bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-vivo evaluation of the effect of cyanoacrylate on prosthetic vascular graft infection – does cyanoacrylate increase the severity of infection?
Authors: Yolgosteren Atıf , Kumtepe Gencehan , Payaslioglu Melda , Ozakin Cuneyt
Published: April 2020

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.
Predictability Horizons in the Global Carbon Cycle Inferred From a Perfect‐Model Framework
Authors: Spring Aaron , Ilyina Tatiana
Published: April 2020

On interannual timescales the growth rate of atmospheric CO2 is largely controlled by the response of the land and ocean carbon sinks to climate variability. Yet, it is unknown to what extent this variability limits the predictability of atmospheric CO2 variations. Using perfect‐model Earth System Model simulations, we show that variations in atmospheric CO2 are potentially predictable for 3 years. We find a 2‐year predictability horizon for global oceanic CO2 flux with longer regional predictability of up to 7 years. The 2‐year predictability horizon of terrestrial CO2 flux originates in the tropics and midlatitudes. With the predictability of the isolated effects of land and ocean carbon sink on atmospheric CO2 of 5 and 12 years respectively, land dampens the overall predictability of atmospheric CO2 variations. Our research shows the potential of Earth System Model‐based predictions to forecast multiyear variations in atmospheric CO2.
Aurora Basin, the Weak Underbelly of East Antarctica
Authors: Pelle Tyler , Morlighem Mathieu , McCormack Felicity S.
Published: April 2020

The East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) has the potential to raise global sea levels by ∼52 m. Here, we model the evolution of select EAIS catchments to 2100 using three basal melt rate parameterizations and force our model with surface mass balance and ocean thermal anomalies from 10 global climate models. While the domain loses mass under low‐emission scenarios, it gains ∼10‐mm sea‐level rise equivalent ice volume (SLRe) under high‐emission scenarios. The primary region of thinning is within 50 km upstream of Totten Glacier's grounding line. Totten's glacial discharge is modulated by the migration of its grounding line, which is sensitive to brief intrusions of ocean water at temperatures higher than present. Once the grounding line is dislodged, Totten's ice velocity increases by up to 70% of present‐day values, resulting in ∼6‐mm SLRe loss from this sector.
The Effect of Plasma Boundaries on the Dynamic Evolution of Relativistic Radiation Belt Electrons
Authors: Wang Dedong , Shprits Yuri Y. , Zhelavskaya Irina S. , Effenberger Frederic , Castillo Angelica M. , Drozdov Alexander Y. , Aseev Nikita A. , Cervantes Sebastian
Published: April 2020

Understanding the dynamic evolution of relativistic electrons in the Earth's radiation belts during both storm and nonstorm times is a challenging task. The U.S. National Science Foundation's Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) focus group “Quantitative Assessment of Radiation Belt Modeling” has selected two storm time and two nonstorm time events that occurred during the second year of the Van Allen Probes mission for in‐depth study. Here, we perform simulations for these GEM challenge events using the 3D Versatile Electron Radiation Belt code. We set up the outer L* boundary using data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites and validate the simulation results against satellite observations from both the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites and Van Allen Probe missions for 0.9‐MeV electrons. Our results show that the position of the plasmapause plays a significant role in the dynamic evolution of relativistic electrons. The magnetopause shadowing effect is included by using last closed drift shell, and it is shown to significantly contribute to the dropouts of relativistic electrons at high L*. We perform simulations using four different empirical radial diffusion coefficient models for the GEM challenge events, and the results show that these simulations reproduce the general dynamic evolution of relativistic radiation belt electrons. However, in the events shown here, simulations using the radial diffusion coefficients from Brautigam and Albert (2000) produce the best agreement with satellite observations.
Laboratory Research on Gas Transport in Shale Nanopores Considering the Stress Effect and Slippage Effect
Authors: Sun Zexiang , Zhou Shixin , Li Jing , Chen Kefei , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yuhong , Li Pengpeng
Published: April 2020

The low permeability of shale, in accretionary complexes and passive continental margins, influences pore pressure generation, and thus induces deformation and fault slip behavior. It is also key in hindering the ability to evaluate shale gas production. Gas is commonly used in measuring the permeability of shale and generally yields high values than that of liquids, due to slippage effect. Separation of the slippage effect from gas permeability is a critical task in the study of low‐permeability media. This study measured the gas permeability (Kg) of the Longmaxi shale parallel to bedding (L1P) and perpendicular to bedding (L1V) under different confining pressures (Cp) and pore pressures (Pp), while simultaneously measuring porosity for different values ofCp. Additionally, a new approach is proposed to define the effective stress coefficient and boundary condition for the Klinkenberg correction. The results show that theKgof L1P is almost unaffected by the slippage effect, while, for L1V, the Klinkenberg correction is required. The Klinkenberg plot of L1V follows the quadratic model from the study by Ashrafi Moghadam and Chalaturnyk (2014,https://doi.org.10/1016/j.coal.2013.10.008), rather than the classic linear Klinkenberg equation. The results also show that, as theCpincreases and/or thePpdecreases, the contribution of the slippage effect to the L1VKgincreased from 20% to 86.5%. Finally, based on the Knudsen number (Kn), the flow regime of L1P changes from Darcy flow (Kn < 0.01) to slip flow (0.01 < Kn < 0.1), and that of L1V is slip flow.
The 2018 Mw 7.9 Offshore Kodiak, Alaska, Earthquake: An Unusual Outer Rise Strike‐Slip Earthquake
Authors: Guo Rumeng , Zheng Yong , An Chao , Xu Jianqiao , Jiang Zhongshan , Zhang Lupeng , Riaz Muhammad Shahid , Xie Jun , Dai Kun , Wen Yangmao
Published: April 2020

