bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed Modulation of the Tropical Radiation Budget by Deep Convective Organization and Lower‐Tropospheric Stability
Authors: Bony S. , Semie A. , Kramer R. J. , Soden B. , Tompkins A. M. , Emanuel K. A.
Published: August 2020

This study analyzes the observed monthly deseasonalized and detrended variability of the tropical radiation budget and suggests that variations of the lower‐tropospheric stability and of the spatial organization of deep convection both strongly contribute to this variability. Satellite observations show that on average over the tropical belt, when deep convection is more aggregated, the free troposphere is drier, the deep convective cloud coverage is less extensive, and the emission of heat to space is increased; an enhanced aggregation of deep convection is thus associated with a radiative cooling of the tropics. An increase of the tropical‐mean lower‐tropospheric stability is also coincident with a radiative cooling of the tropics, primarily because it is associated with more marine low clouds and an enhanced reflection of solar radiation, although the free‐tropospheric drying also contributes to the cooling. The contributions of convective aggregation and lower‐tropospheric stability to the modulation of the radiation budget are complementary, largely independent of each other, and equally strong. Together, they account for more than sixty percent of the variance of the tropical radiation budget. Satellite observations are thus consistent with the suggestion from modeling studies that the spatial organization of deep convection substantially influences the radiative balance of the Earth. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that control convective organization and lower‐tropospheric stability variations, and the need to monitor their changes as the climate warms.
The Global Sink of Available Potential Energy by Mesoscale Air‐Sea Interaction
Authors: Bishop Stuart P. , Small R. Justin , Bryan Frank O.
Published: August 2020

The thermal component of oceanic eddy available potential energy (EPE) generation due to air‐sea interaction is proportional to the product of anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) and net air‐sea heat flux (SHF). In this study we assess EPE generation and its timescale and space‐scale dependence from observations and a high‐resolution coupled climate model. A dichotomy exists in the literature with respect to the sign of this term, that is, whether it is a source or a sink of EPE. We resolve this dichotomy by partitioning the SST and net heat flux into climatological mean, climatological seasonal cycle, and remaining transient contributions, thereby separating the mesoscale eddy variability from the forced seasonal cycle. In this decomposition the mesoscale air‐sea SST‐SHF feedbacks act as a 0.1 TW global sink of EPE. In regions of the ocean with a large seasonal cycle, for example, midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, the EPE generation by the forced seasonal cycle exceeds the mesoscale variability sink, such that the global generation by seasonal plus eddy variability acts as a 0.8 TW source. EPE destruction is largest in the midlatitude western boundary currents due to mesoscale air‐sea interaction and in the tropical Pacific where SST variability is due mainly to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. The EPE sink in western boundary currents is spatially aligned with SST gradients and offset to the poleward side of currents, while the mean and seasonal generation are aligned with the warm core of the current. By successively smoothing the data in space and time we find that half of the EPE sink is confined to timescales less than annual and length scales less than 2°, within the oceanic mesoscale band.
Androgen receptor signaling regulates the transcriptome of prostate cancer cells by modulating global alternative splicing
Authors: Shah Kalpit , Gagliano Teresa , Garland Lisa , O’Hanlon Timothy , Bortolotti Daria , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Roberta , Giamas Georgios , Dean Michael
Published: August 2020

Androgen receptor (AR), is a transcription factor and a member of a hormone receptor superfamily. AR plays a vital role in the progression of prostate cancer and is a crucial target for therapeutic interventions. While the majority of advanced-stage prostate cancer patients will initially respond to the androgen deprivation, the disease often progresses to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Interestingly, CRPC tumors continue to depend on hyperactive AR signaling and will respond to potent second-line antiandrogen therapies, including bicalutamide (CASODEX®) and enzalutamide (XTANDI®). However, the progression-free survival rate for the CRPC patients on antiandrogen therapies is only 8–19 months. Hence, there is a need to understand the mechanisms underlying CRPC progression and eventual treatment resistance. Here, we have leveraged next-generation sequencing and newly developed analytical methodologies to evaluate the role of AR signaling in regulating the transcriptome of prostate cancer cells. The genomic and pharmacologic stimulation and inhibition of AR activity demonstrates that AR regulates alternative splicing within cancer-relevant genes. Furthermore, by integrating transcriptomic data from in vitro experiments and in prostate cancer patients, we found that a significant number of AR-regulated splicing events are associated with tumor progression. For example, we found evidence for an inadvertent AR-antagonist-mediated switch in IDH1 and PL2G2A isoform expression, which is associated with a decrease in overall survival of patients. Mechanistically, we discovered that the epithelial-specific splicing regulators (ESRP1 and ESRP2), flank many AR-regulated alternatively spliced exons. And, using 2D invasion assays, we show that the inhibition of ESRPs can suppress AR-antagonist-driven tumor invasion. Our work provides evidence for a new mechanism by which AR alters the transcriptome of prostate cancer cells by modulating alternative splicing. As such, our work has important implications for CRPC progression and development of resistance to treatment with bicalutamide and enzalutamide.
Gammaproteobacteria mediating utilization of methyl-, sulfur- and petroleum organic compounds in deep ocean hydrothermal plumes
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Liu Yang , Pan Jie , Cron Brandi R , Toner Brandy M , Anantharaman Karthik , Breier John A , Dick Gregory J , Li Meng
Published: August 2020

