bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Paralumbar Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Eissa Abdullah Talat , Shahbaz Ahmed , Alhelal Fahd , Alhandi Ali , Abaalkhail Majed , Aleissa Sami , Konbaz Faisal
Published: May 2020

Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare adverse event that is presented in reports. It is associated with serious injuries such as in the retroperitoneal cavity and pelvis. Furthermore, infection and iatrogenic etiology were documented as well. This case report presents a patient with a chest stab wound and a fall from a 2-m height, which resulted in multiple spinal fractures that were treated surgically. However, he presented back with lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm 2 weeks postoperatively, which was treated successfully by endovascular embolization.
Comparison and Validation of Preoperative Planning Techniques for Distal Femoral Osteotomies and Proximal Tibial Osteotomies
Authors: Zhang David T. , Principe Peter S. , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert
Published: May 2020

Preoperative planning is important for accurate intraoperative execution in many surgical fields. Planning for distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) and proximal tibial osteotomies (PTOs) consists of choosing the level of the osteotomy, measuring the angle of the osteotomy based on hip-knee-ankle alignment, and choosing a proper osteotomy wedge size. Medical imaging IT solutions company Sectra has implemented a new osteotomy tool in their radiographic system that is simpler than the accepted standard of modified center of rotation of angulation (mCORA) technique, yet unvalidated. In this study, we aim to compare the Sectra osteotomy tool versus the mCORA technique to measure the osteotomy angles as well as wedge sizes in both DFOs and PTOs to validate this new tool.

We enrolled n = 30 consecutive patients with DFOs and n = 30 PTOs from the last year. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) along with descriptive statistics was used to evaluate for similarity between the two techniques. We also compared interobserver and intraobserver reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

The PCC for osteotomy angles in DFOs and PTOs were both 0.998 (p < 0.001 for both). For wedge sizes, the PCC in DFOs was 0.993 and 0.980 in PTOs (p < 0.001 for both). ICCs were high for both interobserver measurements in osteotomy angles and wedge sizes (range: 0.989–0.999) as well as intraobserver measurements (0.994–0.999).

The Sectra osteotomy tool is a validated tool for preoperative measurements of DFOs and PTOs. It is reliable and simpler than the current practice of the mCORA technique. We suggest future studies to analyze this Sectra osteotomy tool in other settings as to incorporate it into widespread clinical use.
Factors Influencing the Valgus Cut Angle—during Total Knee Arthroplasty—in Indian Population
Authors: Marya Sanjiv , Singh Chandeep , Kacker Shitij , Velayutham Sarthy , Desai Rahul
Published: May 2020

The number of total knee arthroplasties performed in India and the world is increasing exponentially. The valgus cut angle (VCA) of the distal femur decides the final alignment achieved in the coronal plane. Little data are available regarding the ideal value for an Indian population and there is little consensus whether to use a single value for all knees or to individualize the angle for each patient. The parameters that can influence the value of this angle have not been evaluated thoroughly.

Standard long leg X-ray (orthoscanogram) was used to calculate the VCA in 302 lower limbs (160 patients). Only Indian patients were included in the study; knees with bowed femurs were excluded. VCA, femoral length, medial hip offset, neck shaft angle, and hip knee ankle angle were measured manually. Demographic data such as gender, height, and weight were extracted from hospital charts. The correlation of VCA with the various parameters was evaluated using Pearson's correlation and its significance assessed using the independent Student's ‘t’ test.

The average VCA was 7.4 degrees (range: 4–11 degrees). Age, gender, height, hip knee ankle angle (alignment) and body mass index (BMI) had no influence on the VCA. The neck shaft angle (r = –0.520, p = < 0.0001) and hip medial offset (r = 0.223, p = < 0.0001) were the only two parameters significantly and independently influencing the value of VCA. There is a wide variation in the value of VCA in the Indian population. Choosing a fixed VCA will lead to significant number of knees aligned outside the ideal 0- to 3-degree hip knee ankle angle. The neck shaft angle and the medial hip offset are the only two factors that influence the VCA. The patients' height, preoperative deformity, gender, and BMI had no influence on the VCA.
The scanning gradient Fourier transform (SGFT) method for assessing sarcomere organization and alignment
Authors: Salick Max R. , Napiwocki Brett N. , Kruepke Rachel A. , Knight Gavin T. , Ashton Randolph S. , Crone Wendy C.
Published: May 2020

Recent advances in stem cell biology have allowed researchers to efficiently produce large numbers of cardiomyocytes from various pluripotent cell sources. Unfortunately, these cells exhibit properties that are characteristics of immature cardiomyocytes such as poor sarcomere organization, limited calcium handling, and reduced cell size and alignment. Specifically, the actin–myosin motor proteins that form sarcomeres within these cardiomyocytes fail to produce large, highly ordered repeating structures that are distinctive for adult myocytes. Instead, these cells produce heterogeneous sarcomeres that vary in thickness, alignment, and level of organization. Additionally, a large number of cardiomyopathies have been linked to mutations in genes encoding for sarcomeric proteins, resulting in disrupted sarcomere organization. This research focuses on a series of algorithms that provide a quantitative analysis technique to characterize the alignment and organization of sarcomere structures within aggregates and single cardiomyocytes. The scanning gradient Fourier transform (SGFT) method incorporates gradient analysis along with fast Fourier transforms to determine regions of sarcomere organization within individual and a population of cells, yielding a quantitative method of determining sarcomere organization and alignment at the sub-cellular scale. The utility of the SGFT technique is also demonstrated for additional applications, such as breast cancer collagen microstructure and neural rosette patterning.
A new type of hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell with cooling system
Authors: Li Jiankang , Chou I-Ming , Bassett W. A. , Wang Xian
Published: May 2020

