bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subduction of the Indian Plate and the Nature of the Crust Beneath Western Tibet: Insights From Seismic Imaging
Authors: Li Lun , Murphy Michael A. , Gao Rui
Published: August 2020

The northward extent of subducted Indian plate is a fundamental component of hypotheses explaining deformation and magmatism within the Tibetan Plateau. Yet, these aspects of the plate are debated in west Tibet. Here we report a new three‐dimensional lithospheric structure of seismic velocity and radial anisotropy under west Tibet constructed from Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity maps at periods of 20–167 and 20–125 s, respectively. Our results show the Indian lithospheric mantle to be subhorizontally subducted under west Tibet across the Bangong‐Nujiang suture to the Qiangtang terrane, as indicated by a prominent fast velocity anomaly accompanied with positive radial anisotropy (Vsh > Vsv). We find a positive spatial correlation of this result with information on the distribution of late Cenozoic potassic‐adakitic rocks in western Tibet. Additionally, we show that the midcrust of west Tibet is characterized by an anomalously low shear wave velocity (3.2–3.4 km/s at ~30‐km depth) and positive anisotropy, which is consistent with an estimated ~3% fraction of partial melt. We suggest that the midcrust of this region is capable of flowing and that its three‐dimensional structure shows it to extend south of the Karakoram fault (KKF), a shear zone interpreted as a barrier to crustal flow. Instead, our results are consistent with the KKF embedded in weak middle crust along with several other structures that display a pattern of distributed deformation in the western portion of the Tibetan Plateau.
Auxin-induced signaling protein nanoclustering contributes to cell polarity formation
Authors: Pan Xue , Fang Linjing , Liu Jianfeng , Senay-Aras Betul , Lin Wenwei , Zheng Shuan , Zhang Tong , Guo Jingzhe , Manor Uri , Van Norman Jaimie , Chen Weitao , Yang Zhenbiao
Published: August 2020

Cell polarity is fundamental to the development of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, yet the mechanisms behind its formation are not well understood. Here we found that, phytohormone auxin-induced, sterol-dependent nanoclustering of cell surface transmembrane receptor kinase 1 (TMK1) is critical for the formation of polarized domains at the plasma membrane (PM) during the morphogenesis of cotyledon pavement cells (PC) in Arabidopsis. Auxin-induced TMK1 nanoclustering stabilizes flotillin1-associated ordered nanodomains, which in turn promote the nanoclustering of ROP6 GTPase that acts downstream of TMK1 to regulate cortical microtubule organization. In turn, cortical microtubules further stabilize TMK1- and flotillin1-containing nanoclusters at the PM. Hence, we propose a new paradigm for polarity formation: A diffusive signal triggers cell polarization by promoting cell surface receptor-mediated nanoclustering of signaling components and cytoskeleton-mediated positive feedback that reinforces these nanodomains into polarized domains.
Nanoproteomics enables proteoform-resolved analysis of low-abundance proteins in human serum
Authors: Tiambeng Timothy N. , Roberts David S. , Brown Kyle A. , Zhu Yanlong , Chen Bifan , Wu Zhijie , Mitchell Stanford D. , Guardado-Alvarez Tania M. , Jin Song , Ge Ying
Published: August 2020

Top-down mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics provides a comprehensive analysis of proteoforms to achieve a proteome-wide understanding of protein functions. However, the MS detection of low-abundance proteins from blood remains an unsolved challenge due to the extraordinary dynamic range of the blood proteome. Here, we develop an integrated nanoproteomics method coupling peptide-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) with top-down MS for the enrichment and comprehensive analysis of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a gold-standard cardiac biomarker, directly from serum. These NPs enable the sensitive enrichment of cTnI (<1 ng/mL) with high specificity and reproducibility, while simultaneously depleting highly abundant proteins such as human serum albumin (>1010more abundant than cTnI). We demonstrate that top-down nanoproteomics can provide high-resolution proteoform-resolved molecular fingerprints of diverse cTnI proteoforms to establish proteoform-pathophysiology relationships. This scalable and reproducible antibody-free strategy can generally enable the proteoform-resolved analysis of low-abundance proteins directly from serum to reveal previously unachievable molecular details.
Immune phenotyping of diverse syngeneic murine brain tumors identifies immunologically distinct types
Authors: Khalsa Jasneet Kaur , Cheng Nina , Keegan Joshua , Chaudry Ameen , Driver Joseph , Bi Wenya Linda , Lederer James , Shah Khalid
Published: August 2020

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to treat cancer, however, its efficacy in highly malignant brain-tumors, glioblastomas (GBM), is limited. Here, we generate distinct imageable syngeneic mouse GBM-tumor models and utilize RNA-sequencing, CyTOF and correlative immunohistochemistry to assess immune-profiles in these models. We identify immunologically-inert and -active syngeneic-tumor types and show that inert tumors have an immune-suppressive phenotype with numerous exhausted CD8 T cells and resident macrophages; fewer eosinophils and SiglecF+ macrophages. To mimic the clinical-settings of first line of GBM-treatment, we show that tumor-resection invigorates an anti-tumor response via increasing T cells, activated microglia and SiglecF+ macrophages and decreasing resident macrophages. A comparative CyTOF analysis of resected-tumor samples from GBM-patients and mouse GBM-tumors show stark similarities in one of the mouse GBM-tumors tested. These findings guide informed choices for use of GBM models for immunotherapeutic interventions and offer a potential to facilitate immune-therapies in GBM patients.
Subwavelength pixelated CMOS color sensors based on anti-Hermitian metasurface
Authors: Smalley Joseph S. T. , Ren Xuexin , Lee Jeong Yub , Ko Woong , Joo Won-Jae , Park Hongkyu , Yang Sui , Wang Yuan , Lee Chang Seung , Choo Hyuck , Hwang Sungwoo , Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2020

