bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amino acid metabolism is essential for evading physical plasma-induced tumour cell death
Authors: Gandhirajan Rajesh Kumar , Meyer Dorothee , Sagwal Sanjeev Kumar , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , von Woedtke Thomas , Bekeschus Sander
Published: March 2021

Background

Recent studies have emphasised the important role of amino acids in cancer metabolism. Cold physical plasma is an evolving technology employed to target tumour cells by introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, limited understanding is available on the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells fostering or reducing plasma-induced cancer cell death.

Methods

The utilisation and impact of major metabolic substrates of fatty acid, amino acid and TCA pathways were investigated in several tumour cell lines following plasma exposure by qPCR, immunoblotting and cell death analysis.

Results

Metabolic substrates were utilised in Panc-1 and HeLa but not in OVCAR3 and SK-MEL-28 cells following plasma treatment. Among the key genes governing these pathways, ASCT2 and SLC3A2 were consistently upregulated in Panc-1, Miapaca2GR, HeLa and MeWo cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ASCT2, glutamine depletion and pharmacological inhibition with V9302 sensitised HeLa cells to the plasma-induced cell death. Exogenous supplementation of glutamine, valine or tyrosine led to improved metabolism and viability of tumour cells following plasma treatment.

Conclusion

These data suggest the amino acid influx driving metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells exposed to physical plasma, governing the extent of cell death. This pathway could be targeted in combination with existing anti-tumour agents.
Circulating tumor DNA and magnetic resonance imaging to predict neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and recurrence risk
Authors: Magbanua Mark Jesus M. , Li Wen , Wolf Denise M. , Yau Christina , Hirst Gillian L. , Swigart Lamorna Brown , Newitt David C. , Gibbs Jessica , Delson Amy L. , Kalashnikova Ekaterina , Aleshin Alexey , Zimmermann Bernhard , Chien A. Jo , Tripathy Debu , Esserman Laura , Hylton Nola , van ‘t Veer Laura
Published: March 2021

We investigated whether serial measurements of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and functional tumor volume (FTV) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be combined to improve prediction of pathologic complete response (pCR) and estimation of recurrence risk in early breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We examined correlations between ctDNA and FTV, evaluated the additive value of ctDNA to FTV-based predictors of pCR using area under the curve (AUC) analysis, and analyzed the impact of FTV and ctDNA on distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) using Cox regressions. The levels of ctDNA (mean tumor molecules/mL plasma) were significantly correlated with FTV at all time points (p < 0.05). Median FTV in ctDNA-positive patients was significantly higher compared to those who were ctDNA-negative (p < 0.05). FTV and ctDNA trajectories in individual patients showed a general decrease during NAC. Exploratory analysis showed that adding ctDNA information early during treatment to FTV-based predictors resulted in numerical but not statistically significant improvements in performance for pCR prediction (e.g., AUC 0.59 vs. 0.69, p = 0.25). In contrast, ctDNA-positivity after NAC provided significant additive value to FTV in identifying patients with increased risk of metastatic recurrence and death (p = 0.004). In this pilot study, we demonstrate that ctDNA and FTV were correlated measures of tumor burden. Our preliminary findings based on a limited cohort suggest that ctDNA at surgery improves FTV as a predictor of metastatic recurrence and death. Validation in larger studies is warranted.
Optimal control for quantum detectors
Authors: Titum Paraj , Schultz Kevin , Seif Alireza , Quiroz Gregory , Clader B. D.
Published: March 2021

Quantum systems are promising candidates for sensing of weak signals as they can be highly sensitive to external perturbations, thus providing excellent performance when estimating parameters of external fields. However, when trying to detect weak signals that are hidden by background noise, the signal-to-noise ratio is a more relevant metric than raw sensitivity. We identify, under modest assumptions about the statistical properties of the signal and noise, the optimal quantum control to detect an external signal in the presence of background noise using a quantum sensor. Interestingly, for white background noise, the optimal solution is the simple and well-known spin-locking control scheme. Using numerical techniques, we further generalize these results to the case of background noise with a Lorentzian spectrum. We show that for increasing correlation time, pulse based sequences, such as CPMG, are also close to the optimal control for detecting the signal, with the crossover dependent on the signal frequency. These results show that an optimal detection scheme can be easily implemented in near-term quantum sensors without the need for complicated pulse shaping.
An updated map of Trypanosoma cruzi histone post-translational modifications
Authors: de Almeida Rafael Fogaça , Fernandes Matheus , de Godoy Lyris Martins Franco
Published: March 2021

In humans and other eukaryotes, histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) play an essential role in the epigenetic control of gene expression. In trypanosomatid parasites, conversely, gene regulation occurs mainly at the post-transcriptional level. However, our group has recently shown that hPTMs are abundant and varied in Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas Disease, signaling for possible conserved epigenetic functions. Here, we applied an optimized mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflow to provide a high-confidence comprehensive map of hPTMs, distributed in all canonical, variant and linker histones of T. cruzi. Our work expands the number of known T. cruzi hPTMs by almost 2-fold, representing the largest dataset of hPTMs available to any trypanosomatid to date, and can be used as a basis for functional studies on the dynamic regulation of chromatin by epigenetic mechanisms and the selection of candidates for the development of epigenetic drugs against trypanosomatids.
Creation and validation of a chest X-ray dataset with eye-tracking and report dictation for AI development
Authors: Karargyris Alexandros , Kashyap Satyananda , Lourentzou Ismini , Wu Joy T. , Sharma Arjun , Tong Matthew , Abedin Shafiq , Beymer David , Mukherjee Vandana , Krupinski Elizabeth A. , Moradi Mehdi
Published: March 2021

