bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CUL4B contributes to cancer stemness by repressing tumor suppressor miR34a in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Yanjun , Hu Huili , Wang Yuxing , Fan Yujia , Yang Yang , Guo Beibei , Xie Xueyong , Lian Jiabei , Jiang Baichun , Han Bo , Wang Yanlei , Shao Changshun , Gong Yaoqin
Published: February 2020

Given that colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) play key roles in the tumor dormancy, metastasis, and relapse, targeting CCSCs is a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Here, we aimed to identify the new regulators of CCSCs and found that Cullin 4B (CUL4B), which possesses oncogenic properties in multiple solid tumors, drives the development and metastasis of colon cancer by sustaining cancer stem-like features. Elevated expression of CUL4B was confirmed in colon tumors and was associated with poor overall survival. Inhibition of CUL4B in cancer cell lines and patient-derived tumor organoids led to reduced sphere formation, proliferation and metastasis capacity. Mechanistically, CUL4B coordinates with PRC2 complex to repress miR34a expression, thus upregulates oncogenes including MYCN and NOTCH1, which are targeted by miR34a. Furthermore, we found that elevated CUL4B expression is associated with miR34a downregulation and upregulation of miR34a target genes in colon cancer specimens. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CUL4B functions to repress miR34a in maintaining cancer stemness in CRC and provides a potential therapeutic target.
Natural images are reliably represented by sparse and variable populations of neurons in visual cortex
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Ohki Kenichi
Published: February 2020

Natural scenes sparsely activate neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1). However, how sparsely active neurons reliably represent complex natural images and how the information is optimally decoded from these representations have not been revealed. Using two-photon calcium imaging, we recorded visual responses to natural images from several hundred V1 neurons and reconstructed the images from neural activity in anesthetized and awake mice. A single natural image is linearly decodable from a surprisingly small number of highly responsive neurons, and the remaining neurons even degrade the decoding. Furthermore, these neurons reliably represent the image across trials, regardless of trial-to-trial response variability. Based on our results, diverse, partially overlapping receptive fields ensure sparse and reliable representation. We suggest that information is reliably represented while the corresponding neuronal patterns change across trials and collecting only the activity of highly responsive neurons is an optimal decoding strategy for the downstream neurons.
Improved osmotic energy conversion in heterogeneous membrane boosted by three-dimensional hydrogel interface
Authors: Zhang Zhen , He Li , Zhu Congcong , Qian Yongchao , Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2020

The emerging heterogeneous membranes show unprecedented superiority in harvesting the osmotic energy between ionic solutions of different salinity. However, the power densities are limited by the low interfacial transport efficiency caused by a mismatch of pore alignment and insufficient coupling between channels of different dimensions. Here we demonstrate the use of three-dimensional (3D) gel interface to achieve high-performance osmotic energy conversion through hybridizing polyelectrolyte hydrogel and aramid nanofiber membrane. The ionic diode effect of the heterogeneous membrane facilitates one-way ion diffusion, and the gel layer provides a charged 3D transport network, greatly enhancing the interfacial transport efficiency. When used for harvesting the osmotic energy from the mixing of sea and river water, the heterogeneous membrane outperforms the state-of-the-art membranes, to the best of our knowledge, with power densities of 5.06 W m−2. The diversity of the polyelectrolyte and gel makes our strategy a potentially universal approach for osmotic energy conversion.
Evapotranspiration depletes groundwater under warming over the contiguous United States
Authors: Condon Laura E. , Atchley Adam L. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: February 2020

A warmer climate increases evaporative demand. However, response to warming depends on water availability. Existing earth system models represent soil moisture but simplify groundwater connections, a primary control on soil moisture. Here we apply an integrated surface-groundwater hydrologic model to evaluate the sensitivity of shallow groundwater to warming across the majority of the US. We show that as warming shifts the balance between water supply and demand, shallow groundwater storage can buffer plant water stress; but only where shallow groundwater connections are present, and not indefinitely. As warming persists, storage can be depleted and connections lost. Similarly, in the arid western US warming does not result in significant groundwater changes because this area is already largely water limited. The direct response of shallow groundwater storage to warming demonstrates the strong and early effect that low to moderate warming may have on groundwater storage and evapotranspiration.
Planar Hall effect and anisotropic magnetoresistance in polar-polar interface of LaVO3-KTaO3 with strong spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Wadehra Neha , Tomar Ruchi , Varma Rahul Mahavir , Gopal R. K. , Singh Yogesh , Dattagupta Sushanta , Chakraverty S.
Published: February 2020

Among the perovskite oxide family, KTaO3 (KTO) has recently attracted considerable interest as a possible system for the realization of the Rashba effect. In this work, we report a novel conducting interface by placing KTO with another insulator, LaVO3 (LVO) and report planar Hall effect (PHE) and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) measurements. This interface exhibits a signature of strong spin-orbit coupling. Our experimental observations of two fold AMR and PHE at low magnetic fields (B) is similar to those obtained for topological systems and can be intuitively understood using a phenomenological theory for a Rashba spin-split system. Our experimental data show a B2 dependence of AMR and PHE at low magnetic fields that could also be explained based on our model. At high fields (~8 T), we see a two fold to four fold transition in the AMR that could not be explained using only Rashba spin-split energy spectra.
Hierarchically-structured metalloprotein composite coatings biofabricated from co-existing condensed liquid phases
Authors: Jehle Franziska , Macías-Sánchez Elena , Sviben Sanja , Fratzl Peter , Bertinetti Luca , Harrington Matthew J.
Published: February 2020

