bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORDEX Multi‐RCM Hindcast Over Central Africa: Evaluation Within Observational Uncertainty
Authors: Taguela Thierry N. , Vondou Derbetini A. , Moufouma‐Okia Wilfran , Fotso‐Nguemo Thierry C. , Pokam Wilfried M. , Tanessong Roméo S. , Yepdo Zéphirin D. , Haensler Andreas , Longandjo Georges N. , Bell Jean P. , Takong Roland R. , Djiotang Tchotchou Lucie A.
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the performance of 10 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) hindcasts from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiments (CORDEX) over Central Africa, covering the period 1998–2008 and performed over a common model grid spacing 0.44° (
50 km). Multiple observational data sets are used to evaluate model performances over four targeted subregions. Throughout the work, a measure of observational uncertainty is made and we discuss whether or not the models are found within or outside the range of observational uncertainty. Results indicate that RCMs generally capture rainfall and temperature basic features, though important biases exist and vary for models and seasons. Dry (wet) biases are common features over the Congo basin (northern and southern part of the domain). In terms of precipitation and temperature in both seasonal and annual scale, most RCMs along with their ensemble mean generally fall in the range of observational uncertainty. Furthermore, most RCMs show a good spread of grid points where the added value of RCMs is found although the added value in temperature is not as great as with precipitation. UC‐WRF is among models adding less value on ERAINT and this could explain why whatever the time scale of variability, UC‐WRF outputs are generally out from the observational uncertainty. The multimodel ensemble mean is generally found within observational range when most models are there as well. This highlights the fact that the ensemble mean, built from the equal treatment of RCMs, does not generally outperform individual RCMs realization as it is reported in several previous studies.
Influence of Back‐Barrier Basin Geometry on Multiple Tidal Inlet Systems: The Roles of Resonance and Bottom Friction
Authors: Reef K. R. G. , Roos P. C. , Schuttelaars H. M. , Hulscher S. J. M. H.
Published: February 2020

Observations of barrier coasts around the world suggest that some systems do not conform to the O'Brien‐Jarret law. Here we explain this by investigating how resonance and bottom friction affect the response of tidal inlets to variations in basin geometry. Therefore, we develop a morphodynamic barrier coast model that is based on the stability concept of Escoffier for the morphological evolution of the inlets, coupled with an idealized hydrodynamic model that describes the water motion in the outer sea, inlets, and arbitrarily shaped back‐barrier basin. We find that the total tidal prism through all inlets is predominantly determined by the (cross‐shore) width of the basin and identify three regimes for this. First, a linear regime for narrow basins (i.e., basin width
tidal wavelength) where a larger basin leads to a linear increase in total tidal prism. Second, a resonant regime for basins with a width around the resonant condition in which the total tidal prism reaches a peak. This resonance condition is a quarter tidal wavelength for basins without friction, which shifts to narrower basins as friction becomes stronger, down to 0.15 tidal wavelength. Third, a dissipative regime for wide basins (i.e., the cross‐shore basin dimension or basin width
resonant condition) with sufficiently strong bottom friction in which the total tidal prism does not change for wider basins, because the tidal wave completely dissipates in the basin.
Early treatment with FCR versus watch and wait in patients with stage Binet A high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): a randomized phase 3 trial
Authors: Herling Carmen D. , Cymbalista Florence , Groß-Ophoff-Müller Carolin , Bahlo Jasmin , Robrecht Sandra , Langerbeins Petra , Fink Anna-Maria , Al-Sawaf Othman , Busch Raymonde , Porcher Raphael , Cazin Bruno , Dreyfus Brigitte , Ibach Stefan , Leprêtre Stéphane , Fischer Kirsten , Kaiser Florian , Eichhorst Barbara , Wentner Clemens-Martin , Hoechstetter Manuela A. , Döhner Hartmut , Leblond Veronique , Kneba Michael , Letestu Remi , Böttcher Sebastian , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Hallek Michael , Levy Vincent
Published: February 2020

We report a randomized prospective phase 3 study (CLL7), designed to evaluate the efficacy of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) in patients with an early-stage high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Eight hundred patients with untreated-stage Binet A disease were enrolled as intent-to-treat population and assessed for four prognostic markers: lymphocyte doubling time <12 months, serum thymidine kinase >10 U/L, unmutated IGHV genes, and unfavorable cytogenetics (del(11q)/del(17p)/trisomy 12). Two hundred and one patients with ≥2 risk features were classified as high-risk CLL and 1:1 randomized to receive either immediate therapy with 6xFCR (Hi-FCR, 100 patients), or to be observed according to standard of care (Hi-W&W, 101 patients). The overall response rate after early FCR was 92.7%. Common adverse events were hematological toxicities and infections (61.0%/41.5% of patients, respectively). After median observation time of 55.6 (0–99.2) months, event-free survival was significantly prolonged in Hi-FCR compared with Hi-W&W patients (median not reached vs. 18.5 months, p < 0.001). There was no significant overall survival benefit for high-risk patients receiving early FCR therapy (5-year OS 82.9% in Hi-FCR vs. 79.9% in Hi-W&W, p = 0.864). In conclusion, although FCR is efficient to induce remissions in the Binet A high-risk CLL, our data do not provide evidence that alters the current standard of care “watch and wait” for these patients.
Azoramide protects iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons with PLA2G6 D331Y mutation through restoring ER function and CREB signaling
Authors: Ke Minjing , Chong Cheong-Meng , Zeng Haitao , Huang Miaodan , Huang Zhijian , Zhang Ke , Cen Xiaotong , Lu Jia-Hong , Yao Xiaoli , Qin Dajiang , Su Huanxing
Published: February 2020