We developed a rich dataset of Chest X-Ray (CXR) images to assist investigators in artificial intelligence. The data were collected using an eye-tracking system while a radiologist reviewed and reported on 1,083 CXR images. The dataset contains the following aligned data: CXR image, transcribed radiology report text, radiologist’s dictation audio and eye gaze coordinates data. We hope this dataset can contribute to various areas of research particularly towards explainable and multimodal deep learning/machine learning methods. Furthermore, investigators in disease classification and localization, automated radiology report generation, and human-machine interaction can benefit from these data. We report deep learning experiments that utilize the attention maps produced by the eye gaze dataset to show the potential utility of this dataset.
Characterization of carrier behavior in photonically excited 6H silicon carbide exhibiting fast, high voltage, bulk transconductance properties
Authors: Sampayan S. E. , Grivickas P. V. , Conway A. M. , Sampayan K. C. , Booker I. , Bora M. , Caporaso G. J. , Grivickas V. , Nguyen H. T. , Redeckas K. , Schoner A. , Voss L. F. , Vengris M. , Wang L.
Published: March 2021

Unabated, worldwide trends in CO2 production project growth to > 43-BMT per year over the next two decades. Efficient power electronics are crucial to fully realizing the CO2 mitigating benefits of a worldwide smart grid (~ 18% reduction for the United States alone). Even state-of-the-art SiC high voltage junction devices are inefficient because of slow transition times (~ 0.5-μs) and limited switching rates at high voltage (~ 20-kHz at ≥ 15-kV) resulting from the intrinsically limited charge carrier drift speed (< 2 × 107-cm-s−1). Slow transition times and limited switch rates waste energy through transition loss and hysteresis loss in external magnetic components. Bulk conduction devices, where carriers are generated and controlled nearly simultaneously throughout the device volume, minimize this loss. Such devices are possible using below bandgap excitation of semi-insulating (SI) SiC single crystals. We explored carrier dynamics with a 75-fs single wavelength pump/supercontinuum probe and a modified transient spectroscopy technique and also demonstrated a new class of efficient, high-speed, high-gain, bi-directional, optically-controlled transistor-like power device. At a performance level six times that of existing devices, for the first time we demonstrated prototype operation at multi-10s of kW and 20-kV, 125-kHz in a bulk conduction transistor-like device using direct photon-carrier excitation with below bandgap light.
eDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment, generalist predators as sampling assistants
Authors: Nørgaard Louise , Olesen Carsten Riis , Trøjelsgaard Kristian , Pertoldi Cino , Nielsen Jeppe Lund , Taberlet Pierre , Ruiz-González Aritz , De Barba Marta , Iacolina Laura
Published: March 2021

With an accelerating negative impact of anthropogenic actions on natural ecosystems, non-invasive biodiversity assessments are becoming increasingly crucial. As a consequence, the interest in the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) survey techniques has increased. The use of eDNA extracted from faeces from generalist predators, have recently been described as “biodiversity capsules” and suggested as a complementary tool for improving current biodiversity assessments. In this study, using faecal samples from two generalist omnivore species, the Eurasian badger and the red fox, we evaluated the applicability of eDNA metabarcoding in determining dietary composition, compared to macroscopic diet identification techniques. Subsequently, we used the dietary information obtained to assess its contribution to biodiversity assessments. Compared to classic macroscopic techniques, we found that eDNA metabarcoding detected more taxa, at higher taxonomic resolution, and proved to be an important technique to verify the species identification of the predator from field collected faeces. Furthermore, we showed how dietary analyses complemented field observations in describing biodiversity by identifying consumed flora and fauna that went unnoticed during field observations. While diet analysis approaches could not substitute field observations entirely, we suggest that their integration with other methods might overcome intrinsic limitations of single techniques in future biodiversity surveys.
An intensity matched comparison of laser- and contact heat evoked potentials
Authors: De Schoenmacker Iara , Berry Carson , Blouin Jean-Sébastien , Rosner Jan , Hubli Michèle , Jutzeler Catherine R. , Kramer John L. K.
Published: March 2021

Previous studies comparing laser (LEPs) and contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) consistently reported higher amplitudes following laser compared to contact heat stimulation. However, none of the studies matched the perceived pain intensity, questioning if the observed difference in amplitude is due to biophysical differences between the two methods or a mismatch in stimulation intensity. The aims of the current study were twofold: (1) to directly compare the brain potentials induced by intensity matched laser and contact heat stimulation and (2) investigate how capsaicin-induced secondary hyperalgesia modulates LEPs and CHEPs. Twenty-one healthy subjects were recruited and measured at four experimental sessions: (1) CHEPs + sham, (2) LEPs + sham, (3) CHEPs + capsaicin, and (4) LEPs + capsaicin. Baseline (sham) LEPs latency was significantly shorter and amplitude significantly larger compared to CHEPs, even when matched for perceived pain. Neither CHEPs nor LEPs was sensitive enough to detect secondary hyperalgesia. These differences provide evidence that a faster heating rate results in an earlier and more synchronized LEPs than CHEPs. To our knowledge, this was the first study to match perceived intensity of contact heat and laser stimulations, revealing distinct advantages associated with the acquisition of LEPs.
Anthropogenic nutrient loads and season variability drive high atmospheric N2O fluxes in a fragmented mangrove system
Authors: Hershey N. Regina , Nandan S. Bijoy , Vasu K. Neelima , Tait Douglas R.
Published: March 2021

