bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) through preventive dental care and understanding of risk factors
Authors: Wan Jason T. , Sheeley Douglas M. , Somerman Martha J. , Lee Janice S.
Published: March 2020

It is well established that alterations in phosphate metabolism have a profound effect on hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. The present-day clinical form of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was preceded by phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, ca. 1860. The subsequent removal of yellow phosphorus from matches in the early 20th century saw a parallel decline in “phossy jaw” until the early 2000s, when similar reports of unusual jaw bone necrosis began to appear in the literature describing jaw necrosis in patients undergoing chemotherapy and concomitant steroid and bisphosphonate treatment. Today, the potential side effect of ONJ associated with medications that block osteoclast activity (antiresorptive) is well known, though the mechanism remains unclear and the management and outcomes are often unsatisfactory. Much of the existing literature has focused on the continuing concerns of appropriate use of bisphosphonates and other antiresorptive medications, the incomplete or underdeveloped research on ONJ, and the use of drugs with anabolic potential for treatment of osteoporosis. While recognizing that ONJ is a rare occurrence and ONJ-associated medications play an important role in fracture risk reduction in osteoporotic patients, evidence to date suggests that health care providers can lower the risk further by dental evaluations and care prior to initiating antiresorptive therapies and by monitoring dental health during and after treatment. This review describes the current clinical management guidelines for ONJ, the critical role of dental-medical management in mitigating risks, and the current understanding of the effects of predominantly osteoclast-modulating drugs on bone homeostasis.
TFEB-mediated lysosomal biogenesis and lysosomal drug sequestration confer resistance to MEK inhibition in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhao Ben , Dierichs Laura , Gu Jiang-Ning , Trajkovic-Arsic Marija , Axel Hilger Ralf , Savvatakis Konstantinos , Vega-Rubin-de-Celis Silvia , Liffers Sven-Thorsten , Peña-Llopis Samuel , Behrens Diana , Hahn Stephan , Siveke Jens T. , Lueong Smiths S.
Published: March 2020

Oncogenic KRAS mutations are encountered in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. MEK inhibition has failed to procure any clinical benefits in mutant RAS-driven cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To identify potential resistance mechanisms underlying MEK inhibitor (MEKi) resistance in PDAC, we investigated lysosomal drug accumulation in PDAC models both in vitro and in vivo. Mouse PDAC models and human PDAC cell lines as well as human PDAC xenografts treated with the MEK inhibitor trametinib or refametinib led to an enhanced expression of lysosomal markers and enrichment of lysosomal gene sets. A time-dependent, increase in lysosomal content was observed upon MEK inhibition. Strikingly, there was a strong activation of lysosomal biogenesis in cell lines of the classical compared to the basal-like molecular subtype. Increase in lysosomal content was associated with nuclear translocation of the Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) and upregulation of TFEB target genes. siRNA-mediated depletion of TFEB led to a decreased lysosomal biogenesis upon MEK inhibition and potentiated sensitivity. Using LC-MS, we show accumulation of MEKi in the lysosomes of treated cells. Therefore, MEK inhibition triggers lysosomal biogenesis and subsequent drug sequestration. Combined targeting of MEK and lysosomal function may improve sensitivity to MEK inhibition in PDAC.
Red blood cell-derived semaphorin 7A promotes thrombo-inflammation in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through platelet GPIb
Authors: Köhler David , Granja Tiago , Volz Julia , Koeppen Michael , Langer Harald F. , Hansmann Georg , Legchenko Ekaterina , Geisler Tobias , Bakchoul Tamam , Eggstein Claudia , Häberle Helene A. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Rosenberger Peter
Published: March 2020

Myocardial ischemia is one of the leading health problems worldwide. Therapy consists of the restitution of coronary perfusion which is followed by myocardial inflammation. Platelet–neutrophil interaction is a crucial process during inflammation, yet its consequences are not fully understood. Here, we show that platelet–neutrophil complexes (PNCs) are increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction and that this is associated with increased levels of neuronal guidance protein semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A). To investigate this further, we injected WT animals with Sema7a and found increased infarct size with increased numbers of PNCs. Experiments in genetically modified animals identify Sema7a on red blood cells to be crucial for this condition. Further studies revealed that Sema7a interacts with the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). Treatment with anti-Sema7a antibody protected from myocardial tissue injury. In summary, we show that Sema7a binds to platelet GPIb and enhances platelet thrombo-inflammatory activity, aggravating post-ischemic myocardial tissue injury.
The lipoprotein Pal stabilises the bacterial outer membrane during constriction by a mobilisation-and-capture mechanism
Authors: Szczepaniak Joanna , Holmes Peter , Rajasekar Karthik , Kaminska Renata , Samsudin Firdaus , Inns Patrick George , Rassam Patrice , Khalid Syma , Murray Seán M. , Redfield Christina , Kleanthous Colin
Published: March 2020