Complex hierarchical structure governs emergent properties in biopolymeric materials; yet, the material processing involved remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the multi-scale structure and composition of the mussel byssus cuticle before, during and after formation to gain insight into the processing of this hard, yet extensible metal cross-linked protein composite. Our findings reveal that the granular substructure crucial to the cuticle’s function as a wear-resistant coating of an extensible polymer fiber is pre-organized in condensed liquid phase secretory vesicles. These are phase-separated into DOPA-rich proto-granules enveloped in a sulfur-rich proto-matrix which fuses during secretion, forming the sub-structure of the cuticle. Metal ions are added subsequently in a site-specific way, with iron contained in the sulfur-rich matrix and vanadium coordinated by DOPA-catechol in the granule. We posit that this hierarchical structure self-organizes via phase separation of specific amphiphilic proteins within secretory vesicles, resulting in a meso-scale structuring that governs cuticle function.
Siroheme synthase orients substrates for dehydrogenase and chelatase activities in a common active site
Authors: Pennington Joseph M. , Kemp Michael , McGarry Lauren , Chen Yu , Stroupe M. Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Siroheme is the central cofactor in a conserved class of sulfite and nitrite reductases that catalyze the six-electron reduction of sulfite to sulfide and nitrite to ammonia. In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, siroheme is produced by a trifunctional enzyme, siroheme synthase (CysG). A bifunctional active site that is distinct from its methyltransferase activity catalyzes the final two steps, NAD+-dependent dehydrogenation and iron chelation. How this active site performs such different chemistries is unknown. Here, we report the structures of CysG bound to precorrin-2, the initial substrate; sirohydrochlorin, the dehydrogenation product/chelation substrate; and a cobalt-sirohydrochlorin product. We identified binding poses for all three tetrapyrroles and tested the roles of specific amino acids in both activities to give insights into how a bifunctional active site catalyzes two different chemistries and acts as an iron-specific chelatase in the final step of siroheme synthesis.
Passive immunization with an extended half-life monoclonal antibody protects Rhesus macaques against aerosolized ricin toxin
Authors: Roy Chad J. , Van Slyke Greta , Ehrbar Dylan , Bornholdt Zachary A. , Brennan Miles B. , Campbell Lioudmila , Chen Michelle , Kim Do , Mlakar Neil , Whaley Kevin J. , Froude Jeffrey W. , Torres-Velez Fernando J , Vitetta Ellen , Didier Peter J. , Doyle-Meyers Lara , Zeitlin Larry , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: February 2020

Inhalation of ricin toxin (RT), a Category B biothreat agent, provokes an acute respiratory distress syndrome marked by pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, neutrophilic exudate, and pulmonary edema. The severity of RT exposure is attributed to the tropism of the toxin’s B subunit (RTB) for alveolar macrophages and airway epithelial cells, coupled with the extraordinarily potent ribosome-inactivating properties of the toxin’s enzymatic subunit (RTA). While there are currently no vaccines or treatments approved to prevent RT intoxication, we recently described a humanized anti-RTA IgG1 MAb, huPB10, that was able to rescue non-human primates (NHPs) from lethal dose RT aerosol challenge if administered by intravenous (IV) infusion within hours of toxin exposure. We have now engineered an extended serum half-life variant of that MAb, huPB10-LS, and evaluated it as a pre-exposure prophylactic. Five Rhesus macaques that received a single intravenous infusion (25 mg/kg) of huPB10-LS survived a lethal dose aerosol RT challenge 28 days later, whereas three control animals succumbed to RT intoxication within 48 h. The huPB10-LS treated animals remained clinically normal in the hours and days following toxin insult, suggesting that pre-existing antibody levels were sufficient to neutralize RT locally. Moreover, pro-inflammatory markers in sera and BAL fluids collected 24 h following RT challenge were significantly dampened in huPB10-LS treated animals, as compared to controls. Finally, we found that all five surviving animals, within days after RT exposure, had anti-RT serum IgG titers against epitopes other than huPB10-LS, indicative of active immunization by residual RT and/or RT-immune complexes.
Asymmetric dynamic interaction shifts synchronized frequency of coupled oscillators
Authors: Yang Seong-Gyu , Hong Hyunsuk , Kim Beom Jun
Published: February 2020

Interacting dynamic agents can often exhibit synchronization. It has been reported that the rhythm all agents agree on in the synchronized state could be different from the average of intrinsic rhythms of individual agents. Hinted by such a real-world behavior of the interaction-driven change of the average phase velocity, we propose a modified version of the Kuramoto model, in which the ith oscillator of the phase ϕi interacts with other oscillator j only when the phase difference $${{\phi }}_{{j}}$$ϕj − $${{\phi }}_{i}$$ϕi is in a limited range [−βπ, απ]. From extensive numerical investigations, we conclude that the asymmetric dynamic interaction characterized by β ≠ α leads to the shift of the synchronized frequency with respect to the original distribution of the intrinsic frequency. We also perform and report our computer-based synchronization experiment, which exhibits the expected shift of the synchronized frequency of human participants. In analogy to interacting runners, our result roughly suggests that agents tend to run faster if they are more influenced by runners ahead than behind. We verify the observation by using a simple model of interacting runners.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Dramatic HIV DNA degradation associated with spontaneous HIV suppression and disease-free outcome in a young seropositive woman following her infection
Authors: Colson Philippe , Dhiver Catherine , Tamalet Catherine , Delerce Jeremy , Glazunova Olga O. , Gaudin Maxime , Levasseur Anthony , Raoult Didier
Published: February 2020

