bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoelectrons as a Tracer of Planetary Atmospheric Composition: Application to CO on Mars
Authors: Wu X.‐S. , Cui J. , Yelle R. V. , Cao Y.‐T. , He Z.‐G. , He F. , Wei Y.
Published: June 2020

Photoelectrons are an extensively studied component of planetary ionospheres which have been frequently used as a diagnostic of ambient magnetic fields. We show in this study that they also provide information on atmospheric composition via the altitude variation of photoelectron intensity at specific energies. Such an idea is applied to Mars for which a large observational sample of photoelectrons is available from the Solar Wind Electron Analyzer measurements made by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN). Our analysis reveals a strong decline in photoelectron intensity from 160 to 200 km, but this trend is restricted to a narrow energy range of 10–15 eV. By employing analytical yield spectrum calculations, we derive the model variations based on different choices of the background atmosphere. We find that the presence of CO is crucial for reproducing the observed variations. This allows atmospheric CO densities to be estimated from photoelectron measurements, which are a factor of 3–7 lower than the published densities based on the MAVEN Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements and in better agreement with existing model results. In general, the usefulness of photoelectron intensity at a specific energy as a tracer of atmospheric composition relies critically on the species‐dependent inelastic electron impact cross section at this energy.
Author Correction: NADH oxidase-dependent CD39 expression by CD8+ T cells modulates interferon gamma responses via generation of adenosine
Authors: Bai Aiping , Moss Alan , Rothweiler Sonja , Longhi Maria Serena , Wu Yan , Junger Wolfgang G. , Robson Simon C.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Magnetic pumping model for energizing superthermal particles applied to observations of the Earth's bow shock
Authors: Lichko E. , Egedal J.
Published: June 2020

Energetic particle generation is an important component of a variety of astrophysical systems, from seed particle generation in shocks to the heating of the solar wind. It has been shown that magnetic pumping is an efficient mechanism for heating thermal particles, using the largest-scale magnetic fluctuations. Here we show that when magnetic pumping is extended to a spatially-varying magnetic flux tube, magnetic trapping of superthermal particles renders pumping an effective energization method for particles moving faster than the speed of the waves and naturally generates power-law distributions. We validated the theory by spacecraft observations of the strong, compressional magnetic fluctuations near the Earth’s bow shock from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. Given the ubiquity of magnetic fluctuations in different astrophysical systems, this mechanism has the potential to be transformative to our understanding of how the most energetic particles in the universe are generated.
Spt6 is a maintenance factor for centromeric CENP-A
Authors: Bobkov Georg O. M. , Huang Anming , van den Berg Sebastiaan J. W. , Mitra Sreyoshi , Anselm Eduard , Lazou Vasiliki , Schunter Sarah , Feederle Regina , Imhof Axel , Lusser Alexandra , Jansen Lars E. T. , Heun Patrick
Published: June 2020

Replication and transcription of genomic DNA requires partial disassembly of nucleosomes to allow progression of polymerases. This presents both an opportunity to remodel the underlying chromatin and a danger of losing epigenetic information. Centromeric transcription is required for stable incorporation of the centromere-specific histone dCENP-A in M/G1 phase, which depends on the eviction of previously deposited H3/H3.3-placeholder nucleosomes. Here we demonstrate that the histone chaperone and transcription elongation factor Spt6 spatially and temporarily coincides with centromeric transcription and prevents the loss of old CENP-A nucleosomes in both Drosophila and human cells. Spt6 binds directly to dCENP-A and dCENP-A mutants carrying phosphomimetic residues alleviate this association. Retention of phosphomimetic dCENP-A mutants is reduced relative to wildtype, while non-phosphorylatable dCENP-A retention is increased and accumulates at the centromere. We conclude that Spt6 acts as a conserved CENP-A maintenance factor that ensures long-term stability of epigenetic centromere identity during transcription-mediated chromatin remodeling.
A multi-omics analysis reveals the unfolded protein response regulon and stress-induced resistance to folate-based antimetabolites
Authors: Reich Stefan , Nguyen Chi D. L. , Has Canan , Steltgens Sascha , Soni Himanshu , Coman Cristina , Freyberg Moritz , Bichler Anna , Seifert Nicole , Conrad Dominik , Knobbe-Thomsen Christiane B. , Tews Björn , Toedt Grischa , Ahrends Robert , Medenbach Jan
Published: June 2020

