bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferring Hydrologic Data Across Continents – Leveraging Data‐Rich Regions to Improve Hydrologic Prediction in Data‐Sparse Regions
Authors: Ma Kai , Feng Dapeng , Lawson Kathryn , Tsai Wen‐Ping , Liang Chuan , Huang Xiaorong , Sharma Ashutosh , Shen Chaopeng
Published: March 2021

There is a drastic geographic imbalance in available global streamflow gauge and catchment property data, with additional large variations in data characteristics. As a result, models calibrated in one region cannot normally be migrated to another without significant modifications. Currently in these regions, non‐transferable machine learning models are habitually trained over small local data sets. Here we show that transfer learning (TL), in the senses of weight initialization and weight freezing, allows long short‐term memory (LSTM) streamflow models that were pretrained over the conterminous United States (CONUS, the source data set) to be transferred to catchments on other continents (the target regions), without the need for extensive catchment attributes available at the target location. We demonstrate this possibility for regions where data are dense (664 basins in Great Britain), moderately dense (49 basins in central Chile), and scarce with only remotely sensed attributes available (5 basins in China). In both China and Chile, the TL models showed significantly elevated performance compared to locally trained models using all basins. The benefits of TL increased with the amount of available data in the source data set, and seemed to be more pronounced with greater physiographic diversity. The benefits from TL were greater than from pretraining LSTM using the outputs from an uncalibrated hydrologic model. These results suggest hydrologic data around the world have commonalities which could be leveraged by deep learning, and synergies can be had with a simple modification of the current workflows, greatly expanding the reach of existing big data. Finally, this work diversified existing global streamflow benchmarks.
Reconstructing Extreme Precipitation in the Sacramento River Watershed Using Tree‐Ring Based Proxies of Cold‐Season Precipitation
Authors: Borkotoky Swatah Snigdha , Williams A. Park , Cook Edward R. , Steinschneider Scott
Published: March 2021

Extreme precipitation and consequent floods are some of California's most damaging natural disasters, but they are also critical to the state's water supply. This motivates the need to better understand the long‐term variability of these events across the region. This study examines the possibility of reconstructing extreme precipitation occurrences in the Sacramento River Watershed (SRW) of Northern California using a network of tree‐ring based moisture proxies across the Western US. We first develop a gridded reconstruction of the cold‐season standardized precipitation index (SPI) west of 100°W. We then develop an annual index of regional extreme precipitation occurrences in the SRW and use elastic net regression to relate that index to the gridded, tree‐ring based SPI. These regressions, built using SPI data across the SRW only and again across a broader region of the Western US, are used to develop reconstructions of interannual variability in extreme precipitation frequency back to 1400 CE. The SPI reconstruction is skillful across much of the West, including the Sacramento Valley and Central Oregon. The reconstructed SPI also captures historical interannual variations in extreme SRW precipitation, although individual events may be under‐ or over‐estimated. The reconstructions show more SRW extremes from 1580 to 1700 and 1850 to 1915, a dearth of extremes prior to 1550, and a 2–8 year oscillation after 1550. Using tree‐ring proxies beyond the SRW often dampens the reconstructed extremes, but these data occasionally help to identify known extreme events. Overall, reconstructions of SRW extreme precipitation can help to understand better the historic variability of these events.
Reply to Comment by S. Han and F. Tian on “A Calibration‐Free Formulation of the Complementary Relationship of Evaporation for Continental‐Scale Hydrology”
Authors: Szilagyi Jozsef , Crago Richard D. , Qualls Russell J.
Published: March 2021

A rescaling of variables changes the Priestley‐Taylor parameter value in the complementary relationship of evaporation for optimal performance.
Thank You to Our Peer Reviewers for 2020
Authors: Florindo Fabio , Carlton Annmarie G. , D'Odorico Paolo , Duan Qingyun , Halekas Jasper S. , Mollenhauer Gesine , Rohling Eelco J. , Bingham Robert G. , Brodsky Emily E. , Crucifix Michel C. , Gettelman Andrew , Robock Alan
Published: March 2021

Plain Language Summary

On behalf of the authors and readers of Reviews of Geophysics (RoG), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the broader scientiﬁc community, the editors wish to wholeheartedly thank those who reviewed manuscripts for RoG in 2020.
Reciprocal control of obesity and anxiety–depressive disorder via a GABA and serotonin neural circuit
Authors: Xia Guobin , Han Yong , Meng Fantao , He Yanlin , Srisai Dollada , Farias Monica , Dang Minghao , Palmiter Richard D. , Xu Yong , Wu Qi
Published: March 2021

