of nuclear Fréchet lattices in terms of lattice properties of the seminorms. Indeed, we prove that a Fréchet lattice is nuclear if and only if it is both an AL- and an AM-space.
Predictors for reoperation after lower limb amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Berli Martin C. , Wanivenhaus Florian , Kabelitz Method , Götschi Tobias , Böni Thomas , Rancic Zoran , Waibel Felix W. A.
Published: May 2019

Summary. Background: Major amputations in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) carry a high risk for complications, including revision of the amputation, sometimes to a higher level. Determining a safe level for amputation with good wound healing potential depends largely on vascular measurements. This study evaluated potential predictive factors for revision of major lower extremity amputations in patients with PAD. Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review of all major lower extremity amputations at our institution was conducted. Amputations due to trauma or tumor and below-ankle amputations were excluded. Patient demographics, level/type of amputation, level/time of revision, comorbidities and risk factors were extracted. Results: 180 patients with PAD, mean age 66.48 (range: 31–93) years, 125 (69.4%) male were included. Most (154/180, 86.6%) underwent below-knee amputation. 71 (39.4%) patients had coronary arterial disease, 104 (57.8%) had diabetes. More than half of patients, (93/138; 51.7%) had undergone previous balloon angioplasty. 44 (30%) patients required revision surgery: 42/180 (23.3%) were revised at the same level, and in 12/180 (6.7%) a more proximal amputation was necessary. PAD stage was not associated with the level of reamputation (p = 0.4369). Significantly more patients who had previous balloon angioplasty required revision surgery (66.7% versus 45.2%, p = 0.009). 67 (37.2%) patients underwent preoperative TcPO2 measurement: 40/67 (59.7%) had TcPO2 ≥ 40 mmHg; 4/67 (6%) had TcPO2 < 10 mmHG. Three patients with TcPO2 ≥ 40 mmHg, one with 30 mmHg ≤ TcPO2 ≤ 40 mmHg and one with 10 mmHg ≤ TcPO2 ≤ 20 mmHg required re-amputation to a more proximal level. Conclusions: TcPO2 measurements are useful for determining level of lower limb amputation and predicting wound healing problems when an amputation level with TcPO2 < 40 mmHg is chosen. In transtibial amputations, TcPO2 ≥ 40 mmHg does not safely predict wound healing.
Attachment Style Predicts Cortical Activity in Temporoparietal Junction (TPJ)
Authors: Baskak Bora , Kır Yagmur , Sedes Nilay , Kuşman Adnan , Türk Eylem Gökce , Baran Zeynel , Gönüllü Ipek , Artar Müge , Munir Kerim
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Results of the behavioral studies suggest that attachment styles may have an enduring effect upon theory of mind (ToM). However biological underpinnings of this relationship are unclear. Here, we compared securely and insecurely attached first grade university students ( N = 56) in terms of cortical activity measured by 52 channel Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the Reading the Mind from the Eyes Test (RMET). The control condition involved gender identification via the same stimuli. We found that the ToM condition evoked higher activity than the control condition particularly in the right hemisphere. We observed higher activity during the ToM condition relative to the control condition in the secure group (SG), whereas the overall cortical activity evoked by the two conditions was indistinguishable in the insecure group (ISG). Higher activity was observed in channels corresponding to right superior temporal and adjacent parietal cortices in the SG relative to the ISG during the ToM condition. Dismissive attachment scores were negatively correlated with activity in channels that correspond to right superior temporal cortex. These results suggest that attachment styles do have an effect on representation of ToM in terms of cortical activity in late adolescence. Particularly, dismissive attachment is represented by lower activity in the right superior temporal cortex during ToM, which might be related to weaker social need and habitual unwillingness for closeness among this group of adolescents.
Airborne Gravity Surveys Are Remaking Elevations in the U.S.
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: May 2019

Measuring gravity’s tiny fluctuations is giving the United States an upgraded system of elevations.
Improving Surface Current Estimation From Geostationary Ocean Color Imager Using Tidal Ellipse and Angular Limitation
Authors: Chen Jian , Chen Jianyu , Cao Zhengyi , Shen Yu
Published: May 2019

