bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-species, multi-qubit logic primitives for Ca+/Sr+ trapped-ion crystals
Authors: Bruzewicz C. D. , McConnell R. , Stuart J. , Sage J. M. , Chiaverini J.
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate key multi-qubit quantum-logic primitives in a dual-species trapped-ion system based on $${}^{40}$$40Ca$${}^{+}$$+ and $${}^{88}$$88Sr$${}^{+}$$+ ions, using two optical qubits with quantum-logic-control frequencies in the red to near-infrared range. With all ionization, cooling, and control wavelengths in a wavelength band similar for the two species and centered in the visible, and with a favorable mass ratio for sympathetic cooling, this pair is a promising candidate for scalable quantum information processing. Same-species and dual-species two-qubit gates, based on the Mølmer–Sørensen interaction and performed in a cryogenic surface-electrode trap, are characterized via the fidelity of generated entangled states; we achieve fidelities of 98.8(2)% and 97.5(2)% in Ca$${}^{+}$$+–Ca$${}^{+}$$+ and Sr$${}^{+}$$+–Sr$${}^{+}$$+ gates, respectively. For a similar Ca$${}^{+}$$+–Sr$${}^{+}$$+ gate, we achieve a fidelity of 94.3(3)%, and carrying out a Sr$${}^{+}$$+–Sr$${}^{+}$$+ gate performed with a Ca$${}^{+}$$+ sympathetic cooling ion in a Sr$${}^{+}$$+–Ca$${}^{+}$$+–Sr$${}^{+}$$+ crystal configuration, we achieve a fidelity of 95.7(3)%. These primitives form a set of trapped-ion capabilities for logic with sympathetic cooling and ancilla readout or state transfer for general quantum computing and communication applications.
Arbovirus emergence in the temperate city of Córdoba, Argentina, 2009–2018
Authors: Robert Michael A. , Tinunin Daniela T. , Benitez Elisabet M. , Ludueña-Almeida Francisco F. , Romero Moory , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M. , Estallo Elizabet L.
Published: November 2019

The distribution of arbovirus disease transmission is expanding from the tropics and subtropics into temperate regions worldwide. The temperate city of Córdoba, Argentina has been experiencing the emergence of dengue virus, transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, since 2009, when autochthonous transmission of the virus was first recorded in the city. The aim of this work is to characterize the emergence of dengue and related arboviruses (Zika and chikungunya) in Córdoba since 2009. Herein, we present a data set with all known information about transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in Córdoba, Argentina from 2009–2018, including what information is known of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in circulation and origins of imported cases. The data presented in this work will assist researchers in investigating drivers of arbovirus emergence and transmission in Córdoba, Argentina and contribute to a better understanding of the global problem of the expanding distribution of arbovirus disease transmission.
High-resolution simulation and validation of soil moisture in the arid region of Northwest China
Authors: Meng Xianyong , Wang Hao , Chen Ji , Yang Mingxiang , Pan Zhihua
Published: November 2019

Soil moisture plays an important role in land-atmosphere interactions, agricultural drought monitoring, and water resource management, particularly across arid regions. However, it is challenging to simulate soil moisture of high spatial resolution and to evaluate soil moisture at fine spatial resolution in arid regions in Northwest China due to considerable uncertainties in forcing data and limited in situ measurements. Then, the data set was used to produce the 1 km high-resolution atmospheric forcing datasets and to drive the Community Land Model version 3.5 (CLM3.5) for simulating spatiotemporally continuous surface soil moisture. The capabilities of soil moisture simulation using CLM3.5 forced by the XJLDAS-driven field were validated against data obtained at three soil layers (0–10, 0–20, and 0–50 cm) from 54 soil moisture stations in Xinjiang. Results show that the simulated soil moisture agreed well with the observations [CORR > 0.952], and the intra-annual soil moisture in Xinjiang gradually increased during May through August. The main factors that affect changes in soil moisture across the study region were precipitation and snowmelt. The overall finding of this study is that an XJLDAS, high-resolution forcing data driven CLM3.5 can be used to generate accurate and continuous soil moisture of high resolution (1km) in Xinjiang. This study can help understand the spatiotemporal features of the soil moisture, and provide important input for hydrological studies and agricultural water resources management over the arid region.
Detection of Impending Aggressive Outbursts in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: Violence Clues from Dogs
Authors: Bakeman Uriel , Eilam Hodaya , Schild Clara Moray , Grinstein Dan , Eshed Yuval , Laster Morris , Fride Ester , Anavi-Goffer Sharon
Published: November 2019

Aggression in psychiatric wards is a continuing matter of concern for both patients and medical staff. Here we have tested the hypothesis that the frequency of such incidents can be reduced with a new strategy of using trained alert dogs that warn of impending violent outbursts. Dogs were positioned among patients in psychiatric wards. Analyses show that the dogs warned of impending aggressive outbursts, responding to signals from a specific patient out of a group of unfamiliar psychotic patients. Their alerts were not a response to stress as canine cortisol levels were not significantly changed. Visual glance was the preferred method used by young dogs to respond to patient. Until a similar electronic technology is developed, trained alert dogs can help caregivers to protect both the patient and those around them from injuries that may otherwise result from aggressive outbursts in psychiatric patients.
Characterization and evaluation of mycosterol secreted from endophytic strain of Gymnema sylvestre for inhibition of α-glucosidase activity
Authors: Ranjan Amit , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Khare Saumya , Tripathi Ruchita , Pandey Rajesh Kumar , Singh Anurag Kumar , Gautam Vibhav , Tripathi Jyoti Shankar , Singh Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2019