Fragmented mangroves are generally ignored in N2O flux studies. Here we report observations over the course of a year from the Mangalavanam coastal wetland in Southern India. The wetland is a fragmented mangrove stand close to a large urban centre with high anthropogenic nitrogen inputs. The study found the wetland was a net source of N2O to the atmosphere with fluxes ranging between 17.5 to 117.9 µmol m−2 day−1 which equated to high N2O saturations of between 697 and 1794%. The average dissolved inorganic nitrogen inputs (80.1 ± 18.1 µmol L−1) and N2O emissions (59.2 ± 30.0 µmol m−2 day−1) were highest during the monsoon season when the rainfall and associated river water inputs and terrestrial runoff were highest. The variation in N2O dynamics was shown to be driven by the changes in rainfall, water column depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, carbon, and substrate nitrogen. The study suggests that fragmented/minor mangrove ecosystems subject to high human nutrient inputs may be a significant component of the global N2O budget.
Expression analysis of selected genes involved in tryptophan metabolic pathways in Egyptian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and learning disabilities
Authors: Higazi Aliaa M. , Kamel Hanan M. , Abdel-Naeem Emad A. , Abdullah Noha M. , Mahrous Doaa M. , Osman Ashraf M.
Published: March 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities are neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by dramatically increasing incidence rates, yet the exact etiology for these disabilities is not identified. Impairment in tryptophan metabolism has been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of ASD, however, further validation of its involvement is required. Additionally, its role in learning disabilities is still uninvestigated. Our objective was to evaluate some aspects of tryptophan metabolism in ASD children (N = 45) compared to children with learning disabilities (N = 44) and healthy controls (N = 40) by measuring the expression levels of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes using real-time RT-qPCR. We also aimed to correlate the expression patterns of these genes with parental ages at the time of childbirth, levels of serum iron, and vitamin D3 and zinc/copper ratio, as possible risk factors for ASD. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of the selected genes within ASD children (p < 0.001) relative to children with learning disabilities and healthy controls, which significantly associated with the levels of our targeted risk factors (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated to ASD scoring (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that the expression of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes may underpin the pathophysiology of ASD.
Untangling the multi-regime molecular mechanism of verbenol-chemotype Zingiber officinale essential oil against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1
Authors: Singh Prem Pratap , Jaiswal Atul Kumar , Kumar Akshay , Gupta Vishal , Prakash Bhanu
Published: March 2021

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the natural polyketide produced by Aspergillus flavus, has a potent carcinogenic effect on humans as well as animals. In the present study, the antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic B1 activity of chemically characterized Zingiber officinale essential oil (ZOEO) was investigated via in vitro analysis aided with molecular dynamics (MD) approaches. The GC–MS results revealed verbenol (52.41%) as the major component of oil. The antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity of ZOEO was found to be 0.6 µl/ml and 0.5 µl/ml respectively. In-vitro analysis targeting the cell membrane, mitochondria and carbohydrate catabolism elucidated the probable antifungal mode of action. Further, docking and MD simulation results confirmed the inhibitory action of verbenol on the structural gene products (Nor-1, Omt-1, and Vbs) of aflatoxin biosynthetic machinery. Biochemical assays revealed the fungitoxic potential of the ZOEO while, computational results infers the stabilizing effects on the gene products upon verbenol binding leads to the impairment in its functionality. This is the first attempt to assess the multi-regime anti-AFB1 mechanism of verbenol chemotype-ZOEO targeting the Nor-1, Omt-1, and Vbs via computational approaches.
Seasonal patterns of bison diet across climate gradients in North America
Authors: Craine Joseph M.
Published: March 2021

North American plains bison (Bison bison) have been reintroduced across their former range, yet we know too little about their current diet to understand what drove their past migrations as well as observed continental-scale variation in weight gain and reproduction. In order to better understand the seasonal diets of bison at the continental scale, bison fecal material was collected monthly from April to September in 2019 across 45 sites throughout the conterminous United States. Fecal material was analyzed for dietary quality using near infrared spectroscopy and dietary composition with DNA metabarcoding. As observed in previous research, dietary quality peaked in June and was on average greatest for sites with cold, wet climates. Yet, in April, dietary quality was highest in warmer regions, likely reflecting earlier phenology of plants in southern than northern regions. Independent of climate and season, bison that consumed more warm-season grasses had lower dietary protein concentrations. Interpreting the relative abundance of sequences from different plant species as the relative intake of protein from those species, only 38% of bison protein intake came from grasses. An equal amount of dietary protein came from legumes (38%) and 22% from non-leguminous forbs. Seasonal shifts in bison diet were also clear, in part, following the phenology of functional groups. For example, cool-season grass protein intake was highest in May, while legume protein intake was highest in August. Comparing data taken in June and September 2018 in a previous study with corresponding data in 2019, on average, June [CP] was 20% higher in 2019 than 2018, while September [CP] did not differ between years. Dietary functional group composition was generally similar in amounts and relationships with climate between years, yet in September 2019, legumes contributed 20% more protein and warm-season grasses 14% less than in September 2018. In all, this research demonstrates that bison consistently rely on eudicots for protein with the functional group composition of their diet in some ways consistent across space and time, but also spatially and temporally variable. The early-season inversion of plant quality gradients would have been a strong driver of migratory behavior for large numbers of bison optimizing protein intake. As most bison currently experience protein deficiency, optimizing protein intake under current non-migratory conditions will require increasing the relative abundance of high-protein species such as N2-fixing species.
New Permian radiolarians from east Asia and the quantitative reconstruction of their evolutionary and ecological significances
Authors: Xiao Yifan , Suzuki Noritoshi , Ito Tsuyoshi , He Weihong
Published: March 2021

