bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drainage Area, Bedrock Fracture Spacing, and Weathering Controls on Landscape‐Scale Patterns in Surface Sediment Grain Size
Authors: Neely Alexander B. , DiBiase Roman A.
Published: October 2020

Sediment grain size links sediment production, weathering, and fining from fractured bedrock on hillslopes to river incision and landscape relief. Yet models of sediment grain size delivery to rivers remain unconstrained due to a scarcity of field data. We analyzed how bedrock fracture spacing and hillslope weathering influence landscape‐scale patterns in surface sediment grain size across gradients of erosion rate and hillslope bedrock exposure in the San Gabriel Mountains (SGM) and northern San Jacinto Mountains (NSJM) of California, USA. Using ground‐based structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry models of 50 bedrock cliffs, we showed that fracture density is ~5 times higher in the SGM than the NSJM. 274 point‐count‐surveys of surface sediment grain size measured in the field and from imagery show a drainage area control on sediment grain size, with systematic downslope coarsening on hillslopes and in headwater‐colluvial channels transitioning to downstream fining in fluvial channels. In contrast to prior work and predictions from a hillslope weathering model, grain size does not increase smoothly with increasing erosion rate. For soil‐mantled landscapes, sediment grain size increases with increasing erosion rates; however, once bare bedrock emerges on hillslopes, sediment grain size in both the NSJM and SGM becomes insensitive to further increases in erosion rate and hillslope bedrock exposure, and instead reflects fracture spacing contrasts between the NSJM and SGM. We interpret this threshold behavior to emerge in steep landscapes due to efficient delivery of coarse sediment from bedrock hillslopes to channels and the relative immobility of coarse sediment in fluvial channels.
Efficient Leak Localization in Water Distribution Systems Using Multistage Optimal Valve Operations and Smart Demand Metering
Authors: Huang Yuan , Zheng Feifei , Kapelan Zoran , Savic Dragan , Duan Huan‐Feng , Zhang Qingzhou
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a multistage method for burst leak localization through valve operations (VOs) and smart demand metering in district meter areas (DMAs) of water distribution systems (WDSs). Each stage includes partitioning of the DMA into two subregions using VOs and identification of potentially leaking pipes within the subregions through water balance analysis based on smart demand meters. Such a process is performed repeatedly (multiple stages) to narrow down the spatial range for pinpointing leak locations. To improve efficiency, a bisection optimization problem is formulated to localize the minimum leak areas using the lowest number of VOs, which is solved by a graph theory‐based method. The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated using two DMAs (DMA1 and DMA2) of a real WDS with different topological properties. Results show that the proposed method can efficiently localize artificial burst leaks in DMA1 within 7–15% of the total pipe length, implying that the proposed method is theoretically effective in localizing pipe burst leaks. The real application to DMA2 has identified two leak regions with 2.3 and 4.2 km of pipe length (around 3–6% of the entire DMA2) using 18 VOs. These two burst leaks have been subsequently confirmed and pinpointed using listening rods by practitioners of the local water utility. These results indicate that the proposed multistage method is effective and efficient for burst leak localization, which can be promising for wide practical applications due to rapid developments of smart WDSs (e.g., smart demand meters or control valves).
Single-cell transcriptome atlas of lung adenocarcinoma featured with ground glass nodules
Authors: Lu Tao , Yang Xiaodong , Shi Yu , Zhao Mengnan , Bi Guoshu , Liang Jiaqi , Chen Zhencong , Huang Yiwei , Jiang Wei , Lin Zongwu , Xi Junjie , Wang Shuai , Yang Yong , Zhan Cheng , Wang Qun , Tan Lijie
Published: October 2020

As an early type of lung adenocarcinoma, ground glass nodule (GGN) has been detected increasingly and now accounts for most lung cancer outpatients. GGN has a satisfactory prognosis and its characteristics are quite different from solid adenocarcinoma (SADC). We compared the GGN adenocarcinoma (GGN-ADC) with SADC using the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to fully understand GGNs. The tumor samples of five patients with lung GGN-ADCs and five with SADCs underwent surgery were digested to a single-cell suspension and analyzed using 10× Genomic scRNA-seq techniques. We obtained 60,459 cells and then classified them as eight cell types, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells, B cells, Nature killer cells, mast cells, and myeloid cells. We provided a comprehensive description of the cancer cells and stromal cells. We found that the signaling pathways related to cell proliferation were downregulated in GGN-ADC cancer cells, and stromal cells had different effects in GGN-ADC and SADC based on the analyses of scRNA-seq results. In GGN-ADC, the signaling pathways of angiogenesis were downregulated, fibroblasts expressed low levels of some collagens, and immune cells were more activated. Furthermore, we used flow cytometry to isolate the cancer cells and T cells in 12 GGN-ADC samples and in an equal number of SADC samples, including CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, and validated the expression of key molecules by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Through comprehensive analyses of cell phenotypes in GGNs, we provide deep insights into lung carcinogenesis that will be beneficial in lung cancer prevention and therapy.
In situ reprogramming of gut bacteria by oral delivery
Authors: Hsu Bryan B. , Plant Isaac N. , Lyon Lorena , Anastassacos Frances M. , Way Jeffrey C. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: October 2020

