bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EMOTIONS OF MEDEA: AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: Sanders Ed
Published: March 2021

Ancient Greek and Roman emotions have become a field of increasing academic interest over the last few decades. We can particularly refer to such formative scholars in the field as David Konstan, Douglas Cairns, Robert Kaster, and more recently Angelos Chaniotis – though the cast list goes much wider. Early interest in emotions prevalent across classical genres, such as shame, anger, pity, envy/jealousy, and erôs (erotic love, desire), has more recently expanded to include more peripheral emotions such as forgiveness, remorse, and disgust. A number of studies, too, have focused on specific genres. This research has been conducted against a background of much wider interest in emotion studies in fields as diverse as neuroscience, cognitive psychology, anthropology, medicine, philosophy, jurisprudence, history, literary studies, and the performing arts. Many publications by Classicists have demonstrated awareness of this wider body of research, and some of them directly incorporate theoretical findings – particularly from cognitive psychology, but from other disciplines too – into exploration of classical texts and other media.
Roman History
Authors: Corke-Webster James
Published: March 2021

A bumper edition this time, by way of apology for COVID-necessitated absenteeism in the autumn issue. The focus is on three pillars of social history – the economy (stupid), law, and religion. First up is Saskia Roselaar's second monograph, Italy's Economic Revolution. Roselaar sets out to trace the contribution made by economics to Italy's integration in the Roman Republic, focusing on the period after the ‘conquest’ of Italy (post 268 bce). Doing so necessitates two distinct steps: assessing, first, how economic contacts developed in this period, and second, whether and to what extent those contacts furthered the wider unification of Italy under Roman hegemony. Roselaar is influenced by New Institutional Economics (hereafter NIE), now ubiquitous in studies of the ancient economy. Her title may be an homage to Philip Kay's Rome's Economic Revolution, but the book itself is a challenge to that work, which in Roselaar's view neglects almost entirely the agency of the Italians in the period's economic transformation. For Roselaar, the Italians were as much the drivers of change as the Romans; indeed, it is this repeated conviction that unifies her chapters.
Site, programme, and tectonic expression: Hua Li’s Xinzhai Coffee House
Authors: Wang Jun-Yang
Published: March 2021

In contemporary Chinese architectural culture, Hua Li’s work stands out as a phenomenon. His architecture demonstrates little in the way of formalistic eccentricities, cultural symbolism, or indeed the ‘Chineseness’ that some others seek to pursue. Instead, what interests the architect is, most of all, the quality of material, construction, space, and place [1].
Long‐Term Variability and Tendencies in Non‐Migrating Diurnal Tide From WACCM6 Simulations During 1850–2014
Authors: Ramesh K. , Smith Anne K.
Published: March 2021

This study reports the long‐term variability and tendencies in important non‐migrating (DE3, DW2, DW3) and stationary (DS0) diurnal tides using a three‐member ensemble of historical simulations of National Center for Atmospheric Research Whole Atmospheric Community Climate Model latest version 6 for 1850–2014 (165 years). The climatological features of the tide in temperature (T), zonal wind (U) and meridional wind (V) are presented for equinoxes/solstices and winter/summer. The response due to solar cycle (SC), quasi biennial oscillation at 10 hPa and 30 hPa, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ozone depleting substances (ODS), carbon dioxide (CO2), and stratospheric sulfate aerosol (volcanic eruptions) to change in tidal amplitudes with respect to 1850–1860 are analyzed using multiple linear regression. The annual mean amplitudes increase in the upper mesosphere and lowermost thermosphere (0.0001–0.01 hPa) in the three components predominantly due to increasing CO2 and the ODSs play secondary role. However, the increasing trends are not pronounced until 1950 in the case of DE3 and DW3 amplitudes. The contribution due to ENSO shows decreasing trend in DE3, DW2, and DW3 while it causes increasing trends for DS0. Furthermore, the seasonal and latitude‐pressure variations of the tidal responses to the above seven indices are presented in T and V. All the responses, except for the solar signal, are significant mostly in the upper mesosphere and lowermost thermosphere typically at equatorial/low latitudes.
Surgical procedures suppress autophagic flux in the kidney
Authors: Brown Carolyn N. , Atwood Daniel , Pokhrel Deepak , Holditch Sara J. , Altmann Christopher , Skrypnyk Nataliya I. , Bourne Jennifer , Klawitter Jelena , Blaine Judith , Faubel Sarah , Thorburn Andrew , Edelstein Charles L.
Published: March 2021