The demand for essential pixel components with ever-decreasing size and enhanced performance is central to current optoelectronic applications, including imaging, sensing, photovoltaics and communications. The size of the pixels, however, are severely limited by the fundamental constraints of lightwave diffraction. Current development using transmissive filters and planar absorbing layers can shrink the pixel size, yet there are two major issues, optical and electrical crosstalk, that need to be addressed when the pixel dimension approaches wavelength scale. All these fundamental constraints preclude the continual reduction of pixel dimensions and enhanced performance. Here we demonstrate subwavelength scale color pixels in a CMOS compatible platform based on anti-Hermitian metasurfaces. In stark contrast to conventional pixels, spectral filtering is achieved through structural color rather than transmissive filters leading to simultaneously high color purity and quantum efficiency. As a result, this subwavelength anti-Hermitian metasurface sensor, over 28,000 pixels, is able to sort three colors over a 100 nm bandwidth in the visible regime, independently of the polarization of normally-incident light. Furthermore, the quantum yield approaches that of commercial silicon photodiodes, with a responsivity exceeding 0.25 A/W for each channel. Our demonstration opens a new door to sub-wavelength pixelated CMOS sensors and promises future high-performance optoelectronic systems.
Kinetic prediction of reverse intersystem crossing in organic donor–acceptor molecules
Authors: Aizawa Naoya , Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi , Pu Yong-Jin
Published: August 2020

Reverse intersystem crossing (RISC), the uphill spin-flip process from a triplet to a singlet excited state, plays a key role in a wide range of photochemical applications. Understanding and predicting the kinetics of such processes in vastly different molecular structures would facilitate the rational material design. Here, we demonstrate a theoretical expression that successfully reproduces experimental RISC rate constants ranging over five orders of magnitude in twenty different molecules. We show that the spin flip occurs across the singlet–triplet crossing seam involving a higher-lying triplet excited state where the semi-classical Marcus parabola is no longer valid. The present model explains the counterintuitive substitution effects of bromine on the RISC rate constants of previously unknown molecules, providing a predictive tool for material design.
The natural function of the malaria parasite’s chloroquine resistance transporter
Authors: Shafik Sarah H. , Cobbold Simon A. , Barkat Kawthar , Richards Sashika N. , Lancaster Nicole S. , Llinás Manuel , Hogg Simon J. , Summers Robert L. , McConville Malcolm J. , Martin Rowena E.
Published: August 2020

ThePlasmodium falciparumchloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) is a key contributor to multidrug resistance and is also essential for the survival of the malaria parasite, yet its natural function remains unresolved. We identify host-derived peptides of 4-11 residues, varying in both charge and composition, as the substrates of PfCRT in vitro and in situ, and show that PfCRT does not mediate the non-specific transport of other metabolites and/or ions. We find that drug-resistance-conferring mutations reduce both the peptide transport capacity and substrate range of PfCRT, explaining the impaired fitness of drug-resistant parasites. Our results indicate that PfCRT transports peptides from the lumen of the parasite’s digestive vacuole to the cytosol, thereby providing a source of amino acids for parasite metabolism and preventing osmotic stress of this organelle. The resolution of PfCRT’s native substrates will aid the development of drugs that target PfCRT and/or restore the efficacy of existing antimalarials.
Adaptation to feedback representation of illusory orientation produced from flash grab effect
Authors: Ge Yijun , Zhou Hao , Qian Chencan , Zhang Peng , Wang Lan , He Sheng
Published: August 2020

Adaptation is a ubiquitous property of sensory systems. It is typically considered that neurons adapt to dominant energy in the ambient environment to function optimally. However, perceptual representation of the stimulus, often modulated by feedback signals, sometimes do not correspond to the input state of the stimulus, which tends to be more linked with feedforward signals. Here we investigated the relative contributions to cortical adaptation from feedforward and feedback signals, taking advantage of a visual illusion, the Flash-Grab Effect, to disassociate the feedforward and feedback representation of an adaptor. Results reveal that orientation adaptation is exclusively dependent on the perceived rather than the retinal orientation of the adaptor. Combined fMRI and EEG measurements demonstrate that the perceived orientation of the Flash-Grab Effect is indeed supported by feedback signals in the cortex. These findings highlight the important contribution of feedback signals for cortical neurons to recalibrate their sensitivity.
High-performance coherent optical modulators based on thin-film lithium niobate platform
Authors: Xu Mengyue , He Mingbo , Zhang Hongguang , Jian Jian , Pan Ying , Liu Xiaoyue , Chen Lifeng , Meng Xiangyu , Chen Hui , Li Zhaohui , Xiao Xi , Yu Shaohua , Yu Siyuan , Cai Xinlun
Published: August 2020