Stress response pathways are critical for cellular homeostasis, promoting survival through adaptive changes in gene expression and metabolism. They play key roles in numerous diseases and are implicated in cancer progression and chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanisms are only poorly understood. We have employed a multi-omics approach to monitor changes to gene expression after induction of a stress response pathway, the unfolded protein response (UPR), probing in parallel the transcriptome, the proteome, and changes to translation. Stringent filtering reveals the induction of 267 genes, many of which have not previously been implicated in stress response pathways. We experimentally demonstrate that UPR‐mediated translational control induces the expression of enzymes involved in a pathway that diverts intermediate metabolites from glycolysis to fuel mitochondrial one‐carbon metabolism. Concomitantly, the cells become resistant to the folate-based antimetabolites Methotrexate and Pemetrexed, establishing a direct link between UPR‐driven changes to gene expression and resistance to pharmacological treatment.
A synthetic ion channel with anisotropic ligand response
Authors: Muraoka Takahiro , Noguchi Daiki , Kasai Rinshi S. , Sato Kohei , Sasaki Ryo , Tabata Kazuhito V. , Ekimoto Toru , Ikeguchi Mitsunori , Kamagata Kiyoto , Hoshino Norihisa , Noji Hiroyuki , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Ichimura Kazuaki , Kinbara Kazushi
Published: June 2020

Biological membranes play pivotal roles in the cellular activities. Transmembrane proteins are the central molecules that conduct membrane-mediated biochemical functions such as signal transduction and substance transportation. Not only the molecular functions but also the supramolecular properties of the transmembrane proteins such as self-assembly, delocalization, orientation and signal response are essential for controlling cellular activities. Here we report anisotropic ligand responses of a synthetic multipass transmembrane ion channel. An unsymmetrical molecular structure allows for oriented insertion of the synthetic amphiphile to a bilayer by addition to a pre-formed membrane. Complexation with a ligand prompts ion transportation by forming a supramolecular channel, and removal of the ligand deactivates the transportation function. Biomimetic regulation of the synthetic channel by agonistic and antagonistic ligands is also demonstrated not only in an artificial membrane but also in a biological membrane of a living cell.
Rational design of aptamer switches with programmable pH response
Authors: Thompson Ian A. P. , Zheng Liwei , Eisenstein Michael , Soh H. Tom
Published: June 2020

Aptamer switches that respond sensitively to pH could enhance control over molecular devices, improving their diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy. Previous designs have inserted pH-sensitive DNA motifs into aptamer sequences. Unfortunately, their performance was limited by the motifs’ intrinsic pH-responses and could not be tuned to operate across arbitrary pH ranges. Here, we present a methodology for converting virtually any aptamer into a molecular switch with pH-selective binding properties — in acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions. Our design inserts two orthogonal motifs that can be manipulated in parallel to tune pH-sensitivity without altering the aptamer sequence itself. From a single ATP aptamer, we engineer pH-controlled target binding under diverse conditions, achieving pH-induced selectivity in affinity of up to 1,000-fold. Importantly, we demonstrate the design of tightly regulated aptamers with strong target affinity over only a narrow pH range. Our approach offers a highly generalizable strategy for integrating pH-responsiveness into molecular devices.
Age and sex affect deep learning prediction of cardiometabolic risk factors from retinal images
Authors: Gerrits Nele , Elen Bart , Craenendonck Toon Van , Triantafyllidou Danai , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Malik Rayaz A. , De Boever Patrick
Published: June 2020

Deep neural networks can extract clinical information, such as diabetic retinopathy status and individual characteristics (e.g. age and sex), from retinal images. Here, we report the first study to train deep learning models with retinal images from 3,000 Qatari citizens participating in the Qatar Biobank study. We investigated whether fundus images can predict cardiometabolic risk factors, such as age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, glycaemic status, total lipid panel, sex steroid hormones and bioimpedance measurements. Additionally, the role of age and sex as mediating factors when predicting cardiometabolic risk factors from fundus images was studied. Predictions at person-level were made by combining information of an optic disc centred and a macula centred image of both eyes with deep learning models using the MobileNet-V2 architecture. An accurate prediction was obtained for age (mean absolute error (MAE): 2.78 years) and sex (area under the curve: 0.97), while an acceptable performance was achieved for systolic blood pressure (MAE: 8.96 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (MAE: 6.84 mmHg), Haemoglobin A1c (MAE: 0.61%), relative fat mass (MAE: 5.68 units) and testosterone (MAE: 3.76 nmol/L). We discovered that age and sex were mediating factors when predicting cardiometabolic risk factors from fundus images. We have found that deep learning models indirectly predict sex when trained for testosterone. For blood pressure, Haemoglobin A1c and relative fat mass an influence of age and sex was observed. However, achieved performance cannot be fully explained by the influence of age and sex. In conclusion we confirm that age and sex can be predicted reliably from a fundus image and that unique information is stored in the retina that relates to blood pressure, Haemoglobin A1c and relative fat mass. Future research should focus on stratification when predicting person characteristics from a fundus image.
Quantum measurement optimization by decomposition of measurements into extremals
Authors: Martínez-Vargas Esteban , Pineda Carlos , Barberis-Blostein Pablo
Published: June 2020