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-induced cascade events are implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The discovery of drug candidates to protect dopaminergic (DA) neurons from ER-stress-induced oxidative damage is important to resolve the pathological aspects of PD and modify its progress. In this study, we found that a recently identified unfolded protein response (UPR) modulator, azoramide, showed protective effects on patient induced pluripotent stem cells-derived midbrain DA neurons with the homozygous phospholipase A2 group 6 (PLA2G6) D331Y mutant. A series of PD-related cascade events such as ER stress, abnormal calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, increase of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis were observed in PLA2G6 D331Y mutant DA neurons, whereas azoramide significantly protected PLA2G6 D331Y mutant DA neurons against these events. The beneficial effects of azoramide were abolished by treatment with a cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) inhibitor. Our results suggest that azoramide is a potential neuroprotectant against DA neuron damage via restoring ER function and the CREB signaling.
Autonomic ganglionic injection of α-synuclein fibrils as a model of pure autonomic failure α-synucleinopathy
Authors: Wang Xue-Jing , Ma Ming-Ming , Zhou Le-Bo , Jiang Xiao-Yi , Hao Miao-Miao , Teng Robert K. F. , Wu Erxi , Tang Bei-Sha , Li Jia-Yi , Teng Jun-Fang , Ding Xue-Bing
Published: February 2020

α-Synucleinopathies are characterized by autonomic dysfunction and motor impairments. In the pure autonomic failure (PAF), α-synuclein (α-Syn) pathology is confined within the autonomic nervous system with no motor features, but mouse models recapitulating PAF without motor dysfunction are lacking. Here, we show that in TgM83+/− mice, inoculation of α-Syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the stellate and celiac ganglia induces spreading of α-Syn pathology only through the autonomic pathway to both the central nervous system (CNS) and the autonomic innervation of peripheral organs bidirectionally. In parallel, the mice develop autonomic dysfunction, featured by orthostatic hypotension, constipation, hypohidrosis and hyposmia, without motor dysfunction. Thus, we have generated a mouse model of pure autonomic dysfunction caused by α-Syn pathology. This model may help define the mechanistic link between transmission of pathological α-Syn and the cardinal features of autonomic dysfunction in α-synucleinopathy.
Regular perturbation on the group-velocity dispersion parameter for nonlinear fibre-optical communications
Authors: Oliari Vinícius , Agrell Erik , Alvarado Alex
Published: February 2020

Communication using the optical fibre channel can be challenging due to nonlinear effects that arise in the optical propagation. These effects represent physical processes that originate from light propagation in optical fibres. To obtain fundamental understandings of these processes, mathematical models are typically used. These models are based on approximations of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the differential equation that governs the propagation in an optical fibre. All available models in the literature are restricted to certain regimes of operation. Here, we present an approximate model for the nonlinear optical fibre channel in the weak-dispersion regime, in a noiseless scenario. The approximation is obtained by applying regular perturbation theory on the group-velocity dispersion parameter of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The proposed model is compared with three other models using the normalized square deviation metric and shown to be significantly more accurate for links with high nonlinearities and weak dispersion.
The role of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risks among sex workers
Authors: Lyons Carrie E. , Schwartz Sheree R. , Murray Sarah M. , Shannon Kate , Diouf Daouda , Mothopeng Tampose , Kouanda Seni , Simplice Anato , Kouame Abo , Mnisi Zandile , Tamoufe Ubald , Phaswana-Mafuya Nancy , Cham Bai , Drame Fatou M. , Aliu Djaló Mamadú , Baral Stefan
Published: February 2020

Globally HIV incidence is slowing, however HIV epidemics among sex workers are stable or increasing in many settings. While laws governing sex work are considered structural determinants of HIV, individual-level data assessing this relationship are limited. In this study, individual-level data are used to assess the relationships of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risk among female sex workers, and examine the mechanisms by which stigma affects HIV across diverse legal contexts in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Interviewer-administered socio-behavioral questionnaires and biological testing were conducted with 7259 female sex workers between 2011–2018 across 10 sub-Saharan African countries. These data suggest that increasingly punitive and non-protective laws are associated with prevalent HIV infection and that stigmas and sex work laws may synergistically increase HIV risks. Taken together, these data highlight the fundamental role of evidence-based and human-rights affirming policies towards sex work as part of an effective HIV response.
miRNA-1-3p is an early embryonic male sex-determining factor in the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Peng Wei , Yu Shuning , Handler Alfred M. , Tu Zhijian , Saccone Giuseppe , Xi Zhiyong , Zhang Hongyu
Published: February 2020

Regulation of male sexual differentiation by a Y chromosome-linked male determining factor (M-factor) is one of a diverse array of sex determination mechanisms found in insects. By deep sequencing of small RNAs from Bactrocera dorsalis early embryos, we identified an autosomal-derived microRNA, miR-1-3p, that has predicted target sites in the transformer gene (Bdtra) required for female sex determination. We further demonstrate by both in vitro and in vivo tests that miR-1-3p suppresses Bdtra expression. Injection of a miR-1-3p mimic in early embryos results in 87–92% phenotypic males, whereas knockdown of miR-1-3p by an inhibitor results in 67–77% phenotypic females. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of miR-1-3p results in the expression of female-specific splice variants of Bdtra and doublesex (Bddsx), and induced sex reversal of XY individuals into phenotypic females. These results indicate that miR-1-3p is required for male sex determination in early embryogenesis in B. dorsalis as an intermediate male determiner.
hipBA toxin-antitoxin systems mediate persistence in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Huang Charlie Y. , Gonzalez-Lopez Carlos , Henry Céline , Mijakovic Ivan , Ryan Kathleen R.
Published: February 2020