Endophytic fungi produce various types of chemicals for establishment of niche within the host plant. Due to symbiotic association, they secrete pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds and enzyme inhibitors. In this research article, we have explored the potent α-glucosidse inhibitor (AGI) produced from Fusarium equiseti recovered from the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre through bioassay-guided fraction. This study investigated the biodiversity, phylogeny, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidse inhibition of endophytic fungi isolated from Gymnema sylvestre. A total of 32 isolates obtained were grouped into 16 genera, according to their morphology of colony and spores. A high biodiversity of endophytic fungi were observed in G. sylvestre with diversity indices. Endophytic fungal strain Fusarium equiseti was identified through DNA sequencing and the sequence was deposited in GenBank database (https://ncbi.nim.nih.gov) with acession number: MF403109. The characterization of potent compound was done by FTIR, LC-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis with IUPAC name 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a] phenanthren-3-ol. The isolated bioactive compound showed significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50 values, 4.22 ± 0.0005 µg/mL and 69.72 ± 0.001 µg/mL while IC50 values of acarbose was 5.75 ± 0.007 and 55.29 ± 0.0005 µg/mL respectively. This result is higher in comparison to other previous study. The enzyme kinetics study revealed that bioactive compound was competitive inhibitor for α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In-silico study showed that bioactive compound binds to the binding site of α-amylase, similar to that of acarbose but with higher affinity. The study highlights the importance of endophytic fungi as an alternative source of AGI (α-glucosidase inhibition) to control the diabetic condition in vitro.
The rs1256328 (ALPL) and rs12654812 (RGS14) Polymorphisms are Associated with Susceptibility to Calcium Nephrolithiasis in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Chen Wei-Chiao , Chou Wan-Hsuan , Chu Hou-Wei , Huang Chi-Chen , Liu Xiao , Chang Wei-Pin , Chou Yii-Her , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: November 2019

Nephrolithiasis is a common disease affecting almost all populations, with an increasing prevalence over the past decades. Previous studies revealed several functional polymorphisms associated with the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis. However, data on Asian populations are limited. In this study, three candidate polymorphisms were selected from previous studies to investigate the correlations with nephrolithiasis in a Taiwanese population. In total, 454 nephrolithiasis patients were recruited from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, with SNP frequency for 1513 subjects of general population from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) as a genotypic reference. Results revealed that subjects with minor TT genotype at rs1256328 (alkaline phosphatase, liver/bone/kidney (ALPL)) have higher susceptibility to nephrolithiasis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, p = 0.0013). In addition, subjects carrying the minor AA genotype at rs12654812 (regulator of G protein signaling 14 (RGS14)) have higher susceptibility to nephrolithiasis (OR = 1.91, p = 0.0017). Among nephrolithiasis patients, subjects with GG at rs7627468 (calcium-sensing receptor (CASR)) have lower pH level in urine (p = 0.0088). Importantly, rs7627468 is associated with the expressions of IQCB1 and EAF2. rs12654812 could influence the expression of RGS14 itself, MXD3, and FGFR4. In summary, this study successfully validated the genetic roles of rs1256328 and rs12654812 in human nephrolithiasis.
Ultra-thin fluorocarbon foils optimise multiscale imaging of three-dimensional native and optically cleared specimens
Authors: Hötte Katharina , Koch Michael , Hof Lotta , Tuppi Marcel , Moreth Till , Verstegen Monique M. A. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Stelzer Ernst H. K. , Pampaloni Francesco
Published: November 2019

In three-dimensional light microscopy, the heterogeneity of the optical density in a specimen ultimately limits the achievable penetration depth and hence the three-dimensional resolution. The most direct approach to reduce aberrations, improve the contrast and achieve an optimal resolution is to minimise the impact of changes of the refractive index along an optical path. Many implementations of light sheet fluorescence microscopy operate with a large chamber filled with an aqueous immersion medium and a further inner container with the specimen embedded in a possibly entirely different non-aqueous medium. In order to minimise the impact of the latter on the optical quality of the images, we use multi-facetted cuvettes fabricated from vacuum-formed ultra-thin fluorocarbon (FEP) foils. The ultra-thin FEP-foil cuvettes have a wall thickness of about 10–12 µm. They are impermeable to liquids, but not to gases, inert, durable, mechanically stable and flexible. Importantly, the usually fragile specimen can remain in the same cuvette from seeding to fixation, clearing and observation, without the need to remove or remount it during any of these steps. We confirm the improved imaging performance of ultra-thin FEP-foil cuvettes with excellent quality images of whole organs such us mouse oocytes, of thick tissue sections from mouse brain and kidney as well as of dense pancreas and liver organoid clusters. Our ultra-thin FEP-foil cuvettes outperform many other sample-mounting techniques in terms of a full separation of the specimen from the immersion medium, compatibility with aqueous and organic clearing media, quick specimen mounting without hydrogel embedding and their applicability for multiple-view imaging and automated image segmentation. Additionally, we show that ultra-thin FEP foil cuvettes are suitable for seeding and growing organoids over a time period of at least ten days. The new cuvettes allow the fixation and staining of specimens inside the holder, preserving the delicate morphology of e.g. fragile, mono-layered three-dimensional organoids.
Hearing ability is not a risk factor for admission to aged residential care of older persons in New Zealand
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , McAuliffe Megan J. , Askew Deborah A. , Jamieson Hamish A.
Published: November 2019