Abundant links between the gut microbiota and human health indicate that modification of bacterial function could be a powerful therapeutic strategy. The inaccessibility of the gut and inter-connections between gut bacteria and the host make it difficult to precisely target bacterial functions without disrupting the microbiota and/or host physiology. Herein we describe a multidisciplinary approach to modulate the expression of a specific bacterial gene within the gut by oral administration. We demonstrate that an engineered temperate phage λ expressing a programmable dCas9 represses a targeted E. coli gene in the mammalian gut. To facilitate phage administration while minimizing disruption to host processes, we develop an aqueous-based encapsulation formulation with a microbiota-based release mechanism and show that it facilitates oral delivery of phage in vivo. Finally we combine these technologies and show that bacterial gene expression in the mammalian gut can be precisely modified in situ with a single oral dose.
Changing travel patterns in China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gibbs Hamish , Liu Yang , Pearson Carl A. B. , Jarvis Christopher I. , Grundy Chris , Quilty Billy J. , Diamond Charlie ,   LSHTM CMMID COVID-19 working group, Simons David , Gimma Amy , Leclerc Quentin J. , Auzenbergs Megan , Lowe Rachel , O’Reilly Kathleen , Quaife Matthew , Hellewell Joel , Knight Gwenan M. , Jombart Thibaut , Klepac Petra , Procter Simon R. , Deol Arminder K. , Rees Eleanor M. , Flasche Stefan , Kucharski Adam J. , Abbott Sam , Sun Fiona Yueqian , Endo Akira , Medley Graham , Munday James D. , Meakin Sophie R. , Bosse Nikos I. , Edmunds W. John , Davies Nicholas G. , Prem Kiesha , Hué Stéphane , Villabona-Arenas C. Julian , Nightingale Emily S. , Houben Rein M. G. J. , Foss Anna M. , Tully Damien C. , Emery Jon C. , van Zandvoort Kevin , Atkins Katherine E. , Rosello Alicia , Funk Sebastian , Jit Mark , Clifford Samuel , Russell Timothy W. , Eggo Rosalind M.
Published: October 2020

Understanding changes in human mobility in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for assessing the impacts of travel restrictions designed to reduce disease spread. Here, relying on data from mainland China, we investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of human mobility between 1st January and 1st March 2020, and discuss their public health implications. An outbound travel surge from Wuhan before travel restrictions were implemented was also observed across China due to the Lunar New Year, indicating that holiday travel may have played a larger role in mobility changes compared to impending travel restrictions. Holiday travel also shifted healthcare pressure related to COVID-19 towards locations with lower healthcare capacity. Network analyses showed no sign of major changes in the transportation network after Lunar New Year. Changes observed were temporary and did not lead to structural reorganisation of the transportation network during the study period.
Understanding high pressure molecular hydrogen with a hierarchical machine-learned potential
Authors: Zong Hongxiang , Wiebe Heather , Ackland Graeme J.
Published: October 2020

The hydrogen phase diagram has several unusual features which are well reproduced by density functional calculations. Unfortunately, these calculations do not provide good physical insights into why those features occur. Here, we present a fast interatomic potential, which reproduces the molecular hydrogen phases: orientationally disordered Phase I; broken-symmetry Phase II and reentrant melt curve. The H2 vibrational frequency drops at high pressure because of increased coupling between neighbouring molecules, not bond weakening. Liquid H2 is denser than coexisting close-packed solid at high pressure because the favored molecular orientation switches from quadrupole-energy-minimizing to steric-repulsion-minimizing. The latter allows molecules to get closer together, without the atoms getting closer, but cannot be achieved within in a close-packed layer due to frustration. A similar effect causes negative thermal expansion. At high pressure, rotation is hindered in Phase I, such that it cannot be regarded as a molecular rotor phase.
Longitudinal unzipping of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Padmajan Sasikala Suchithra , Singh Yashpal , Bing Li , Yun Taeyoung , Koo Sung Hwan , Jung Yousung , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: October 2020

Unzipping of the basal plane offers a valuable pathway to uniquely control the material chemistry of 2D structures. Nonetheless, reliable unzipping has been reported only for graphene and phosphorene thus far. The single elemental nature of those materials allows a straightforward understanding of the chemical reaction and property modulation involved with such geometric transformations. Here we report spontaneous linear ordered unzipping of bi-elemental 2D MX2 transition metal chalcogenides as a general route to synthesize 1D nanoribbon structures. The strained metallic phase (1T′) of MX2 undergoes highly specific longitudinal unzipping owing to the self-linearized oxygenation at chalcogenides. Stable dispersions of 1T′ MoS2 nanoribbons with widths of 10–120 nm and lengths up to ~4 µm are produced in water. Edge abundant 1T′ MoS2 nanoribbons reveal the hidden potential of idealized electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reactions at a competitive level with the precious Pt catalyst.
p50 mono-ubiquitination and interaction with BARD1 regulates cell cycle progression and maintains genome stability
Authors: Wu Longtao , Crawley Clayton D. , Garofalo Andrea , Nichols Jackie W. , Campbell Paige-Ashley , Khramtsova Galina F. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Yamini Bakhtiar
Published: October 2020