Coordination of outer membrane constriction with septation is critical to faithful division in Gram-negative bacteria and vital to the barrier function of the membrane. This coordination requires the recruitment of the peptidoglycan-binding outer-membrane lipoprotein Pal at division sites by the Tol system. Here, we show that Pal accumulation at Escherichia coli division sites is a consequence of three key functions of the Tol system. First, Tol mobilises Pal molecules in dividing cells, which otherwise diffuse very slowly due to their binding of the cell wall. Second, Tol actively captures mobilised Pal molecules and deposits them at the division septum. Third, the active capture mechanism is analogous to that used by the inner membrane protein TonB to dislodge the plug domains of outer membrane TonB-dependent nutrient transporters. We conclude that outer membrane constriction is coordinated with cell division by active mobilisation-and-capture of Pal at division septa by the Tol system.
Genome assembly of six polyploid potato genomes
Authors: Kyriakidou Maria , Anglin Noelle L. , Ellis David , Tai Helen H. , Strömvik Martina V.
Published: March 2020

Genome assembly of polyploid plant genomes is a laborious task as they contain more than two copies of the genome, are often highly heterozygous with a high level of repetitive DNA. Next Generation genome sequencing data representing one Chilean and five Peruvian polyploid potato (Solanum spp.) landrace genomes was used to construct genome assemblies comprising five taxa. Third Generation sequencing data (Linked and Long-read data) was used to improve the assembly for one of the genomes. Native landraces are valuable genetic resources for traits such as disease and pest resistance, environmental tolerance and other qualities of interest such as nutrition and fiber for breeding programs. The need for conservation and enhanced understanding of genetic diversity of cultivated potato from South America is also crucial to North American and European cultivars. Here, we report draft genomes from six polyploid potato landraces representing five taxa, illustrating how Third Generation Sequencing can aid in assembling polyploid genomes.
Author Correction: Understanding the role of bitter taste perception in coffee, tea and alcohol consumption through Mendelian randomization
Authors: Ong Jue-Sheng , Hwang Liang-Dar , Zhong Victor W. , An Jiyuan , Gharahkhani Puya , Breslin Paul A. S. , Wright Margaret J. , Lawlor Deborah A. , Whitfield John , MacGregor Stuart , Martin Nicholas G. , Cornelis Marilyn C.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Crosstalk reduction of integrated optical waveguides with nonuniform subwavelength silicon strips
Authors: Yang Yang , Guo Yinghui , Huang Yijia , Pu Mingbo , Wang Yanqin , Ma Xiaoliang , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2020

Suppression of the crosstalk between adjacent waveguides is important yet challenging in the development of compact and dense photonic integrated circuits (PICs). During the past few years, a few of excellent approaches have been proposed to achieve this goal. Here, we propose a novel strategy by introducing nonuniform subwavelength strips between adjacent waveguides. In order to determine the widths and positions of nonuniform subwavelength strips, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized. Numerical results demonstrate that the coupling length between adjacent waveguides is increased by three (five) orders of magnitude in comparison with the case of uniform (no) subwavelength strips. Our method greatly reduces crosstalk and is expected to achieve a highly compact integrated density of PICs.
Comprehensive transcriptome profiling of Taiwanese colorectal cancer implicates an ethnic basis for pathogenesis
Authors: Wu Shao-Min , Tsai Wen-Sy , Chiang Sum-Fu , Lai Yi-Hsuan , Ma Chung-Pei , Wang Jian-Hua , Lin Jiarong , Lu Pei-Shan , Yang Chia-Yu , Tan Bertrand Chin-Ming , Liu Hsuan
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. While both genetic and environmental factors have been linked to the incidence and mortality associated with CRC, an ethnic aspect of its etiology has also emerged. Since previous large-scale cancer genomics studies are mostly based on samples of European ancestry, the patterns of clinical events and associated mechanisms in other minority ethnic patients suffering from CRC are largely unexplored. We collected 104 paired and adjacent normal tissue and CRC tumor samples from Taiwanese patients and employed an integrated approach – paired expression profiles of mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) combined with transcriptome-wide network analyses – to catalog the molecular signatures of this regional cohort. On the basis of this dataset, which is the largest ever reported for this type of systems analysis, we made the following key discoveries: (1) In comparison to the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, the Taiwanese CRC tumors show similar perturbations in expressed genes but a distinct enrichment in metastasis-associated pathways. (2) Recurrent as well as novel CRC-associated gene fusions were identified based on the sequencing data. (3) Cancer subtype classification using existing tools reveals a comparable distribution of tumor subtypes between Taiwanese cohort and TCGA datasets; however, this similarity in molecular attributes did not translate into the predicted subtype-related clinical outcomes (i.e., death event). (4) To further elucidate the molecular basis of CRC prognosis, we developed a new stratification strategy based on miRNA–mRNA-associated subtyping (MMAS) and consequently showed that repressed WNT signaling activity is associated with poor prognosis in Taiwanese CRC. In summary, our findings of distinct, hitherto unreported biosignatures underscore the heterogeneity of CRC tumorigenesis, support our hypothesis of an ethnic basis of disease, and provide prospects for translational medicine.
Light organ photosensitivity in deep-sea shrimp may suggest a novel role in counterillumination
Authors: Bracken-Grissom Heather D. , DeLeo Danielle M. , Porter Megan L. , Iwanicki Tom , Sickles Jamie , Frank Tamara M.
Published: March 2020