Many surgical models are used to study kidney and other diseases in mice, yet the effects of the surgical procedure itself on the kidney and other tissues have not been elucidated. In the present study, we found that both sham surgery and unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), which is used as a model of renal compensatory hypertrophy, in mice resulted in increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) in the remaining kidney. mTORC1 is known to regulate lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Genes associated with lysosomal biogenesis and function were decreased in sham surgery and UNX kidneys. In both sham surgery and UNX, there was suppressed autophagic flux in the kidney as indicated by the lack of an increase in LC3-II or autophagosomes seen on immunoblot, IF and EM after bafilomycin A1 administration and a concomitant increase in p62, a marker of autophagic cargo. There was a massive increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are known to activate ERK1/2, in the serum after sham surgery and UNX. There was a large increase in ERK1/2 in sham surgery and UNX kidneys, which was blocked by the MEK1/2 inhibitor, trametinib. Trametinib also resulted in a significant decrease in p62. In summary, there was an intense systemic inflammatory response, an ERK-mediated increase in p62 and suppressed autophagic flux in the kidney after sham surgery and UNX. It is important that researchers are aware that changes in systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, ERK1/2 and autophagy can be caused by sham surgery as well as the kidney injury/disease itself.
Dual anisotropicity comprising 3D printed structures and magnetic nanoparticle assemblies: towards the promotion of mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Hu Ke , Yu Tingting , Tang Shijia , Xu Xueqin , Guo Zhaobin , Qian Jun , Cheng Yi , Zhao Yinyi , Yan Sen , Zhang Huijie , Wan Mengqi , Du Chunyue , Feng Yiwei , Liu Qi , Gu Zhuxiao , Chen Bo , Zhang Feimin , Gu Ning
Published: March 2021

Leveraging physical factors in cellular microenvironments to promote adipose tissue-derived stem cell (ADSC) osteogenic differentiation has emerged as a new strategy in the development of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Anisotropicity is one of those factors of interest; however, the utilization of anisotropicity to promote ADSC osteogenic differentiation is still not efficient. In this study, we designed a substrate with a dual anisotropic structure fabricated via a combination of 3D printing and magnetic field-induced magnetic nanoparticle assembly techniques. These dual anisotropic structures have a scale hierarchy, and the scale of the magnetic nanoparticle assemblies matches that of a single ADSC. This is in contrast to conventional anisotropic osteogenic induction scaffolds that have anisotropic structures at only one scale and at an order of magnitude different from single ADSCs. ADSCs cultured on substrates with such structures have significantly higher osteogenic marker expression, e.g., ALP, at both the protein and mRNA levels, and more calcium nodule formation was also found, suggesting a stronger tendency toward osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. RNA-seq data revealed that alterations in kinase signaling pathway transduction, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal reconstruction may account for the elevated osteogenic induction capacity. These data support our hypothesis that such a structure could maximize the anisotropicity that ADSCs can sense and therefore promote ADSC osteogenic differentiation.
Mixing indistinguishable systems leads to a quantum Gibbs paradox
Authors: Yadin Benjamin , Morris Benjamin , Adesso Gerardo
Published: March 2021

The classical Gibbs paradox concerns the entropy change upon mixing two gases. Whether an observer assigns an entropy increase to the process depends on their ability to distinguish the gases. A resolution is that an “ignorant” observer, who cannot distinguish the gases, has no way of extracting work by mixing them. Moving the thought experiment into the quantum realm, we reveal new and surprising behaviour: the ignorant observer can extract work from mixing different gases, even if the gases cannot be directly distinguished. Moreover, in the macroscopic limit, the quantum case diverges from the classical ideal gas: as much work can be extracted as if the gases were fully distinguishable. We show that the ignorant observer assigns more microstates to the system than found by naive counting in semiclassical statistical mechanics. This demonstrates the importance of accounting for the level of knowledge of an observer, and its implications for genuinely quantum modifications to thermodynamics.
Persistence of viral RNA in lymph nodes in ART-suppressed SIV/SHIV-infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Cadena Anthony M. , Ventura John D. , Abbink Peter , Borducchi Erica N. , Tuyishime Hubert , Mercado Noe B. , Walker-Sperling Victoria , Siamatu Mazuba , Liu Po-Ting , Chandrashekar Abishek , Nkolola Joseph P. , McMahan Katherine , Kordana Nicole , Hamza Venous , Bondzie Esther A. , Fray Emily , Kumar Mithra , Fischinger Stephanie , Shin Sally A. , Lewis Mark G. , Siliciano Robert F. , Alter Galit , Barouch Dan H.
Published: March 2021

The establishment of a long-lived viral reservoir is the key obstacle for achieving an HIV-1 cure. However, the anatomic, virologic, and immunologic features of the viral reservoir in tissues during antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain poorly understood. Here we present a comprehensive necroscopic analysis of the SIV/SHIV viral reservoir in multiple lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues from SIV/SHIV-infected rhesus macaques suppressed with ART for one year. Viral DNA is observed broadly in multiple tissues and is comparable in animals that had initiated ART at week 1 or week 52 of infection. In contrast, viral RNA is restricted primarily to lymph nodes. Ongoing viral RNA transcription is not the result of unsuppressed viral replication, as single-genome amplification and subsequent phylogenetic analysis do not show evidence of viral evolution. Gag-specific CD8+ T cell responses are predominantly observed in secondary lymphoid organs in animals chronically infected prior to ART and these responses are dominated by CD69+ populations. Overall, we observe that the viral reservoir in rhesus macaques is widely distributed across multiple tissue sites and that lymphoid tissues act as a site of persistent viral RNA transcription under conditions of long-term ART suppression.
Identification of CD318, TSPAN8 and CD66c as target candidates for CAR T cell based immunotherapy of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Schäfer Daniel , Tomiuk Stefan , Küster Laura N. , Rawashdeh Wa’el Al , Henze Janina , Tischler-Höhle German , Agorku David J. , Brauner Janina , Linnartz Cathrin , Lock Dominik , Kaiser Andrew , Herbel Christoph , Eckardt Dominik , Lamorte Melina , Lenhard Dorothee , Schüler Julia , Ströbel Philipp , Missbach-Guentner Jeannine , Pinkert-Leetsch Diana , Alves Frauke , Bosio Andreas , Hardt Olaf
Published: March 2021