p50, the mature product of NFKB1, is constitutively produced from its precursor, p105. Here, we identify BARD1 as a p50-interacting factor. p50 directly associates with the BARD1 BRCT domains via a C-terminal phospho-serine motif. This interaction is induced by ATR and results in mono-ubiquitination of p50 by the BARD1/BRCA1 complex. During the cell cycle, p50 is mono-ubiquitinated in S phase and loss of this post-translational modification increases S phase progression and chromosomal breakage. Genome-wide studies reveal a substantial decrease in p50 chromatin enrichment in S phase and Cycln E is identified as a factor regulated by p50 during the G1 to S transition. Functionally, interaction with BARD1 promotes p50 protein stability and consistent with this, in human cancer specimens, low nuclear BARD1 protein strongly correlates with low nuclear p50. These data indicate that p50 mono-ubiquitination by BARD1/BRCA1 during the cell cycle regulates S phase progression to maintain genome integrity.
Deep phenotyping of 34,128 adult patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in an international network study
Authors: Burn Edward , You Seng Chan , Sena Anthony G. , Kostka Kristin , Abedtash Hamed , Abrahão Maria Tereza F. , Alberga Amanda , Alghoul Heba , Alser Osaid , Alshammari Thamir M. , Aragon Maria , Areia Carlos , Banda Juan M. , Cho Jaehyeong , Culhane Aedin C. , Davydov Alexander , DeFalco Frank J. , Duarte-Salles Talita , DuVall Scott , Falconer Thomas , Fernandez-Bertolin Sergio , Gao Weihua , Golozar Asieh , Hardin Jill , Hripcsak George , Huser Vojtech , Jeon Hokyun , Jing Yonghua , Jung Chi Young , Kaas-Hansen Benjamin Skov , Kaduk Denys , Kent Seamus , Kim Yeesuk , Kolovos Spyros , Lane Jennifer C. E. , Lee Hyejin , Lynch Kristine E. , Makadia Rupa , Matheny Michael E. , Mehta Paras P. , Morales Daniel R. , Natarajan Karthik , Nyberg Fredrik , Ostropolets Anna , Park Rae Woong , Park Jimyung , Posada Jose D. , Prats-Uribe Albert , Rao Gowtham , Reich Christian , Rho Yeunsook , Rijnbeek Peter , Schilling Lisa M. , Schuemie Martijn , Shah Nigam H. , Shoaibi Azza , Song Seokyoung , Spotnitz Matthew , Suchard Marc A. , Swerdel Joel N. , Vizcaya David , Volpe Salvatore , Wen Haini , Williams Andrew E. , Yimer Belay B. , Zhang Lin , Zhuk Oleg , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Ryan Patrick
Published: October 2020

Comorbid conditions appear to be common among individuals hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but estimates of prevalence vary and little is known about the prior medication use of patients. Here, we describe the characteristics of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 and compare them with influenza patients. We include 34,128 (US: 8362, South Korea: 7341, Spain: 18,425) COVID-19 patients, summarising between 4811 and 11,643 unique aggregate characteristics. COVID-19 patients have been majority male in the US and Spain, but predominantly female in South Korea. Age profiles vary across data sources. Compared to 84,585 individuals hospitalised with influenza in 2014-19, COVID-19 patients have more typically been male, younger, and with fewer comorbidities and lower medication use. While protecting groups vulnerable to influenza is likely a useful starting point in the response to COVID-19, strategies will likely need to be broadened to reflect the particular characteristics of individuals being hospitalised with COVID-19.
Approaching 80 years of snow water equivalent information by merging different data streams
Authors: Huning Laurie S. , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: October 2020

Merging multiple data streams together can improve the overall length of record and achieve the number of observations required for robust statistical analysis. We merge complementary information from different data streams with a regression-based approach to estimate the 1 April snow water equivalent (SWE) volume over Sierra Nevada, USA. We more than double the length of available data-driven SWE volume records by leveraging in-situ snow depth observations from longer-length snow course records and SWE volumes from a shorter-length snow reanalysis. With the resulting data-driven merged time series (1940–2018), we conduct frequency analysis to estimate return periods and associated uncertainty, which can inform decisions about the water supply, drought response, and flood control. We show that the shorter (~30-year) reanalysis results in an underestimation of the 100-year return period by ~25 years (relative to the ~80-year merged dataset). Drought and flood risk and water resources planning can be substantially affected if return periods of SWE, which are closely related to potential flooding in spring and water availability in summer, are misrepresented.
A salmon diet database for the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Graham Caroline , Pakhomov Evgeny A. , Hunt Brian P. V.
Published: October 2020

The North Pacific Marine Salmon Diet Database is an open-access relational database built to centralize and make accessible salmon diet data through a standardized database structure. The initial data contribution contains 21,862 observations of salmon diet, and associated salmon biological parameters, prey biological parameters, and environmental data from the North Pacific Ocean. The data come from 907 unique spatial areas and mostly fall within two time periods, 1959–1969 and 1987–1997, during which there are more data available compared to other time periods. Data were extracted from 62 sources identified through a systematic literature review, targeting peer-reviewed and gray literature. The purpose of this database is to consolidate data into a common format to address gaps in our ecological understanding of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly with respect to salmon. This database can be used to address a variety of questions regarding salmon foraging, productivity, and marine survival. The North Pacific Marine Salmon Diet Database will continue to grow in the future as more data are digitized and become available.
Epifluorescence-based three-dimensional traction force microscopy
Authors: Hazlett Lauren , Landauer Alexander K. , Patel Mohak , Witt Hadley A. , Yang Jin , Reichner Jonathan S. , Franck Christian
Published: October 2020