Antibiotic persistence is a transient phenotypic state during which a bacterium can withstand otherwise lethal antibiotic exposure or environmental stresses. In Escherichia coli, persistence is promoted by the HipBA toxin-antitoxin system. The HipA toxin functions as a serine/threonine kinase that inhibits cell growth, while the HipB antitoxin neutralizes the toxin. E. coli HipA inactivates the glutamyl-tRNA synthetase GltX, which inhibits translation and triggers the highly conserved stringent response. Although hipBA operons are widespread in bacterial genomes, it is unknown if this mechanism is conserved in other species. Here we describe the functions of three hipBA modules in the alpha-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus. The HipA toxins have different effects on growth and macromolecular syntheses, and they phosphorylate distinct substrates. HipA1 and HipA2 contribute to antibiotic persistence during stationary phase by phosphorylating the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases GltX and TrpS. The stringent response regulator SpoT is required for HipA-mediated antibiotic persistence, but persister cells can form in the absence of all hipBA operons or spoT, indicating that multiple pathways lead to persister cell formation in C. crescentus.
Lasing with Topological Weyl Semimetal
Authors: Oktay Güneş , Sarısaman Mustafa , Tas Murat
Published: February 2020

Lasing behavior of optically active planar topological Weyl semimetal (TWS) is investigated in view of the Kerr and Faraday rotations. Robust topological character of TWS is revealed by the presence of Weyl nodes and relevant surface conductivities. We focus our attention on the surfaces where no Fermi arcs are formed, and thus Maxwell equations contain topological terms. We explicitly demonstrate that two distinct lasing modes arise because of the presence of effective refractive indices which lead to the birefringence phenomena. Transfer matrix is constructed in such a way that reflection and transmission amplitudes involve 2 × 2 matrix-valued components describing the bimodal character of the TWS laser. We provide associated parameters of the topological laser system yielding the optimal impacts. We reveal that gain values corresponding to the lasing threshold display a quantized behavior, which occurs due to topological character of the system. Our proposal is supported by the corresponding graphical demonstrations. Our observations and predictions suggest a concrete way of forming TWS laser and coherent perfect absorber; and are awaited to be confirmed by an experimental realization based on our computations.
The phosphatidylcholine transfer protein StarD7 is important for myogenic differentiation in mouse myoblast C2C12 cells and human primary skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Horibata Yasuhiro , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Maejima Sho , Sakamoto Hirotaka , Aoyama Chieko , Ando Hiromi , Sugimoto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

StarD7 is a phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific lipid transfer protein essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial PC composition, morphogenesis, and respiration. Here, we studied the role of StarD7 in skeletal myoblast differentiation using mouse myoblast C2C12 cells and human primary myoblasts. Immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy revealed that StarD7 was distributed in the cytosol, inner mitochondria space, and outer leaflet of the outer mitochondrial membrane in C2C12 cells. Unlike human kidney embryonic cell line HEK293 cells, the mitochondrial proteinase PARL was not involved in the processing and maturation of StarD7 in C2C12 cells. StarD7 was constantly expressed during myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of StarD7 in C2C12 cells and human primary myoblasts significantly impaired myogenic differentiation and reduced the expression of myomaker, myomerger and PGC-1α. The reduction in mitochondrial PC levels and oxygen consumption rates, decreased expression of myomaker, myomerger and PGC-1α, as well as impaired myogenic differentiation, were completely restored when the protein was reintroduced into StarD7-knockout C2C12 cells. These results suggest that StarD7 is important for skeletal myogenesis in mammals.
Targeting Oncogenic Super Enhancers in MYC-Dependent AML Using a Small Molecule Activator of NR4A Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Call S. Greg , Duren Ryan P. , Panigrahi Anil K. , Nguyen Loc , Freire Pablo R. , Grimm Sandra L. , Coarfa Cristian , Conneely Orla M.
Published: February 2020

Epigenetic reprogramming in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) leads to the aberrant activation of super enhancer (SE) landscapes that drive the expression of key oncogenes, including the oncogenic MYC pathway. These SEs have been identified as promising therapeutic targets, and have given rise to a new class of drugs, including BET protein inhibitors, which center on targeting SE activity. NR4A nuclear receptors are tumor suppressors of AML that function in part through transcriptional repression of the MYC-driven oncogenic program via mechanisms that remain unclear. Here we show that NR4A1, and the NR4A inducing drug dihydroergotamine (DHE), regulate overlapping gene expression programs in AML and repress transcription of a subset of SE-associated leukemic oncogenes, including MYC. NR4As interact with an AML-selective SE cluster that governs MYC transcription and decommissions its activation status by dismissing essential SE-bound coactivators including BRD4, Mediator and p300, leading to loss of p300-dependent H3K27 acetylation and Pol 2-dependent eRNA transcription. DHE shows similar efficacy to the BET inhibitor JQ1 at repressing SE-dependent MYC expression and AML growth in mouse xenografts. Thus, DHE induction of NR4As provides an alternative strategy to BET inhibitors to target MYC dependencies via suppression of the AML-selective SE governing MYC expression.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing Properties of Selenium-Chitosan-Mupirocin Nanohybrid System: An in Vivo Study on Rat Diabetic Staphylococcus aureus Wound Infection Model
Authors: Golmohammadi Reza , Najar-Peerayeh Shahin , Tohidi Moghadam Tahereh , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2020

