bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water supply and sanitation services in small towns in rural–urban transition zones: The case of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Uganda
Authors: Marks Sara J. , Clair-Caliot Guillaume , Taing Lina , Bamwenda James Tayebwa , Kanyesigye Christopher , Rwendeire Namanya Ernest , Kemerink-Seyoum Jeltsje Sanne , Kansiime Frank , Batega Dauda Waiswa , Ferrero Giuliana
Published: April 2020

Small towns lag behind cities in drinking water and sanitation access globally. Closing this gap requires developing service models for areas with both urban and rural characteristics. This study assessed Bushenyi-Ishaka, a municipality in Uganda situated at the rural–urban transition, with a focus on service ladder indictors. Data sources included household interviews (n = 500) and water quality samples from sources and storage containers. Households in more urban (as compared to rural) cells were more likely to use improved water sources (including piped water on-premises), make regular payments for water, rely on shared sanitation facilities, and make use of manual sludge emptying services. Most households (72%) used an unlined pit latrine not intended for emptying and reuse. These findings suggest that small town servicing models should prioritize non-sewered sanitation management, including incentives for safe excreta containment and disposal opportunities. This study also highlights a need for integrated services models to expand rural–urban water and sanitation coverage.
Improved viability and fertility of frozen-thawed dog sperm using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Qamar Ahmad Yar , Fang Xun , Kim Min Jung , Cho JongKi
Published: April 2020

Cryopreservation procedures negatively affect the quality traits of sperm, causing certain changes at structural and molecular levels due to thermal, mechanical, osmotic, and oxidative damage. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) for providing protection to the dog sperm against cryo-damage. Canine Ad-MSCs were selected on the basis of the significantly higher gene expression for different proteins actively involved in the cell repair including annexin 1 (ANX1), histone H3 (H3) and high mobility group B (HMGB) protein compared to skin fibroblasts. Semen was collected from four healthy dogs by digital manipulation. The washed pooled ejaculates were diluted with buffer 2 (extender) supplemented without Ad-MSCs (Control), with 2.5 × 106Ad-MSCs/mL (Group 1) or with 5 × 106Ad-MSCs/mL (Group 2). Group 1 exhibited significantly higher post-thaw motility, live sperm, intact plasma membrane and normal acrosomes than the other groups. Additionally, Group 1 showed significantly higher expression levels of genes related to the repair of membranes (ANX1, dysferlin;DYSF, and fibronectin;FN1) and chromatin material (H3andHMGB). Protein expression of ANX1, H 3, and FN1 was also statistically more in Group 1 than in Control. The results confirm that canine Ad-MSCs can effectively preserve the quality of frozen-thawed sperm by a reduction in cryoinjury. At an appropriate concentration, Ad-MSCs significantly improve the quality of post-thaw dog sperm.
Closing the sea surface mixed layer temperature budget from in situ observations alone: Operation Advection during BoBBLE
Authors: Vijith V. , Vinayachandran P. N. , Webber Benjamin G. M. , Matthews Adrian J. , George Jenson V. , Kannaujia Vijay Kumar , Lotliker Aneesh A. , Amol P.
Published: April 2020

Sea surface temperature (SST) is a fundamental driver of tropical weather systems such as monsoon rainfall and tropical cyclones. However, understanding of the factors that control SST variability is lacking, especially during the monsoons when in situ observations are sparse. Here we use a ground-breaking observational approach to determine the controls on the SST variability in the southern Bay of Bengal. We achieve this through the first full closure of the ocean mixed layer energy budget derived entirely from in situ observations during the Bay of Bengal Boundary Layer Experiment (BoBBLE). Locally measured horizontal advection and entrainment contribute more significantly than expected to SST evolution and thus oceanic variability during the observation period. These processes are poorly resolved by state-of-the-art climate models, which may contribute to poor representation of monsoon rainfall variability. The novel techniques presented here provide a blueprint for future observational experiments to quantify the mixed layer heat budget on longer time scales and to evaluate these processes in models.
Dynamic network properties of the interictal brain determine whether seizures appear focal or generalised
Authors: Woldman Wessel , Schmidt Helmut , Abela Eugenio , Chowdhury Fahmida A. , Pawley Adam D. , Jewell Sharon , Richardson Mark P. , Terry John R.
Published: April 2020

Current explanatory concepts suggest seizures emerge from ongoing dynamics of brain networks. It is unclear how brain network properties determine focal or generalised seizure onset, or how network properties can be described in a clinically-useful manner. Understanding network properties would cast light on seizure-generating mechanisms and allow to quantify to which extent a seizure is focal or generalised. Functional brain networks were estimated in segments of scalp-EEG without interictal discharges (68 people with epilepsy, 38 controls). Simplified brain dynamics were simulated using a computer model. We introduce: Critical Coupling (Cc), the ability of a network to generate seizures; Onset Index (OI), the tendency of a region to generate seizures; and Participation Index (PI), the tendency of a region to become involved in seizures. Cc was lower in both patient groups compared with controls. OI and PI were more variable in focal-onset than generalised-onset cases. In focal cases, the regions with highest OI and PI corresponded to the side of seizure onset. Properties of interictal functional networks from scalp EEG can be estimated using a computer model and used to predict seizure likelihood and onset patterns. This may offer potential to enhance diagnosis through quantification of seizure type using inter-ictal recordings.
An investigation of commercial carbon air cathode structure in ionic liquid based sodium oxygen batteries
Authors: Ha The An , Pozo-Gonzalo Cristina , Nairn Kate , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: April 2020

