bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and computational investigation of an imine-based propeller-shaped macrocyclic cage
Authors: Srinivasa Raghvan Sriram , Madhu Suresh , Devadasan Velmurugan , Krishnasamy Gunasekaran
Published: January 2021

In this study, we present the synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization of self-assembling gem-dimethyl imine based molecular cage (IMC). Self-assembling macrocycles and cages have well-defined cavities and have extensive functionalities ranging from energy storage, liquid crystals, and catalysts to water splitting photo absorber. IMC has large voids i.e., 25% of the total crystal volume thus could accommodate wide substrates. The synthesized imine-based molecular cages are stabilized by coaxial π bonded networks and long-range periodic van der Waal and non-bonded contacts as observed from the crystal structure. IMC also has typical properties of soft condensed matter materials, hence theoretical prediction of stress and strain tensor along with thermophysical properties were computed on crystal system and were found to be stable. Molecular dynamics revealed IMC is stabilized by, strong interactions between the interstitial phenyl rings. Density functional theory (DFT) based physicochemical properties were evaluated and has band gap of around 2.38ev (520 nm) similar to various photocatalytic band gap materials.
Multi-objective optimization of thermophysical properties of f–Al2O3 nano-dispersions in heat transfer oil
Authors: Ali Abulhassan , Ilyas Suhaib Umer , Danish Mohd , Abdulrahman Aymn , Maqsood Khuram , Ahmed Anas , Murshid Ghulam , Rubaiee Saeed , Alsaady Mustafa , Mahfouz Abdullah Bin , Hanbazazah Abdulkader S.
Published: January 2021

Nanofluids are proven to be the next-generation smart fluids with tunable thermal and viscous properties. Nanomaterial concentration plays a vital role in determining the heat transfer and viscous transport characteristics. An optimum concentration is generally required to regulate a feasible and economical heat transfer operation. This research involves the modeling and optimizing different temperature-dependent thermal and viscous parameters for varying concentrations of nanofluids. The nanofluids consist of functionalized alumina (f–Al2O3) nano-dispersions in thermal oil (highly refined mineral oil). The experimentally measured temperature-dependent nanofluids' properties are used to optimize thermophysical parameters using Response Surface Methodology. Two case studies/scenarios are considered in the present research, where the primary objective is to maximize thermal conductivity for heat transfer applications and minimize nanoparticle loadings for economical operation. The input parameters include temperature and nanoparticle loadings. The output parameters or response include thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat of nanofluids. For case study 1, the optimal findings for the thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat are 0.146061 W/m °C, 0.031889 Pa.s, 838.529 kg/m3 and 1533.9 j/kg °C, respectively. For case study 2, the optimal findings for thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat are 0.13476 W/m °C, 0.0226062 Pa.s, 831.071 kg/m3 and 1791.14 j/kg °C, respectively. Although the optimal value for thermal conductivity decreased in case study 2, the nanoparticle weight % was reduced from 1 to 0.322473%.
Does Resisted Sled Towing Improve the Physical Qualities of Elite Youth Soccer Players of Differing Maturity Status?
Authors: Morris Rhys , Myers Tony , Emmonds Stacey , Singleton Dave , Till Kevin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Sled towing has been shown to be an effective method to enhance the physical qualities in youth athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week sled towing intervention on muscular strength, speed and power in elite youth soccer players of differing maturity status.

Method

Seventy-three male elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years (Pre-Peak Height Velocity [PHV] n = 25; Circa-PHV n = 24; Post-PHV n = 24) from one professional soccer academy participated in this study. Sprint assessments (10 m and 30 m), countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull were undertaken before (T1) and after (T2) a 6-week intervention. The training intervention consisted of 6 weeks (2 × per week, 10 sprints over 20 m distance) of resisted sled towing (linear progression 10%–30% of body mass) during the competitive season. Bayesian regression models analysed differences between T1 and T2 within each maturity group.

Results

There were minimal changes in strength, speed and power (P = 0.35–0.80) for each maturity group across the 6-week intervention. Where there were changes with greater certainty, they are unlikely to represent real effect due to higher regression to the mean (RTM).

Conclusion

It appears that a 6-week sled towing training programme with loadings of 10%–30% body mass only maintains physical qualities in elite youth soccer players pre-, circa-, and post-PHV. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this training method in long-term athletic development programmes.
Spirit's Embeddedness in Nature: Hegel's Decentring of Self-Legislation
Authors: Ikäheimo Heikki
Published: January 2021

A recently widely accepted view has it that the nature-spirit distinction in Hegel is to be understood as a distinction between a space or realm that is not normative, or does not involve norms, and one that is or does. Notwithstanding the merits of this view, it has tended to create a separation between nature and spirit which is both philosophically troubling and difficult to reconcile with the picture of Hegel as the arch enemy of abstract or unreconciled dualisms. In this paper I aim to show that the defining phenomenon for this view—collective self-government by norms—is on Hegel's account both dependent on living nature that involves normativity broadly conceived all the way down and also subject to the ultimate normative or evaluative principle of Hegel's Philosophy of Spirit—concrete freedom—the essence of spirit according to him. This is to say that for Hegel the normativity of collectively administered norms is neither the most basic nor the highest form of normativity.
A counterexample to the Bollobás–Riordan conjectures on sparse graph limits
Authors: Sah Ashwin , Sawhney Mehtaab , Tidor Jonathan , Zhao Yufei
Published: January 2021