Strategies to cure HIV-infected patients by virus-targeting drugs have failed to date. We identified a HIV-1-seropositive woman who spontaneously suppressed HIV replication and had normal CD4-cell counts, no HIV-disease, no replication-competent virus and no cell HIV DNA detected with a routine assay. We suspected that dramatic HIV DNA degradation occurred post-infection. We performed multiple nested-PCRs followed by Sanger sequencing and applied a multiplex-PCR approach. Furthermore, we implemented a new technique based on two hybridization steps on beads prior to next-generation sequencing that removed human DNA then retrieved integrated HIV sequences with HIV-specific probes. We assembled ≈45% of the HIV genome and further analyzed the G-to-A mutations putatively generated by cellular APOBEC3 enzymes that can change tryptophan codons into stop codons. We found more G-to-A mutations in the HIV DNA from the woman than in that of her transmitting partner. Moreover, 74% of the tryptophan codons were changed to stop codons (25%) or were deleted as a possible consequence of gene inactivation. Finally, we found that this woman’s cells remained HIV-susceptible in vitro. Our findings show that she does not exhibit innate HIV-resistance but may have been cured of it by extrinsic factors, a plausible candidate for which is the gut microbiota.
The effect of Matrigel as scaffold material for neural stem cell transplantation for treating spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Jiuling , Chu Ruiliang , Ni Na , Nan Guoxin
Published: February 2020

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord causes permanent loss of function and major personal, social, and economic problems. Cell-based delivery strategies is a promising approach for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the inhospitable microenvironment in the injured spinal cord results in poor cell survival and uncontrolled differentiation of the transplanted stem cells. The combination of a scaffold with cells has been developed with a tendency for achieving greater survival and integration with the host tissue. We investigated the effect of Matrigel combined with neural stem cells (NSCs)in vitroandin vivo. We compared the effect of different types of scaffold on the survival and differentiation of brain-derived NSCs in anin vitroculture. Subsequently, NSCs were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice to detect graft survival and differentiationin vivo. Finally, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Matrigel alone, or Matrigel seeded with NSCs was injected into 48 subacute, clinically relevant rat models of SCI (16 rats per group). Matrigel supported cell survival and differentiation efficientlyin vitroandin vivo. SCI rats transplanted with NSCs in Matrigel showed improved behavioral recovery and neuronal and reactive astrocyte marker expression levels compared to PBS- or Matrigel-transplanted rats. Functional repair and neuronal and reactive astrocyte marker expression was slightly improved in the Matrigel-alone group relative to the PBS group, but not statistically significantly. These data suggest that Matrigel is a promising scaffold material for cell transplantation to the injured spinal cord.
Fully automated plaque characterization in intravascular OCT images using hybrid convolutional and lumen morphology features
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Prabhu David , Kolluru Chaitanya , Gharaibeh Yazan , Zimin Vladislav N. , Dallan Luis A. P. , Bezerra Hiram G. , Wilson David L.
Published: February 2020

For intravascular OCT (IVOCT) images, we developed an automated atherosclerotic plaque characterization method that used a hybrid learning approach, which combined deep-learning convolutional and hand-crafted, lumen morphological features. Processing was done on innate A-line units with labels fibrolipidic (fibrous tissue followed by lipidous tissue), fibrocalcific (fibrous tissue followed by calcification), or other. We trained/tested on an expansive data set (6,556 images), and performed an active learning, relabeling step to improve noisy ground truth labels. Conditional random field was an important post-processing step to reduce classification errors. Sensitivities/specificities were 84.8%/97.8% and 91.4%/95.7% for fibrolipidic and fibrocalcific plaques, respectively. Over lesions, en face classification maps showed automated results that agreed favorably to manually labeled counterparts. Adding lumen morphological features gave statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05), as compared to classification with convolutional features alone. Automated assessments of clinically relevant plaque attributes (arc angle and length), compared favorably to those from manual labels. Our hybrid approach gave statistically improved results as compared to previous A-line classification methods using deep learning or hand-crafted features alone. This plaque characterization approach is fully automated, robust, and promising for live-time treatment planning and research applications.
Preferential targeting cancer-related i-motif DNAs by the plant flavonol fisetin for theranostics applications
Authors: Takahashi Shuntaro , Bhattacharjee Snehasish , Ghosh Saptarshi , Sugimoto Naoki , Bhowmik Sudipta
Published: February 2020