A new type of hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell (HDAC-VII) and its accompanied cooling system were designed. The design of HDAC-VII in which the three posts work simultaneously as guideposts and screw posts greatly shortened the horizontal size of HDAC compared with older types. It provides more open space and shorter distance to analyze and observe the sample chamber from side access. Moreover, four ports were used to connect the upper and lower spaces between windows and anvils, so mixed gas (Ar + H2) can pass through both of them. In the heating experiments, the mixed gas prevents diamond anvils and other parts from being oxidized as well as cooling the observing windows. Dry gas can be passed through those spaces during cooling, preventing condensation on the table faces of anvils and the observing windows. The cooling system can cool the sample chamber to −170 °C with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C by using a nitrogen stream cooled through a stainless steel coil immersed in a liquid nitrogen Dewar. The heating rates while reheating a frozen sample can be controlled to be 0.1 °C/min with a temperature fluctuation of 0.1 °C. These improvements extend the HDAC applications especially in low temperature conditions. For example, (1) we measured the salinities of NaCl–H2O loaded in the sample chamber, (2) we observed the ice I and VI-melting process and correspondingly calculated the density of water in the sample chamber, and (3) we performed lepidolite crystallization in an aqueous solution with 10 wt. % NaCl to simulate its natural forming conditions.
Recurrence relations of the multi-indexed orthogonal polynomials. VI. Meixner–Pollaczek and continuous Hahn types
Authors: Odake Satoru
Published: May 2020

In previous papers, we discussed the recurrence relations of the multi-indexed orthogonal polynomials of the Laguerre, Jacobi, Wilson, Askey–Wilson, Racah, and q-Racah types. In this paper, we explore those of the Meixner–Pollaczek and continuous Hahn types. For the M-indexed Meixner–Pollaczek and continuous Hahn polynomials, we present 3 + 2M term recurrence relations with variable dependent coefficients and 1 + 2L term (L ≥ M + 1) recurrence relations with constant coefficients. Based on the latter, the generalized closure relations and the creation/annihilation operators of the quantum mechanical systems described by the multi-indexed Meixner–Pollaczek and continuous Hahn polynomials are obtained.
Local electric field measurement in GaN diodes by exciton Franz–Keldysh photocurrent spectroscopy
Authors: Verma Darpan , Adnan Md Mohsinur Rahman , Rahman Mohammad Wahidur , Rajan Siddharth , Myers Roberto C.
Published: May 2020

The eXciton Franz–Keldysh (XFK) effect is observed in GaN p–n junction diodes via the spectral variation of photocurrent responsivity data that redshift and broaden with increasing reverse bias. Photocurrent spectra are quantitatively fit over a broad photon energy range to an XFK model using only a single fit parameter that determines the line shape and the local bias (Vl), uniquely determining the local electric field maximum and depletion widths. As expected, the spectrally determined values of Vl vary linearly with the applied bias (V) and reveal a large reduction in the local electric field due to electrostatic non-uniformity. The built-in bias (Vbi) is estimated by extrapolating Vl at V=0, which, when compared with independent C-V measurements, indicates an overall ±0.31 V accuracy of Vl. This demonstrates sub-bandgap photocurrent spectroscopy as a local probe of electric field in wide bandgap diodes that can be used to map out regions of device breakdown (hot spots) for improving electrostatic design of high-voltage devices.
Reversibly tuning the band structure of high entropy oxides
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: May 2020

The first study of a rare earth element-based HEO’s band structure revealed that heat treatment under different atmospheres allows reversible tuning of band gap energy.
Charge transport mechanism in the metal–nitride–oxide–silicon forming-free memristor structure
Authors: Gismatulin A. A. , Orlov Oleg M. , Gritsenko V. A. , Kruchinin V. N. , Mizginov D. S. , Krasnikov G. Ya.
Published: May 2020

Silicon oxide and silicon nitride are two key dielectrics in silicon devices. The advantage of Si3N4 over other dielectrics is that silicon nitride is compatible with silicon technology. It is required to study in detail the charge transport mechanism in a Si3N4-based memristor to further improve the cell element and to create a matrix of these elements. Despite many research activities carried out, the charge transport mechanism in Si3N4-based memristors is still unclear. Metal–nitride–oxide–silicon structures that exhibit memristor properties were obtained using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition at 700 °C. The fabricated metal–nitride–oxide–silicon memristor structure does not require a forming procedure. In addition, the metal–nitride–oxide–silicon memristor has a memory window of about five orders of magnitude. We found that the main charge transport mechanism in the metal–nitride–oxide–silicon memristor in a high resistive state is the model of space-charge-limited current with traps. In a low resistive state, the charge transport mechanism is described by the space-charge-limited current model with filled traps. Trap parameters were determined in the Si3N4-based memristor in the high resistive state.
Hotspot conditions achieved in inertial confinement fusion experiments on the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Patel P. K. , Springer P. T. , Weber C. R. , Jarrott L. C. , Hurricane O. A. , Bachmann B. , Baker K. L. , Berzak Hopkins L. F. , Callahan D. A. , Casey D. T. , Cerjan C. J. , Clark D. S. , Dewald E. L. , Divol L. , Döppner T. , Field J. E. , Fittinghoff D. , Gaffney J. , Geppert-Kleinrath V. , Grim G. P. , Hartouni E. P. , Hatarik R. , Hinkel D. E. , Hohenberger M. , Humbird K. , Izumi N. , Jones O. S. , Khan S. F. , Kritcher A. L. , Kruse M. , Landen O. L. , Le Pape S. , Ma T. , MacLaren S. A. , MacPhee A. G. , Masse L. P. , Meezan N. B. , Milovich J. L. , Nora R. , Pak A. , Peterson J. L. , Ralph J. , Robey H. F. , Salmonson J. D. , Smalyuk V. A. , Spears B. K. , Thomas C. A. , Volegov P. L. , Zylstra A. , Edwards M. J.
Published: May 2020