Bollobás and Riordan, in their paper ‘Metrics for sparse graphs’, proposed a number of provocative conjectures extending central results of quasirandom graphs and graph limits to sparse graphs. We refute these conjectures by exhibiting a sequence of graphs with convergent normalized subgraph densities (and pseudorandom C4-counts), but with no limit expressible as a kernel.
Cardiovascular involvement in alpha-n-acetyl neuraminidase deficiency syndromes (sialidosis type I and II)
Authors: Prasanna Priyanka , Sriram Chenni S. , Rodriguez Sarah H. , Kohli Utkarsh
Published: January 2021

Sialidosis, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is caused by a deficiency of NEU1 encoded enzyme alpha-N-acetyl neuraminidase. We report a premature male with neonatal-onset type II sialidosis which was associated with left ventricular dysfunction. The clinical presentation and subsequent progression which culminated in his untimely death at 16 months of age are succinctly described. Early-onset cardiovascular involvement as noted in this patient is not well characterised. The case report is supplemented by a comprehensive review of the determinants, characteristics, and the clinical course of cardiovascular involvement in this rare condition.
Changes in socio-economic inequality in nutritional status among children in EAG states, India
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Paswan Balram
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The primary purpose of this study is to examine changes in socio-economic inequality in nutritional status (stunting and underweight) among children in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states.

Design:

The study is based on the most recent two wave’s cross-sectional data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2005–2006 (NFHS-3) and 2015–2016 (NFHS-4). The study used height-for-age (stunting) and weight-for-age (underweight) of children as anthropometric indicators.

Setting:

EAG states including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in India.

Participants:

The study includes a total of 11 858 (NFHS-3) and 92 630 (NFHS-4) children under 5 years of age.

Result:

The socio-economic inequality in stunting remained unchanged in all EAG states. At the same time, the inequality in underweight decreased during 2005–2016. On decomposing, the factors contributing to socio-economic inequality revealed that household wealth index, mother’s education and mother’s nutritional status were the largest contributors to stunting (47 %, 24 % and 8 %) and underweight (51 %, 21 % and 16 %), respectively, in 2015–2016.

Conclusion:

The study concluded the socio-economic inequality in underweight among children under 5 years of age increased over the years in EAG states in India. Altogether, household wealth index, mother’s education and mother’s nutritional status contributed to nearly 80 % to inequality in stunting and 90 % to inequality in underweight in 2015–2016. Hence, efforts should be made to minimise the socio-economic inequality in the nutritional status of children, particularly in EAG states in India.
Resistance to bixlozone and clomazone in cross-resistant rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) populations from southern Australia
Authors: Brunton David J. , Gill Gurjeet , Preston Christopher
Published: January 2021

Three resistant (R) rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) populations from southern Australia (EP162, 375-14, and 198-15) with cross-resistance to thiocarbamate, chloroacetamide, and sulfonylisoxazoline herbicides displayed reduced sensitivity to the isoxazolidinone herbicides bixlozone and clomazone. Each of these R populations was exposed to two cycles of recurrent selection (RS) in which plants were treated with the field rate of bixlozone, survivors were bulk crossed, and seed was collected. After the first cycle of recurrent selection (RS1), the LD50 to bixlozone in population 198-15 increased to 17.5-fold compared with the S population and increased further to 26.9-fold after a second cycle of recurrent selection (RS2). The recurrent selection process also increased the level of resistance to bixlozone in populations EP162 and 375-14 (7.8- to 18.4-fold) compared with the S population. Phorate antagonized bixlozone and clomazone in SLR4 (34.6- and 28.1-fold increase in LD50) and both herbicides in populations EP162 (36.5- to 46.6-fold), 375-14 (71.4- to 73.9-fold), and 198-15 (86.4- to 91.5-fold) compared with the absence of phorate. The increase in LD50 of all L. rigidum RS populations when treated with phorate suggests a lack of herbicide activation is not the likely resistance mechanism to these herbicides. This research highlights the elevated risk of thiocarbamate-resistant L. rigidum populations to rapidly evolve resistance to the isoxazolidinone herbicides bixlozone and clomazone.
Segment‐Scale Seismicity of the Ultraslow Spreading Knipovich Ridge
Authors: Meier Michaela , Schlindwein Vera , Scholz John‐Robert , Geils Jonah , Schmidt‐Aursch Mechita C. , Krüger Frank , Czuba Wojciech , Janik Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Ultraslow spreading ridges form the slowest divergent plate boundaries and exhibit distinct spreading processes in volcanically active magmatic sections and intervening amagmatic sections. Local seismicity studies of ultraslow spreading ridges until now cover only parts of segments and give insight into spreading processes at confined locations. Here, we present a microseismicity data set that allows to study spreading processes on the scale of entire segments. Our network of 26 ocean bottom seismometers covered around 160 km along axis of the ultraslow spreading Knipovich Ridge in the Greenland Sea and recorded earthquakes for a period of about 1 year. We find seismicity varying distinctly along‐axis. The maximum earthquake depths shallow over distances of 70 km toward the Logachev volcanic center. Here, swarm activity occurs in an otherwise aseismic zone. Melts may thus be guided along the subparallel topography of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary toward major volcanic centers explaining the uneven along‐axis melt distribution typical for ultraslow ridges. Absence of shallow seismicity in the upper 8 km of the lithosphere with a band of deep seismicity underneath offsets presumably melt‐poor regions from magma richer sections. Aseismic deformation in these regions may indicate weakening of mantle rocks by alteration. We do not find obvious indications for major detachment faulting that characterizes magma‐poor spreading at some ultraslow spreading segments. The highly oblique spreading of Knipovich Ridge may be the reason for a fine‐scale segmentation of the seismic activity with zones of weak seismicity possibly indicating transform motion on short obliquely oriented faults.
How Heavy Rain and Drought Influence California Crustal Strain
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: January 2021