Using the convex structure of positive operator value measurements and several quantities used in quantum metrology, such as quantum Fisher information or the quantum Van Trees information, we present an efficient numerical method to find the best strategy allowed by quantum mechanics to estimate a parameter. This method explores extremal measurements thus providing a significant advantage over previously used methods. We exemplify the method for different cost functions in a qubit and in a harmonic oscillator and find a strong numerical advantage when the desired target error is sufficiently small.
Hydrodynamic flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluid past a moving wedge or a stretching sheet: a unified computational approach
Authors: Kudenatti Ramesh B. , Misbah Noor-E-
Published: June 2020

A unified mathematical equation that combines two different boundary-layer flows of viscous and incompressible Ostwald-de Waele fluid is derived and studied. The motion of the mainstream and the wedge is approximated in the power-law manner, i.e, in terms of the power of the distance from the leading boundary-layer edge. It is also considered that the wedge can move in the same and opposite direction to that of the mainstream. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary differential equation using a new set of similarity variables. This transformed equation subjected to the boundary conditions describing the flow is then solved using the Chebyshev collocation method. Further, these numerical results are then validated by determining the flow behaviour at far-field by performing asymptotics. The velocity ratio parameter effectively captures and distinguishes two boundary-layer flows. The boundary layer thickness for shear-thinning fluid is thinner compared to corresponding parameters for shear-thickening fluids and is markedly separated by the Newtonian fluid. Further, the boundary-layer flow of the non-Newtonian fluid predicts an infinite viscosity for shear-thinning fluid quite away from the surface. The hydrodynamics of the obtained results is explained thoroughly.
Assessing Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Runoff for Urban Farming with Iron filings-based Green Environmental Media
Authors: Wen Dan , Chang Ni-Bin , Wanielista Martin P.
Published: June 2020

Ensuring urban areas have access to clean drinking water, safe food supply, and uncontaminated water bodies is essential to the good health of millions of urban residents. This paper presents the functionality of Iron Filings-based Green Environmental Media (IFGEM) in terms of nutrient removal efficiencies to support water quality management and urban farming. IFGEM uses recycled materials such as tire crumb and iron filings to help remove nutrients with essential physicochemical properties. In this study, IFGEM were proven effective and sustainable through an isotherm study, a column study of reaction kinetics, and a microstructure examination under various inlet nutrient concentration levels. IFGEMs exhibited over 90% nitrate removal, as well as 50–70% total phosphorus removal, under most inlet conditions. These promising results make IFGEM suitable for treating stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, and agricultural discharge via varying ex situ treatment units in flexible landscape environments. In addition, the byproduct of ammonia generation permits possible reuse of spent IFGEM as soil amendments in crop land, gardens and yards, and green roofs for urban farming. Findings may help secure urban food supply chains and harmonize nutrients, soil, water, and waste management in different urban environments.
Impeding Nucleation for More Significant Grain Refinement
Authors: Fan Zhongyun , Gao Feng , Jiang Bo , Que Zhongping
Published: June 2020

Grain refinement has been a topic of extensive research due to its scientific and technological importance as a common industrial practice for over seven decades. The traditional approach to grain refinement has been to reduce nucleation undercooling by the addition of potent nucleant particles. Here we show both theoretically and experimentally that more significant grain refinement can be achieved through increasing nucleation undercooling by using impotent nucleant particles. Based on the concept of explosive grain initiation, this new approach is illustrated by grain initiation maps and grain refinement maps and validated by experiments. It is anticipated that this new approach may lead to a profound change in both nucleation research and industrial practice well beyond metal casting.
Association of Alk1 and Endoglin Polymorphisms with Cardiovascular Damage
Authors: Garzon-Martinez Mercedes , Perretta-Tejedor Nuria , Garcia-Ortiz Luis , Gomez-Marcos Manuel A. , Gonzalez-Sarmiento Rogelio , Lopez-Hernandez Francisco J. , Martinez-Salgado Carlos
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are associated to risk factors as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The transforming growth factor-β1 receptors ALK1 and endoglin regulate blood pressure and vascular homeostasis. However, no studies relate the association of ALK1 and endoglin polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors. We analysed the predictive value of the ALK1 and endoglin polymorphisms on cardiovascular target organ damage in hypertensive and diabetic patients in 379 subjects with or without hypertension and diabetes in a Primary Care setting. The ALK1 rs2071219 polymorphism (AA genotype) is associated with a lower presence of diabetic retinopathy and with the absence of altered basal glycaemia. Being carrier of the ALK1 rs3847859 polymorphism (G allele) is associated with lower basal heart rate and with higher LDL-cholesterol levels. The endoglin rs3739817 polymorphism (AA genotype) is associated with higher levels of LDL-cholesterol, and being carrier of the endoglin rs10987759 polymorphism (C allele) is associated with higher haemoglobin levels and with an increased heart rate. Summarizing, several ALK1 and endoglin gene polymorphisms increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The analysis of these polymorphisms in populations at risk, in combination with the determination of other parameters and biomarkers, could implement the diagnosis and prognosis of susceptibility to cardiovascular damage.
Measuring the Frequency-Specific Functional Connectivity Using Wavelet Coherence Analysis in Stroke Rats Based on Intrinsic Signals
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Leila , Latifi Hamid , Khaksar Sepideh , Feiz Mohammad-Sadegh , Motamedi Fereshteh , Asadollahi Amir , Ezzatpour Marzieh
Published: June 2020