Deep-sea hydrothermal plumes are considered natural laboratories for understanding ecological and biogeochemical interactions. Previous studies focused on interactions between microorganisms and inorganic, reduced hydrothermal inputs including sulfur, hydrogen, iron, and manganese. However, little is known about transformations of organic compounds, especially methylated, sulfur-containing compounds, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Here, we reconstructed nine gammaproteobacterial metagenome-assembled genomes, affiliated with Methylococcales, Methylophaga, and Cycloclasticus, from three hydrothermal ecosystems. We present evidence that these three groups have high transcriptional activities of genes encoding cycling of C1-compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, and organic sulfur in hydrothermal plumes. This includes oxidation of methanethiol, the simplest thermochemically-derived organic sulfur, for energy metabolism in Methylococcales and Cycloclasticus. Together with active transcription of genes for thiosulfate and methane oxidation in Methylococcales, these results suggest an adaptive strategy of versatile and simultaneous use of multiple available electron donors. Meanwhile, the first near-complete MAG of hydrothermal Methylophaga aminisulfidivorans and its transcriptional profile point to active chemotaxis targeting small organic compounds. Petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Cycloclasticus are abundant and active in plumes of oil spills as well as deep-sea vents, suggesting that they are indigenous and effectively respond to stimulus of hydrocarbons in the deep sea. These findings suggest that these three groups of Gammaproteobacteria transform organic carbon and sulfur compounds via versatile and opportunistic metabolism and modulate biogeochemistry in plumes of hydrothermal systems as well as oil spills, thus contributing broad ecological impact to the deep ocean globally.
Resilience, COVID-19-related stress, anxiety and depression during the pandemic in a large population enriched for healthcare providers
Authors: Barzilay Ran , Moore Tyler M. , Greenberg David M. , DiDomenico Grace E. , Brown Lily A. , White Lauren K. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E.
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 pandemic is a global calamity posing an unprecedented opportunity to study resilience. We developed a brief resilience survey probing self-reliance, emotion-regulation, interpersonal-relationship patterns and neighborhood-environment, and applied it online during the acute COVID-19 outbreak (April 6–15, 2020), on a crowdsourcing research website (www.covid19resilience.org) advertised through social media. We evaluated level of stress (worries) regarding COVID-19: (1) contracting, (2) dying from, (3) currently having, (4) family member contracting, (5) unknowingly infecting others with (6) experiencing significant financial burden following. Anxiety (GAD7) and depression (PHQ2) were measured. Totally, 3042 participants (n = 1964 females, age range 18–79, mean age = 39) completed the resilience and COVID-19-related stress survey and 1350 of them (mean age = 41, SD = 13; n = 997 females) completed GAD7 and PHQ2. Participants significantly endorsed more distress about family contracting COVID-19 (48.5%) and unknowingly infecting others (36%), than getting COVID-19 themselves (19.9%), p < 0.0005 covarying for demographics and proxy COVID-19 exposures like getting tested and knowing infected individuals. Patterns of COVID-19 related worries, rates of anxiety (GAD7 > 10, 22.2%) and depression (PHQ2 > 2, 16.1%) did not differ between healthcare providers and non-healthcare providers. Higher resilience scores were associated with lower COVID-19 related worries (main effect F1,3054 = 134.9; p < 0.00001, covarying for confounders). Increase in 1 SD on resilience score was associated with reduced rate of anxiety (65%) and depression (69%), across healthcare and non-healthcare professionals. Findings provide empirical evidence on mental health associated with COVID-19 outbreak in a large convenience sample, setting a stage for longitudinal studies evaluating mental health trajectories following COVID-19 pandemic.
Correction: MicroRNA-17-5p regulates EMT by targeting vimentin in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Tae Won , Lee Yeo Song , Yun Nak Hyeon , Shin Chang Hoon , Hong Hye Kyung , Kim Hyeon Ho , Cho Yong Beom
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Long noncoding RNA TTN-AS1 facilitates tumorigenesis and metastasis by maintaining TTN expression in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Dongping , Lu Jiqiang , Chen Lin , Zhang Shengnan , Qi Weiyan , Li Weiguang , Xu Hanmei
Published: August 2020

The antisense transcript, emanating from the opposite strand to a protein-coding or sense strand, has been reported to have critical roles in gene regulation. The perturbation of an antisense RNA can alter the expression of sense messenger RNAs. In this study, a long noncoding RNA TTN-AS1 (lncRNA-TTN-AS1), which is transcribed in the opposite direction of the human titin (TTN) gene, has been identified and explored in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). We found that the expression of TTN and lncRNA-TTN-AS1 had a significantly positive correlation in SKCM cells. Functionally, ectopic expression of TTN and lncRNA-TTN-AS1 promoted SKCM tumorigenesis and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, knockdown of TTN partially abrogated lncRNA-TTN-AS1 induced SKCM tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, hypomethylation of transcription initiation site was responsible for lncRNA-TTN-AS1 high expression levels. LncRNA-TTN-AS1 facilitated SKCM progression by promoting TTN expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. As detailed, lncRNA-TTN-AS1 had a significant effect on the increase of TTN promoter activity. Besides, lncRNA-TTN-AS1 also induced the accumulation of TTN in cytoplasm by increasing the stability of TTN mRNA. Clinically, we found that high TTN and lncRNA-TTN-AS1 expression were positively correlated with poor overall survival of SKCM patients, and may be considered as novel biomarkers and drug targets for SKCM patients.
Chemotherapeutic resistance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is mediated by EpCAM induction driven by IL-6/p62 associated Nrf2-antioxidant pathway activation
Authors: Noman Abu Shadat M. , Parag Rashed R. , Rashid Muhammad I. , Islam Shafiqul , Rahman Mohammad Z. , Chowdhury Ali A. , Sultana Afrin , Jerin Chandsultana , Siddiqua Ayesha , Rahman Lutfur , Nayeem Junayed , Akther Sonam , Baidya Sunanda , Shil Rajib K. , Rahman Mizanur , Shirin Afsana , Mahmud Reaz , Hossain S. M. Ikram , Sumi Sharmin A. , Chowdhury Arfina , Basher Shabnam B. , Hasan Abul , Bithy Shammy , Aklima Jannatul , Chowdhury Nabila , Hasan Muhammad N. , Banu Tahmina , Chowdhury Srikanta , Hossain Muhammad M. , Yeger Herman , Farhat Walid A. , Islam Syed S.
Published: August 2020