The current study aimed to formulate Selenium-Chitosan-Mupirocin (M-SeNPs-CCH) complex. The nanohybrid system was prepared using chitosan-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based hydrogel (CCH) that entrapped mupirocin (M) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The in vitro studies were performed by evaluation of the antibacterial activity and toxicity on L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. The in vivo study was conducted on rat diabetic wound infection model that was infected by mupirocin-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MMRSA). The wounds were treated by M-SeNPs-CCH nanohybrid system with concentrations of M; 20 mg/ml, CCH; 2 mg/ml and SeNPs; 512 μg/ml in two times/day for 21 days. The therapeutic effect of this nanohybrid system was evaluated by monitoring wound contraction and histopathological changes. Evaluation of the average wound healing time showed a significant difference between the treatment and control groups (P≤0.05). The histopathological study indicated that the amount of wound healing was considerable in M-SeNPs-CCH nanohybrid system groups compared to the control and M groups. The M-SeNPs-CCH nanohybrid system formulated in this study was able to reduce 3-fold MIC of mupirocin with synergistic antibacterial activity as well as to play a significant role in wound contraction, angiogenesis, fibroblastosis, collagenesis, proliferation of hair follicle, and epidermis growth compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). This research suggests that this nanohybrid system might be a development for the treatment of diabetic wound infection at mild stage.
Impact of Spin-Orbit Torque on Spin-Transfer Torque Switching in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Pathak Sachin , Youm Chanyoung , Hong Jongill
Published: February 2020

The paper presents our simulated results showing the substantial improvement of both switching speed and energy consumption in a perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ), a core unit of Spin-Transfer-Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM), by the help of additional Spin-Orbit-Torque (SOT) write pulse current (WPSOT). An STT-SOT hybrid torque module for OOMMF simulation is implemented to investigate the switching behavior of a 20 nm cell in the p-MTJ. We found that the assistance of WPSOT to STT write pulse current (WPSTT) have a huge influence on the switching behavior of the free layer in the p-MTJ. For example, we could dramatically reduce the switching time (tSW) by 80% and thereby reduce the write energy over 70% as compared to those in the absence of the WPSOT. Even a very tiny amplitude of WPSOT (JSOT of the order of 102 A/m2) substantially assists to reduce the critical current density for switching of the free layer and thereby decreases the energy consumption as well. It is worth to be pointed out that the energy can be saved further by tuning the WPSOT parameters, i.e., amplitude and duration along at the threshold WPSTT. Our findings show that the proposed STT-SOT hybrid switching scheme has a great impact on the MRAM technology seeking the high speed and low energy consumption.
Room temperature in-situ measurement of the spin voltage of a BiSbTe3 thin film
Authors: Leis Arthur , Schleenvoigt Michael , Jalil Abdur Rehman , Cherepanov Vasily , Mussler Gregor , Grützmacher Detlev , Tautz F. Stefan , Voigtländer Bert
Published: February 2020

One of the hallmarks of topological insulators (TIs), the intrinsic spin polarisation in the topologically protected surface states, is investigated at room temperature in-situ by means of four-probe scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) for a BiSbTe3 thin film. To achieve the required precision of tip positions for measuring a spin signal, a precise positioning method employing STM scans of the local topography with each individual tip is demonstrated. From the transport measurements, the spin polarisation in the topological surface states (TSS) is estimated as p ~ 0.3 – 0.6, which is close to the theoretical limit.
Safety and efficacy of a mesenchymal stem cell intramammary therapy in dairy cows with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus clinical mastitis
Authors: Peralta O. A. , Carrasco C. , Vieytes C. , Tamayo M. J. , Muñoz I. , Sepulveda S. , Tadich T. , Duchens M. , Melendez P. , Mella A. , Torres C. G.
Published: February 2020