The rupture process of the 2018 Mw 7.9 offshore Kodiak (Alaska) earthquake is still in hot dispute because of a lack of offshore observations, thus causing difficulties for understanding seismogenic tectonics and tsunami hazards. In this study, teleseismic body waves, high‐rate GPS, seismic waves preceding tsunami waves, static GPS, and tsunami data are jointly used to resolve the faulting geometry and coseismic slip distribution of the offshore Kodiak earthquake. Tests of a series of finite fault rupture models illustrate that an optimal five‐fault model can reconcile all available data sets well. The results reveal that the asperity on each fault segment is located near the hypocenter, with peak slip of ~7.8 m. The aftershock loci appear to be complementary to the mainshock slips, demonstrating the velocity‐strengthening regions that predominantly slip aseismically. Based on a tectonic stress field analysis, we propose that the 2018 Kodiak earthquake is attributed to a combination of enhanced tensional stress following the 1964 Mw 9.2 Alaska earthquake and compressional stress produced by the collision of the Yakutat terrane with North America.
GeoGirls: Confidence Erupts from a Camp at a Volcano
Authors: Evans Ogden Lesley
Published: April 2020

Summer camp at Mount Saint Helens empowers girls with science, confidence, and fun.
Weakening of the Extratropical Storm Tracks in Solar Geoengineering Scenarios
Authors: Gertler Charles G. , O'Gorman Paul A. , Kravitz Ben , Moore John C. , Phipps Steven J. , Watanabe Shingo
Published: April 2020

Solar geoengineering that aims to offset global warming could nonetheless alter atmospheric temperature gradients and humidity and thus affect the extratropical storm tracks. Here, we first analyze climate model simulations from experiment G1 of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project, in which a reduction in incoming solar radiation balances a quadrupling of CO2. The Northern Hemisphere extratropical storm track weakens by a comparable amount in G1 as it does for increased CO2 only. The Southern Hemisphere storm track also weakens in G1, in contrast to a strengthening and poleward shift for increased CO2. Using mean available potential energy, we show that the changes in zonal‐mean temperature and humidity are sufficient to explain the different responses of storm‐track intensity. We also demonstrate similar weakening in a more complex geoengineering scenario. Our results offer insight into how geoengineering affects storm tracks, highlighting the potential for geoengineering to induce novel climate changes.
On the Functional Relationship Between Fluorescence and Photochemical Yields in Complex Evergreen Needleleaf Canopies
Authors: Maguire Andrew J. , Eitel Jan U. H. , Griffin Kevin L. , Magney Troy S. , Long Ryan A. , Vierling Lee A. , Schmiege Stephanie C. , Jennewein Jyoti S. , Weygint William A. , Boelman Natalie T. , Bruner Sarah G.
Published: April 2020

Recent advancements in understanding remotely sensed solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence often suggest a linear relationship with gross primary productivity at large spatial scales. However, the quantum yields of fluorescence and photochemistry are not linearly related, and this relationship is largely driven by irradiance. This raises questions about the mechanistic basis of observed linearity from complex canopies that experience heterogeneous irradiance regimes at subcanopy scales. We present empirical data from two evergreen forest sites that demonstrate a nonlinear relationship between needle‐scale observations of steady‐state fluorescence yield and photochemical yield under ambient irradiance. We show that accounting for subcanopy and diurnal patterns of irradiance can help identify the physiological constraints on needle‐scale fluorescence at 70–80% accuracy. Our findings are placed in the context of how solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence observations from spaceborne sensors relate to diurnal variation in canopy‐scale physiology.
Deepening responses associated with improved progression-free survival with ixazomib versus placebo as posttransplant maintenance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Goldschmidt Hartmut , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Weisel Katja C. , Moreau Philippe , Chng Wee-Joo , Mikala Gábor , Cavo Michele , Ramasamy Karthik , Suryanarayan Kaveri , Teng Zhaoyang , Labotka Richard , Mateos Maria Victoria
Published: April 2020

In the TOURMALINE-MM3 study, post-autologous stem cell transplantation maintenance therapy with the oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib versus placebo significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), with a favorable safety profile. With ixazomib versus placebo maintenance, deepening responses occurred in 139/302 (46%) versus 60/187 (32%) patients with very good partial response or partial response (VGPR/PR) at study entry (relative risk 1.41, P = 0.004), and median time to best confirmed deepened response was 19.9 versus 30.8 months (24-month rate: 54.2 versus 41.4%; hazard ratio (HR): 1.384; P = 0.0342). Median PFS in patients with VGPR/PR at study entry was 26.2 versus 18.5 months (HR: 0.636, P < 0.001) with ixazomib versus placebo; in a pooled analysis across arms, in patients with versus without deepening responses, the median PFS was not reached versus 15.9 months (HR: 0.245, P < 0.001). In patients with deepening responses, 24-month PFS rate was 77.4 versus 68.3% with ixazomib versus placebo (HR: 0.831; P = 0.466); in patients without deepening responses, median PFS was 17.9 versus 14.1 months (HR: 0.741; P = 0.028). These analyses demonstrate the significantly higher rate of deepening responses with ixazomib versus placebo maintenance and the association between deepening response and prolonged PFS.
Oncolytic measles virus therapy enhances tumor antigen-specific T-cell responses in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Packiriswamy Nandakumar , Upreti Deepak , Zhou Yumei , Khan Rehan , Miller Amber , Diaz Rosa M. , Rooney Cliona M. , Dispenzieri Angela , Peng Kah-Whye , Russell Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