The coherent transmission technology using digital signal processing and advanced modulation formats, is bringing networks closer to the theoretical capacity limit of optical fibres, the Shannon limit. The in-phase/quadrature electro-optic modulator that encodes information on both the amplitude and the phase of light, is one of the underpinning devices for the coherent transmission technology. Ideally, such modulator should feature a low loss, low drive voltage, large bandwidth, low chirp and compact footprint. However, these requirements have been only met on separate occasions. Here, we demonstrate integrated thin-film lithium niobate in-phase/quadrature modulators that fulfil these requirements simultaneously. The presented devices exhibit greatly improved overall performance (half-wave voltage, bandwidth and optical loss) over traditional lithium niobate counterparts, and support modulation data rate up to 320 Gbit s−1. Our devices pave new routes for future high-speed, energy-efficient, and cost-effective communication networks.
Impact of spatial proximity on territoriality among human skin bacteria
Authors: Hernandez-Valdes Jhonatan A. , Zhou Lu , de Vries Marcel P. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: August 2020

Bacteria display social behavior and establish cooperative or competitive interactions in the niches they occupy. The human skin is a densely populated environment where many bacterial species live. Thus, bacterial inhabitants are expected to find a balance in these interactions, which eventually defines their spatial distribution and the composition of our skin microbiota. Unraveling the physiological basis of the interactions between bacterial species in organized environments requires reductionist analyses using functionally relevant species. Here, we study the interaction between two members of our skin microbiota, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. We show that B. subtilis actively responds to the presence of S. epidermidis in its proximity by two strategies: antimicrobial production and development of a subpopulation with migratory response. The initial response of B. subtilis is production of chlorotetain, which degrades the S. epidermidis at the colony level. Next, a subpopulation of B. subtilis motile cells emerges. Remarkably this subpopulation slides towards the remaining S. epidermidis colony and engulfs it. A slow response back from S. epidermidis cells give origin to resistant cells that prevent both attacks from B. subtilis. We hypothesized that this niche conquering and back-down response from B. subtilis and S. epidermidis, respectively, which resembles other conflicts in nature as the ones observed in animals, may play a role in defining the presence of certain bacterial species in the specific microenvironments that these bacteria occupy on our skin.
Investigating off-Hugoniot states using multi-layer ring-up targets
Authors: McGonegle D. , Heighway P. G. , Sliwa M. , Bolme C. A. , Comley A. J. , Dresselhaus-Marais L. E. , Higginbotham A. , Poole A. J. , McBride E. E. , Nagler B. , Nam I. , Seaberg M. H. , Remington B. A. , Rudd R. E. , Wehrenberg C. E. , Wark J. S.
Published: August 2020

Laser compression has long been used as a method to study solids at high pressure. This is commonly achieved by sandwiching a sample between two diamond anvils and using a ramped laser pulse to slowly compress the sample, while keeping it cool enough to stay below the melt curve. We demonstrate a different approach, using a multilayer ‘ring-up’ target whereby laser-ablation pressure compresses Pb up to 150 GPa while keeping it solid, over two times as high in pressure than where it would shock melt on the Hugoniot. We find that the efficiency of this approach compares favourably with the commonly used diamond sandwich technique and could be important for new facilities located at XFELs and synchrotrons which often have higher repetition rate, lower energy lasers which limits the achievable pressures that can be reached.
Publisher Correction: A New Landscape of Multiple Dispersion Kinks in a High-Tc Cuprate Superconductor
Authors: Anzai H. , Arita M. , Namatame H. , Taniguchi M. , Ishikado M. , Fujita K. , Ishida S. , Uchida S. , Ino A.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Marine alkaloid monanchoxymycalin C: a new specific activator of JNK1/2 kinase with anticancer properties
Authors: Dyshlovoy Sergey A. , Kaune Moritz , Kriegs Malte , Hauschild Jessica , Busenbender Tobias , Shubina Larisa K. , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Hoffer Konstantin , Bokemeyer Carsten , Graefen Markus , Stonik Valentin A. , von Amsberg Gunhild
Published: August 2020

Monanchoxymycalin C (MomC) is a new marine pentacyclic guanidine alkaloid, recently isolated from marine sponge Monanchora pulchra by us. Here, anticancer activity and mechanism of action was investigated for the first time using a human prostate cancer (PCa) model. MomC was active in all PCa cell lines at low micromolar concentrations and induced an unusual caspase-independent, non-apoptotic cell death. Kinase activity screening identified activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK1/2) to be one of the primary molecular mechanism of MomC anticancer activity. Functional assays demonstrated a specific and selective JNK1/2 activation prior to the induction of other cell death related processes. Inhibition of JNK1/2 by pretreatment with the JNK-inhibitor SP600125 antagonized cytotoxic activity of the marine compound. MomC caused an upregulation of cytotoxic ROS. However, in contrast to other ROS-inducing agents, co-treatment with PARP-inhibitor olaparib revealed antagonistic effects indicating an active PARP to be necessary for MomC activity. Interestingly, although no direct regulation of p38 and ERK1/2 were detected, active p38 kinase was required for MomC efficacy, while the inhibition of ERK1/2 increased its cytotoxicity. In conclusion, MomC shows promising activity against PCa, which is exerted via JNK1/2 activation and non-apoptotic cell death.
Author Correction: Reliability of Total Grain-Size Distribution of Tephra Deposits
Authors: Pioli L. , Bonadonna C. , Pistolesi M.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Dominance of in situ produced particulate organic carbon in a subtropical reservoir inferred from carbon stable isotopes
Authors: Bueno Carolina de Castro , Frascareli Daniele , Gontijo Erik S. J. , van Geldern Robert , Rosa André H. , Friese Kurt , Barth Johannes A. C.
Published: August 2020