Aged residential care (ARC) admission needs are increasing beyond the available capacity in many countries, including New Zealand. Therefore, identifying modifiable factors which may prevent or delay ARC admissions is of international importance. Hearing impairment is common among older adults and thought to be an important predictor, although the current evidence-base is equivocal. Using the largest national database to date, competing-risk regression analysis was undertaken on 34,277 older adults having standardised home care assessments between 1 July 2012 and 31 May 2014, aged ≥65 years, and still living in the community 30 days after that assessment. Minimal hearing difficulty was reported by 10,125 (29.5%) participants, moderate difficulty by 5,046 (14.7%), severe difficulty/no hearing by 1,334 (3.9%), while 17,769 (51.8%) participants reported adequate hearing. By 30 June 2014, the study end-point, 6,389 (18.6%) participants had an ARC admission while 6,082 (17.7%) had died. In unadjusted competing-risk regression analyses, treating death as a competing event, hearing ability was significantly associated with ARC admission (p < 0.001). However, in adjusted analyses, this relationship was completely confounded by other variables (p = 0.67). This finding implies that screening for hearing loss among community-living older adults is unlikely to impact on ARC admission rates.
Reconfigurable Architecture for Multi-lead ECG Signal Compression with High-frequency Noise Reduction
Authors: Chowdhury Mehdi Hasan , Cheung Ray C. C.
Published: November 2019

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a record of the heart’s electrical activity over a specified period, and it is the most popular noninvasive diagnostic test to identify several cardiac diseases. It is an integral part of a typical eHealth system, where the ECG signals are often needed to be compressed for long term data recording and remote transmission. Reconfigurable architecture offers high-speed parallel computation unit, particularly the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) along with adaptable software features. Hence, this type of design is suitable for multi-channel signal processing units like ECGs, which usually require precise real-time computation. This paper presents a reconfigurable signal processing unit which is implemented in ZedBoard- a development board for Xilinx Zynq −7000 SoC. The compression algorithm is based on Fast Fourier Transformation. The implemented system can work in real-time and achieve a maximum 90% compression rate without any significant signal distortion (i.e., less than 9% normalized percentage of root-mean-square deviation). This compression rate is 5% higher than the state-of-the-art hardware implementation. Additionally, this algorithm has an inherent capability of high-frequency noise reduction, which makes it unique in this field. The confirmatory analysis is done using six databases from the PhysioNet databank to compare and validate the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Deep segmentation networks predict survival of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Baek Stephen , He Yusen , Allen Bryan G. , Buatti John M. , Smith Brian J. , Tong Ling , Sun Zhiyu , Wu Jia , Diehn Maximilian , Loo Billy W. , Plichta Kristin A. , Seyedin Steven N. , Gannon Maggie , Cabel Katherine R. , Kim Yusung , Wu Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents approximately 80–85% of lung cancer diagnoses and is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent studies indicate that image-based radiomics features from positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images have predictive power for NSCLC outcomes. To this end, easily calculated functional features such as the maximum and the mean of standard uptake value (SUV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) are most commonly used for NSCLC prognostication, but their prognostic value remains controversial. Meanwhile, convolutional neural networks (CNN) are rapidly emerging as a new method for cancer image analysis, with significantly enhanced predictive power compared to hand-crafted radiomics features. Here we show that CNNs trained to perform the tumor segmentation task, with no other information than physician contours, identify a rich set of survival-related image features with remarkable prognostic value. In a retrospective study on pre-treatment PET-CT images of 96 NSCLC patients before stereotactic-body radiotherapy (SBRT), we found that the CNN segmentation algorithm (U-Net) trained for tumor segmentation in PET and CT images, contained features having strong correlation with 2- and 5-year overall and disease-specific survivals. The U-Net algorithm has not seen any other clinical information (e.g. survival, age, smoking history, etc.) than the images and the corresponding tumor contours provided by physicians. In addition, we observed the same trend by validating the U-Net features against an extramural data set provided by Stanford Cancer Institute. Furthermore, through visualization of the U-Net, we also found convincing evidence that the regions of metastasis and recurrence appear to match with the regions where the U-Net features identified patterns that predicted higher likelihoods of death. We anticipate our findings will be a starting point for more sophisticated non-intrusive patient specific cancer prognosis determination. For example, the deep learned PET/CT features can not only predict survival but also visualize high-risk regions within or adjacent to the primary tumor and hence potentially impact therapeutic outcomes by optimal selection of therapeutic strategy or first-line therapy adjustment.
EC313-a tissue selective SPRM reduces the growth and proliferation of uterine fibroids in a human uterine fibroid tissue xenograft model
Authors: Nair Hareesh B. , Santhamma Bindu , Dileep Kalarickal V. , Binkley Peter , Acosta Kirk , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Schenken Robert , Nickisch Klaus
Published: November 2019