The high comorbidity between obesity and mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often exacerbates metabolic and neurological symptoms significantly. However, neural mechanisms that underlie reciprocal control of feeding and mental states are largely elusive. Here we report that melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) neurons located in the dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminus (dBNST) engage in the regulation of mentally associated weight gain by receiving GABAergic projections from hypothalamic AgRP neurons onto α5-containing GABAAreceptors and serotonergic afferents onto 5-HT3receptors. Chronic treatment with a high-fat diet (HFD) significantly blunts the hyperexcitability of AgRP neurons in response to not only hunger but also anxiety and depression-like stimuli. Such HFD-mediated desensitization reduces GABAergic outputs from AgRP neurons to downstream MC4RdBNSTneurons, resulting in severe mental dysregulation. Genetic enhancement of the GABAAR-α5 or suppression of the 5-HT3R within the MC4RdBNSTneurons not only abolishes HFD-induced anxiety and depression but also robustly reduces body weight by suppression of food intake. To gain further translational insights, we revealed that combined treatment of zonisamide (enhancing the GABAAR-α5 signaling) and granisetron (a selective 5-HT3R antagonist) alleviates mental dysfunction and yields a robust reversal of diet-induced obesity by reducing total calorie intake and altering food preference towards a healthy low-fat diet. Our results unveil a neural mechanism for reciprocal control of appetite and mental states, which culminates in a novel zonisamide-granisetron cocktail therapy for potential tackling the psychosis-obesity comorbidity.
Sucrose triggers a novel signaling cascade promoting Bacillus subtilis rhizosphere colonization
Authors: Tian Tao , Sun Bingbing , Shi Haowen , Gao Tantan , He Yinghao , Li Yan , Liu Yixue , Li Xuexian , Zhang Liqun , Li Shidong , Wang Qi , Chai Yunrong
Published: March 2021

Beneficial rhizobacteria promote plant growth and protect plants against phytopathogens. Effective colonization on plant roots is critical for the rhizobacteria to exert beneficial activities. How bacteria migrate swiftly in the soil of semisolid or solid nature remains unclear. Here we report that sucrose, a disaccharide ubiquitously deployed by photosynthetic plants for fixed carbon transport and storage, and abundantly secreted from plant roots, promotes solid surface motility (SSM) and root colonization by Bacillus subtilis through a previously uncharacterized mechanism. Sucrose induces robust SSM by triggering a signaling cascade, first through extracellular synthesis of polymeric levan, which in turn stimulates strong production of surfactin and hyper-flagellation of the cells. B. subtilis poorly colonizes the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants deficient in root-exudation of sucrose, while exogenously added sucrose selectively shapes the rhizomicrobiome associated with the tomato plant roots, promoting specifically bacilli and pseudomonad. We propose that sucrose activates a signaling cascade to trigger SSM and promote rhizosphere colonization by B. subtilis. Our findings also suggest a practicable approach to boost prevalence of beneficial Bacillus species in plant protection.
Pten is a key intrinsic factor regulating raphe 5-HT neuronal plasticity and depressive behaviors in mice
Authors: Chen Ling , Gong Wan-Kun , Yang Cui-ping , Shao Chan-Chan , Song Ning-Ning , Chen Jia-Yin , Zhou Li-Qiang , Zhang Kun-Shan , Li Siguang , Huang Zhili , Richter-Levin Gal , Xu Lin , Ding Yu-Qiang
Published: March 2021

Serotonin (5-HT)-based antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) aim to enhance serotonergic activity by blocking its reuptake. We propose PTEN as a target for an alternative approach for regulating 5-HT neuron activity in the brain and depressive behaviors. We show that PTEN is elevated in central 5-HT neurons in the raphe nucleus by chronic stress in mice, and selective deletion of Pten in the 5-HT neurons induces its structural plasticity shown by increases of dendritic branching and density of PSD95-positive puncta in the dendrites. 5-HT levels are elevated and electrical stimulation of raphe neurons evokes more 5-HT release in the brain of condition knockout (cKO) mice with Pten-deficient 5-HT neurons. In addition, the 5-HT neurons remain normal electrophysiological properties but have increased excitatory synaptic inputs. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed gene transcript alterations that may underlay morphological and functional changes in Pten-deficient 5-HT neurons. Finally, Pten cKO mice and wild-type mice treated with systemic application of PTEN inhibitor display reduced depression-like behaviors. Thus, PTEN is an intrinsic regulator of 5-HT neuron activity, representing a novel therapeutic strategy for producing antidepressant action.
Adoption of artificial intelligence in breast imaging: evaluation, ethical constraints and limitations
Authors: Hickman Sarah E. , Baxter Gabrielle C. , Gilbert Fiona J.
Published: March 2021

Retrospective studies have shown artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can match as well as enhance radiologist’s performance in breast screening. These tools can facilitate tasks not feasible by humans such as the automatic triage of patients and prediction of treatment outcomes. Breast imaging faces growing pressure with the exponential growth in imaging requests and a predicted reduced workforce to provide reports. Solutions to alleviate these pressures are being sought with an increasing interest in the adoption of AI to improve workflow efficiency as well as patient outcomes. Vast quantities of data are needed to test and monitor AI algorithms before and after their incorporation into healthcare systems. Availability of data is currently limited, although strategies are being devised to harness the data that already exists within healthcare institutions. Challenges that underpin the realisation of AI into everyday breast imaging cannot be underestimated and the provision of guidance from national agencies to tackle these challenges, taking into account views from a societal, industrial and healthcare prospective is essential. This review provides background on the evaluation and use of AI in breast imaging in addition to exploring key ethical, technical, legal and regulatory challenges that have been identified so far.
Novel bi-allelic variants expand the SPTBN4-related genetic and phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Buelow Markus , Süßmuth David , Smith Laurie D. , Aryani Omid , Castiglioni Claudia , Stenzel Werner , Bertini Enrico , Schuelke Markus , Knierim Ellen
Published: March 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia, neuropathy, and deafness (NEDHND, OMIM #617519) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in SPTBN4 coding for type 4 βIV-spectrin, a non-erythrocytic member of the β-spectrin family. Variants in SPTBN4 disrupt the cytoskeletal machinery that controls proper localization of ion channels and the function of axonal domains, thereby generating severe neurological dysfunction. We set out to analyze the genetic causes and describe the clinical spectrum of suspected cases of NEDHND. Variant screening was done by whole exome sequencing; clinical phenotypes were described according to the human phenotype ontology, and histochemical analysis was performed with disease-specific antibodies. We report four families with five patients harboring novel homozygous and compound heterozygous SPTBN4 variants, amongst them a multi-exon deletion of SPTBN4. All patients presented with the key features of NEDHND; severe muscular hypotonia, dysphagia, absent speech, gross motor, and mental retardation. Additional symptoms comprised horizontal nystagmus, epileptiform discharges in EEG without manifest seizures, and choreoathetosis. Muscle histology revealed both characteristics of myopathy and of neuropathy. This report expands the SPTBN4 variant spectrum, highlights the spectrum of morphological phenotypes of NEDHND-patients, and reveals clinical similarities between the NEDHND, non-5q SMA, and congenital myopathies.
Association between the nucleosome footprint of plasma DNA and neoadjuvant chemotherapy response for breast cancer
Authors: Yang Xu , Cai Geng-Xi , Han Bo-Wei , Guo Zhi-Wei , Wu Ying-Song , Lyu Xiaoming , Huang Li-Min , Zhang Yuan-Bin , Li Xin , Ye Guo-Lin , Yang Xue-Xi
Published: March 2021