Optical intrinsic signal imaging (OISi) method is an optical technique to evaluate the functional connectivity (FC) of the cortex in animals. Already, using OISi, the FC of the cortex has been measured in time or frequency domain separately, and at frequencies below 0.08 Hz, which is not in the frequency range of hemodynamic oscillations which are able to track fast cortical events, including neurogenic, myogenic, cardiac and respiratory activities. In the current work, we calculated the wavelet coherence (WC) transform of the OISi time series to evaluate the cerebral response changes in the stroke rats. Utilizing WC, we measured FC at frequencies up to 4.5 Hz, and could monitor the time and frequency dependency of the FC simultaneously. The results showed that the WC of the brain diminished significantly in ischemic motor and somatosensory cortices. According to the statistical results, the signal amplitude, responsive area size, correlation, and wavelet coherence of the motor and the somatosensory cortices for stroke hemisphere were found to be significantly lower compared to the healthy hemisphere. The obtained results confirm that the OISi-based WC analysis is an efficient method to diagnose the relative severity of infarction and the size of the infarcted region after ischemic stroke.
Reversible Underwater Adhesion: The Unique C-shaped Suckers of Net-winged Midge Larvae (Blepharicera sp.)
Authors: Liu Guan-Lin , Chang Haw-Kai , Chuang Yung-Chieh , Lin Yu-Min , Chen Po-Yu
Published: June 2020

Aquatic insects living in fast-flowing streams have developed various types of attachment systems to resist being carried away by strong currents. Combinations of various attachment devices offer aquatic insects advantages in underwater adhesion on substrates with different surface properties. In this study, the net-winged midge (Blepharicera sp.) larvae were investigated to understand micro-/nano-structural attachment mechanisms. The hierarchical structure of insect adhesive surfaces was characterized using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Centrifugal measurements were also conducted to measure the critical rotational velocity at which the larvae of Blepharicera sp. can adhere to substrates with varying roughness. Commercial suckers require smooth substrate surface to maintain a pressure that is lower than the surrounding pressure for adhesion under the sucker cup while the suckers of net-winged midge larvae possess hierarchical micro-/nano-structures, which attach closely to rough surfaces underwater. Furthermore, the functions of microstructures observed on the sucker, including wrinkled surface, inward setae, outer fibers, and nick were explored and may contribute to underwater adhesion. The aligned C-shaped suckers can attach and detach effectively by closing or opening the gap. The unique microstructure and adhesion capability of such suckers could shed light on the design and synthesis of novel bio-inspired devices for reversible underwater adhesion.
Fungal-like particles and macrophage-conditioned medium are inflammatory elicitors for 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Jakkawanpitak Chanawee , Hutadilok-Towatana Nongporn , Sermwittayawong Decha
Published: June 2020

Adipocytes from white-adipose tissue are known to produce inflammatory cytokines, which play a major role in energy balance and metabolism. While they can respond to pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from bacteria, it is not known whether adipocytes can be stimulated by fungal cells. Previously, adipocytes were shown to produce toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a β-glucan receptor, suggesting that they could respond to β-glucan on the fungal cell wall. In this study, we show that heat-killed yeast induce an inflammatory response in adipocytes. Using fungal-like particles, namely laminarin-coated beads (LCB), we find that these particles trigger the expression of many key inflammatory genes in dose- and time-dependent fashions in adipocytes. These results suggest that β-glucan on the fungal cell wall is sufficient to elicit an inflammatory response in adipocytes. In addition, we show that both LCB and LCB-treated conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 murine macrophages (LCB-RM) induce the expression of those inflammatory genes through IKKβ-IκBα proteins. Together, we conclude that the fungal-like particles and the conditioned medium elicit an inflammatory response in adipocytes through the canonical or classical NF-κB pathway.
Can information from citizen science data be used to predict biodiversity in stormwater ponds?
Authors: Johansson Frank , Heino Jani , Coiffard Paul , Svanbäck Richard , Wester Jacob , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: June 2020

