bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory Estimation for Particles Observed in the Vicinity of (101955) Bennu
Authors: Chesley S. R. , French A. S. , Davis A. B. , Jacobson R. A. , Brozović M. , Farnocchia D. , Selznick S. , Liounis A. J. , Hergenrother C. W. , Moreau M. C. , Pelgrift J. , Lessac‐Chenen E. , Molaro J. L. , Park R. S. , Rozitis B. , Scheeres D. J. , Takahashi Y. , Vokrouhlický D. , Wolner C. W. V. , Adam C. , Bos B. J. , Christensen E. J. , Emery J. P. , Leonard J. M. , McMahon J. W. , Nolan M. C. , Shelly F. C. , Lauretta D. S.
Published: July 2020

We analyze the trajectories of 313 particles seen in the near‐Bennu environment between December 2018 and September 2019. Of these, 65% follow suborbital trajectories, 20% undergo more than one orbital revolution around the asteroid, and 15% directly escape on hyperbolic trajectories. The median lifetime of these particles is ∼6 hr. The trajectories are sensitive to Bennu's gravitational field, which allows us to reliably estimate the spherical harmonic coefficients through degree 8 and to resolve nonuniform mass distribution through degree 3. The particles are perturbed by solar radiation pressure, enabling effective area‐to‐mass ratios to be estimated. By assuming that particles are oblate ellipsoids of revolution, and incorporating photometric measurements, we find a median axis ratio of 0.27 and diameters for equivalent‐volume spheres ranging from 0.22–6.1 cm, with median 0.74 cm. Our size distribution agrees well with that predicted for fragmentation due to diurnal thermal cycling. Detailed models of known accelerations do not produce a match to the observed trajectories, so we also estimate empirical accelerations. These accelerations appear to be related to mismodeling of radiation pressure, but we cannot rule out contributions from mass loss. Most ejections take place at local solar times in the afternoon and evening (12:00–24:00), although they occur at any time of day. We independently identify ten ejection events, some of which have previously been reported. We document a case where a particle ricocheted off the surface, revealing a coefficient of restitution 0.57±0.01 and demonstrating that some apparent ejections are not related to surface processes.
Normal Mode Perspective on the 2016 QBO Disruption: Evidence for a Basic State Regime Transition
Authors: Raphaldini Breno , Wakate Teruya Andre Seiji , Silva Dias Pedro Leite , Chavez Mayta Victor Raul , Takara Victor Junji
Published: July 2020

A normal mode decomposition of the dynamical structure of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) is presented in this article. It was found that the QBO is predominantly described by Rossby modes as well as westward inertio‐gravity modes with a low meridional mode index. We show that the 2016 QBO disruption was accompanied by an extreme amplitude event of an asymmetric zonal Rossby mode (with meridional index 4) consisting of the largest amplitude in 40 years. This component of the zonal flow favors the convergence of eastward momentum in the equatorial region, controlling the perturbations to the QBO. The zonal winds associated with this mode are extremely intermittent with heavy tail distributions. Our statistical analysis indicates a regime transition in this zonal mode in the recent decades, favoring stronger perturbations to the QBO.
Mid‐Holocene Sahara‐Sahel Precipitation From the Vantage of Present‐Day Climate
Authors: Molnar Peter , Rajagopalan Balaji
Published: July 2020

To account for the wet mid‐Holocene (ca. 6 ka) Sahara‐Sahel region, we exploit teleconnections from four large‐scale ocean‐atmosphere‐land forcings: El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), hemispherical temperature difference, and net energy input at the equator; they offer theoretical bases for estimating effects of large‐scale forcing on mid‐Holocene Sahara‐Sahel rainfall. Together, these forcings explain 16–64% of historical rainfall variability, with the highest percentages in the Sahel region. With estimates for mid‐Holocene time, latitudes where rainfall today averages 1,000, 500, or 200 mm/year are reconstructed to have lain ~2.5° farther north. Calculated mid‐Holocene rainfall at 15°N, 17.5°N, and 20°N exceeds that today by ~250, 100, and 20 mm/year. These shifts account for more than half of paleoclimatic estimates of mid‐Holocene rainfall and are comparable with the General Circulation Model (GCM) runs that match paleorainfall estimates most closely. Mid‐Holocene radiation may have affected Sahel precipitation indirectly via teleconnections from oceanic regions.
Using Multiple Large Ensembles to Elucidate the Discrepancy Between the 1979–2019 Modeled and Observed Antarctic Sea Ice Trends
Authors: Chemke R. , Polvani L. M.
Published: July 2020