Gene expression signatures have been used to predict the outcome of chemotherapy for breast cancer. The nucleosome footprint of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) carries gene expression information of the original tissues and thus may be used to predict the response to chemotherapy. Here we carried out the nucleosome positioning on cfDNA from 85 breast cancer patients and 85 healthy individuals and two cancer cell lines T-47D and MDA-MB-231 using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (LCWGS) method. The patients showed distinct nucleosome footprints at Transcription Start Sites (TSSs) compared with normal donors. In order to identify the footprints of cfDNA corresponding with the responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients, we mapped on nucleosome positions on cfDNA of patients with different responses: responders (pretreatment, n = 28; post-1 cycle, post-3/4 cycles, and post-8 cycles of treatment, n = 12) and nonresponders (pretreatment, n = 10; post-1 cycle, post-3/4 cycles, and post-8 cycles of treatment, n = 10). The coverage depth near TSSs in plasma cfDNA differed significantly between responders and nonresponders at pretreatment, and also after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment cycles. We identified 232 TSSs with differential footprints at pretreatment and 321 after treatment and found enrichment in Gene Ontology terms such as cell growth inhibition, tumor suppressor, necrotic cell death, acute inflammatory response, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and positive regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor production. These results suggest that cfDNA nucleosome footprints may be used to predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients and thus may provide help in decision making for individual patients.
Analysis of the effects of spaceflight and local administration of thrombopoietin to a femoral defect injury on distal skeletal sites
Authors: Zamarioli Ariane , Campbell Zachery R. , Maupin Kevin A. , Childress Paul J. , Ximenez Joao P. B. , Adam Gremah , Chakraborty Nabarun , Gautam Aarti , Hammamieh Rasha , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: March 2021

With increased human presence in space, bone loss and fractures will occur. Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a recently patented bone healing agent. Here, we investigated the systemic effects of TPO on mice subjected to spaceflight and sustaining a bone fracture. Forty, 9-week-old, male, C57BL/6 J were divided into 4 groups: (1) Saline+Earth; (2) TPO + Earth; (3) Saline+Flight; and (4) TPO + Flight (n = 10/group). Saline- and TPO-treated mice underwent a femoral defect surgery, and 20 mice were housed in space (“Flight”) and 20 mice on Earth for approximately 4 weeks. With the exception of the calvarium and incisor, positive changes were observed in TPO-treated, spaceflight bones, suggesting TPO may improve osteogenesis in the absence of mechanical loading. Thus, TPO, may serve as a new bone healing agent, and may also improve some skeletal properties of astronauts, which might be extrapolated for patients on Earth with restraint mobilization and/or are incapable of bearing weight on their bones.
Flexible and tandem quantum-dot light-emitting diodes with individually addressable red/green/blue emission
Authors: Su Qiang , Zhang Heng , Chen Shuming
Published: March 2021

Tandem quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) with multiple QLED elements vertically connected by the intermediate electrodes offer the advantages of high brightness and long lifetime. However, it is challenging to individually address each QLED element in conventional tandem structures. To address this challenge, here, transparent QLEDs built on flexible plastic substrates are developed as the building blocks for the tandem QLEDs. By vertically integrating a red, a green, and a blue transparent QLEDs with an ultraviolet glue, the resultant tandem QLED can emit separately controllable red/green/blue (R/G/B) emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 12.0%/8.5%/4.5%, respectively. Enabled by the transparent and extractable IZO electrodes, the QLED elements can also be connected in series or in parallel with an EQE of 24.8% or 8.2%, respectively. Our work provides a new implementation strategy for the realization of tandem QLEDs with individually addressable R/G/B emission for both display and lighting applications.
The common YAP activation mediates corneal epithelial regeneration and repair with different-sized wounds
Authors: Li Yijian , Ge Lingling , Chen Xia , Mao Yumei , Gu Xianliang , Ren Bangqi , Zeng Yuxiao , Chen Min , Chen Siyu , Liu Jinhua , Yang Yuli , Xu Haiwei
Published: March 2021