We describe the overall performance of the major indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion campaigns executed at the National Ignition Facility. With respect to the proximity to ignition, we can describe the performance of current experiments both in terms of no-burn ignition metrics (metrics based on the hydrodynamic performance of targets in the absence of alpha-particle heating) and in terms of the thermodynamic properties of the hotspot and dense fuel at stagnation—in particular, the hotspot pressure, temperature, and areal density. We describe a simple 1D isobaric model to derive these quantities from experimental observables and examine where current experiments lie with respect to the conditions required for ignition.
Large temperature coefficient of resistance in atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors
Authors: Khan Asir Intisar , Khakbaz Pedram , Brenner Kevin A. , Smithe Kirby K. H. , Mleczko Michal J. , Esseni David , Pop Eric
Published: May 2020

The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of thin metal lines is often used for applications in thermometry, bolometers, or thermal accelerometers. However, metal TCR is much degraded in nanometer-thin films due to strong surface scattering, preventing their use as fast thermal sensors, which simultaneously require low thermal mass and large TCR. In contrast, here we show that the TCR of doped two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors is large (∼0.3% K−1 at 300 K in MoS2 and MoTe2) even at sub-nanometer thickness. This is larger than that of any metals with thicknesses up to ∼35 nm and larger than that of ∼95 nm thick Cu lines (0.25% K−1) at 300 K. At 100 K, the TCR of these 2D materials is doubled, ∼0.6% K−1. Comparison with detailed 2D transport models suggests that the TCR could be further enhanced (up to 0.45% K−1 at 300 K and ∼2.5% K−1 at 100 K) by reducing the density of Coulomb impurities and scattering centers. Such high TCR in atomically thin 2D semiconductors could lead to the design of fast thermal sensors.
A simple microswimmer model inspired by the general equation for nonequilibrium reversible–irreversible coupling
Authors: Córdoba Andrés , Schieber Jay D. , Indei Tsutomu
Published: May 2020

A simple mean-field microswimmer model is presented. The model is inspired by the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of multi-component fluids that undergo chemical reactions. These thermodynamics can be rigorously described in the context of the GENERIC (general equation for the nonequilibrium reversible–irreversible coupling) framework. More specifically, this approach was recently applied to non-ideal polymer solutions [T. Indei and J. D. Schieber, J. Chem. Phys. 146, 184902 (2017)]. One of the species of the solution is an unreactive polymer chain represented by the bead-spring model. Using this detailed description as inspiration, we then make several simplifying assumptions to obtain a mean-field model for a Janus microswimmer. The swimmer model considered here consists of a polymer dumbbell in a sea of reactants. One of the beads of the dumbbell is allowed to act as a catalyst for a chemical reaction between the reactants. We show that the mean-squared displacement (MSD) of the center of mass of this Janus dumbbell exhibits ballistic behavior at time scales at which the concentration of the reactant is large. The time scales at which the ballistic behavior is observed in the MSD coincide with the time scales at which the cross-correlation between the swimmer’s orientation and the direction of its displacement exhibits a maximum. Since the swimmer model was inspired by the GENERIC framework, it is possible to ensure that the entropy generation is always positive, and therefore, the second law of thermodynamics is obeyed.
Topological edge states at single layer WSe2 1T′–1H lateral heterojunctions
Authors: Yan Chenhui , Zhang Huiming , Weinert Michael , Li Lian
Published: May 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides can be epitaxially grown at the single layer limit, which also adopt a variety of structural polymorphs with significantly different electronic properties. Lateral heterostructures of different polymorphs can be further synthesized for emergent functionality. Here, we selectively grow semiconducting 1H and metastable 1T′ phases of WSe2 on epitaxial graphene/SiC(0001) by molecular beam epitaxy and further show that the 1T′ phase is a two-dimensional topological insulator. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we determine that 1T′–WSe2 exhibits a large bulk bandgap of 120 meV, and edge states at the 1T′–1H lateral heterojunction extend within 1.6 nm from the heterointerface at the 1T′ side. These edge states are robust and persist regardless of the fact that if the edge is (1 × 1) zigzag or (3 × 1) reconstructed, confirming their topological nature. This further facilitates the epitaxial growth of 1T′–1H lateral junction superlattices with multiple helical edge channels, underpinning ultrahigh-density 2D topological nano quantum devices.
Mediated ferromagnetism in ZnO nanorods with heavily codoped MnFe
Authors: Xu Congkang , Li Yongkuan , Wang Jiangyong
Published: May 2020