New research using continuous GPS data reveals how multiyear precipitation patterns can amplify the effects of hydrological loading on crustal deformation.
Echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function in the uterine artery ligation rat model of IUGR
Authors: Dai Yichen , Zhao Dan , Chen Ching Kit , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: January 2021

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodeling of the fetal heart, as well as a higher risk of postnatal cardiovascular diseases. The rat model of IUGR, via uterine artery ligation, is a popular model but its cardiac sequelae is not well investigated. Here, we performed an echocardiographic evaluation of its cardiac function to determine how well it can represent the disease in humans.

Methods

Unilateral uterine artery ligation was performed at embryonic day 17 (E17) and echocardiography was performed at E19 and E20.

Results

Growth-restricted fetuses were significantly smaller and lighter, and had an higher placenta-to-fetus weight ratio. Growth-restricted fetal hearts had reduced wall thickness-to-diameter ratio, indicating left ventricular (LV) dilatation, and they had elevated trans-mitral and trans-tricuspid E/A ratios and reduced left and right ventricular fractional shortening (FS), suggesting systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These were similar to human IUGR fetuses. However, growth-restricted rat fetuses did not demonstrate head-sparing effect, displayed a lower LV myocardial performance index, and ventricular outflow velocities were not significantly reduced, which were dissimilar to human IUGR fetuses.

Conclusions

Despite the differences, our results suggest that this IUGR model has significant cardiac dysfunction, and could be a suitable model for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology.

Impact

Animal models of IUGR are useful, but their fetal cardiac function is not well studied, and it is unclear if they can represent human IUGR fetuses.

We performed an echocardiographic assessment of the heart function of a fetal rat model of IUGR, created via maternal uterine artery ligation.

Similar to humans, the model displayed LV dilatation, elevated E/A ratios, and reduced FS.

Different from humans, the model displayed reduced MPI, and no significant outflow velocity reduction.

Despite differences with humans, this rat model still displayed cardiac dysfunction and is suitable for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology.
The use of hyperpolarised 13C-MRI in clinical body imaging to probe cancer metabolism
Authors: Woitek Ramona , Gallagher Ferdia A.
Published: January 2021

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer and includes the Warburg effect, which is exhibited by many tumours. This can be exploited by positron emission tomography (PET) as part of routine clinical cancer imaging. However, an emerging and alternative method to detect altered metabolism is carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following injection of hyperpolarised [1-13C]pyruvate. The technique increases the signal-to-noise ratio for the detection of hyperpolarised13C-labelled metabolites by several orders of magnitude and facilitates the dynamic, noninvasive imaging of the exchange of13C-pyruvate to13C-lactate over time. The method has produced promising preclinical results in the area of oncology and is currently being explored in human imaging studies. The first translational studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the technique in patients with prostate, renal, breast and pancreatic cancer, as well as revealing a successful response to treatment in breast and prostate cancer patients at an earlier stage than multiparametric MRI. This review will focus on the strengths of the technique and its applications in the area of oncological body MRI including noninvasive characterisation of disease aggressiveness, mapping of tumour heterogeneity, and early response assessment. A comparison of hyperpolarised13C-MRI with state-of-the-art multiparametric MRI is likely to reveal the unique additional information and applications offered by the technique.
Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease: presentation, management and long-term sequelae
Authors: Popiela Magdalena Z. , Barbara Ramez , Turnbull Andrew M. J. , Corden Emma , Martinez-Falero Beatriz Suarez , O’Driscoll Daniel , Ardern-Jones Michael R. , Hossain Parwez N.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine the presenting features of ocular surface disease in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with dupilumab at a tertiary, university hospital. To establish the need for treatment of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease and report any long-term effects on the ocular surface.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with dupilumab for AD between January 2017 and August 2019 was undertaken. Data were collected on demographics, incidence and type of ocular disease features, natural history and treatment.