Sources of particulate organic carbon (POC) play important roles in aqueous carbon cycling because internal production can provide labile material that can easily be turned into CO2. On the other hand, more recalcitrant external POC inputs can cause increased loads to sedimentary organic matter that may ultimately cause CH4release. In order to differentiate sources, stable isotopes offer a useful tool. We present a study on the Itupararanga Reservoir (Brazil) where origins of POC were explored by comparing its isotope ratios (δ13CPOC) to those of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC). The δ13CPOCaveraged around − 25.1‰ in near-surface waters, which indicates higher primary production inferred from a fractionation model that takes into account carbon transfer with a combined evaluation of δ13CPOC,δ13CDICand aqueous CO2. However, δ13CPOCvalues for water depths from 3 to 15 m decreased to − 35.6‰ and indicated different carbon sources. Accordingly, the δ13CDICvalues of the reservoir averaged around + 0.6‰ in the top 3 m of the water column. This indicates CO2degassing and photosynthesis. Below this depth, DIC isotope values of as low as − 10.1‰ showed stronger influences of respiration. A fractionation model with both isotope parameters revealed that 24% of the POC in the reservoir originated from detritus outside the reservoir and 76% of it was produced internally by aqueous CO2fixation.
Dodecin as carrier protein for immunizations and bioengineering applications
Authors: Bourdeaux Florian , Kopp Yannick , Lautenschläger Julia , Gößner Ines , Besir Hüseyin , Vabulas R. Martin , Grininger Martin
Published: August 2020

In bioengineering, scaffold proteins have been increasingly used to recruit molecules to parts of a cell, or to enhance the efficacy of biosynthetic or signalling pathways. For example, scaffolds can be used to make weak or non-immunogenic small molecules immunogenic by attaching them to the scaffold, in this role called carrier. Here, we present the dodecin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mtDod) as a new scaffold protein. MtDod is a homododecameric complex of spherical shape, high stability and robust assembly, which allows the attachment of cargo at its surface. We show that mtDod, either directly loaded with cargo or equipped with domains for non-covalent and covalent loading of cargo, can be produced recombinantly in high quantity and quality in Escherichia coli. Fusions of mtDod with proteins of up to four times the size of mtDod, e.g. with monomeric superfolder green fluorescent protein creating a 437 kDa large dodecamer, were successfully purified, showing mtDod’s ability to function as recruitment hub. Further, mtDod equipped with SYNZIP and SpyCatcher domains for post-translational recruitment of cargo was prepared of which the mtDod/SpyCatcher system proved to be particularly useful. In a case study, we finally show that mtDod-peptide fusions allow producing antibodies against human heat shock proteins and the C-terminus of heat shock cognate 70 interacting protein (CHIP).
Distinct mandibular premolar crown morphology in Homo naledi and its implications for the evolution of Homo species in southern Africa
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Delezene Lucas K. , Gunz Philipp , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Berger Lee R. , Gidna Agness , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: August 2020

Homo naledidisplays a combination of features across the skeleton not found in any other hominin taxon, which has hindered attempts to determine its placement within the hominin clade. Using geometric morphometrics, we assess the morphology of the mandibular premolars of the species at the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ). Comparing with specimens ofParanthropus, AustralopithecusandHomo(n = 97), we find that theH. naledipremolars from the Dinaledi chamber consistently display a suite of traits (e.g., tall crown, well-developed P3and P4metaconid, strongly developed P3mesial marginal ridge, and a P3 > P4size relationship) that distinguish them from known hominin groups. Premolars from a second locality, the Lesedi Chamber, are consistent with this morphology. We also find that two specimens from South Africa, SK 96 (usually attributed toParanthropus) and Stw 80 (Homosp.), show similarities to the species, and we discuss a potential evolutionary link betweenH. nalediand hominins from Sterkfontein and Swartkrans.
Opposite response modes of NADW dynamics to obliquity forcing during the late Paleogene
Authors: Lee Hojun , Jo Kyoung-nam , Hyun Sangmin
Published: August 2020