A major roadblock prohibiting effective cellular immunotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the lack of suitable tumor-specific antigens. To address this challenge, here we combine flow cytometry screenings, bioinformatic expression analyses and a cyclic immunofluorescence platform. We identify CLA, CD66c, CD318 and TSPAN8 as target candidates among 371 antigens and generate 32 CARs specific for these molecules. CAR T cell activity is evaluated in vitro based on target cell lysis, T cell activation and cytokine release. Promising constructs are evaluated in vivo. CAR T cells specific for CD66c, CD318 and TSPAN8 demonstrate efficacies ranging from stabilized disease to complete tumor eradication with CD318 followed by TSPAN8 being the most promising candidates for clinical translation based on functionality and predicted safety profiles. This study reveals potential target candidates for CAR T cell based immunotherapy of PDAC together with a functional set of CAR constructs specific for these molecules.
Endogenous aldehyde accumulation generates genotoxicity and exhaled biomarkers in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Antonowicz Stefan , Bodai Zsolt , Wiggins Tom , Markar Sheraz R. , Boshier Piers R. , Goh Yan Mei , Adam Mina E. , Lu Haonan , Kudo Hiromi , Rosini Francesca , Goldin Robert , Moralli Daniela , Green Catherine M. , Peters Chris J. , Habib Nagy , Gabra Hani , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , Takats Zoltan , Hanna George B.
Published: March 2021

Volatile aldehydes are enriched in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients’ breath and could improve early diagnosis, however the mechanisms of their production are unknown. Here, we show that weak aldehyde detoxification characterizes EAC, which is sufficient to cause endogenous aldehyde accumulation in vitro. Two aldehyde groups are significantly enriched in EAC biopsies and adjacent tissue: (i) short-chain alkanals, and (ii) medium-chain alkanals, including decanal. The short-chain alkanals form DNA-adducts, which demonstrates genotoxicity and confirms inadequate detoxification. Metformin, a putative aldehyde scavenger, reduces this toxicity. Tissue and breath concentrations of the medium-chain alkanal decanal are correlated, and increased decanal is linked to reduced ALDH3A2 expression, TP53 deletion, and adverse clinical features. Thus, we present a model for increased exhaled aldehydes based on endogenous accumulation from reduced detoxification, which also causes therapeutically actionable genotoxicity. These results support EAC early diagnosis trials using exhaled aldehyde analysis.
Author Correction: Potential health and economic impacts of dexamethasone treatment for patients with COVID-19
Authors: Águas Ricardo , Mahdi Adam , Shretta Rima , Horby Peter , Landray Martin , White Lisa ,   the CoMo Consortium, Arifi Fatima , Zhumalieva Chynar , Lubis Inke N. D. , Monteiro Antoninho Benjamin , Moldokmatova Ainura , Chen Siyu , Estebesova Aida , Hussain Mofakhar , Lata Dipti , Bakare Emmanuel A. , Getachew Biniam , Sahak Mohammad Nadir , Chanthavilay Phetsavanh , Nji Akindeh M. , Aung Yu Nandar , Hupert Nathaniel , Tun Sai Thein Than , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Sarin K. C. , Harsono Handoyo , Eybpoosh Sana , Coutinho Renato Mendes , Omoleke Semeeh A. , Nwosu Amen-Patrick , Luangasanatip Nantasit , Kutmanova Ainura , Dooronbekova Aizhan , Ximenes Antonio , Monteiro Merita , Celhay Olivier , Adib Keyrellous , Salim Amel H. , Yunanda Yuki , Fariba Mahnaz Hossain , Azzeri Amirah , Hancock Penny , Bekrizadeh Hakim , Saeedzai Sayed Ataullah , Alona Ivana , Mzumara Grace Wezi , Martins Joao , Herrera-Diestra Jose L. , Sharifi Hamid , Abdyldaev Talant , Jamshidi Babak , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Nasir Naima , Zaman Rashid U. , Obiesie Sopuruchukwu , Kraenkel Roberto A. , Letchford Nicholas , Alves Lucsendar Raimunda Fernandes , Adele Sandra , Suárez-Idueta Lorena , Advani Nicole , Marzouk Manar , Mabombo Viviana , Mukambetov Aibek , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Tbalasubramaniam Bpriya Lakshmy , de Colombi Nicole Feune , Niha Maria Angela Varela , Obando Francisco , Wattanasri Parinda , Saralamba Sompob , Shabaruddin Fatiha , Shimul Shafiun Nahin , Dahlui Maznah , Naidoo Reshania , Franco Caroline , Klein Michael G. , Kubatova Aisuluu , Jabin Nusrat , Kyaw Shwe Sin , Freitas Luzia Tomas , Pokharel Sunil , Ariana Proochista , Mercado Chris Erwin G. , Ibragimov Shamil , Medina John Robert C. , Namedre Mesulame
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22038-x.
The impact of mammographic screening on the subsequent breast cancer risk associated with biopsy-proven benign breast disease
Authors: Beca Francisco , Oh Hannah , Collins Laura C. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Schnitt Stuart J.
Published: March 2021