Regeneration/repair after injury can be endowed by adult stem cells (ASCs) or lineage restricted and even terminally differentiated cells. In corneal epithelium, regeneration after a large wound depends on ASCs (limbal epithelial stem cells, LESCs), whereas repair after a small wound is LESCs-independent. Here, using rat corneal epithelial wounds with different sizes, we show that YAP activation promotes the activation and expansion of LESCs after a large wound, as well as the reprogramming of local epithelial cells (repairing epithelial cells) after a small wound, which contributes to LESCs-dependent and -independent wound healing, respectively. Mechanically, we highlight that the reciprocal regulation of YAP activity and the assembly of cell junction and cortical F-actin cytoskeleton accelerates corneal epithelial healing with different-sized wounds. Together, the common YAP activation and the underlying regulatory mechanism are harnessed by LESCs and lineage-restricted epithelial cells to cope with corneal epithelial wounds with different sizes.
Firearms-related skeletal muscle trauma: pathophysiology and novel approaches for regeneration
Authors: Moriscot Anselmo , Miyabara Elen H. , Langeani Bruno , Belli Antonio , Egginton Stuart , Bowen T. Scott
Published: March 2021

One major cause of traumatic injury is firearm-related wounds (i.e., ballistic trauma), common in both civilian and military populations, which is increasing in prevalence and has serious long-term health and socioeconomic consequences worldwide. Common primary injuries of ballistic trauma include soft-tissue damage and loss, haemorrhage, bone fracture, and pain. The majority of injuries are of musculoskeletal origin and located in the extremities, such that skeletal muscle offers a major therapeutic target to aid recovery and return to normal daily activities. However, the underlying pathophysiology of skeletal muscle ballistic trauma remains poorly understood, with limited evidence-based treatment options. As such, this review will address the topic of firearm-related skeletal muscle injury and regeneration. We first introduce trauma ballistics and the immediate injury of skeletal muscle, followed by detailed coverage of the underlying biological mechanisms involved in regulating skeletal muscle dysfunction following injury, with a specific focus on the processes of muscle regeneration, muscle wasting and vascular impairments. Finally, we evaluate novel approaches for minimising muscle damage and enhancing muscle regeneration after ballistic trauma, which may have important relevance for primary care in victims of violence.
Electronic and optical properties of vacancy ordered double perovskites A2BX6 (A = Rb, Cs; B = Sn, Pd, Pt; and X = Cl, Br, I): a first principles study
Authors: Faizan Muhammad , Bhamu K. C. , Murtaza Ghulam , He Xin , Kulhari Neeraj , AL‐Anazy Murefah Mana , Khan Shah Haidar
Published: March 2021

The highly successful PBE functional and the modified Becke–Johnson exchange potential were used to calculate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the vacancy-ordered double perovskites A2BX6(A = Rb, Cs; B = Sn, Pd, Pt; X = Cl, Br, and I) using the density functional theory, a first principles approach. The convex hull approach was used to check the thermodynamic stability of the compounds. The calculated parameters (lattice constants, band gap, and bond lengths) are in tune with the available experimental and theoretical results. The compounds, Rb2PdBr6and Cs2PtI6, exhibit band gaps within the optimal range of 0.9–1.6 eV, required for the single-junction photovoltaic applications. The photovoltaic efficiency of the studied materials was assessed using the spectroscopic-limited-maximum-efficiency (SLME) metric as well as the optical properties. The ideal band gap, high dielectric constants, and optimum light absorption of these perovskites make them suitable for high performance single and multi-junction perovskite solar cells.
Lockdowns result in changes in human mobility which may impact the epidemiologic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kishore Nishant , Kahn Rebecca , Martinez Pamela P. , De Salazar Pablo M. , Mahmud Ayesha S. , Buckee Caroline O.
Published: March 2021

In response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, unprecedented travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders were enacted around the world. Ultimately, the public’s response to announcements of lockdowns—defined as restrictions on both local movement or long distance travel—will determine how effective these kinds of interventions are. Here, we evaluate the effects of lockdowns on human mobility and simulate how these changes may affect epidemic spread by analyzing aggregated mobility data from mobile phones. We show that in 2020 following lockdown announcements but prior to their implementation, both local and long distance movement increased in multiple locations, and urban-to-rural migration was observed around the world. To examine how these behavioral responses to lockdown policies may contribute to epidemic spread, we developed a simple agent-based spatial model. Our model shows that this increased movement has the potential to increase seeding of the epidemic in less urban areas, which could undermine the goal of the lockdown in preventing disease spread. Lockdowns play a key role in reducing contacts and controlling outbreaks, but appropriate messaging surrounding their announcement and careful evaluation of changes in mobility are needed to mitigate the possible unintended consequences.
Identifying the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss in consanguineous couples using whole exome sequencing on the products of miscarriage with no chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Najafi Kimia , Mehrjoo Zohreh , Ardalani Fariba , Ghaderi-Sohi Siavash , Kariminejad Ariana , Kariminejad Roxana , Najmabadi Hossein
Published: March 2021