Oncolytic virus therapy leads to immunogenic death of virus-infected tumor cells and this has been shown in preclinical models to enhance the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), leading to killing of uninfected tumor cells. To investigate whether oncolytic virotherapy can increase immune responses to tumor antigens in human subjects, we studied T-cell responses against a panel of known myeloma TAAs using PBMC samples obtained from ten myeloma patients before and after systemic administration of an oncolytic measles virus encoding sodium iodide symporter (MV-NIS). Despite their prior exposures to multiple immunosuppressive antimyeloma treatment regimens, T-cell responses to some of the TAAs were detectable even before measles virotherapy. Measurable baseline T-cell responses against MAGE-C1 and hTERT were present. Furthermore, MV-NIS treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased T-cell responses against MAGE-C1 and MAGE-A3. Interestingly, one patient who achieved complete remission after MV-NIS therapy had strong baseline T-cell responses both to measles virus proteins and to eight of the ten tested TAAs. Our data demonstrate that oncolytic virotherapy can function as an antigen agnostic vaccine, increasing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses against TAAs in patients with multiple myeloma, providing a basis for continued exploration of this modality in combination with immune checkpoint blockade.
Metasurfaces help lasers to mode-lock
Authors: Sain Basudeb , Zentgraf Thomas
Published: April 2020

Metasurface saturable absorbers may result in versatile mode-locking that allows one to obtain stable ultrashort laser pulses with high repetition rates and peak powers, along with broadband operation, within fiber to solid-state laser cavities.
The CRL3BTBD9 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex targets TNFAIP1 for degradation to suppress cancer cell migration
Authors: Li Lihui , Zhang Wenjuan , Liu Yue , Liu Xiaojun , Cai Lili , Kang Jihui , Zhang Yunjing , Chen Wenlian , Dong Changsheng , Zhang Yanmei , Wang Mingsong , Wei Wenyi , Jia Lijun
Published: April 2020

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 1 (TNFAIP1) modulates a plethora of important biological processes, including tumorigenesis and cancer cell migration. However, the regulatory mechanism of TNFAIP1 degradation remains largely elusive. In the present study, with a label-free quantitative proteomic approach, TNFAIP1 was identified as a novel ubiquitin target of the Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL) complex. More importantly, Cul3-ROC1 (CRL3), a subfamily of CRLs, was identified to specifically interact with TNFAIP1 and promote its polyubiquitination and degradation. Mechanistically, BTBD9, a specific adaptor component of CRL3 complex, was further defined to bind and promote the ubiquitination and degradation of TNFAIP1 in cells. As such, downregulation of BTBD9 promoted lung cancer cell migration by upregulating the expression of TNFAIP1, whereas TNFAIP1 deletion abrogated this effect. Finally, bioinformatics and clinical sample analyses revealed that BTBD9 was downregulated while TNFAIP1 was overexpressed in human lung cancer, which was associated with poor overall survival of patients. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism by which the CRL3BTBD9 ubiquitin ligase controls TNFAIP1 degradation to regulate cancer cell migration.
Association of congenital cardiovascular malformation and neuropsychiatric phenotypes with 15q11.2 (BP1–BP2) deletion in the UK Biobank
Authors: Williams Simon G. , Nakev Apostol , Guo Hui , Frain Simon , Tenin Gennadiy , Liakhovitskaia Anna , Saha Priyanka , Priest James R. , Hentges Kathryn E. , Keavney Bernard D.
Published: April 2020

Deletion of a non-imprinted 500kb genomic region at chromosome 15q11.2, between breakpoints 1 and 2 of the Prader–Willi/Angelman locus (BP1–BP2 deletion), has been associated in previous studies with phenotypes including congenital cardiovascular malformations (CVM). Previous studies investigating association between BP1–BP2 deletion and CVM have tended to recruit cases with rarer and more severe CVM phenotypes; the impact of CVM on relatively unselected population cohorts, anticipated to contain chiefly less severe but commoner CHD phenotypes, is relatively unexplored. More precisely defining the impact of BP1–BP2 deletion on CVM risk could be useful to guide genetic counselling, since the deletion is frequently identified in the neurodevelopmental clinic. Using the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort of ~500,000 individuals, we identified individuals with CVM and investigated the association with deletions at the BP1–BP2 locus. In addition, we assessed the association of BP1–BP2 deletions with neuropsychiatric diagnoses, cognitive function and academic achievement. Cases of CVM had an increased prevalence of the deletion compared with controls (0.64%; OR = 1.73 [95% CI 1.08–2.75]; p = 0.03), as did those with neuropsychiatric diagnoses (0.68%; OR = 1.84 [95% CI 1.23–2.75]; p = 0.004). We conclude that BP1–BP2 deletion moderately increases the risk of the generally milder, but commoner, CVM phenotypes seen in this unselected population, in addition to its previously demonstrated association in case/control studies ascertained for CVM.
Machine-learned impurity level prediction for semiconductors: the example of Cd-based chalcogenides
Authors: Mannodi-Kanakkithodi Arun , Toriyama Michael Y. , Sen Fatih G. , Davis Michael J. , Klie Robert F. , Chan Maria K. Y.
Published: April 2020