In order to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical energy density in sodium oxygen batteries challenges need to be overcome. In this work, four commercial air cathodes were selected, and the impacts of their morphologies, structure and chemistry on their performance with a pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid electrolyte are evaluated. The highest discharge capacity was found for a cathode with a pore size ca. 6 nm; this was over 100 times greater than that delivered by a cathode with a pore size less than 2 nm. The air cathode with the highest specific surface area and the presence of a microporous layer (BC39) exhibited the highest specific capacity (0.53 mAh cm−2).
Novel ACTG1 mutations in patients identified by massively parallel DNA sequencing cause progressive hearing loss
Authors: Miyajima Hiroki , Moteki Hideaki , Day Timothy , Nishio Shin-ya , Murata Takaaki , Ikezono Tetsuo , Takeda Hidehiko , Abe Satoko , Iwasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Masahiro , Naito Yasushi , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Kanda Yukihiko , Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: April 2020

Human ACTG1 mutations are associated with high-frequency hearing loss, and patients with mutations in this gene are good candidates for electric acoustic stimulation. To better understand the genetic etiology of hearing loss cases, massively parallel DNA sequencing was performed on 7,048 unrelated Japanese hearing loss probands. Among 1,336 autosomal dominant hearing loss patients, we identified 15 probands (1.1%) with 13 potentially pathogenic ACTG1 variants. Six variants were novel and seven were previously reported. We collected and analyzed the detailed clinical features of these patients. The average progression rate of hearing deterioration in pure-tone average for four frequencies was 1.7 dB/year from 0 to 50 years age, and all individuals over 60 years of age had severe hearing loss. To better understand the underlying disease-causing mechanism, intracellular localization of wild-type and mutant gamma-actins were examined using the NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell line. ACTG1 mutants p.I34M p.M82I, p.K118M and p.I165V formed small aggregates while p.R37H, p.G48R, p.E241K and p.H275Y mutant gamma-actins were distributed in a similar manner to the WT. From these results, we believe that some part of the pathogenesis of ACTG1 mutations may be driven by the inability of defective gamma-actin to be polymerized into F-actin.
Gene expression network analysis of lymph node involvement in colon cancer identifies AHSA2, CDK10, and CWC22 as possible prognostic markers
Authors: Han Sung Won , Ahn Ji Young , Lee Soobin , Noh Young Seon , Jung Hee Chan , Lee Min Hyung , Park Hae Jun , Chun Hoon Jai , Choi Seong Ji , Kim Eun Sun , Lee Ji-Yun
Published: April 2020

Colon cancer has been well studied using a variety of molecular techniques, including whole genome sequencing. However, genetic markers that could be used to predict lymph node (LN) involvement, which is the most important prognostic factor for colon cancer, have not been identified. In the present study, we compared LN(+) and LN(−) colon cancer patients using differential gene expression and network analysis. Colon cancer gene expression data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas and divided into two groups, LN(+) and LN(−). Gene expression networks were constructed using LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression. We identified hub genes, such as APBB1, AHSA2, ZNF767, and JAK2, that were highly differentially expressed. Survival analysis using selected hub genes, such as AHSA2, CDK10, and CWC22, showed that their expression levels were significantly associated with the survival rate of colon cancer patients, which indicates their possible use as prognostic markers. In addition, protein-protein interaction network, GO enrichment, and KEGG pathway analysis were performed with selected hub genes from each group to investigate the regulatory relationships between hub genes and LN involvement in colon cancer; these analyses revealed differences between the LN(−) and LN(+) groups. Our network analysis may help narrow down the search for novel candidate genes for the treatment of colon cancer, in addition to improving our understanding of the biological processes underlying LN involvement. All R implementation codes are available at journal website as Supplementary Materials.
Discrimination of entangled photon pair from classical photons by de Broglie wavelength
Authors: Mitev Valentin , Balet Laurent , Torcheboeuf Nicolas , Renevey Philippe , Boiko Dmitri L.
Published: April 2020

Quantum optics largely relies on the fundamental concept that the diffraction and interference patterns of a multi-partite state are determined by its de Broglie wavelength. In this paper we show that this is still true for a mixed state with one sub-system being in a classical coherent state and one being in entangled state. We demonstrate the quantum-classical light discrimination using de Broglie wavelength for the states with all classical parameters being the same.
Increased Prediction Accuracy Using Combined Genomic Information and Physiological Traits in A Soft Wheat Panel Evaluated in Multi-Environments
Authors: Guo Jia , Pradhan Sumit , Shahi Dipendra , Khan Jahangir , Mcbreen Jordan , Bai Guihua , Murphy J. Paul , Babar Md Ali
Published: April 2020