Sea surface currents (SSCs) in coastal regions can be mapped from successive optical images observed by satellite. We implemented the maximum cross‐correlation (MCC) algorithm to Geostationary Ocean Color Imager‐derived total suspended matter in the East China Sea in this study. We developed a new data filtering method to improve the accuracy of SSC vector sequence using estimated tidal ellipse. The proposed method eliminated spurious vectors by considering direction order and suitable angular limitation. The obtained average velocity of SSC reached 0.72 m/s, which was close to the buoy‐measured average speed of 0.64 m/s. Compared with existing spurious vector eliminating method, the average angular error was improved significantly by 28–38% and the average relative magnitude error was improved by 3% in the case study.
Direct Measurements of Upper Ocean Horizontal Velocity and Vertical Shear in the Tropical North Atlantic at 4°Ν, 23°W
Authors: Perez Renellys C. , Foltz Gregory R. , Lumpkin Rick , Schmid Claudia
Published: May 2019

The Tropical Atlantic Current Observations Study measured upper ocean horizontal velocity from a mooring at 4°N, 23°W, at discrete depths between 7 and 87 m, in order to observe the temporal and vertical structure of the currents. Between March 2017 and March 2018, mean zonal velocity and vertical shear were strongest between 32 and 37 m. Near‐surface mean eastward currents during this period were weaker than the long‐term mean but within the range of previously observed values given the high interannual variability. Interannual variability of the zonal velocity exceeded that of the meridional velocity, was primarily geostrophically driven, and was strongly influenced by the large‐scale currents. Energetic tropical instability waves (TIWs) were observed in early summer and late fall of 2017. Meridional velocity fluctuations associated with the TIWs were far larger than those of zonal velocity and extended down to 87 m. These fluctuations propagated upward to the surface with vertical phase speeds between 12 and 15 m/day. Coherent velocity and vertical shear variations emerged in a TIW composite. However, the vertical shears observed during the TIW season were modest compared to the large shear measured in spring 2017 and winter 2018. As a result, TIWs may be less crucial for vertical turbulent cooling at 4°N, 23°W than they are near the equator. To observe the intense winter/spring vertical shear events, fine vertical (less than 10 m) and diurnal temporal sampling is needed.
Fast lithium growth and short circuit induced by localized-temperature hotspots in lithium batteries
Authors: Zhu Yangying , Xie Jin , Pei Allen , Liu Bofei , Wu Yecun , Lin Dingchang , Li Jun , Wang Hansen , Chen Hao , Xu Jinwei , Yang Ankun , Wu Chun-Lan , Wang Hongxia , Chen Wei , Cui Yi
Published: May 2019

Fast-charging and high-energy-density batteries pose significant safety concerns due to high rates of heat generation. Understanding how localized high temperatures affect the battery is critical but remains challenging, mainly due to the difficulty of probing battery internal temperature with high spatial resolution. Here we introduce a method to induce and sense localized high temperature inside a lithium battery using micro-Raman spectroscopy. We discover that temperature hotspots can induce significant lithium metal growth as compared to the surrounding lower temperature area due to the locally enhanced surface exchange current density. More importantly, localized high temperature can be one of the factors to cause battery internal shorting, which further elevates the temperature and increases the risk of thermal runaway. This work provides important insights on the effects of heterogeneous temperatures within batteries and aids the development of safer batteries, thermal management schemes, and diagnostic tools.
Low potential enzymatic hydride transfer via highly cooperative and inversely functionalized flavin cofactors
Authors: Willistein Max , Bechtel Dominique F. , Müller Christina S. , Demmer Ulrike , Heimann Larissa , Kayastha Kanwal , Schünemann Volker , Pierik Antonio J. , Ullmann G. Matthias , Ermler Ulrich , Boll Matthias
Published: May 2019