Data on the risk of breast cancer following a benign breast disease (BBD) diagnosis were derived predominantly from populations of women biopsied before the widespread use of mammographic screening and in whom these lesions were mostly incidental findings. Whether or not similar risk associations are seen when these lesions are detected in mammographically screened populations is unknown. To address this, we examined the variation in BBD and breast cancer risk associations by the calendar time of BBD diagnosis (pre- vs. post-mammography era [before vs. 1985 and after]) in a nested case–control study within the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII BBD subcohort (488 cases; 1908 controls). We performed logistic regression analysis, adjusting for matching factors and potential confounders, to estimate odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between BBD subtype (non-proliferative, proliferative without atypia, proliferative with atypical hyperplasia (AH)) and subsequent breast cancer risk. When compared with non-proliferative lesions, both proliferative lesions without atypia (PWA) and AHs were associated with similar levels of risk in the pre-mammographic (pre) and post-mammographic (post) time periods (PWA: OR [95% CI] = 1.73 [1.27, 2.36] pre vs. 1.12 [0.73, 1.74] post; AH: 4.41 [2.90, 6.70] pre vs. 3.69 [2.21, 6.15] post). The interaction by mammography era was not statistically significant (p-interaction = 0.47). These results suggest that the risk associations reported for BBD subtypes in the pre-mammography era remain valid for BBD detected after the widespread implementation of mammographic screening.
Water quality measurements in Buzzards Bay by the Buzzards Bay Coalition Baywatchers Program from 1992 to 2018
Authors: Jakuba Rachel W. , Williams Tony , Neill Christopher , Costa Joseph E. , McHorney Richard , Scott Lindsay , Howes Brian L. , Ducklow Hugh , Erickson Matthew , Rasmussen Mark
Published: March 2021

The Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Baywatchers Monitoring Program (Baywatchers) collected summertime water quality information at more than 150 stations around Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts from 1992 to 2018. Baywatchers documents nutrient-related water quality and the effects of nitrogen pollution. The large majority of stations are located in sub-estuaries of the main Bay, although stations in central Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound were added beginning in 2007. Measurements include temperature, salinity, Secchi depth and concentrations of dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrate + nitrite, total dissolved nitrogen, particulate organic nitrogen, particulate organic carbon, ortho-phosphate, chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, and in lower salinity waters, total phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon. The Baywatchers dataset provides a long-term record of the water quality of Buzzards Bay and its sub-estuaries. The data have been used to identify impaired waters, evaluate discharge permits, support the development of nitrogen total maximum daily loads, develop strategies for reducing nitrogen inputs, and increase public awareness and generate support for management actions to control nutrient pollution and improve water quality.
Variants in NEB and RIF1 genes on chr2q23 are associated with skeletal muscle index in Koreans: genome-wide association study
Authors: Yoon Kyung Jae , Yi Youbin , Do Jong Geol , Kim Hyung-Lae , Lee Yong-Taek , Kim Han-Na
Published: March 2021

Although skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in metabolism and influences aging and chronic diseases, little is known about the genetic variations with skeletal muscle, especially in the Asian population. We performed a genome-wide association study in 2,046 participants drawn from a population-based study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated based on appendicular lean soft tissue measured with a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer and divided by height squared to derive the skeletal muscle index (SMI). After conducting quality control and imputing the genotypes, we analyzed 6,391,983 autosomal SNPs. A genome-wide significant association was found for the intronic variant rs138684936 in the NEB and RIF1 genes (β = 0.217, p = 6.83 × 10–9). These two genes are next to each other and are partially overlapped on chr2q23. We conducted extensive functional annotations to gain insight into the directional biological implication of significant genetic variants. A gene-based analysis identified the significant TNFSF9 gene and confirmed the suggestive association of the NEB gene. Pathway analyses showed the significant association of regulation of multicellular organism growth gene-set and the suggestive associations of pathways related to skeletal system development or skeleton morphogenesis with SMI. In conclusion, we identified a new genetic locus on chromosome 2 for SMI with genome-wide significance. These results enhance the biological understanding of skeletal muscle mass and provide specific leads for functional experiments.
Distraction of attention by novel sounds in children declines fast
Authors: Wetzel Nicole , Widmann Andreas , Scharf Florian
Published: March 2021

New task-irrelevant sounds can distract attention. This study specifies the impact of stimulus novelty and of learning on attention control in three groups of children aged 6–7, 8, and 9–10 years and an adult control group. Participants (N = 179) were instructed to ignore a sound sequence including standard sounds and novel or repeated distractor sounds, while performing a visual categorization task. Distractor sounds impaired performance in children more than in adult controls, demonstrating the long-term development of attention control. Children, but not adults, were more distracted by novel than by repeated sounds, indicating increased sensitivity to novel information. Children, in particular younger children, were highly distracted during the first presentations of novel sounds compared to adults, while no age differences were observed for the last presentations. Results highlight the age-related impact of auditory novel information on attention and characterize the rapid development of attention control mechanisms as a function of age and exposure to irrelevant novel sounds.
Application of novel nanomagnetic metal–organic frameworks as a catalyst for the synthesis of new pyridines and 1,4-dihydropyridines via a cooperative vinylogous anomeric based oxidation
Authors: Sepehrmansourie Hassan , Zarei Mahmoud , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Babaee Saeed , Rostamnia Sadegh
Published: March 2021