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are associated with irregular or excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, or infertility. Ovarian steroid hormones support the growth and maintenance of UFs. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) a selective progesterone receptor (PR) modulator (SPRM) reduce the size of UFs, inhibit ovulation and lead to amenorrhea. Recent liver toxicity concerns with UPA, diminished enthusiasm for its use and reinstate the critical need for a safe, efficacious SPRM to treat UFs. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of new SPRM, EC313, for the treatment for UFs using a NOD-SCID mouse model. EC313 treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the fibroid xenograft weight (p < 0.01). Estradiol (E2) induced proliferation was blocked significantly in EC313-treated xenograft fibroids (p < 0.0001). Uterine weight was reduced by EC313 treatment compared to UPA treatment. ER and PR were reduced in EC313-treated groups compared to controls (p < 0.001) and UPA treatments (p < 0.01). UF specific desmin and collagen were markedly reduced with EC313 treatment. The partial PR agonism and no signs of unopposed estrogenicity makes EC313 a candidate for the long-term treatment for UFs. Docking studies have provided a structure based explanation for the SPRM activity of EC313.
Regulation of carcinogenesis and modulation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling by curcumin in an ovarian cancer cell line
Authors: Yen Hsing-Yu , Tsao Chih-Wei , Lin Ya-Wen , Kuo Chih-Chi , Tsao Chang-Huei , Liu Chin-Yu
Published: November 2019

The secreted frizzled-related protein 5 gene (SFRP5) that antagonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently inactivated by promoter methylation and oncogenic activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is common in many cancers. The curcumin-rich Curcuma longa has been reported to potent anti-cancer property involved in epigenetic regulation to inhibit tumor suppressor gene methylation and re-expression. In a compounds screening, we found that curcumin can inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on SFRP5 DNA methylation modification in an ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV3). SKOV3 cells were treated with DMSO, 10 μM 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC), 5 μM DAC, 20 μM curcumin, and 20 μM curcumin combined with 5 μM DAC for 96 hours, following which RNA and proteins were extracted for further analysis. The results showed that curcumin combined with 5 μM DAC may inhibit cancer cell colony formation, migration through EMT (epithelial–mesenchymal transition) process regulation, total DNMT activity, especially in DNMT3a protein expression, and may also regulate tumor suppressor gene SFRP5 expression involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The combined treatment attenuated ovarian cancer development.
Smart antimicrobial efficacy employing pH-sensitive ZnO-doped diamond-like carbon coatings
Authors: Buchegger Sascha , Kamenac Andrej , Fuchs Sven , Herrmann Rudolf , Houdek Pia , Gorzelanny Christian , Obermeier Andreas , Heller Stephan , Burgkart Rainer , Stritzker Bernd , Wixforth Achim , Westerhausen Christoph
Published: November 2019

One of the main challenges in endoprosthesis surgeries are implant-associated infections and aseptic-loosenings, caused by wear debris. To combat these problems, the requirements to surfaces of endoprostheses are wear-resistance, low cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy. We here present antimicrobial coatings with a smart, adaptive release of metal ions in case of infection, based on ZnO-nanoparticles embedded in diamond-like carbon (DLC). The Zn2+ ion release of these coatings in aqueous environments reacts and adapts smartly on inflammations accompanied by acidosis. Moreover, we show that this increased ion release comes along with an increased toxicity to fibroblastic cells (L929) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, resistant to methicillin and oxacillin. (ATCC 43300, MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984, S. epidermidis). Interestingly, the antimicrobial effect and the cytotoxicity of the coatings increase with a reduction of the pH value from 7.4 to 6.4, but not further to pH 5.4.
Mitochondrial genome of Chinese grass shrimp, Palaemonetes sinensis and comparison with other Palaemoninae species
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Zhu Xiaochen , Li Yingdong , Han Zhibin , Xu Weibin , Dong Jing , Wei Hua , Li Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

The mitogenome of Chinese grass shrimp, Palaemonetes sinensis, was determined through Illumina sequencing, and the basic characteristics and gene arrangement were analyzed. The mitogenome of P. sinensis was 15955 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one control region, with tightly packed. 33 of these genes were encoded on the heavy strand, and the remainders encoded on the light strand. The composition of P. sinensis mitogenome presented a strong A + T bias, which account for 66.7%. All PCGs were initiated by a canonical ATN codon, except nad5, which was initiated by GTG. The termination codons of the PCGs were TAA, TAG and T–. The secondary structures of 22 tRNAs of P. sinensis had the typical clover structure, except of trnS1 owing to the lack of dihydroxyuridine (DHU) arm. Gene order comparison of P. sinensis and previously-sequenced Palaemoninae revealed a unique translocation between trnT and trnP in Macrobrachium. The phylogenetic analyses showed that three Exopalaemon species formed a monophyletic group and then clustered with two Palaemon species and P. sinensis successively whereas Macrobrachium clustered with Palaemon capensis in the other clade.
Exogenous L-Carnitine Promotes Plant Growth and Cell Division by Mitigating Genotoxic Damage of Salt Stress
Authors: Oney-Birol Signem
Published: November 2019