The ability to predict the likelihood of impurity incorporation and their electronic energy levels in semiconductors is crucial for controlling its conductivity, and thus the semiconductor’s performance in solar cells, photodiodes, and optoelectronics. The difficulty and expense of experimental and computational determination of impurity levels makes a data-driven machine learning approach appropriate. In this work, we show that a density functional theory-generated dataset of impurities in Cd-based chalcogenides CdTe, CdSe, and CdS can lead to accurate and generalizable predictive models of defect properties. By converting any semiconductor + impurity system into a set of numerical descriptors, regression models are developed for the impurity formation enthalpy and charge transition levels. These regression models can subsequently predict impurity properties in mixed anion CdX compounds (where X is a combination of Te, Se and S) fairly accurately, proving that although trained only on the end points, they are applicable to intermediate compositions. We make machine-learned predictions of the Fermi-level-dependent formation energies of hundreds of possible impurities in 5 chalcogenide compounds, and we suggest a list of impurities which can shift the equilibrium Fermi level in the semiconductor as determined by the dominant intrinsic defects. Machine learning predictions for the dominating impurities compare well with DFT predictions, revealing the power of machine-learned models in the quick screening of impurities likely to affect the optoelectronic behavior of semiconductors.
Accelerated design and characterization of non-uniform cellular materials via a machine-learning based framework
Authors: Ma Chunping , Zhang Zhiwei , Luce Benjamin , Pusateri Simon , Xie Binglin , Rafiei Mohammad H. , Hu Nan
Published: April 2020

Cellular materials, widely found in engineered and nature systems, are highly dependent on their geometric arrangement. A non-uniform arrangement could lead to a significant variation of mechanical properties while bringing challenges in material design. Here, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates a machine-learning based framework with the capability of accelerated characterization and pattern generation. Results showed that the proposed framework is capable of predicting the mechanical response curve of any given geometric pattern within the design domain under appropriate neural network architecture and parameters. Additionally, the framework is capable of generating matching geometric patterns for a targeted response through a databank constructed from our machine learning model. The accuracy of the predictions was verified with finite element simulations and the sources of errors were identified. Overall, our machine-learning based framework can boost the design efficiency of cellular materials at unit level, and open new avenues for the programmability of function at system level.
Protein structural changes on a CubeSat under rocket acceleration profile
Authors: Luna Autumn , Meisel Jacob , Hsu Kaitlin , Russi Silvia , Fernandez Daniel
Published: April 2020

Catalyzing life-sustaining reactions, proteins are composed by 20 different amino acids that fold into a compact yet flexible three-dimensional architecture, which dictates what their function(s) might be. Determining the spatial arrangement of the atoms, the protein’s 3D structure, enables key advances in fundamental and applied research. Protein crystallization is a powerful technique to achieve this. Unlike Earth’s crystallization experiments, biomolecular crystallization in space in the absence of gravitational force is actively sought to improve crystal growth techniques. However, the effects of changing gravitational vectors on a protein solution reaching supersaturation remain largely unknown. Here, we have developed a low-cost crystallization cell within a CubeSat payload module to exploit the unique experimental conditions set aboard a sounding rocket. We designed a biaxial gimbal to house the crystallization experiments and take measurements on the protein solution in-flight with a spectrophotometry system. After flight, we used X-ray diffraction analysis to determine that flown protein has a structural rearrangement marked by loss of the protein’s water and sodium in a manner that differs from crystals grown on the ground. We finally show that our gimbal payload module design is a portable experimental setup to take laboratory research investigations into exploratory space flights.
Author Correction: Materializing rival ground states in the barlowite family of kagome magnets: quantum spin liquid, spin ordered, and valence bond crystal states
Authors: Smaha Rebecca W. , He Wei , Jiang Jack Mingde , Wen Jiajia , Jiang Yi-Fan , Sheckelton John P. , Titus Charles J. , Wang Suyin Grass , Chen Yu-Sheng , Teat Simon J. , Aczel Adam A. , Zhao Yang , Xu Guangyong , Lynn Jeffrey W. , Jiang Hong-Chen , Lee Young S.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Graphene Plasmonic Fractal Metamaterials for Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: De Nicola Francesco , Puthiya Purayil Nikhil Santh , Miŝeikis Vaidotas , Spirito Davide , Tomadin Andrea , Coletti Camilla , Polini Marco , Krahne Roman , Pellegrini Vittorio
Published: April 2020