Results

A total of 50% (14/28) patients developed ocular symptoms with a mean time of onset of 6.75 (±6.1) weeks from starting dupilumab. Of these, 69% (9/13) were diagnosed with conjunctivitis associated with cicatrisation in two patients and periorbital skin changes in four. Of these nine, four had prior history of atopic keratoconjunctivitis. All were treated with topical steroids; two required additional ciclosporin drops. In all, 67% (6/9) patients went on to have on-going ocular inflammation requiring maintenance drops at a mean of 16 (±6.9) months of follow-up. All patients had improvement in their AD severity; only one patient discontinued dupilumab due to ocular side effects.

Conclusion

The rate of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease was 32%. Periorbital skin changes and conjunctival cicatrisation were noted in association with conjunctivitis. Ocular surface disease improved on topical steroids and ciclosporin but 67% of patients needed on-going treatment. Close liaison with an ophthalmologist should be considered in those patients who develop conjunctivitis or have a past history of severe ocular surface disease.
Genome-wide association study identifies risk loci for progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Lin Wei-Yu , Fordham Sarah E. , Sunter Nicola , Elstob Claire , Rahman Thahira , Willmore Elaine , Shepherd Colin , Strathdee Gordon , Mainou-Fowler Tryfonia , Piddock Rachel , Mearns Hannah , Barrow Timothy , Houlston Richard S. , Marr Helen , Wallis Jonathan , Summerfield Geoffrey , Marshall Scott , Pettitt Andrew , Pepper Christopher , Fegan Christopher , Forconi Francesco , Dyer Martin J. S. , Jayne Sandrine , Sellors April , Schuh Anna , Robbe Pauline , Oscier David , Bailey James , Rais Syed , Bentley Alison , Cawkwell Lynn , Evans Paul , Hillmen Peter , Pratt Guy , Allsup David J. , Allan James M.
Published: January 2021

Prognostication in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is challenging due to heterogeneity in clinical course. We hypothesize that constitutional genetic variation affects disease progression and could aid prognostication. Pooling data from seven studies incorporating 842 cases identifies two genomic locations associated with time from diagnosis to treatment, including 10q26.13 (rs736456, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47–2.15; P = 2.71 × 10−9) and 6p (rs3778076, HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.55–2.55; P = 5.08 × 10−8), which are particularly powerful prognostic markers in patients with early stage CLL otherwise characterized by low-risk features. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis identifies putative functional genes implicated in modulating B-cell receptor or innate immune responses, key pathways in CLL pathogenesis. In this work we identify rs736456 and rs3778076 as prognostic in CLL, demonstrating that disease progression is determined by constitutional genetic variation as well as known somatic drivers.
Measuring the frequency chirp of extreme-ultraviolet free-electron laser pulses by transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Ding Thomas , Rebholz Marc , Aufleger Lennart , Hartmann Maximilian , Stooß Veit , Magunia Alexander , Birk Paul , Borisova Gergana Dimitrova , Wachs David , da Costa Castanheira Carina , Rupprecht Patrick , Mi Yonghao , Attar Andrew R. , Gaumnitz Thomas , Loh Zhi-Heng , Roling Sebastian , Butz Marco , Zacharias Helmut , Düsterer Stefan , Treusch Rolf , Eislage Arvid , Cavaletto Stefano M. , Ott Christian , Pfeifer Thomas
Published: January 2021

High-intensity ultrashort pulses at extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and x-ray photon energies, delivered by state-of-the-art free-electron lasers (FELs), are revolutionizing the field of ultrafast spectroscopy. For crossing the next frontiers of research, precise, reliable and practical photonic tools for the spectro-temporal characterization of the pulses are becoming steadily more important. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a technique for the direct measurement of the frequency chirp of extreme-ultraviolet free-electron laser pulses based on fundamental nonlinear optics. It is implemented in XUV-only pump-probe transient-absorption geometry and provides in-situ information on the time-energy structure of FEL pulses. Using a rate-equation model for the time-dependent absorbance changes of an ionized neon target, we show how the frequency chirp can be directly extracted and quantified from measured data. Since the method does not rely on an additional external field, we expect a widespread implementation at FELs benefiting multiple science fields by in-situ on-target measurement and optimization of FEL-pulse properties.
Dynamics of genome architecture and chromatin function during human B cell differentiation and neoplastic transformation
Authors: Vilarrasa-Blasi Roser , Soler-Vila Paula , Verdaguer-Dot Núria , Russiñol Núria , Di Stefano Marco , Chapaprieta Vicente , Clot Guillem , Farabella Irene , Cuscó Pol , Kulis Marta , Agirre Xabier , Prosper Felipe , Beekman Renée , Beà Silvia , Colomer Dolors , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Gut Ivo , Campo Elias , Marti-Renom Marc A. , Martin-Subero José Ignacio
Published: January 2021