The ferromagnetic properties are investigated in single crystal ZnO nanorods with heavy codoping of 28 at. % Mn and 1 at. % Fe fabricated by vapor phase transport. The electron energy loss spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that Mn and Fe dopants are, respectively, +2 and +3 valence states, where Raman scattering exhibited additional peaks at 308 cm−1, 458 cm−1, 480 cm−1, 504 cm−1, 516 cm−1, 530 cm−1, and 569 cm−1, associated with MnFe dopants. Compared with undoped and Mn doped ZnO nanostructures, the MnFe-codoped ZnO nanorods are strongly ferromagnetic below Tc of 39 K and around room temperature. The ferromagnetic behavior can be mainly attributed to the carrier-mediated Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida mechanism below Tc and the defect-induced bound magnetic polaron mechanism around room temperature.
Optical vortex with multi-fractional orders
Authors: Hu Juntao , Tai Yuping , Zhu Liuhao , Long Zixu , Tang Miaomiao , Li Hehe , Li Xinzhong , Cai Yangjian
Published: May 2020

Recently, optical vortices (OVs) have attracted substantial attention because they can provide an additional degree of freedom, i.e., orbital angular momentum (OAM). It is well known that the fractional OV (FOV) is interpreted as a weighted superposition of a series of integer OVs containing different OAM states. However, methods for controlling the sampling interval of the OAM state decomposition and determining the selected sampling OAM state are lacking. To address this issue, in this Letter, we propose a FOV by inserting multiple fractional phase jumps into whole phase jumps (2π), termed as a multi-fractional OV (MFOV). The MFOV is a generalized FOV possessing three adjustable parameters, including the number of azimuthal phase periods (APPs), N; the number of whole phase jumps in an APP, K; and the fractional phase jump, α. The results show that the intensity and OAM of the MFOV are shaped into different polygons based on the APP number. Through OAM state decomposition and OAM entropy techniques, we find that the MFOV is constructed by sparse sampling of the OAM states, with the sampling interval equal to N. Moreover, the probability of each sampling state is determined by the parameter α, and the state order of the maximal probability is controlled by the parameter K, as K * N. This work presents a clear physical interpretation of the FOV, which deepens our understanding of the FOV and facilitates potential applications, especially for multiplexing technology in optical communication based on OAM.
Measuring the orbital angular momentum of high-power laser pulses
Authors: Aboushelbaya R. , Glize K. , Savin A. F. , Mayr M. , Spiers B. , Wang R. , Bourgeois N. , Spindloe C. , Bingham R. , Norreys P. A.
Published: May 2020

In this article, we showcase the experimental results of methods to produce and characterize orbital angular momentum (OAM) carrying high-power lasers. The OAM pulses were produced on the ASTRA laser of the Central Laser Facility using a continuous spiral phase plate. Three different characterization methods were then used to measure the OAM content of the beam. The methods that were used were a cylindrical lens diagnostic, an interferometric diagnostic, and a projective diagnostic. We further discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of each method in the context of high-power laser experiments.
Statistical mechanics of local force dipole responses in computer glasses
Authors: Rainone Corrado , Bouchbinder Eran , Lerner Edan
Published: May 2020

Soft quasilocalized modes (QLMs) are universally featured by structural glasses quenched from a melt, and are involved in several glassy anomalies such as the low-temperature scaling of their thermal conductivity and specific heat, and sound attenuation at intermediate frequencies. In computer glasses, QLMs may assume the form of harmonic vibrational modes under a narrow set of circumstances; however, direct access to their full distribution over frequency is hindered by hybridizations of QLMs with other low-frequency modes (e.g., phonons). Previous studies to overcome this issue have demonstrated that the response of a glass to local force dipoles serves as a good proxy for its QLMs; we, therefore, study here the statistical-mechanical properties of these responses in computer glasses, over a large range of glass stabilities and in various spatial dimensions, with the goal of revealing properties of the yet-inaccessible full distribution of QLMs’ frequencies. We find that as opposed to the spatial-dimension-independent universal distribution of QLMs’ frequencies ω (and, consequently, also of their stiffness κ = ω2), the distribution of stiffnesses associated with responses to local force dipoles features a (weak) dependence on spatial dimension. We rationalize this dependence by introducing a lattice model that incorporates both the real-space profiles of QLMs—associated with dimension-dependent long-range elastic fields—and the universal statistical properties of their frequencies. Based on our findings, we propose a conjecture about the form of the full distribution of QLMs’ frequencies and its protocol-dependence. Finally, we discuss possible connections of our findings to basic aspects of glass formation and deformation.
Absolute carrier-envelope-phase dependences of single and double ionization of methanol in a near-IR few-cycle laser field
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Fukahori Shinichi , Ando Toshiaki , Kanya Reika , Iwasaki Atsushi , Rathje Tim , Paulus Gerhard G. , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: May 2020