Extraocular photoreception, the ability to detect and respond to light outside of the eye, has not been previously described in deep-sea invertebrates. Here, we investigate photosensitivity in the bioluminescent light organs (photophores) of deep-sea shrimp, an autogenic system in which the organism possesses the substrates and enzymes to produce light. Through the integration of transcriptomics, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry we find evidence for the expression of opsins and phototransduction genes known to play a role in light detection in most animals. Subsequent shipboard light exposure experiments showed ultrastructural changes in the photophore similar to those seen in crustacean eyes, providing further evidence that photophores are light sensitive. In many deep-sea species, it has long been documented that photophores emit light to aid in counterillumination – a dynamic form of camouflage that requires adjusting the organ’s light intensity to “hide” their silhouettes from predators below. However, it remains a mystery how animals fine-tune their photophore luminescence to match the intensity of downwelling light. Photophore photosensitivity allows us to reconsider the organ’s role in counterillumination - not only in light emission but also light detection and regulation.
Privacy-preserving distributed learning of radiomics to predict overall survival and HPV status in head and neck cancer
Authors: Bogowicz Marta , Jochems Arthur , Deist Timo M. , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Huang Shao Hui , Chan Biu , Waldron John N. , Bratman Scott , O’Sullivan Brian , Riesterer Oliver , Studer Gabriela , Unkelbach Jan , Barakat Samir , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Nauta Irene , Gazzani Silvia E. , Calareso Giuseppina , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Hoebers Frank , Wesseling Frederik W. R. , Keek Simon , Sanduleanu Sebastian , Leijenaar Ralph T. H. , Vergeer Marije R. , Leemans C. René , Terhaard Chris H. J. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , Hamming-Vrieze Olga , van der Heijden Martijn A. , Elhalawani Hesham M. , Fuller Clifton D. , Guckenberger Matthias , Lambin Philippe
Published: March 2020

A major challenge in radiomics is assembling data from multiple centers. Sharing data between hospitals is restricted by legal and ethical regulations. Distributed learning is a technique, enabling training models on multicenter data without data leaving the hospitals (“privacy-preserving” distributed learning). This study tested feasibility of distributed learning of radiomics data for prediction of two year overall survival and HPV status in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Pretreatment CT images were collected from 1174 HNC patients in 6 different cohorts. 981 radiomic features were extracted using Z-Rad software implementation. Hierarchical clustering was performed to preselect features. Classification was done using logistic regression. In the validation dataset, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were compared between the models trained in the centralized and distributed manner. No difference in ROC was observed with respect to feature selection. The logistic regression coefficients were identical between the methods (absolute difference <10−7). In comparison of the full workflow (feature selection and classification), no significant difference in ROC was found between centralized and distributed models for both studied endpoints (DeLong p > 0.05). In conclusion, both feature selection and classification are feasible in a distributed manner using radiomics data, which opens new possibility for training more reliable radiomics models.
Impact of indoor residual spraying with pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 300CS) on entomological indicators of transmission and malaria case burden in Migori County, western Kenya
Authors: Abong’o Bernard , Gimnig John E. , Torr Stephen J. , Longman Bradley , Omoke Diana , Muchoki Margaret , ter Kuile Feiko , Ochomo Eric , Munga Stephen , Samuels Aaron M. , Njagi Kiambo , Maas James , Perry Robert T. , Fornadel Christen , Donnelly Martin J. , Oxborough Richard M.
Published: March 2020