The biostratigraphically important Permian radiolarian generaPseudoalbaillellasensu stricto andFollicucullus(Follicucullidae, Polycystinea) are discriminated by morphological gaps in their wings and segmentation. Previous statistical analyses demonstrated thatLongtanellafills morphological gaps between these two genera.Longtanellahas long been regarded as a junior synonym ofParafollicucullus, and only a few species have been described. Herein several trueLongtanellaspecies are recognized from South China, and eight new species and five indeterminate species are described and illustrated to prove the validity of the genusLongtanella. In addition, a new genus,Parafollicucullinoidesgen. nov., is described. Their palaeogeographic distributions and living environments are explored by applying correspondence analysis (CA), with occurrence datasets of selected fusulinacean genera from the Japanese Islands, China and Sundaland. CA results indicate thatLongtanellawas present to a limited extent in warmer conditions in the fusulinacean Province B and C during Kungurian–Roadian time, and possibly lived above the thermocline and below the deepest limit of fusulinaceans. ThePseudoalbaillellaand theFollicucullusgroup preferred open ocean conditions, living below the thermocline and distributed not only in the ‘Equatorial Warm Water Province’, but also the northern peri-Gondwana Cool Water Province and the southern North Cool Water Province.
Population genomic analyses of schistosome parasites highlight critical challenges facing endgame elimination efforts
Authors: Shortt Jonathan A. , Timm Laura E. , Hales Nicole R. , Nikolakis Zachary L. , Schield Drew R. , Perry Blair W. , Liu Yang , Zhong Bo , Castoe Todd A. , Carlton Elizabeth J. , Pollock David D.
Published: March 2021

Schistosomiasis persists in Asian regions despite aggressive elimination measures. To identify factors enabling continued parasite transmission, we performed reduced representation genome sequencing on Schistosoma japonicum miracidia collected across multiple years from transmission hotspots in Sichuan, China. We discovered strong geographic structure, suggesting that local, rather than imported, reservoirs are key sources of persistent infections in the region. At the village level, parasites collected after referral for praziquantel treatment are closely related to local pre-treatment populations. Schistosomes within villages are also highly related, suggesting that only a few parasites from a limited number of hosts drive re-infection. The close familial relationships among miracidia from different human hosts also implicate short transmission routes among humans. At the individual host level, genetic evidence indicates that multiple humans retained infections following referral for treatment. Our findings suggest that end-game schistosomiasis control measures should focus on completely extirpating local parasite reservoirs and confirming successful treatment of infected human hosts.
Nucleation of Ga droplets self-assembly on GaAs(111)A substrates
Authors: Tuktamyshev Artur , Fedorov Alexey , Bietti Sergio , Vichi Stefano , Tambone Riccardo , Tsukamoto Shiro , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: March 2021

We investigated the nucleation of Ga droplets on singular GaAs(111)A substrates in the view of their use as the seeds for the self-assembled droplet epitaxial quantum dots. A small critical cluster size of 1–2 atoms characterizes the droplet nucleation. Low values of the Hopkins-Skellam index (as low as 0.35) demonstrate a high degree of a spatial order of the droplet ensemble. Around $$350\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

350

∘

C

the droplet size distribution becomes bimodal. We attribute this observation to the interplay between the local environment and the limitation to the adatom surface diffusion introduced by the Ehrlich–Schwöbel barrier at the terrace edges.
Applying a bagging ensemble machine learning approach to predict functional outcome of schizophrenia with clinical symptoms and cognitive functions
Authors: Lin Eugene , Lin Chieh-Hsin , Lane Hsien-Yuan
Published: March 2021

It has been suggested that the relationship between cognitive function and functional outcome in schizophrenia is mediated by clinical symptoms, while functional outcome is assessed by the Quality of Life Scale (QLS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. To determine the outcome assessed by QLS and GAF, we established a bagging ensemble framework with a feature selection algorithm resulting from the analysis of factors such as 3 clinical symptom scales and 11 cognitive function scores of 302 patients with schizophrenia in the Taiwanese population. We compared our bagging ensemble framework with other state-of-the-art algorithms such as multilayer feedforward neural networks, support vector machine, linear regression, and random forests. The analysis revealed that the bagging ensemble model with feature selection performed best among predictive models in predicting the QLS functional outcome by using 20-item Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS20) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17). Moreover, to predict the GAF outcome, the bagging ensemble model with feature selection performed best among predictive models by using SANS20 and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Positive (PANSS-Positive) subscale. The study indicates that there are synergistic effects between negative (SANS20) and depressive (HAMD17) symptoms as well as between negative and positive (PANSS-Positive) symptoms in influencing functional outcome of schizophrenia using the bagging ensemble framework with feature selection.
Clinical features of cluster headache without cranial autonomic symptoms: results from a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Chu Min Kyung , Kim Byung-Su , Chung Pil-Wook , Kim Byung-Kun , Lee Mi Ji , Park Jeong Wook , Ahn Jin-Young , Bae Dae Woong , Song Tae-Jin , Sohn Jong-Hee , Oh Kyungmi , Kim Daeyoung , Kim Jae-Moon , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Choi Yun-Ju , Chung Jae Myun , Moon Heui-Soo , Chung Chin-Sang , Park Kwang-Yeol , Cho Soo-Jin
Published: March 2021