In spite of the unabated emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, sea ice around Antarctica has increased over most of the satellite era. Such an increase is not captured by climate models, which simulate a melting over the same period. Over the last few years, moreover, the observed sea ice trends have drastically changed, and this might act to cancel the models‐observations discrepancy. Here we show that in spite of the very recent Antarctic sea ice trend changes, such discrepancy still exists. Analyzing multiple large ensembles of model simulations, we elucidate the origin of the models‐observations discrepancy. We show that internal variability cannot account for the discrepancy, which therefore is likely to stem from biases in the models' forced response to the external forcing. These biases, we show, reside in thermodynamic ocean‐atmosphere coupling, as models fail to simulate the trends in surface heat fluxes from reanalyses over the period 1979–2019.
Water Surface Elevation Constraints in a Data Assimilation Scheme to Infer Floodplain Topography: A Case Study in the Logone Floodplain
Authors: Shastry Apoorva , Durand Michael
Published: July 2020

Accuracy of inundation extents from flood models are directly related to the quality of topographic information. Globally available digital elevation models (DEMs) are not accurate enough to support flood modeling. Satellite derived flood maps provide indirect information about ground elevations. Previous work proposed a data assimilation algorithm to leverage flood maps for improving topography but was tested only in context of a numerical experiment with synthetic data. Here we show for the first time that a data assimilation algorithm leveraging real remote sensing measurements to modify floodplain DEMs improves floodplain simulations. Over our study area, we observe a significant increase in inundation prediction capability using the updated DEM, with 9–19% average improvement in skill assessment characteristics. This algorithm is promising and fairly straightforward and can be used in data‐poor floodplains where high‐resolution DEMs do not exist.
The Interaction Between the Turbulence and Gravity Wave Observed in the Middle Stratosphere Based on the Round‐Trip Intelligent Sounding System
Authors: He Yang , Sheng Zheng , He Mingyuan
Published: July 2020

Based on the round‐trip intelligent sounding system, the structure function and spectrum analysis method were carried out to analyze the scale interactions between the small‐scale gravity wave and turbulence in the middle stratosphere. The result showed that the generation of turbulence was closely related to the Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) billows. An upscale energy cascade occurred on the spatial scale of KH billows, while a downscale energy cascade occurred on a larger spatial scale (gravity wave scale), which resulted in the breaking of the gravity wave and generation of turbulence. From the multilevel signal measurement, the obvious interactions between turbulence and gravity can be found. The two‐dimensional turbulence that the inverse energy cascade in 2‐D exists simultaneously with a direct enstrophy cascade to the small scales was found, which is considered to be the first‐hand observation result of relevant height.
Thrombin is a therapeutic target for non-small-cell lung cancer to inhibit vasculogenic mimicry formation
Authors: Zhao Bing , Wu Mengfang , Hu Zhihuang , Ma Yixin , Qi Wang , Zhang Yanling , Li Yaran , Yu Min , Wang Huijie , Mo Wei
Published: July 2020

Tumor cells transform into endothelial cells by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which is characterized by vasculogenic mimicry (VM). VM not only accelerates tumor progression but also increases drug-induced resistance. However, very little is currently known about the molecular determinants that enable VM. Targeting VM might bring a new breakthrough in cancer treatment. Thrombin is the key enzyme of the blood coagulation system and could contribute to tumor progression. Nevertheless, the association between thrombin and VM formation remains largely unknown. We found that VM was associated with the overall survival of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and that thrombin expression was closely related to VM formation. This research revealed that thrombin induced VM formation via PAR-1-mediated NF-κB signaling cascades. The novel thrombin inhibitors r-hirudin and DTIP inhibited VM formation and spontaneous metastases in subcutaneous tumors. Clinical pathological analysis confirmed that NSCLC patients with thrombin-positive/PAR-1-high expression had the poorest prognosis and were the most likely to form VM. The promotional activity of thrombin in VM formation and tumor metastasis was abolished in PAR-1-deficient NSCLC cells. The EGFR inhibitor gefitinib had no effect on VM and increased VEGF expression in tumors. The combination therapy of DTIP and gefitinib achieved a better therapeutic effect than either agent alone. This study is the first to illustrate that thrombin substantially contributes, together with PAR-1, to VM formation and to illustrate that VM might be a target of r-hirudin and DTIP to suppress tumor progression. The anticoagulants r-hirudin and DTIP could be employed for antitumor therapy. Combination therapy with DTIP with an EGFR inhibitor might achieve superior therapeutic effects.
Meta-analytic approach for transcriptome profiling of herpes simplex virus type 1
Authors: Tombácz Dóra , Torma Gábor , Gulyás Gábor , Moldován Norbert , Snyder Michael , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: July 2020