An integration of field-based phenotypic and genomic data can potentially increase the genetic gain in wheat breeding for complex traits such as grain and biomass yield. To validate this hypothesis in empirical field experiments, we compared the prediction accuracy between multi-kernel physiological and genomic best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) model to a single-kernel physiological or genomic BLUP model for grain yield (GY) using a soft wheat population that was evaluated in four environments. The physiological data including canopy temperature (CT), SPAD chlorophyll content (SPAD), membrane thermostability (MT), rate of senescence (RS), stay green trait (SGT), and NDVI values were collected at four environments (2016, 2017, and 2018 at Citra, FL; 2017 at Quincy, FL). Using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach, a total of 19,353 SNPs were generated and used to estimate prediction model accuracy. Prediction accuracies of grain yield evaluated in four environments improved when physiological traits and/or interaction effects (genotype × environment or physiology × environment) were included in the model compared to models with only genomic data. The proposed multi-kernel models that combined physiological and genomic data showed 35 to 169% increase in prediction accuracy compared to models with only genomic data included when heading date was used as a covariate. In general, higher response to selection was captured by the model combing effects of physiological and genotype × environment interaction compared to other models. The results of this study support the integration of field-based physiological data into GY prediction to improve genetic gain from selection in soft wheat under a multi-environment context.
Use of a food neophobia test to characterize personality traits of dairy calves
Authors: Costa Joao H. C. , Neave Heather W. , Weary Daniel M. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: April 2020

Food neophobia, i.e. the avoidance of novel foods, is common in ruminants and may provide a biologically relevant and practical way to test individual responses to novelty or challenge. We aimed to determine if behavioural responses in a food neophobia test (exposure to a novel total mixed ration) reflected boldness and exploratory personality traits derived from 3 traditional tests (open field, novel human and novel object) in dairy calves. We performed two Principal Component Analyses, one using behaviours from 3 traditional tests (3 factors: ‘Bold’, ‘Exploratory’ and ‘Active’), and one using behaviours from the food neophobia test (3 factors: ‘Eating’, ‘Inspecting’, and ‘Avoidance’). A regression analysis determined if individual factor scores from the food neophobia test predicted factor scores from the traditional tests. Contrary to our expectations, ‘Avoidance’ (latencies to approach and eat the novel food) did not predict boldness trait, and the factors ‘Inspecting’ (time spent inspecting food and empty buckets) and ‘Eating’ (time spent eating food and total intake) did not predict exploration trait, but they did predict active trait. These results suggest that the food neophobia test in our study resulted in context-specific behaviours, or that behavioural responses to a novel food present different underlying personality traits. The application of food neophobia to assess specific or generalized personality traits of dairy calves deserves further work.
Biological and molecular characterization of Aromia bungii (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an emerging pest of stone fruits in Europe
Authors: Russo Elia , Nugnes Francesco , Vicinanza Francesco , Garonna Antonio P. , Bernardo Umberto
Published: April 2020

The red-necked longhorn beetle (RLB) Aromia bungii (Fald.) is an emerging pest of stone fruit trees, native to East Asia, accidentally introduced in Europe (Germany and Italy) and Japan. Threatening seriously the stone fruit crops in Europe, RLB was added to both the EPPO A1 and priority pest lists of quarantine species. Molecular analyses highlighted that all specimens recovered in southern Italy share the same haplotype, different from the German one, supporting that the invasive process in Europe started from at least two independent introductions. To fill the existing gap of biological knowledge about A. bungii, several laboratory tests were carried out on specimens collected in the outbreak area of Naples (Italy). Results suggest a high biotic potential of the RLB Italian population. Females showed a short pre-oviposition period while the period of oviposition lasted about three weeks, with a rate of 24.2 eggs/day. Each female laid an average of 587.5 eggs and spawned the largest amount of eggs during the first week after emergence. Fed males live up to 62 days at 20 °C while fed females about 63 days at 25 °C. These results are crucial to draw up a multi-facet IPM approach against A. bungii in the outbreak areas.
First proton minibeam radiation therapy treatment plan evaluation
Authors: Lansonneur P. , Mammar H. , Nauraye C. , Patriarca A. , Hierso E. , Dendale R. , Prezado Y. , De Marzi L.
Published: April 2020

Proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is a novel dose delivery method based on spatial dose fractionation. pMBRT has been shown to be promising in terms of reduced side effects and superior tumour control in high-grade glioma-bearing rats compared to standard irradiation. These findings, together with the recent optimized implementation of pMBRT in a clinical pencil beam scanning system, have triggered reflection on the possible application to patient treatments. In this context, the present study was designed to conduct a first theoretical investigation of the clinical potential of this technique. For this purpose, a dedicated dose engine was developed and used to evaluate two clinically relevant patient treatment plans (high-grade glioma and meningioma). Treatment plans were compared with standard proton therapy plans assessed by means of a commercial treatment planning system (ECLIPSE-Varian Medical systems) and Monte Carlo simulations. A multislit brass collimator consisting of 0.4 mm wide slits separated by a centre-to-centre distance of 4 or 6 mm was placed between the nozzle and the patient to shape the planar minibeams. For each plan, spread-out Bragg peaks and homogeneous dose distributions (±7% dose variations) can be obtained in target volumes. The Peak-to-Valley Dose Ratios (PVDR) were evaluated between 9.2 and 12.8 at a depth of 20 mm for meningioma and glioma, respectively. Dose volume histograms (DVHs) for target volumes and organs at risk were quantitatively compared, resulting in a slightly better target homogeneity with standard PT than with pMBRT plans, but similar DVHs for deep-seated organs-at-risk and lower average dose for shallow organs. The proposed delivery method evaluated in this work opens the way to an effective treatment for radioresistant tumours and will support the design of future clinical research.
Enhanced dynamic functional connectivity (whole-brain chronnectome) in chess experts
Authors: Premi Enrico , Gazzina Stefano , Diano Matteo , Girelli Andrea , Calhoun Vince D. , Iraji Armin , Gong Qiyong , Li Kaiming , Cauda Franco , Gasparotti Roberto , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara , Magoni Mauro
Published: April 2020