Overexpression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been associated with chemotherapeutic resistance, leads to aggressive tumor behavior, and results in an adverse clinical outcome. The molecular mechanism by which EpCAM enrichment is linked to therapeutic resistance via Nrf2, a key regulator of antioxidant genes is unknown. We have investigated the link between EpCAM and the Nrf2 pathway in light of therapeutic resistance using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient tumor samples and cell lines. We report that EpCAM was highly expressed in Nrf2-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC cells. In addition, cisplatin-resistant tumor cells consisted of a higher proportion of EpCAMhigh cells compared to the cisplatin sensitive counterpart. EpCAMhigh populations exhibited resistance to cisplatin, a higher efficiency in colony formation, sphere growth and invasion capacity, and demonstrated reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. Furthermore, Nrf2 expression was significantly higher in EpCAMhigh populations. Mechanistically, expression of Nrf2 and its target genes were most prominently observed in EpCAMhigh populations. Silencing of EpCAM expression resulted in the attenuation of expressions of Nrf2 and SOD1 concomitant with a reduction of Sox2 expression. On the other hand, silencing of Nrf2 expression rendered EpCAMhigh populations sensitive to cisplatin treatment accompanied by the inhibition of colony formation, sphere formation, and invasion efficiency and increased ROS activity. The molecular mechanistic link between EpCAM expression and activation of Nrf2 was found to be a concerted interaction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and p62. Silencing of p62 expression in EpCAMhigh populations resulted in the attenuation of Nrf2 pathway activation suggesting that Nrf2 pathway activation promoted resistance to cisplatin in EpCAMhigh populations. We propose that therapeutic targeting the Nrf2-EpCAM axis might be an excellent approach to modulate stress resistance and thereby survival of HNSCC patients enriched in EpCAMhigh populations.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 signaling-induced decreases in IRX4 inhibits NANOG-mediated cancer stem-like properties and gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells
Authors: Jia Zhirong , Zhang Yameng , Yan Aiwen , Wang Meisa , Han Qiushuang , Wang Kaiwei , Wang Jie , Qiao Chen , Pan Zhenzhen , Chen Chuansheng , Hu Dong , Ding Xuansheng
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated that acquisition of cancer stem-like properties plays an essential role in promoting epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, how to regulate cancer stem-like properties and EGFR-TKI resistance is largely unclear. In this study, we discovered that increased iroquois-class homeodomain protein 4 (IRX4) was related to gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of IRX4 inhibited cell proliferation, sphere formation, and the expression of CD133, ALDH1A1, NANOG, Sox2 and Notch1, and the transcriptional activity of NANOG promoter. IRX4 overexpression increased the protein level of NANOG and CD133 in PC-9 cells. Combination of knocking-down IRX4 with gefitinib increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell viability and the expression of p-EGFR and NANOG in PC-9/GR cells. IRX4 knockdown in a PC-9/GR xenograft tumor model inhibited tumor progression and the expression of NANOG and CD133 more effectively than single treatment alone. Knockdown of NANOG inhibited the expression of CD133 and restored gefitinib cytotoxicity, and NANOG overexpression-induced cancer stem-like properties and gefitinib resistance could be obviously reversed by knocking-down IRX4. Further, we found that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) reduced obviously the expression of IRX4 and NANOG by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway; moreover, combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and gefitinib decreased cell viability and proliferation or tumor progression and the expression of IRX4 and NANOG compared with single treatment alone both in PC-9/GR cells and in a PC-9/GR xenograft tumor model. These results reveal that inhibition of IRX4-mediated cancer stem-like properties by regulating 1,25(OH)2D3 signaling may increase gefitinib cytotoxicity. Combination therapy of gefitinib and 1,25(OH)2D3 by targeting IRX4 and NANOG, could provide a promising strategy to improve gefitinib cytotoxicity.
Impact of comorbid conditions on asthmatic adults and children
Authors: Kaplan Alan , Szefler Stanley J. , Halpin David M. G.
Published: August 2020

Comorbid conditions (comorbidities) can complicate the diagnosis and management of asthma. In different age groups, comorbid conditions can present varying challenges, including diagnostic confusion due to mimicking asthma symptoms, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, therapy for comorbid conditions affecting asthma or therapy for asthma affecting these conditions. This review aims to summarise some common comorbid conditions with asthma, such as rhinitis, vocal cord dysfunction, gastro-oesophageal reflux, psychiatric disorders, obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea, and discuss their prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, highlighting any differences in how they impact children and adults. Overall, there is a lack of data on the impact of treating comorbid conditions on asthma outcomes and further studies are needed to guide age-appropriate asthma management in the presence of these conditions.
4-Phenylbutyrate ameliorates apoptotic neural cell death in Down syndrome by reducing protein aggregates
Authors: Hirata Katsuya , Nambara Toshihiko , Kawatani Keiji , Nawa Nobutoshi , Yoshimatsu Hidetaka , Kusakabe Haruna , Banno Kimihiko , Nishimura Ken , Ohtaka Manami , Nakanishi Mahito , Taniguchi Hidetoshi , Arahori Hitomi , Wada Kazuko , Ozono Keiichi , Kitabatake Yasuji
Published: August 2020