To investigate the three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture across normal B cell differentiation and in neoplastic cells from different subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma patients, here we integrate in situ Hi-C and nine additional omics layers. Beyond conventional active (A) and inactive (B) compartments, we uncover a highly-dynamic intermediate compartment enriched in poised and polycomb-repressed chromatin. During B cell development, 28% of the compartments change, mostly involving a widespread chromatin activation from naive to germinal center B cells and a reversal to the naive state upon further maturation into memory B cells. B cell neoplasms are characterized by both entity and subtype-specific alterations in 3D genome organization, including large chromatin blocks spanning key disease-specific genes. This study indicates that 3D genome interactions are extensively modulated during normal B cell differentiation and that the genome of B cell neoplasias acquires a tumor-specific 3D genome architecture.
A small molecule compound with an indole moiety inhibits the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and blocks virus replication
Authors: Hattori Shin-ichiro , Higashi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Hayashi Hironori , Allu Srinivasa Rao , Raghavaiah Jakka , Bulut Haydar , Das Debananda , Anson Brandon J. , Lendy Emma K. , Takamatsu Yuki , Takamune Nobutoki , Kishimoto Naoki , Murayama Kazutaka , Hasegawa Kazuya , Li Mi , Davis David A. , Kodama Eiichi N. , Yarchoan Robert , Wlodawer Alexander , Misumi Shogo , Mesecar Andrew D. , Ghosh Arun K. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: January 2021

Except remdesivir, no specific antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 infection are currently available. Here, we characterize two small-molecule-compounds, named GRL-1720 and 5h, containing an indoline and indole moiety, respectively, which target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). We use VeroE6 cell-based assays with RNA-qPCR, cytopathic assays, and immunocytochemistry and show both compounds to block the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 with EC50 values of 15 ± 4 and 4.2 ± 0.7 μM for GRL-1720 and 5h, respectively. Remdesivir permitted viral breakthrough at high concentrations; however, compound 5h completely blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro without viral breakthrough or detectable cytotoxicity. Combination of 5h and remdesivir exhibits synergism against SARS-CoV-2. Additional X-ray structural analysis show that 5h forms a covalent bond with Mpro and makes polar interactions with multiple active site amino acid residues. The present data suggest that 5h might serve as a lead Mpro inhibitor for the development of therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Phenylalkylammonium passivation enables perovskite light emitting diodes with record high-radiance operational lifetime: the chain length matters
Authors: Guo Yuwei , Apergi Sofia , Li Nan , Chen Mengyu , Yin Chunyang , Yuan Zhongcheng , Gao Feng , Xie Fangyan , Brocks Geert , Tao Shuxia , Zhao Ni
Published: January 2021

Perovskite light emitting diodes suffer from poor operational stability, exhibiting a rapid decay of external quantum efficiency within minutes to hours after turn-on. To address this issue, we explore surface treatment of perovskite films with phenylalkylammonium iodide molecules of varying alkyl chain lengths. Combining experimental characterization and theoretical modelling, we show that these molecules stabilize the perovskite through suppression of iodide ion migration. The stabilization effect is enhanced with increasing chain length due to the stronger binding of the molecules with the perovskite surface, as well as the increased steric hindrance to reconfiguration for accommodating ion migration. The passivation also reduces the surface defects, resulting in a high radiance and delayed roll-off of external quantum efficiency. Using the optimized passivation molecule, phenylpropylammonium iodide, we achieve devices with an efficiency of 17.5%, a radiance of 1282.8 W sr−1 m−2 and a record T50 half-lifetime of 130 h under 100 mA cm−2.
LPA signaling acts as a cell-extrinsic mechanism to initiate cilia disassembly and promote neurogenesis
Authors: Hu Huai-Bin , Song Zeng-Qing , Song Guang-Ping , Li Sen , Tu Hai-Qing , Wu Min , Zhang Yu-Cheng , Yuan Jin-Feng , Li Ting-Ting , Li Pei-Yao , Xu Yu-Ling , Shen Xiao-Lin , Han Qiu-Ying , Li Ai-Ling , Zhou Tao , Chun Jerold , Zhang Xue-Min , Li Hui-Yan
Published: January 2021

Dynamic assembly and disassembly of primary cilia controls embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of ciliogenesis causes human developmental diseases termed ciliopathies. Cell-intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of cilia disassembly have been well-studied. The extracellular cues controlling cilia disassembly remain elusive, however. Here, we show that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a multifunctional bioactive phospholipid, acts as a physiological extracellular factor to initiate cilia disassembly and promote neurogenesis. Through systematic analysis of serum components, we identify a small molecular—LPA as the major driver of cilia disassembly. Genetic inactivation and pharmacological inhibition of LPA receptor 1 (LPAR1) abrogate cilia disassembly triggered by serum. The LPA-LPAR-G-protein pathway promotes the transcription and phosphorylation of cilia disassembly factors-Aurora A, through activating the transcription coactivators YAP/TAZ and calcium/CaM pathway, respectively. Deletion of Lpar1 in mice causes abnormally elongated cilia and decreased proliferation in neural progenitor cells, thereby resulting in defective neurogenesis. Collectively, our findings establish LPA as a physiological initiator of cilia disassembly and suggest targeting the metabolism of LPA and the LPA pathway as potential therapies for diseases with dysfunctional ciliogenesis.
Observing the quantum Cheshire cat effect with noninvasive weak measurement
Authors: Kim Yosep , Im Dong-Gil , Kim Yong-Su , Han Sang-Wook , Moon Sung , Kim Yoon-Ho , Cho Young-Wook
Published: January 2021