Citizen science data (CSD) have the potential to be a powerful scientific approach to assess, monitor and predict biodiversity. Here, we ask whether CSD could be used to predict biodiversity of recently constructed man-made habitats. Biodiversity data on adult dragonfly abundance from all kinds of aquatic habitats collected by citizen scientists (volunteers) were retrieved from the Swedish Species Observation System and were compared with dragonfly abundance in man-made stormwater ponds. The abundance data of dragonflies in the stormwater ponds were collected with a scientific, standardized design. Our results showed that the citizen science datasets differed significantly from datasets collected scientifically in stormwater ponds. Hence, we could not predict biodiversity in stormwater ponds from the data collected by citizen scientists. Using CSD from past versus recent years or from small versus large areas surrounding the stormwater ponds did not change the outcome of our tests. However, we found that biodiversity patterns obtained with CSD were similar to those from stormwater ponds when we restricted our analyses to rare species. We also found a higher beta diversity for the CSD compared to the stormwater dataset. Our results suggest that if CSD are to be used for estimating or predicting biodiversity, we need to develop methods that take into account or correct for the under-reporting of common species in CSD.
In silico analysis reveals EP300 as a panCancer inhibitor of anti-tumor immune response via metabolic modulation
Authors: Krupar Rosemarie , Watermann Christian , Idel Christian , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Offermann Anne , Pasternack Helen , Kirfel Jutta , Sikora Andrew G. , Perner Sven
Published: June 2020

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and other solid malignancies is a key determinant of therapy response and prognosis. Among other factors, it is shaped by the tumor mutational burden and defects in DNA repair enzymes. Based on the TCGA database we aimed to define specific, altered genes associated with different TIME types, which might represent new predictive markers or targets for immuno-therapeutic approaches. The HNSCC cohort of the TCGA database was used to define 3 TIME types (immune-activated, immune-suppressed, immune-absent) according to expression of immune-related genes. Mutation frequencies were correlated to the 3 TIME types. Overall survival was best in the immune-activated group. 9 genes were significantly differentially mutated in the 3 TIME types with strongest differences for TP53 and the histone-acetyltransferase EP300. Mutations in EP300 correlated with an immune-activated TIME. In panCancer analyses anti-tumor immune activity was increased in EP300 mutated esophageal, stomach and prostate cancers. Downregulation of EP300 gene expression was associated with higher anti-tumor immunity in most solid malignancies. Since EP300 is a promoter of glycolysis, which negatively affects anti-tumor immune response, we analyzed the association of EP300 with tumor metabolism. PanCancer tumor metabolism was strongly shifted towards oxidative phosphorylation in EP300 downregulated tumors. In silico analyses of of publicly available in vitro data showed a decrease of glycolysis-associated genes after treatment with the EP300 inhibitor C646. Our study reveals associations of specific gene alterations with different TIME types. In detail, we defined EP300 as a panCancer inhibitor of the TIME most likely via metabolic modulation. In this context EP300 represents a promising predictive biomarker and an immuno-therapeutic target.
The 2020 coronavirus lockdown and seismic monitoring of anthropic activities in Northern Italy
Authors: Poli Piero , Boaga Jacopo , Molinari Irene , Cascone Valeria , Boschi Lapo
Published: June 2020

In March/April 2020 the Italian government drastically reduced vehicle traffic and interrupted all non-essential industrial activities over the entire national territory. Italy thus became the first country in the world, with the exception of Hubei, to enact lockdown measures as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak and the need to contain it. Italy is also a seismically active area, and as such is monitored by a dense permanent network of seismic stations. We analyse continuous seismic data from many stations in northern and central Italy, and quantify the impact of the lockdown on seismic ambient noise, as a function of time and location. We find that the lockdown reduces ambient noise significantly in the 1–10 Hz frequency range; because natural sources of seismic noise are not affected by the lockdown, the seismic signature of anthropic noise can be characterised with unprecedented clarity, by simply comparing the signal recorded before and after the lockdown. Our results correlate well with independent evaluations of the impact of the lockdown (e.g., cell phone displacements), and we submit that ambient-noise seismology is a useful tool to monitor containment measures such as the coronavirus lockdowns.
First report of the occurrence of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species in Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Oke Abiola Olufunke , Oladigbolu Abiola Adeyinka , Kunta Madhurababu , Alabi Olufemi J. , Sétamou Mamoudou
Published: June 2020

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP; Diaphorina citri) is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that is associated with the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening disease). This pest of Asian origin has spread into the Americas and more recently into a few countries in East Africa. During recent surveys, suspect ACP adults and nymphs were recorded for the first time infesting citrus trees in southwest Nigeria. Morphological identification and DNA barcoding confirmed the samples to be D. citri. Analysis of the obtained sequences revealed that the ACP recorded in Nigeria clustered with other taxa in the previously identified B1 clade that consists of populations from different continents. The presence of the endosymbionts Ca. Carsonella ruddii and Ca. Profftella armatura in ACP from Nigeria was also confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The ACP individuals were assayed for the presence of CLaf, CLam and CLas by qPCR, but none of the insects tested positive for any of the Liberibacters. The prolific nature of ACP and the tropical climate prevailing in the citrus-producing areas of Nigeria and other West African countries may favor its rapid spread and population increase, thus posing a grave threat to the sustainability of citriculture in these countries.
Range-wide genetic structure in the thorn-tailed rayadito suggests limited gene flow towards peripheral populations
Authors: Botero-Delgadillo Esteban , Quirici Veronica , Poblete Yanina , Acevedo Matías , Cuevas Élfego , Bravo Camila , Cragnolini Margherita , Rozzi Ricardo , Poulin Elie , Mueller Jakob C. , Kempenaers Bart , Vásquez Rodrigo A.
Published: June 2020