Although, antibiotics are effective in the treatment of bovine mastitis, they do not address the regeneration of mammary glandular tissue and have been associated to the increment in antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Considering the necessity of alternative therapies for this disease of high economic impact and the reported regenerative and antibacterial effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs), we evaluated the safety and efficacy of an allogenic MSC-based intramammary therapy in dairy cows with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus clinical mastitis. In a safety trial, heifers were inoculated intramammarily with a 2.5 × 107-suspension of bovine fetal AT-MSCs on experimental days 1 and 10. Animals were evaluated clinically on a daily basis during a 20-day experimental period and blood samples were collected for hemogram determination and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) isolation. In an efficacy trial, Holstein Friesian cows were inoculated with S. aureus and treated intramammarily with vehicle (NEG; days 4 and 10), antibiotics (ATB; days 4 and 5) or a suspension of 2.5 × 107 AT-MSCs (MSC; days 4 and 5). Cows were clinically evaluated daily and milk samples were collected for somatic cell count (SCC) and colony forming units (CFU). Blood samples were collected for serum haptoglobin and amyloid A determination. Intramammary administration of two doses of bovine fetal AT-MSCs in healthy cows did not induce changes in clinical or hematological variables, and gene expression profiles in PBLs associated to activation (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD62L and CD69) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL2, CCL5, IL2, CXCL3, IFNγ, and TNFα). Quarters of MSC group of cows had similar SCC log/mL in milk compared to infected quarters of ATB or NEG cows. However, quarters of MSC cows had lower CFU log/mL in milk compared to quarters of NEG cows. Intramammarily inoculation of repeated doses of 2.5 × 107 allogenic AT-MSCs did not induce clinical or immunological response in healthy cows. Moreover, MSC-intramammary treatment reduced bacterial count in milk of cows with S. aureus clinical mastitis compared to untreated cows. This work provides initial evidence for the safety and efficacy of an allogenic MSC-based intramammary therapy for the treatment of bovine mastitis.
Tissue factor as a new target for CAR-NK cell immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Hu Zhiwei
Published: February 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), representing ~15% of globally diagnosed breast cancer, is typically an incurable malignancy due to the lack of targetable surface targets for development of effective therapy. To address the unmet need for TNBC treatment, we recently determined that tissue factor (TF) is a useful surface target in 50–85% of patients with TNBC and developed a second-generation TF-targeting antibody-like immunoconjugate (called L-ICON) for preclinical treatment of TNBC. Using the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approach, here we develop and test TF-targeting CAR-engineered natural killer (TF-CAR-NK) cells that co-express CD16, the Fc receptor (FcγIII) to mediate antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC), for a preclinical assessment of immunotherapy of TNBC using TF-CAR-NK cell as single agent therapy and in combination with L-ICON. Our preclinical results demonstrate that TF-CAR-NK cells alone could kill TNBC cells and its efficacy was enhanced with L-ICON ADCC in vitro. Moreover, TF-CAR-NK cells were effective in vivo for the treatment of TNBC in cell line- and patient’s tumor-derived xenograft mouse models. Thus, this study established the proof of concept of targeting TF as a new target in CAR-NK immunotherapy for effective treatment of TNBC and may warrant further preclinical study and potentially future investigation in TNBC patients.
Multi-model Hydroclimate Projections for the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Gangrade Sudershan , Kao Shih-Chieh , McManamay Ryan A.
Published: February 2020

This study uses a high-resolution, process-based modeling framework to assess the impacts of changing climate on water resources for the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin in the southeastern United States. A 33-member ensemble of hydrologic projections was generated using 3 distributed hydrologic models (Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System, Variable Infiltration Capacity, and Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model) of different complexity. These hydrologic models were driven by dynamically downscaled and bias-corrected future climate simulations from 11 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 global climate models under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 emission scenario, with 40 years each in baseline (1966–2005) and future (2011–2050) periods. The hydroclimate response, in general, projects an increase in mean seasonal precipitation, runoff, and streamflow. The high and low flows are projected to increase and decrease, respectively, in general, suggesting increased likelihood of extreme rainfall events and intensification of the hydrologic cycle. The uncertainty associated with the ensemble hydroclimate response, analyzed through an analysis of variance technique, suggests that the choice of climate model is more critical than the choice of hydrologic model for the studied region. This study provides in-depth insights of hydroclimate response and associated uncertainties to support informed decisions by water resource managers.
Bioimpedance spectroscopy for fluid status assessment in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis: Implications for peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Schwaiger Elisabeth , Simon Amrei , Wabel Peter , Schairer Benjamin , Berner Carolin , Signorini Lorenzo , Ernstbrunner Matthäus , Evstatiev Rayko , Schwabl Philipp , Hinterholzer Georg , Frommlet Florian , Vychytil Andreas , Müller Christian J. , Hecking Manfred
Published: February 2020

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is routinely used in peritoneal dialysis patients and might aid fluid status assessment in patients with liver cirrhosis, but the effect of ascites volume removal on BIS-readings is unknown. Here we determined changes in BIS-derived parameters and clinical signs of fluid overload from before to after abdominal paracentesis. Per our pre-specified sample size calculation, we studied 31 cirrhotic patients, analyzing demographics, labs and clinical parameters along with BIS results. Mean volume of the abdominal paracentesis was 7.8 ± 2.6 L. From pre-to post-paracentesis, extracellular volume (ECV) decreased (20.2 ± 5.2 L to 19.0 ± 4.8 L), total body volume decreased (39.8 ± 9.8 L to 37.8 ± 8.5 L) and adipose tissue mass decreased (38.4 ± 16.0 kg to 29.9 ± 12.9 kg; all p < 0.002). Correlation of BIS-derived parameters from pre to post-paracentesis ranged from R² = 0.26 for body cell mass to R² = 0.99 for ECV. Edema did not correlate with BIS-derived fluid overload (FO ≥ 15% ECV), which occurred in 16 patients (51.6%). In conclusion, BIS-derived information on fluid status did not coincide with clinical judgement. The changes in adipose tissue mass support the BIS-model assumption that fluid in the peritoneal cavity is not detectable, suggesting that ascites (or peritoneal dialysis fluid) mass should be subtracted from adipose tissue if BIS is used in patients with a full peritoneal cavity.
Screening of microalgae liquid extracts for their bio stimulant properties on plant growth, nutrient uptake and metabolite profile of Solanum lycopersicum L.
Authors: Mutale-joan Chanda , Redouane Benhima , Najib Elmernissi , Yassine Kasmi , Lyamlouli Karim , Laila Sbabou , Zeroual Youssef , Hicham El Arroussi
Published: February 2020