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticides is a major vector control strategy for malaria prevention. We evaluated the impact of a single round of IRS with the organophosphate, pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 300CS), on entomological and parasitological parameters of malaria in Migori County, western Kenya in 2017, in an area where primary vectors are resistant to pyrethroids but susceptible to the IRS compound. Entomological monitoring was conducted by indoor CDC light trap, pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) and human landing collection (HLC) before and after IRS. The residual effect of the insecticide was assessed monthly by exposing susceptible An. gambiae s.s. Kisumu strain to sprayed surfaces in cone assays and measuring mortality at 24 hours. Malaria case burden data were extracted from laboratory records of four health facilities within the sprayed area and two adjacent unsprayed areas. IRS was associated with reductions in An. funestus numbers in the intervention areas compared to non-intervention areas by 88% with light traps (risk ratio [RR] 0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.21, p < 0.001) and 93% with PSC collections (RR = 0.07, 0.03–0.17, p < 0.001). The corresponding reductions in the numbers of An. arabiensis collected by PSC were 69% in the intervention compared to the non-intervention areas (RR = 0.31, 0.14–0.68, p = 0.006), but there was no significant difference with light traps (RR = 0.45, 0.21–0.96, p = 0.05). Before IRS, An. funestus accounted for over 80% of Anopheles mosquitoes collected by light trap and PSC in all sites. After IRS, An. arabiensis accounted for 86% of Anopheles collected by PSC and 66% by CDC light trap in the sprayed sites while the proportion in non-intervention sites remained unchanged. No sporozoite infections were detected in intervention areas after IRS and biting rates by An. funestus were reduced to near zero. Anopheles funestus and An. arabiensis were fully susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl and resistant to pyrethroids. The residual effect of Actellic 300CS lasted ten months on mud and concrete walls. Malaria case counts among febrile patients within IRS areas was lower post- compared to pre-IRS by 44%, 65% and 47% in Rongo, Uriri and Nyatike health facilities respectively. A single application of IRS with Actellic 300CS in Migori County provided ten months protection and resulted in the near elimination of the primary malaria vector An. funestus and a corresponding reduction of malaria case count among out-patients. The impact was less on An. arabiensis, most likely due to their exophilic nature.
Altered Adhesion and Migration of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells under Febrile Temperature Stress Involves NF-κβ Pathway
Authors: Sen Ankita , Ta Malancha
Published: March 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are clinically beneficial for regenerative treatment of chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. However, to attain maximum efficacy from the transplanted MSCs, evaluation of its interaction with the microenvironment, becomes critical. Fever being an important hallmark of inflammation, we investigated the effect of febrile temperature stress on adhesion and migration of umbilical cord-derived MSCs. 40 °C-exposure altered cellular morphology with significant cell flattening, delayed cell-matrix de-adhesion response and slower migration of MSCs, accompanied by suppressed directionality ratio and cell trajectory. Corresponding to the observed changes, mRNA expression of extracellular matrix genes like COLs and VTN were upregulated, while matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1, showed a significant downregulation. NF-κβ pathway inhibition at 40 °C, led to reversal of gene expression pattern, cell spreading, de-adhesion dynamics and migration rate. Independent knockdown of p65 and p53 at 40 °C indicated inhibitory role of p65/p53/p21 axis in regulation of MMP-1 expression. P21 inhibits JNK activity, and JNK pathway inhibition at 40 °C resulted in further downregulation of MMP-1. Hence, our study provides the first evidence of cell migration getting adversely affected in MSCs under elevated temperature stress due to an inverse relationship between p65/p53/p21 and MMP1 with a possible involvement of the JNK pathway.
Predictive factors for bacteremia in febrile infants with urinary tract infection
Authors: Yoon Seo Hee , Shin HyunDo , Lee Keum Hwa , Kim Moon Kyu , Kim Dong Soo , Ahn Jong Gyun , Shin Jae Il
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of concomitant bacteremia occurring in febrile infants who initially presented with pyuria and fever, and were subsequently diagnosed with culture-proven urinary tract infection (UTI). We conducted a retrospective cohort study for January 2010–October 2018 that included infants younger than six months with febrile UTI at a tertiary hospital. The study included 463 patients, of whom 34 had a concomitant bacteremic UTI. Compared to those in the non-bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI) group, the bacteremic UTI group had a lower mean age; higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), delta neutrophil index (DNI, reflects the fraction of immature granulocytes) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin; and a lower platelet count. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected nearly twice as often in patients with bacteremic UTI compared to those with non-bacteremic UTI (59.3% vs. 30.6%; P = 0.003). Univariate logistic analyses showed that age ≤90 days; higher DNI, CRP, and creatinine levels; lower Hb and albumin levels; and the presence of VUR were predictors for bacteremic UTI. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≤90 days, higher DNI and CRP levels, and the presence of VUR were independent predictors of bacteremic UTI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multivariate model was 0.859 (95% CI, 0.779–0.939; P < 0.001). Age ≤90 days, higher DNI and CRP values may help predict bacteremia of febrile infants younger than 6 months with UTI. Vesicoureteral reflux imaging is also recommended in infants with bacteremic UTI to evaluate VUR.
The Prognostic Role of Procalcitonin in Critically Ill Patients Admitted in a Medical Stepdown Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zaccone Vincenzo , Falsetti Lorenzo , Nitti Cinzia , Gentili Tamira , Marchetti Annalisa , Piersantelli Maria Novella , Sampaolesi Mattia , Riccomi Francesca , Raponi Alessia , Salvi Aldo
Published: March 2020

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a a marker of bacterial infection. Its prognostic role in the critically-ill patient, however, is still object of debate. Aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of admission PCT (aPCT) in assessing the prognosis of the critically-ill patient regardless the presence of bacterial infection. A single-cohort, single-center retrospective study was performed evaluating critically-ill patients admitted to a stepdown care unit. Age, sex, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS-II), shock, troponin-I, aPCT, serum creatinine, cultures and clinical endpoints (in-hospital mortality or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) transfer) were collected. Time free from adverse event (TF-AE) was defined as the time between hospitalization and occurrence of one of the clinical endpoints, and calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves. We engineered a new predictive model (POCS) adopting aPCT, age and shock.We enrolled 1063 subjects: 450 reached the composite outcome of death or ICU transfer. aPCT was significantly higher in this group, where it predicted TF-AE both in septic and non-septic patients. aPCT and POCS showed a good prognostic performance in the whole sample, both in septic and non-septic patients. aPCT showed a good prognostic accuracy, adding informations on the rapidity of clinical deterioration. POCS model reached a performance similar to SAPS-II.
Prevalence of atrophic gastritis in southwest China and predictive strength of serum gastrin-17: A cross-sectional study (SIGES)
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Xin-Zu
Published: March 2020