Multidisciplinary approaches have demonstrated that the brain is potentially modulated by the long-term acquisition and practice of specific skills. Chess playing can be considered a paradigm for shaping brain function, with complex interactions among brain networks possibly enhancing cognitive processing. Dynamic network analysis based on resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) can be useful to explore the effect of chess playing on whole-brain fluidity/dynamism (the chronnectome). Dynamic connectivity parameters of 18 professional chess players and 20 beginner chess players were evaluated applying spatial independent component analysis (sICA), sliding-time window correlation, and meta-state approaches to rs-fMRI data. Four indexes of meta-state dynamic fluidity were studied:i)the number of distinct meta-states a subject pass through,ii)the number of switches from one meta-state to another,iii)the span of the realized meta-states (the largest distance between two meta-states that subjects occupied), andiv)the total distance travelled in the state space. Professional chess players exhibited an increased dynamic fluidity, expressed as a higher number of occupied meta-states (meta-state numbers, 75.8 ± 7.9 vs 68.8 ± 12.0, p = 0.043 FDR-corrected) and changes from one meta-state to another (meta-state changes, 77.1 ± 7.3 vs 71.2 ± 11.0, p = 0.043 FDR-corrected) than beginner chess players. Furthermore, professional chess players exhibited an increased dynamic range, with increased traveling between successive meta-states (meta-state total distance, 131.7 ± 17.8 vs 108.7 ± 19.7, p = 0.0004 FDR-corrected). Chess playing may induce changes in brain activity through the modulation of the chronnectome. Future studies are warranted to evaluate if these potential effects lead to enhanced cognitive processing and if “gaming” might be used as a treatment in clinical practice.
Identification of an unauthorized genetically modified bacteria in food enzyme through whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Fraiture Marie-Alice , Bogaerts Bert , Winand Raf , Deckers Marie , Papazova Nina , Vanneste Kevin , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Roosens Nancy H. C.
Published: April 2020

Recently, the unexpected presence of a viable unauthorized genetically modified bacterium in a commercialized food enzyme (protease) product originating from a microbial fermentation process has been notified at the European level (RASFF 2019.3332). This finding was made possible thanks to the use of the next-generation sequencing technology, as reported in this study. Whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize the genetic modification comprising a sequence from the pUB110 shuttle vector (GenBank: M19465.1), harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes conferring a resistance to kanamycine, neomycin and bleomycin, flanked on each side by a sequence coding for a protease (GenBank: WP_032874795.1). In addition, based on these data, two real-time PCR methods, that can be used by enforcement laboratories, specific to this unauthorized genetically modified bacterium were developed and validated. The present study emphasizes the key role that whole-genome sequencing can take for detection of unknown and unauthorized genetically modified microorganisms in commercialized microbial fermentation products intended for the food and feed chain. Moreover, current issues encountered by the Competent Authorities and enforcement laboratories with such unexpected contaminations and the importance of performing official controls were highlighted.
N-Myc-induced metabolic rewiring creates novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in neuroblastoma
Authors: Tjaden Britta , Baum Katharina , Marquardt Viktoria , Simon Mareike , Trajkovic-Arsic Marija , Kouril Theresa , Siebers Bettina , Lisec Jan , Siveke Jens T. , Schulte Johannes H. , Benary Uwe , Remke Marc , Wolf Jana , Schramm Alexander
Published: April 2020

N-Myc is a transcription factor that is aberrantly expressed in many tumor types and is often correlated with poor patient prognosis. Recently, several lines of evidence pointed to the fact that oncogenic activation of Myc family proteins is concomitant with reprogramming of tumor cells to cope with an enhanced need for metabolites during cell growth. These adaptions are driven by the ability of Myc proteins to act as transcriptional amplifiers in a tissue-of-origin specific manner. Here, we describe the effects of N-Myc overexpression on metabolic reprogramming in neuroblastoma cells. Ectopic expression of N-Myc induced a glycolytic switch that was concomitant with enhanced sensitivity towards 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis. Moreover, global metabolic profiling revealed extensive alterations in the cellular metabolome resulting from overexpression of N-Myc. Limited supply with either of the two main carbon sources, glucose or glutamine, resulted in distinct shifts in steady-state metabolite levels and significant changes in glutathione metabolism. Interestingly, interference with glutamine-glutamate conversion preferentially blocked proliferation of N-Myc overexpressing cells, when glutamine levels were reduced. Thus, our study uncovered N-Myc induction and nutrient levels as important metabolic master switches in neuroblastoma cells and identified critical nodes that restrict tumor cell proliferation.
Chitinase 3-like 1 is neurotoxic in primary cultured neurons
Authors: Matute-Blanch Clara , Calvo-Barreiro Laura , Carballo-Carbajal Iria , Gonzalo Ricardo , Sanchez Alex , Vila Miquel , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel
Published: April 2020

Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is known to play a role as prognostic biomarker in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), and patients with high cerebrospinal fluid CHI3L1 levels have an increased risk for the development of neurological disability. Here, we investigated its potential neurotoxic effect by adding recombinant CHI3L1 in vitro to primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons and evaluating both neuronal functionality and survival by immunofluorescence. CHI3L1 induced a significant neurite length retraction after 24 and 48 hours of exposure and significantly reduced neuronal survival at 48 hours. The cytotoxic effect of CHI3L1 was neuron-specific and was not observed in mouse immune or other central nervous system cells. These results point to a selective neurotoxic effect of CHI3L1 in vitro and suggest a potential role of CHI3L1 as therapeutic target in MS patients.
Role of plants in the transmission of Asaia sp., which potentially inhibit the Plasmodium sporogenic cycle in Anopheles mosquitoes
Authors: Bassene Hubert , Niang El Hadji Amadou , Fenollar Florence , Doucoure Souleymane , Faye Ousmane , Raoult Didier , Sokhna Cheikh , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: April 2020

Biological control against malaria and its transmission is currently a considerable challenge. Plant-associated bacteria of the genus Asaia are frequently found in nectarivorous arthropods, they thought to have a natural indirect action on the development of plasmodium in mosquitoes. However, virtually nothing is known about its natural cycle. Here, we show the role of nectar-producing plants in the hosting and dissemination of Asaia. We isolated Asaia strains from wild mosquitoes and flowers in Senegal and demonstrated the transmission of the bacteria from infected mosquitoes to sterile flowers and then to 26.6% of noninfected mosquitoes through nectar feeding. Thus, nectar-producing plants may naturally acquire Asaia and then colonize Anopheles mosquitoes through food-borne contamination. Finally, Asaia may play an indirect role in the reduction in the vectorial capacity of Anopheles mosquitoes in a natural environment (due to Plasmodium-antagonistic capacities of Asaia) and be used in the development of tools for Asaia-based paratransgenetic malaria control.
Molecular mechanisms of synergistic action of Ramucirumab and Paclitaxel in Gastric Cancers cell lines
Authors: Refolo Maria Grazia , Lotesoriere Claudio , Lolli Ivan Roberto , Messa Caterina , D’Alessandro Rosalba
Published: April 2020

Ramucirumab is approved both as monotherapy and in combination with Paclitaxel for advanced gastric cancer in patients with disease progression after chemotherapy. In tumor cells, the VEGFA-VEGFR2 binding activates autocrine survival and migration signaling in angiogenesis independent manner. The present in vitro study investigated the effects of single and combined treatments with Ramucirumab and Paclitaxel on cell growth and migration highlighting the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the two drugs in gastric cancer cells. Cell growth and motility were investigated in human gastric cancer cell lines characterized by different tumorigenicity. The inhibitory effect on cell growth exerted by both drugs was potentiated by their combination and was synergistic. Ramucirumab was able to enhance the inhibitory effect exerted by Paclitaxel on cell cycle progression. A synergistic action was also observed in the expression of proteins crucial for cell motility, microtubule organization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, synergistic inhibition of VEGFR2 expression was obtained by the drug combination. These findings highlighted the importance of the combined treatment to strongly inhibit all the main molecules of both PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways thus preventing possible reactivations due to cross-talk phenomena. The combined treatment with Ramucirumab seems to be a promising option to overcome the Paclitaxel resistance.
Amino acid 159 of the envelope protein affects viral replication and T-cell infiltration by West Nile virus in intracranial infection
Authors: Kobayashi Shintaro , Kaneko Chisato , Kawakami Ryoko , Hasebe Rie , Sawa Hirofumi , Yoshii Kentaro , Kariwa Hiroaki
Published: April 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important cause of viral encephalitis in birds and animals, including humans. Amino acid 159 of the envelope (E) protein is reportedly implicated in the different levels of neurovirulence in mice infected with WNV NY99 or Eg101. We investigated the role of amino acid 159 of the E protein in the pathogenesis of WNV infection. We produced recombinant WNV with the structural proteins of the NY99 or Eg101 strain (NY-WT or EgCME-WT) and mutant viruses with substitutions of amino acid 159 of the E protein (NY-E-V159I or EgCME-E-I159V). The NY-WT and NY-E-V159I or EgCME-WT and EgCME-E-I159V titers in culture supernatant were similar. The mortality rate and viral titer in the brains of mice inoculated intraperitoneally with NY-WT or NY-E-V159I were also similar. In contrast, the mortality rate and viral titer in the brains of mice inoculated intracranially with EgCME-E-I159V were significantly higher than those of mice inoculated with EgCME-WT. The numbers of CD3-positive and CD8-positive T cells were greater in brains inoculated with EgCME-E-I159V than in those inoculated with EgCME-WT. Therefore, amino acid 159 of the E protein modulates the pathogenicity of WNV by affecting viral replication and T-cell infiltration in the brain.
Caloric restriction reverses left ventricular hypertrophy through the regulation of cardiac iron homeostasis in impaired leptin signaling mice
Authors: An Hyeong Seok , Lee Jong Youl , Choi Eun Bee , Jeong Eun Ae , Shin Hyun Joo , Kim Kyung Eun , Park Kyung-Ah , Jin Zhen , Lee Jung Eun , Koh Jin Sin , Kwak Woori , Kim Won-Ho , Roh Gu Seob
Published: April 2020