The relationship of i-motif DNAs with cancer has prompted the development of specific ligands to detect and regulate their formation. Some plant flavonols show unique fluorescence and anti-cancer properties, which suggest the utility of the theranostics approach to cancer therapy related to i-motif DNA. We investigated the effect of the plant flavonol, fisetin (Fis), on the physicochemical property of i-motif DNAs. Binding of Fis to the i-motif from the promoter region of the human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene dramatically induced the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction that significantly enhanced the intensity of the tautomer emission band of Fis. This unique response was due to the coincidence of the structural change from i-motif to the hairpin-like structure which is stabilized via putative Watson-Crick base pairs between some guanines within the loop region of the i-motif and cytosines in the structure. As a result, the VEGF i-motif did not act as a replication block in the presence of Fis, which indicates the applicability of Fis for the regulation of gene expression of VEGF. The fluorescence and biological properties of Fis may be utilised for theranostics applications for cancers related to a specific cancer-related gene, such as VEGF.
Natural resonance frequency of the brain depends on only intracranial pressure: clinical research
Authors: Goto Tetsuya , Furihata Kenji , Hongo Kazuhiro
Published: February 2020

To understand and control intracranial pressure (ICP) is required for treatments in various clinical situations. To establish non-invasive ICP prediction method, we focused on the natural resonance frequency (NRF) of the brain. The ICP value, pulse waveform of intracranial pressure (PWICP) and cervical carotid pulse waveform (CCPW) were simultaneously collected from patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment. A total of 43 data were obtained from 27 patients. The total measured time was 29,653 seconds and the measured mean ICP value in each data ranged from 3.82 to 69.39 (mean 25.9) hPa. Respiratory synchronized cardiac pulses were selected and following CCPW and PWICP were collected. The transfer characteristics from collected CCPW to PWICP were calculated. The initial negative peak was judged as the NRF of the brain. The relationship between the ICP value and the NRF of the brain was presented on the quadratic functions graph (ICP = 0.0329(NRF)2 + 0.0842NRF; R2 = 0.9952). It means that the individual NRF only depends on their ICP value. The ICP value will be predicted by checking NRF of the brain from somewhere.
Lung Surfactant Accelerates Skin Wound Healing: A Translational Study with a Randomized Clinical Phase I Study
Authors: Mirastschijski Ursula , Schwab Igor , Coger Vincent , Zier Ulrich , Rianna Carmela , He Wei , Maedler Kathrin , Kelm Sørge , Radtke Arlo , Belge Gazanfer , Lindner Patrick , Stahl Frank , Scharpenberg Martin , Lasota Lukas , Timm Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Lung surfactants are used for reducing alveolar surface tension in preterm infants to ease breathing. Phospholipid films with surfactant proteins regulate the activity of alveolar macrophages and reduce inflammation. Aberrant skin wound healing is characterized by persistent inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate if lung surfactant can promote wound healing. Preclinical wound models, e.g. cell scratch assays and full-thickness excisional wounds in mice, and a randomized, phase I clinical trial in healthy human volunteers using a suction blister model were used to study the effect of the commercially available bovine lung surfactant on skin wound repair. Lung surfactant increased migration of keratinocytes in a concentration-dependent manner with no effect on fibroblasts. Significantly reduced expression levels were found for pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes in murine wounds. Because of these beneficial effects in preclinical experiments, a clinical phase I study was initiated to monitor safety and tolerability of surfactant when applied topically onto human wounds and normal skin. No adverse effects were observed. Subepidermal wounds healed significantly faster with surfactant compared to control. Our study provides lung surfactant as a strong candidate for innovative treatment of chronic skin wounds and as additive for treatment of burn wounds to reduce inflammation and prevent excessive scarring.
Weaning and stunting affect nitrogen and carbon stable isotope natural abundances in the hair of young children
Authors: Dailey-Chwalibóg Trenton , Huneau Jean-François , Mathé Véronique , Kolsteren Patrick , Mariotti François , Mostak Md. Rayhan , Alim Md. Abdul , Khan Murad Md. Shamsher Tabris , Khan Md. Abdul Hashem , Guesdon Benjamin , Fouillet Helene
Published: February 2020

Natural abundances of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) can vary with both dietary intake and metabolic (specifically catabolic) state. In low-income countries, weaning is a period of dietary transition from milk to plant-based foods and a high-risk period for malnutrition. We explored how diet and malnutrition impact hair δ15N and δ13C in young children by an observational, cross-sectional study in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh [255 children, 6–59 months with 19.6% wasted (7.1% severely) and 36% stunted (9.8% severely)]. Hair δ15N and δ13C exhibited exponential decreases with age, with the loss of one trophic level (3.3‰ and 0.8‰, respectively) from 6 to 48 months, which we associate with the shift from exclusive breastfeeding to complete weaning. After adjustment for age and breastfeeding status, hair isotopic values were unaffected by wasting but lower in severe stunting (−0.45‰ to −0.6‰, P < 0.01). In this population of young children, whose isotopic values in hair primarily depended on age, we failed to observe any effect of wasting, likely due to opposite, compensating effects between dietary and metabolic changes involved. In contrast, we evidenced low δ15N and δ13C values in severely stunted children that likely indicate chronic exposure to diets low in animal products.
Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of M. longissimus dorsi from cattle during dietary restriction and subsequent compensatory growth
Authors: Mullins Yvonne , Keogh Kate , Kenny David A. , Kelly Alan , O’ Boyle Padraig , Waters Sinéad M.
Published: February 2020