L-carnitine is a fundamental ammonium compound responsible for energy metabolism in all living organisms. It is an oxidative stress regulator, especially in bacteria and yeast and lipid metabolism in plants. Besides its metabolic functions, l-carnitine has detoxification and antioxidant roles in the cells. Due to the complex interrelationship of l-carnitine between lipid metabolism and salinity dependent oxidative stress, this study investigates the exogenous l-carnitine (1 mM) function on seed germination, cell division and chromosome behaviour in barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Bulbul-89) under different salt stress concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.30 and 0.35 M). The present work showed that l-carnitine pretreatment could not be successful to stimulate cell division on barley seeds under non-stressed conditions compared to stressed conditions. Depending on increasing salinity without pretreatment with l-carnitine, the mitotic index significantly decreased in barley seeds. Pretreatment of barley seeds with l-carnitine under salt stress conditions was found promising as a plant growth promoter and stimulator of mitosis. In addition, pretreatment of barley seeds with l-carnitine alleviated detrimental effects of salt stress on chromosome structure and it protected cells from the genotoxic effects of salt. This may be caused by the antioxidant and protective action of the l-carnitine. Consequently, this study demonstrated that the exogenous application of 1 mM l-carnitine mitigates the harmful effects of salt stress by increasing mitosis and decreasing DNA damage caused by oxidative stress on barley seedlings.
Influence of winding number on vortex knots dynamics
Authors: Oberti Chiara , Ricca Renzo L.
Published: November 2019

In this paper we determine the effects of winding number on the dynamics of vortex torus knots and unknots in the context of classical, ideal fluid mechanics. We prove that the winding number — a topological invariant of torus knots — has a primary effect on vortex motion. This is done by applying the Moore-Saffman desingularization technique to the full Biot-Savart induction law, determining the influence of winding number on the 3 components of the induced velocity. Results have been obtained for 56 knots and unknots up to 51 crossings. In agreement with previous numerical results we prove that in general the propagation speed increases with the number of toroidal coils, but we notice that the number of poloidal coils may greatly modify the motion. Indeed we prove that for increasing aspect ratio and number of poloidal coils vortex motion can be even reversed, in agreement with previous numerical observations. These results demonstrate the importance of three-dimensional features in vortex dynamics and find useful applications to understand helicity and energy transfers across scales in vortical flows.
Maternal overnutrition during critical developmental periods leads to different health adversities in the offspring: relevance of obesity, addiction and schizophrenia
Authors: Sarker Gitalee , Litwan Kathrin , Kastli Rahel , Peleg-Raibstein Daria
Published: November 2019

Maternal overnutrition during sensitive periods of early development increases the risk for obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. However, it still remains unclear during which phases of early development the offspring is more vulnerable. Here, we investigate the effects of maternal high-fat diet (MHFD) at different stages of pre- or postnatal development and characterize the behavioral, neurochemical and metabolic phenotypes. We observe that MHFD exposure at pre-conception has no deleterious effects on the behavioral and metabolic state of the offspring. Late gestational HFD exposure leads to more prominent addictive-like behaviors with reduced striatal dopamine levels compared to early gestational HFD. Conversely, offspring exposed to MHFD during lactation display the metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia-like phenotype. The latter, is manifested by impaired sensory motor gating, and latent inhibition as well as enhanced sensitivity to amphetamine. These effects are accompanied by higher striatal dopamine levels. Together, our data suggest that MHFD exposure during specific stages of development leads to distinct neuropathological alterations that determine the severity and nature of poor health outcome in adulthood, which may provide insight in identifying effective strategies for early intervention.
Human sweat monitoring using polymer-based fiber
Authors: Lim Taekyung , Kim Youngseok , Jeong Sang-Mi , Kim Chi-Hyeong , Kim Seong-Min , Park Sang Yoon , Yoon Myung-Han , Ju Sanghyun
Published: November 2019

Lightweight nano/microscale wearable devices that are directly attached to or worn on the human body require enhanced flexibility so that they can facilitate body movement and overall improved wearability. In the present study, a flexible poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) fiber-based sensor is proposed, which can accurately measure the amount of salt (i.e., sodium chloride) ions in sweat released from the human body or in specific solutions. This can be performed using one single strand of hair-like conducting polymer fiber. The fabrication process involves the introduction of an aqueous PEDOT:PSS solution into a sulfuric acid coagulation bath. This is a repeatable and inexpensive process for producing monolithic fibers, with a simple geometry and tunable electrical characteristics, easily woven into clothing fabrics or wristbands. The conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS fiber increases in pure water, whereas it decreases in sweat. In particular, the conductivity of a PEDOT:PSS fiber changes linearly according to the concentration of sodium chloride in liquid. The results of our study suggest the possibility of PEDOT:PSS fiber-based wearable sensors serving as the foundation of future research and development in skin-attachable next-generation healthcare devices, which can reproducibly determine the physiological condition of a human subject by measuring the sodium chloride concentration in sweat.
Association between long-term hemoglobin variability and mortality in Korean adults: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Son Minkook , Yang Sung
Published: November 2019