We investigate the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) dependences of the single and double ionization processes of methanol (CH3OH) in an intense near-IR few-cycle laser field (2.1 × 1014 W/cm2) by the asymmetry in the ejection direction of CH3+ for the non-hydrogen migration channels and CH2+ for the hydrogen migration channels created through the C–O bond breaking after the ionization. Based on the absolute CEP values at the laser–molecule interaction point, calibrated by the method using intense few-cycle circularly polarized laser pulses [Fukahori et al., Phys. Rev. A 95, 053410-1–053410-14 (2017)], we confirm that methanol cations are produced by tunnel ionization and methanol dications are produced by the recollisional double ionization. We obtain the phase offset for the double ionization accompanying no hydrogen migration to be 1.85π as the absolute CEP at which the extent of the asymmetry becomes maximum. We interpret the phase shift of 0.85π from the phase offset of 1.0π for the tunnel ionization, estimated by a tunnel ionization model incorporating the chemical bond asymmetry, as the corresponding time delay associated with the electron recollisional ionization. The positive phase shift of 0.13π for the single ionization in the non-hydrogen migration channel is interpreted as the additional time (165 as) with which a methanol cation can be excited electronically prior to the decomposition. The additional phase shift of 0.22π for the single ionization in the hydrogen migration channel is interpreted as the additional time (280 as) required for a methanol cation to be excited electronically leading to the hydrogen migration prior to the decomposition.
Magnetic structure of undistorted hexagonal ferrites, Lu0.2In0.8FeO3
Authors: Cho Kwanghee , Kim Hakbeom , Park Soonyong
Published: May 2020

We report on the crystal and magnetic structure of bulk hexagonal (Lu,In)FeO3. Neutron powder diffraction revealed that Lu0.2In0.8FeO3 has a single-phase P63/mmc structure down to T ≈ 3 K and shows an antiferromagnetic transition at TN ≈ 164 K. Unlike the distorted hexagonal LuFeO3 family with an A2(Γ2)-type spin configuration, undistorted hexagonal Lu0.2In0.8FeO3 shows either an A1(Γ1) or a B1(Γ3)-type spin configuration below TN, which does not produce the c-directional canted ferromagnetic moment. A significant reduction in the ordered magnetic moment was observed at 3 K without trimerization, and hints of a magnetic cluster state were observed in the paramagnetic phase near room temperature. Therefore, the system presents a rare example to study the geometrically frustrated magnetism in the undistorted hexagonal magnet that has a perfect triangular lattice below room temperature.
Asymptotic estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection counts and their sensitivity to stochastic perturbation
Authors: Faranda Davide , Castillo Isaac Pérez , Hulme Oliver , Jezequel Aglaé , Lamb Jeroen S. W. , Sato Yuzuru , Thompson Erica L.
Published: May 2020

Despite the importance of having robust estimates of the time-asymptotic total number of infections, early estimates of COVID-19 show enormous fluctuations. Using COVID-19 data from different countries, we show that predictions are extremely sensitive to the reporting protocol and crucially depend on the last available data point before the maximum number of daily infections is reached. We propose a physical explanation for this sensitivity, using a susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered model, where the parameters are stochastically perturbed to simulate the difficulty in detecting patients, different confinement measures taken by different countries, as well as changes in the virus characteristics. Our results suggest that there are physical and statistical reasons to assign low confidence to statistical and dynamical fits, despite their apparently good statistical scores. These considerations are general and can be applied to other epidemics.
The challenges in commercialisation of Probiotic API manufacturing
Authors: Liu Joe , Cook Brendan , Roux Shaun
Published: May 2020

The concept of probiotics is well known and has developed into a high value commodity in recent times. Despite the ever-expanding number of probiotic products on our pharmacy, health food and supermarket shelves, the probiotic culture active ingredient has always been imported until now. In 2019, Probiotics Australia Pty Ltd opened Australia’s first and only Therapeutic Goods Administration/current Good Manufacturing Practice (TGA/cGMP) certified facility dedicated to the manufacture of probiotic active ingredients. This article outlines the significant export demand for Australian-made health products and the lengths to which Probiotics Australia have gone to create a facility to meet needs of the probiotics research, commercialisation and consumer market today and into the future.
Spike-induced ordering: Stochastic neural spikes provide immediate adaptability to the sensorimotor system
Authors: Yonekura Shogo , Kuniyoshi Yasuo
Published: May 2020

Most biological neurons exhibit stochastic and spiking action potentials. However, the benefits of stochastic spikes versus continuous signals other than noise tolerance and energy efficiency remain largely unknown. In this study, we provide an insight into the potential roles of stochastic spikes, which may be beneficial for producing on-site adaptability in biological sensorimotor agents. We developed a platform that enables parametric modulation of the stochastic and discontinuous output of a stochastically spiking neural network (sSNN) to the rate-coded smooth output. This platform was applied to a complex musculoskeletal–neural system of a bipedal walker, and we demonstrated how stochastic spikes may help improve on-site adaptability of a bipedal walker to slippery surfaces or perturbation of random external forces. We further applied our sSNN platform to more general and simple sensorimotor agents and demonstrated four basic functions provided by an sSNN: 1) synchronization to a natural frequency, 2) amplification of the resonant motion in a natural frequency, 3) basin enlargement of the behavioral goal state, and 4) rapid complexity reduction and regular motion pattern formation. We propose that the benefits of sSNNs are not limited to musculoskeletal dynamics. Indeed, a wide range of the stability and adaptability of biological systems may arise from stochastic spiking dynamics.
Transcriptional profiling identifies an androgen receptor activity-low, stemness program associated with enzalutamide resistance
Authors: Alumkal Joshi J. , Sun Duanchen , Lu Eric , Beer Tomasz M. , Thomas George V. , Latour Emile , Aggarwal Rahul , Cetnar Jeremy , Ryan Charles J. , Tabatabaei Shaadi , Bailey Shawna , Turina Claire B. , Quigley David A. , Guan Xiangnan , Foye Adam , Youngren Jack F. , Urrutia Joshua , Huang Jiaoti , Weinstein Alana S. , Friedl Verena , Rettig Matthew , Reiter Robert E. , Spratt Daniel E. , Gleave Martin , Evans Christopher P. , Stuart Joshua M. , Chen Yiyi , Feng Felix Y. , Small Eric J. , Witte Owen N. , Xia Zheng
Published: May 2020