The present study investigates the biostimulant effects of 18 Crude Bio-Extracts (CBEs) obtained from Microalgae and Cyanobacteria on tomato plant growth, chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake and metabolite profile. Significant root and shoot length improvement (112.65%, 53.70%); was recorded at treatment with Aphanothece sp and C. ellipsoidea CBEs respectively. Meanwhile, the highest root and shoot dry weight (DW) (34.81%, 58.69%) were obtained at treatment with Aphanothece sp. The latter also displayed the maximum uptake of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which increased by 185.17%, 119.36% and 78.04% respectively compared with non-treated plants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that Phosphorus and Potassium levels in roots were closely related to enhanced Root length, whereas Nitrogen and chlorophyll b were closely related to Shoot and root DW. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that treatment with CBEs, induced the production of a vast array of metabolites. Treated plants recorded higher accumulation of palmitic and stearic acids, which could indicate a stimulation in de novo Lipid synthesis. CBEs also triggered the accumulation of pyridine-3-carboxamide (an amide active form of vitamin B3) and Linolenic acid; one of the key precursors in the biosynthetic pathway leading to plant jasmonates. Our results are a first step towards understanding the effects of microalgal extracts on plant physiology and biochemical pathways. Further investigations on biochemical fractionation of microalgal extracts and agronomic tests of their purified bioactive compounds could be a useful principal novelty for in-depth study of CBE action mechanisms. Other useful tools include; Comparative hormone profiling of treated and non-treated plants accompanied with combined High-Throughput Plant Phenotyping, transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis.
Survival and complication analyses of avulsed and replanted permanent teeth
Authors: Müller Daniel David , Bissinger Ricarda , Reymus Marcel , Bücher Katharina , Hickel Reinhard , Kühnisch Jan
Published: February 2020

This retrospective clinical study investigated the survival probability of avulsed and replanted permanent teeth in relation to functional healing, replacement and inflammatory resorption. The explorative data analysis included data from 36 patients and 49 replanted permanent teeth with a minimum observation time of 60 days; the patients were generally treated according to the current guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology at the university hospital in Munich, Germany, between 2004 and 2017. The mean observation period was 3.5 years. Functional healing was observed in 26.5% (N = 13/49) of the included avulsion cases. In comparison, replacement resorption affected 51.0% (N = 25/49) of the replanted teeth, of which 24.0% (N = 6/25) were lost over the course of years (mean, 6.1 years). In contrast, inflammatory resorption resulted in the early loss of all replanted teeth (mean, 1.7 years) and affected 22.5% (N = 11/49) of all the monitored teeth. Therefore, it can be concluded that tooth avulsion remains a severe dental injury with an unpredictable prognosis. This topic demands further fundamental research aiming to maintain and/or regenerate the periodontal ligament after tooth avulsion, particularly in association with non-physiological tooth rescue.
Vision-related parameters that affect stereopsis in patients with macular hole
Authors: Okamoto Fumiki , Morikawa Shohei , Moriya Yuki , Sugiura Yoshimi , Murakami Tomoya , Tomioka Mizuki , Hiraoka Takahiro , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated stereopsis and other visual functions in patients with idiopathic macular hole (MH), and sought to identify vision-related parameters that affect stereopsis. In this prospective, consecutive, comparative study, 39 eyes of 39 patients with unilateral idiopathic MH were included. At baseline and at 6 months after MH surgery, we evaluated stereopsis, with the Titmus stereo test (TST) and TNO stereotest (TNO), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), letter contrast sensitivity, severity of metamorphopsia, as assessed using M-CHARTS, and extent of aniseikonia, by the new aniseikonia test. Preoperative stereopsis (log) in patients with MH were 2.72 ± 0.53 (range 1.9–4.1) in the TST and 2.82 ± 0.65 (range 1.8–3.9) in the TNO. Preoperative TST was significantly correlated with letter contrast sensitivity (p < 0.05), but not with the other visual functions. TNO showed significant correlation with letter contrast sensitivity (p < 0.05) and aniseikonia (p < 0.005). Preoperative TNO was associated with aniseikonia by multivariate analysis (p < 0.005). MH surgery significantly improved stereopsis, BCVA, letter contrast sensitivity, metamorphopsia, and aniseikonia. Postoperative TST and TNO was significantly associated with BCVA by multivariate analysis. Deterioration of stereopsis in MH patients is associated with contrast sensitivity and the degree of aniseikonia.
Assessing cardiovascular risks from a mid-thigh CT image: a tree-based machine learning approach using radiodensitometric distributions
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Edmunds Kyle J. , Recenti Marco , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Gudnason Vilmundur , Carraro Ugo , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: February 2020

The nonlinear trimodal regression analysis (NTRA) method based on radiodensitometric CT distributions was recently developed and assessed for the quantification of lower extremity function and nutritional parameters in aging subjects. However, the use of the NTRA method for building predictive models of cardiovascular health was not explored; in this regard, the present study reports the use of NTRA parameters for classifying elderly subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic heart failure (CHF) using multivariate logistic regression and three tree-based machine learning (ML) algorithms. Results from each model were assembled as a typology of four classification metrics: total classification score, classification by tissue type, tissue-based feature importance, and classification by age. The predictive utility of this method was modelled using CHF incidence data. ML models employing the random forests algorithm yielded the highest classification performance for all analyses, and overall classification scores for all three conditions were excellent: CHD (AUCROC: 0.936); CVD (AUCROC: 0.914); CHF (AUCROC: 0.994). Longitudinal assessment for modelling the prediction of CHF incidence was likewise robust (AUCROC: 0.993). The present work introduces a substantial step forward in the construction of non-invasive, standardizable tools for associating adipose, loose connective, and lean tissue changes with cardiovascular health outcomes in elderly individuals.
Accuracy and precision analysis for a biophotonic assay of C-reactive protein
Authors: James-Pemberton Philip , Łapińska Urszula , Helliwell Mark , Olkhov Rouslan V. , Hedaux Oliver J. , Hyde Christopher J. , Shaw Andrew M.
Published: February 2020

