bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial effective stress controls the nature of earthquakes
Authors: Passelègue François X. , Almakari Michelle , Dublanchet Pierre , Barras Fabian , Fortin Jérôme , Violay Marie
Published: October 2020

Modern geophysics highlights that the slip behaviour response of faults is variable in space and time and can result in slow or fast ruptures. However, the origin of this variation of the rupture velocity in nature as well as the physics behind it is still debated. Here, we first highlight how the different types of fault slip observed in nature appear to stem from the same physical mechanism. Second, we reproduce at the scale of the laboratory the complete spectrum of rupture velocities observed in nature. Our results show that the rupture velocity can range from a few millimetres to kilometres per second, depending on the available energy at the onset of slip, in agreement with theoretical predictions. This combined set of observations bring a new explanation of the dominance of slow rupture fronts in the shallow part of the crust or in areas suspected to present large fluid pressure.
Biological role of EPS from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae UMAF0158 extracellular matrix, focusing on a Psl-like polysaccharide
Authors: Heredia-Ponce Zaira , Gutiérrez-Barranquero Jose Antonio , Purtschert-Montenegro Gabriela , Eberl Leo , Cazorla Francisco M. , de Vicente Antonio
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas syringae is a phytopathogenic model bacterium that is used worldwide to study plant–bacteria interactions and biofilm formation in association with a plant host. Within this species, the syringae pathovar is the most studied due to its wide host range, affecting both, woody and herbaceous plants. In particular, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) has been previously described as the causal agent of bacterial apical necrosis on mango trees. Pss exhibits major epiphytic traits and virulence factors that improve its epiphytic survival and pathogenicity in mango trees. The cellulose exopolysaccharide has been described as a key component in the development of the biofilm lifestyle of the P. syringae pv. syringae UMAF0158 strain (PssUMAF0158). PssUMAF0158 contains two additional genomic regions that putatively encode for exopolysaccharides such as alginate and a Psl-like polysaccharide. To date, the Psl polysaccharide has only been studied in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in which it plays an important role during biofilm development. However, its function in plant-associated bacteria is still unknown. To understand how these exopolysaccharides contribute to the biofilm matrix of PssUMAF0158, knockout mutants of genes encoding these putative exopolysaccharides were constructed. Flow-cell chamber experiments revealed that cellulose and the Psl-like polysaccharide constitute a basic scaffold for biofilm architecture in this bacterium. Curiously, the Psl-like polysaccharide of PssUMAF0158 plays a role in virulence similar to what has been described for cellulose. Finally, the impaired swarming motility of the Psl-like exopolysaccharide mutant suggests that this exopolysaccharide may play a role in the motility of PssUMAF0158 over the mango plant surface.
Optimising T cell (re)boosting strategies for adenoviral and modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine regimens in humans
Authors: Capone Stefania , Brown Anthony , Hartnell Felicity , Sorbo Mariarosaria Del , Traboni Cinzia , Vassilev Ventzislav , Colloca Stefano , Nicosia Alfredo , Cortese Riccardo , Folgori Antonella , Klenerman Paul , Barnes Eleanor , Swadling Leo
Published: October 2020

Simian adenoviral and modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viral vectors used in heterologous prime-boost strategies are potent inducers of T cells against encoded antigens and are in advanced testing as vaccine carriers for a wide range of infectious agents and cancers. It is unclear if these responses can be further enhanced or sustained with reboosting strategies. Furthermore, despite the challenges involved in MVA manufacture dose de-escalation has not been performed in humans. In this study, healthy volunteers received chimpanzee-derived adenovirus-3 and MVA vaccines encoding the non-structural region of hepatitis C virus (ChAd3-NSmut/MVA-NSmut) 8 weeks apart. Volunteers were then reboosted with a second round of ChAd3-NSmut/MVA-NSmut or MVA-NSmut vaccines 8 weeks or 1-year later. We also determined the capacity of reduced doses of MVA-NSmut to boost ChAd3-NSmut primed T cells. Reboosting was safe, with no enhanced reactogenicity. Reboosting after an 8-week interval led to minimal re-expansion of transgene-specific T cells. However, after a longer interval, T cell responses expanded efficiently and memory responses were enhanced. The 8-week interval regimen induced a higher percentage of terminally differentiated and effector memory T cells. Reboosting with MVA-NSmut alone was as effective as with ChAd3-NSmut/MVA-NSmut. A ten-fold lower dose of MVA (2 × 107pfu) induced high-magnitude, sustained, broad, and functional Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell responses, equivalent to standard doses (2 × 108 pfu). Overall, we show that following Ad/MVA prime-boost vaccination reboosting is most effective after a prolonged interval and is productive with MVA alone. Importantly, we also show that a ten-fold lower dose of MVA is as potent in humans as the standard dose.
Bias-corrected climate projections for South Asia from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6
Authors: Mishra Vimal , Bhatia Udit , Tiwari Amar Deep
Published: October 2020