Hemoglobin variability is known to be associated with mortality in patients with chronic renal failure and cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality in the general population has not yet been studied. We aimed to investigate the association between hemoglobin variability and mortality using Korean cohort from National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening 2002–2015 database. This study was conducted on 182,757 adults who underwent more than 4 health screenings from 2002 to 2009. Hemoglobin variability was assessed by 3 indices of coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and variability independent of the mean (VIM). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed for each index of quartile groups (Q1–Q4). The hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval^l for all-cause mortality comparing Q2, Q3 and Q4 with Q1 of hemoglobin variability CV in the multivariable adjusted model were 1.07 [0.96–1.20], 1.18 [1.06–1.31] and 1.43 [1.29–1.58] respectively. As the 5% CV, SD, and VIM increased, the hazard ratio for mortality increased by 1.08 [1.06–1.10] in the multivariable adjusted model. Hemoglobin variability is not only important predictor in patients with chronic renal failure and cardiovascular disease but could also be considered as a useful predictor of mortality in the general population.
The screening and identification of DNA barcode sequences for Rehmannia
Authors: Duan Hongying , Wang Wanshen , Zeng Yunpeng , Guo Mengmeng , Zhou Yanqing
Published: November 2019

In this study, ITS, ITS2, matK, rbcL and psbA-trnH in Rehmannia were successfully amplified and sequenced, but some ITS sequences need to be proofread according to ITS2 sequences. Compared with rbcL, matK and psbA-trnH, ITS and ITS2 had higher mutation rate and more information sites, and ITS2 had higher interspecific diversity and lower intraspecific variation in Rehmannia, but the interspecific genetic variation of rbcL and matK was lower. Furthermore, the obvious barcoding gap was found in psbA-trnH or ITS2 + psbA-trnH, and the overlap between interspecific and intraspecific variation of ITS, ITS2 or matK was less. In addition, the phylogenetic tree based on ITS or ITS2 indicated that R. glutinosa, R. chingii or R. henryi with obvious monophyly could be successfully identified, but R. piasezkii and R. elata were clustered into one branch, R. solanifolia could not be distinguished from R. glutinosa, and R. chingii was closer to R. henryi. In phylogenetic tree based on psbA-trnH or ITS2 + psbA-trnH, cultivars and wild varieties of R. glutinosa could be distinguished, were clearly separated from other Rehmannia species, and cultivars or wild varieties of R. glutinosa could be also distinguished by matK. Taken together, ITS2 has great potential in systematic study and species identification of Rehmannia, the combination of ITS2 and psbA-trnH might be the most suitable DNA barcode for Rehmannia species.
Single variable domains from the T cell receptor β chain function as mono- and bifunctional CARs and TCRs
Authors: Oh Julyun , Warshaviak Dora Toledo , Mkrtichyan Mikayel , Munguia Melanie Lisette , Lin Abby , Chai Falene , Pigott Craig , Kang Jaspal , Gallo Michael , Kamb Alexander
Published: November 2019

Cell therapy using T cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) represents a new wave of immunotherapies garnering considerable attention and investment. Further progress in this area of medicine depends in part on improving the functional capabilities of the engineered components, while maintaining the overall size of recombinant constructs to ensure their compatibility with existing gene delivery vehicles. We describe a single-variable-domain TCR (svd TCR) that utilizes only the variable domain of the β chain (Vβ). This Vβ module not only works in TCR and CAR formats, but also can be used to create single-chain bispecific CARs and TCRs. Comparison of individual ligand-binding Vβ domains in different formats suggests that the lone Vβ sequence controls the sensitivity and a major part of the specificity of the CAR or TCR construct, regardless of signaling format, in Jurkat and primary T cells.
Inhibitor of Growth 4 (ING4) is a positive regulator of rRNA synthesis
Authors: Trinh Duc-Anh , Shirakawa Ryutaro , Kimura Tomohiro , Sakata Natsumi , Goto Kota , Horiuchi Hisanori
Published: November 2019

Ribosome biogenesis is essential for maintaining basic cellular activities although its mechanism is not fully understood. Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) is a member of ING family while its cellular functions remain controversial. Here, we identified several nucleolar proteins as novel ING4 interacting proteins. ING4 localized in the nucleus with strong accumulation in the nucleolus through its plant homeodomain, which is known to interact with histone trimethylated H3K4, commonly present in the promoter of active genes. ING4 deficient cells exhibited slower proliferation and the alteration in nucleolar structure with reduced rRNA transcription, which was rescued by exogenous expression of GFP-ING4 to the similar levels of wild type cells. In the ING4 deficient cells, histone H3K9 acetylation and the key rRNA transcription factor UBF at the promoter of rDNA were reduced, both of which were also recovered by exogenous GFP-ING4 expression. Thus, ING4 could positively regulate rRNA transcription through modulation of histone modifications at the rDNA promoter.
Age and sex subgroups vulnerable to copycat suicide: evaluation of nationwide data in South Korea
Authors: Yi Hahn , Hwang Jeongeun , Bae Hyun-Jin , Kim Namkug
Published: November 2019