Hydride transfers play a crucial role in a multitude of biological redox reactions and are mediated by flavin, deazaflavin or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactors at standard redox potentials ranging from 0 to –340 mV. 2-Naphthoyl-CoA reductase, a key enzyme of oxygen-independent bacterial naphthalene degradation, uses a low-potential one-electron donor for the two-electron dearomatization of its substrate below the redox limit of known biological hydride transfer processes at E°’ = −493 mV. Here we demonstrate by X-ray structural analyses, QM/MM computational studies, and multiple spectroscopy/activity based titrations that highly cooperative electron transfer (n = 3) from a low-potential one-electron (FAD) to a two-electron (FMN) transferring flavin cofactor is the key to overcome the resonance stabilized aromatic system by hydride transfer in a highly hydrophobic pocket. The results evidence how the protein environment inversely functionalizes two flavins to switch from low-potential one-electron to hydride transfer at the thermodynamic limit of flavin redox chemistry.
The transcription factor CBFB suppresses breast cancer through orchestrating translation and transcription
Authors: Malik Navdeep , Yan Hualong , Moshkovich Nellie , Palangat Murali , Yang Howard , Sanchez Vanesa , Cai Zhuo , Peat Tyler J. , Jiang Shunlin , Liu Chengyu , Lee Maxwell , Mock Beverly A. , Yuspa Stuart H. , Larson Daniel , Wakefield Lalage M. , Huang Jing
Published: May 2019

Translation and transcription are frequently dysregulated in cancer. These two processes are generally regulated by distinct sets of factors. The CBFB gene, which encodes a transcription factor, has recently emerged as a highly mutated driver in a variety of human cancers including breast cancer. Here we report a noncanonical role of CBFB in translation regulation. RNA immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (RIP-seq) reveals that cytoplasmic CBFB binds to hundreds of transcripts and regulates their translation. CBFB binds to mRNAs via hnRNPK and enhances translation through eIF4B, a general translation initiation factor. Interestingly, the RUNX1 mRNA, which encodes the transcriptional partner of CBFB, is bound and translationally regulated by CBFB. Furthermore, nuclear CBFB/RUNX1 complex transcriptionally represses the oncogenic NOTCH signaling pathway in breast cancer. Thus, our data reveal an unexpected function of CBFB in translation regulation and propose that breast cancer cells evade translation and transcription surveillance simultaneously through downregulating CBFB.
Room-Temperature Sputtered SnO2 as Robust Electron Transport Layer for Air-Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells on Rigid and Flexible Substrates
Authors: Kam Matthew , Zhang Qianpeng , Zhang Daquan , Fan Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

Extraordinary photovoltaic performance and intriguing optoelectronic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have aroused enormous interest from both academic research and photovoltaic (PV) industry. In order to bring PSC technology from laboratory to market, material stability, device flexibility, and scalability are important issues to address for vast production. Nevertheless, PSCs are still primarily prepared by solution methods which limit film scalability, while high-temperature processing of metal oxide electron transport layer (ETL) makes PSCs costly and incompatible with flexible substrates. Here, we demonstrate rarely-reported room-temperature radio frequency (RF) sputtered SnO2 as a promising ETL with suitable band structure, high transmittance, and excellent stability to replace its solution-processed counterpart. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 12.82% and 5.88% have been achieved on rigid glass substrate and flexible PEN substrate respectively. The former device retained 93% of its initial PCE after 192-hour exposure in dry air while the latter device maintained over 90% of its initial PCE after 100 consecutive bending cycles. The result is a solid stepping stone toward future PSC all-vapor-deposition fabrication which is being widely used in the PV industry now.
Interleukin-7 Contributes to the Invasiveness of Prostate Cancer Cells by Promoting Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Seol Min A. , Kim Jin-Hee , Oh Keunhee , Kim Gwanghun , Seo Myung Won , Shin Young-Kyoung , Sim Ji Hyun , Shin Hyun Mu , Seo Bo Yeon , Lee Dong-Sup , Ku Ja-Lok , Han Ilkyu , Kang Insoo , Park Serk In , Kim Hang-Rae
Published: May 2019

Precise mechanisms underlying interleukin-7 (IL-7)-mediated tumor invasion remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the role of IL-7 in tumor invasiveness using metastatic prostate cancer PC-3 cell line derivatives, and assessed the potential of IL-7 as a clinical target using a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and an IL-7-blocking antibody. We found that IL-7 stimulated wound-healing migration and invasion of PC-3 cells, increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5, Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. On the other hand, a JAK inhibitor and an IL-7-blocking antibody decreased the invasiveness of PC-3 cells. IL-7 increased tumor sphere formation and expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Importantly, lentiviral delivery of IL-7Rα to PC-3 cells significantly increased bone metastasis in an experimental murine metastasis model compared to controls. The gene expression profile of human prostate cancer cells from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that EMT pathways are strongly associated with prostate cancers that highly express both IL-7 and IL-7Rα. Collectively, these data suggest that IL-7 and/or IL-7Rα are promising targets of inhibiting tumor metastasis.
Distribution of Functional CD4 and CD8 T cell Subsets in Blood and Rectal Mucosal Tissues
Authors: Amancha Praveen Kumar , Ackerley Cassie G. , Duphare Chandni , Lee Mark , Hu Yi-Juan , Amara Rama R. , Kelley Colleen F.
Published: May 2019