Climate change is likely to pose enormous challenges for agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and livelihood of millions of people living in South Asia. Here, we develop daily bias-corrected data of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures at 0.25°spatial resolution for South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka) and 18 river basins located in the Indian sub-continent. The bias-corrected dataset is developed using Empirical Quantile Mapping (EQM) for the historic (1951–2014) and projected (2015–2100) climate for the four scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, SSP585) using output from 13 General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6 (CMIP6). The bias-corrected dataset was evaluated against the observations for both mean and extremes of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures. Bias corrected projections from 13 CMIP6-GCMs project a warmer (3–5°C)and wetter (13–30%) climate in South Asia in the 21stcentury. The bias-corrected projections from CMIP6-GCMs can be used for climate change impact assessment in South Asia and hydrologic impact assessment in the sub-continental river basins.
Triple isotope variations of monthly tap water in China
Authors: Tian Chao , Wang Lixin , Jiao Wenzhe , Li Fadong , Tian Fuqiang , Zhao Sihan
Published: October 2020

Tap water isotopic compositions could potentially record information on local climate and water management practices. A new water isotope tracer 17O-excess became available in recent years providing additional information of the various hydrological processes. Detailed data records of tap water 17O-excess have not been reported. In this report, monthly tap water samples (n = 652) were collected from December 2014 to November 2015 from 92 collection sites across China. The isotopic composition (δ2H, δ18O, and δ17O) of tap water was analyzed by a Triple Water Vapor Isotope Analyzer (T-WVIA) based on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) technique and two second-order isotopic variables (d-excess and 17O-excess) were calculated. The geographic location information of the 92 collection sites including latitude, longitude, and elevation were also provided in this dataset. This report presents national-scale tap water isotope dataset at monthly time scale. Researchers and water resource managers who focus on the tap water issues could use them to probe the water source and water management strategies at large spatial scales.
Organic nanoparticle-doped microdroplets as dual-modality contrast agents for ultrasound microvascular flow and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Xu Yu , Sun Guoyun , Middha Eshu , Liu Yu-Hang , Chan Kim Chuan , Liu Bin , Chen Chia-Hung , Thakor Nitish V.
Published: October 2020

Tumor blood vessels are chaotic and abundantly distributed, owing to their heterogeneity. Therefore, imaging techniques which reveal abnormalities of tumor vasculature play significant roles in both mechanistic and clinical diagnostic tumor studies. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging uses the intrinsic characteristics of hemoglobin, to acquire tumor hemodynamic information, while ultrasound (US) imaging provides information about tumoral vessel structures and blood flow. To improve the imaging contrast performance, hydrogel-based microdroplets were designed for both US blood flow and PA imaging in this study. The microdroplets served as carriers for PA contrast agent solution in the innermost part while oil and hydrogel formed the inner and outer layers of the droplets. In vitro experiments firstly demonstrated the dual modality contrast effects of the microdroplets on US flow determination and PA imaging. In vivo experiments were then carried out in both healthy nude mice and nude mice with subcutaneous tumor to validate the contrast effects and to monitor the duration of contrast effects in animals. Using the dual-modality microdroplets, we were able to obtain distinct edges of tumor and blood flow mapping of the tumor microvascular with improved sensitivity up to 11.09 dB for PA and 6.69 dB for US flow. Besides, the in vivo evaluation with microdroplets showed US flow enhancement for more than 60 min. Therefore, the microdroplets are able to provide the contrast effects for both US flow and PA in a relative long duration and have potential to be applied in the tumor related diagnoses and studies.
Prognostic value of FDG-PET radiomics with machine learning in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Toyama Yoshitaka , Hotta Masatoshi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Takanami Kentaro , Minamimoto Ryogo , Takase Kei
Published: October 2020

Patients with pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis, therefore identifying particular tumor characteristics associated with prognosis is important. This study aims to investigate the utility of radiomics with machine learning using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET in patients with pancreatic cancer. We enrolled 161 patients with pancreatic cancer underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT. The area of the primary tumor was semi-automatically contoured with a threshold of 40% of the maximum standardized uptake value, and 42 PET features were extracted. To identify relevant PET parameters for predicting 1-year survival, Gini index was measured using random forest (RF) classifier. Twenty-three patients were censored within 1 year of follow-up, and the remaining 138 patients were used for the analysis. Among the PET parameters, 10 features showed statistical significance for predicting overall survival. Multivariate analysis using Cox HR regression revealed gray-level zone length matrix (GLZLM) gray-level non-uniformity (GLNU) as the only PET parameter showing statistical significance. In RF model, GLZLM GLNU was the most relevant factor for predicting 1-year survival, followed by total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The combination of GLZLM GLNU and TLG stratified patients into three groups according to risk of poor prognosis. Radiomics with machine learning using FDG-PET in patients with pancreatic cancer provided useful prognostic information.
Exudation of organic acid anions by tropical grasses in response to low phosphorus availability
Authors: Almeida Danilo Silva , Delai Lucas Benes , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Franklan , Rosolem Ciro Antonio
Published: October 2020