A multiplexed biophotonic assay platform has been developed using the localised particle plasmon in gold nanoparticles assembled in an array and functionalised for two assays: total IgG and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Multi-response optimization of a green solid-phase extraction for the analysis of heterocyclic aromatic amines in environmental samples
Authors: Canales Romina , Mariño-Repizo Leonardo , Reta Mario , Cerutti Soledad
Published: February 2020

A method for the multi-response optimization of a green and efficient solid phase extraction treatment combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the quantification of ten heterocyclic aromatic amines in waters.
(C3H9NI)4AgBiI8: a direct-bandgap layered double perovskite based on a short-chain spacer cation for light absorption
Authors: Yao Yunpeng , Kou Bo , Peng Yu , Wu Zhenyue , Li Lina , Wang Sasa , Zhang Xinyuan , Liu Xitao , Luo Junhua
Published: February 2020

A new iodide layered double perovskite (C3H9NI)4AgBiI8 (IPAB) has been developed based on a short-chain spacer cation, which is the first homologous compound in iodide double perovskites that adopt the Ruddlesden–Popper structure type.
cAMP sensitive nanochannels driven by conformational transition of a tripeptide-based smart polymer
Authors: Ji Shengyan , Xiong Yuting , Lu Wenqi , Li Minmin , Wang Xue , Wang Cunli , Wang Dongdong , Xiao Jie , Zhu Zhichao , Chen Lihua , Zhang Yahui , Qing Guangyan
Published: February 2020

The opening and closing of nanochannels are precisely manipulated by cAMP through globule to coil transition of smart polymer chains.
Isomer-specific cryogenic ion vibrational spectroscopy of the D2 tagged Cs+(HNO3)(H2O)n=0–2 complexes: ion-driven enhancement of the acidic H-bond to water
Authors: Mitra Sayoni , Duong Chinh H. , McCaslin Laura M. , Gerber R. Benny , Johnson Mark A.
Published: February 2020

Enhancement of the acid–base interaction between HNO3 and water by a proximal Cs+ cation with cryogenic ion vibrational spectroscopy.
Comment on “Mixed azido/phenoxido bridged trinuclear Cu(ii) complexes of Mannich bases: synthesis, structures, magnetic properties and catalytic oxidase activities”, Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 9385–9399 and “Tri- and hexa-nuclear NiII–MnII complexes of a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical ligand: synthesis, structures, magnetic properties and catalytic oxidase activities”, Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 13957–13971
Authors: Gasque Laura , Mendieta Alan , Ferrer-Sueta Gerardo
Published: February 2020

We comment on two examples of numerical results of kinetic parameters which are inconsistent with the experimental data given in the same articles.
A Co-MOF-derived oxygen-vacancy-rich Co3O4-based composite as a cathode material for hybrid Zn batteries
Authors: Liu Hang , Mai Zhongwen , Xu Xinxin , Wang Yi
Published: February 2020

A hybrid Zn battery is assembled by integrating Zn-Co3O4 and Zn-air batteries at the cell level, in which MOF-derived oxygen-vacancy-rich Co3O4 acts as the cathode material.
Increased photocurrent of CuWO4 photoanodes by modification with the oxide carbodiimide Sn2O(NCN)
Authors: Chen Zheng , Löber Manuel , Rokicińska Anna , Ma Zili , Chen Jianhong , Kuśtrowski Piotr , Meyer Hans-Jürgen , Dronskowski Richard , Slabon Adam
Published: February 2020

Tin(ii) oxide carbodiimide is a novel prospective semiconductor material with a band gap of 2.1 eV and lies chemically between metal oxides and metal carbodiimides.
Nanoparticles based on carboxymethylcellulose-modified rice protein for efficient delivery of lutein
Authors: Xu Yu , Ma Xiao-Yu , Gong Wei , Li Xiang , Huang Hai-Bo , Zhu Xue-Mei
Published: February 2020

Lutein, as a natural nutrient, has many benefits for human health.
Ni-Catalyzed reductive amination of phenols with ammonia or amines into cyclohexylamines
Authors: Cuypers Thomas , Morias Thomas , Windels Simon , Marquez Carlos , Van Goethem Cédric , Vankelecom Ivo , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: February 2020

An efficient reductive amination of phenol with ammonia or amines is demonstrated, for the first time with cheap supported Ni catalysts and without using any additives.
An efficient hydrogenation catalytic model hosted in a stable hyper-crosslinked porous-organic-polymer: from fatty acid to bio-based alkane diesel synthesis
Authors: Sarkar Chitra , Shit Subhash Chandra , Dao Duy Quang , Lee Jihyeon , Tran Ngoc Han , Singuru Ramana , An Kwangjin , Nguyen Dang Nam , Le Quyet Van , Amaniampong Prince Nana , Drif Asmaa , Jerome Francois , Huyen Pham Thanh , Phan Thi To Nga , Vo Dai-Viet N. , Thanh Binh Nguyen , Trinh Quang Thang , Sherburne Matthew P. , Mondal John
Published: February 2020