Although cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS) are typical in cluster headache (CH), some individuals with CH show no CAS during their headache attacks. Probable cluster headache (PCH) is a subtype of CH that fulfils all but one criterion of CH. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical features of CH and PCH without CAS in comparison to those with CAS. We analysed data from the Korea Cluster Headache Registry, a prospective multicentre registry involving data from 16 hospitals. Of the 216 participants with CH and 26 with PCH, 19 (8.8%) and 7 (26.9%), respectively, did not have CAS. Participants with CH without CAS exhibited less severe anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 score, median [interquartile range], 2.0 [1.0–6.0] vs 8.0 [3.0–12.0], p = 0.001) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, 3.0 [1.0–7.0] vs 7.0 [3.0–11.0], p = 0.042) than those with CAS. Among participants with PCH, headache intensity was less severe in participants without CAS than in those with CAS (numeric rating scale, 8.0 [7.0–8.0] vs 9.5 [8.0–10.0], p = 0.015). In conclusion, a significant proportion of participants with CH and PCH did not have CAS. Some clinical features of CH and PCH differed based on the presence of CAS.
Spatial–temporal characterization of rainfall in Pakistan during the past half-century (1961–2020)
Authors: Ali Ghaffar , Sajjad Muhammad , Kanwal Shamsa , Xiao Tingyin , Khalid Shoaib , Shoaib Fariha , Gul Hafiza Nayab
Published: March 2021

Spatial–temporal rainfall assessments are integral to climate/hydrological modeling, agricultural studies, and water resource planning and management. Herein, we evaluate spatial–temporal rainfall trends and patterns in Pakistan for 1961–2020 using nationwide data from 82 rainfall stations. To assess optimal spatial distribution and rainfall characterization, twenty-seven interpolation techniques from geo-statistical and deterministic categories were systematically compared, revealing that the empirical Bayesian kriging regression prediction (EBKRP) technique was best. Hence, EBKRP was used to produce and utilize the first normal annual rainfall map of Pakistan for evaluating spatial rainfall patterns. While the largest under-prediction was estimated for Hunza (− 51%), the highest and lowest rainfalls were estimated for Malam Jaba in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (~  1700 mm), and Nok-kundi in Balochistan province (~  50 mm), respectively. A gradual south-to-north increase in rainfall was spatially evident with an areal average of 455 mm, while long-term temporal rainfall evaluation showed a statistically significant (p = 0.05) downward trend for Sindh province. Additionally, downward inter-decadal regime shifts were detected for the Punjab and Sindh provinces (90% confidence). These results are expected to help inform environmental planning in Pakistan; moreover, the rainfall data produced using the optimal method has further implications in several aforementioned fields.
Elastin-specific MRI of extracellular matrix-remodelling following hepatic radiofrequency-ablation in a VX2 liver tumor model
Authors: Collettini Federico , Reimann Carolin , Brangsch Julia , Chapiro Julius , Savic Lynn Jeanette , Onthank David C. , Robinson Simon P. , Karst Uwe , Buchholz Rebecca , Keller Sarah , Hamm Bernd , Goldberg S. Nahum , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: March 2021

Hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) induces a drastic alteration of the biomechanical environment in the peritumoral liver tissue. The resulting increase in matrix stiffness has been shown to significantly influence carcinogenesis and cancer progression after focal RF ablation. To investigate the potential of an elastin-specific MR agent (ESMA) for the assessment of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the periablational rim following RFA in a VX2 rabbit liver tumor-model, twelve New-Zealand-White-rabbits were implanted in the left liver lobe with VX2 tumor chunks from donor animals. RFA of tumors was performed using a perfused RF needle-applicator with a mean tip temperature of 70 °C. Animals were randomized into four groups for MR imaging and scanned at four different time points following RFA (week 0 [baseline], week 1, week 2 and week 3 after RFA), followed by sacrifice and histopathological analysis. ESMA-enhanced MR imaging was used to assess ECM remodeling. Gadobutrol was used as a third-space control agent. Molecular MR imaging using an elastin-specific probe demonstrated a progressive increase in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (week 3: ESMA: 28.1 ± 6.0; gadobutrol: 3.5 ± 2.0), enabling non-invasive imaging of the peritumoral zone with high spatial-resolution, and accurate assessment of elastin deposition in the periablational rim. In vivo CNR correlated with ex vivo histomorphometry (ElasticaVanGiesson-stain, y = 1.2x − 1.8, R2 = 0.89, p < 0.05) and gadolinium concentrations at inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS, y = 0.04x + 1.2, R2 = 0.95, p < 0.05). Laser-ICP-MS confirmed colocalization of elastin-specific probe with elastic fibers. Following thermal ablation, molecular imaging using an elastin-specific MR probe is feasible and provides a quantifiable biomarker for the assessment of the ablation-induced remodeling of the ECM in the periablational rim.
Time–frequency time–space LSTM for robust classification of physiological signals
Authors: Pham Tuan D.
Published: March 2021