It has been suggested that some tropical grasses can acquire phosphorus (P) from hematite and gypsite by exuding organic acid anions (OAs). However, it remains to be determined exactly which OAs could be involved in each case. The objective of this study was to verify the exudation OAs by ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis), palisade grass (U. brizantha), and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) as a response to P deficiency. The grasses were grown in leachate columns with adequate and deficient P nutrient solutions. The concentration of OAs in the leacheate and root surface, as well as shoot and root dry matter, and P uptake were determined. Citrate, isocitrate, and malate concentration in leachates and root surfaces increased with P starvation, mainly for the Urochloa grasses. Oxalate exudation was similar for the grasses under adequate P supply, but was lower in Guinea grass under P starvation. Palisade grass showed a higher concentration of total OAs in the root surface than the other species due to a great production of oxalate and isocitrate. Palisade grass showed greater dry matter yields regardless of P deficiency, and Guinea grass always had the higher shoot:root ratio. Urochloa grasses have a higher capacity to cope with low P availability by exuding OAs along with a lower shoot:root ratio than Guinea grass.
Author Correction: Predicting individual responses to the electroconvulsive therapy with hippocampal subfield volumes in major depression disorder
Authors: Cao Bo , Luo Qinghua , Fu Yixiao , Du Lian , Qiu Tian , Yang Xiangying , Chen Xiaolu , Chen Qibin , Soares Jair C. , Cho Raymond Y. , Zhang Xiang Yang , Qiu Haitang
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria alleviates drought stress in potato in response to suppressive oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities
Authors: Batool Tahira , Ali Shafaqat , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Naveed Naima Huma , Ali Aamir , Ahmed Khurshid , Abid Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad Rizwan , Alotaibi Majed , Al-Ashkar Ibrahim , Mubushar Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Maintenance of plant physiological functions under drought stress is normally considered a positive feature as it indicates sustained plant health and growth. This study was conducted to investigate whether plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis HAS31 has potential to maintain potato growth and yield under drought stress. We analyzed trends of chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis process, relative water content, osmolytes, antioxidants enzymes and oxidative stress, relative growth rate, tuber and aboveground biomass production in two potato varieties, Santae (drought-tolerant) and PRI-Red (drought-sensitive). Plants of both genotypes were treated with 100 g of HAS31 inoculant at 10 days after germination and exposed to different soil relative water contents (SRWC), including 80 ± 5% (well watered), 60 ± 5% (moderate stress) and 40 ± 5% SRWC (severe stress) for 7 days at tuber initiation stage (30 days after germination). The drought stress reduced plant relative growth rate, biomass production, leaf area, number of leaves and tubers, tuber weight, and final yield. The drought-stressed plants showed decline in chlorophyll contents, membrane stability, leaf relative water contents and photosynthetic rate. Under drought stress, enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), contents of total soluble sugars, soluble proteins and proline increased. The application of PGPR reduced the impact of drought and maintained higher growth and physio-chemical traits of the plants. The plants with PGPR application showed higher relative growth rate, dry matter production, leaf area, number of tubers, tuber weight and yield as compared to plants without PGPR. The PGPR-HAS31 treated plants maintained higher photosynthetic process, contents of chlorophyll, soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, and enzymatic activities of CAT, POD and SOD as compared to plants without PGPR. The results of the study suggest that plant growth regulators have ability to sustain growth and yield of potato under drought stress by maintaining physiological functions of the plants.
Self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane for treating severe corneal ulcers: a comparative, retrospective control study
Authors: Yin Han Y. , Cheng Anny M. S. , Tighe Sean , Kurochkin Philip , Nord Jamie , Dhanireddy Swetha , Swan Robert , Alpert Samuel
Published: October 2020

To compare the effectiveness of self- retained cryopreserved AM as an adjuvant therapy for infectious corneal ulcers. Retrospective, case–control study of 24 eyes of 24 consecutive patients with central and paracentral corneal infectious ulcers and initial visual acuity worse than 20/200. Among them, 11 eyes of 11 patients received additional placement of self-retained cryopreserved AM. Epithelialization and Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) were compared between the two groups. At baseline, both groups had comparable age, gender, visual acuity (VA), size and location of corneal ulcer. Patients receiving additional placement of cryopreserved AM had significantly faster epithelialization within 3.56 ± 1.78 weeks vs 5.87 ± 2.20 weeks (p = 0.01) and achieved complete epithelialization in significantly more patients (72.7% vs 23.1% p = 0.04) despite overall larger baseline defect size (32.7 ± 19.5 mm2 vs 21.5 ± 10.7 mm2, p = 0.11). Consequently, the AM group had clinically significant BCSVA (> 3 lines) (81.8% vs 38.4%, p = 0.047) and total VA improvement (log MAR 0.7 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.9, p = 0.016) compared to the control group at the time of complete epithelialization. In-office sutureless AM may be an effective adjuvant therapy in treating sight-threatening infectious corneal ulcers by promoting faster corneal epithelialization and overall better recovery of the VA.
New index of organic mass enrichment in sea spray aerosols linked with senescent status in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Miyazaki Yuzo , Suzuki Koji , Tachibana Eri , Yamashita Youhei , Müller Astrid , Kawana Kaori , Nishioka Jun
Published: October 2020