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) commonly show unique pathological phenotypes throughout their life span. Besides the specific effects of dosage-sensitive genes on chromosome 21, recent studies have demonstrated that the gain of a chromosome exerts an adverse impact on cell physiology, regardless of the karyotype. Although dysregulated transcription and perturbed protein homeostasis are observed in common in human fibroblasts with trisomy 21, 18, and 13, whether and how this aneuploidy-associated stress acts on other cell lineages and affects the pathophysiology are unknown. Here, we investigated cellular stress responses in human trisomy 21 and 13 neurons differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Neurons of both trisomies showed increased vulnerability to apoptotic cell death, accompanied by dysregulated protein homeostasis and upregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. In addition, misfolded protein aggregates, comprising various types of neurodegenerative disease-related proteins, were abnormally accumulated in trisomic neurons. Intriguingly, treatment with sodium 4-phenylbutyrate, a chemical chaperone, successfully decreased the formation of protein aggregates and prevented the progression of cell apoptosis in trisomic neurons. These results suggest that aneuploidy-associated stress might be a therapeutic target for the neurodegenerative phenotypes in DS.
The Southern Polar Front as a key to mesoplankton migratory behavior
Authors: Vedenin Andrey , Kulagin Dmitry , Musaeva Eteri , Vereshchaka Alexander
Published: August 2020

Diel and seasonal vertical migrations of zooplankton represent a widespread phenomenon occurring in marine and freshwater environments. Diel migrations are panoceanic, while seasonal migrations usually occur in temperate and polar areas. This paper describes differences in the diel and seasonal vertical migrations in the Drake Passage north and south of the Polar Front (PF). We analyzed material of 85 stations collected in spring of 2008 and 2010 (October–November) and in summer of 2010 and 2011 (January) within the 0–300 m depth range during various time of a day. At each station we sampled the upper mixed (UL), the middle (ML), and the deeper layers (DL) bounded by hydrological gradients. Diel migrations were significantly different south and north of the PF in terms of total abundance, biomass, diversity and individual taxa density. In both seasons, mesoplankton dielly migrated between the ML/DL and the UL north of the PF and between layers below 300 m and the DL and ML south of the PF. Deeper range of diel migrations south of the PF was coupled with a general mesoplankton descent in summer period compared to spring. Conversely, north of the PF, mesoplankton ascended to upper layers in summer, which was mirrored in lesser depths of diel migrations. The differences in the plankton distribution on both sides of the PF are likely associated with variations of vertical distribution of phytoplankton. Some abundant taxa such as Aetideus sp. and Oithona plumifera showed both common (nighttime ascend) and inverted (nighttime descend) vertical migrations depending on season and position related to the PF.
Rapid and quantitative antimalarial drug efficacy testing via the magneto-optical detection of hemozoin
Authors: Molnár Petra , Orbán Ágnes , Izrael Richard , Babai Réka , Marton Lívia , Butykai Ádám , Karl Stephan , Vértessy Beáta G. , Kézsmárki István
Published: August 2020

Emergence of resistant Plasmodium species makes drug efficacy testing a crucial part of malaria control. Here we describe a novel assay for sensitive, fast and simple drug screening via the magneto-optical detection of hemozoin, a natural biomarker formed during the hemoglobin metabolism of Plasmodium species. By quantifying hemozoin production over the intraerythrocytic cycle, we reveal that hemozoin formation is already initiated by ~ 6–12 h old ring-stage parasites. We demonstrate that the new assay is capable of drug efficacy testing with incubation times as short as 6–10 h, using synchronized P. falciparum 3D7 cultures incubated with chloroquine, piperaquine and dihydroartemisinin. The determined 50% inhibitory concentrations agree well with values established by standard assays requiring significantly longer testing time. Accordingly, we conclude that magneto-optical hemozoin detection provides a practical approach for the quick assessment of drug effect with short incubation times, which may also facilitate stage-specific assessment of drug inhibitory effects.
Urban food subsidies reduce natural food limitations and reproductive costs for a wetland bird
Authors: Evans Betsy A. , Gawlik Dale E.
Published: August 2020

There is a strong conservation need to understand traits of species that adapt to urban environments, but results have been equivocal. Wetland birds exhibit a strong phylogenetic signal towards urban tolerance; however, they have largely been ignored in urban studies. In their historic ranges, wetland birds inhabit dynamic systems, traveling long distances to locate food. This ability to exploit dynamic resources may translate to success in urban environments, areas characterized by novel food opportunities. We used the Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), a species of conservation concern, to determine if the ability to exploit resources in natural environments translated to exploitation of urban resources. During optimal natural foraging conditions, storks nesting in both urban and natural wetlands had narrow diet breadths and high productivity. However, during suboptimal conditions, urban stork diet expanded to include anthropogenic items, leading to increased productivity. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of how a wetland species persists, and even thrives, in urban environments. We demonstrated that species inhabiting dynamic systems can exploit urban areas resulting in increased reproductive performance during suboptimal conditions. Together, urban environments may support biodiversity in a variety of ways, but species-specific mechanistic understanding will help highlight how to best mitigate potential threats of urbanization.
Dry eye in rheumatoid arthritis patients under TNF-inhibitors: conjunctival goblet cell as an early ocular biomarker
Authors: Usuba Fany Solange , de Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana Cristina , Novaes Priscila , Aikawa Nadia Emi , Bonfiglioli Karina , Santo Ruth Miyuki , Bonfá Eloisa , Alves Milton Ruiz
Published: August 2020