A hospital-based cross-sectional study in SIGES project was conducted during 2016.5–2017.5 in West China Hospital. It was aimed to observe the prevalence of atrophic gastritis (AG) in southwest China, and assess the diagnostic strength of serum gastrin-17 (G-17) in predicting AG in Chinese population. Asymptomatic healthy controls from health check-up, cancer-free patients with unspecific upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and histologically proven gastric cancer patients were eligible, if serum pepsinogen-I (PG-I), PG-II, and G-17 were detected. AG status was classified by the accredited cutoffs of PG-I (<70 ug/L) and PG-I/II ratio (<3). Totally, healthy controls (n = 9,425), symptomatic patients (n = 671) and gastric cancer patients (n = 305) were simultaneously observed, in which the prevalence of AG in southwest China were estimated as 15.9/1,000, 28.3/1,000, and 55.7/1,000 persons, respectively. The age-specific prevalence of AG in healthy controls showed a significantly uphill trend (p for trend <0.001). Higher level of serum G-17 was significantly associated with increased risk of AG in healthy population (15–30 pmol/L, aOR = 20.67, 95% CI 9.17–46.55; >30 pmol/L, aOR = 314.41, 95% CI 166.10–595.12). Throughout the progression of stomach diseases, the diagnostic strength of serum G-17 for AG showed a downhill trend across more advanced situations. In despite of that, serum G-17 displayed a good performance in predicting AG in the entire cross-sectional population (AUC = 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94; SEN = 85.5%; SPE = 93.2%; LR+ = 12.55; LR− = 0.11). Population in southwest China had intermediate prevalence of AG, while the prevalence was increased over age or disease progression. High level of serum G-17 might be a reliable non-invasive measurement to predict AG in southwest Chinese population.
Nuclear myosin 1 activates p21 gene transcription in response to DNA damage through a chromatin-based mechanism
Authors: Venit Tomas , Semesta Khairunnisa , Farrukh Sannia , Endara-Coll Martin , Havalda Robert , Hozak Pavel , Percipalle Piergiorgio
Published: March 2020

Nuclear myosin 1 (NM1) has been implicated in key nuclear functions. Together with actin, it has been shown to initiate and regulate transcription, it is part of the chromatin remodeling complex B-WICH, and is responsible for rearrangements of chromosomal territories in response to external stimuli. Here we show that deletion of NM1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts leads to chromatin and transcription dysregulation affecting the expression of DNA damage and cell cycle genes. NM1 KO cells exhibit increased DNA damage and changes in cell cycle progression, proliferation, and apoptosis, compatible with a phenotype resulting from impaired p53 signaling. We show that upon DNA damage, NM1 forms a complex with p53 and activates the expression of checkpoint regulator p21 (Cdkn1A) by PCAF and Set1 recruitment to its promoter for histone H3 acetylation and methylation. We propose a role for NM1 in the transcriptional response to DNA damage response and maintenance of genome stability.
A deep learning approach to identify association of disease–gene using information of disease symptoms and protein sequences
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Huang Qixing , Wang Yang , Li Jinlong , Liu Haiyan , Xie Yun , Dai Zong , Zou Xiaoyong , Li Zhanchao
Published: March 2020

Prediction of disease–gene association based on a deep convolutional neural network.
Blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and stereocomplex polylactide with improved rheological and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Liu Huan , Liu Yaqin , Yang Yong
Published: March 2020

Schematic representation of formed solid sc-PLA in the PBAT melting during melt processing.
Solid–fluid transition and cell sorting in epithelia with junctional tension fluctuations
Authors: Krajnc Matej
Published: March 2020

Junctional tension fluctuations due to turnover of force-producing molecules drive solid-fluid transition in confluent epithelia.
High-performance hydrogen evolution at a MoSe2–Mo2C seamless heterojunction enabled by efficient charge transfer
Authors: Li Jing , Hong Wenting , Jian Chuanyong , Cai Qian , He Xu , Liu Wei
Published: March 2020

The heterojunction of Mo2C/MoSe2with enhanced conductivity and large surface area is contributed to an efficient HER process. DFT calculations prove that there are MIGS in the interface between Mo2C and MoSe2, facilitating charge transfer for HER.
Uncovering details behind the formation mechanisms of Cu2ZnGeSe4 photovoltaic absorbers
Authors: Benhaddou Nada , Aazou Safae , Fonoll-Rubio Robert , Sánchez Yudania , Giraldo Sergio , Guc Maxim , Calvo-Barrio Lorenzo , Izquierdo-Roca Victor , Abd-Lefdil Mohammed , Sekkat Zouheir , Saucedo Edgardo
Published: March 2020

An unusual solid–liquid–vapor extended growth mechanism is reported in the synthesis reaction of Cu2ZnGeSe4 absorbers through a specific break-off experiment.
Carbon dots tailored with a fluorophore for sensitive and selective detection of hydrogen sulfide based on a ratiometric fluorescence signal
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Ge Hongwei , Yin Ranhao , Yu Long , Sun Congming , Dong Weiru , Sun Zhenli , Alamry Khalid A. , Marwani Hadi M. , Wang Suhua
Published: March 2020

Hydrogen sulfide reacts to NBD-based derivatives and quenches the fluorescence, while the fluorescence of CDs is enhanced, leading to a distinct ratiometric fluorescence signal.
Tuning the porosity of biofabricated chitosan membranes in microfluidics with co-assembled nanoparticles as templates
Authors: Ly Khanh L. , Raub Christopher B. , Luo Xiaolong
Published: March 2020

Tuning the membrane porosity in microfluidics with co-assembled nanoparticles as templates for enhanced mass transport and biomacromolecule gradient generation.
Synthesis and characterization of Ge-core/a-Si-shell nanowires with conformal shell thickness deposited after gold removal for high-mobility p-channel field-effect transistors
Authors: Simanullang Marolop Dapot Krisman , Wisna G. Bimananda M. , Usami Koichi , Oda Shunri
Published: March 2020