Linking the amount of organic matter (OM) in sea spray aerosols (SSAs) to biological processes in ocean surface is essential for understanding marine aerosol formation and their potential to affect cloud formation. To date, chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration has been widely used as a surrogate for surface phytoplankton biomass or productivity to predict the relative abundance of OM in SSAs (OMSSA). Here we show a new index to present OMSSA using concentrations of Chl a and chlorophyllide (Chllide) a, which is a breakdown product of Chl a and has been used as a biomarker of senescent algal cells. The index was compared with submicrometer OMSSA, based on surface seawater and aerosol samples obtained during the pre-bloom in the western subarctic Pacific. Our results showed that the OMSSA was highly correlated with this unique index, suggesting that the OMSSA was closely linked with senescent algal cells and/or cell lysis. Furthermore, the hygroscopicity parameters κ derived from water-extracted SSA samples implied a reduction in the SSA hygroscopicity with increasing senescent status of phytoplankton. The index can represent OMSSA on a timescale of a day during the pre-bloom period, which should be further examined over different oceanic regions.
Sectoral activation of glia in an inducible mouse model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Massengill Michael T. , Ash Neil F. , Young Brianna M. , Ildefonso Cristhian J. , Lewin Alfred S.
Published: October 2020

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of blinding disorders caused by diverse mutations, including in rhodopsin (RHO). Effective therapies have yet to be discovered. The I307N Rho mouse is a light-inducible model of autosomal dominant RP. Our purpose was to describe the glial response in this mouse model to educate future experimentation. I307N Rho mice were exposed to 20,000 lx of light for thirty minutes to induce retinal degeneration. Immunofluorescence staining of cross-sections and flat-mounts was performed to visualize the response of microglia and Müller glia. Histology was correlated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging (SD-OCT). Microglia dendrites extended between photoreceptors within two hours of induction, withdrew their dendrites between twelve hours and one day, appeared ameboid by three days, and assumed a ramified morphology by one month. Glial activation was more robust in the inferior retina and modulated across the boundary of light damage. SD-OCT hyper-reflectivity overlapped with activated microglia. Finally, microglia transiently adhered to the RPE before which RPE cells appeared dysmorphic. Our data demonstrate the spatial and temporal pattern of glial activation in the I307N Rho mouse, and correlate these patterns with SD-OCT images, assisting in interpretation of SD-OCT images in preclinical models and in human RP.
Author Correction: Rewiring of the FtsH regulatory network by a single nucleotide change in saeS of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Liu Qian , Hu Mo , Yeo Won-Sik , He Lei , Li Tianming , Zhu Yuanjun , Meng Hongwei , Wang Yanan , Lee Hyunwoo , Liu Xiaoyun , Li Min , Bae Taeok
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The dynamic Nexus: gap junctions control protein localization and mobility in distinct and surprising ways
Authors: McCutcheon Sean , Stout Randy F. , Spray David C.
Published: October 2020

Gap junction (GJ) channels permit molecules, such as ions, metabolites and second messengers, to transfer between cells. Their function is critical for numerous cellular interactions, providing exchange of metabolites, signaling molecules, and ionic currents. GJ channels are composed of Connexin (Cx) hexamers paired across extracellular space and typically form large rafts of clustered channels, called plaques, at cell appositions. Cxs together with molecules that interact with GJ channels make up a supramolecular structure known as the GJ Nexus. While the stability of connexin localization in GJ plaques has been studied, mobility of other Nexus components has yet to be addressed. Colocalization analysis of several nexus components and other membrane proteins reveal that certain molecules are excluded from the GJ plaque (Aquaporin 4, EAAT2b), while others are quite penetrant (lipophilic molecules, Cx30, ZO-1, Occludin). Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of tagged Nexus-associated proteins showed that mobility in plaque domains is affected by mobility of the Cx proteins. These novel findings indicate that the GJ Nexus is a dynamic membrane organelle, with cytoplasmic and membrane-embedded proteins binding and diffusing according to distinct parameters.
Simvastatin improves mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood cells
Authors: Durhuus Jon Ambæk , Hansson Svenja , Morville Thomas , Kuhlman Anja Birk , Dohlmann Tine Lovsø , Larsen Steen , Helge Jørn Wulff , Angleys Maria , Muniesa-Vargas Alba , Bundgaard Jens R. , Hickson Ian David , Dela Flemming , Desler Claus , Rasmussen Lene Juel
Published: October 2020

Statins are prescribed to treat hypercholesterolemia and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, statin users frequently report myalgia, which can discourage physical activity or cause patients to discontinue statin use, negating the potential benefit of the treatment. Although a proposed mechanism responsible for Statin-Associated Myopathy (SAM) suggests a correlation with impairment of mitochondrial function, the relationship is still poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that long-term treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients with Simvastatin at a therapeutic dose significantly display increased mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and platelets compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, the amount of superoxide is higher in mitochondria in PBMCs, and platelets from Simvastatin-treated patients than in untreated controls, and the abundance of mitochondrial superoxide, but not mitochondrial respiration trends with patient-reported myalgia. Ubiquinone (also known as coenzyme Q10) has been suggested as a potential treatment for SAM; however, an 8-week course of oral ubiquinone had no impact on mitochondrial functions or the abundance of superoxide in mitochondria from PBMCs, and platelets. These results demonstrate that long-term treatment with Simvastatin increases respiration and the production of superoxide in mitochondria of PBMCs and platelets.
Using machine learning to understand the implications of meteorological conditions for fish kills
Authors: Chen You-Jia , Nicholson Emily , Cheng Su-Ting
Published: October 2020