We introduce a novel method to compute three-dimensional (3D) displacements and both in-plane and out-of-plane tractions on nominally planar transparent materials using standard epifluorescence microscopy. Despite the importance of out-of-plane components to fully understanding cell behavior, epifluorescence images are generally not used for 3D traction force microscopy (TFM) experiments due to limitations in spatial resolution and measuring out-of-plane motion. To extend an epifluorescence-based technique to 3D, we employ a topology-based single particle tracking algorithm to reconstruct high spatial-frequency 3D motion fields from densely seeded single-particle layer images. Using an open-source finite element (FE) based solver, we then compute the 3D full-field stress and strain and surface traction fields. We demonstrate this technique by measuring tractions generated by both single human neutrophils and multicellular monolayers of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells, highlighting its acuity in reconstructing both individual and collective cellular tractions. In summary, this represents a new, easily accessible method for calculating fully three-dimensional displacement and 3D surface tractions at high spatial frequency from epifluorescence images. We released and support the complete technique as a free and open-source code package.
Revising evidence of hurricane strikes on Abaco Island (The Bahamas) over the last 700 years
Authors: Winkler Tyler S. , van Hengstum Peter J. , Donnelly Jeffrey P. , Wallace Elizabeth J. , Sullivan Richard M. , MacDonald Dana , Albury Nancy A.
Published: October 2020

The northern Bahamas have experienced more frequent intense-hurricane impacts than almost anywhere else in the Atlantic since 1850 CE. In 2019, category 5 (Saffir-Simpson scale) Hurricane Dorian demonstrated the destructive potential of these natural hazards. Problematically, determining whether high hurricane activity levels remained constant through time is difficult given the short observational record (< 170 years). We present a 700-year long, near-annually resolved stratigraphic record of hurricane passage near Thatchpoint Blue Hole (TPBH) on Abaco Island, The Bahamas. Using longer sediment cores (888 cm) and more reliable age-control, this study revises and temporally expands a previous study from TPBH that underestimated the sedimentation rate. TPBH records at least 13 ≥ category 2 hurricanes per century between 1500 to 1670 CE, which exceeds the 9 ≥ category 2 hurricanes per century within 50 km of TPBH since 1850 CE. The eastern United States also experienced frequent hurricanes from 1500 to 1670 CE, but frequency was depressed elsewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. This suggests that spatial heterogeneity in Atlantic hurricane activity since 1850 CE could have persisted throughout the last millennium. This heterogeneity is impacted by climatic and stochastic forcing, but additional high-resolution paleo-hurricane reconstructions are required to assess the mechanisms that impact regional variability.
Personal exposure to fine particulate air pollutants impacts blood pressure and heart rate variability
Authors: Lee Dong-Hoon , Kim Sun-Hwa , Kang Si-Hyuck , Kwon Oh Kyung , Park Jin-Joo , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Cho Young-Seok , Heo Jongbae , Yi Seung-Muk , Youn Tae-Jin , Chae In-Ho
Published: October 2020

Air pollution has increasingly been recognized as a major healthcare concern. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5]) has demonstrated an increase in adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular response to personal exposure to different levels of PM2.5. This prospective cohort study enrolled healthy volunteers aged ≥ 18 years with no cardiovascular disease. Study subjects carried personal exposure monitor of PM2.5, digital thermo-hygrometer for temperature and humidity, 24-h blood pressure monitor, and continuous electrocardiogram monitor. Measurements were repeated twice with an interval of 6–12 months. Statistical models consisted of generalized estimation equations to various repeated measures of each subject. A total of 22 subjects were enrolled in this study between July 2018 and January 2019. Measurement was performed twice in all participants, and a total of 36 data were collected except for insufficient data collection. The mean age of the study population was 41.6 years, and 95% of the subjects were females. No study subjects had hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases. The average systolic blood pressure increased with higher PM2.5 levels with marginal significance (0.22 mmHg [95% confidential intervals − 0.04 to 0.48 mmHg] per 10 μg/m3 of PM2.5). All parameters for heart rate variability significantly decreased with a higher level of PM2.5. In this study, we measured individual personal exposure to PM2.5 by using a portable device. We found that 24-h exposure to high levels of PM2.5 was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate variability, suggesting impaired autonomous nervous function.
Effect of in situ VSi2 and SiC phases on the sintering behavior and the mechanical properties of HfB2-based composites
Authors: Ghadami Soheil , Taheri-Nassaj Ehsan , Baharvandi Hamid Reza , Ghadami Farzin
Published: October 2020