Demonstration of high-performance p-channel depletion mode field-effect transistors and conductance quantization of multi-mode ballistic Ge-core/a-Si shell nanowires.
The essential role of osteoclast-derived exosomes in magnetic nanoparticle-infiltrated hydroxyapatite scaffold modulated osteoblast proliferation in an osteoporosis model
Authors: Zhu Yue , Li Zhiyu , Zhang Yujia , Lan Fang , He Jing , Wu Yao
Published: March 2020

MHA scaffolds promoted osteoblast proliferation via altering the osteoclast-derived exosomal cargo and decreasing the efficiency of exosome uptake by osteoblasts.
An In situ Raman study of intermediate adsorption engineering by high-index facet control during the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhu Jia-sen , Yang Hao , Zhang Weihong , Mao Yanchao , Lyu Shu-shen , Chen Jian
Published: March 2020

An in situ Raman study of the mechanism of HER catalytic performance enhanced by high-index facets on Ti@TiO2 nanosheets.
The interplay of conformations and electronic properties in N-aryl phenothiazines
Authors: Mayer Laura , May Lars , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: March 2020

Extra and intra conformations govern electronic properties of N-aryl phenothiazines as shown by combined experimental and computational structure–property relationships.
Structural and thermal properties of Na2Mn(SO4)2·4H2O and Na2Ni(SO4)2·10H2O
Authors: Ben Yahia Hamdi , Alkhateeb Alaa , Essehli Rachid
Published: March 2020

Two compounds were preparedviaa supersaturation method. Their crystal structures were solved and compared to Na2M(SO4)2·nH2O (M = Mn, Ni andn= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 16). Furthermore, phase transitions as a function of temperature were observed.
pH-Switchable LCST/UCST-type thermosensitive behaviors of phenylalanine-modified zwitterionic dendrimers
Authors: Tamaki Mamiko , Kojima Chie
Published: March 2020

We synthesized phenylalanine-modified zwitterionic dendrimers as pH- and thermo-responsive polymers. This is the first report of pH-switchable LCST/UCST-type thermosensitive dendrimers.
Studies on the preparation of aminobipyridines and bipyridine sultams via an intramolecular free radical pathway
Authors: Recio Javier , Filace Fabiana , Gala Elena , Pérez-Redondo Adrián , Álvarez-Builla Julio , Burgos Carolina
Published: March 2020

Results show that intramolecular radical [1,5]-ipso and [1,6]-ortho substitutions offer a method for the preparation of aminobipyridines or bipyridine sultams.
Revisiting the effects of Co2O3 on multiscale defect structures and relevant electrical properties in ZnO varistors
Authors: Guo Men , Wang Yao , Wu Kangning , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xia , Lin Ying , Li Jianying
Published: March 2020

Element doping is an effective method to improve the performance of ZnO varistors. Previous studies mainly focused on the variation of microstructures and Schottky barriers. In this study, the effects of Co dopant on electrical properties are investigated from the aspect of multiscale defect structures, including intrinsic point defects, the heterogeneous interface of depletion/intergranular layers, and interface states at grain boundaries. Combining with analysis of phase composition and energy dispersive spectroscopy, it is found that Co tends to dissolve into ZnO grains when slightly doped. It substitutes Zn2+ with the same valence and affects little on densities of donors. Segregation of Co at grain boundaries would result in the formation of spinel phase Co(Co4/3Sb2/3)O4 and transformation of the intergranular phase from α‐Bi2O3 to δ‐Bi2O3. Meanwhile, densities of point defects are indirectly affected by oxygen ambient during sintering, resulting in abnormal variation of grain resistivity. And interface states are enhanced, leading to improved barriers at grain boundaries. Therefore, reduced leakage current, enhanced grain resistivity, and improved non‐linear coefficient in Co‐doped ZnO varistor blocks are understood from the underlying multiple defect structures. This presents a potential approach to explore short‐term performance and long‐term stability of ZnO varistors from the aspect of defect responses.
Detecting abnormal events in traffic video surveillance using superorientation optical flow feature
Authors: Athanesious Joshan , Srinivasan Vasuhi , Vijayakumar Vaidehi , Christobel Shiny , Sethuraman Sibi Chakkaravarthy
Published: March 2020

Detection of abnormal events in the traffic scene is very challenging and is a significant problem in video surveillance. The authors proposed a novel scheme called super orientation optical flow (SOOF)‐based clustering for identifying the abnormal activities. The key idea behind the proposed SOOF features is to efficiently reproduce the motion information of a moving vehicle with respect to superorientation motion descriptor within the sequence of the frame. Here, the authors adopt the mean absolute temporal difference to identify the anomalies by motion block (MB) selection and localisation. SOOF features obtained from MB are used as motion descriptor for both normal and abnormal events. Simple and efficient K‐means clustering is used to study the normal motion flow during the training. The abnormal events are identified using the nearest‐neighbour searching technique in the testing phase. The experimental outcome shows that the proposed work is effectively detecting anomalies and found to give results better than the state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
Specific category region proposal network for text detection in natural scene
Authors: Zhong Yuanhong , Cheng Xinyu , Zhou Zhaokun , Zhang Shun , Zhang Jing , Huang Guan
Published: March 2020