In this meta-analysis, we re-analysed and compared herpes simplex virus type 1 transcriptomic data generated by eight studies using various short- and long-read sequencing techniques and different library preparation methods. We identified a large number of novel mRNAs, non-coding RNAs and transcript isoforms, and validated many previously published transcripts. Here, we present the most complete HSV-1 transcriptome to date. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that various sequencing techniques, including both cDNA and direct RNA sequencing approaches, are error-prone, which can be circumvented by using integrated approaches. This work draws attention to the need for using multiple sequencing approaches and meta-analyses in transcriptome profiling studies to obtain reliable results.
Arabidopsis cryptochrome is responsive to Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields
Authors: Albaqami Maria , Hammad Merfat , Pooam Marootpong , Procopio Maria , Sameti Mahyar , Ritz Thorsten , Ahmad Margaret , Martino Carlos F.
Published: July 2020

How living systems respond to weak electromagnetic fields represents one of the major unsolved challenges in sensory biology. Recent evidence has implicated cryptochrome, an evolutionarily conserved flavoprotein receptor, in magnetic field responses of organisms ranging from plants to migratory birds. However, whether cryptochromes fulfill the criteria to function as biological magnetosensors remains to be established. Currently, theoretical predictions on the underlying mechanism of chemical magnetoreception have been supported by experimental observations that exposure to radiofrequency (RF) in the MHz range disrupt bird orientation and mammalian cellular respiration. Here we show that, in keeping with certain quantum physical hypotheses, a weak 7 MHz radiofrequency magnetic field significantly reduces the biological responsivity to blue light of the cryptochrome receptor cry1 in Arabidopsis seedlings. Using an in vivo phosphorylation assay that specifically detects activated cryptochrome, we demonstrate that RF exposure reduces conformational changes associated with biological activity. RF exposure furthermore alters cryptochrome-dependent plant growth responses and gene expression to a degree consistent with theoretical predictions. To our knowledge this represents the first demonstration of a biological receptor responding to RF exposure, providing important new implications for magnetosensing as well as possible future applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Multivariate analysis reveals differentially expressed genes among distinct subtypes of diffuse astrocytic gliomas: diagnostic implications
Authors: González-García Nerea , Nieto-Librero Ana Belén , Vital Ana Luisa , Tao Herminio José , González-Tablas María , Otero Álvaro , Galindo-Villardón Purificación , Orfao Alberto , Tabernero María Dolores
Published: July 2020

Diagnosis and classification of gliomas mostly relies on histopathology and a few genetic markers. Here we interrogated microarray gene expression profiles (GEP) of 268 diffuse astrocytic gliomas—33 diffuse astrocytomas (DA), 52 anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and 183 primary glioblastoma (GBM)—based on multivariate analysis, to identify discriminatory GEP that might support precise histopathological tumor stratification, particularly among inconclusive cases with II–III grade diagnosed, which have different prognosis and treatment strategies. Microarrays based GEP was analyzed on 155 diffuse astrocytic gliomas (discovery cohort) and validated in another 113 tumors (validation set) via sequential univariate analysis (pairwise comparison) for discriminatory gene selection, followed by nonnegative matrix factorization and canonical biplot for identification of discriminatory GEP among the distinct histological tumor subtypes. GEP data analysis identified a set of 27 genes capable of differentiating among distinct subtypes of gliomas that might support current histological classification. DA + AA showed similar molecular profiles with only a few discriminatory genes overexpressed (FSTL5 and SFRP2) and underexpressed (XIST, TOP2A and SHOX2) in DA vs AA and GBM. Compared to DA + AA, GBM displayed underexpression of ETNPPL, SH3GL2, GABRG2, SPX, DPP10, GABRB2 and CNTN3 and overexpression of CHI3L1, IGFBP3, COL1A1 and VEGFA, among other differentially expressed genes.
Complex study of air pollution in electroplating workshop
Authors: Kirichenko K. Yu. , Vakhniuk I. A. , Ivanov V. V. , Tarasenko I. A. , Kosyanov D. Yu. , Medvedev S. A. , Soparev V. P. , Drozd V. A. , Kholodov A. S. , Golokhvast K. S.
Published: July 2020