In situ HfB2–SiC–VSi2 composite was fabricated by reactive pressureless sintering at the temperature of 2150 °C for 4 h under a vacuum atmosphere. In situ SiC and VSi2 reinforcements were formed using VC and Si powders as starting materials according to the following reaction: VC + 3Si = SiC + VSi2. Microstructural studies and thermodynamic calculations revealed that in situ VSi2 and SiC phases were mostly formed and homogeneously distributed in HfB2 skeleton. The results showed that the density of in situ HfB2–SiC–VSi2 composite was 98%. Besides, the mechanical properties of the composite were effectively enhanced by the formation of in situ second phases. The Vickers hardness and the fracture toughness of the composite reached 20.1 GPa and 5.8 MPa m−1/2, respectively.
‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ distribution and diversity in Scotland and the characterisation of novel haplotypes from Craspedolepta spp. (Psylloidea: Aphalaridae)
Authors: Sumner-Kalkun Jason C. , Highet Fiona , Arnsdorf Yvonne M. , Back Emma , Carnegie Mairi , Madden Siobhán , Carboni Silvia , Billaud William , Lawrence Zoë , Kenyon David
Published: October 2020

The phloem limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is associated with disease in Solanaceous and Apiaceous crops. This bacterium has previously been found in the UK in Trioza anthrisci, but its impact on UK crops is unknown. Psyllid and Lso diversity and distribution among fields across the major carrot growing areas of Scotland were assessed using real-time PCR and DNA barcoding techniques. Four Lso haplotypes were found: C, U, and two novel haplotypes. Lso haplotype C was also found in a small percentage of asymptomatic carrot plants (9.34%, n = 139) from a field in Milnathort where known vectors of this haplotype were not found. This is the first report of Lso in cultivated carrot growing in the UK and raises concern for the carrot and potato growing industry regarding the potential spread of new and existing Lso haplotypes into crops. Trioza anthrisci was found present only in sites in Elgin, Moray with 100% of individuals harbouring Lso haplotype C. Lso haplotype U was found at all sites infecting Trioza urticae and at some sites infecting Urtica dioica with 77.55% and 24.37% average infection, respectively. The two novel haplotypes were found in Craspedolepta nebulosa and Craspedolepta subpunctata and named Cras1 and Cras2. This is the first report of Lso in psyllids from the Aphalaridae. These new haplotypes were most closely related to Lso haplotype H recently found in carrot and parsnip. Lso was also detected in several weed plants surrounding carrot and parsnip fields. These included two Apiaceous species Aegropodium podagraria (hap undetermined) and Anthriscus sylvestris (hap C); one Galium sp. (Rubiaceae) (hap undetermined); and Chenopodium album (Amaranthaceae) (hap undetermined).
Printed, flexible, compact UHF-RFID sensor tags enabled by hybrid electronics
Authors: Baumbauer Carol L. , Anderson Matthew G. , Ting Jonathan , Sreekumar Akshay , Rabaey Jan M. , Arias Ana C. , Thielens Arno
Published: October 2020

Sensor data can be wirelessly transmitted from simple, battery-less tags using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID sensor tags consist of an antenna, a radio frequency integrated circuit chip (RFIC), and at least one sensor. An ideal tag can communicate over a long distance and be seamlessly integrated onto everyday objects. However, miniaturized antenna designs often have lower performance. Here we demonstrate compact, flexible sensor tags with read range comparable to that of conventional rigid tags. We compare fabrication techniques for flexible antennas and demonstrate that screen and stencil printing are both suitable for fabricating antennas; these different techniques are most useful at different points in the design cycle. We characterize two versions of flexible, screen printed folded dipoles and a meandered monopole operating in the 915 MHz band. Finally, we use these antennas to create passive sensor tags and demonstrate over the air communication of sensor data. These tags could be used to form a network of printed, flexible, passive, interactive sensor tags.
A new data-driven mathematical model dissociates attractiveness from sexual dimorphism of human faces
Authors: Nakamura Koyo , Watanabe Katsumi
Published: October 2020

Human facial attractiveness is evaluated by using multiple cues. Among others, sexual dimorphism (i.e. masculinity for male faces/femininity for female faces) is an influential factor of perceived attractiveness. Since facial attractiveness is judged by incorporating sexually dimorphic traits as well as other cues, it is theoretically possible to dissociate sexual dimorphism from facial attractiveness. This study tested this by using a data-driven mathematical modelling approach. We first analysed the correlation between perceived masculinity/femininity and attractiveness ratings for 400 computer-generated male and female faces (Experiment 1) and found positive correlations between perceived femininity and attractiveness for both male and female faces. Using these results, we manipulated a set of faces along the attractiveness dimension while controlling for sexual dimorphism by orthogonalisation with data-driven mathematical models (Experiment 2). Our results revealed that perceived attractiveness and sexual dimorphism are dissociable, suggesting that there are as yet unidentified facial cues other than sexual dimorphism that contribute to facial attractiveness. Future studies can investigate the true preference of sexual dimorphism or the genuine effects of attractiveness by using well-controlled facial stimuli like those that this study generated. The findings will be of benefit to the further understanding of what makes a face attractive.
Nitrite-producing oral microbiome in adults and children
Authors: Sato-Suzuki Yuria , Washio Jumpei , Wicaksono Dimas Prasetianto , Sato Takuichi , Fukumoto Satoshi , Takahashi Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