Automated analysis of physiological time series is utilized for many clinical applications in medicine and life sciences. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is a deep recurrent neural network architecture used for classification of time-series data. Here time–frequency and time–space properties of time series are introduced as a robust tool for LSTM processing of long sequential data in physiology. Based on classification results obtained from two databases of sensor-induced physiological signals, the proposed approach has the potential for (1) achieving very high classification accuracy, (2) saving tremendous time for data learning, and (3) being cost-effective and user-comfortable for clinical trials by reducing multiple wearable sensors for data recording.
Comparison of therapeutic effects between topical 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine and corticosteroid in ocular alkali burn model
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Im Sang-Taek , Yoon Jin Young , Kim Seunghoon , Kim Mee Kum , Chung Myung-Hee , Park Chul-Kyu
Published: March 2021

We compared the therapeutic effects of topical 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and corticosteroid in a murine ocular alkali burn model. (n = 128) The corneal alkali burn model was established by applying 0.1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH), followed by treatment with 8-oxo-dG, 0.1% fluorometholone (FML), 1% prednisolone acetate (PDE), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) twice daily. One week later, the clinical and histological status of the cornea were assessed. Transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the cornea, were assayed. The 8-oxo-dG and PDE groups showed marked improvements in corneal integrity and clarity when compared with the PBS group (each p < 0.01). The numbers of cells stained for neutrophil elastase and F4/80-positive inflammatory cells were significantly decreased, with levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and total ROS/RNS amounts markedly reduced in the 8-oxo-dG, FML, and PDE groups (each p < 0.05). Levels of NADPH oxidase type 2 and 4 were substantially more repressed in the 8-oxo-dG-treated group than in the PDE-treated group (each p < 0.05). Topical 8-oxo-dG showed excellent therapeutic effects that were comparable with those treated with topical PDE in a murine ocular alkali burn model.
School-based screening and treatment may reduce P. falciparum transmission
Authors: Cohee Lauren M. , Valim Clarissa , Coalson Jenna E. , Nyambalo Andrew , Chilombe Moses , Ngwira Andrew , Bauleni Andy , Seydel Karl B. , Wilson Mark L. , Taylor Terrie E. , Mathanga Don P. , Laufer Miriam K.
Published: March 2021

In areas where malaria remains entrenched, novel transmission-reducing interventions are essential for malaria elimination. We report the impact screening-and-treatment of asymptomatic Malawian schoolchildren (n = 364 in the rainy season and 341 in the dry season) had on gametocyte—the parasite stage responsible for human-to-mosquito transmission—carriage. We used concomitant household-based surveys to predict the potential reduction in transmission in the surrounding community. Among 253 students with P. falciparum infections at screening, 179 (71%) had infections containing gametocytes detected by Pfs25 qRT-PCR. 84% of gametocyte-containing infections were detected by malaria rapid diagnostic test. While the gametocyte prevalence remained constant in untreated children, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine reduced the gametocyte prevalence (p < 0.0001) from 51.8 to 9.7% and geometric mean gametocyte density (p = 0.008) from 0.52 to 0.05 gametocytes/microliter. In community surveys, 46% of all gametocyte-containing infections were in school-age children, who comprised only 35% of the population. Based on these estimates six weeks after the intervention, the gametocyte burden in the community could be reduced by 25–55% depending on the season and the measure used to characterize gametocyte carriage. Thus, school-based interventions to treat asymptomatic infections may be a high-yield approach to not only improve the health of schoolchildren, but also decrease malaria transmission.
Author Correction: Carotid imaging changes and serum IL-1β, sICAM-1, and sVAP-1 levels in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Chen Xiaoxu , Feng Huimin , Liu Hongjin , Xu Xianrong , Wang Jianchang , Jin Zhanguo
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Iridophoroma associated with the Lemon Frost colour morph of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Szydłowski Paweł , Madej Jan Paweł , Duda Magdalena , Madej Janusz A. , Sikorska-Kopyłowicz Agnieszka , Chełmońska-Soyta Anna , Ilnicka Lucyna , Duda Przemysław
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Secreted midbody remnants are a class of extracellular vesicles molecularly distinct from exosomes and microparticles
Authors: Rai Alin , Greening David W. , Xu Rong , Chen Maoshan , Suwakulsiri Wittaya , Simpson Richard J.
Published: March 2021