Leptin-deficient and leptin-resistant mice manifest obesity, insulin resistance, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); however, LVH’s mechanisms are not fully understood. Cardiac iron dysregulation has been recently implicated in cardiomyopathy. Here we investigated the protective effects of caloric restriction on cardiac remodeling in impaired leptin signaling obese mice. RNA-seq analysis was performed to assess the differential gene expressions in the heart of wild-type and ob/ob mice. In particular, to investigate the roles of caloric restriction on iron homeostasis-related gene expressions, 10-week-old ob/ob and db/db mice were assigned to ad libitum or calorie-restricted diets for 12 weeks. Male ob/ob mice exhibited LVH, cardiac inflammation, and oxidative stress. Using RNA-seq analysis, we identified that an iron uptake-associated gene, transferrin receptor, was upregulated in obese ob/ob mice with LVH. Caloric restriction attenuated myocyte hypertrophy, cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in ob/ob and db/db mice. Furthermore, we found that caloric restriction reversed iron homeostasis-related lipocalin 2, divalent metal transporter 1, transferrin receptor, ferritin, ferroportin, and hepcidin expressions in the heart of ob/ob and db/db mice. These findings demonstrate that the cardioprotective effects of caloric restriction result from the cellular regulation of iron homeostasis, thereby decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling. We suggest that decreasing iron-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation offers new therapeutic approaches for obesity-induced cardiomyopathy.
Author Correction: Future exacerbation of hot and dry summer monsoon extremes in India
Authors: Mishra Vimal , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Singh Deepti , Aadhar Saran
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enhancement of chemical oscillations by self-generated convective flows
Authors: Shklyaev Oleg E. , Yashin Victor V. , Stupp Samuel I. , Balazs Anna C.
Published: April 2020

Chemical feedback loops in fluids can produce not only chemical oscillations, but also density variations that generate solutal buoyancy forces, which in turn initiate fluid flow. Using analytical and computational models, we herein examine how the reaction-induced flows alter the chemical oscillations in a fluid-filled chamber whose top and bottom walls are coated with different enzymes. Due to this chemo-fluidic coupling, the systems form oscillating flow patterns, which combine the characteristic size of the buoyancy-driven convection rolls with the frequency of the chemical oscillations. With changes in the distance between the enzyme-coated walls, the convective flows not only enhance or suppress the chemical oscillations, but also substantially increase the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations and extend the regime of the oscillatory behavior. These design principles can facilitate the development of artificial biochemical networks that act as chemical clocks.
Pt-Ligand single-atom catalysts: tuning activity by oxide support defect density
Authors: Zhou Xuemei , Chen Linxiao , Sterbinsky George E. , Mukherjee Debangshu , Unocic Raymond R. , Tait Steven L.
Published: April 2020

Metal–ligand coordination stabilizes single atom Pt on pristine and defective TiO2 supports to impact local coordination and catalytic hydrosilylation activity.
Butein, isoliquiritigenin, and scopoletin attenuate neurodegenerationviaantioxidant enzymes and SIRT1/ADAM10 signaling pathway
Authors: Gay Naw Hser , Suwanjang Wilasinee , Ruankham Waralee , Songtawee Napat , Wongchitrat Prapimpun , Prachayasittikul Virapong , Prachayasittikul Supaluk , Phopin Kamonrat
Published: April 2020

Neuronal cells exposed to H2O2may undergo increase ROS, reduction in cell viability and cell death. Butein, isoliquiritigenin, and scopoletin ameliorated H2O2-induced neurotoxicity by reducing ROS, balancing antioxidants and activating SIRT1-FoxO3a-ADAM10 pathway.
Exploring the binding mode and thermodynamics of inverse agonists against estrogen-related receptor alpha
Authors: Karnati Konda Reddy , Wang Yixuan , Du Yongli
Published: April 2020

All-atom MD simulations were for the first time carried out for the complexes of inverse agonists and ERRα, and their binding free energies were also calculated with MM-PBSA to quantitatively discuss the binding of the inverse agonists with ERRα.
Structural properties of ultra-small thorium and uranium dioxide nanoparticles embedded in a covalent organic framework
Authors: Moreau Liane M. , Herve Alexandre , Straub Mark D. , Russo Dominic R. , Abergel Rebecca J. , Alayoglu Selim , Arnold John , Braun Augustin , Deblonde Gauthier J. P. , Liu Yangdongling , Lohrey Trevor D. , Olive Daniel T. , Qiao Yusen , Rees Julian A. , Shuh David K. , Teat Simon J. , Booth Corwin H. , Minasian Stefan G.
Published: April 2020