Recurrent miscarriages occur in about 5% of couples trying to conceive. In the past decade, the products of miscarriage have been studied using array comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH). Within the last decade, an association has been proposed between miscarriages and single or multigenic changes, introducing the possibility of detecting other underlying genetic factors by whole exome sequencing (WES). We performed a-CGH on the products of miscarriage from 1625 Iranian women in consanguineous or non-consanguineous marriages. WES was carried out on DNA extracted from the products of miscarriage from 20 Iranian women in consanguineous marriages and with earlier normal genetic testing. Using a-CGH, a statistically significant difference was detected between the frequency of imbalances in related vs. unrelated couples (P < 0.001). WES positively identified relevant alterations in 11 genes in 65% of cases. In 45% of cases, we were able to classify these variants as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, while in the remainder, the variants were classified as of unknown significance. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to employ WES on the products of miscarriage in consanguineous families with recurrent miscarriages regardless of the presence of fetal abnormalities. We propose that WES can be helpful in making a diagnosis of lethal disorders in consanguineous couples after prior genetic testing.
High-fiber diets attenuate emphysema development via modulation of gut microbiota and metabolism
Authors: Jang Yoon Ok , Kim Ock-Hwa , Kim Su Jung , Lee Se Hee , Yun Sunmi , Lim Se Eun , Yoo Hyun Ju , Shin Yong , Lee Sei Won
Published: March 2021

Dietary fiber functions as a prebiotic to determine the gut microbe composition. The gut microbiota influences the metabolic functions and immune responses in human health. The gut microbiota and metabolites produced by various dietary components not only modulate immunity but also impact various organs. Although recent findings have suggested that microbial dysbiosis is associated with several respiratory diseases, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and allergy, the role of microbiota and metabolites produced by dietary nutrients with respect to pulmonary disease remains unclear. Therefore, we explored whether the gut microbiota and metabolites produced by dietary fiber components could influence a cigarette smoking (CS)-exposed emphysema model. In this study, it was demonstrated that a high-fiber diet including non-fermentable cellulose and fermentable pectin attenuated the pathological changes associated with emphysema progression and the inflammatory response in CS-exposed emphysema mice. Moreover, we observed that different types of dietary fiber could modulate the diversity of gut microbiota and differentially impacted anabolism including the generation of short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and sphingolipids. Overall, the results of this study indicate that high-fiber diets play a beneficial role in the gut microbiota-metabolite modulation and substantially affect CS-exposed emphysema mice. Furthermore, this study suggests the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota and metabolites from a high-fiber diet in emphysema via local and systemic inflammation inhibition, which may be useful in the development of a new COPD treatment plan.
Novel hole-pillar spacer design for improved hydrodynamics and biofouling mitigation in membrane filtration
Authors: Qamar Adnan , Kerdi Sarah , Ali Syed Muztuza , Shon Ho Kyong , Vrouwenvelder Johannes S. , Ghaffour Noreddine
Published: March 2021

Feed spacers are the critical components of any spiral-wound filtration module, dictating the filtration performance. Three spacer designs, namely a non-woven commercial spacer (varying filament cross-section), a symmetric pillar spacer, and a novel hole-pillar spacer (constant filament diameter) were studied using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS), 3-D printed and subsequently experimentally tested in a lab-scale ultrafiltration set-up with high biofouling potential feed water at various feed pressures. Independent of the applied pressure, the novel hole-pillar spacer showed initially the lowest feed channel pressure drop, the lowest shear stress, and the highest permeate flux compared to the commercial and pillar spacers. Furthermore, less biofilm thickness development on membrane surface was visualized by Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) imaging for the proposed hole-pillar spacer. At higher feed pressure, a thicker biofilm developed on membrane surface for all spacer designs explaining the stronger decrease in permeate flux at high pressure. The findings systematically demonstrated the role of various spacer designs and applied pressure on the performance of pre-treatment process, while identifying specific shear stress distribution guidelines for engineering a new spacer design in different filtration techniques.
Powerful p-value combination methods to detect incomplete association
Authors: Yoon Sora , Baik Bukyung , Park Taesung , Nam Dougu
Published: March 2021

Meta-analyses increase statistical power by combining statistics from multiple studies. Meta-analysis methods have mostly been evaluated under the condition that all the data in each study have an association with the given phenotype. However, specific experimental conditions in each study or genetic heterogeneity can result in “unassociated statistics” that are derived from the null distribution. Here, we show that power of conventional meta-analysis methods rapidly decreases as an increasing number of unassociated statistics are included, whereas the classical Fisher’s method and its weighted variant (wFisher) exhibit relatively high power that is robust to addition of unassociated statistics. We also propose another robust method based on joint distribution of ordered p-values (ordmeta). Simulation analyses for t-test, RNA-seq, and microarray data demonstrated that wFisher and ordmeta, when only a small number of studies have an association, outperformed existing meta-analysis methods. We performed meta-analyses of nine microarray datasets (prostate cancer) and four association summary datasets (body mass index), where our methods exhibited high biological relevance and were able to detect genes that the-state-of-the-art methods missed. The metapro R package that implements the proposed methods is available from both CRAN and GitHub (http://github.com/unistbig/metapro).
Amorphous nanoparticles in clays, soils and marine sediments analyzed with a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method
Authors: Tsukimura Katsuhiro , Miyoshi Youko , Takagi Tetsuich , Suzuki Masaya , Wada Shin-ichiro
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the amounts and size distributions of amorphous nanoparticles in clays, soils and marine sediments, and the effect of amorphous nanoparticles on the properties of clays, soils and marine sediments. So far aluminum–silicate amorphous nanoparticles such as allophane were observed only in soils of volcanic origin with a transmission electron microscope, and thus most people believed that aluminum–silicate amorphous nanoparticles were present only in soils of special origin. Recently, a method has been devised to quantify amorphous nanoparticles by using small angle X-ray scattering intensity. Using the method, we have quantified amorphous nanoparticles in clays, soils and marine sediments, and have found that all clays, soils and marine sediments measured in this study contain large amounts of amorphous nanoparticles. On the basis of this result, we have concluded that large amounts of amorphous nanoparticles are ubiquitously formed from rocks when the rocks are weathered or altered. We have also found that the amorphous nanoparticles affect the properties of clays, such as adsorption properties and plasticity. These findings show that amorphous nanoparticles play an important role in clays, soils and marine sediments.
Author Correction: Therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Choung Jin Seung , Kim Jong Moon , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Cho Dong Sik , Kim MinYoung
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Characterizing advanced breast cancer heterogeneity and treatment resistance through serial biopsies and comprehensive analytics
Authors: Li Allen , Keck Jamie M. , Parmar Swapnil , Patterson Janice , Labrie Marilyne , Creason Allison L. , Johnson Brett E. , Downey Molly , Thomas George , Beadling Carol , Heiser Laura M. , Kolodzie Annette , Guimaraes Alexander R. , Corless Christopher L. , Gray Joe W. , Mills Gordon B. , Bergan Raymond C. , Mitri Zahi I.
Published: March 2021