Understanding the population genetic consequences of habitat heterogeneity requires assessing whether patterns of gene flow correspond to landscape configuration. Studies of the genetic structure of populations are still scarce for Neotropical forest birds. We assessed range-wide genetic structure and contemporary gene flow in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a passerine bird inhabiting the temperate forests of South America. We used 12 microsatellite loci to genotype 582 individuals from eight localities across a large latitudinal range (30°S–56°S). Using population structure metrics, multivariate analyses, clustering algorithms, and Bayesian methods, we found evidence for moderately low regional genetic structure and reduced gene flow towards the range margins. Genetic differentiation increased with geographic distance, particularly in the southern part of the species’ distribution where forests are continuously distributed. Populations in the north seem to experience limited gene flow likely due to forest discontinuity, and may comprise a demographically independent unit. The southernmost population, on the other hand, is genetically depauperate and different from all other populations. Different analytical approaches support the presence of three to five genetic clusters. We hypothesize that the genetic structure of the species follows a hierarchical clustered pattern.
Helicobacter pylori eradication affects platelet count recovery in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lee Ayoung , Hong Junshik , Chung Hyunsoo , Koh Youngil , Cho Soo-Jeong , Byun Ja Min , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Inho
Published: June 2020

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is on the rise as a cause of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). It has been suggested that platelet recovery can be achieved following successful microbial eradication, although, the exact pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the long-term effects of H. pylori eradication monotherapy on platelet count recovery in patients with ITP. H. pylori eradication was analysed in 61 ITP patients. Patients who maintained a complete response (CR) for more than six months were classified as sustained responders (SR). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 54.3% (75/138), and the success rate of eradication with first-line therapy was 71.4% (35/49). Patients who had achieved a CR at 2 months maintained a higher platelet count thereafter. At 1 year following eradication, platelet counts had increased 2.78 times in the eradicated group, 1.36 times in the sustained infection group, and 1.33 times in the no infection group compared with the baseline (P = 0.016).
Transcriptomic study in women with trisomy 21 identifies a possible role of the GTPases of the immunity-associated proteins (GIMAP) in the protection of breast cancer
Authors: Mégarbané André , Piquemal David , Rebillat Anne-Sophie , Stora Samantha , Pierrat Fabien , Bruno Roman , Noguier Florian , Mircher Clotilde , Ravel Aimé , Vilaire-Meunier Marie , Durand Sophie , Lefranc Gérard
Published: June 2020

Background: People with trisomy 21 (T21) are predisposed to developing hematological tumors, but have significantly lower-than-expected age-adjusted incidence rates of having a solid tumor. Material and methods: To identify novel genetic factors implicated in the lower breast cancer (BC) frequency observed in women with T21 than in the general population, we compared the transcriptome pattern of women with a homogeneous T21, aged more than 30 years, with or without BC, and tumoral BC tissue of control women with a normal karyotype from the study of Varleyet al. (2014). Results: Differential analysis of gene expression between the 15 women in the T21 without BC group and BC patients in the other groups (two women with T21 and fifteen control women, respectively) revealed 154 differentially expressed genes, of which 63 were found to have similar expression profile (up- or downregulated). Of those 63 genes, four were in the same family, namelyGIMAP4,GIMAP6,GIMAP7andGIMAP8, and were strongly upregulated in the T21 without BC group compared to the other groups. A significant decrease in mRNA levels of these genes in BC tissues compared to non-tumor breast tissues was also noted. Conclusion: We found that the expression of someGIMAPsis significantly higher in women with T21 without BC than in patients with sporadic BC. Our findings support the hypothesis that GIMAPs may play a tumor-suppressive role against BC, and open the possibility that they may also have the same role for other solid tumors in T21 patients. The search for new prognostic factors and hopefully new therapeutic or preventive strategies against BC are discussed.
The Chemical Biology of Sulfur
Authors: Walsh Christopher T
Published: June 2020

This volume aims to provide an in-depth view of the complete biochemistry of sulfur with an emphasis on aspects not covered elsewhere. Given its role in the formation of proteins and presence in the amino acids methionine and cysteine, sulfur is essential to life. Current literature on the biochemistry of sulfur is vast and widely dispersed, as such this volume is intended as a single-source for everything concerning sulfur biochemistry from metabolic roles of inorganic sulfur, to thiol and thioether chemical biology, to the university of cysteine chemistry in proteomes. Authored by a renowned biochemist and experienced writer and educator, this book is ideal for students and researchers in biochemistry, biology and the life sciences with an interest in sulfur and its role in life.
Hollow ferric-tannic acid nanocapsules with sustained O2 and ROS induction for synergistic tumor therapy
Authors: Zhu Huimin , Cao Guodong , Qiang Chu , Fu YiKe , Wu Yulian , Li Xiang , Han Gaorong
Published: June 2020