Metamaterials have recently established a new paradigm for enhanced light absorption in state-of-the-art photodetectors. Here, we demonstrate broadband, highly efficient, polarization-insensitive, and gate-tunable photodetection at room temperature in a novel metadevice based on gold/graphene Sierpinski carpet plasmonic fractals. We observed an unprecedented internal quantum efficiency up to 100% from the near-infrared to the visible range with an upper bound of optical detectivity of 1011 Jones and a gain up to 106, which is a fingerprint of multiple hot carriers photogenerated in graphene. Also, we show a 100-fold enhanced photodetection due to highly focused (up to a record factor of |E/E0| ≈ 20 for graphene) electromagnetic fields induced by electrically tunable multimodal plasmons, spatially localized in self-similar fashion on the metasurface. Our findings give direct insight into the physical processes governing graphene plasmonic fractal metamaterials. The proposed structure represents a promising route for the realization of a broadband, compact, and active platform for future optoelectronic devices including multiband bio/chemical and light sensors.
Photomutagenicity of chlorpromazine and its N-demethylated metabolites assessed by NGS
Authors: Agúndez José A. G. , García-Martín Elena , García-Lainez Guillermo , Miranda Miguel A. , Andreu Inmaculada
Published: April 2020

The human genome is constantly attacked by endogenous and exogenous agents (ultraviolet light, xenobiotics, reactive oxygen species), which can induce chemical transformations leading to DNA lesions. To combat DNA damage, cells have developed several repair mechanisms; however, if the repair is defective, DNA lesions lead to permanent mutations. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (COMET assay) is a sensitive and well-established technique for quantifying DNA damage in individual cells. Nevertheless, this tool lacks relationship with mutagenesis. Therefore, to identify errors that give rise to mutations it would be convenient to test an alternative known procedure, such as next generation sequencing (NGS). Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the photomutagenicity of neuroleptic drug chlorpromazine (CPZ), and its N-demethylated metabolites using COMET assay and to test NGS as an alternative method to assess photomutagenesis. In this context, upon exposure to UVA radiation, COMET assay reveals CPZ-photosensitized DNA damage partially repaired by cells. Conversely with this result, metabolites demethylchlorpromazine (DMCPZ) and didemethylchlorpromazine (DDMCPZ) promote extensive DNA-photodamage, hardly repaired under the same conditions. Parallel assessment of mutagenesis by NGS is consistent with these results with minor discrepancies for DDMCPZ. To our knowledge, this is the first example demonstrating the utility of NGS for evaluating drug-induced photomutagenicity.
Brain experiments imply adaptation mechanisms which outperform common AI learning algorithms
Authors: Sardi Shira , Vardi Roni , Meir Yuval , Tugendhaft Yael , Hodassman Shiri , Goldental Amir , Kanter Ido
Published: April 2020

Attempting to imitate the brain’s functionalities, researchers have bridged between neuroscience and artificial intelligence for decades; however, experimental neuroscience has not directly advanced the field of machine learning (ML). Here, using neuronal cultures, we demonstrate that increased training frequency accelerates the neuronal adaptation processes. This mechanism was implemented on artificial neural networks, where a local learning step-size increases for coherent consecutive learning steps, and tested on a simple dataset of handwritten digits, MNIST. Based on our on-line learning results with a few handwriting examples, success rates for brain-inspired algorithms substantially outperform the commonly used ML algorithms. We speculate this emerging bridge from slow brain function to ML will promote ultrafast decision making under limited examples, which is the reality in many aspects of human activity, robotic control, and network optimization.
Author Correction: Inhibition of Porphyromonas gulae and periodontal disease in dogs by a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha
Authors: Nomura Ryota , Inaba Hiroaki , Yasuda Hidemi , Shirai Mitsuyuki , Kato Yukio , Murakami Masaru , Iwashita Naoki , Shirahata So , Yoshida Sho , Matayoshi Saaya , Yasuda Junya , Arai Nobuaki , Asai Fumitoshi , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Single-cell transcriptomes of the human skin reveal age-related loss of fibroblast priming
Authors: Solé-Boldo Llorenç , Raddatz Günter , Schütz Sabrina , Mallm Jan-Philipp , Rippe Karsten , Lonsdorf Anke S. , Rodríguez-Paredes Manuel , Lyko Frank
Published: April 2020

Fibroblasts are an essential cell population for human skin architecture and function. While fibroblast heterogeneity is well established, this phenomenon has not been analyzed systematically yet. We have used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the transcriptomes of more than 5,000 fibroblasts from a sun-protected area in healthy human donors. Our results define four main subpopulations that can be spatially localized and show differential secretory, mesenchymal and pro-inflammatory functional annotations. Importantly, we found that this fibroblast ‘priming’ becomes reduced with age. We also show that aging causes a substantial reduction in the predicted interactions between dermal fibroblasts and other skin cells, including undifferentiated keratinocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction. Our work thus provides evidence for a functional specialization of human dermal fibroblasts and identifies the partial loss of cellular identity as an important age-related change in the human dermis. These findings have important implications for understanding human skin aging and its associated phenotypes.
Identification and characterization of in silico, in vivo, in vitro, and reactive metabolites of infigratinib using LC-ITMS: bioactivation pathway elucidation and in silico toxicity studies of its metabolites
Authors: Al-Shakliah Nasser S. , Attwa Mohamed W. , Kadi Adnan A. , AlRabiah Haitham
Published: April 2020