Herein, a new magnetic metal–organic frameworks based on Fe3O4(NMMOFs) with porous and high surface area materials were synthesized. Then, NMMOFs were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, elemental mapping, energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), TG, DTG, VSM, and N2adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET). Fe3O4@Co(BDC)-NH2as a magnetic porous catalyst was applied for synthesis of novel fused pyridines and 1,4-dihydropyridines with pyrazole and pyrimidine moieties as suitable drug candidates under ultrasonic irradiation. The significant advantages of the presented methodology are mild, facile workup, high yields, short reaction times, high thermal stability, and reusability of the described NMMOFs catalyst.
The impact of FGF19/FGFR4 signaling inhibition in antitumor activity of multi-kinase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kanzaki Hiroaki , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Ao Junjie , Koroki Keisuke , Kanayama Kengo , Maruta Susumu , Maeda Takahiro , Kusakabe Yuko , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Kanogawa Naoya , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kondo Takayuki , Saito Tomoko , Nakagawa Ryo , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Suzuki Eiichiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Muroyama Ryosuke , Nakamoto Shingo , Yasui Shin , Tawada Akinobu , Arai Makoto , Kanda Tatsuo , Maruyama Hitoshi , Mimura Naoya , Kato Jun , Zen Yoh , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Iwama Atsushi , Kato Naoya
Published: March 2021

FGF19/FGFR4 autocrine signaling is one of the main targets for multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying FGF19/FGFR4 signaling in the antitumor effects to MKIs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, the impact of FGFR4/ERK signaling inhibition on HCC following MKI treatment was analyzed in vitro and in vivo assays. Serum FGF19 in HCC patients treated using MKIs, such as sorafenib (n = 173) and lenvatinib (n = 40), was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lenvatinib strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of FRS2 and ERK, the downstream signaling molecules of FGFR4, compared with sorafenib and regorafenib. Additional use of a selective FGFR4 inhibitor with sorafenib further suppressed FGFR4/ERK signaling and synergistically inhibited HCC cell growth in culture and xenograft subcutaneous tumors. Although serum FGF19high (n = 68) patients treated using sorafenib exhibited a significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival than FGF19low (n = 105) patients, there were no significant differences between FGF19high (n = 21) and FGF19low (n = 19) patients treated using lenvatinib. In conclusion, robust inhibition of FGF19/FGFR4 is of importance for the exertion of antitumor effects of MKIs. Serum FGF19 levels may function as a predictive marker for drug response and survival in HCC patients treated using sorafenib.
Concurrent visual working memory bias in sequential integration of approximate number
Authors: Kang Zhiqi , Spitzer Bernhard
Published: March 2021

Previous work has shown bidirectional crosstalk between Working Memory (WM) and perception such that the contents of WM can alter concurrent percepts and vice versa. Here, we examine WM-perception interactions in a new task setting. Participants judged the proportion of colored dots in a stream of visual displays while concurrently holding location- and color information in memory. Spatiotemporally resolved psychometrics disclosed a modulation of perceptual sensitivity consistent with a bias of visual spatial attention towards the memorized location. However, this effect was short-lived, suggesting that the visuospatial WM information was rapidly deprioritized during processing of new perceptual information. Independently, we observed robust bidirectional biases of categorical color judgments, in that perceptual decisions and mnemonic reports were attracted to each other. These biases occurred without reductions in overall perceptual sensitivity compared to control conditions without a concurrent WM load. The results conceptually replicate and extend previous findings in visual search and suggest that crosstalk between WM and perception can arise at multiple levels, from sensory-perceptual to decisional processing.
RNA-seq and GSEA identifies suppression of ligand-gated chloride efflux channels as the major gene pathway contributing to form deprivation myopia
Authors: Vocale Loretta Giummarra , Crewther Sheila , Riddell Nina , Hall Nathan E. , Murphy Melanie , Crewther David
Published: March 2021

Currently there is no consensus regarding the aetiology of the excessive ocular volume that characterizes high myopia. Thus, we aimed to test whether the gene pathways identified by gene set enrichment analysis of RNA-seq transcriptomics refutes the predictions of the Retinal Ion Driven Efflux (RIDE) hypothesis when applied to the induction of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and subsequent recovery (post-occluder removal). We found that the induction of profound FDM led to significant suppression in the ligand-gated chloride ion channel transport pathway via suppression of glycine, GABAA and GABAC ionotropic receptors. Post-occluder removal for short term recovery from FDM of 6 h and 24 h, induced significant upregulation of the gene families linked to cone receptor phototransduction, mitochondrial energy, and complement pathways. These findings support a model of form deprivation myopia as a Cl− ion driven adaptive fluid response to the modulation of the visual signal cascade by form deprivation that in turn affects the resultant ionic environment of the outer and inner retinal tissues, axial and vitreal elongation as predicted by the RIDE model. Occluder removal and return to normal light conditions led to return to more normal upregulation of phototransduction, slowed growth rate, refractive recovery and apparent return towards physiological homeostasis.
A centrifugal microfluidic cross-flow filtration platform to separate serum from whole blood for the detection of amphiphilic biomarkers
Authors: Lenz Kiersten D. , Jakhar Shailja , Chen Jing W. , Anderson Aaron S. , Purcell Dylan C. , Ishak Mohammad O. , Harris Jennifer F. , Akhadov Leyla E. , Kubicek-Sutherland Jessica Z. , Nath Pulak , Mukundan Harshini
Published: March 2021