Compensatory growth (CG) is a naturally occurring physiological process whereby an animal has the ability to undergo enhanced growth following a period of restricted feeding. This studies objective was to identify key proteins involved in the expression of CG. Forty Holstein Friesian bulls were equally assigned to one of four groups. R1 and R2 groups were subjected to restricted feed allowance for 125 days (Period 1). A1 and A2 animals had ad libitum access to feed in Period 1. Following Period 1, all animals from R1 and A1 were slaughtered. Remaining animals (R2 and A2) were slaughtered following ad libitum access to feed for successive 55 days (Period 2). M. longissimus dorsi samples were collected at slaughter from all animals. Proteins were isolated from samples and subjected to label-free mass spectrometry proteomic quantification. Proteins which were differentially abundant during CG (n = 39) were involved in cellular binding processes, oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function. There was also evidence for up regulation of three pathways involved in nucleotide biosynthesis. Genetic variants in or regulating genes pertaining to proteins identified in this study may hold potential for use as DNA based biomarkers for genomic selection of animals with a greater ability to undergo CG.
Incentive motivation improves numerosity discrimination: Insights from pupillometry combined with drift-diffusion modelling
Authors: Dix Annika , Li Shu-Chen
Published: February 2020

Recent studies show that training the approximate number system (ANS) holds promise for improving symbolic math abilities. Extending this line of research, the present study aims to shed light on incentive motivation of numerosity discrimination and the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two young adults performed a novel incentivized dot comparison task, that we developed, to discern the larger of two numerosities. An EZ-diffusion model was applied to decompose motivational effects on component processes of perceptual decision-making. Furthermore, phasic pupil dilation served as an indicator of the involvement of the salience network. The results of improved accuracy and a higher information accumulation rate under the reward condition suggest that incentive motivation boosts the precision of the ANS. These novel findings extend earlier evidence on reward-related enhancements of perceptual discrimination to the domain of numerosity perception. In light of the Adaptive Gain Theory, we interpret the results in terms of two processes of gain modulation driven by the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system. Specifically, the reward-induced increase in pupil dilation may reflect incentive modulation of (i) salience attention during reward anticipation towards incentivized stimuli to upregulate stimulus processing that results in a larger drift rate; and (ii) response caution that leads to an increased decision threshold.
Grafting alters tomato transcriptome and enhances tolerance to an airborne virus infection
Authors: Spanò Roberta , Ferrara Massimo , Montemurro Cinzia , Mulè Giuseppina , Gallitelli Donato , Mascia Tiziana
Published: February 2020

Grafting of commercial tomato varieties and hybrids on the tomato ecotype Manduria resulted in high levels of tolerance to the infection of Sw5 resistance-breaking strains of tomato spotted wilt virus and of severe cucumber mosaic virus strains supporting hypervirulent satellite RNAs that co-determine stunting and necrotic phenotypes in tomato. To decipher the basis of such tolerance, here we used a RNAseq analysis to study the transcriptome profiles of the Manduria ecotype and of the susceptible variety UC82, and of their graft combinations, exposed or not to infection of the potato virus Y recombinant strain PVYC-to. The analysis identified graft- and virus-responsive mRNAs differentially expressed in UC82 and Manduria, which led to an overall suitable level of tolerance to viral infection confirmed by the appearance of a recovery phenotype in Manduria and in all graft combinations. The transcriptome analysis suggested that graft wounding and viral infection had diverging effects on tomato transcriptome and that the Manduria ecotype was less responsive than the UC82 to both graft wounding and potyviral infection. We propose that the differential response to the two types of stress could account for the tolerance to viral infection observed in the Manduria ecotype as well as in the susceptible tomato variety UC82 self-grafted or grafted on the Manduria ecotype.
Sorting of spatially incoherent optical vortex modes
Authors: Bezerra Daniel O. , Amaral Joao P. , Fonseca Eduardo J. S. , Alves Cleberson R. , Jesus-Silva Alcenísio J.
Published: February 2020

Coherent optical vortices have promising applications in quantum and classical optical communication. They add new degrees of freedom to code information. In this context, to implement a tool enabling sorting of spatially multiplexed vortex states is fundamental. By other hand, spatially incoherent vortices can be more robust in propagation through noise media, such as turbulent atmosphere or obstacles that block part of the light. Therefore, in this work we propose directly applying a high-resolution sorting scheme to spatially incoherent vortex states.
The production and application of carbon nanomaterials from high alkali silicate herbaceous biomass
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Farrell Charlie , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Harrison John , Rooney David W.
Published: February 2020