Fish kills, often caused by low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), involve with complex interactions and dynamics in the environment. In many places the precise cause of massive fish kills remains uncertain due to a lack of continuous water quality monitoring. In this study, we tested if meteorological conditions could act as a proxy for low levels of DO by relating readily available meteorological data to fish kills of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) using a machine learning technique, the self-organizing map (SOM). Driven by different meteorological patterns, fish kills were classified into summer and non-summer types by the SOM. Summer fish kills were associated with extended periods of lower air pressure and higher temperature, and concentrated storm events 2–3 days before the fish kills. In contrast, non-summer fish kills followed a combination of relatively low air pressure, continuous lower wind speed, and successive storm events 5 days before the fish kills. Our findings suggest that abnormal meteorological conditions can serve as warning signals for managers to avoid fish kills by taking preventative actions. While not replacing water monitoring programs, meteorological data can support fishery management to safeguard the health of the riverine ecosystems.
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is correlated with T2* iron deposition in response to doxorubicin treatment: cardiotoxicity risk assessment
Authors: Trofenciuc Nelu-Mihai , Bordejevic Aurora Diana , Tomescu Mirela Cleopatra , Petrescu Lucian , Crisan Simina , Geavlete Oliviana , Mischie Alexandru , Onel Alexandru Fica Mircea , Sasu Alciona , Pop-Moldovan Adina Ligia
Published: October 2020

Although doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective antitumor antibiotic in the anthracycline class, it often induces the undesirable side effect of cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure, which limits its clinical use. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate a reliable translational method for Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (CTX) screening, aiming to identify a high-risk population and to discover new strategies to predict and investigate this phenomenon. Early identification of the presence of iron deposits and genetic and environmental triggers that predispose individuals to increased risk of Dox-induced CTX (e.g., overexpression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)) will enable the early implementation of countermeasure therapy, which will improve the patient’s chance of survival. Our cohort consisted of 25 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed cancer undergoing Dox chemotherapy and 12 control patients. The following parameters were measured: serum TLR4 (baseline), serum transferrin (baseline and 6-week follow-up) and iron deposition (baseline and 6-week follow-up). The average number of gene expression units was 0.121 for TLR4 (range 0.051–0.801). We subsequently correlated serum TLR4 levels in our cohort with myocardial iron overload using the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T2* technique, the ventricular function (% ejection fraction, %EF) and serum transferrin levels. There is a strong negative linear relationship between serum TLR4 and CMR T2* values (r =  − 0.9106, ****P < 0.0001). There is also a linear correlation (either positive or negative) with EF and transferrin; no established relationship related to the sex of the patients was found. Patients with elevated serum TLR4 at baseline also exhibited an increase in serum transferrin levels and Dox-induced left ventricular dysfunction with a decreased EF (< 50%); this phenomenon was observed in 7 of 25 patients (28%) at the 6-week follow-up. There were no significant differences or correlations based on sex. We concluded that there is a direct relationship between Dox-induced CTX (indicated by elevated serum TLR4) and the times (ms) for T2* (decreases in which correspond to immediate and rapid iron overload).
Schematic memories develop quickly, but are not expressed unless necessary
Authors: Tompary Alexa , Zhou WenXi , Davachi Lila
Published: October 2020

Episodic memory retrieval is increasingly influenced by schematic information as memories mature, but it is unclear whether this is due to the slow formation of schemas over time, or the slow forgetting of the episodes. To address this, we separately probed memory for newly learned schemas as well as their influence on episodic memory decisions. In this experiment, participants encoded images from two categories, with the location of images in each category drawn from a different spatial distribution. They could thus learn schemas of category locations by encoding specific episodes. We found that images that were more consistent with these distributions were more precisely retrieved, and this schematic influence increased over time. However, memory for the schema distribution, measured using generalization to novel images, also became less precise over time. This incongruity suggests that schemas form rapidly, but their influence on episodic retrieval is dictated by the need to bolster fading memory representations.
Acoustically driven electromagnetic radiating elements
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed E. , Breen Michael , Li Ming-Huang , Gong Songbin
Published: October 2020