Dry eye disease (DED) is common in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. The application of conjunctival goblet cell count as a clinical biomarker to diagnose and respond to treatment can take place in rheumatoid arthritis patients under TNF-inhibitors (TNFi) therapy. This study aimed to investigate the ocular surface parameters and the long-term effects of TNFi therapy on ocular surface features and goblet cell count of rheumatoid arthritis patients. At baseline, rheumatoid arthritis patients eligible to TNFi were compared to healthy controls (similar age/gender), regarding Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer I test, tear break-up time test, vital dye staining of the ocular surface, and conjunctival impression cytology. DED severity grade, impression cytology score, and goblet cell count were analyzed. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were followed after three (3 M) and 12 months (12 M), during TNFi treatment. Sixteen rheumatoid arthritis patients and 24 controls were compared: a higher frequency of abnormal OSDI (68.8% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.002), Schirmer’s test < 10 mm (37.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.042), meibomian gland dysfunction (50% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.007), abnormal impression cytology (75% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001), and mild to moderate DED (81.3% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) were observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients, who also had lower goblet cell count [325 (274–707) cells/mm2 vs. 742 (562–863) cells/mm2, p = 0.004]. The presence of Meibomian gland dysfunction was associated with higher disease activity scores (p < 0.05). The prospective early observation of these patients at 3 M showed an increase improvement in tear production by Schirmer’s test [13 (7.5–17.5) vs. 23.5 (16–35); p = 0.001], and an improvement in impression cytology score [1 (0.5–2) vs. 1 (0–1), p = 0.031] and in goblet cell count [325 (274–707) vs. 931 (656–1,244), p < 0.001]. Eight RA responders to TNFi were also re-evaluated at 12 M with further improvement in goblet cell count [393 (275–827) vs. 872 (502–1,185) vs. 1,079 (867–1,244), p = 0.047]. Multifactorial DED is frequent in RA patients, comprising aqueous, lipid, and mucin components. TNFi prompt improves tear production and recovers the goblet cells, which can be a biomarker of the pathological process and response to therapy in this population.
A population-based epidemiology of Wilson’s disease in South Korea between 2010 and 2016
Authors: Choe Eun Ju , Choi Jong Won , Kang Minjin , Lee Yong Kang , Jeon Han Ho , Park Byung Kyu , Won Sun Young , Cho Yong Suk , Seo Jeong Hun , Lee Chun Kyon , Chung Jae Bock
Published: August 2020

Very few population-based studies have examined the epidemiology of Wilson’s disease (WD). We investigated the epidemiology of WD using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database in South Korea. We analyzed not only the statistical variables of WD, but also those of WD-related diseases. WD patients were identified with the relevant International Classification of Diseases-10 code out of 50.5 million people. We used the NHIS database from 2009 to 2016 and analyzed the incidence rate, prevalence, and clinical symptoms of WD. A total of 1,333 patients were identified. The average annual incidence rate was 3.8 per million person-years. The prevalence was 38.7 per million people. The mean diagnostic age was 26.1 ± 17.2 with earlier diagnosis in men (P = 0.0003). Among the patients, 988 (74.1%) had hepatic symptoms, 510 (38.3%) had neurologic symptoms, and 601 (45.1%) had psychiatric symptoms. Before the diagnosis of WD, 350 (26.3%) had neurologic symptoms, and 427 (32%) had psychiatric symptoms. The annual mortality rate was 0.7%. Age, liver cirrhosis, and liver failure correlated with a fatal prognosis (P < 0.05). Many patients showed neurologic and psychiatric symptoms before they were diagnosed with WD. Prognosis correlated with age, liver cirrhosis, and liver failure.
High-performance vector bending and orientation distinguishing curvature sensor based on asymmetric coupled multi-core fibre
Authors: Arrizabalaga Oskar , Sun Qi , Beresna Martynas , Lee Timothy , Zubia Joseba , Velasco Pascual Javier , Sáez de Ocáriz Idurre , Schülzgen Axel , Antonio-Lopez Jose Enrique , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Villatoro Joel , Brambilla Gilberto
Published: August 2020

Fibre optic technology is rapidly evolving, driven mainly by telecommunication and sensing applications. Excellent reliability of the manufacturing processes and low cost have drawn ever increasing attention to fibre-based sensors, e.g. for studying mechanical response/limitations of aerospace composite structures. Here, a vector bending and orientation distinguishing curvature sensor, based on asymmetric coupled multi-core fibre, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By optimising the mode coupling effect of a seven core multi-core fibre, we have achieved a sensitivity of − 1.4 nm/° as a vector bending sensor and − 17.5 nm/m−1 as a curvature sensor. These are the highest sensitivities reported so far, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, our sensor offers several advantages such as repeatability of fabrication, wide operating range and small size and weight which benefit its sensing applications.
Twigs-derived activated carbons via H3PO4/ZnCl2 composite activation for methylene blue and congo red dyes removal
Authors: Zubir Muhammad Hadzirun Muhamad , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad
Published: August 2020