A comprehensive analysis of the state of air inside an industrial workshop with electroplating production was carried out. The data of quantitative distribution of suspended particles by size fractions (PM0.3, PM0.5, PM1, PM3, PM5, PM10) are presented for 15 main processes of electroplating. Morphometric and chemical composition of the surface of particles were studied. We observed particles of rounded shape, various agglomerates with complex geometric shapes, acute-angular particles, which when inhaled pose a maximum threat to human health. Chemical analysis of these particles showed an absolute predominance of oxides of non-ferrous metals, the percentage of which varied depending on the type of electroplating bath. The content of highly hazardous substances of the 1st (Zn, Pb, and Cd) and the 2nd (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mo) hazard classes in each sample was recorded.
Silencing miR-370-3p rescues funny current and sinus node function in heart failure
Authors: Yanni Joseph , D’Souza Alicia , Wang Yanwen , Li Ning , Hansen Brian J. , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Smith Matthew , Hayward Christina , Whitson Bryan A. , Mohler Peter J. , Janssen Paul M. L. , Zeef Leo , Choudhury Moinuddin , Zi Min , Cai Xue , Logantha Sunil Jit R. J. , Nakao Shu , Atkinson Andrew , Petkova Maria , Doris Ursula , Ariyaratnam Jonathan , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Griffiths-Jones Sam , Hart George , Fedorov Vadim V. , Oceandy Delvac , Dobrzynski Halina , Boyett Mark R.
Published: July 2020

Bradyarrhythmias are an important cause of mortality in heart failure and previous studies indicate a mechanistic role for electrical remodelling of the key pacemaking ion channel HCN4 in this process. Here we show that, in a mouse model of heart failure in which there is sinus bradycardia, there is upregulation of a microRNA (miR-370-3p), downregulation of the pacemaker ion channel, HCN4, and downregulation of the corresponding ionic current,If, in the sinus node. In vitro, exogenous miR-370-3p inhibits HCN4 mRNA and causes downregulation of HCN4 protein, downregulation ofIf, and bradycardia in the isolated sinus node. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of an antimiR to miR-370-3p into heart failure mice silences miR-370-3p and restores HCN4 mRNA and protein andIfin the sinus node and blunts the sinus bradycardia. In addition, it partially restores ventricular function and reduces mortality. This represents a novel approach to heart failure treatment.
Video-based evaluation of infant crawling toward quantitative assessment of motor development
Authors: Kawashima Katsuaki , Funabiki Yasuko , Ogawa Shino , Hayashi Hideaki , Soh Zu , Furui Akira , Sato Ayumi , Shiwa Taiko , Mori Hiroki , Shimatani Koji , Mogami Haruta , Konishi Yukuo , Tsuji Toshio
Published: July 2020

This study proposes a quantitative evaluation support system for infant motor development and uses the system to analyze hands-and-knees creeping and belly crawling. This system measures movements using two video cameras and extracts movement features via background and inter-frame subtractions of original images. Eight evaluation indices for each crawling cycle are calculated, enabling markerless movement analysis of infants. Cross-sectional analysis of 16 10-month-olds confirmed significant differences between hands-and-knees creeping and belly crawling in five of the eight indices, demonstrating the system capability to quantitatively differentiate between creeping and crawling. Longitudinal analysis of one infant (aged 7–10 months) also suggested that the proposed quantitative indices can follow changes in crawling characteristics and evaluate infants’ motor development process. The results from the experiments suggest that the proposed system may enable diagnosis support in clinical practice.
Doxorubicin-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles for glioblastoma therapy: a combinational approach for enhanced delivery of nanoparticles
Authors: Norouzi Mohammad , Yathindranath Vinith , Thliveris James A. , Kopec Brian M. , Siahaan Teruna J. , Miller Donald W.
Published: July 2020