The low propagation loss of electromagnetic radiation below 1 MHz offers significant opportunities for low power, long range communication systems to meet growing demand for Internet of Things applications. However, the fundamental reduction in efficiency as antenna size decreases below a wavelength (30 m at 1 MHz) has made portable communication systems in the very low frequency (VLF: 3–30 kHz) and low frequency (30–300 kHz) ranges impractical for decades. A paradigm shift to piezoelectric antennas utilizing strain-driven currents at resonant wavelengths up to five orders of magnitude smaller than electrical antennas offers the promise for orders of magnitude efficiency improvement over the electrical state-of-the-art. This work demonstrates a lead zirconate titanate transmitter > 6000 times more efficient than a comparably sized electrical antenna and capable of bit rates up to 60 bit/s. Detailed analysis of design parameters offers a roadmap for significant future improvement in both radiation efficiency and data rate.
Ultrasensitive detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by a rapid and specific probe-triggered one-step, simultaneous DNA hybridization and isothermal amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick
Authors: Jaroenram Wansadaj , Kampeera Jantana , Arunrut Narong , Sirithammajak Sarawut , Jaitrong Sarinya , Boonnak Kobporn , Khumwan Pakapreud , Prammananan Therdsak , Chaiprasert Angkana , Kiatpathomchai Wansika
Published: October 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an insidious scourge that has afflicted millions of people worldwide. Although there are many rapid methods to detect it based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and a lateral flow dipstick (LFD), this study made further improvements using a new set of primers to enhance LAMP performance and a novel DNA probe system to simplify detection and increase specificity. The new probe system eliminates the post-LAMP hybridization step typically required for LFD assays by allowing co-hybridization and amplification of target DNA in one reaction while preventing self-polymerization that could lead to false-positive results. The improved assay was named Probe-Triggered, One-Step, Simultaneous DNA Hybridization and LAMP Integrated with LFD (SH-LAMP-LFD). SH-LAMP-LFD was simpler to perform and more sensitive than previously reported LAMP-LFD and PCR methods by 100 and 1000 times, respectively. It could detect a single cell of Mtb. The absence of cross-reactivity with 23 non-TB bacteria, and accurate test results with all 104 blind clinical samples have highlighted its accuracy. Its robustness and portability make SH-LAMP-LFD suitable for users in both low and high resource settings.
Perioperative factors associated with postoperative morbidity after emergency laparotomy: a retrospective analysis in a university teaching hospital
Authors: Ahmed M. , Garry E. , Moynihan A. , Rehman W. , Griffin J. , Buggy D. J.
Published: October 2020

Emergency Laparotomy (EL) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Variation in practice and patient outcomes for patients undergoing emergency laparotomy has been identified through the UK National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA), with 30-day mortality ranging from 11 to 15%. A correlation between preoperative haemodynamic parameters and increased postoperative mortality has been demonstrated by both NELA and other observational studies. The association between intraoperative haemodynamic parameters and overall postoperative morbidity has not been evaluated in EL patients. The aims of our study were to investigate the association between perioperative haemodynamic and logistic parameters and postoperative morbidity in a tertiary referral university hospital; and to compare our outcomes to that of the NELA data. A retrospective analysis correlating a range of perioperative parameters with Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) among 86 patients who underwent EL during 2018 was conducted. Mean age was 64 years (SD 16). Median CCI was 27 [9–45], and 30-day mortality was 11.7%. Several intraoperative parameters correlated with CCI on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, ASA status (P = 0.005) and unplanned escalation to postoperative intensive care (P = 0.03) were independently associated with CCI. Our study shows a correlation between ASA status and unplanned escalation to ITU with increased postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. We did not demonstrate an independent correlation between intraoperative parameters and postoperative morbidity. These findings warrant confirmation in a larger scale observational study. Outcomes in our institution are comparable to those seen in the NELA.
Autumn movements of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from Svalbard, Norway, revealed by satellite tracking
Authors: Lydersen Christian , Vacquié-Garcia Jade , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter , Øien Nils , Guinet Christophe , Kovacs Kit M.
Published: October 2020

Insight into animal movements is essential for understanding habitat use by individuals as well as population processes and species life-history strategies. In this study, we instrumented 25 fin whales with ARGOS satellite-transmitters in Svalbard, Norway, to study their movement patterns and behaviour (Area Restricted Search (ARS), transiting or unknown) during boreal autumn/early winter. Ten of the whales stayed in the tagging area (most northerly location: 81.68°N) for their entire tracking periods (max 45 days). The other 15 whales moved in a south-westerly direction; the longest track ended off the coast of northern Africa (> 5000 km from the tagging location) after 96 days. The whales engaged in ARS behaviour intermittently throughout their southward migrations. During transit phases the whales moved quickly; one individual maintained an average horizontal speed of 9.3 km/h (travelling 223 km per day) for a period of a week. This study documents that: (1) some fin whales might remain at high latitudes during winter; (2) the whales that do migrate probably feed along the way; (3) they can maintain high transiting speed for long periods and; (4) one breeding area for this species is likely located in deep, warm water some 100 km west of Morocco.
Reducing the complexity of financial networks using network embeddings
Authors: Boersma M. , Maliutin A. , Sourabh S. , Hoogduin L. A. , Kandhai D.
Published: October 2020

Accounting scandals like Enron (2001) and Petrobas (2014) remind us that untrustworthy financial information has an adverse effect on the stability of the economy and can ultimately be a source of systemic risk. This financial information is derived from processes and their related monetary flows within a business. But as the flows are becoming larger and more complex, it becomes increasingly difficult to distill the primary processes for large amounts of transaction data. However, by extracting the primary processes we will be able to detect possible inconsistencies in the information efficiently. We use recent advances in network embedding techniques that have demonstrated promising results regarding node classification problems in domains like biology and sociology. We learned a useful continuous vector representation of the nodes in the network which can be used for the clustering task, such that the clusters represent the meaningful primary processes. The results show that we can extract the relevant primary processes which are similar to the created clusters by a financial expert. Moreover, we construct better predictive models using the flows from the extracted primary processes which can be used to detect inconsistencies. Our work will pave the way towards a more modern technology and data-driven financial audit discipline.
Root samples provide early and improved detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in Citrus
Authors: Braswell W. Evan , Park Jong-Won , Stansly Philip A. , Kostyk Barry Craig , Louzada Eliezer S. , da Graça John V. , Kunta Madhurababu
Published: October 2020