Molecular heterogeneity in metastatic breast cancer presents multiple clinical challenges in accurately characterizing and treating the disease. Current diagnostic approaches offer limited ability to assess heterogeneity that exists among multiple metastatic lesions throughout the treatment course. We developed a precision oncology platform that combines serial biopsies, multi-omic analysis, longitudinal patient monitoring, and molecular tumor boards, with the goal of improving cancer management through enhanced understanding of the entire cancer ecosystem within each patient. We describe this integrative approach using comprehensive analytics generated from serial-biopsied lesions in a metastatic breast cancer patient. The serial biopsies identified remarkable heterogeneity among metastatic lesions that presented clinically as discordance in receptor status and genomic alterations with mixed treatment response. Based on our study, we highlight clinical scenarios, such as rapid progression or mixed response, that indicate consideration for repeat biopsies to evaluate intermetastatic heterogeneity (IMH), with the objective of refining targeted therapy. We present a framework for understanding the clinical significance of heterogeneity in breast cancer between metastatic lesions utilizing multi-omic analyses of serial biopsies and its implication for effective personalized treatment.
Development of deep learning algorithms for predicting blastocyst formation and quality by time-lapse monitoring
Authors: Liao Qiuyue , Zhang Qi , Feng Xue , Huang Haibo , Xu Haohao , Tian Baoyuan , Liu Jihao , Yu Qihui , Guo Na , Liu Qun , Huang Bo , Ma Ding , Ai Jihui , Xu Shugong , Li Kezhen
Published: March 2021

Approaches to reliably predict the developmental potential of embryos and select suitable embryos for blastocyst culture are needed. The development of time-lapse monitoring (TLM) and artificial intelligence (AI) may help solve this problem. Here, we report deep learning models that can accurately predict blastocyst formation and usable blastocysts using TLM videos of the embryo’s first three days. The DenseNet201 network, focal loss, long short-term memory (LSTM) network and gradient boosting classifier were mainly employed, and video preparation algorithms, spatial stream and temporal stream models were developed into ensemble prediction models called STEM and STEM+. STEM exhibited 78.2% accuracy and 0.82 AUC in predicting blastocyst formation, and STEM+ achieved 71.9% accuracy and 0.79 AUC in predicting usable blastocysts. We believe the models are beneficial for blastocyst formation prediction and embryo selection in clinical practice, and our modeling methods will provide valuable information for analyzing medical videos with continuous appearance variation.
Acid is a potential interferent in fluorescent sensing of chemical warfare agent vapors
Authors: Fan Shengqiang , Dennison Genevieve H. , FitzGerald Nicholas , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: March 2021

A common feature of fluorescent sensing materials for detecting chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and simulants is the presence of nitrogen-based groups designed to nucleophilically displace a phosphorus atom substituent, with the reaction causing a measurable fluorescence change. However, such groups are also basic and so sensitive to acid. In this study we show it is critical to disentangle the response of a candidate sensing material to acid and CWA simulant. We report that pyridyl-containing sensing materials designed to react with a CWA gave a strong and rapid increase in fluorescence when exposed to Sarin, which is known to contain hydrofluoric acid. However, when tested against acid-free diethylchlorophosphate and di-iso-propylfluorophosphate, simulants typically used for evaluating novel G-series CWA sensors, there was no change in the fluorescence. In contrast, simulants that had been stored or tested under a standard laboratory conditions all led to strong changes in fluorescence, due to acid impurities. Thus the results provide strong evidence that care needs to be taken when interpreting the results of fluorescence-based solid-state sensing studies of G-series CWAs and their simulants. There are also implications for the application of these pyridyl-based fluorescence and other nucleophilic/basic sensing systems to real-world CWA detection.
Comprehensive characterization of oligosaccharide conformational ensembles with conformer classification by free-energy landscapeviareproductive kernel Hilbert space
Authors: Watanabe Tokio , Yagi Hirokazu , Yanaka Saeko , Yamaguchi Takumi , Kato Koichi
Published: March 2021