A novel Pd-based catalyst hosted over a nitrogen enriched fibrous porous-organic-polymer with a high density of step sites and exhibits versatile catalytic performance over different types of vegetable oils to furnish long chain diesel-range alkanes.
Dioxomolybdenum complex as an efficient and cheap catalyst for the reductive depolymerization of plastic waste into value-added compounds and fuels
Authors: Nunes Beatriz F. S. , Oliveira M. Conceição , Fernandes Ana C.
Published: February 2020

Several types of PCL, PLA, PDO, PET and PBT plastic waste were efficiently converted into value-added compounds and fuels catalyzed by MoO2Cl2(H2O)2.
Hot electron and thermal effects in plasmonic catalysis of nanocrystal transformation
Authors: Zhang Chengyun , Kong Ting , Fu Zhengkun , Zhang Zhenglong , Zheng Hairong
Published: February 2020

The specific role of hot electron and thermal effects is investigated in plasmon catalytic nanocrystal transformation.
Immobilization of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres on bone implant materials for antibiotic release and the binding mechanisms
Authors: Wang Dongwei , Xiao Dongqin , Lu Mengjie , Liu Qing , Xie Tao , Feng Gang , Weng Jie , Duan Ke
Published: February 2020

Antibiotic-loaded PLGA microspheres using PVA as emulsifier were immobilized on HA-coated Ti and PMMA scaffold surfaces by a vacuum-drying method.
Cancer cell membrane-camouflaged MOF nanoparticles for a potent dihydroartemisinin-based hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Xiao Yusha , Huang Wei , Zhu Daoming , Wang Quanxiong , Chen Baiyang , Liu Zhisu , Wang Yang , Liu Quanyan
Published: February 2020

Developing new drugs for cancer treatment remains a challenging task.
Synthesis of hyaluronic acid hydrogels by crosslinking the mixture of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether
Authors: Xue Yu , Chen Hongyue , Xu Chao , Yu Dinghua , Xu Huajin , Hu Yi
Published: February 2020

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) were mixed at different ratios and cross-linked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) to prepare five hyaluronic acid hydrogels A–E.
Application of MoS2 in the cathode of lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Yanyun , Cui Chunjuan , Liu Yue , Liu Wei , Wei Jian
Published: February 2020

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a two-dimensional layered structure can effectively inhibit the shuttle effect of lithium–sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries).
Retracted Article: CircBANP acts as a sponge of let-7a to promote gastric cancer progression via the FZD5/Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Xun Jin , Wang Chunfeng , Yao Jianning , Gao Bing , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: February 2020

CircBANP was up-regulated in GC. CircBANP depletion repressed GC cell malignant behaviors. CircBANP modulated FZD5 via sponging let-7a. CircBANP regulated GC progression via the let-7a/FZD5/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Alterations in serum protein glycopatterns related to small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Jia Liyuan , Ma Tianran , Liang Yiqian , Du Haoqi , Shu Jian , Liu Xiawei , Zhang Zhiwei , Yu Hanjie , Chen Mingwei , Li Zheng
Published: February 2020

The main reason why lung cancer has maintained a high rate of morbidity and mortality is that its early diagnosis is difficult.
3D-QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation study of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxamide derivatives as LSD1 inhibitors
Authors: Xu Yongtao , He Zihao , Liu Hongyi , Chen Yifan , Gao Yunlong , Zhang Songjie , Wang Meiting , Lu Xiaoyuan , Wang Chang , Zhao Zongya , Liu Yan , Zhao Junqiang , Yu Yi , Yang Min
Published: February 2020

Novel LSD1 inhibitors with potential activity are designed using a series of computer-aided drug design methods.
Didymellanosine, a new decahydrofluorene analogue, and ascolactone C from Didymella sp. IEA-3B.1, an endophyte of Terminalia catappa
Authors: Ariantari Ni P. , Ancheeva Elena , Frank Marian , Stuhldreier Fabian , Meier Dieter , Gröner Yvonne , Reimche Irene , Teusch Nicole , Wesselborg Sebastian , Müller Werner E. G. , Kalscheuer Rainer , Liu Zhen , Proksch Peter
Published: February 2020

An unusual decahydrofluorene-class alkaloid from Didymella sp. exhibited NFκB inhibitory and antimicrobial activities.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic chitosan microspheres for drug delivery
Authors: Li Xin , Zeng Danlin , Ke Ping , Wang Guanghui , Zhang Dengke
Published: February 2020

A novel magnetic microsphere was prepared by the simple microemulsion polymerization for protein drug delivery systems. This magnetic microsphere exhibited good magnetism and superior drug loading capacity and evident sustained-release performance.
Time-resolved luminescence detection of peroxynitrite using a reactivity-based lanthanide probe
Authors: Breen Colum , Pal Robert , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Teat Simon J. , Iza Felipe , Wende Kristian , Buckley Benjamin R. , Butler Stephen J.
Published: February 2020

Reactivity-based europium(iii) probe displays excellent selectivity for peroxynitrite (ONOO−), enabling its time-resolved luminescence detection in living cells.
C–C coupling reactions promoted by CNT-supported bimetallic center in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Liu Chi-You , Li Elise Y.
Published: February 2020

C–C coupling reactions on M1M2/N6h surfaces for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS).
Stimuli-responsive nanoparticle-assisted immunotherapy: a new weapon against solid tumours
Authors: De Angelis Biagio , Depalo Nicoletta , Petronella Francesca , Quintarelli Concetta , Curri M. Lucia , Pani Roberto , Calogero Antonella , Locatelli Franco , De Sio Luciano
Published: February 2020

The interplay between photo-thermal therapy and immunotherapy allows the realization of new nanotechnology-based cancer treatments for solid tumors.