Recently, it was suggested that the nitrite (NO2−) produced from NO3− by oral bacteria might contribute to oral and general health. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the detailed information about the bacterial NO2-production in the oral biofilm. Dental plaque and tongue-coating samples were collected, then the NO2-producing activity was measured. Furthermore, the composition of the NO2−-producing bacterial population were identified using the Griess reagent-containing agar overlay method and molecular biological method. NO2−-producing activity per mg wet weight varied among individuals but was higher in dental plaque. Additionally, anaerobic bacteria exhibited higher numbers of NO2−-producing bacteria, except in the adults’ dental plaque. The proportion of NO2−-producing bacteria also varied among individuals, but a positive correlation was found between NO2−-producing activity and the number of NO2−-producing bacteria, especially in dental plaque. Overall, the major NO2−-producing bacteria were identified as Actinomyces, Schaalia, Veillonella and Neisseria. Furthermore, Rothia was specifically detected in the tongue coatings of children. These results suggest that dental plaque has higher NO2−-producing activity and that this activity depends not on the presence of specific bacteria or the bacterial compositions, but on the number of NO2−-producing bacteria, although interindividual differences were detected.
SARS-CoV-2 S1 and N-based serological assays reveal rapid seroconversion and induction of specific antibody response in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Algaissi Abdullah , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Hala Sharif , Abujamel Turki S. , Alamri Sawsan S. , Almahboub Sarah A. , Alluhaybi Khalid A. , Hobani Haya I. , Alsulaiman Reem M. , AlHarbi Rahaf H. , ElAssouli M.-Z.aki , Alhabbab Rowa Y. , AlSaieedi Ahdab A. , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Al-Somali Afrah A. , Alofi Fadwa S. , Khogeer Asim A. , Alkayyal Almohanad A. , Mahmoud Ahmad Bakur , Almontashiri Naif A. M. , Pain Arnab , Hashem Anwar M.
Published: October 2020

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2, continues to spread rapidly around the world, there is a need for well validated serological assays that allow the detection of viral specific antibody responses in COVID-19 patients or recovered individuals. In this study, we established and used multiple indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)-based serological assays to study the antibody response in COVID-19 patients. In order to validate the assays we determined the cut off values, sensitivity and specificity of the assays using sera collected from pre-pandemic healthy controls, COVID-19 patients at different time points after disease-onset, and seropositive sera to other human coronaviruses (CoVs). The developed SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit of the spike glycoprotein and nucleocapsid (N)-based ELISAs not only showed high specificity and sensitivity but also did not show any cross-reactivity with other CoVs. We also show that all RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 patients tested in our study developed both virus specific IgM and IgG antibodies as early as week one after disease onset. Our data also suggest that the inclusion of both S1 and N in serological testing would capture as many potential SARS-CoV-2 positive cases as possible than using any of them alone. This is specifically important for tracing contacts and cases and conducting large-scale epidemiological studies to understand the true extent of virus spread in populations.
Devulcanization of ground tire rubber: microwave and thermomechanical approaches
Authors: Simon Dániel Ábel , Pirityi Dávid Zoltán , Bárány Tamás
Published: October 2020

We devulcanized ground tire rubber (GTR) in a laboratory microwave oven and an internal mixer, measured the soluble content and the cross-link density of the samples, and then used Horikx’s analysis. The results showed that microwave treatment caused severe degradation of the polymer chains, while in the case of thermomechanical devulcanization, the selective scission of covalent cross-links is more common. Four devulcanized ground tire rubber (dGTR) samples were chosen for further study and three groups of samples were produced: dGTR samples containing vulcanizing agents and different amounts of paraffin oil (dGTR-based mixtures), natural rubber-based rubber mixtures with different dGTR contents and reference rubber mixtures with dGTR-based mixtures (increased vulcanizing agent contents). Cure characteristics showed a plasticizer-like effect of dGTR. Tensile and tear strength decreased drastically with increasing dGTR content; however, elongation at break values did not follow such a trend. Mechanical properties improved with increased vulcanizing agent contents. The examined properties of the samples improved even further with the use of thermomechanically devulcanized samples. Horikx’s analysis showed that this is attributable to moderate polymer chain scission.
Rapid demulsification of pickering emulsions triggered by controllable magnetic field
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Shujuan , Zhang Wei , Wu Jiazhong , Yang Siyu , Yu Danfeng , Wu Xu , Sun Yang , Wang Jinben
Published: October 2020

Pickering emulsions with on–off properties provide significant advantages over simple solid-stabilized emulsions for the development of novel materials, such as oil-displacing agents for enhanced oil recovery and templates for the fabrication of porous materials. However, the irreversible adsorption of particles as emulsion stabilizers endows the Pickering emulsions with kinetically stable property, resulting in a huge challenge to break the stability. Here we fabricated microscale Pickering emulsions, by the use of paramagnetic particles, which possess excellent stability for several months and more interestingly perform complete demulsification under controllable magnetic fields in several minutes. The alternating asymmetrical magnetic field endows oil-in-water droplets ‘‘big’’ N and S poles on the outer particle layers, and attracts the solid particles to the bottom of the vial after the coalescence and the deformation of the droplets, bringing the prevention of re-emulsion and the cyclic utilization. This facile strategy to produce stable Pickering emulsions with a magnetic-response opens a promising avenue for various practical applications including oil recovery, wastewater treatment, and sludge removal.
Generation of megatesla magnetic fields by intense-laser-driven microtube implosions
Authors: Murakami M. , Honrubia J. J. , Weichman K. , Arefiev A. V. , Bulanov S. V.
Published: October 2020