Huanglongbing (HLB), or Citrus Greening, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting agriculture today. Widespread throughout Citrus growing regions of the world, it has had severe economic consequences in all areas it has invaded. With no treatment available, management strategies focus on suppression and containment. Effective use of these costly control strategies relies on rapid and accurate identification of infected plants. Unfortunately, symptoms of the disease are slow to develop and indistinct from symptoms of other biotic/abiotic stressors. As a result, diagnosticians have focused on detecting the pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, by DNA-based detection strategies utilizing leaf midribs for sampling. Recent work has shown that fibrous root decline occurs in HLB-affected trees before symptom development among leaves. Moreover, the pathogen, Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, has been shown to be more evenly distributed within roots than within the canopy. Motivated by these observations, a longitudinal study of young asymptomatic trees was established to observe the spread of disease through time and test the relative effectiveness of leaf- and root-based detection strategies. Detection of the pathogen occurred earlier, more consistently, and more often in root samples than in leaf samples. Moreover, little influence of geography or host variety was found on the probability of detection.
Pathogenic mutations reveal a role of RECQ4 in mitochondrial RNA:DNA hybrid formation and resolution
Authors: Chang Chou-Wei , Xu Xiaohua , Li Min , Xin Di , Ding Lin , Wang Ya-Ting , Liu Yilun
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a complex process that involves the formation and resolution of unusual nucleic acid structures, such as RNA:DNA hybrids. However, little is known about the enzymes that regulate these processes. RECQ4 is a DNA replication factor important for mtDNA maintenance, and here, we unveil a role of human RECQ4 in regulating the formation and resolution of mitochondrial RNA:DNA hybrids. Mitochondrial membrane protein p32 can block mtDNA synthesis by restricting RECQ4 mitochondrial localization via protein–protein interaction. We found that the interaction with p32 was disrupted not only by the previously reported cancer-associated RECQ4 mutation, del(A420-A463), but also by a clinical mutation of the adjacent residue, P466L. Surprisingly, although P466L mutant was present in the mitochondria at greater levels, unlike del(A420-A463) mutant, it failed to enhance mtDNA synthesis due to the accumulation of RNA:DNA hybrids throughout the mtDNA. Biochemical analysis revealed that P466L mutation enhanced RECQ4 annealing activity to generate RNA:DNA hybrids at the same time reduced its unwinding activity to resolve this structure. Hence, P466L mutation led to a reduced efficiency in completing mtDNA synthesis due to unresolved RNA:DNA hybrids across mtDNA.
Drug binding dynamics of the dimeric SARS-CoV-2 main protease, determined by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Komatsu Teruhisa S. , Okimoto Noriaki , Koyama Yohei M. , Hirano Yoshinori , Morimoto Gentaro , Ohno Yousuke , Taiji Makoto
Published: October 2020

We performed molecular dynamics simulation of the dimeric SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) main protease (Mpro) to examine the binding dynamics of small molecular ligands. Seven HIV inhibitors, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir, were used as the potential lead drugs to investigate access to the drug binding sites in Mpro. The frequently accessed sites on Mpro were classified based on contacts between the ligands and the protein, and the differences in site distributions of the encounter complex were observed among the ligands. All seven ligands showed binding to the active site at least twice in 28 simulations of 200 ns each. We further investigated the variations in the complex structure of the active site with the ligands, using microsecond order simulations. Results revealed a wide variation in the shapes of the binding sites and binding poses of the ligands. Additionally, the C-terminal region of the other chain often interacted with the ligands and the active site. Collectively, these findings indicate the importance of dynamic sampling of protein–ligand complexes and suggest the possibilities of further drug optimisations.
Genomic approach to explore altered signaling networks of olfaction in response to diesel exhaust particles in mice
Authors: Kim Su Ji , Kim Nahyun , Park So Hyeon , Kim Hyun Soo , Song Jae-Jun , Son Bu-Soon , Jang An-Soo , Park Moo Kyun , Seo Young Rok
Published: October 2020