A better understanding of the distribution and functional capacity of CD4 T helper (Th) and CD8 T cytotoxic (Tc) cell subsets in the rectal mucosa (RM), a major site for HIV acquisition and replication, in adults is needed. In this study, we compared the distribution of Th and Tc cell subsets between blood and RM compartments in 62 HIV negative men, focusing primarily on IL-17-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells due to their importance in establishing and maintaining mucosal defenses, and examined associations between the frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 cell subsets and the availability of highly HIV-susceptible target cells in the RM. The RM exhibited a distinct immune cell composition comprised of higher frequencies of Th2, Th17, and Tc17 cells compared to the peripheral blood. The majority of Tc17 cells in RM were quadruple-cytokine producers (IL-17A+, IFN-γ+, TNF-α+, and IL4+), whereas most Th17 cells in blood and RM were single IL-17A producers or dual-cytokine producers (IL-17A+TNF-α+). In a separate cohort of 21 HIV positive men, we observed similar tissue distributions of Th and Tc cell subsets, although Tc17 cell frequencies in both blood and tissues were very low. Higher frequencies of multi-cytokine-producing Th17 and Tc17 cells in RM of HIV negative men positively correlated with increased mucosal HIV target cells, suggesting a need to further characterize the effector functions of these cells and their role in HIV acquisition and pathogenesis.
Construction and characterization of metal ion-containing DNA nanowires for synthetic biology and nanotechnology
Authors: Vecchioni Simon , Capece Mark C. , Toomey Emily , Nguyen Le , Ray Austin , Greenberg Alissa , Fujishima Kosuke , Urbina Jesica , Paulino-Lima Ivan G. , Pinheiro Vitor , Shih Joseph , Wessel Gary , Wind Shalom J. , Rothschild Lynn
Published: May 2019

DNA is an attractive candidate for integration into nanoelectronics as a biological nanowire due to its linear geometry, definable base sequence, easy, inexpensive and non-toxic replication and self-assembling properties. Recently we discovered that by intercalating Ag+in polycytosine-mismatch oligonucleotides, the resulting C-Ag+-C duplexes are able to conduct charge efficiently. To map the functionality and biostability of this system, we built and characterized internally-functionalized DNA nanowires through non-canonical, Ag+-mediated base pairing in duplexes containing cytosine-cytosine mismatches. We assessed the thermal and chemical stability of ion-coordinated duplexes in aqueous solutions and conclude that the C-Ag+-C bond forms DNA duplexes with replicable geometry, predictable thermodynamics, and tunable length. We demonstrated continuous ion chain formation in oligonucleotides of 11–50 nucleotides (nt), and enzyme ligation of mixed strands up to six times that length. This construction is feasible without detectable silver nanocluster contaminants. Functional gene parts for the synthesis of DNA- and RNA-based, C-Ag+-C duplexes in a cell-free system have been constructed in anEscherichia coliexpression plasmid and added to the open-source BioBrick Registry, paving the way to realizing the promise of inexpensive industrial production. With appropriate design constraints, this conductive variant of DNA demonstrates promise for use in synthetic biological constructs as a dynamic nucleic acid component and contributes molecular electronic functionality to DNA that is not already found in nature. We propose a viable route to fabricating stable DNA nanowires in cell-free and synthetic biological systems for the production of self-assembling nanoelectronic architectures.
A highly flexible and repeatable genotyping method for aquaculture studies based on target amplicon sequencing using next-generation sequencing technology
Authors: Sato Mana , Hosoya Sho , Yoshikawa Sota , Ohki Shun , Kobayashi Yuki , Itou Takuya , Kikuchi Kiyoshi
Published: May 2019