Herein, value-added materials such as activated carbon and carbon nanotubes were synthesized from low-value Miscanthus × giganteus lignocellulosic biomass. A significant drawback of using Miscanthus in an energy application is the melting during the combustion due to its high alkali silicate content. An application of an alternative approach was proposed herein for synthesis of activated carbon from Miscanthus × giganteus, where the produced activated carbon possessed a high surface area and pore volume of 0.92 cm3.g−1 after two activation steps using phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide. The SBET of the raw biomass, after first activation and second activation methods showed 17, 1142 and 1368 m2.g−1, respectively. Transforming this otherwise waste material into a useful product where its material properties can be utilized is an example of promoting the circular economy by valorising waste lignocellulosic biomass to widely sought-after high surface area activated carbon and subsequently, unconventional multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This was achieved when the activated carbon produced was mixed with nitrogen-based material and iron precursor, where it produced hydrophilic multi-wall carbon nanotubes with a contact angle of θ = 9.88°, compared to the raw biomass. synthesised materials were tested in heavy metal removal tests using a lead solution, where the maximum lead absorption was observed for sample AC-K, with a 90% removal capacity after the first hour of testing. The synthesis of these up-cycled materials can have potential opportunities in the areas of wastewater treatment or other activated carbon/carbon nanotube end uses with a rapid cycle time.
Novel Rickettsia genotypes in ticks in French Guiana, South America
Authors: Binetruy Florian , Buysse Marie , Barosi Roxanne , Duron Olivier
Published: February 2020

Rickettsia are obligate intracellular bacteria often associated with ticks and best known for causing human diseases (rickettsiosis), including typhus fever and sporadic cases of serious infection. In this study, we conducted a large survey of ticks in French Guiana to understand the overall diversity of Rickettsia in this remote area largely covered by dense rainforests. Out of 819 individuals (22 tick species in six genera), 252 (30.8%) samples were positive for Rickettsia infection. Multilocus typing and phylogenetic analysis identified 19 Rickettsia genotypes, but none was 100% identical to already known Rickettsia species or strains. Among these 19 genotypes, we identified two validated Rickettsia species, Rickettsia amblyommatis (spotted fever group) and Rickettsia bellii (bellii group), and characterized a novel and divergent Rickettsia phylogenetic group, the guiana group. While some tick hosts of these Rickettsia genotypes are among the most common ticks to bite humans in French Guiana, their potential pathogenicity remains entirely unknown. However, we found a strong association between Rickettsia genotypes and their host tick species, suggesting that most of these Rickettsia genotypes may be nonpathogenic forms maintained through transovarial transmission.
Two new, near-infrared, fluorescent probes as potential tools for imaging bone repair
Authors: Lin Chien-Chou , Chang Walter Hong-Shong , Cheng Tsai-Mu , Chiu Li-Hsuan , Wang Yen-Hsun , Lin Cheng-An J. , Ho Yuan-Soon , Zuo Chun S. , Wang Yun-Ming , Lai Wen-Fu Thomas
Published: February 2020

A precise imaging technique to evaluate osteogenesis, osteodifferentiation, and osseointegration following peri-implant surgery is in high clinical demand. Herein, we report the generation of two new, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes for use in the molecular imaging of bone repair. The first probe aims to monitor the in vitro differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts. A NIR fluorochrome was conjugated to a cyclic peptide that binds to integrin α5β1, a factor that promotes osteogenesis in MSCs and therefore functioned as an osteoblast-specific marker. The second probe aims to monitor osteogenesis, and was generated by conjugating the drug pamidronate to a NIR fluorescent gold nanocluster. Pamidronate specifically binds to hydroxyapatite (HA), a mineral present in bone that is produced by osteoblasts, and therefore provides a functional marker for new bone formation. Our results show that both probes bind to their specific targets in vitro-differentiated osteoblasts, and not to undifferentiated MSCs, and emit NIR fluorescence for functional detection. This in vitro work demonstrates the ability of these probes to bind to active osteoblasts and their mineral deposits and highlight their potential utility as clinical tools for the imaging of the osseointegration process at the molecular level.
CLIP: Carbon Dioxide testing suitable for Low power microelectronics and IOT interfaces using Room temperature Ionic Liquid Platform
Authors: Bhide Ashlesha , Jagannath Badrinath , Tanak Ambalika , Willis Richard , Prasad Shalini
Published: February 2020

Health and safety considerations of room occupants in enclosed spaces is crucial for building management which entails control and stringent monitoring of CO2 levels to maintain acceptable air quality standards and improve energy efficiency. Smart building management systems equipped with portable, low-power, non-invasive CO2 sensing techniques can predict room occupancy detection based on CO2 levels exhaled by humans. In this work, we have demonstrated the development and proof-of-feasibility working of an electrochemical RTIL- based sensor prototype for CO2 detection in exhaled human breath. The portability, small form factor, embedded RTIL sensing element, integrability with low-power microelectronic and IOT interfaces makes this CO2 sensor prototype a potential application for passive room occupancy monitoring. This prototype exhibits a wide dynamic range of 400–8000 ppm, a short response time of ~10 secs, and a reset time of ~6 secs in comparison to commercial standards. The calibration response of the prototype exhibits an R2 of 0.956. With RTIL as the sensing element, we have achieved a sensitivity of 29 pF/ppm towards CO2 at ambient environmental conditions and a three times greater selectivity towards CO2 in the presence of N2 and O2. CO2 detection is accomplished by quantifying the capacitance modulations arising within the electrical double layer from the RTIL- CO2 interactions through AC- based electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and DC- based chronoamperometry.
Maternal and Infant Anthropometric Characteristics and Breast Cancer Incidence in the Daughter
Authors: Schmid Daniela , Willett Walter C. , Ding Ming , Michels Karin B.
Published: February 2020