Media reports of a celebrity’s suicide may be followed by copycat suicides, and the impact may vary in different age and sex subgroups. We proposed a quantitative framework to assess the vulnerability of age and sex subgroups to copycat suicide and used this method to investigate copycat suicides in relation to the suicides of 10 celebrities in South Korea from 1993 to 2013. By applying a detrending model to control for annual and seasonal fluctuations, we estimated the expected number of suicides within a copycat suicide period. The copycat effect was assessed in two ways: the magnitude of copycat suicide by dividing the observed by the expected number of suicides, and the mortality rate by subtracting the expected from the observed number of suicides. Females aged 20–29 years were the most vulnerable subgroup according to both the magnitude of the copycat effect (2.31-fold increase over baseline) and the mortality rate from copycat suicide (22.7-increase). Males aged 50–59 years were the second most vulnerable subgroup according to the copycat suicide mortality rate (20.5- increase). We hope that the proposed quantitative framework will be used to identify vulnerable subgroups to copycat effect, thereby helping devise strategies for prevention.
Iron deficiency and anemia in adolescent girls consuming predominantly plant-based diets in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Seyoum Yohannes , Humblot Christèle , Nicolas Gaël , Thomas Muriel , Baye Kaleab
Published: November 2019

Rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects. However, little is known about the risk of anemia and ID among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of ID, low iron stores, and anemia and characterize selected risk factors in Huruta, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant adolescent girls (15–19 years of age; n = 257). Data on household socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and α−1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured. Diets were predominantly plant-based, with a low consumption of animal source foods, fruits, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Only 4% of the adolescent girls had adequate dietary diversity (WDDS ≥5), and 35% were underweight. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11 g/dL, 8.7%) and clinical ID (SF <15 µg/L, 8.7%) was low, but 41% had marginal iron stores (SF <50 µg/L). The low prevalence of ID, despite a predominantly plant-based diet is atypical and calls for adapted strategies to address low iron stores in this and other similar settings of Ethiopia.
Monocytes affect bone mineral density in pre- and postmenopausal women through ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis by integrative bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xiao Kang-Wen , Li Jia-Li , Zeng Zi-Hang , Liu Zhi-Bo , Hou Zhi-Qiang , Yan Xin , Cai Lin
Published: November 2019

Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone disease among pre- and postmenopausal women. As the precursors of osteoclast cells, circulating monocytes play important role in bone destruction and remodeling. The aim of study is to identify potential key genes and pathways correlated with the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Then we construct novel estimation model closely linked to the bone mineral density (BMD) with key genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted by collecting gene data set with 80 samples from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Besides, hub genes were identified by series of bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms containing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, receiver operating characteristic curve and Pearson correlation. The direction of correlation coefficient were performed to screen for gene signatures with high BMD and low BMD. A novel BMD score system was put forward based on gene set variation analysis and logistic regression, which was validated by independent data sets. We identified six modules correlated with BMD. Finally 100 genes were identified as the high bone mineral density signatures while 130 genes were identified as low BMD signatures. Besides, we identified the significant pathway in monocytes: ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis. What's more, our score validated it successfully.
Programmable hydraulic resistor for microfluidic chips using electrogate arrays
Authors: Salva Marie L. , Temiz Yuksel , Rocca Marco , Arango Yulieth C. , Niemeyer Christof M. , Delamarche Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Flow rates play an important role in microfluidic devices because they affect the transport of chemicals and determine where and when (bio)chemical reactions occur in these devices. Flow rates can conveniently be determined using external peripherals in active microfluidics. However, setting specific flow rates in passive microfluidics is a significant challenge because they are encoded on a design and fabrication level, leaving little freedom to users for adjusting flow rates for specific applications. Here, we present a programmable hydraulic resistor where an array of “electrogates” routes an incoming liquid through a set of resistors to modulate flow rates in microfluidic chips post-fabrication. This approach combines a battery-powered peripheral device with passive capillary-driven microfluidic chips for advanced flow rate control and measurement. We specifically show a programmable hydraulic resistor composed of 7 parallel resistors and 14 electrogates. A peripheral and smartphone application allow a user to activate selected electrogates and resistors, providing 127 (27-1) flow resistance combinations with values spanning on a 500 fold range. The electrogates feature a capillary pinning site (i.e. trench across the flow path) to stop a solution and an electrode, which can be activated in a few ms using a 3 V bias to resume flow based on electrowetting. The hydraulic resistor and microfluidic chip shown here enable flow rates from ~0.09 nL.s−1 up to ~5.66 nL.s−1 with the resistor occupying a footprint of only 15.8 mm2 on a 1 × 2 cm2 microfluidic chip fabricated in silicon. We illustrate how a programmable hydraulic resistor can be used to set flow rate conditions for laminar co-flow of 2 liquids and the enzymatic conversion of a substrate by stationary enzymes (alkaline phosphatase) downstream of the programmable hydraulic resistor.
Author Correction: An assay for the identification of Plasmodium simium infection for diagnosis of zoonotic malaria in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: de Alvarenga Denise Anete Madureira , Culleton Richard , de Pina-Costa Anielle , Rodrigues Danielle Fonseca , Bianco Cesare , Silva Sidnei , Nunes Ana Júlia Dutra , de Souza Julio César , Hirano Zelinda Maria Braga , Moreira Sílvia Bahadian , Pissinatti Alcides , de Abreu Filipe Vieira Santos , Areas André Luiz Lisboa , Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo , Zalis Mariano Gustavo , Ferreira-da-Cruz Maria de Fátima , Brasil Patricia , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , de Brito Cristiana Ferreira Alves
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Possible strain induced Mott gap collapse in 1T-TaS2
Authors: Bu Kunliang , Zhang Wenhao , Fei Ying , Wu Zongxiu , Zheng Yuan , Gao Jingjing , Luo Xuan , Sun Yu-Ping , Yin Yi
Published: November 2019