A microtube implosion driven by ultraintense laser pulses is used to produce ultrahigh magnetic fields. Due to the laser-produced hot electrons with energies of mega-electron volts, cold ions in the inner wall surface implode towards the central axis. By pre-seeding uniform magnetic fields on the kilotesla order, the Lorenz force induces the Larmor gyromotion of the imploding ions and electrons. Due to the resultant collective motion of relativistic charged particles around the central axis, strong spin current densities of $$\sim$$
∼
peta-ampere/$$\hbox {cm}^{2}$$

cm
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are produced with a few tens of nm size, generating megatesla-order magnetic fields. The underlying physics and important scaling are revealed by particle simulations and a simple analytical model. The concept holds promise to open new frontiers in many branches of fundamental physics and applications in terms of ultrahigh magnetic fields.
Effects on cardiac function, remodeling and inflammation following myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury or unreperfused myocardial infarction in hypercholesterolemic APOE*3-Leiden mice
Authors: Pluijmert Niek J. , Bart Cindy I. , Bax Wilhelmina H. , Quax Paul H. A. , Atsma Douwe E.
Published: October 2020

Many novel therapies to treat myocardial infarction (MI), yielding promising results in animal models, nowadays failed in clinical trials for several reasons. The most used animal MI model is based on permanent ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in healthy mice resulting in transmural MI, while in clinical practice reperfusion is usually accomplished by primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) limiting myocardial damage and inducing myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (MI-R) injury. To evaluate a more similar murine MI model we compared MI-R injury to unreperfused MI in hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein (APO)E*3-Leiden mice regarding effects on cardiac function, left ventricular (LV) remodeling and inflammation. Both MI-R and MI resulted in significant LV dilation and impaired cardiac function after 3 weeks. Although LV dilation, displayed by end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volumes (ESV), and infarct size (IS) were restricted following MI-R compared to MI (respectively by 27.6% for EDV, 39.5% ESV, 36.0% IS), cardiac function was not preserved. LV-wall thinning was limited with non-transmural LV fibrosis in the MI-R group (66.7%). Two days after inducing myocardial ischemia, local leucocyte infiltration in the infarct area was decreased following MI-R compared to MI (36.6%), whereas systemic circulating monocytes were increased in both groups compared to sham (130.0% following MI-R and 120.0% after MI). Both MI-R and MI models against the background of a hypercholesterolemic phenotype appear validated experimental models, however reduced infarct size, restricted LV remodeling as well as a different distributed inflammatory response following MI-R resemble the contemporary clinical outcome regarding primary PCI more accurately which potentially provides better predictive value of experimental therapies in successive clinical trials.
The epidemiology of fighting in group-housed laboratory mice
Authors: Theil Jacob H. , Ahloy-Dallaire Jamie , Weber Elin M. , Gaskill Brianna N. , Pritchett-Corning Kathleen R. , Felt Stephen A. , Garner Joseph P.
Published: October 2020

Injurious home-cage aggression (fighting) in mice affects both animal welfare and scientific validity. It is arguably the most common potentially preventable morbidity in mouse facilities. Existing literature on mouse aggression almost exclusively examines territorial aggression induced by introducing a stimulus mouse into the home-cage of a singly housed mouse (i.e. the resident/intruder test). However, fighting occurring in mice living together in long-term groups under standard laboratory housing conditions has barely been studied. We performed a point-prevalence epidemiological survey of fighting at a research institution with an approximate 60,000 cage census. A subset of cages was sampled over the course of a year and factors potentially influencing home-cage fighting were recorded. Fighting was almost exclusively seen in group-housed male mice. Approximately 14% of group-housed male cages were observed with fighting animals in brief behavioral observations, but only 14% of those cages with fighting had skin injuries observable from cage-side. Thus simple cage-side checks may be missing the majority of fighting mice. Housing system (the combination of cage ventilation and bedding type), genetic background, time of year, cage location on the rack, and rack orientation in the room were significant risk factors predicting fighting. Of these predictors, only bedding type is easily manipulated to mitigate fighting. Cage ventilation and rack orientation often cannot be changed in modern vivaria, as they are baked in by cookie-cutter architectural approaches to facility design. This study emphasizes the need to invest in assessing the welfare costs of new housing and husbandry systems before implementing them.
M1 Macrophage and M1/M2 ratio defined by transcriptomic signatures resemble only part of their conventional clinical characteristics in breast cancer
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Tokumaru Yoshihisa , Asaoka Mariko , Yan Li , Satyananda Vikas , Matsuyama Ryusei , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Futamura Manabu , Ishikawa Takashi , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Endo Itaru , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: October 2020