One of the common conceptions of nature, typically derived from the experiences with classical systems, is that attributes of the matter coexist with the substance. In the quantum regime, however, the quantum particle itself and its physical property may be in spatial separation, known as the quantum Cheshire cat effect. While there have been several reports to date on the observation of the quantum Cheshire cat effect, all such experiments are based on first-order interferometry and destructive projection measurement, thus allowing simple interpretation due to measurement-induced disturbance and also subject to trivial interpretation based on classical waves. In this work, we report an experimental observation of the quantum Cheshire cat effect with noninvasive weak quantum measurement as originally proposed. The use of the weak-measurement probe has allowed us to identify the location of the single photon and that of the disembodied polarization state in a quantum interferometer. The weak-measurement probe based on two-photon interference makes our observation unable to be explained by classical physics. We furthermore elucidate the quantum Cheshire cat effect as quantum interference of the transition amplitudes for the photon and the polarization state which are directly obtained from the measurement outcomes or the weak values. Our work not only reveals the true quantum nature of Cheshire cat effect but also sheds light on a comprehensive understanding for the counter-intuitive quantum phenomena.
The prevalence of sleep disturbance among asthmatic patients in a tertiary care center
Authors: Alanazi Tammam M. , Alghamdi Hazim S. , Alberreet Meshal S. , Alkewaibeen Abdulaziz M. , Alkhalefah Abdulrahman M. , Omair Aamir , AL-Jahdali Hamdan , AL-Harbi Abdullah
Published: January 2021

Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by patients with asthma. However, the prevalence of sleep disturbance and its association with the level of asthma control is unknown. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of sleep disturbance among Saudi adult asthmatic patients attending pulmonary clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). The study also aimed to compare sleep quality between controlled and uncontrolled asthma patients. The study was carried out in the outpatient pulmonary clinics at KAMC and utilized a cross-sectional survey. The survey included five different questionnaires: asthma control test and questionnaires related to the quality of sleep (Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI], Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS], Berlin questionnaire [a measure of obstructive sleep apnea risk], and insomnia severity index [ISI]). Among the 200 asthma patients, 66% suffered from poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5), 43% were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea, 25% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10), and 46.5% had significant clinical insomnia (ISI ≥ 10). Poor sleep quality was less common in patients with well-controlled asthma (37%) compared to those with partially controlled asthma (78%) and uncontrolled asthma (82%) (p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality was common among patients with asthma, particularly those with suboptimal levels of asthma control. Further studies are needed to better understand the interaction between these two conditions.
An evaluation of lipid profile and pro-inflammatory cytokines as determinants of cardiovascular disease in those with diabetes: a study on a Mexican American cohort
Authors: Tahir Amna , Martinez Perla J. , Ahmad Fayyaz , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , McCormick Joseph , Gay Jennifer L. , Mirza Shaper , Chaudhary Safee Ullah
Published: January 2021

Sedentary life styles coupled with high-calorie diets and unhealthy social habits such as smoking, have put an ever-increasing number of people at risk of cardiovascular disorders (CVD), worldwide. A concomitant increase in the prevalence of type 2-diabetes (hyperglycemia), a risk factor for CVD, has further contributed towards escalating CVD-related mortalities. The increase in number of cases of type 2-diabetes underscores the importance of early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in those with diabetes. In this work, we have evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of dyslipidemia and proinflammatory cytokines to be used as biomarkers for predicting the risk of CVD in those with diabetes. We hypothesize that interplay between dyslipidemia and diabetes-induced low-grade inflammation in those with type 2-diabetes increases the risk of CVD. A total of 215 participants were randomly recruited from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC). Of these, 99% were Mexican Americans living on Texas-Mexico border. Levels of cytokines, adipokines and lipid profile were measured. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) for this study was defined as prior diagnosis of heart attack, angina and stroke, while diabetes was defined by fasting blood glucose (FBG) of > 100 mg/dL and HbA1c of > 6.5, in accordance with American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. Depending on type and distribution of data, various statistical tests were performed. Our results demonstrated higher rates of heart attack (14% vs 11.8%) and stroke (19.8% vs 10%) in those with diabetes as compared to non-diabetes. The odds of having a heart attack were eight times higher in the presence of elevated triglycerides and pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα and IL6) as compared to presence of pro-inflammatory markers only. The odds for heart attack among those with diabetes, increased by 20 fold in presence of high levels of triglycerides, TNFα, and IL6 when coupled with low levels of high-density lipid cholesterol (HDL-C). Lastly, our analysis showed that poorly controlled diabetes, characterized by HbA1c values of > 6.5 increases the odds of stroke by more than three fold. The study quantifies the role of lipid profile and pro-inflammatory markers in combination with standard risk factors towards predicting the risk of CVD in those with type 2-diabetes. The findings from the study can be directly translated for use in early diagnosis of heart disease and guiding interventions leading to a reduction in CVD-associated mortality in those with type 2-diabetes.
Molecular characterisation of osteoblasts from bone obtained from people of Polynesian and European ancestry undergoing joint replacement surgery
Authors: Naot Dorit , Bentley Jarome , Macpherson Cluny , Pitto Rocco P. , Bava Usha , Choi Ally J. , Matthews Brya G. , Callon Karen E. , Gao Ryan , Horne Anne , Gamble Gregory D. , Reid Ian R. , Cornish Jillian
Published: January 2021