Significance

The androgen receptor (AR) antagonist enzalutamide is one of the principal treatments for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, not all patients respond, and de novo resistance mechanisms are largely unknown. To clarify mechanisms that contribute to enzalutamide resistance, we conducted a single-arm enzalutamide clinical trial. Metastatic tissue biopsies were required prior to study entry so we could attempt to identify molecular features associated with de novo resistance. Transcriptional profiling identified specific gene sets—including those linked to reduced AR transcriptional activity and a stemness program—that were activated in nonresponders. Our results suggest that patients whose tumors harbor this program should be considered for clinical trials testing rational agents to overcome de novo enzalutamide resistance.
Analysis of RAS protein interactions in living cells reveals a mechanism for pan-RAS depletion by membrane-targeted RAS binders
Authors: Li Yao-Cheng , Lytle Nikki K. , Gammon Seth T. , Wang Luke , Hayes Tikvah K. , Sutton Margie N. , Bast Robert C. , Der Channing J. , Piwnica-Worms David , McCormick Frank , Wahl Geoffrey M.
Published: May 2020

Significance

RAS proteins, critical regulators of cell growth and differentiation, are the most frequently mutated oncogenes in humans. RAS functions as dimers/coclusters on cell membranes. We developed an improved split luciferase complementation assay coupled to a powerful genetic system to show that colocalization within the same membrane domain enables formation of RAS dimers/coclusters with itself and other membrane-associated proteins. Membrane association-facilitated interactions (MAFIs) are not sufficient for RBD-mediated Ras inhibition, which additionally requires high-affinity domain-mediated interactions. Notably, we show that MAFI augments the impact of domain-mediated interactions to elicit autophagy/lysosome-mediated elimination of nonfunctional RAS complexes. This broadly applicable strategy enables discovery of low-affinity protein interactions mediated by membrane tethering and analysis of their impact on biologic function.
Origin of transparency in scattering biomimetic collagen materials
Authors: Salameh Chrystelle , Salviat Flore , Bessot Elora , Lama Miléna , Chassot Jean-Marie , Moulongui Elodie , Wang Yan , Robin Marc , Bardouil Arnaud , Selmane Mohamed , Artzner Franck , Marcellan Alba , Sanchez Clément , Giraud-Guille Marie-Madeleine , Faustini Marco , Carminati Rémi , Nassif Nadine
Published: May 2020

Significance

Disordered materials with heterogeneities at scales ranging from nano- to micrometers usually scatter visible light and become opaque beyond a certain thickness. However, transparent materials are found in nature. The physical origin of transparency in natural and artificial biopolymer materials is still not fully understood. Here, a gap of transparency is found in synthetic fibrillar collagen matrices within a very narrow range of concentration. The transparency results from structural partial order inhibiting light scattering, while preserving mechanical stability, stiffness, and nonlinearity. The potential to produce biomimetic hydrogels with such striking optical properties by self-assembly opens an interesting route in the study of photonic materials and provides new elements in the understanding of the appearance of transparency in natural materials.
Light-controlled twister ribozyme with single-molecule detection resolves RNA function in time and space
Authors: Korman Arthur , Sun Huabing , Hua Boyang , Yang Haozhe , Capilato Joseph N. , Paul Rakesh , Panja Subrata , Ha Taekjip , Greenberg Marc M. , Woodson Sarah A.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Small ribozymes are widespread in nature and have been engineered for artificial gene control in biotechnology and therapeutic applications. To understand how these simple RNA motifs work, we designed and synthesized a chemically protected “photocaged” nucleotide that blocks ribozyme folding until the block is removed with a short (≤0.03 s) pulse with a blue laser. We combined this tool with a microscope capable of observing single RNA molecules and showed that photocaged ribozymes can be turned on with light more precisely and more quickly than was previously possible. This tool for controlling RNA with light allows the ribozyme reaction pathway to be observed in real time and can be applied to other RNA-based systems for gene control.
Combined loss of function of two different loci of miR-15/16 drives the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lovat Francesca , Nigita Giovanni , Distefano Rosario , Nakamura Tatsuya , Gasparini Pierluigi , Tomasello Luisa , Fadda Paolo , Ibrahimova Narmin , Catricalà Silvia , Palamarchuk Alexey , Caligiuri Michael A. , Gallì Anna , Malcovati Luca , Minden Mark D. , Croce Carlo M.
Published: May 2020