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in biology of various cancers, including breast cancer. In the current study, we defined “M1” macrophage and “M1”/“M2” ratio by transcriptomic signatures using xCell. We investigated the association between high level of “M1” macrophage or “M1”/“M2” ratio and the tumor immune microenvironment by analyzing the transcriptome of publicly available cohorts, TCGA and METABRIC. We found that “M1” high tumors were not associated with prolonged survival compared with “M1” low tumors, or with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. “M1” high tumors were associated with clinically aggressive features and “M1” high tumors enriched the cell proliferation and cell cycle related gene sets in GSEA. At the same time, “M1” high tumors were associated with high immune activity and favorable tumor immune microenvironment, as well as high expression of immune check point molecules. Strikingly, all these results were mirrored in “M1”/“M2” ratio high tumors. In conclusion, transcriptomically defined “M1” or “M1”/“M2” high tumors were associated with aggressive cancer biology and favorable tumor immune microenvironment but not with survival benefit, which resembled only part of their conventional clinical characteristics.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis suggested diverse functions of the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance-like (MSL) genes in cereal crops
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Taneja Mehak , Tyagi Shivi , Sharma Alok , Singh Kashmir , Upadhyay Santosh Kumar
Published: October 2020

Mechanosensitive ion channels are pore-forming transmembrane proteins that allow ions to move down their electrochemical gradient in response to mechanical stimuli. They participate in many plant developmental processes including the maintenance of plastid shape, pollen tube growth, etc. Herein, a total of 11, 10, 6, 30, 9, and 8 MSL genes were identified in Aegilops tauschii, Hordeum vulgare, Sorghum bicolor, Triticum aestivum, Triticum urartu, and Zea mays, respectively. These genes were located on various chromosomes of their respective cereal, while MSLs of T. urartu were found on scaffolds. The phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, and sequence homology suggested clustering of MSLs into two classes. These genes consisted of cis-regulatory elements related to growth and development, responsive to light, hormone, and stress. Differential expression of various MSL genes in tissue developmental stages and stress conditions revealed their precise role in development and stress responses. Altered expression during CaCl2 stress suggested their role in Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling. The co-expression analysis suggested their interactions with other genes involved in growth, defense responses etc. A comparative expression profiling of paralogous genes revealed either retention of function or pseudo-functionalization. The present study unfolded various characteristics of MSLs in cereals, which will facilitate their in-depth functional characterization in future studies.
Sofosbuvir terminated RNA is more resistant to SARS-CoV-2 proofreader than RNA terminated by Remdesivir
Authors: Jockusch Steffen , Tao Chuanjuan , Li Xiaoxu , Chien Minchen , Kumar Shiv , Morozova Irina , Kalachikov Sergey , Russo James J. , Ju Jingyue
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for COVID-19, resulting in the largest pandemic in over a hundred years. After examining the molecular structures and activities of hepatitis C viral inhibitors and comparing hepatitis C virus and coronavirus replication, we previously postulated that the FDA-approved hepatitis C drug EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) might inhibit SARS-CoV-2. We subsequently demonstrated that Sofosbuvir triphosphate is incorporated by the relatively low fidelity SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps), serving as an immediate polymerase reaction terminator, but not by a host-like high fidelity DNA polymerase. Other investigators have since demonstrated the ability of Sofosbuvir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung and brain cells; additionally, COVID-19 clinical trials with EPCLUSA and with Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir have been initiated in several countries. SARS-CoV-2 has an exonuclease-based proofreader to maintain the viral genome integrity. Any effective antiviral targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp must display a certain level of resistance to this proofreading activity. We report here that Sofosbuvir terminated RNA resists removal by the exonuclease to a substantially higher extent than RNA terminated by Remdesivir, another drug being used as a COVID-19 therapeutic. These results offer a molecular basis supporting the current use of Sofosbuvir in combination with other drugs in COVID-19 clinical trials.
Assessment of prognostic implication of a panel of oncogenes in bladder cancer and identification of a 3-gene signature associated with recurrence and progression risk in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Le Goux Constance , Vacher Sophie , Schnitzler Anne , Barry Delongchamps Nicolas , Zerbib Marc , Peyromaure Michael , Sibony Mathilde , Allory Yves , Bieche Ivan , Damotte Diane , Pignot Geraldine
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the prognostic value of a panel of 29 oncogenes derived from the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA data) or from the recent literature on bladder tumors on a well-characterized series of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and non-MIBC (NMIBC) samples and tried to identify molecular prognostic markers. Mutations of HRAS, FGFR3, PIK3CA and TERT were found in 2.9%, 27.2%, 14.9% and 76.7% of tumor samples, respectively. Concerning NMIBC, on multivariate analysis, RXRA and FGFR3 levels were associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.0022 and p = 0.0069) and RXRA level was associated with progression to muscle-invasive disease (p = 0.0068). We identified a 3-gene molecular signature associated with NMIBC prognosis. FGFR3 overexpression was associated with reduced response to Bacillus Calmette–Guerin treatment (p = 0.037). As regards MIBC, on multivariate analysis, ERCC2 overexpression was associated with RFS (p = 0.0011) and E2F3 and EGFR overexpression were associated with overall survival (p = 0.014 and p = 0.035). RT-PCR findings were confirmed by IHC for FGFR3. Genomic alterations in MIBC revealed in TCGA data also concern NMIBC and seem to be associated with prognosis in terms of recurrence and progression. Correcting these alterations by targeted therapies seems a promising pharmacological approach.