A kernel method enables the comprehensive characterization of conformational ensembles of oligosaccharides in association with the conformational free-energy landscape.
Synthesis and evaluation of bis(imino)anthracene derivatives as G-quadruplex ligands
Authors: Coban Tomris , Robertson Cameron , Schwikkard Sianne , Singer Richard , LeGresley Adam
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of a small number of bis(imino)anthracene derivatives is reported. They were evaluatedviaNMR for binding efficacy to the G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide sequence (TTGGGTT) and show activity against the HeLa cancer cell line.
An electrochemical synthesis of a rare-earth(La3+)-doped ZIF-8 hydroxyapatite composite coating for a Ti/TiO2 implant material
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Ni Xiang , Yao Kaida , Zhang Siqi , Liu Yang , Sun Yueqiu , Wang Xiangzhi , Huang Weimin , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2021

Enhance the antibacterial and anti-corrosion property on the premise of minimizing the biocompatibility loss of titanium implants.
Exploring the binding and cleavage activities of nickelIIcomplexes towards DNA and proteins
Authors: Kumar Manish , Lal Neetika , Luthra Pratibha Mehta , Masram Dhanraj T.
Published: March 2021

Three novel nickel(ii) complexes withcisoctahedral geometry display excellent binding and cleavage affinity towards DNA and proteins. Furthermore, all complexes show superior cytotoxicity against human lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) tumor cells.
Biophysical investigation of interactions between sorbic acid and human serum albumin through spectroscopic and computational approaches
Authors: Raza Muslim , Jiang Yang , Ahmad Bashir , Rahman Ata ur , Raza Saleem , Khan Ajmal , Tahir Kamran , Hassan Said , Khan Saifullah , Yuan Qipeng
Published: March 2021

This work provides an effective strategy to analyze the SA-induced microenvironmental changes in the HSA macromolecule, and also highlights the medicinal importance of SA.
2D conductive MOFs with sufficient redox sites: reduced graphene oxide/Cu-benzenehexathiolate composites as high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Meng Chunfeng , Hu Pinfei , Chen Hantao , Cai Yueji , Zhou Hu , Jiang Zehong , Zhu Xiang , Liu Zeyu , Wang Chengyin , Yuan Aihua
Published: March 2021

A composite material rGO/Cu–BHT with sufficient redox sites, high conductivity, and fast ion diffusion kinetics exhibits excellent lithium storage performance.
Pyrolyzed chitin nanofiber paper as a three-dimensional porous and defective nanocarbon for photosensing and energy storage
Authors: Zhu Luting , Huang Yintong , Morishita Yoshitaka , Uetani Kojiro , Nogi Masaya , Koga Hirotaka
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional porous and defect-rich nitrogen-doped nanocarbon is successfully prepared by facile pyrolysis of crab shell-derived chitin nanofiber paper, delivering promising performance in both photosensing and energy storage.
A polyA DNA probe-based ultra-sensitive and structure-distinguishable electrochemical biosensor for the analysis of RNAi transgenic maize
Authors: Xu Li , Qi Jiawei , Wen Yanli , Liang Wen , Wang Lele , Yang Zhenzhou , Yang Xue , Qi Yu , Duan Manlei , Zhao Keke , Gu Jie , Shen Yiji , Rao Pinhua , Ding Min , Ren Shuzhen , Li Liang , Liu Gang
Published: March 2021

A multiple reporter probe system (MRP) was applied to open the secondary structure and hybridize with a long RNA. Capability of quantification and structural analysis of long RNA was demonstrated. Excellent selectivity was achieved when analyzing extracted total RNA samples.
An albumin-binding dimeric prodrug nanoparticle with long blood circulation and light-triggered drug release for chemo-photodynamic combination therapy against hypoxia-induced metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Luo Renjie , Zhang Zhongtao , Han Lingfei , Xue Zhen , Zhang Kexin , Liu Fulei , Feng Feng , Xue Jingwei , Liu Wenyuan , Qu Wei
Published: March 2021

An albumin-binding and light-triggered chemo-photodynamic therapeutic nanoplatform (Ce6&DHA-S-DHA@CMN NPs) was used for inhibiting hypoxia-induced metastasis of lung cancer.
Chemogenomics for drug discovery: clinical molecules from open access chemical probes
Authors: Quinlan Robert B. A. , Brennan Paul E.
Published: March 2021

Chemical probes are of great use for investigating target safety, viability, and translation. Alongside this, they act as useful structural templates to inspire drug discovery.
Intrinsically ultralow thermal conductive inorganic solids for high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Dutta Moinak , Sarkar Debattam , Biswas Kanishka
Published: March 2021

Intrinsic strategies to inhibit phonon propagation through a crystalline inorganic solid and to achieve low lattice thermal conductivity.
How stable can the pentanitrogen cation be in kinetics?
Authors: Tian Xiao , Bo Xiao-xu , Ding Yi-hong
Published: March 2021

We for the first time located the real N2-extrusion transition state of the pentanitrogen cation N5+, which can reconcile the existing inconsistency between the gas-phase and salt-like kinetic stabilities both in structure and energetics.
Morphological evolution of carbonated hydroxyapatite to faceted nanorods through intermediate states
Authors: Hagiwara Yuki , Takasaki Mihiro , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

On the conversion of a parent calcite nanocrystal, thin low-crystalline nanosheets of carbonated hydroxyapatite are initially grown via the dissolution–reprecipitation route and then evolve into faceted rods covered with stable surfaces.
Interlocked 3D active carbon fibers and monolithic I-doped Bi2O2CO3 structure built by 2D face-to-face interaction: endowed with cycling stability and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Tian Heng , Sun MingHe , Zai Jiantao , Chen Ming , Li Wenqian , Hu Jinhai , Ali Nazakat , He Kai , Xin Zhiling , Qian Xuefeng
Published: March 2021