The separation of biomarkers from blood is straightforward in most molecular biology laboratories. However, separation in resource-limited settings, allowing for the successful removal of biomarkers for diagnostic applications, is not always possible. The situation is further complicated by the need to separate hydrophobic signatures such as lipids from blood. Herein, we present a microfluidic device capable of centrifugal separation of serum from blood at the point of need with a system that is compatible with biomarkers that are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The cross-flow filtration device separates serum from blood as efficiently as traditional methods and retains amphiphilic biomarkers in serum for detection.
Decreasing concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols in China from 2003 to 2013
Authors: Cheng Yan , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G. , Zhou Jiamao , Liu Suixin , Cao Junji
Published: March 2021

Carbonaceous aerosols were characterized in 19 Chinese cities during winter and summer of 2013. Measurements of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) levels were compared with those from 14 corresponding cities sampled in 2003 to evaluate effects of emission changes over a decade. Average winter and summer OC and EC decreased by 32% and 17%, respectively, from 2003 to 2013, corresponding to nationwide emission control policies implemented since 2006. The extent of carbon reduction varied by season and by location. Larger reductions were found for secondary organic carbon (SOC, 49%) than primary organic carbon (POC, 25%). PM2.5 mass and total carbon concentrations were three to four times higher during winter than summer especially in the northern cities that use coal combustion for heating.
Metabolic consequences of obesity on the hypercoagulable state of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Diboun Ilhame , Elrayess Mohamed A. , Butler Alexandra E. , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: March 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women have a hypercoagulable state; however, whether this is intrinsically due to PCOS or, alternatively, a consequence of its metabolic complications is unclear. We determined plasma coagulation pathway protein levels in PCOS (n = 146) and control (n = 97) women recruited to a PCOS biobank. Circulating levels of a panel of 18 clotting pathway proteins were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer-scan plasma protein measurement. Cohorts were age matched, though PCOS had elevated body mass index (p < 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.0001). Eight pro-coagulation proteins were elevated in PCOS: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p < 0.0001), fibrinogen (p < 0.01), fibrinogen gamma chain (p < 0.0001), fibronectin (p < 0.01), von Willebrand factor (p < 0.05), D-dimer (p < 0.0001), P-selectin (p < 0.05), and plasma kallikrein (p < 0.001). However, two anticoagulant proteins, vitamin K-dependent protein-S (p < 0.0001) and heparin cofactor-II (p < 0.001) were elevated and prothrombin was decreased (p < 0.05). CRP, as a marker of inflammation, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) correlated with 11 and 6 of the clotting proteins, respectively (p < 0.05). When matched for BMI < 25 (16 PCOS, 53 controls) HOMA-IR remained elevated (p < 0.05) and heparin cofactor-II was increased (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis accounting for inflammation, insulin resistance and BMI, there was no correlation of PCOS with any of the coagulation proteins. The hypercoagulable state in PCOS is not intrinsic to the disease as it can be fully accounted for by BMI, inflammation and insulin resistance.
Structural characterization and duplication modes of pseudogenes in plants
Authors: Mascagni Flavia , Usai Gabriele , Cavallini Andrea , Porceddu Andrea
Published: March 2021

We identified and characterized the pseudogene complements of five plant species: four dicots (Arabidopsis thaliana, Vitis vinifera, Populus trichocarpa and Phaseolus vulgaris) and one monocot (Oryza sativa). Retroposition was considered of modest importance for pseudogene formation in all investigated species except V. vinifera, which showed an unusually high number of retro-pseudogenes in non coding genic regions. By using a pipeline for the classification of sequence duplicates in plant genomes, we compared the relative importance of whole genome, tandem, proximal, transposed and dispersed duplication modes in the pseudo and functional gene complements. Pseudogenes showed higher tendencies than functional genes to genomic dispersion. Dispersed pseudogenes were prevalently fragmented and showed high sequence divergence at flanking regions. On the contrary, those deriving from whole genome duplication were proportionally less than expected based on observations on functional loci and showed higher levels of flanking sequence conservation than dispersed pseudogenes. Pseudogenes deriving from tandem and proximal duplications were in excess compared to functional loci, probably reflecting the high evolutionary rate associated with these duplication modes in plant genomes. These data are compatible with high rates of sequence turnover at neutral sites and double strand break repairs mediated duplication mechanisms.
Individualized prediction of COVID-19 adverse outcomes with MLHO
Authors: Estiri Hossein , Strasser Zachary H. , Murphy Shawn N.
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the world with health and economic wreckage. Precise estimates of adverse outcomes from COVID-19 could have led to better allocation of healthcare resources and more efficient targeted preventive measures, including insight into prioritizing how to best distribute a vaccination. We developed MLHO (pronounced as melo), an end-to-end Machine Learning framework that leverages iterative feature and algorithm selection to predict Health Outcomes. MLHO implements iterative sequential representation mining, and feature and model selection, for predicting patient-level risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. It bases this prediction on data from patients’ past medical records (before their COVID-19 infection). MLHO’s architecture enables a parallel and outcome-oriented model calibration, in which different statistical learning algorithms and vectors of features are simultaneously tested to improve prediction of health outcomes. Using clinical and demographic data from a large cohort of over 13,000 COVID-19-positive patients, we modeled the four adverse outcomes utilizing about 600 features representing patients’ pre-COVID health records and demographics. The mean AUC ROC for mortality prediction was 0.91, while the prediction performance ranged between 0.80 and 0.81 for the ICU, hospitalization, and ventilation. We broadly describe the clusters of features that were utilized in modeling and their relative influence for predicting each outcome. Our results demonstrated that while demographic variables (namely age) are important predictors of adverse outcomes after a COVID-19 infection, the incorporation of the past clinical records are vital for a reliable prediction model. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds around the world, adaptable and interpretable machine learning frameworks (like MLHO) are crucial to improve our readiness for confronting the potential future waves of COVID-19, as well as other novel infectious diseases that may emerge.
An ecological niche shift for Neanderthal populations in Western Europe 70,000 years ago
Authors: Banks William E. , Moncel Marie-Hélène , Raynal Jean-Paul , Cobos Marlon E. , Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Woillez Marie-Noëlle , Faivre Jean-Philippe , Gravina Brad , d’Errico Francesco , Locht Jean-Luc , Santos Frédéric
Published: March 2021