Although the responses of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) is deeply connected to orbital rhythms, those under different tectonic and atmospheric boundary conditions remain unknown. Here, we report suborbitally resolved benthic foraminiferal stable isotope data from J-anomaly Ridge in the North Atlantic from ca. 26.4–26.0 Ma. Our results indicate that the formation of NADW during that time interval was increased during the obliquity-paced interglacial periods, similar to in the Plio-Pleistocene. During the late Oligocene, the interglacial poleward shifts of the stronger westerlies in the southern hemisphere, which occurred due to the higher thermal contrasts near the upper limit of the troposphere, reinforced the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and, in turn, the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). However, such a response mode in deep ocean circulation did not occur during the middle Eocene because of different tectonic boundary conditions and the immature states of the ACC. Instead, the middle Eocene interglacial conditions weakened the formation of the proto-type NADW due to less heat loss rate in high-latitude regions of the North Atlantic during high obliquity periods. Our findings highlight the different responses of deep ocean circulation to orbital forcing and show that climate feedbacks can be largely sensitive to boundary conditions.
Nano-synthesis of solid acid catalysts from waste-iron-filling for biodiesel production using high free fatty acid waste cooking oil
Authors: Ajala E. O. , Ajala M. A. , Ayinla I. K. , Sonusi A. D. , Fanodun S. E.
Published: August 2020

Waste-iron-filling (WIF) served as a precursor to synthesize α-$${\text{Fe}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{3}$$Fe2O3through the co-precipitation process. The α-$${\text{Fe}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{3}$$Fe2O3was converted to solid acid catalysts of RBC500, RBC700, and RBC900 by calcination with temperatures of 500, 700 and 900 °C respectively and afterwards sulfonated. Among the various techniques employed to characterize the catalysts is Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Performance of the catalysts was also investigated for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil (WCO) of 6.1% free fatty acid. The XRD reveals that each of the catalysts composed of Al–$${\text{Fe}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{3} /{\text{SO}}_{4}$$Fe2O3/SO4. While the FT-IR confirmed acid loading by the presence of$${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$SO42-groups. The RBC500, RBC700, and RBC900 possessed suitable morphology with an average particle size of 259.6, 169.5 and 95.62 nm respectively. The RBC500, RBC700, and RBC900 achieved biodiesel yield of 87, 90 and 92% respectively, at the process conditions of 3 h reaction time, 12:1 MeOH: WCO molar ratio, 6 wt% catalyst loading and 80 °C temperature. The catalysts showed the effectiveness and relative stability for WCO trans-esterification over 3 cycles. The novelty, therefore, is the synthesis of nano-solid acid catalyst from WIF, which is cheaper and could serve as an alternative source for the ferric compound.
Kdr genotyping in Aedes aegypti from Brazil on a nation-wide scale from 2017 to 2018
Authors: Melo Costa Monique , Campos Kauara Brito , Brito Luiz Paulo , Roux Emmanuel , Melo Rodovalho Cynara , Bellinato Diogo Fernandes , Lima José Bento Pereira , Martins Ademir Jesus
Published: August 2020

Insecticide resistance is currently a threat to the control of Aedes agypti, the main vector of arboviruses in urban centers. Mutations in the voltage gated sodium channel (NaV), known as kdr (knockdown resistance), constitute an important selection mechanism for resistance against pyrethroids. In the present study, we investigated the kdr distribution for the Val1016Ile and Phe1534Cys alterations in Ae. aegypti from 123 Brazilian municipalities, based on SNP genotyping assays in over 5,500 mosquitoes. The alleles NaVS (1016Val+ + 1534Phe+), NaVR1 (1016Val+ + 1534Cyskdr) and NaVR2 (1016Ilekdr + 1534Cyskdr) were consistently observed, whereas kdr alleles have rapidly spread and increased in frequency. NaVS was the less frequent allele, mostly found in Northeastern populations. The highest allelic frequencies were observed for NaVR1, especially in the North, which was fixed in one Amazonian population. The double kdr NaVR2 was more prevalent in the Central-west and South-eastern populations. We introduce the ‘kdr index’, which revealed significant spatial patterns highlighting two to three distinct Brazilian regions. The 410L kdr mutation was additionally evaluated in 25 localities, evidencing that it generally occurs in the NaVR2 allele. This nationwide screening of a genetic mechanism for insecticide resistance is an important indication on how pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti is evolving in Brazil.
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging of activated platelets allows noninvasive detection of early myocarditis in mice
Authors: Maier Alexander , Braig Moritz , Jakob Katharina , Bienert Thomas , Schäper Michaela , Merkle Annette , Wadle Carolin , Menza Marius , Neudorfer Irene , Bojti István , Stachon Peter , Duerschmied Daniel , Hilgendorf Ingo , Heidt Timo , Bode Christoph , Peter Karlheinz , Klingel Karin , von Elverfeldt Dominik , von zur Mühlen Constantin
Published: August 2020

MRI sensitivity for diagnosis and localization of early myocarditis is limited, although it is of central clinical interest. The aim of this project was to test a contrast agent targeting activated platelets consisting of microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO) conjugated to a single-chain antibody directed against ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS) of activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (= LIBS-MPIO). Myocarditis was induced by subcutaneous injection of an emulsion of porcine cardiac myosin and complete Freund’s adjuvant in mice. 3D 7 T in-vivo MRI showed focal signal effects in LIBS-MPIO injected mice 2 days after induction of myocarditis, whereas in control-MPIO injected mice no signal was detectable. Histology confirmed CD41-positive staining, indicating platelet involvement in myocarditis in mice as well as in human specimens with significantly higher LIBS-MPIO binding compared to control-MPIO in both species. Quantification of the myocardial MRI signal confirmed a signal decrease after LIBS-MPIO injection and significant less signal in comparison to control-MPIO injection. These data show, that platelets are involved in inflammation during the course of myocarditis in mice and humans. They can be imaged non-invasively with LIBS-MPIO by molecular MRI at an early time point of the inflammation in mice, which is a valuable approach for preclinical models and of interest for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Network science applied to forest megaplots: tropical tree species coexist in small-world networks
Authors: Schmid Julia Sabine , Taubert Franziska , Wiegand Thorsten , Sun I-Fang , Huth Andreas
Published: August 2020