During the final stages of cell division, newly-formed daughter cells remain connected by a thin intercellular bridge containing the midbody (MB), a microtubule-rich organelle responsible for cytokinetic abscission. Following cell division the MB is asymmetrically inherited by one daughter cell where it persists as a midbody remnant (MB-R). Accumulating evidence shows MB-Rs are secreted (sMB-Rs) into the extracellular medium and engulfed by neighbouring non-sister cells. While much is known about intracellular MB-Rs, sMB-Rs are poorly understood. Here, we report the large-scale purification and biochemical characterisation of sMB-Rs released from colon cancer cells, including profiling of their proteome using mass spectrometry. We show sMB-Rs are an abundant class of membrane-encapsulated extracellular vesicle (200-600 nm) enriched in core cytokinetic proteins and molecularly distinct from exosomes and microparticles. Functional dissection of sMB-Rs demonstrated that they are engulfed by, and accumulate in, quiescent fibroblasts where they promote cellular transformation and an invasive phenotype.
Quantum critical dynamics in a spinor Hubbard model quantum simulator
Authors: Austin Jared O. , Chen Zihe , Shaw Zachary N. , Mahmud Khan W. , Liu Yingmei
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) strongly correlated many-body systems, especially their dynamics across quantum phase transitions, are prohibitively difficult to be numerically simulated. We experimentally demonstrate that such complex many-body dynamics can be efficiently studied in a 3D spinor Bose–Hubbard model quantum simulator, consisting of antiferromagnetic spinor Bose–Einstein condensates confined in cubic optical lattices. We find dynamics and scaling effects beyond the scope of existing theories at superfluid–insulator quantum phase transitions, and highlight spin populations as a good observable to probe the quantum critical dynamics. Our data indicate that the scaling exponents are independent of the nature of the quantum phase transitions. We also conduct numerical simulations in lower dimensions using time-dependent Gutzwiller approximations, which qualitatively describe our observations.
Co-seismic eruption and intermittent turbulence of a subglacial discharge plume revealed by continuous subsurface observations in Greenland
Authors: Podolskiy Evgeny A. , Kanna Naoya , Sugiyama Shin
Published: March 2021

In the Arctic, subglacial discharge plumes have been recently recognised as a key driver of fjord-scale circulation. However, owing to the danger that accompanies prolonged observations at plumes, no time-series data are available. Here, we present results showing the chaotic and irregular dynamics of a plume revealed by continuous subsurface monitoring directly on the calving front of a Greenlandic glacier. We found intense fluctuations in the current and scalars (temperature and salinity), recognised shallow and deep tidal modulation and anomalies due to co-seismic drainage of an ice-dammed lake via the plume, and observed rapid and marked changes in stratification. Our analysis uncovers energy cascade intermittency with coherent structures, corresponding to upwelling pulses of warm water. Prior to our research, in situ evidence of time-variable plume dynamics was absent and limited to snapshots, therefore, our study and approach will enable researchers to transition from an episodic view of a plume to a continuously updated image.
Exchange-biased quantum tunnelling of magnetization in a [Mn3]2 dimer of single-molecule magnets with rare ferromagnetic inter-Mn3 coupling
Authors: Ghosh Tuhin , Marbey Jonathan , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Hill Stephen , Abboud Khalil A. , Christou George
Published: March 2021

A covalently-linked, ferromagnetically-coupled dimer of Mn3 SMMs has been prepared that exhibits a positive exchange bias of its quantum tunnelling of magnetization. Crystallographic, SQUID, μ-SQUID, and high-frequency EPR studies are described.
Conformation-changing enzymes and macromolecular crowding
Authors: Skóra Tomasz , Popescu Mihail N. , Kondrat Svyatoslav
Published: March 2021

We study how crowding affects the activity and catalysis-enhanced diffusion of enzymes and passive tracers by employing a fluctuating-dumbbell model of conformation-changing enzymes.
Catalytic asymmetric preparation of pyrroloindolines: strategies and applications to total synthesis
Authors: Mei Guang-Jian , Koay Wai Lean , Tan Chuan Xiang Alvin , Lu Yixin
Published: March 2021

Pyrroloindolines are widely present in natural products. In this review, we summarize state-of-the-art of catalytic asymmetric synthesis of pyrroloindolines, as well as related applications to natural products total synthesis.
Nitrogen, sulfur co-doped carbon coated zinc sulfide for efficient hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis
Authors: Dai Chengxiang , Li Rongrong , Guo Haichuan , Liang Shuqin , Shen Hangjia , Thomas Tiju , Yang Minghui
Published: March 2021

Zinc sulfide is used to modulate heteroatom doped carbon for selective hydrogen peroxide production via two electron oxygen reduction reaction.
Enhanced upconversion luminescence of BiOCl:Yb3+,Er3+ nanosheets via carbon dot modification and their optical temperature sensing
Authors: Xiao Taizhong , Li Yongjin , Wang Tianhui , Fan Youzhun , He Fangyu , Wang Qi , Han Jin , Yin Zhaoyi , Yang Zhengwen , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: March 2021

A new strategy for enhancing upconversion emission via CD modification to improve photocarrier separation in bismuth oxychloride upconverting nanosheets.
Nano-particle transport and the prediction of a valid area to be trapped based on a plasmonic antenna array
Authors: Lu Chang-gui , Hu Xue-fang , Yuan Ze-rong , Cui Yi-ping
Published: March 2021

The prediction of the valid area in which the nanoparticles can be trapped stably.
Triboelectrification of nanocomposites using identical polymer matrixes with different concentrations of nanoparticle fillers
Authors: Lapčinskis Linards , Linarts Artis , Mālnieks Kaspars , Kim Hyunseung , Rubenis Kristaps , Pudzs Kaspars , Smits Krisjanis , Kovaļovs Andrejs , Kalniņš Kaspars , Tamm Aile , Jeong Chang Kyu , Šutka Andris
Published: March 2021