Studies using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become commonplace in genetics and genomics, due to advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies. Since the numbers of required SNPs and samples vary depending on each research goal, genotyping technologies with high flexibility in the number of SNPs/samples and high repeatability have been intensively investigated. For example, the ultrahigh-multiplexed amplicon sequencing, Ion AmpliSeq, has been used as a high-throughput genotyping method mainly for diagnostic purposes. Here, we designed a custom panel targeting 3,187 genome-wide SNPs of fugu,Takifugu rubripes, and applied it for genotyping farmed fugu to test its feasibility in aquaculture studies. We sequenced two libraries consisting of different pools of individuals (n = 326 each) on the Illumina MiSeq sequencer. Consequently, over 99% target regions (3,178 SNPs) were amplified and 2,655 SNPs were available after filtering steps. Strong correlation was observed in the mean depth of coverage of each SNP between duplicate runs (r = 0.993). Genetic analysis using these genotype data successfully detected the known population structure and the sex determining locus of fugu. These results show the method is superior in repeatability and flexibility, and suits genetic studies including molecular breeding, such as marker assisted and genomic selection.
The role of gut microbiota in shaping the relapse-remitting and chronic-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis in mouse models
Authors: Gandy K. Alexa Orr , Zhang Jiajia , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: May 2019

Using a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), we evaluated the role of gut microbiota in modulating chronic-progressive (CP) versus relapse-remitting (RR) forms of the disease. We hypothesized that clinical courses of EAE may be shaped by differential gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing of prokaryotic 16S rRNA present in feces from naïve mice and those exhibiting CP-EAE or RR-EAE revealed significantly diverse microbial populations. Microbiota composition was considerably different between naïve strains of mice, suggesting microbial components present in homeostatic conditions may prime mice for divergent courses of disease. Additionally, there were differentially abundant bacteria in CP and RR forms of EAE, indicating a potential role for gut microbiota in shaping tolerant or remittance-favoring, and pathogenic or pro-inflammatory-promoting conditions. Furthermore, immunization to induce EAE led to significant alterations in gut microbiota, some were shared between disease courses and others were course-specific, supporting a role for gut microbial composition in EAE pathogenesis. Moreover, using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) coupled with effect size measurement (LEfSe) to analyze microbial content, biomarkers of each naïve and disease states were identified. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that gut microbiota may determine the susceptibility to CP or RR forms of EAE.
DNA Length-dependent Division of a Giant Vesicle-based Model Protocell
Authors: Matsuo Muneyuki , Kan Yumi , Kurihara Kensuke , Jimbo Takehiro , Imai Masayuki , Toyota Taro , Hirata Yuiko , Suzuki Kentaro , Sugawara Tadashi
Published: May 2019

DNA is an essential carrier of sequence-based genetic information for all life today. However, the chemical and physical properties of DNA may also affect the structure and dynamics of a vesicle-based model protocell in which it is encapsulated. To test these effects, we constructed a polyethylene glycol-grafted giant vesicle system capable of undergoing growth and division. The system incorporates a specific interaction between DNA and lipophilic catalysts as well as components of PCR. We found that vesicle division depends on the length of the encapsulated DNA, and the self-assembly of an internal supramolecular catalyst possibly leads to the direct causal relationship between DNA length and the capacity of the vesicle to self-reproduce. These results may help elucidate how nucleic acids could have functioned in the division of prebiotic protocells.
Musashi binding elements in Zika and related Flavivirus 3′UTRs: A comparative study in silico
Authors: Schneider Adriano de Bernardi , Wolfinger Michael T.
Published: May 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to a class of neurotropic viruses that have the ability to cause congenital infection, which can result in microcephaly or fetal demise. Recently, the RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 (Msi1), which mediates the maintenance and self-renewal of stem cells and acts as a translational regulator, has been associated with promoting ZIKV replication, neurotropism, and pathology. Msi1 predominantly binds to single-stranded motifs in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of RNA that contain a UAG trinucleotide in their core. We systematically analyzed the properties of Musashi binding elements (MBEs) in the 3′UTR of flaviviruses with a thermodynamic model for RNA folding. Our results indicate that MBEs in ZIKV 3′UTRs occur predominantly in unpaired, single-stranded structural context, thus corroborating experimental observations by a biophysical model of RNA structure formation. Statistical analysis and comparison with related viruses show that ZIKV MBEs are maximally accessible among mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Our study addresses the broader question of whether other emerging arboviruses can cause similar neurotropic effects through the same mechanism in the developing fetus by establishing a link between the biophysical properties of viral RNA and teratogenicity. Moreover, our thermodynamic model can explain recent experimental findings and predict the Msi1-related neurotropic potential of other viruses.
A Fully-Flexible Solution-Processed Autonomous Glucose Indicator
Authors: Yuen Jonathan D. , Baingane Ankit , Hasan Qumrul , Shriver-Lake Lisa C. , Walper Scott A. , Zabetakis Daniel , Breger Joyce C. , Stenger David A. , Slaughter Gymama
Published: May 2019