ThO2 and UO2 nanoparticles synthesized using a COF-5 template exhibit unpassivated surfaces and provide insight into nanoscale properties of actinides.
Phase separation driven by production of architectural RNA transcripts
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: April 2020

We use an extension of the Flory–Huggins theory to predict the phase separation driven by the production dynamics of architectural RNA.
Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride over rugby-like β-Ga2O3 with a 3D hierarchically assembled porous structure for environmental remediation
Authors: Zeng Lingxing , Wang Jiaqi , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua , Liu Xin-Ping , Luo Yongjin , Xue Hun , Li Zhaohui
Published: April 2020

A novel rugby ball-like β-Ga2O3 photocatalyst with a 3D hierarchically assembled porous structure was constructed via a facile precipitation–calcination method. The as-synthesized Ga2O3 exhibits a high photocatalytic efficiency compared to commercial Ga2O3 and Degussa P25.
Synthesis, characterization and antiparasitic activity of organometallic derivatives of the anthelmintic drug albendazole
Authors: Lin Yan , Ong Yih Ching , Keller Sarah , Karges Johannes , Bouchene Rafika , Manoury Eric , Blacque Olivier , Müller Joachim , Anghel Nicoleta , Hemphill Andrew , Häberli Cécile , Taki Aya C. , Gasser Robin B. , Cariou Kevin , Keiser Jennifer , Gasser Gilles
Published: April 2020

A series of new ferrocenyl and ruthenocenyl derivatives of the organic drug albendazole have been prepared and their activity against different helminths and protozoans assessed.
Effects of fasting intervention regulating anthropometric and metabolic parameters in subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Shoumeng , Wang Changcong , Zhao Hantong , Pan Yingan , Wang Han , Guo Yinpei , Yao Nan , Li Bo , Cui Weiwei
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have shown that fasting produces a potential effect in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
Discovery, SAR study and ADME properties of methyl 4-amino-3-cyano-1-(2-benzyloxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylate as an HIV-1 replication inhibitor
Authors: Fichez Jeanne , Soulie Cathia , Le Corre Laurent , Sayon Sophie , Priet Stéphane , Alvarez Karine , Delelis Olivier , Gizzi Patrick , Prestat Guillaume , Gravier-Pelletier Christine , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Calvez Vincent , Busca Patricia
Published: April 2020

Identified as an HIV-1 inhibitor in cellulo, this pyrazole does not belong to the three main classes of anti HIV-drugs, a feature of prime interest in the context of viral resistance.
Probing permanent dipoles in CdSe nanoplatelets with transient electric birefringence
Authors: Dozov Ivan , Goldmann Claire , Davidson Patrick , Abécassis Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Transient electric birefringence experiments with colloidal suspensions of zinc-blende CdSe semiconducting nanoplatelets prove that these particles bear a large ground-state electric dipole despite the cubic structure of bulk zinc-blende CdSe.
Construction of polyphosphoesters with the main chain of rigid backbones and stereostructures via organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Zheng Yu-Jia , Yang Guan-Wen , Li Bo , Wu Guang-Peng
Published: April 2020

A highly stereoregular polyphosphoester with a rigid cyclohexylene structure in the main chain was constructed via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) in the presence of an organic catalyst system.
Strain engineering and lattice vibration manipulation of atomically thin TaS2 films
Authors: Wu Xing , Cai Yongqing , Bian Jihong , Su Guohui , Luo Chen , Yang Yaodong , Zhang Gang
Published: April 2020

We observed lattice vibration modulation in strained mono- and few-layer tantalum sulfide. E1g and E2g exhibit sensitive strain dependence with the frequency of the former intensity increasing and the latter decreasing under a compressive strain.
Aerosol-assisted route to low-E transparent conductive gallium-doped zinc oxide coatings from pre-organized and halogen-free precursor
Authors: Sanchez-Perez Clara , Dixon Sebastian C. , Darr Jawwad A. , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: April 2020

A pre-organised and halogen-free ZnO precursor is used to deposit GZO coatings via aerosol-assisted CVD with properties that exceed industrial standards for low-E coatings and photovoltaics.
Expedient synthesis of conjugated triynesviaalkyne metathesis
Authors: Curbet Idriss , Colombel-Rouen Sophie , Manguin Romane , Clermont Anthony , Quelhas Alexandre , Müller Daniel S. , Roisnel Thierry , Baslé Olivier , Trolez Yann , Mauduit Marc
Published: April 2020

The first synthesis of symmetrical and dissymmetrical conjugated triynes by self- and cross-metathesis was successfully achieved thanks to the use of hindered diynes.
Trimetallic oxides/hydroxides as hybrid supercapacitor electrode materials: a review
Authors: Gonçalves Josué M. , da Silva Matheus I. , Toma Henrique E. , Angnes Lucio , Martins Paulo R. , Araki Koiti
Published: April 2020