Network analysis is an important tool to analyze the structure of complex systems such as tropical forests. Here, we infer spatial proximity networks in tropical forests by using network science. First, we focus on tree neighborhoods to derive spatial tree networks from forest inventory data. In a second step, we construct species networks to describe the potential for interactions between species. We find remarkably similar tree and species networks among tropical forests in Panama, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. Across these sites only 32 to 51% of all possible connections between species pairs were realized in the species networks. The species networks show the common small-world property and constant node degree distributions not yet described and explained by network science. Our application of network analysis to forest ecology provides a new approach in biodiversity research to quantify spatial neighborhood structures for better understanding interactions between tree species. Our analyses show that details of tree positions and sizes have no important influence on the detected network structures. This suggests existence of simple principles underlying the complex interactions in tropical forests.
Inaccurate offset restoration in total hip arthroplasty results in reduced range of motion
Authors: Weber Markus , Merle Christian , Nawabi Danyal H. , Dendorfer Sebastian , Grifka Joachim , Renkawitz Tobias
Published: August 2020

Offset restoration in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with postoperative range of motion (ROM) and gait kinematics. We aimed to research into the impact of high offset (HO) and standard stems on postoperative ROM. 121 patients received cementless THA through a minimally-invasive anterolateral approach. A 360° hip ROM analysis software calculated impingement-free hip movement based on postoperative 3D-CTs compared to ROM values necessary for activities of daily living (ADL). The same model was then run a second time after changing the stem geometry between standard and HO configuration with the implants in the same position. HO stems showed higher ROM for all directions between 4.6 and 8.9° (p < 0.001) compared with standard stems but with high interindividual variability. In the subgroup with HO stems for intraoperative offset restoration, the increase in ROM was even higher for all ROM directions with values between 6.1 and 14.4° (p < 0.001) compared to offset underrestoration with standard stems. Avoiding offset underrestoration resulted in a higher amount of patients of over 20% for each ROM direction that fulfilled the criteria for ADL (p < 0.001). In contrast, in patients with standard stems for offset restoration ROM did increase but not clinically relevant by offset overcorrection for all directions between 3.1 and 6.1° (p < 0.001). Offset overcorrection by replacing standard with HO stems improved ROM for ADL in a low number of patients below 10% (p > 0.03). Patient-individual restoration of offset is crucial for free ROM in THA. Both over and underrestoration of offset should be avoided.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of DCL, AGO and RDR gene families in Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Cui Dong-Li , Meng Jian-Yu , Ren Xiao-Yan , Yue Jing-Jing , Fu Hua-Ying , Huang Mei-Ting , Zhang Qing-Qi , Gao San-Ji
Published: August 2020

RNA silencing is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotic organisms to regulate gene expression. Argonaute (AGO), Dicer-like (DCL) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) proteins are critical components of RNA silencing, but how these gene families’ functions in sugarcane were largely unknown. Most stress-resistance genes in modern sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp.) were originated from wild species of Saccharum, for example S. spontaneum. Here, we used genome-wide analysis and a phylogenetic approach to identify four DCL, 21 AGO and 11 RDR genes in the S. spontaneum genome (termed SsDCL, SsAGO and SsRDR, respectively). Several genes, particularly some of the SsAGOs, appeared to have undergone tandem or segmental duplications events. RNA-sequencing data revealed that four SsAGO genes (SsAGO18c, SsAGO18b, SsAGO10e and SsAGO6b) and three SsRDR genes (SsRDR2b, SsRDR2d and SsRDR3) tended to have preferential expression in stem tissue, while SsRDR5 was preferentially expressed in leaves. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SsAGO10c, SsDCL2 and SsRDR6b expressions were strongly upregulated, whereas that of SsAGO18b, SsRDR1a, SsRDR2b/2d and SsRDR5 was significantly depressed in S. spontaneum plants exposed to PEG-induced dehydration stress or infected with Xanthomonas albilineans, causal agent of leaf scald disease of sugarcane, suggesting that these genes play important roles in responses of S. spontaneum to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Identification of the viral RNA promoter stem loop A (SLA)-binding site on Zika virus polymerase NS5
Authors: Bujalowski Paul J. , Bujalowski Wlodzimierz , Choi Kyung H.
Published: August 2020