An in silico web designer tool was utilized to guide laboratory work for infigratinib metabolism. Sixteen metabolites of infigratinib and seven reactive intermediates (three iminium ions and four 1,4 benzoquinones) were characterized using LC-ITMS.
A super-stretchable, self-healing and injectable supramolecular hydrogel constructed by a host–guest crosslinker
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhang Yuanhao , Dai Zhaobo , Jiang Fang , Tian Jia , Zhang Weian
Published: April 2020

Supramolecular hydrogels based on host–guest interactions have drawn considerable attention due to their unique properties and promising applications.
A novel near-infrared turn-on and ratiometric fluorescent probe capable of copper(ii) ion determination in living cells
Authors: Aydin Ziya , Yan Bing , Wei Yibin , Guo Maolin
Published: April 2020

A novel NIR ratiometric fluorescent probe has been developed for monitoring the dynamic changes of subcellular Cu2+ and quantifying its concentration at the nanomolar level in living cells.
N-Terminal speciation for native chemical ligation
Authors: Maguire Oliver R. , Zhu Jiayun , Brittain William D. G. , Hudson Alexander S. , Cobb Steven L. , O’Donoghue AnnMarie C.
Published: April 2020

We show that four different thiol(ate) species are present in solution for N-terminal cysteines and thiolated analogues via the experimental determination of pKa(A)–pKa(D) values, enabling calculation of the population of species at any given pH.
Introducing aldehyde functionality to proteins using ligand-directed affinity labeling
Authors: Song Yinan , Xiong Feng , Peng Jianzhao , Fung Yi Man Eva , Huang Yiran , Li Xiaoyu
Published: April 2020

An affinity probe with a “hidden” aldehyde functionality for protein labeling is developed.
Photocaged FRET nanoflares for intracellular microRNA imaging
Authors: Li Jing , Cai Shijun , Zhou Bing , Meng Xiangxian , Guo Qiuping , Yang Xiaohai , Huang Jin , Wang Kemin
Published: April 2020

Herein, we developed photocaged FRET nanoflares for spatiotemporal microRNA imaging in living cells. In other words, the probes will not work until they are exposed to UV light.
Nucleation in a liquid droplet
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: April 2020

Nucleation of multi-microclusters in a droplet.
Magnesium-rich nanoprecipitates in calcite: atomistic mechanisms responsible for toughening in Ophiocoma wendtii
Authors: Broad Alexander , Ford Ian J. , Duffy Dorothy M. , Darkins Robert
Published: April 2020

Atomistic simulations provide insight into an example of the superiority of biogenic crystals, where Mg-rich nanoprecipitates in calcite inhibit crack propagation.
Comparing the optical properties and thermal stability of green (TbPO4), yellow (DyPO4), and red (PrPO4) emitting single crystal samples
Authors: Sharma Suchinder K. , Beyer Jan , Gloaguen Richard , Heitmann Johannes
Published: April 2020

Blue, green and red-emitting phosphors for near-UV/blue based phosphor blend converted white-light emitting devices have been investigated extensively over the past years.
Enhancing low-temperature methane conversion on Zn/ZSM-5 in the presence of methanol by regulating the methanol-to-aromatics reaction pathway
Authors: Xi Zhixiang , Zhou Bingjie , Yu Yue , Jiang Binbo , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Huang Zhengliang , Yang Yao , Sun Jingyuan , Yang Yongrong
Published: April 2020

The co-reaction method provides an efficient strategy for methane conversion under mild conditions, which is of urgent importance for direct valorization of natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons.
Pyridylamido hafnium complexes with a silylene bridge: synthesis and olefin polymerization
Authors: Kulyabin Pavel S. , Uborsky Dmitry V. , Voskoboynikov Alexander Z. , Canich Jo Ann M. , Hagadorn John R.
Published: April 2020

Pyridylamido hafnium complexes with a silylene bridge were synthesized, characterized with X-ray crystal structure analysis and shown to polymerize 1-hexene and propene and copolymerize ethylene and 1-octene.
Ni-Based heterogeneous catalysts for the transformation of fatty acids into higher yields of O-free hydrocarbons
Authors: Valencia Diego , Zenteno Citlalli , Gómora-Herrera Diana , Gómez-Pérez María Teresa , Aburto Jorge
Published: April 2020

Chelation of nickel species was used for the synthesis of highly active, stable and selective heterogeneous catalysts for biomass conversion.
Seeded droplet microfluidic system for small molecule crystallization
Authors: Garg N. , Tona R. , Martin P. , Martin-Soladana P. M. , Ward G. , Douillet N. , Lai D.
Published: April 2020

A microfluidic approach to seeded crystallization has been demonstrated using abacavir hemisulfate, a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, in droplet reactors to control polymorphism and produce particles with a low particle size distribution.
Nanoformulations of core–shell type hydroxyapatite-coated gum acacia with enhanced bioactivity and controlled drug delivery for biomedical applications
Authors: Padmanabhan Varun Prasath , Balakrishnan Subha , Kulandaivelu Ravichandran , T. S. N. Sankara Narayanan , Lakshmipathy Muthukrishnan , Sagadevan Suresh , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Paiman Suriati , Oh Won Chun
Published: April 2020

In this work, nanospherical hydroxyapatite (HAP) was prepared that has combined properties of controlled drug delivery, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity to have applications in the biomedical sector.
Terpyridine-functionalized chemically cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel for white emission and multistimuli-responsive behaviour
Authors: Fan Kaiqi , Wang Xiaobo , Ma Yongpeng , Yang Haoran , Han Guanglu , Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming
Published: April 2020