Tuning the electronic properties of a matter is of fundamental interest in scientific research as well as in applications. Recently, the Mott insulator-metal transition has been reported in a pristine layered transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS$${}_{2}$$2, with the transition triggered by an optical excitation, a gate controlled intercalation, or a voltage pulse. However, the sudden insulator-metal transition hinders an exploration of how the transition evolves. Here, we report the strain as a possible new tuning parameter to induce Mott gap collapse in 1T-TaS$${}_{2}$$2. In a strain-rich area, we find a mosaic state with distinct electronic density of states within different domains. In a corrugated surface, we further observe and analyze a smooth evolution from a Mott gap state to a metallic state. Our results shed new lights on the understanding of the insulator-metal transition and promote a controllable strain engineering on the design of switching devices in the future.
Streamlined digital bioassays with a 3D printed sample changer
Authors: Menezes Roberta , Dramé-Maigné Adèle , Taly Valérie , Rondelez Yannick , Gines Guillaume
Published: November 2019

Off-chip sample changer device increase the sample throughput of droplet digital bioassays.
Target-activated DNA nanomachines for the ATP detection based on the SERS of plasmonic coupling from gold nanoparticle aggregation
Authors: Cui Yanfang , Wang Haiwang , Liu Su , Wang Yu , Huang Jiadong
Published: November 2019

The self-assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles provides a powerful approach to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which promotes the actual applications in chemical and biomolecular analyses.
A ZnI2-catalyzed regioselective cascade 1,4-conjugate addition/5-exo-digannulation pathway for one-pot access to heterobiaryl frameworks
Authors: He Xinwei , Choy Pui Ying , Leung Man Pan , Yuen On Ying , Liu Tianyi , Shang Yongjia , Kwong Fuk Yee
Published: November 2019

Facile access to π-extended heterobiaryl compoundsviaa non-cross-coupling strategy has been achieved.
Selective and reversible interconversion of nanosliders commanded by remote control via metal-ion signaling
Authors: Saha Suchismita , Biswas Pronay Kumar , Paul Indrajit , Schmittel Michael
Published: November 2019

In a complex mixture the selective and reversible transmission of a slider biped between nanosliders is controlled via intra-system communication.
Isotopic effect on electrochemical CO2 reduction activity and selectivity in H2O- and D2O-based electrolytes over palladium
Authors: Lee Ji Hoon , Tackett Brian M. , Xie Zhenhua , Hwang Sooyeon , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: November 2019

The isotopic effect on the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction over palladium hydride and deuteride is explored in this study.
Au(i)/Au(iii)-Catalyzed C–N coupling
Authors: Rodriguez Jessica , Adet Nicolas , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Bourissou Didier
Published: November 2019

Gold-catalyzed coupling of aryl iodides and amines via a ligand-enabled 2e redox cycle.
Antimicrobial gum bio-based nanocomposites and their industrial and biomedical applications
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Makvandi Pooyan , Borzacchiello Assunta , Tay Franklin R. , Ashtari Behnaz , V. T. Padil Vinod
Published: November 2019

Schematic illustration of the gum biobased materials in biomedical and industrial applications.
Fluorinated carboxylic acids as powerful building blocks for the formation of bimolecular monolayers
Authors: Pinfold Harry , Greenland Christopher , Pattison Graham , Costantini Giovanni
Published: November 2019

Fluorination transforms a simple carboxylic acid into a highly effective building block for the formation of bimolecular monolayers.
MOLC. A reversible coarse grained approach using anisotropic beads for the modelling of organic functional materials
Authors: Ricci Matteo , Roscioni Otello Maria , Querciagrossa Lara , Zannoni Claudio
Published: November 2019

We describe the development and implementation of a new reversible coarse grained model where complex organic molecules are described in terms of a set of connected biaxial Gay–Berne ellipsoidal beads, decorated with point charges.
Proton NMR relaxation from molecular dynamics: intramolecular and intermolecular contributions in water and acetonitrile
Authors: Philips Adam , Autschbach Jochen
Published: November 2019

Accurate1H NMR relaxation rates for protons in pure water and acetonitrile are computedvia ab initioand force field molecular dynamics. Dipole–dipole and spin-rotation mechanisms are considered.
Evaluation and understanding the performances of various derivatives of carbonyl-stabilized phosphonium ylides in CO2 transformation to cyclic carbonates
Authors: Sabet-Sarvestani Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein , Norozi-Shad Nazanin
Published: November 2019

The kinetic and mechanism evaluations of the formation of cyclic carbonates by carbonyl-stabilized phosphonium ylides as an efficient and new class of organocatalysts are the main purposes of this research.