Natural scene text usually carries considerable abstract semantic information, which is closely related to the surrounding environment. Thus, natural scene text detection plays a vital role in image content retrieval and understanding. In this study, the authors propose a novel specific category region proposal network (SCRPN) based on maximally stable extremal regions (MSER) and fully convolutional network (FCN) for natural scene text detection. First, FCN for pixel‐level recognition is utilised to obtain the text saliency map and MSER is used to obtain oversegmented regions. Then, the multiple features of oversegmented regions and text saliency map are used for region aggregation. Next, single‐linkage clustering method is adopted to cluster the segmentation regions to obtain a hierarchical structure of text region proposals. Finally, for the top‐ranking region proposals, SCRPN built an end‐to‐end pipeline for scene text detection directly. Experiments on street view text and international conference on document analysis and recognition (ICDAR) 2013 have demonstrated the effectiveness of SCRPN for generating the text proposals. SCRPN could work with various two‐stage text detection networks; thus, faster region convolutional neural network was used as the text detection framework to evaluate the performance of SCRPN in the ICDAR 2015 and MSRA‐TD500 benchmarks. The experimental results confirmed that SCRPN makes text detection more robust in complex scenarios.
Background subtraction using infinite asymmetric Gaussian mixture models with simultaneous feature selection
Authors: Song Ziyang , Ali Samr , Bouguila Nizar
Published: March 2020

Mixture models are broadly applied in image processing domains. Related existing challenges include failure to approximate exact data shapes, estimate correct number of components, and ignore irrelevant features. In this study, the authors develop a statistical self‐refinement framework for the background subtraction task by using Dirichlet Process‐based asymmetric Gaussian mixture model. The parameters of this model are learned using variational inference methods. They also incorporate feature selection simultaneously within the framework to avoid noisy influence from uninformative features. To validate the proposed framework, they report their results on background subtraction tasks on 8 different datasets for infrared and visible videos.
Multi‐attribute analysis of micro‐defect detection techniques suitable for automated production line of solar wafers and cells
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Al‐Amri Fahad G.
Published: March 2020

Renewable energy is going to play an immensely important role in the coming decades. Hence, the bulk manufacturing of solar panels has seen a renewed interest. For this purpose, it is imperatively important to assess the techniques that can be employed on automated production lines for evaluating the quality of solar wafers and cells. To‐date many non‐destructive testing methods to access the micro‐defects in solar wafers and cells have been developed around the globe; however, not all of them can be applied on a fast‐paced production line. In this regard, this study details all the non‐destructive evaluating techniques that can be employed on an automated production line. Using a multi‐attribute decision‐making method, a strategic evaluation procedure is developed that can be adopted for the optimum selection of evaluation tools currently available in the market. This study is aimed at young researchers, graduate students and practitioners who want to come up‐to‐speed regarding the various defects that occur in solar wafers and cells along with the techniques that are currently being adopted to evaluate those defects. Also, future trends in research are highlighted regarding the development of assessment techniques.
Distributed economic dispatch method for power system based on consensus
Authors: Jian Le , Qian Zhou , Liangang Zhao , Mengkai You
Published: March 2020

This study performs an extensive review on distributed economic dispatch method for the power system based on consensus. It covers the comparison of centralised and distributed economic dispatch method in terms of system structure, performance requirement and solution process. The key links in the process of solving economic dispatch problem are summarised, and the advantages and disadvantages of the existing distributed economic dispatch algorithm are reviewed. Furthermore, the possible research directions, from the authors’ point of view, are also provided in this study.
Type IIn supernova light-curve properties measured from an untargeted survey sample
Authors: Nyholm A. , Sollerman J. , Tartaglia L. , Taddia F. , Fremling C. , Blagorodnova N. , Filippenko A. V. , Gal-Yam A. , Howell D. A. , Karamehmetoglu E. , Kulkarni S. R. , Laher R. , Leloudas G. , Masci F. , Kasliwal M. M. , Morå K. , Moriya T. J. , Ofek E. O. , Papadogiannakis S. , Quimby R. , Rebbapragada U. , Schulze S.
Published: March 2020

The evolution of a Type IIn supernova (SN IIn) is governed by the interaction between the SN ejecta and a hydrogen-rich circumstellar medium. The SNe IIn thus allow us to probe the late-time mass-loss history of their progenitor stars. We present a sample of SNe IIn from the untargeted, magnitude-limited surveys of the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) and its successor, the intermediate PTF (iPTF). To date, statistics on SN IIn optical light-curve properties have generally been based on small (≲10 SNe) samples from targeted SN surveys. The SNe IIn found and followed by the PTF/iPTF were used to select a sample of 42 events with useful constraints on the rise times as well as with available post-peak photometry. The sample SNe were discovered in 2009−2016 and have at least one low-resolution classification spectrum, as well as photometry from the P48 and P60 telescopes at Palomar Observatory. We study the light-curve properties of these SNe IIn using spline fits (for the peak and the declining portion) and template matching (for the rising portion). We study the peak-magnitude distribution, rise times, decline rates, colour evolution, host galaxies, and K-corrections of the SNe in our sample. We find that the typical rise times are divided into fast and slow risers at 20 ± 6 d and 50 ± 11 d, respectively. The decline rates are possibly divided into two clusters (with slopes 0.013 ± 0.006 mag d−1 and 0.040 ± 0.010 mag d−1), but this division has weak statistical significance. We find no significant correlation between the peak luminosity of SNe IIn and their rise times, but the more luminous SNe IIn are generally found to be more long-lasting. Slowly rising SNe IIn are generally found to decline slowly. The SNe in our sample were hosted by galaxies of absolute magnitude −22 ≲ Mg ≲ −13 mag. The K-corrections at light-curve peak of the SNe IIn in our sample are found to be within 0.2 mag for the observer’s frame r-band, for SNe at redshifts z <  0.25. By applying K-corrections and also including ostensibly “superluminous” SNe IIn, we find that the peak magnitudes are Mrpeak = −19.18 ± 1.32 mag. We conclude that the occurrence of conspicuous light-curve bumps in SNe IIn, such as in iPTF13z, are limited to 1.4+14.6−1.0 % of the SNe IIn. We also investigate a possible sub-type of SNe IIn with a fast rise to a ≳50 d plateau followed by a slow, linear decline.
Power-law correlations and coupling of active and quiet states underlie a class of complex systems with self-organization at criticality
Authors: Lombardi Fabrizio , Wang Jilin W.J.L. , Zhang Xiyun , Ivanov Plamen Ch
Published: March 2020