A highly efficient and multifunctional white-emitting hydrogel was fabricated using a facile copolymerization process by introducing a hydrophilic terpyridine-based chromophore into a polyacrylamide network.
Heterologous expression of the trichostatin gene cluster and functional characterization ofN-methyltransferase TsnB8
Authors: Liu Wei , Jannu Vinay Gopal , Liu Zhiwen , Zhang Qingbo , Jiang Xiaodong , Ma Liang , Zhang Wenjun , Zhang Changsheng , Zhu Yiguang
Published: April 2020

N-Methyltransferase TsnB8 was demonstrated to catalyze successive methyltransfer reactions in the biosynthesis of trichostatin.
Retraction: Simultaneous sorption and reduction of U(vi) on magnetite–reduced graphene oxide composites investigated by macroscopic, spectroscopic and modeling techniques
Authors: Cheng Wencai , Jin Zhongxiu , Ding Congcong , Wang Maolin
Published: April 2020

Retraction of ‘Simultaneous sorption and reduction of U(vi) on magnetite–reduced graphene oxide composites investigated by macroscopic, spectroscopic and modeling techniques’ by Wencai Cheng et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 59677–59685, DOI: 10.1039/C5RA10451C.
A novel strategy to simultaneously tailor morphology and electronic structure of CuCo hybrid oxides for enhanced electrocatalytic performance in overall water splitting
Authors: Li Lingjie , Cao Liu , He Qiudong , Shang Bo , Chen Jinlong , Lei Jinglei , Li Nianbing , Pan Fusheng
Published: April 2020

A novel and facile strategy to simultaneously tailor the morphology and electronic structure of CuCoOx by incorporation of CeO2 as bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient overall water splitting.
Liposomal adhesion via electrostatic interactions and osmotic deflation increase membrane tension and lipid diffusion coefficient
Authors: Oda Atsushi , Watanabe Chiho , Aoki Natsumi , Yanagisawa Miho
Published: April 2020

Liposome–liposome adhesion by electrostatic interactions and osmotic contraction increase membrane tension and the lipid diffusion coefficient compared to isolated liposomes.
Interfacial coordination assembly of tannic acid with metal ions on three-dimensional nickel hydroxide nanowalls for efficient water splitting
Authors: Wang Yueqing , Chen Si , Zhao Shuya , Chen Qianwu , Zhang Jintao
Published: April 2020

Interfacial coordination of tannic acid with metal ions enables conformal coating on nickel hydroxide nanowalls for enhancing the water-splitting performance.
Formation of Ga double grading in submicron Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells by pre-depositing a CuGaSe2 layer
Authors: Kong Yifan , Li Jianmin , Ma Zengyang , Chi Zheng , Xiao Xudong
Published: April 2020

By introducing a pre-deposited CuGaSe2 layer, a steep Ga back grading has been formed in a submicron CIGS layer with a high-temperature process for the first time.
The negatively charged microenvironment of collagen hydrogels regulates the chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cellsin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Yang Jirong , Xiao Yumei , Tang Zizhao , Luo Zhaocong , Li Dongxiao , Wang Qiguang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: April 2020

The different negatively charged microenvironments of collagen hydrogels affect the protein adsorption, cell morphology, and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCsin vitroandin vivo.
New structural insights into bacterial sulfoacetaldehyde and taurine metabolism
Authors: Rohwerder Thore
Published: April 2020

In last year's issue 4 of Biochemical Journal, Zhou et al. (Biochem J. 476, 733–746) kinetically and structurally characterized the reductase IsfD from Klebsiella oxytoca that catalyzes the reversible reduction in sulfoacetaldehyde to the corresponding alcohol isethionate. This is a key step in detoxification of the carbonyl intermediate formed in bacterial nitrogen assimilation from the α-aminoalkanesulfonic acid taurine. In 2019, the work on sulfoacetaldehyde reductase IsfD was the exciting start to a quite remarkable series of articles dealing with structural elucidation of proteins involved in taurine metabolism as well as the discovery of novel degradation pathways in bacteria.
Targeted point mutations of the m6A modification in miR675 using RNA-guided base editing induce cell apoptosis
Authors: Hao Jindong , Li Chengshun , Lin Chao , Hao Yang , Yu Xianfeng , Xia Yidan , Gao Fei , Jiang Ziping , Wang Dongxu
Published: April 2020

Methylation of the adenine base at the nitrogen 6 position (m6A) is the most common post-transcriptional epigenetic modification of RNA, and it plays a very important role in regulating gene expression. To investigate the role of m6A methylation in the expression of non-coding RNA and miRNA, we used a system of adenine base editors (ABEs). Here, we mutated regions up- and downstream of miRNA 675 m6A modification sites in the H19 locus using HEK293T, L02, MHCC97L, MHCC97H, A549, and SGC-7901 cells. Our results showed that a T–A base transversion had occurred in all cell lines. Moreover, mutation of the regions upstream of the miRNA 675 m6A modification site led to reduced expression of H19 and the induction of cell apoptosis in HEK293T cells. To further confirm our results, L02 and MHCC97L cells were detected using ABEs system. The results indicated increased cell apoptosis and reduced expression of miR675 as well as H19. To confirm the relationship between H19 and miR675 expression, overexpression and knockdown studies were performed. The results showed that reduced HI9 expression induced cell apoptosis through miR675. Taken together, these results indicate that m6A modification can regulate the expression of H19 and miR675 which induce cell apoptosis.
Effect of organoclay loading on the dielectric properties and charge dynamics of a PP‐rubber nanocomposite
Authors: Shaw Allison V. , Ketsamee Phichet , Andritsch Thomas , Vaughan Alun S.
Published: April 2020