The main strategies to impart synergistic catalytic effects to trimetallic oxide/layered double hydroxide materials are discussed: (a) heteroatom incorporation, (b) the formation of nanocomposites, and (c) hierarchical core@shell nanostructuration.
Recent advances on metal alkoxide-based electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Liu Xupo , Gong Mingxing , Deng Shaofeng , Zhao Tonghui , Zhang Jian , Wang Deli
Published: April 2020

This review summarizes the advances on metal alkoxide-based electrocatalysts for water splitting and the fundamental principles for enhancing their performances.
Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction augmented synergistic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis via targeted liposomes
Authors: Wang Liyun , Zhu Bihui , Huang Jianbo , Xiang Xi , Tang Yuanjiao , Ma Lang , Yan Feng , Cheng Chong , Qiu Li
Published: April 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to joint destruction and deformity, which is a significant cause of the loss of the young and middle-aged labor force.
Lyophilization enabled disentanglement of polyethylenimine on rambutan-like silica nanoparticles for enhanced plasmid DNA delivery
Authors: Geng Jing , Song Hao , Gao Fang , Kong Yueqi , Fu Jianye , Luo Jiangqi , Yang Yannan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: April 2020

Lyophilization affects the conformation of PEI chains modified on the surface of silica nanoparticles and enhances the plasmid DNA transfection performance.
Influence of oversized cations on electronic dimensionality of d-MAPbI3 crystals
Authors: Dyksik Mateusz , Baranowski Michal , Leblanc Antonin , Surrente Alessandro , Karpińska Miriam , Urban Joanna M. , Kłopotowski Łukasz , Maude Duncan K. , Mercier Nicolas , Plochocka Paulina
Published: April 2020

Here we show the hybrid nature of lead-deficient perovskites reflected by the surprising coexistence of 3D-like and lower dimensional domains.
Coordination of transcription, processing, and export of highly expressed RNAs by distinct biomolecular condensates
Authors: Ishov Alexander M. , Gurumurthy Aishwarya , Bungert Jörg
Published: April 2020

Genes under control of super-enhancers are expressed at extremely high levels and are frequently associated with nuclear speckles. Recent data suggest that the high concentration of unphosphorylated RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and Mediator recruited to super-enhancers create phase-separated condensates. Transcription initiates within or at the surface of these phase-separated droplets and the phosphorylation of Pol II, associated with transcription initiation and elongation, dissociates Pol II from these domains leading to engagement with nuclear speckles, which are enriched with RNA processing factors. The transitioning of Pol II from transcription initiation domains to RNA processing domains effectively co-ordinates transcription and processing of highly expressed RNAs which are then rapidly exported into the cytoplasm.
Stability‐guaranteed dynamic ElGamal cryptosystem for encrypted control systems
Authors: Teranishi Kaoru , Shimada Naoki , Kogiso Kiminao
Published: April 2020

Despite the importance of cyber‐security for networked control systems, no suitable cryptosystem exists for networked control systems that guarantees stability and has low computational complexity. This study proposes a novel dynamic ElGamal cryptosystem for encrypted control systems. The proposed cryptosystem is a multiplicative homomorphic cryptosystem, and it updates key pairs and ciphertexts by simple updating rules with modulo operations at every sampling period. Furthermore, the authors modify the proposed cryptosystem by using a dynamic encoder and decoder so that the asymptotic stability of the encrypted control systems is guaranteed. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the encrypted controller with the proposed cryptosystem achieves asymptotic stability while randomly updating key pairs and ciphertexts. The feasibility of the proposed encrypted control system is evaluated through regulation control with a positioning table testbed. The processing time of the proposed encrypted control system is on the order of milliseconds, indicating that the system achieves real‐time control.
TESS first look at evolved compact pulsators
Authors: Bognár Zs. , Kawaler S. D. , Bell K. J. , Schrandt C. , Baran A. S. , Bradley P. A. , Hermes J. J. , Charpinet S. , Handler G. , Mullally S. E. , Murphy S. J. , Raddi R. , Sódor Á. , Tremblay P.-E. , Uzundag M. , Zong W.
Published: April 2020

Context. We present our findings on 18 previously known ZZ Ceti stars observed by the TESS space telescope in 120 s cadence mode during the survey observation of the southern ecliptic hemisphere.

Aims. We focus on the frequency analysis of the space-based observations, comparing the results with findings of previous ground-based measurements. The frequencies detected by the TESS observations can serve as inputs for future asteroseismic analyses.

Methods. We performed standard pre-whitening of the data sets to derive the possible pulsation frequencies of the different targets. In some cases, we fit Lorentzians to the frequency groups that emerged as the result of short-term amplitude or phase variations that occurred during the TESS observations.

Results. We detected more than 40 pulsation frequencies in seven ZZ Ceti stars observed in the 120 s cadence by TESS, with precision better than 0.1 μHz. We found that HE 0532−5605 may be a new outbursting ZZ Ceti. Ten targets do not show any significant pulsation frequencies in their Fourier transforms, due to a combination of their intrinsic faintness and/or crowding on the large TESS pixels. We also detected possible amplitude or phase variations during the TESS observations in some cases. Such behaviour in these targets was not previously identified from ground-based observations.