We present the first demonstration of a fully-flexible, self-powered glucose indicator system that synergizes two flexible electronic technologies: a flexible self-powering unit in the form of a biofuel cell, with a flexible electronic device - a circuit-board decal fabricated with biocompatible microbial nanocellulose. Our proof-of-concept device, comprising an enzymatic glucose fuel cell, glucose sensor and a LED indicator, does not require additional electronic equipment for detection or verification; and the entire structure collapses into a microns-thin, self-adhering, single-centimeter-square decal, weighing less than 40 mg. The flexible glucose indicator system continuously operates a light emitting diode (LED) through a capacitive charge/discharge cycle, which is directly correlated to the glucose concentration. Our indicator was shown to operate at high sensitivity within a linear glucose concentration range of 1 mM–45 mM glucose continuously, achieving a 1.8 VDC output from a flexible indicator system that deliver sufficient power to drive an LED circuit. Importantly, the results presented provide a basis upon which further development of indicator systems with biocompatible diffusing polymers to act as buffering diffusion barriers, thereby allowing them to be potentially useful for low-cost, direct-line-of-sight applications in medicine, husbandry, agriculture, and the food and beverage industries.
Selection of reference genes for qPCR normalization in buffalobur (Solanum rostratum Dunal)
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Wang Xu , Chen Jingchao , Huang Zhaofeng , Huo Heqiang , Jiang Cuilan , Huang Hongjuan , Zhang Chaoxian , Wei Shouhui
Published: May 2019

Buffalobur (Solanum rostratumDunal), which belongs to the Solanaceae family, is a worldwide noxious invasive weed and is listed as one of the top 10 alien invasive species in China. It is harmful to humans and livestock because the entire plant is covered with spines containing toxins. Many studies have analysed the gene expression in this weed species under different stress conditions using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). However, until now, there has been no report on suitable reference genes in buffalobur. Herein, 14 candidate reference genes were selected and evaluated for their expression stability in buffalobur in different tissues, at different developmental stages, and in response to several stress conditions using the geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder statistical algorithms. The results showed thatEF1α,ACTandSANDare suitable reference genes across all samples tested. We recommend the normalization of target gene expression under different experimental conditions using these three genes together. Validation of selected reference genes was achieved by assessing the relative expression levels ofP5CSandGI. This work identified the appropriate reference genes for transcript normalization in buffalobur, which will be helpful in future genetic studies of this invasive weed.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals nosocomial Clostridioides difficile transmission and a previously unsuspected epidemic scenario
Authors: García-Fernández Sergio , Frentrup Martinique , Steglich Matthias , Gonzaga Aitor , Cobo Marta , López-Fresneña Nieves , Cobo Javier , Morosini María-Isabel , Cantón Rafael , del Campo Rosa , Nübel Ulrich
Published: May 2019