Photocatalysis is considered a remarkable green method in the catalytic degradation of wastewater; however, the collection and loading of the powdered catalyst is still a problem.
Atomic adsorption on monolayer Cu2Se: a first-principles study
Authors: You Yizhou , Hu Huimin , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: March 2021

Monolayer Cu2Se is a novel two-dimensional (2D) material, but its fundamental properties have not been adequately investigated. In this paper, we systematically investigated the atomic adsorptions behaviors on 2D Cu2Se, including total 19 kinds of atoms.
On the spectral features of dangling bonds in CH4/H2O amorphous ice mixtures
Authors: Maté Belén , Satorre Miguel Á. , Escribano Rafael
Published: March 2021

Dangling bond bands of pure H2O and CH4/H2O ice mixtures are studied at density functional theory levels. Agreement with experiments on frequency shifts and intensity enhancements of infrared dangling bond bands was found.
Exceptionally stable sol-immobilization derived Pd/SBA-15 catalysts for methane combustion
Authors: Murthy Palle Ramana , Zhang Jing-Cai , Li Wei-Zhen
Published: March 2021

Pd/SBA-15-SI catalysts are more efficient for methane combustion than Pd/SBA-15-IWI catalysts due to anti-sintering property of the catalysts.
Emulsion-template synthesis of mesoporous nickel oxide nanoflowers composed of crossed nanosheets for effective nitrogen reduction
Authors: Zhou Min , Xiong Wei , Li Hao , Zhang Da , Lv Yaokang
Published: March 2021

A novel emulsion-template synthesis approach was developed for the preparation of nickel oxide nanoflowers (NiO-NFs) composed of crossed mesoporous nanosheets.
Comparing the fate of pristine and wastewater-aged gold nanoparticles in freshwater
Authors: Surette Mark C. , McColley Campbell J. , Nason Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2021

Aggregation behavior of ‘pristine’ ENMs in freshwater diverges from the behavior of more realistic, ‘aged’ ENMs.
Response of primary root to nitrogen-doped carbon dots in Arabidopsis thaliana: alterations in auxin level and cell division activity
Authors: Yan Xiaoyan , Wang Jianhua , Li Dongxia , Feng Jinlin , Xu Qiang , Chen Huize , Han Rong
Published: March 2021

Possible mechanisms of N-CD toxicity to Arabidopsis.
Applied biocatalysis beyond just buffers – from aqueous to unconventional media. Options and guidelines
Authors: van Schie Morten M. C. H. , Spöring Jan-Dirk , Bocola Marco , Domínguez de María Pablo , Rother Dörte
Published: March 2021

It's not only lipases which can be applied in alternative solvent systems to meet industrial and environmental demands. At the hand of case studies and flowcharts this review quickly shows what solvent systems are viable.
A facile photochemical strategy for the synthesis of high-performance amorphous MoS2 nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Yang Manlin , Pu Shan , Gou Lichen , Lv Caizhi , He Juan , Hou Xiandeng , Xu Kailai
Published: March 2021

A new and facile photochemical strategy for the synthesis of a high-performance amorphous MoS2 nanomaterial can be achieved by irradiating a mixed solution of ammonium molybdate, formic acid and sodium sulfide simply with a Xe lamp for 3 min.
Molecular configuration-mediated thermo-responsiveness in oligo(ethylene glycol) derivatives attached on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xiong Kun , Mitomo Hideyuki , Su Xueming , Shi Yier , Yonamine Yusuke , Sato Shin-ichiro , Ijiro Kuniharu
Published: March 2021

Thermo-responsive properties of oligo(ethylene glycol) derivatives attached on gold nanoparticles were tuned via local environmental control not only by the hydrophobic moiety at their terminus but also by their molecular configuration.
Engineered Fe3O4-based nanomaterials for diagnosis and therapy of cancer
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Li Xinxin , Zhang Yajie , Wei Jun , Wang Wei , Dong Changzhi , Xue Yanan , Liu Min , Pei Renjun
Published: March 2021

Recent developments of Fe3O4NP-based theranostic nanoplatforms and their applications in tumor-targeted imaging and therapy.
Nitrogen dopant induced highly selective CO2 reduction over lotus-leaf shaped ZnO nanorods
Authors: Lü Fang , Bao Haihong , He Fei , Qi Gaocan , Sun Jiaqiang , Zhang Shusheng , Zhuo Longchao , Yang Hui , Hu Guangzhi , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun
Published: March 2021

In this work, N-doped ZnO nanorods were prepared via a simple plasma treatment. The resulting catalyst showed high electroreduction activity of CO2 at a low applied potential, achieving a maximum faradaic efficiency of 76 ± 4% and 30 h stability.
Predicting thermal excursions during in situ oxidative regeneration of packed bed catalytic fast pyrolysis catalyst
Authors: Adkins Bruce D. , Mills Zach , Parks II James , Pecha M. Brennan , Ciesielski Peter N. , Iisa Kristiina , Mukarakate Calvin , Robichaud David J. , Smith Kristin , Gaston Katherine , Griffin Michael B. , Schaidle Joshua A.
Published: March 2021

Modelling quantifies thermal excursions when a conventional packed bed of coked catalyst is oxidatively decarbonized. The model can indicate when alternate designs, such as radial beds with high gas recycle or moving beds, should be considered.