Significance

The loss of miR-15a/16-1 on chromosome 13q14 and miR-15b/16-2 on chromosome 3q25 is critical for the development of AML in mice. We hypothesized that, at least, a fraction of human AML patients could undergo a comparable mechanism. Here, we evaluated the expression of the two miR-15/16 clusters in 93 MDS patients and 139 AML patients. A significant reduction of miR-15a, miR-15b, and miR-16 expression can predict the progression from MDS to AML transformation. We demonstrated in 40% of AML cell lines analyzed, a combined reduction of miR-15a/-15b expression and an overexpression of their direct/indirect targets. MiR-15/16 cluster expression can be a valuable marker to stratify AML patients for a combined therapy, based on venetoclax and anti-ROR1 antibody.
Nanovesicles displaying functional linear and branched oligomannose self-assembled from sequence-defined Janus glycodendrimers
Authors: Xiao Qi , Delbianco Martina , Sherman Samuel E. , Reveron Perez Aracelee M. , Bharate Priya , Pardo-Vargas Alonso , Rodriguez-Emmenegger Cesar , Kostina Nina Yu , Rahimi Khosrow , Söder Dominik , Möller Martin , Klein Michael L. , Seeberger Peter H. , Percec Virgil
Published: May 2020

Significance

Synthetic macromolecules that mimic glycolipids, named Janus glycodendrimers (JGDs), have been shown to self-assemble into nanoscale vesicles displaying glycans on their outer surface, similar to the glycocalyx coating of eukaryotic cells, bacteria, and viruses. Specifically, both linear and branched oligosaccharides synthesized by automated glycan assembly, with hydrophobic linkers, have been used to create JGDs via an isothiocyanate–amine coupling reaction. Surprisingly, in spite of the hydrophobic linker, these JGDs self-organize into nanovesicles exhibiting lamellar surface morphologies, which mimic the recognition structures of cell-surface glycans and viral glycoproteins. Therefore, they are likely to be useful in helping elucidate mechanisms of significance for translational medicine such as the camouflage functionality employed by viruses to evade recognition.
Development of a long-acting direct-acting antiviral system for hepatitis C virus treatment in swine
Authors: Verma Malvika , Chu Jacqueline N. , Salama John A. F. , Faiz Mohammed T. , Eweje Feyisope , Gwynne Declan , Lopes Aaron , Hess Kaitlyn , Soares Vance , Steiger Christoph , McManus Rebecca , Koeppen Ryan , Hua Tiffany , Hayward Alison , Collins Joy , Tamang Siddartha M. , Ishida Keiko , Miller Jonathan B. , Katz Stephanie , Slocum Alexander H. , Sulkowski Mark S. , Thomas David L. , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: May 2020

Significance

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is highly effective against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite this, the burden of chronic HCV remains high, particularly in populations for whom daily medications can be challenging. The generation of long-acting modes of DAA delivery could thus expand HCV treatment. We have developed a long-acting DAA system (LA-DAAS) that can support multigram-level drug depots of HCV DAAs and provide controlled release of those drugs over the course of weeks. We demonstrate initial safety and efficacy of the LA-DAAS in a swine model. Expanding the range of delivery options of DAAs to patients and healthcare providers will further efforts toward global elimination of HCV infection.
KLF7 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis by up-regulating ISG expression and maintaining Golgi complex integrity
Authors: Gupta Romi , Malvi Parmanand , Parajuli Keshab Raj , Janostiak Radoslav , Bugide Suresh , Cai Guoping , Zhu Lihua Julie , Green Michael R. , Wajapeyee Narendra
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. Currently, there is no effective therapy for PDAC, and a detailed molecular and functional evaluation of PDACs is needed to identify and develop better therapeutic strategies. Here we show that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) is overexpressed in PDACs, and that inhibition of KLF7 blocks PDAC tumor growth and metastasis in cell culture and in mice. KLF7 expression in PDACs can be up-regulated due to activation of a MAP kinase pathway or inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53, two alterations that occur in a large majority of PDACs. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of KLF7 inhibits the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which are necessary for KLF7-mediated PDAC tumor growth and metastasis. KLF7 knockdown also results in the down-regulation of Discs Large MAGUK Scaffold Protein 3 (DLG3), resulting in Golgi complex fragmentation, and reduced protein glycosylation, leading to reduced secretion of cancer-promoting growth factors, such as chemokines. Genetic or pharmacologic activation of Golgi complex fragmentation blocks PDAC growth and metastasis similar to KLF7 inhibition. Our results demonstrate a therapeutically amenable, KLF7-driven pathway that promotes PDAC growth and metastasis by activating ISGs and maintaining Golgi complex integrity.
Kinetochore protein Spindly controls microtubule polarity in
Drosophila
axons
Authors: del Castillo Urko , Müller Hans-Arno J. , Gelfand Vladimir I.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Neurons send and receive electrical signals through long microtubule-filled neurites called axons and dendrites. One of the main structural differences between axons and dendrites is how their microtubules are organized. Axons contain microtubules with their plus-ends out while microtubules in dendrites are organized with mixed or plus-end-in orientation. Dynein, the main minus-end microtubule motor anchored to cortical actin filaments in the axons, is responsible for uniform microtubule polarity in axons. However, it is unknown how dynein is recruited to the actin cortex in axons. The major finding of this work is that Spindly, a protein involved in anchoring dynein to kinetochores during cell division, has a second important function in interphase cells: recruiting dynein to the actin cortex in axons.
What impacts L2 Chinese pragmatic competence in the study abroad context?
Authors: Lang Jun
Published: May 2020