This work is aimed at evaluating the conversion of Pterocarpus indicus twigs into activated carbon via composite chemical activation for methylene blue and congo red dyes adsorption. The activated carbons were prepared by single-step chemical activation using zinc chloride and/or phosphoric acid at different mass impregnation ratios at 600 °C for 90 min. The activated carbons were characterized for textural properties and surface chemistry. The batch adsorption was investigated at different concentrations (5–1,000 mg/L), contact times (2–540 min) and temperatures (30–60 °C). Phosphoric acid-activated twigs carbon showed a high surface area of 1,445 m2/g with maximum methylene blue adsorption capacity of 438 mg/g. On the other hand, a composite-activated carbon yields a 217 mg/g of congo red removal. The adsorption data for both dyes fitted well with Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetics models, indicating the predominance of chemical adsorption through monolayer coverage of dye molecules on the homogenous surface of activated carbon. The thermodynamics properties of dye adsorption onto twigs-derived activated carbons indicated that the process is endothermic, spontaneous and favourable at high temperature. Overall, activated carbons derived from Pterocarpus indicus twigs could be effectively used for dye wastewater treatment.
A prediction model of outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia based on laboratory findings
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhou Shuchang , Wang Yujin , Lv Wenzhi , Wang Shili , Wang Ting , Li Xiaoming
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in thousands of deaths in the world. Information about prediction model of prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is scarce. We used machine learning for processing laboratory findings of 110 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (including 51 non-survivors and 59 discharged patients). The maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model were used for selection of laboratory features. Seven laboratory features selected in the model were: prothrombin activity, urea, white blood cell, interleukin-2 receptor, indirect bilirubin, myoglobin, and fibrinogen degradation products. The signature constructed using the seven features had 98% [93%, 100%] sensitivity and 91% [84%, 99%] specificity in predicting outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Thus it is feasible to establish an accurate prediction model of outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia based on laboratory findings.
Deep learning for automated sleep staging using instantaneous heart rate
Authors: Sridhar Niranjan , Shoeb Ali , Stephens Philip , Kharbouch Alaa , Shimol David Ben , Burkart Joshua , Ghoreyshi Atiyeh , Myers Lance
Published: August 2020

Clinical sleep evaluations currently require multimodal data collection and manual review by human experts, making them expensive and unsuitable for longer term studies. Sleep staging using cardiac rhythm is an active area of research because it can be measured much more easily using a wide variety of both medical and consumer-grade devices. In this study, we applied deep learning methods to create an algorithm for automated sleep stage scoring using the instantaneous heart rate (IHR) time series extracted from the electrocardiogram (ECG). We trained and validated an algorithm on over 10,000 nights of data from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The algorithm has an overall performance of 0.77 accuracy and 0.66 kappa against the reference stages on a held-out portion of the SHHS dataset for classifying every 30 s of sleep into four classes: wake, light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM). Moreover, we demonstrate that the algorithm generalizes well to an independent dataset of 993 subjects labeled by American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) licensed clinical staff at Massachusetts General Hospital that was not used for training or validation. Finally, we demonstrate that the stages predicted by our algorithm can reproduce previous clinical studies correlating sleep stages with comorbidities such as sleep apnea and hypertension as well as demographics such as age and gender.
Thickness of the cerebral cortex shows positive association with blood levels of triacylglycerols carrying 18-carbon fatty acids
Authors: Sliz Eeva , Shin Jean , Syme Catriona , Black Sandra , Seshadri Sudha , Paus Tomas , Pausova Zdenka
Published: August 2020

Perturbations in fatty acid (FA) metabolism as well as thinning of the cerebral cortex have been associated with cognitive decline in the elderly. Predominant FAs in the brain are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Approximately 2–8% of esterified DHA and 3–5% of esterified ARA in the brain are replaced daily. DHA and ARA are derivatives of 18-carbon essential FAs, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, that must be imported into the brain from the circulation. In blood, FAs are primarily transported in triacylglycerols (TAGs) from which they can be released at the blood–brain-barrier and transported inside the brain. We show that circulating levels of TAGs carrying 18-carbon FAs are positively associated with cortical thickness in middle-aged adults. These associations are stronger in cortical regions with higher expression of genes regulating long-chain FA metabolism and cellular membranes, and cortical thickness in the same regions may be related to cognitive performance.
Insight into geometric preferences in uranium(vi) mixed tris(imido) systems
Authors: Raghavan Adharsh , Anderson Nickolas H. , Tatebe Caleb J. , Stanley Dalton A. , Zeller Matthias , Bart Suzanne C.
Published: August 2020

Uranium tris(imido) species have been synthesized using different imido groups in the axial and equatorial positions by treating [(MesPDIMe)U(THF)]2 (1-THF) – a uranium(iv) dimer supported by MesPDIMe tetraanions – with mixed organoazide solutions.
(Hexafluoroacetylacetonato)copper(i)–cycloalkyne complexes as protected cycloalkynes
Authors: Makio Naoaki , Sakata Yuki , Kuribara Tomoko , Adachi Keisuke , Hatakeyama Yasutomo , Meguro Tomohiro , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: August 2020

Protection method of cycloalkynes by forming (hexafluoroacetylacetonato)copper(i)–cycloalkyne complexes is disclosed. Selective click reactions are realized through the complexation of cycloalkynes with copper.
Neuron-like hierarchical manganese sulfide@Cu2S core/shell arrays on Ni foam as an advanced electrode for an asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: He Hang , Yang Xijia , Wang Liying , Zhang Xueyu , Li Xuesong , Lü Wei
Published: August 2020