Population studies in Aotearoa New Zealand found higher bone mineral density and lower rate of hip fracture in people of Polynesian ancestry compared to Europeans. We hypothesised that differences in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation contribute to the differences in bone properties between the two groups. Osteoblasts were cultured from bone samples obtained from 30 people of Polynesian ancestry and 25 Europeans who had joint replacement surgeries for osteoarthritis. The fraction of cells in S-phase was determined by flow cytometry, and gene expression was analysed by microarray and real-time PCR. We found no differences in the fraction of osteoblasts in S-phase between the groups. Global gene expression analysis identified 79 differentially expressed genes (fold change > 2, FDR P < 0.1). Analysis of selected genes by real-time PCR found higher expression of COL1A1 and KRT34 in Polynesians, whereas BGLAP, DKK1, NOV, CDH13, EFHD1 and EFNB2 were higher in Europeans (P ≤ 0.01). Osteoblasts from European donors had higher levels of late differentiation markers and genes encoding proteins that inhibit the Wnt signalling pathway. This variability may contribute to the differences in bone properties between people of Polynesian and European ancestry that had been determined in previous studies.
Plummeting anthropogenic environmental degradation by amending nutrient-N input method in saffron growing soils of north-west Himalayas
Authors: Sharma Anil , Kumar Sarvendra , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Kumar Amit , Mir Javid Iqbal , Sharma Om Chand , Singh Desh Beer , Arora Sanjay
Published: January 2021

Nitrous-oxide emission and nitrate addition from agriculture to earth’s environment are two main agriculture related anthropogenic causes of environmental degradation that needs greater attention. For addressing the aforesaid issue, new techniques/practices need to be developed and implemented. The present investigation, which was focused on this issue, resulted in developing a new mode of nitrogen (N) placement, i.e. ‘mid rib placement upper to corms in two splits (MRPU-2S)’, that could reduce nitrous oxide N emission by around 70.11% and, nitrate N leaching and runoff by around 68.26 and 67.09%, respectively, over conventional method, in saffron growing soils of northwest Himalayas. Besides plummeting environmental degradation, MRPU-2S further resulted in enhancing saffron yield by 33.33% over conventional method. The findings of the present investigation were used to develop new empirical models for predicting saffron yield, nitrate N leaching and nitrous-oxide N emission. The threshold limits of nitrate N leaching and nitrous oxide N emission have also been reported exclusively in the present study.
Moderately decreasing fertilizer in fields does not reduce populations of cereal aphids but maximizes fitness of parasitoids
Authors: Qiao Fei , Yang Quan-Feng , Hou Rui-Xing , Zhang Ke-Ning , Li Jing , Ge Feng , Ouyang Fang
Published: January 2021

Examination of the tradeoff between the extent of decreasing nitrogen input and pest suppression is crucial for maintaining the balance between essential yield and an efficient, sustainable pest control strategy. In this study, an experiment with four manipulated nitrogen fertilizer levels (70, 140, 210, and 280 kg N ha−1 = conventional level) was conducted to explore the effects of decreasing nitrogen on cereal aphids (Sitobion avenaeandRhopalosiphum padi) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Aphidiinae parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae), and body sizes of parasitoids. The results indicated that nitrogen application, in the range of 70–280 kg N ha−1, has the potential to impact the populations of cereal aphids and their parasitoids. However, both differences between densities of cereal aphids and their parasitoids in moderate (140–210 kg N ha−1) and those in high nitrogen input (280 kg N ha−1) were not significant, and the parasitism rate was also unaffected. A higher parasitism rate reduced population growth of the cereal aphid (S. avenae). Additionally, a moderate decrease of nitrogen fertilizer from 280 to 140–210 kg N ha−1maximized the body sizes of Aphidiinae parasitoids, indicating that a moderate decrease of nitrogen fertilizer could facilitate biocontrol of cereal aphid by parasitoids in the near future. We conclude that a moderate decrease in nitrogen application, from 280 to 140–210 kg N ha−1, does not quantitatively impact the densities of cereal aphids or the parasitism rate but can qualitatively maximize the fitness of the parasitoids.
SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits a rapid neutralizing antibody response that correlates with disease severity
Authors: Trinité Benjamin , Tarrés-Freixas Ferran , Rodon Jordi , Pradenas Edwards , Urrea Víctor , Marfil Silvia , Rodríguez de la Concepción María Luisa , Ávila-Nieto Carlos , Aguilar-Gurrieri Carmen , Barajas Ana , Ortiz Raquel , Paredes Roger , Mateu Lourdes , Valencia Alfonso , Guallar Víctor , Ruiz Lidia , Grau Eulàlia , Massanella Marta , Puig Jordi , Chamorro Anna , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Segalés Joaquim , Clotet Bonaventura , Carrillo Jorge , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Blanco Julià
Published: January 2021