HFe-TA nanoparticles, with a fine hollow microstructure, are synthesized and incorporated with ICG for synergistic photo/chemodynamic therapy with enhanced efficacy.
Synthesis, fluorescence property and cell imaging of a perylene diimide-based NIR fluorescent probe for hypochlorite with dual-emission fluorescence responses
Authors: Cheng Huan-ren , Qu Botao , Qian Chen , Xu Meng , Zhang Ruiping
Published: June 2020

In this study, for the first time, a novel near-infrared and ratiometric fluorescent probe was conveniently synthesized by reacting PDI-based salicylaldehyde with 2-(hydrazonomethyl)phenol.
MetaboKit: a comprehensive data extraction tool for untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Narayanaswamy Pradeep , Teo Guoshou , Ow Jin Rong , Lau Adam , Kaldis Philipp , Tate Stephen , Choi Hyungwon
Published: June 2020

We have developed MetaboKit, a comprehensive software package for compound identification and relative quantification in mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics analysis.
Tip dependence of three-dimensional scanning force microscopy images of calcite–water interfaces investigated by simulation and experiments
Authors: Miyazawa Keisuke , Tracey John , Reischl Bernhard , Spijker Peter , Foster Adam S. , Rohl Andrew L. , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: June 2020

In this study, we have investigated the influence of the tip on the three-dimensional scanning force microscopy (3D-SFM) images of calcite–water interfaces by experiments and simulations.
Preparation of SnO2 nanotubes via a template-free electrospinning process
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Cheng Jing , Qiao Li , Xing Yan , Zhang Meng Fei , Nishijima Hiroki , Yano Tetsuji , Pan Wei
Published: June 2020

The morphology of the prepared samples. (a) FESEM images of each temperature which shows the structural evolution of as-spun fibers to nanotube during the heat treatment process. (b) TEM images of 600 °C heat-treated sample.
One-pot resource-efficient synthesis of SnSb powders for composite anodes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Tan Deming , Chen Peng , Wang Gang , Chen Guangbo , Pietsch Tobias , Brunner Eike , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: June 2020

SnSb powders were obtained by a highly efficient ionothermal process and successfully tested in a composite anode for sodium-ion batteries.
Synthesis and physicochemical, DFT, thermal and DNA-binding analysis of a new pentadentate N3S2 Schiff base ligand and its [CuN3S2]2+ complexes
Authors: Warad Ismail , Suboh Hadeel , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Alsalme Ali , Alharthi Fahad A. , Aljohani Meshari M. , Zarrouk Abdelkader
Published: June 2020

A new N3S2 pentadentate Schiff base ligand derived from 5-bromothiophene-2-carbaldehyde, (E)-N1-((5-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-N2-(2-((E)-((5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-methylene amino) ethyl ethane-1,2-diamine, is prepared.
Computer-generated “synthetic contingency” plans at times of logistics and supply problems: scenarios for hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir
Authors: Szymkuć Sara , Gajewska Ewa P. , Molga Karol , Wołos Agnieszka , Roszak Rafał , Beker Wiktor , Moskal Martyna , Dittwald Piotr , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: June 2020

A computer program for retrosynthetic planning helps develop multiple “synthetic contingency” plans for hydroxychloroquine and also routes leading to remdesivir, both promising but yet unproven medications against COVID-19.
A phosphorylcholine-based zwitterionic copolymer coated ZIF-8 nanodrug with a long circulation time and charged conversion for enhanced chemotherapy
Authors: Xie Ruihong , Yang Peng , Peng Shaojun , Cao Yongbin , Yao Xianxian , Guo Shengdi , Yang Wuli
Published: June 2020

A phosphorylcholine-based zwitterionic copolymer coated ZIF-8 nanodrug for chemotherapy is reported.
WITHDRAWN: Performance of cartilage cells in different types of mandibular condylar fractures
Authors: Yao Zhitao , An Wei , Maimaitituxun Tuerdi
Published: June 2020

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 10 June 2020) was withdrawn on 2 July 2020 due to concerns over data validity.
Regulation of the miR-19b-mediated SOCS6-JAK2/STAT3 pathway by lncRNA MEG3 is involved in high glucose-induced apoptosis in hRMECs
Authors: Xiao Fan , Li Lan , Fu Jing-Song , Hu Yu-Xiang , Luo Rong
Published: June 2020