This research investigates the principle of insulating polymeric triboelectrification based on the mass transfer mechanism by using nanocomposites experimentally and computationally for the efficient development of triboelectric energy devices.
Highly efficient fluorescent chemosensor for nitro antibiotic detection based on luminescent coordination polymers with 2,6-di(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrazine
Authors: Sun Shuang-Li , Sun Xi-Yu , Sun Qian , Gao En-Qing
Published: March 2021

A series of isostructural porous supramolecular frameworks, {[M(DCPP)(H2O)]·(DMF)}n, are synthesized. The as-obtained fluorescent Zn-MOF has good recognition ability towards nitro-antibiotics with low detection limits and a wide linear range.
Strain-tunable electronic structure and anisotropic transport properties in Janus MoSSe and g-SiC van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Liu Yu-Liang , Zhao Wen-Kai , Shi Ying , Yang Chuan-Lu
Published: March 2021

The MoSSe/g-SiC heterostructure with tunable band alignment and anisotropic electronic transport offers opportunities for achieving promising applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
Intensified continuous extraction of switchable hydrophilicity solvents triggered by carbon dioxide
Authors: Han Suyong , Ramezani Mahdi , TomHon Patrick , Abdel-Latif Kameel , Epps Robert W. , Theis Thomas , Abolhasani Milad
Published: March 2021

An intensified continuous flow strategy is developed and utilized for scalable extraction of switchable hydrophilicity solvents triggered by carbon dioxide.
Correction: Hybrid chemoenzymatic heterogeneous catalyst prepared in one step from zeolite nanocrystals and enzyme–polyelectrolyte complexes
Authors: Van der Verren Margot , Smeets Valentin , Straeten Aurélien vander , Dupont-Gillain Christine , Debecker Damien P.
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Hybrid chemoenzymatic heterogeneous catalyst prepared in one step from zeolite nanocrystals and enzyme–polyelectrolyte complexes’ by Margot Van der Verren et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d0na00834f.
Top and bottom electrode optimization enabled high-performance flexible and semi-transparent organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Yuheng , Wang Guodong , Xing Yi , Adil Muhammad Abdullah , Memon Waqar Ali , Chang Yilin , Liu Lixuan , Yang Chen , Zhang Meng , Li Dongfan , Zhang Jianqi , Lu Guanghao , Wei Zhixiang
Published: March 2021

Utilization of charge transporting busbars integrated as a top electrode overcomes a great trade-off between the AVT and PCE of semitransparent devices.
Biologically-derived nanoparticles for chemo-ferroptosis combination therapy
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Zhang Zhonghe , Kang Xiaoyu , Dai Qiong , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng , Cui Jiwei
Published: March 2021

The use of biologically-derived nanoparticles from mung beans for combination chemo-ferroptosis therapy and magnetic resonance imaging is reported, which highlights the potential of the nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
Multicomponent Fe-based composites derived from the oxidation and reduction of Prussian blue towards efficient electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Liu Wei , Duan Pengtao , Xiong Hanwu , Su Hailin , Zhang Xuebin , Wang Jinzhi , Yang Fuyao , Zou Zhongqiu
Published: March 2021

The flexible design of composition for Fe-based composites via novel oxidation–polymerization–reduction routes enables improved microwave absorption performance at low thickness.
Remarkable smectic phase behaviour in odd-membered liquid crystal dimers: the CT6O.m series
Authors: Walker Rebecca , Pociecha Damian , Storey John M. D. , Gorecka Ewa , Imrie Corrie T.
Published: March 2021

A new series of liquid crystal dimers exhibits rich smectic behaviour, including a modulated phase made of tilted SmC layer fragments, the strong biaxiality of which results in an unusual switching mode on application of an electric field.
Enhanced stability and colorimetric detection on Ag(i) ions of a methylthio-functionalized Zn(ii) metal–organic framework
Authors: Zhong Yuan-Hui , He Yonghe , Zhou Hua-Qun , Zheng Sai-Li , Zeng Qi , Chung Lai-Hon , Liao Wei-Ming , He Jun
Published: March 2021

A methylthio-functionalized metal–organic framework shows high stability, sensitivity (as low as 30 ppm) and distinguished color (dark brown) sensing towards Ag(i) ions by MOF-crystal colorimetry.
Influence of contact layer on the sulphur corrosion of copper conductors in power transformers
Authors: Yang Lijun , Ding Dong , Yuan Yuan , Gao Sihang , Lu Yuncai
Published: March 2021

Owing to the corrosive sulphides in the mineral insulating oil such as dibenzyl disulphide (DBDS), copper windings in oil‐immersed transformers may suffer sulphur corrosion. This study investigates the influence of different contact conditions on the corrosion of copper conductors in transformers. Oil‐immersed accelerated corrosion experiment was conducted on copper conductors with various contact materials and different layers of insulating paper. The surface micromorphology, deposition component and the potentiodynamic polarization characteristics of copper conductors were explored. The results show that copper with different contact materials suffer sulphur corrosion; conversely, bare copper rarely does. It was also verified that the existence of a particular gap between copper and contact layer is a significant factor in sulphur corrosion by the formation of a concentration cell on the copper surface. The insulating paper wrapped around copper conductors does not increase the corrosion tendency of copper; however, it contributes to the formation of a region concentrated with DBDS, Cu2+, H+ by adsorption and impediment, which plays a key role in facilitating the sulphur corrosion of copper conductors. Moreover, sulphur corrosion can also occur on other metal parts in transformers when there is a particular gap on surfaces other than copper.