The intrauterine and early life environments have been linked to the etiology of breast cancer in prior studies. We prospectively examined whether maternal and newborn anthropometric factors as reported by the mother are related to an increased incidence of adult breast cancer in the daughter. We used data from 35,133 mother-daughter dyads of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) II and the Nurses’ Mothers’ Cohort Study. In 2001, living mothers of NHS II participants who were free of cancer completed a questionnaire on their pregnancy with the nurse and their nurse daughter’s early life experience. During 403,786 years of follow-up, 865 daughters developed incident cases of invasive breast cancer. Nurses with a birthweight of ≥4000 g had a 32% greater risk for breast cancer (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.71, p-trend = 0.09) compared with those with birthweights of 3000–3499 g. Higher birth length tended to increase risk of premenopausal breast cancer (p for trend = 0.05). We further noted a modest U-shaped relation between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and premenopausal breast cancer incidence in the daughter. Fetal growth may contribute to shaping later life risk for breast cancer, especially prior to menopause.
SLAM family member 8 is expressed in and enhances the growth of anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Sugimoto Akihiko , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Ito Hiroaki , Kitamura Kyohei , Saito Narumi , Hirata Masahiro , Ueshima Chiyuki , Takei Yusuke , Moriyoshi Koki , Otsuka Yasuyuki , Nishikori Momoko , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Haga Hironori
Published: February 2020

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 8 (SLAMF8) / B-lymphocyte activator macrophage expressed/CD353 is a member of the CD2 family. SLAMF8 suppresses macrophage function but enhances the growth of neoplastic mast cells via SHP-2. In this study, we found that some anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) samples were immunohistochemically positive for SLAMF8. However, we found no significant differences between SLAMF8-positive and SLAMF8-negative ALCL samples with respect to age, gender, site, or prognosis. We also identified SLAMF8 expression in ALCL cell lines, Karpas299, and SU-DHL-1. SLAMF8 knockdown decreased the activation of SHP-2 and the growth of these cell lines, and increased the apoptosis of these cell lines. In addition, we observed the interaction between SLAMF8 and SHP-2 in these cell lines using the DuoLink in situ kit. Taken together, these results suggest that SLAMF8 may enhance the growth of ALCL via SHP-2 interaction.
Carbon Monoxide Oxidation Promoted by Surface Polarization Charges in a CuO/Ag Hybrid Catalyst
Authors: Wang Xijun , Jia Chuanyi , Sharman Edward , Zhang Guozhen , Li Xin , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2020

Composite structures have been widely utilized to improve material performance. Here we report a semiconductor-metal hybrid structure (CuO/Ag) for CO oxidation that possesses very promising activity. Our first-principles calculations demonstrate that the significant improvement in this system’s catalytic performance mainly comes from the polarized charge injection that results from the Schottky barrier formed at the CuO/Ag interface due to the work function differential there. Moreover, we propose a synergistic mechanism underlying the recovery process of this catalyst, which could significantly promote the recovery of oxygen vacancy created via the M-vK mechanism. These findings provide a new strategy for designing high performance heterogeneous catalysts.
Antibacterial and nonlinear dynamical analysis of flower and hexagon-shaped ZnO microstructures
Authors: Saha Rajat K. , Debanath Mrinal K. , Paul Bishaldip , Medhi Subhash , Saikia Eeshankur
Published: February 2020

The present study reports the antibacterial properties of flower-shaped ZnO (FZnO) microstructures and its comparison with that of hexagon-shaped bulk ZnO (BZnO) nanostructures. The samples are prepared successfully by wet chemical method and the surface morphologies, structures and size of the ZnO samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), BET adsorption isotherm, and Photoluminescence (PL) Spectroscopy. The SEM and TEM images of the sample have confirmed flower-shaped structure of the ZnO. The materials are also analyzed by using an innovative tool called Lacunarity, a nonlinear dynamical (NLD) tool for proper understanding of the inherent surface properties of the particles formed, comparing the results estimated with the BET results obtained, thereby confirming our proposition to use it as an important parameter in predictive models. In this new approach, geometry of the surface structure is being associated with biological properties, in order to come up with easier ways to identify materials for any such applications where rich surface structure is desired. The photocatalytic activity of the flower-shaped material is carried out to find out its optical properties as another marker for confirming the antimicrobial activities. It has been reported for the first time that the prominent antibacterial activities are favoured by the FZnO microstructure having lesser Lacunarity, significantly better than its bulk counterpart, for inhibiting gram negative -Escherichia colimicroorganism.
Early high rates and disparity in the evolution of ichthyosaurs
Authors: Moon Benjamin C. , Stubbs Thomas L.
Published: February 2020

How clades diversify early in their history is integral to understanding the origins of biodiversity and ecosystem recovery following mass extinctions. Moreover, diversification can represent evolutionary opportunities and pressures following ecosystem changes. Ichthyosaurs, Mesozoic marine reptiles, appeared after the end-Permian mass extinction and provide opportunities to assess clade diversification in a changed world. Using recent cladistic data, skull length data, and the most complete phylogenetic trees to date for the group, we present a combined disparity, morphospace, and evolutionary rates analysis that reveals the tempo and mode of ichthyosaur morphological evolution through 160 million years. Ichthyosaur evolution shows an archetypal early burst trend, driven by ecological opportunity in Triassic seas, and an evolutionary bottleneck leading to a long-term reduction in evolutionary rates and disparity. This is represented consistently across all analytical methods by a Triassic peak in ichthyosaur disparity and evolutionary rates, and morphospace separation between Triassic and post-Triassic taxa.
Control of electron recollision and molecular nonsequential double ionization
Authors: Li Shuai , Sierra-Costa Diego , Michie Matthew J. , Ben-Itzhak Itzik , Dantus Marcos
Published: February 2020