The protective effect of neutralizing antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals is not yet well defined. To address this issue, we have analyzed the kinetics of neutralizing antibody responses and their association with disease severity. Between March and May 2020, the prospective KING study enrolled 72 COVID-19+ participants grouped according to disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by serological and virological tests. Plasma neutralizing responses were assessed against replicative virus and pseudoviral particles. Multiple regression and non-parametric tests were used to analyze dependence of parameters. The magnitude of neutralizing titers significantly increased with disease severity. Hospitalized individuals developed higher titers compared to mild-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, which together showed titers below the detection limit in 50% of cases. Longitudinal analysis confirmed the strong differences in neutralizing titers between non-hospitalized and hospitalized participants and showed rapid kinetics of appearance of neutralizing antibodies (50% and 80% of maximal activity reached after 11 and 17 days after symptoms onset, respectively) in hospitalized patients. No significant impact of age, gender or treatment on the neutralizing titers was observed in this limited cohort. These data identify a clear association of humoral immunity with disease severity and point to immune mechanisms other than antibodies as relevant players in COVID-19 protection.
Time trends of colorectal cancer incidence and associated lifestyle factors in South Korea
Authors: Khil Hayeong , Kim Sung Min , Hong SungEun , Gil Hyeon Min , Cheon Eugene , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Young Ae , Keum NaNa
Published: January 2021

Worldwide, South Korea had the second highest incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2018. To inform public health policy to prevent CRC, we aimed to identify major modifiable lifestyle factors underlying the alarming increase in CRC incidence. We obtained information on CRC statistics from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database and on the distribution of dietary and lifestyle factors known to modify CRC risk from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To examine time trends between 2001 and 2013, we calculated annual percent changes of CRC incidence rates and of prevalence of etiologic factors by sex and age. Across all sex and age groups, the most commonly diagnosed cancer was rectal cancer while the most rapidly increasing cancer was distal colon cancer. For the lifestyle factors examined, decreases in exercise were observed across all age groups of both sexes. Yet, obesity and alcoholic drinks appear more relevant CRC contributor to men, smoking to women aged 30–49 years, and processed meat intake to adults aged 30–49 years. The heterogeneous results suggest that dietary and lifestyle target to prevent CRC be tailored by sex and age.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identifies modules and functionally enriched pathways in the lactation process
Authors: Farhadian Mohammad , Rafat Seyed Abbas , Panahi Bahman , Mayack Christopher
Published: January 2021

The exponential growth in knowledge has resulted in a better understanding of the lactation process in a wide variety of animals. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms are not yet clearly known. In order to identify the mechanisms involved in the lactation process, various mehods, including meta-analysis, weighted gene co-express network analysis (WGCNA), hub genes identification, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment at before peak (BP), peak (P), and after peak (AP) stages of the lactation processes have been employed. A total of 104, 85, and 26 differentially expressed genes were identified based on PB vs. P, BP vs. AP, and P vs. AP comparisons, respectively. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in the “ubiquitin-dependent ERAD” and the “chaperone cofactor-dependent protein refolding” in BP vs. P and P vs. P, respectively. WGCNA identified five significant functional modules related to the lactation process. Moreover,GJA1,AP2A2, andNPAS3were defined as hub genes in the identified modules, highlighting the importance of their regulatory impacts on the lactation process. The findings of this study provide new insights into the complex regulatory networks of the lactation process at three distinct stages, while suggesting several candidate genes that may be useful for future animal breeding programs. Furthermore, this study supports the notion that in combination with a meta-analysis, the WGCNA represents an opportunity to achieve a higher resolution analysis that can better predict the most important functional genes that might provide a more robust bio-signature for phenotypic traits, thus providing more suitable biomarker candidates for future studies.
Investigation of switching uniformity in resistive memory via finite element simulation of conductive-filament formation
Authors: Min Kyunghwan , Jung Dongmyung , Kwon Yongwoo
Published: January 2021

Herein, we present simulations of conductive filament formation in resistive random-access memory using a finite element solver. We consider the switching material, which is typically an oxide, as a two-phase material comprising low- and high-resistance phases. The low-resistance phase corresponds to a defective and conducting region with a high anion vacancy concentration, whereas the high-resistance phase corresponds to a non-defective and insulating region with a low anion-vacancy concentration. We adopt a phase variable corresponding to 0 and 1 in the insulating and conducting phases, respectively, and we change the phase variable suitably when new defects are introduced during voltage ramp-up for forming. Initially, some defects are embedded in the switching material. When the applied voltage is ramped up, the phase variable changes from 0 to 1 at locations wherein the electric field exceeds a critical value, which corresponds to the introduction of new defects via vacancy generation. The applied voltage at which the defects percolate to form a filament is considered as the forming voltage. Here, we study the forming-voltage uniformity using simulations, and we find that for typical planar-electrode devices, the forming voltage varies significantly owing to the stochastic location of the initial defects at which the electric field is “crowded.” On the other hand, a protruding electrode can improve the switching uniformity drastically via facilitating the deterministic location of electric-field crowding, which also supported by the reported experimental results.