This paper reviews current literature on contributions of the study abroad context to second language (L2) Chinese pragmatics and discusses the future prospects of this rapidly growing research area. By synthesizing sixteen empirical studies on pragmatic competence in L2 Chinese in the study-abroad context, this paper answers one question: What impacts L2 Chinese pragmatic competence in the study abroad (SA) context? The findings show that the SA effect on L2 Chinese pragmatic development is mediated by seven factors including general proficiency, pre-program pragmatic competence, language exposure, intercultural competence, learner agency, linguistic affordance, and learner language and cultural background. Based on the research synthesis, this paper suggests future research directions regarding target pragmatic features, measurements, pragmatic competence in writing, and learner factors mediating study-abroad effect from a dynamic-system perspective.
“Bluebeard” versus black British women’s writing
Authors: Sanchez Alexandra J.
Published: May 2020

Helen Oyeyemi’s 2011novelMr. Foxartfully remasters the “Bluebeard” fairytale and its many variants and rewritings, such asJane EyreandRebecca. It is also the first novel in which Oyeyemi does not overtly address blackness or racial identity. However, the present article argues thatMr. Foxis concerned with the status of all women writers, including women writers of colour. WithMr. Fox, Oyeyemi echoes the assertiveness and inquisitiveness of Bluebeard’s last wife, whose disobedient questioning of Bluebeard’s canonical authority leads her to discover, denounce, and warn other women about his murderous nature. A tale of the deception and manipulation inherent in storytelling,Mr. Foxallows for its narrative foul play to be exposed on the condition that its literary victims turn into detective-readers and decipher the hidden clues left behind by the novel’s criminal-authors. This article puts the love triangle between author St. John Fox, muse Mary, and wife Daphne under investigation by associating reading and writing motifs with detective fiction. Oyeyemi’sménage à troiscan thus be exposed as an anthropomorphic metaphor for the power struggle between the patriarchal literary canon, established feminist literature, and up-and-coming (black British) women writers, incarnated respectively by Mr. Fox, Mary Foxe, and Daphne Fox.
Dr(e)amatic encounters
Authors: Saei Dibavar Sara , Abbasi Pyeaam , Pirnajmuddin Hossein
Published: May 2020

This article traces the textual elaboration and expansion of dreams as embedded narratives in J. M. Coetzee’sWaiting for the Barbarians(1980). Drawing on Marie-Laure Ryan’s modal system, the objective is to lay bare Coetzee’s staging of the possibility of encountering theotherin the world of dreams as the only domain that is not controlled by territorializing forces of the imperial state. Ryan’s modal system is used to differentiate the fantasy universe (F-universe) of the protagonist’s dreams as the only possible venue for such an encounter with theother. We suggest that such unauthorized (I-Thou) encounters – which closely accompany (and interact with) the events in the textual actual world (TAW) – widen the doubtful magistrate’s horizon of vision and facilitate his liberation by disconnecting him from the imperial state.
Assessing writing performance in TOEFL-iBT
Authors: Shooraki Farah , Barati Hossein , Moinzadeh Ahmad
Published: May 2020

This study aims to determine the linguistic and discoursal differences in essays produced by Iranian test-takers of TOEFL-iBT in response to integrated and independent writing tasks. A sample of 40 essays, written by 20 Iranian test-takers of scored integrated and independent writing tasks, was compared and analyzed in terms of the four latent constructs of text easability (fourteen variables), cohesion (nine variables), lexical sophistication (nineteen variables), and syntactic complexity (six variables), using the Coh-Metrix 3.0 program. Results indicate differences in the linguistic and discoursal features of integrated and independent writing tasks. The findings reveal that the scores on writing tasks of EFL test-takers can be anchored empirically through the analysis of some discourse qualities like cohesion. Independent tasks contain more connectives and particles so they can result in better discourse structure organization and the generation of more cohesive devices. Stakeholders of the test should verify test constructs in terms of particular contexts like EFL and communicative views of language proficiency. Consequently, the findings contribute to the ongoing validity argument on TOEFL-iBT writing tasks for designing and interpreting scoring schemes for the writing component of the test.
A study of the place of articulation of the Arabic voiceless dorsal
fricative
Authors: Abo Mokh Noor , Lulich Steven M. , Alfaifi Abdullah , Robinson Sarah , Charles Sherman , de Jong Kenneth
Published: May 2020

Previous descriptions of the place of articulation of the
Arabic dorsal fricative suggest that it ranges from velar to uvular, and there
remains uncertainty in terms of identifying the place of articulation of this
fricative. If the dorsal fricatives are velar in articulation, this presents a
mismatch between their phonological class membership and their phonetic
manifestation, since the velar-uvular split is precisely where the guttural class
boundary is. If the natural class of gutturals excludes velars, then the common
patterning of the dorsal fricative with the gutturals suggests that it is not
underlyingly velar. This study seeks to empirically determine the place of
articulation of the voiceless dorsal fricative (/x/ or /χ/) in a speaker of each of
the following six Arabic dialects: Moroccan Darija, Algerian Darija (West side of
Algeria), Egyptian (Cairene), Triangle-Area Palestinian, Syrian (Aleppo), and Faifi
(Saudi Arabia). The study uses a state-of-the-art 3D/4D ultrasound machine,
digitized 3D palate impressions, and audio recordings to analyze the dorsal
fricatives of Arabic speakers. The results show a general tendency toward uvular
articulation or pre-uvular articulation across dialects, with some variation in some
speakers.