Zika virus has recently emerged as an important human pathogen that has spread to more than 60 countries. Infection of a pregnant woman with Zika virus can cause severe brain malformations in the child such as microcephaly and other birth defects. Despite the medical importance of Zika virus infection, the mechanism of viral replication, a process commonly targeted by antiviral therapeutics, is not well understood. Stem-loop A (SLA), located in the 5′ untranslated region of the viral genome, acts as a promotor for viral replication and thus is critical for recognition of the viral genome by the viral polymerase NS5. However, how NS5 engages SLA is not clear. We have quantitatively examined the intrinsic affinities between Zika virus SLA and NS5, and identified the SLA-binding site on NS5. Amino acid substitutions in the thumb subdomain of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the methyltransferase (MTase) domain reduced SLA-binding affinity, indicating that they each are part of the SLA-binding site. Furthermore, stopped-flow kinetic analysis of Zika NS5-, RdRp- and MTase–SLA interactions identified distinct intermediates during NS5 and SLA complex formation. These data suggest a model for SLA recognition and the initiation of flaviviral replication by NS5.
Pozzolanic activity of kaolins containing aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Tchamo Leussa Claudia Charlotte , Libessart Laurent , Djelal Chafika , Njiomou Djangang Chantale , Elimbi Antoine
Published: August 2020

The addition of 10 wt% aluminum hydroxide to two crude kaolinitic clays, a commercial and a natural freshly mined one, has enhanced their pozzolanic activity, more substantially in the natural sample containing gibbsite. The obtained blends were used as replacement of 20 wt% of Portland cement in the formulations of pastes and mortars which exhibited significant decrease of setting time and increase of compressive strength from early age to 28 days. Also, SEM/EDX analyses showed very heterogeneous structures with hydrated phases identified from XRD. Specific interpretation of the role played by aluminum hydroxide revealed its aptitude to promote the formation of metastable hydrated phases (CAH10/C2AH8) at early age, which temporally inhibited the hydration of cement. This progressive transformation led to the formation of more stable hydrated phases such as C–A–S–H which favored the increase of mechanical strength of the specimens. The sequence of transformation reactions is fully obtained with limited aluminum hydroxide content in clays. Either added as synthetic or naturally occurring in clays, aluminum hydroxide has close role in the strengthening process of cement. Hence, kaolinitic clays that naturally contain gibbsite are suggested as suitable supplementary cementitious material for partial replacement of cement.
Textile-based supercapacitors for flexible and wearable electronic applications
Authors: Sundriyal Poonam , Bhattacharya Shantanu
Published: August 2020

Electronic textiles have garnered significant attention as smart technology for next-generation wearable electronic devices. The existing power sources lack compatibility with wearable devices due to their limited flexibility, high cost, and environment unfriendliness. In this work, we demonstrate bamboo fabric as a sustainable substrate for developing supercapacitor devices which can easily integrate to wearable electronics. The work demonstrates a replicable printing process wherein different metal oxide inks are directly printed over bamboo fabric substrates. The MnO2–NiCo2O4is used as a positive electrode, rGO as a negative electrode, and LiCl/PVA gel as a solid-state electrolyte over the bamboo fabrics for the development of battery-supercapacitor hybrid device. The textile-based MnO2–NiCo2O4//rGO asymmetric supercapacitor displays excellent electrochemical performance with an overall high areal capacitance of 2.12 F/cm2(1,766 F/g) at a current density of 2 mA/cm2, the excellent energy density of 37.8 mW/cm3, a maximum power density of 2,678.4 mW/cm3and good cycle life. Notably, the supercapacitor maintains its electrochemical performance under different mechanical deformation conditions, demonstrating its excellent flexibility and high mechanical strength. The proposed strategy is beneficial for the development of sustainable electronic textiles for wearable electronic applications.
Association between displacement and thickness of macula after vitrectomy in eyes with epiretinal membrane
Authors: Momota Ayana , Iwase Takeshi , Akahori Tomohiko , Goto Kensuke , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to determine the relationship between the retinal displacements and the retinal thickness in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. To accomplish this, we measured the retinal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the retinal displacement using OCT angiography to obtain 3 mm × 3 mm en face images before, and 2, 4, and 8 weeks following the surgery from 20 eyes of 20 patients. The distance between the retinal vessel bifurcations and the fovea was significantly displaced centrifugally and asymmetrically in the 4 quadrants postoperatively (P < 0.001). The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was significantly enlarged, and the central foveal thickness (CFT) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness were significantly thinner postoperatively. The displacements were significantly correlated with the changes in the FAZ area (r = 0.717, P < 0.001), the CFT (r = − 0.702, P < 0.001), and the INL thickness (r = − 0.702, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the distance between the retinal bifurcations and the fovea was asymmetrically expanded after the surgery and was significantly correlated with the morphological changes. These results indicate that a horizontal macular contraction is correlated with vertical retinal contraction in the eyes with an ERM.
Diagnostic benefits of adding EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to the QuantiFERON Gold In-tube antigen combination
Authors: Villar-Hernández R. , Blauenfeldt T. , García-García E. , Muriel-Moreno B. , De Souza-Galvão M. L. , Millet J. P. , Sabriá F. , Sánchez-Montalvá A. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Pilarte J. , Jiménez M. A. , Centeno C. , Martos C. , Molina-Pinargote I. , González-Díaz Y. D. , Santiago J. , Cantos A. , Casas I. , Guerola R. M. , Prat C. , Andersen P. , Latorre I. , Ruhwald M. , Domínguez J.
Published: August 2020