Airborne pollutants have detrimental effect on the human body and the environment. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are known to be major component of particulate matter (PM) and cause respiratory diseases and neurotoxicity. However, the effects of air pollutants on the sensory nervous system, especially on the olfactory sense, have not been well studied. Herein, we aimed to explore DEP-induced changes in the olfactory perception process. Olfactory sensitivity test was performed after DEP inhalation in mice. Microarray was conducted to determine the differentially expressed genes, which were then utilized to build a network focused on neurotoxicity. Exposure to DEPs significantly reduced sniffing in mice, indicating a disturbance in the olfactory perception process. Through network analysis, we proposed five genes (Cfap69, Cyp26b1, Il1b, Il6, and Synpr) as biomarker candidates for DEP-mediated olfactory dysfunction. Changes in their expression might provoke malfunction of sensory transduction by inhibiting olfactory receptors, neurite outgrowth, and axonal guidance as well as lead to failure of recovery from neuroinflammatory damage through inhibition of nerve regeneration. Thus, we suggest the potential mechanism underlying DEPs-mediated olfactory disorders using genomic approach. Our study will be helpful to future researchers to assess an individual’s olfactory vulnerability following exposure to inhalational environmental hazards.
Tb(iii)-doped nanosheets as a fluorescent probe for the detection of dipicolinic acid
Authors: Wang Bing , Xia Jinfeng , Zhou Guohong , Li Xin , Dai Mengting , Jiang Danyu , Li Qiang
Published: October 2020

A new fluorescent probe based on terbium(iii)-doped nanosheets was designed for detecting low-levels of dipicolinic acid (DPA), a biomarker of bacterial spores.
Evaluating medical device and material thrombosis under flow: current and emerging technologies
Authors: Hong Jun Ki , Gao Lingzi , Singh Jasneil , Goh Tiffany , Ruhoff Alexander M. , Neto Chiara , Waterhouse Anna
Published: October 2020

This review highlights the importance of flow in medical device thrombosis and explores current and emerging technologies to evaluate dynamic biomaterial Thrombosisin vitro.
Rhamnose modified bovine serum albumin as a carrier protein promotes the immune response against sTn antigen
Authors: Lin Han , Hong Haofei , Wang Jinfeng , Li Chen , Zhou Zhifang , Wu Zhimeng
Published: October 2020

Rhamnose and sTn antigen were co-conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for cancer vaccine development. The immune responses against sTn have been significantly augmented with the involvement of Rha-specific antibodies to enhance antigen uptake.
Inhibition of Sn(ii) oxidation in Z-scheme BiVO4-QD@Sn3O4 for overall water splitting
Authors: Chen Lu , Hou Chao , Liu Zhanqi , Qu Yang , Xie Mingzheng , Han Weihua
Published: October 2020

Z-Scheme charge transfer in BiVO4-QD@Sn3O4 inhibits the oxidation of Sn2+ in Sn3O4, leading to efficient activities for overall water splitting.
Luminescence and energy transfer mechanisms in photo-thermo-refractive glasses co-doped with silver molecular clusters and Eu3+
Authors: Marasanov Dmitriy V. , Mironov Leonid Yu. , Sgibnev Yevgeniy M. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Nikonorov Nikolay V.
Published: October 2020

Silver molecular clusters were synthesized in photo-thermo-refractive glasses using the Na+–Ag+ ion exchange technique followed by heat treatment.
Can the roles of polar and non-polar moieties be reversed in non-polar solvents?
Authors: Dongmo Foumthuim Cedrix J. , Carrer Manuel , Houvet Maurine , Škrbić Tatjana , Graziano Giuseppe , Giacometti Achille
Published: October 2020

Using thermodynamic integration, we study the solvation free energy of 18 amino acid side chain equivalents in solvents with different polarities, ranging from the most polar water to the most non-polar cyclohexane.
Adsorption and reactions of NO molecules on anionic gold clusters in the size range below 1 nm: effects of clusters’ global electronic properties
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Tingting , Yang Jingjing , Hu Jin , Xing Xiaopeng
Published: October 2020

Size-dependence in adsorption and reactions of NO on Aun− (n ≤ 80) revealed the effects of the clusters’ global electronic properties.
Photothermal structural modification of porous gold nanoshells via pulsed-laser irradiation: effects of laser wavelengths and surface conditions
Authors: Park Tae-Hyeon , Jeong Dong-Won , Jang Du-Jeon
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the detailed effects of laser wavelengths and nanoparticle surface conditions, as well as laser fluences, in the structural modification of porous gold nanoshells induced by picosecond pulse irradiation.
From solid state to in vitro anticancer activity of copper(ii) compounds with electronically-modulated NNO Schiff base ligands
Authors: Rigamonti Luca , Reginato Francesco , Ferrari Erika , Pigani Laura , Gigli Lara , Demitri Nicola , Kopel Pavel , Tesarova Barbora , Heger Zbynek
Published: October 2020

The electron withdrawing nitro group enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of copper(ii) complexes bearing tridentate NNO Schiff base ligands.
Low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides (LMW-COSs) prevent obesity-related metabolic abnormalities in association with the modification of gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice
Authors: He Ningning , Wang Shuo , Lv Zhiyuan , Zhao Wandong , Li Shangyong
Published: October 2020

Enzymatic LMW-COSs ameliorate obesity and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities. The overall change in gut microbiota was associated with metabolic parameters and its prebiotic functions by regulating gut microbiota and inflammatory response.
High DNA integrity sperm selection using surface acoustic waves
Authors: Gai Junyang , Nosrati Reza , Neild Adrian
Published: October 2020

We presented an automated option for motility-based sperm selection with the potential to sort based on morphology with surface acoustic wave microfluidics.