The addition of organoclay to a polypropylene‐rubber (PP‐rubber) blend, primarily introduced to compatibilise the immiscible polymer blend, invokes contrasting dielectric and charge dynamic behaviour depending on the filler loading level. The authors report that at 0.5 wt.% loading, the organoclay decreases the DC conductivity, causes no significant dielectric losses, makes no significant difference to the space charge results compared to the unfilled system, and increases the reproducibility of the breakdown strength results, and hence the reliability of the material. These somewhat surprising results, contrasted by measurements of samples with 2.5 and 5 wt.%, lead us to conclude that trace amounts of organoclay improve the otherwise immiscible polymer blend making organoclay a suitable additive for HVDC applications.
Dissipativity of Markovian multiple‐weighted coupled neural networks with dynamic event‐triggered pinning control
Authors: Chen Weizhong , Zhang Yang , Zheng Yelei
Published: April 2020

In this study, the ‐ ‐dissipativity problem is addressed for Markovian multiple‐weighted coupled neural networks (MWCNNs) with coupling delays by using pinning control and dynamic event‐triggered mechanism. By controlling a small number of nodes in the network combining with dynamic event‐triggered strategy, the system resources can not only be utilised more efficiently but also more conducive to engineering implementation. First, the authors propose a ‐ ‐dissipativity condition of Markovian MWCNNs. Second, pinning controller and dynamic event‐triggered scheme are both designed based on the derived dissipativity criterion. Furthermore, the elimination of Zeno phenomenon is proofed for the proposed event‐triggered method. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the admissibility and effectiveness of the acquired results.
Radial-velocity variations due to meridional flows in the Sun and solar-type stars: impact on exoplanet detectability
Authors: Meunier N. , Lagrange A.-M.
Published: April 2020

Context. Stellar variability due to magnetic activity and flows at different spatial scales strongly impacts radial velocities. This variability is seen as oscillations, granulation, supergranulation, and meridional flows. The effect of this latter process is currently poorly known but could affect exoplanet detectability.

Aims. We aim to quantify the amplitude of the meridional flow integrated over the disc and its temporal variability, first for the Sun, as seen with different inclinations, and then for other solar-type stars. We then want to compare these amplitudes with low-mass exoplanetary amplitudes in radial velocity.

Methods. We used long time series (covering two 11-yr cycles) of solar latitudinal meridional circulation to reconstruct its integrated contribution and study its properties. We then used scaling laws from hydrodynamical simulations relating the amplitude of the meridional flow variability with stellar mass and rotation rate to estimate the typical amplitude expected for other solar-type stars.

Results. We find typical rms of the order of 0.5–0.7 m s−1 (edge-on) and 1.2–1.7 m s−1 (pole-on) for the Sun (peak-to-peak amplitudes are typically 1–1.4 m s−1 and 2.3–3.3 m s−1 resp.), with a minimal jitter for an inclination of 45–55°. This signal is significant compared to other stellar activity contributions and is much larger than the radial-velocity signal of the Earth. The variability is strongly related to the activity cycle, with maximum flows during the descending phase of the cycle, and possible variability on timescales lower than the cycle period. Extension to other solar-type stars shows that the variability due to meridional flows is dominated by the amplitude of the cycle of those stars (compared with mass and rotation rate), and that the peak-to-peak amplitudes can reach 4 m s−1 for the most variable stars when seen pole-on. The meridional flow contribution sometimes represents a high fraction of the convective blueshift inhibition signal, especially for quiet, low-mass stars. For fast-rotating stars, the presence of multi-cellular patterns should significantly decrease the meridional flow contribution to the radial-velocity signal.

Conclusions. Our study shows that these meridional flows could be critical for exoplanet detection. Low inclinations are more impacted than edge-on configurations, but these latter still exhibit significant variability. Meridional flows also degrade the correlation between radial velocities due to convective blueshift inhibition and chromospheric activity indicators. This will make the correction from this signal challenging for stars with no multi-cellular patterns, such as the Sun for example, although there may be some configurations for which the line shape variations may be used if the precision is sufficient.
Verhalten und Fertilität von Sauen in Gruppenhaltung
Authors: Sievert Maren
Published: April 2020

Campler M, Pairis-Garcia M, Kieffer J et al. Sow behavior and productivity in a small stable group housing system. J Swine Health Prod 2019; 27 (2): 76–86

Aufgrund der Veränderungen der Anforderungen an die moderne Tierhaltung ordnen immer mehr Staaten der USA die Gruppenhaltung von tragenden Sauen an. Diese Studie untersuchte den Einfluss eines elektronischen Fütterungsautomaten mit „single-entry/exit“ in einer kleinen Gruppenhaltung auf das Verhalten, die Rangordnung und die Fruchtbarkeit von Sauen zum Zeitpunkt der 1. und 2. Trächtigkeit.