Physical and biological systems often exhibit intermittent dynamics with bursts or avalanches (active states) characterized by power-law size and duration distributions. These emergent features are typical of systems at the critical point of continuous phase transitions, and have led to the hypothesis that such systems may self-organize at criticality, i.e. without any fine tuning of parameters. Since the introduction of the Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld (BTW) model, the paradigm of self-organized criticality (SOC) has been very fruitful for the analysis of emergent collective behaviors in a number of systems, including the brain. Although considerable effort has been devoted in identifying and modeling scaling features of burst and avalanche statistics, dynamical aspects related to the temporal organization of bursts remain often poorly understood or controversial. Of crucial importance to understand the mechanisms responsible for emergent behaviors is the relationship between active and quiet periods, and the nature of the correlations. Here we investigate the dynamics of active (θ-bursts) and quiet states (δ-bursts) in brain activity during the sleep-wake cycle. We show the duality of power-law (θ, active phase) and exponential-like (δ, quiescent phase) duration distributions, typical of SOC, jointly emerge with power-law temporal correlations and anti-correlated coupling between active and quiet states. Importantly, we demonstrate that such temporal organization shares important similarities with earthquake dynamics, and propose that specific power-law correlations and coupling between active and quiet states are distinctive characteristics of a class of systems with self-organization at criticality.
Spectral features of voltage pulses in interacting helical channels
Authors: Acciai Matteo , Calzona Alessio , Carrega Matteo , Sassetti Maura
Published: March 2020

We investigate the interplay of voltage-driven excitations and electron-electron interactions in a pair of counterpropagating helical channels capacitively coupled to a time-dependent gate. By focusing on the non-equilibrium spectral properties of the system, we show how the spectral function is modified by external drives with different time profile in presence of Coulomb interactions. In particular, we focus on a Lorentzian drive and a square single pulse. In presence of strong enough electron-electron interactions, we find that both drives can result in minimal excitations, i.e. characterized by an excess spectral function with a definite sign. This is in contrast with what happens in the non-interacting case, where only properly quantized Lorentzian pulses are able to produce minimal excitations.
Investigation of glazed pottery fragments (XIX century A. D.) from Agsu site (Azerbaijan) by XRF and Raman techniques
Authors: Venuti Valentina , Crupi Vincenza , Fazio Barbara , Paladini Giuseppe , La Russa Mauro Francesco , Ricca Michela , Rovella Natalia , Macchia Andrea , Khalilli Fariz , Majolino Domenico
Published: March 2020

In this study a multi-technique analysis was performed on the decorated surfaces of four ancient pottery fragments dated back XIX century A.D. withdrawn from the archaeological site of the medieval Agsu town, in Azerbaijan. During the last decade, the site underwent to an extensively archaeometric investigation by means of different non-destructive, or micro-destructive, techniques. In this work we focused our attention on the characterization of the pigmenting agents and glazes at different spatial scales from elemental to microscopic domain by using portable and not-portable equipments. In particular, the elemental and molecular compositions were successfully determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. On one side, data deriving from portable instrument were compared with those previously obtained from not-portable approach, in view of futurein situinvestigations. On the other side, the overall obtained results appear crucial for the reconstruction of the production technology used by craftsman of the past.
From micro- to macro- neutron sources: The Lund Broad-band Neutron Facility
Authors: Perrey Hanno , Elfman Mikael , Fissum Kevin , Frost Robert J. W. , De La Rosa Nathaly , Kristensson Markus , Kristiansson Per , Mauritzson Nicholai , Messi Francesco , Nilsson Charlotta , Pallon Jan , Rofors Emil
Published: March 2020

The Lund Broad-band Neutron Facility provides access to a variety of neutron sources together with a well-established user infrastructure. Neutrons from radioactive sources have been successfully employed for the research and development of both detectors and materials for the European Spallation Source. A recently procured d-t neutron generator delivers higher neutron fluxes than those provided by the radioactive sources, and further allows for pulsed operation. With the currently on-going construction of a dedicated neutron beam-line at our 3 MeV Pelletron accelerator, the facility is anticipated to produce approximately 1010 n/s. Cost-effective access to neutrons as well as a platform for educational purposes are the ultimate goals of the project.