Neuron-like hierarchical manganese sulfide@Cu2S core/shell arrays on Ni foam as an advanced electrode for an asymmetric supercapacitor.
Strain tuned high thermal conductivity in boron phosphide at nanometer length scales – a first-principles study
Authors: Muthaiah Rajmohan , Garg Jivtesh
Published: August 2020

We report novel pathways to significantly enhance the thermal conductivity at nanometer length scales in boron phosphide through biaxial strain.
Investigating methane dry reforming on Ni and B promoted Ni surfaces: DFT assisted microkinetic analysis and addressing the coking problem
Authors: Mohan Ojus , Shambhawi  , Lapkin Alexei A. , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: August 2020

Combined DFT and MKM study of DRM on Ni and NiB surfaces to address the coking problem on Ni.
Direct synthesis of [B,H]ZSM-5 by a solid-phase method: AlF siting and catalytic performance in the MTP reaction
Authors: Tuo Jie , Fan Subing , Yang Ningwei , Cheng Songpeng , Wang Dan , Zhang Jianli , Ma Qingxiang , Gao Xinhua , Zhao Tiansheng
Published: August 2020

[B,H]ZSM-5 directly synthesized by a solid-phase method with tuned AlF siting and acidity exhibited a longer lifetime in the MTP reaction.
Quantitative evaluation and the toxicity mechanism of synergism within three organophosphorus pesticide mixtures to Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Tao Meng-ting , Bian Zhi-qiang , Zhang Jin , Wang Tao , Shen Hui-yan
Published: August 2020

Organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) pollutants in the environment pose toxicity risks to living organisms, and the possible toxicity mechanism needs to be further clarified.
Effect of nanoplastics on the transport of platinum-based pharmaceuticals in water-saturated natural soil and their effect on a soil microbial community
Authors: Nath Jayashree , Dror Ishai , Berkowitz Brian
Published: August 2020

The transport of three platinum-based anticancer drugs (cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin) in soil–water environments, with and without the presence of two different types of surface functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs; “nanoplastics”), was investigated.
Identification of polyphenol from Ziziphi spinosae semen against human colon cancer cells and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: Shan Shuhua , Xie Yue , Zhang Chengying , Jia Bin , Li Hanqing , Li Zhuoyu
Published: August 2020

Spinosin derived from homology of medicine and food-zizyphi spinosi semen (ZSS) exhibits a new pharmacological property against colon cancer.
Fast and selective detection of volatile organic compounds using a novel pseudo spin-ladder compound CaCu2O3
Authors: Lavanya N. , Veerapandi G. , Leonardi S. G. , Donato N. , Neri G. , Sekar C.
Published: August 2020

A novel pseudo spin-ladder CaCu2O3 compound (2-leg) based conductometric gas sensor has been proposed, for the first time, for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); (a) the proposed reaction mechanism in air, and (b) in the presence of acetone and ethanol.
3D carbon-coated stannous sulfide-molybdenum disulfide anodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Luo Yuanyi , Chen Chunxia , Sun Weicheng , Shi Ludi , Lin Yemao , Cong Guangtao , Yu Jiali , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: August 2020

A strategy has been developed to fabricate 3D SnS–MoS2@C, which significantly improves the electrochemical performance of metal sulfide anodes.
Molecular engineering of pyrene carbazole dyes with a single bond and double bond as the mode of linkage
Authors: Unny Divya , Kandregula Ganapathi Rao , Sivanadanam Jagadeeswari , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: August 2020

Both carbazole and pyrene are electron-rich aromatic systems and are expected to be potential donors when used in push–pull dye architecture in the field of DSSC.
Single Ni atoms with higher positive charges induced by hydroxyls for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Yang Xiao , Cheng Jun , Fang Baizeng , Xuan Xiaoxu , Liu Niu , Yang Xian , Zhou Junhu
Published: August 2020

Schematic representation of CO production via CO2 electrochemical reduction over a H-Ni/NC catalyst.
Constructing porous TiO2 crystals by an etching process for long-life lithium ion batteries
Authors: Nong Shuying , Dong Chenlong , Wang Yexin , Huang Fuqiang
Published: August 2020

Porous crystalline TiO2 is synthesized via an etching method and applied as a “zero strain” anode material in lithium-ion batteries.
CuBr/NHPI co-catalyzed aerobic oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition-aromatization to access 5,6-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines
Authors: Xie Zhiyu , Li Fei , Niu Liangfeng , Li Hongbing , Zheng Jincai , Han Ruijing , Ju Zhiyu , Li Shanshan , Li Dandan
Published: August 2020

An efficient and enviromentally friendly copper(i)/NHPI co-catalyzed aerobic oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition–aromatization cascade was realized with tertiary amines and dipolarophiles.
Thermoresponsive properties of poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile)-based diblock copolymers synthesized (by PISA) in water
Authors: Audureau Nicolas , Coumes Fanny , Guigner Jean-Michel , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thu , Ménager Christine , Stoffelbach François , Rieger Jutta
Published: August 2020

UCST-type poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) diblock copolymers synthesized in water (by PISA) can not only undergo reversible temperature-induced chain dissociation, but also temperature-induced morphological transition.
Anchoring CuS nanoparticles on accordion-like Ti3C2 as high electrocatalytic activity counter electrodes for QDSSCs
Authors: Tian Zizun , Qi Zhonglu , Yang Yuhao , Yan Hailong , Chen Qianqiao , Zhong Qin
Published: August 2020