Middle Paleolithic Neanderthal populations occupied Eurasia for at least 250,000 years prior to the arrival of anatomically modern humans. While a considerable body of archaeological research has focused on Neanderthal material culture and subsistence strategies, little attention has been paid to the relationship between regionally specific cultural trajectories and their associated existing fundamental ecological niches, nor to how the latter varied across periods of climatic variability. We examine the Middle Paleolithic archaeological record of a naturally constrained region of Western Europe between 82,000 and 60,000 years ago using ecological niche modeling methods. Evaluations of ecological niche estimations, in both geographic and environmental dimensions, indicate that 70,000 years ago the range of suitable habitats exploited by these Neanderthal populations contracted and shifted. These ecological niche dynamics are the result of groups continuing to occupy habitual territories that were characterized by new environmental conditions during Marine Isotope Stage 4. The development of original cultural adaptations permitted this territorial stability.
Acute toxicity assessment of polyaniline/Ag nanoparticles/graphene oxide quantum dots on Cypridopsis vidua and Artemia salina
Authors: Shokry Azza , Khalil Marwa , Ibrahim Hesham , Soliman Moataz , Ebrahim Shaker
Published: March 2021

Nanotoxicology is argued and considered one of the emerging topics. In this study, polyaniline (PANI)/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) capped silver nanoparticles (NPs)/graphene oxide (GO) quantum dots (QDs) nanocomposite (PANI/Ag (AMPSA)/GO QDs NC) as a nanoadsorbent has a potential for removal of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions from water. The acute toxicity of this NC was evaluated on Artemia salina and freshwater Ostracods (Cypridopsis vidua) larvae for 48 h. The measurements were made at 24 and 48 h with 3 repetitions. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of the NC were determined after the exposure of these organisms. According to the results of the optical microscope, it was found that both experimental organisms intake the NC. In the toxicity results of Ostracods, the NC had a highly toxic effect only at 250 mg/L after 48 h and the EC50 value was 157.6 ± 6.4 mg/L. For Artemia salina individuals, it was noted that they were less sensitive than the Ostracods and EC50 value was 476 ± 25.1 mg/L after 48 h. These results indicated that PANI/Ag (AMPSA)/GO QDs NC has low toxicity towards both investigated organisms.
Warming temperatures lead to reduced summer carbon sequestration in the U.S. Corn Belt
Authors: Yu Zhongjie , Griffis Timothy J. , Baker John M.
Published: March 2021

The response of highly productive croplands at northern mid-latitudes to climate change is a primary source of uncertainty in the global carbon cycle, and a concern for future food production. We present a decadal time series (2007 to 2019) of hourly CO2 concentration measured at a very tall tower in the United States Corn Belt. Analyses of this record, with other long-term data in the region, reveal that warming has had a positive impact on net CO2 uptake during the early crop growth stage, but has reduced net CO2 uptake in both croplands and natural ecosystems during the peak growing season. Future increase in summer temperature is projected to reduce annual CO2 sequestration in the Corn Belt by 10–20%. These findings highlight the dynamic control of warming on cropland CO2 exchange and crop yields and challenge the paradigm that warming will continue to favor CO2 sequestration in northern mid-latitude ecosystems.
A nanofluidic device for ultrasensitive and label-free detection of tetracycline in association with γ-cyclodextrin and GO
Authors: Cheng Jiaxi , Jiang Fenghua , Zhang Siqi
Published: March 2021

We develop a label-free, sensitive and selective nanochannel sensing platform for detection of TC. The nanosensor provided a low detection limit, a wide detection range and excellent recovery rate in different water samples.
Transition metal-based bimetallic MOFs and MOF-derived catalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Songsong , Gao Yangqin , Li Ning , Ge Lei , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: March 2021