Intense laser pulses lasting a few optical cycles, are able to ionize molecules via different mechanisms. One such mechanism involves a process whereby within one optical period an electron tunnels away from the molecule, and is then accelerated and driven back as the laser field reverses its direction, colliding with the parent molecule and causing correlated non-sequential double ionization (NSDI). Here we report control over NSDI via spectral-phase pulse shaping of femtosecond laser pulses. The measurements are carried out on ethane molecules using shaped pulses. We find that the shaped pulses can enhance or suppress the yield of dications resulting from electron recollision by factors of 3 to 6. This type of shaped pulses is likely to impact all phenomena stemming from electron recollision processes induced by strong laser fields such as above threshold ionization, high harmonic generation, attosecond pulse generation, and laser-induced electron diffraction.
A first-principles investigation of the structural and electrochemical properties of biredox ionic species in acetonitrile
Authors: Reeves Kyle G. , Serva Alessandra , Jeanmairet Guillaume , Salanne Mathieu
Published: February 2020

Ab initio molecular dynamics allow understanding of electron transfer reactions for a series of systems involved in redox supercapacitors.
A simple field-based biodegradation test shows pH to be an inadequately controlled parameter in laboratory biodegradation testing
Authors: Goss Matthew , Li Zhe , McLachlan Michael S.
Published: February 2020

We developed a field-based biodegradation test based on OECD 309 which minimizes the need for laboratory resources. Significant differences in biodegradation rates were observed between parallel lab and field tests likely due to pH disparities.
The adsorption and oxidation of SO2on MgO surface: experimental and DFT calculation studies
Authors: Wang Honghong , Zhong Cheng , Ma Qingxin , Ma Jinzhu , He Hong
Published: February 2020

The reaction mechanisms and synergistic effects of NO2/O2on the heterogeneous oxidation of SO2to sulfate on a MgO surface.
Adhesion and anti-inflammatory potential ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGG in a sea buckthorn based beverage matrix
Authors: Sireswar Srijita , Biswas Sutapa , Dey Gargi
Published: February 2020

A seabuckthorn based beverage matrix retains the functionality ofL. rhamnosusGG and exhibits enhanced anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced inflammation in zebrafish.
Synthesis andin vivoevaluation of a radiofluorinated ketone body derivative
Authors: Mattingly Stephanie J. , Wuest Melinda , Fine Eugene J. , Schirrmacher Ralf , Wuest Frank
Published: February 2020

Design, synthesis, and preliminary validation of the first radiofluorinated ketone body derivative as a PET imaging agent for the study of ketone body metabolism in cancer.
pH Transitions and electrochemical behavior during the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with gas-diffusion electrodes
Authors: Burgos-Castillo Rutely C. , Garcia-Mendoza Arturo , Alvarez-Gallego Yolanda , Fransaer Jan , Sillanpää Mika , Dominguez-Benetton Xochitl
Published: February 2020

Gas diffusion electrocrystallization (GDEx) was explored for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs).
Ordered SnO2 nanotube arrays of tuneable geometry as a lithium ion battery material with high longevity
Authors: Zhuo Ying , Tymek Sarah , Sun Hong , Barr Maïssa K. S. , Santinacci Lionel , Bachmann Julien
Published: February 2020

Ordered arrays of straight, parallel SnO2 nanotubes are prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on inert ‘anodic’ alumina porous membranes serving as templates. The tunable geometry yields exceptional capacity retention after hundreds of cycles.
Noncovalent immobilization of Co(ii)porphyrin through axial coordination as an enhanced electrocatalyst on carbon electrodes for oxygen reduction and evolution
Authors: Attatsi Isaac Kwaku , Zhu Weihua , Liang Xu
Published: February 2020

Noncovalent immobilization of Co(ii)porphyrin on carbon nanotubes through axial coordination provides significantly enhanced electrochemically catalyzed oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution.
Exploring the electrocatalytic application of two-dimensional samarium molybdate (γ-Sm3(MoO4)3) nanoplatelets for the selective sensing of the organophosphate insecticide oxyparathion
Authors: Kumar Jeyaraj Vinoth , Mutharani Bhuvanenthiran , Chen Shen-Ming , Rajakumaran Ramachandran , Nagarajan Erumaipatty Rajagounder
Published: February 2020

Novel samarium molybdate structures were synthesized through a simple ultrasonic method and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward oxyparathion.
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a new mixed alkali and alkaline-earth metal borate Rb9Ba24(BO3)19
Authors: Niu Xiaowen , Wang Li
Published: February 2020

Rb9Ba24(BO3)19 features an intricate 3D Ba–O framework with three types of infinite channels where the Rb+ cations and isolated BO3 units are located.