A Ti3C2/CuS composite has been fabricated as a counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells by anchoring CuS nanoparticles on Ti3C2via a facile ion-exchange method at room temperature.
Asymmetric catalytic construction of fully substituted carbon stereocenters using acyclic α-branched β-ketocarbonyls: the “Methyl Rule” widely exists
Authors: Sun Deqian , Yang Shuang , Fang Xinqiang
Published: August 2020

This review illustrates the recent advances in catalytic asymmetric α-functionalization of acyclic β-ketocarbonyls. A thorough survey of all these reactions indicates the existance of a general principle which is called the “Methyl Rule”.
Amplisins A–E, chromone methide polymers with hypoglycemic activity from a new fungicolous fungus Amplistroma fungicola
Authors: Chen Baosong , Han Junjie , Wang Mengmeng , Dai Huanqin , Zhang Jinjin , Cai Lei , Wei Shenglong , Zhang Xue , Liu Hongwei
Published: August 2020

Five new non-enzymatic 1,4-Michael addition of chromone methide polymers, (±)-amplisins A–D (1–4) and amplisin E (5), with hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities, were isolated from a new fungicolous fungus Amplistroma fungicola.
Poly[2,2′-(4,4′-bipyridine)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] functionalization of carbon black for improving the oxidation stability and oxygen reduction reaction of fuel cells
Authors: Berber Mohamed R. , Mustafa Mohamad Y.
Published: August 2020

The rapid oxidation of carbon black (CB) is a major drawback for its use as a catalyst support in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
A coupled model of electromagnetic and heat on nanosecond-laser ablation of impurity-containing aluminum alloy
Authors: Yin Jiaheng , Cao Yongzhi , Yan Yongda , Lu Lihua , Chen Jiaxuan , Yu Fuli
Published: August 2020

Nanosecond laser ablation is the theoretical revealed by a coupled model of electromagnetic and heat.
Main-group metal cyclophane complexes with high coordination numbers
Authors: Altaf Yasir , Yar Muhammad , Hashmi Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2020

Investigation of the complexation of main-group metal-cations with [2.2.2]paracyclophane and deltaphane.
Stability of MAPbI3 perovskite grown on planar and mesoporous electron-selective contact by inverse temperature crystallization
Authors: Battula Ramya Krishna , Veerappan Ganapathy , Bhyrappa P. , Sudakar C. , Ramasamy Easwaramoorthi
Published: August 2020

MAPbI3 film grown on mesoporous TiO2 showed better crystallinity, performance and stability compared to its planar counterpart.
Synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles derivatives with antidepressant activity and their binding to the 5-HT1A receptor
Authors: Wang Shiben , Qi Lin , Liu Hui , Lei Kang , Wang Xuekun , Liu Renmin
Published: August 2020

Compound 10g (R = –CH2Ph (p-Cl)) showed the best antidepressant activity in vivo and in vitro.
Thermally-stable high energy storage performances and large electrocaloric effect over a broad temperature span in lead-free BCZT ceramic
Authors: Hanani Zouhair , Merselmiz Soukaina , Mezzane Daoud , Amjoud M'barek , Bradeško Andraž , Rožič Brigita , Lahcini Mohammed , El Marssi Mimoun , Ragulya Andrey V. , Luk'yanchuk Igor A. , Kutnjak Zdravko , Gouné Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Thermally-stable recovered energy density and significant electrocaloric temperature change over a broad temperature span in BCZT ceramic elaborated by low-temperature hydrothermal processing.
Smart magnetic nanopowder based on the manganite perovskite for local hyperthermia
Authors: Pashchenko A. V. , Liedienov N. A. , Fesych I. V. , Li Quanjun , Pitsyuga V. G. , Turchenko V. A. , Pogrebnyak V. G. , Liu Bingbing , Levchenko G. G.
Published: August 2020

Local heating of cancer cells up to 42 °C for a short time (∼1.5 min) by smart magnetic nanoparticles.
Probing metabolic alterations in breast cancer in response to molecular inhibitors with Raman spectroscopy and validated with mass spectrometry
Authors: Wen Xiaona , Ou Yu-Chuan , Bogatcheva Galina , Thomas Giju , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita , Singh Bhuminder , Lin Eugene C. , Bardhan Rizia
Published: August 2020

Rapid and accurate response to targeted therapies is critical to differentiate tumors that are resistant to treatment early in the regimen.
Size-selective Pt siderophores based on redox active azo-aromatic ligands
Authors: Sengupta Debabrata , Goswami Sreetosh , Banerjee Rajdeep , Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J. , Patra Abhijeet , Dutta Anirban , Pramanick Rajib , Narasimhan Shobhana , Pradhan Narayan , Batista Victor , Venkatesan T. , Goswami Sreebrata
Published: August 2020

Biofriendly recycling of Pt is enabled by ligands that size-selectively dissolve nanoclusters.
Examining histone modification crosstalk using immobilized libraries established from ligation-ready nucleosomes
Authors: Aparicio Pelaz Diego , Yerkesh Zhadyra , Kirchgäßner Sören , Mahler Henriette , Kharchenko Vladlena , Azhibek Dulat , Jaremko Mariusz , Mootz Henning D. , Jaremko Łukasz , Schwarzer Dirk , Fischle Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

280 different patterns of histone modifications were installed in preassembled nucleosomes using PTS and SML enabling screening of readout crosstalk.