Interferon (IFN)-γ release assays (IGRAs) are used to diagnose latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI). To improve the accuracy of these tests, different approaches, such as alternative cytokine detection and using different antigens, are considered. Following this purpose, this study aims to evaluate the addition of EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to those present in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFN-G-IT). We included 115 subjects: 74 active TB patients, 17 LTBI individuals and 24 healthy controls. Whole blood samples were collected in QFN-G-IT and in-house tubes containing different combinations of EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B, together with ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7. After overnight incubation at 37 ºC, plasma was harvested and IFN-γ quantified. IFN-γ levels in the QFN-G-IT and in-house tubes correlated very good (Spearman Rho(r) > 0.86). In-house antigen combinations distinguished healthy individuals from those with active TB and LTBI (specificities and sensitivities higher than 87.5% and 96.3%, respectively [AUC > 0.938]). Adding EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B, increased the sensitivity of the test, being the addition of EspC and Rv2348-B the combination that yielded a higher sensitivity with no specificity loss. Addition of these antigens could improve diagnosis in patients with impaired or immature immune response who are at high risk of developing TB.
Heavy metals in commercial fish and seafood products and risk assessment in adult population in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Djedjibegovic Jasmina , Marjanovic A. , Tahirovic D. , Caklovica K. , Turalic A. , Lugusic A. , Omeragic E. , Sober M. , Caklovica F.
Published: August 2020

This work investigates the level of exposure to cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) via fish and seafood products in adult population in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Metals content was determined in seven commercial species of fish and seafood products widely available and consumed in BiH. Analysis of Cd and Pb was performed by GFAAS (Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry), and analysis of Hg by FIAS AAS (flow injection cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry) in accredited laboratory for food analysis. The health risk was determined by the estimated weekly intake, hazard index, target hazard quotients, and percent of tolerable weekly intake or percent of benchmark dose lower confidence limit. Concentration above the maximum residue level (MRL) set in the European Union was found in only one sample (Hg in mackerel). Cd content was generally high in squid, approaching the corresponding MRL in two samples. The hazard index was close to 1 in bluefin tuna and mackerel, mostly due to Hg content. These two fish species should be consumed in moderation, especially by pregnant women. While consumption of various fish and seafood on average is not of significant concern, health risk could not be ruled out for high consumers.
Quasi-probability information in a coupled two-qubit system interacting non-linearly with a coherent cavity under intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Baset A. , Eleuch Hichem
Published: August 2020

We explore the phase space quantum effects, quantum coherence and non-classicality, for two coupled identical qubits with intrinsic decoherence. The two qubits are in a nonlinear interaction with a quantum field via an intensity-dependent coupling. We investigate the non-classicality via the Wigner functions. We also study the phase space information and the quantum coherence via the Q-function, Wehrl density, and Wehrl entropy. It is found that the robustness of the non-classicality for the superposition of coherent states, is highly sensitive to the coupling constants. The phase space quantum information and the matter-light quantum coherence can be controlled by the two-qubit coupling, initial cavity-field and the intrinsic decoherence.
Differences in self-perceived general health, pain, and depression 1 to 5 years post-stroke related to work status at 1 year
Authors: Westerlind Emma , Persson Hanna C. , Palstam Annie , Eriksson Marie , Norrving Bo , Sunnerhagen Katharina S.
Published: August 2020

Stroke is one of the most common diseases and has several potential consequences, such as psychological problems and pain. Return to work (RTW) after stroke in working-age individuals is incomplete. The present study aimed to investigate differences in self-perceived general health, pain, and depression between 1 and 5 years post-stroke related to RTW status. The study was nationwide, registry-based and the study population (n = 398) consisted of working-age people who had a stroke in 2011 and participated in 1-year and 5-year follow-up questionnaire surveys. Shift analyses with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and logistic regression were used. RTW within the first year post-stroke was associated with better self-perceived general health, less pain, and less depression both at 1 and 5 years post-stroke, compared with the no-RTW group. However, the RTW group had significant deterioration in general health and pain between 1 and 5 years, while the no-RTW group had no significant change. RTW was a significant predictor of lower odds of improvement in general health and pain between 1 and 5 years. This emphasizes the need for continued follow-up and support to ensure a balance between work and health for RTW individuals after stroke.
Solar irradiation on the rear surface of bifacial solar modules: a modeling approach
Authors: Durusoy Beyza , Ozden Talat , Akinoglu Bulent G.
Published: August 2020

The transition in the energy sector has started with the growing population leading to the growing energy demands. The use of photovoltaic (PV) technologies has become a crucial way to meet energy demand. There are many ongoing studies for increasing the efficiency of commercial PV modules. One way to increase the energy yield of the PV modules is to use bifacial solar panels by capturing the rear side illumination as well. One of the challenges for estimating the bifacial module performances is to calculate the solar irradiation impinging on the rear side. Many models presented up to now require high computational power, and they are challenging to implement real-life conditions. In this paper, a simple physical modeling approach is presented to calculate the rear side solar irradiation incident on the bifacial modules. For the rear side irradiance estimation, the maximum difference between the measured and calculated rear side irradiance value is approximately 10 W/m2. The model does not require high computational skills since it is neither focused on the view factor nor ray tracing methodologies but instead uses solar geometry. The yield of the module is also modeled, calculated, and compared with the measurements.