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe and common complications of diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of MEG3, miR-19b and SOCS6 in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) under high glucose conditions. Methods: HRMECs were cultured in 5 or 30 mM D-glucose medium. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA expression and protein levels. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were performed to detect the viability and apoptosis of hRMECs, respectively. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels in cell supernatants were detected by ELISA. The activity of caspase-3/7 was also determined. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-19b and SOCS6, as well as MEG3 and miR-19b. Results: Our study demonstrated that miR-19b was increased and SOCS6 was decreased in HG-induced hRMECs. Knockdown of SOCS6 inhibited cell viability and reversed the promotion of cell viability induced by knockdown of miR-19b. Additionally, miR-19b directly targeted and negatively regulated SOCS6. Moreover, miR-19b promoted the cell apoptosis rate and caspase-3/7 activity and increased inflammatory factors through the SOCS6-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. In addition, MEG3 attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of hRMECs by targeting the miR-19b/SOCS6 axis. Conclusion: These findings indicate that MEG3 inhibited HG-induced apoptosis and inflammation by regulating the miR-19b/SOCS6 axis through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in hRMECs. Thus, these findings might provide a new target for the treatment of DR.
High expression of AK1 predicts inferior prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Qin Tong , Zhao Hongmian , Shao Yunli , Hu Ning , Shi Jinlong , Fu Lin , Zhang Yijie
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether expression levels of adenylate kinase 1 (AK1) were associated with prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients treated with chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). 85 AML patients with AK1 expression report who received chemotherapy-alone and 71 who underwent allo-HSCT from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were identified and grouped into either AK1high or AK1low based on their AK1 expression level relative to the median. Then, overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were compared between patients with high vs. low AK1 expression. In the chemotherapy group, high AK1 expression was favorable for both EFS (P=0.016) and OS (P=0.014). In the allo-HSCT group, there was no association for AK1 expression levels and clinical outcomes. Further analyses suggested that in the high AK1 expression group, EFS and OS were longer in patients treated with allo-HSCT compared with those treated with chemotherapy (P=0.0011; P<0.0001, respectively), whereas no significant differences were observed in the low AK1 expression group. In summary, we reported AK1 as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor of AML patients undergoing chemotherapy, and its use could also facilitate clinical decision-making in selecting treatment for AML patients. Patients with high AK1 expression may be recommended for early allo-HSCT.
Personal Audio System: Hearing Symptoms, Habits, and Sound Pressure Levels Measured in Real Ear and a Manikin
Authors: Almeida Tamara R. , Rocha Clayton H. , Rabelo Camila M. , Gomes Raquel F. , Neves-Lobo Ivone F. , Samelli Alessandra Giannella
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users.

Method

A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used.

Results

Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted (
M
= 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min.

Conclusions

The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435
Change-point detection, segmentation, and related topics
Authors: Bardet Jean-Marc , Brault Vincent , Dachian Serguei , Enikeeva Farida , Saussereau Bruno
Published: June 2020

Recent contributions to change-point detection, segmentation and inference for non-regular models are presented. Various problems are considered including the multiple change-point estimation with adaptive penalty for time series with different dependency structures, estimation of the singularity point in cusp-type models, inference for thresholded autoregressive models, and cross-segmentation of matrices.
Existence of solution of constrained interval optimization problems with regularity concept
Authors: Roy Priyanka , Panda Geetanjali
Published: June 2020

Objective of this article is to study the conditions for the existence of efficient solution of interval optimization problem with inequality constraints. Here the active constraints are considered in inclusion form. The regularity condition for the existence of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker point is derived. This condition depends on the interval-valued gradient function of active constraints. These are new concepts in the literature of interval optimization. gH-differentiability is used for the theoretical developments. gH-pseudo convexity for interval valued constrained optimization problems is introduced to study the sufficient conditions. Theoretical developments are verified through numerical examples.
Synthesis of New Chiral Crown Ethers Containing Phosphine or Secondary Phosphine Oxide Units
Authors: Huszthy Péter , Szabó-Szentjóbi Hajnalka , Majoros István , Márton Anna , Leveles Ibolya , Vértessy Beáta G. , Dékány Miklós , Tóth Tünde
Published: June 2020

The transition-metal complexes of phosphine and secondary phosphine oxide compounds can be used in various catalytic reactions. In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of eight new crown ethers containing trivalent phosphorus in their macroring are reported. These macrocycles are promising candidates as ligands for catalytic reactions.
Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia in the Community
Authors: He Hangyong , Wunderink Richard G.
Published: June 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is an emergent etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) over the past 2 decades, with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) leading to critical illness and death. S. aureus colonization is associated with a high incidence of pneumonia. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is one of the most important virulence factors of S. aureus associated with serious complications. In recent years, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) clones that caused infections in young adults and healthy individuals with no exposure to health care settings and no classical risk factors have emerged. Clinical features at admission including concurrent influenza infection, hemoptysis, multilobar infiltrates, and neutropenia should suggest S. aureus CAP. Sputum Gram stains, cultures (or tracheobronchial aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavage in mechanically ventilated patients), polymerase chain reaction (nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal or lower respiratory tract specimens), and two sets of blood cultures should be obtained from patients presenting with severe S. aureus CAP. For CAP due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, first-line therapy is usually cefazolin, oxacillin, or ceftaroline. For CA-MRSA pneumonia, linezolid is recommended. If vancomycin or teicoplanin are used, combination with clindamycin or rifampicin should be considered in cases of PVL-positive MRSA CAP.