The review summarizes transition metal-based bimetallic MOFs and their derived materials as electrocatalytic materials for the OER. The mechanisms of the OER as probed by DFT calculation andin situcharacterization techniques are also discussed.
Specific carbon/iodide interactions in electrochemical capacitors monitored by EQCM technique
Authors: Platek-Mielczarek Anetta , Frackowiak Elzbieta , Fic Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

This paper reports on the ion fluxes at the interfaces of various porous carbon electrodes/aqueous solutions of alkali metal cations (Na+, K+ and Rb+) and iodide anions, monitored by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM).
Synthesis, fabrication, and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes: a review
Authors: Barbhuiya Najmul Haque , Misra Utkarsh , Singh Swatantra P.
Published: March 2021

Synthesis and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes.
Linking optical spectra to free charges in donor/acceptor heterojunctions: cross-correlation of transient microwave and optical spectroscopy
Authors: Kang Hyun Suk , Peurifoy Samuel , Zhang Boyuan , Ferguson Andrew J. , Reid Obadiah G. , Nuckolls Colin , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2021

Quantitative cross-correlation of time-resolved spectroscopies in the visible/near-IR and microwave regions provides deeper understanding of photoinduced charge separation across donor/acceptor heterojunctions than either technique alone.
Electrochemical sensor based on the Mn3O4/CeO2nanocomposite with abundant oxygen vacancies for highly sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide released from living cells
Authors: Wu Yalin , Lu Liping , Yu Zhihui , Wang Xiayan
Published: March 2021

A novel electrochemical sensor based on the Mn3O4/CeO2for reliable determination of extracellular H2O2released from living cells was developed.
Pressure-driven spreadable deferoxamine-laden hydrogels for vascularized skin flaps
Authors: Wu Lijun , Gao Suyue , Zhao Tianlan , Tian Kai , Zheng Tingyu , Zhang Xiaoyi , Xiao Liying , Ding Zhaozhao , Lu Qiang , Kaplan David L.
Published: March 2021

Pressure-driven spreadable DFO-laden silk nanofiber hydrogels were developed to form coatings with a thickness of below 200 μm under skin flaps, to provide homogeneous angiogenic stimulation without physical barriers.
Synthesis of highly monodisperse Pd nanoparticles using a binary surfactant combination and sodium oleate as a reductant
Authors: Pekkari Anna , Wen Xin , Orrego-Hernández Jessica , da Silva Robson Rosa , Kondo Shun , Olsson Eva , Härelind Hanna , Moth-Poulsen Kasper
Published: March 2021

This study presents the synthesis of monodisperse Pd nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by sodium oleate (NaOL) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC).
Sodium insertion/extraction investigations into zinc ferrite nanospheres as a high performance anode material
Authors: Alshahrani Thamraa
Published: March 2021

Electrode materials with high fast charging and high capacity are urgently required for the realization of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
A general method for the synthesis of covalent and ionic amine borane complexes containing trinitromethyl fragments
Authors: Wang Jin , Ju Ming-Yue , Chen Xi-Meng , Chen Xuenian
Published: March 2021

A general approach has been developed through which five covalent and ionic amine borane complexes containing trinitromethyl fragments were synthesized.
Fast 3D-lithium-ion diffusion and high electronic conductivity of Li2MnSiO4 surfaces for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gurmesa Gamachis Sakata , Benti Natei Ermias , Chaka Mesfin Diro , Tiruye Girum Ayalneh , Zhang Qinfang , Mekonnen Yedilfana Setarge , Geffe Chernet Amente
Published: March 2021

The DFT analysis revealed fast 3D-lithium-ion diffusion pathways and high electronic conductivity in the Li2MnSiO4 surface, and thus paving the way for designing and developing efficient and low-cost rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis in different developmental stages ofEchinococcus granulosus
Authors: Li Xin , Jiang Song , Wang Xuhai , Hui Wenqiao , Jia Bin
Published: March 2021

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by infection with the larval stage of the cestodeEchinococcus granulosus, is a chronic zoonosis. The lifecycle of theE. granulosusparasite includes three consecutive stages that require specific gene regulation or protein expression to survive environmental shifts between definitive hosts and intermediate hosts. The aim of the present study is to screen and analyze the stage differential antigens to be considered for vaccine development againstE. granulosus. By using the iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) method, the differentially expressed proteins were selected from the three consecutive developmental stages ofE. granulosus: oncosphere, adult tapeworms, and protoscolex. Through a bioinformatics analysis including Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Gene Ontology (GO), and pathway metabolic annotation, we identified some proteins of interest from each stage. The results showed that a large number of differentially expressed proteins (375: oncosphere vs. adult, 346: oncosphere vs. protoscolex, and 391: adult vs. protoscolex) were identified from the three main lifecycle stages. Analysis of the differential protein pathways showed that these differential proteins are mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, Huntington’s diseases, Alzheimer’s diseases, and ribosome metabolic pathways. Interestingly, among these differential proteins, expression levels of paramyosin, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, cathepsin L1, cathepsin D, casein kinase, and calmodulin were significantly higher in the oncosphere than in the adult or protoscolex (p < 0.05). We hope our findings will help to identify potential targets for diagnosis or for therapeutic and prophylactic intervention.