To trace the routes and frequencies of transmission of Clostridioides difficile in a tertiary-care hospital in Madrid (Spain), we sequenced the genomes from all C. difficile isolates collected over 36 months (2014–2016) that were indistinguishable from any other isolate by PCR ribotyping. From a total of 589 C. difficile infection cases, we cultivated and PCR-ribotyped 367 C. difficile isolates (62%), of which 265 were genome-sequenced. Based on close relatedness of successively collected isolates (≤2 SNPs difference in their genomes), whole-genome sequencing revealed a total of 17 independent, putative transmission clusters, caused by various C. difficile strains and each containing 2 to 18 cases, none of which had been detected previously by standard epidemiological surveillance. Proportions of linked isolates varied widely among PCR ribotypes, from 3% (1/36) for ribotype 014/020 to 60% (12/20) for ribotype 027, suggesting differential aptitudes for nosocomial spread. Remarkably, only a minority (17%) of transmission recipients had direct ward contact to their presumed donors and specific C. difficile genome types frequently went undetectable for several months before re-emerging later, suggesting reservoirs for the pathogen outside of symptomatic patients. Taken together, our analysis based on genome sequencing suggested considerable within-hospital epidemic spread of C. difficile, even though epidemiological data initially had been inconspicuous.
Increased risk of asthma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A longitudinal follow-up study using a national sample cohort
Authors: Kim So Young , Min Chanyang , Oh Dong Jun , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of asthma in rheumatoid arthritis patients using matched control group for socioeconomic factors and past medical history. Adults >20 years old were collected from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service - National Sample Cohort (HIRA-NSC) from 2002 through 2013. A total of 6,695 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were matched for age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia with 26,780 individuals included in a control group. In both the rheumatoid arthritis and control groups, subjects’ history of asthma was evaluated. Asthma (J45 and J46) and rheumatoid arthritis (M05 and M06) were included based on the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) codes and medication history. The crude and adjusted (depression and Charlson Comorbidity Index) hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of asthma for rheumatoid arthritis patients were analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age and sex, number of treatment histories, and medication histories. Approximately 16.4% (1,095/6,695) of rheumatoid arthritis group and 13.0% (3,469/26,780) of the control group had asthma (P < 0.001). The rheumatoid arthritis group demonstrated a higher adjusted HR for asthma than the control group (adjusted HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.15–1.32, P < 0.001). This result was consistent in all subgroups. Rheumatoid arthritis was related to an increase risk of asthma.
Using liner surface modes in acoustic ducts to make obstacles reflectionless
Authors: Farooqui Maaz , Aurégan Yves , Pagneux Vincent
Published: May 2019

Acoustic cloaking for the suppression of backscattering inside ducts is proposed in the audible range where plane waves are curved around the object using the surface modes of the liner. It is numerically shown that a slowly varying resonant liner (e.g. based on an array of tubes) creates a zone of silence in which an object of arbitrary shape can be acoustically hidden for a wide range of frequencies. And then, a resonant liner has deflecting properties without reflection of the wavefront, which are close to an ideal invisibility cloak. This kind of cloaking is effective in a wide frequency band and the cloaking band is a function of the impedance and height of the obstacle relative to the conduit. For smooth shaped obstacles, there is an ability of the object to help hide itself, which increases the cloaking frequency band (self-cloaking). Dispersion effects lead to slow sounds and distortion of the wave phase.
Characterizing hydrogen-fuelled pulsating combustion on thermodynamic properties of a combustor
Authors: Zhao Dan , Guan Yiheng , Reinecke Arne
Published: May 2019

Unlike hydrocarbon fuel, hydrogen is ‘green’ and attracting more and more attentions in energy and propulsion sectors due to the zero emission of CO and CO2. By applying numerical simulations, we explore the physics of how a hydrogen-burnt flame can sustain pulsating combustion and its impact on the thermodynamic properties of a standing-wave combustor. We also explain how implementing a heat exchanger can mitigate such pulsating combustion. The dynamic interactions of the unsteady flow-flame-acoustics-heater are examined by varying the mass flow rate ṁH2 and the heating bands’ surface temperature TH. The frequency and amplitude of the pulsating combustion are shown to depend strongly on ṁH2. In addition, varying TH is shown to lead to not only the molar fraction of the combustion species being changed but also the flame-sustained pulsating oscillations being mitigated somehow. Finally, nonlinearity is observed and identified in the unsteady flow velocity and the two heat sources.
Plasmon-assisted nanojet lithography
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Ding Tao
Published: May 2019

Laser irradiation (CW, 446 nm) of gold nanoparticles generates cavities underneath polystyrene (PS) films, with sizes ranging from ∼100 to 500 nm, depending on the applied laser power. The etching mechanism is based on the near-field-assisted photoablation of PS films and gold nanoparticles, including both photothermal and photochemical aspects, enriching the toolbox of nanolithography.
Catalytic antioxidants for therapeutic medicine
Authors: Kubota Riku , Asayama Shoichiro , Kawakami Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2019

In this Review, we focus on catalytic antioxidant study based on transition metal complexes, organoselenium compounds, supramolecules and protein scaffolds.