Although doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anti-cancer drug with cytotoxicity in a variety of different tumors, its effectiveness in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is constrained by insufficient penetration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, biocompatible magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) stabilized with trimethoxysilylpropyl-ethylenediamine triacetic acid (EDT) were developed as a carrier of DOX for GBM chemotherapy. The DOX-loaded EDT-IONPs (DOX-EDT-IONPs) released DOX within 4 days with the capability of an accelerated release in acidic microenvironments. The DOX-loaded EDT-IONPs (DOX-EDT-IONPs) demonstrated an efficient uptake in mouse brain-derived microvessel endothelial, bEnd.3, Madin–Darby canine kidney transfected with multi-drug resistant protein 1 (MDCK-MDR1), and human U251 GBM cells. The DOX-EDT-IONPs could augment DOX’s uptake in U251 cells by 2.8-fold and significantly inhibited U251 cell proliferation. Moreover, the DOX-EDT-IONPs were found to be effective in apoptotic-induced GBM cell death (over 90%) within 48 h of treatment. Gene expression studies revealed a significant downregulation of TOP II and Ku70, crucial enzymes for DNA repair and replication, as well as MiR-155 oncogene, concomitant with an upregulation of caspase 3 and tumor suppressors i.e., p53, MEG3 and GAS5, in U251 cells upon treatment with DOX-EDT-IONPs. An in vitro MDCK-MDR1-GBM co-culture model was used to assess the BBB permeability and anti-tumor activity of the DOX-EDT-IONPs and DOX treatments. While DOX-EDT-IONP showed improved permeability of DOX across MDCK-MDR1 monolayers compared to DOX alone, cytotoxicity in U251 cells was similar in both treatment groups. Using a cadherin binding peptide (ADTC5) to transiently open tight junctions, in combination with an external magnetic field, significantly enhanced both DOX-EDT-IONP permeability and cytotoxicity in the MDCK-MDR1-GBM co-culture model. Therefore, the combination of magnetic enhanced convective diffusion and the cadherin binding peptide for transiently opening the BBB tight junctions are expected to enhance the efficacy of GBM chemotherapy using the DOX-EDT-IONPs. In general, the developed approach enables the chemotherapeutic to overcome both BBB and multidrug resistance (MDR) glioma cells while providing site-specific magnetic targeting.
Tensile force-induced PDGF-BB/PDGFRβ signals in periodontal ligament fibroblasts activate JAK2/STAT3 for orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Jin Yuqin , Ding Liang , Ding Zhuang , Fu Yong , Song Yuxian , Jing Yue , Li Qiang , Zhang Jianyun , Ni Yanhong , Hu Qingang
Published: July 2020

Orthodontic force-induced osteogenic differentiation and bone formation at tension side play a pivotal role in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is a clinically proven growth factor during bone regeneration process with unclear mechanisms. Fibroblasts in periodontal ligament (PDL) are considered to be mechanosensitive under orthodontic force. Thus, we established OTM model to investigate the correlation between PDGF-BB and fibroblasts during bone regeneration at tension side. We confirmed that tensile force stimulated PDL cells to induce osteogenic differentiation via Runx-2, OCN up-regulation, and to accelerate new bone deposition along the periodontium and the alveolar bone interface. Interestingly, PDGF-BB level was remarkably enhanced at tension side during OTM in parallel with up-regulated PDGFRβ+/α-SMA+ fibroblasts in PDL by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, orthodontic force-treated primary fibroblasts from PDL were isolated and, cultured in vitro, which showed similar morphology and phenotype with control fibroblasts without OTM treatment. PDGFRβ expression was confirmed to be increased in orthodontic force-treated fibroblasts by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis identified that PDGF-BB/PDGFRβ signals were relevant to the activation of JAK/STAT3 signals. The protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 was elevated in PDL of tension side. Importantly, in vivo, the treatment of the inhibitors (imatinib and AG490) for PDGFRβ and JAK–STAT signals were capable of attenuating the tooth movement. The osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration in tension side were down-regulated upon the treatment of inhibitors during OTM. Meanwhile, the expressions of PDGFRβ, JAK2 and STAT3 were inhibited by imatinib and AG490. Thus, we concluded that tensile force-induced PDGF-BB activated JAK2/STAT3 signals in PDGFRβ+ fibroblasts in bone formation during OTM.
Formation and characterization of lipid droplets of the bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Talbott Heather A. , Plewes Michele R. , Krause Crystal , Hou Xiaoying , Zhang Pan , Rizzo William B. , Wood Jennifer R. , Cupp Andrea S. , Davis John S.
Published: July 2020

Establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depends on progesterone synthesized by luteal tissue in the ovary. Our objective was to identify the characteristics of lipid droplets (LDs) in ovarian steroidogenic cells. We hypothesized that LDs are a major feature of steroidogenic luteal cells and store cholesteryl esters. Whole bovine tissues, isolated ovarian steroidogenic cells (granulosa, theca, small luteal, and large luteal), and isolated luteal LDs were assessed for LD content, LD-associated proteins and lipid analyses. Bovine luteal tissue contained abundant lipid droplets, LD-associated perilipins 2/3/5, hormone-sensitive lipase, and 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase ABHD5. Luteal tissue was enriched in triglycerides (TGs) compared to other tissues, except for adipose tissue. Luteal cells were distinguishable from follicular cells by the presence of LDs, LD-associated proteins, and increased TGs. Furthermore, LDs from large luteal cells were numerous and small; whereas, LDs from small luteal cells were large and less numerous. Isolated LDs contained nearly all of the TGs and cholesteryl esters present in luteal tissue. Isolated luteal LDs were composed primarily of TG, with lesser amounts of cholesteryl esters, diglyceride and other phospholipids. Bovine luteal LDs are distinct from LDs in other bovine tissues, including follicular steroidogenic cells.
Noninvasive, simultaneous, and continuous measurements of stroke volume and tidal volume using EIT: feasibility study of animal experiments
Authors: Jang Geuk Young , Jeong You Jeong , Zhang Tingting , Oh Tong In , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Chung Chi Ryang , Suh Gee Young , Woo Eung Je
Published: July 2020

Currently, there is no noninvasive method available for simultaneous measurements of tidal volume and stroke volume. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been used for regional lung ventilation imaging. Cardiac EIT imaging, however, has not been successful due to the technical difficulty in extracting weak cardiogenic components. Instead of regional imaging, in this paper, we use the EIT technique to simultaneously measure two global variables of tidal volume and stroke volume. Time-varying patterns of boundary voltage data originating from lung ventilation and cardiac blood flow were extracted from measured boundary voltage data using the principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA). The source consistency theory was adopted to separately synthesize time-series of boundary voltage data associated with lung ventilation and cardiac blood flow. The respiratory volume signal (RVS) and cardiac volume signal (CVS) were extracted from reconstructed time-difference EIT images of lung ventilation and cardiac blood flow, respectively. After calibrating the volume signals using the mechanical ventilator and the invasive transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) method, tidal volume and stroke volume were computed as valley-to-peak values of the RVS and CVS, respectively. The difference in the tidal volume data between EIT and mechanical ventilator was within ± 20 ml from six pigs. The difference in the stroke volume data between EIT and TPTD was within ± 4.7 ml from the same animals. The results show the feasibility of the proposed method as a new noninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoring tool for simultaneous continuous measurements of stroke volume and tidal volume that are two most important vital signs.
Regional transcriptome analysis of AMPA and GABAA receptor subunit expression generates E/I signatures of the human brain
Authors: Shen Kevin , Zeppillo Tommaso , Limon Agenor
Published: July 2020

Theoretical and experimental work has demonstrated that excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) currents within cortical circuits stabilize to a balanced state. This E/I balance, observed from single neuron to network levels, has a fundamental role in proper brain function and its impairment has been linked to numerous brain disorders. Over recent years, large amount of microarray and RNA-Sequencing datasets have been collected, however few studies have made use of these resources for exploring the balance of global gene expression levels between excitatory AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and inhibitory GABAA receptors. Here, we analyzed the relative relationships between these receptors to generate a basic transcriptional marker of E/I ratio. Using publicly available data from the Allen Brain Institute, we generated whole brain and regional signatures of AMPAR subunit gene expression in healthy human brains as well as the transcriptional E/I (tE/I) ratio. Then we refined the tE/I ratio to cell-type signatures in the mouse brain using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Lastly, we applied our workflow to developmental data from the Allen Brain Institute and revealed spatially and temporally controlled changes in the tE/I ratio during the embryonic and early postnatal stages that ultimately lead to the tE/I balance in adults.
MD dating: molecular decay (MD) in pinewood as a dating method
Authors: Tintner J. , Spangl B. , Grabner M. , Helama S. , Timonen M. , Kirchhefer A. J. , Reinig F. , Nievergelt D. , Krąpiec M. , Smidt E.
Published: July 2020

Dating of wood is a major task in historical research, archaeology and paleoclimatology. Currently, the most important dating techniques are dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating. Our approach is based on molecular decay over time under specific preservation conditions. In the models presented here, construction wood, cold soft waterlogged wood and wood from living trees are combined. Under these conditions, molecular decay as a usable clock for dating purposes takes place with comparable speed. Preservation conditions apart from those presented here are not covered by the model and cannot currently be dated with this method. For example, samples preserved in a clay matrix seem not to fit into the model. Other restrictions are discussed in the paper. One model presented covers 7,500 years with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 682 years for a single measurement. Another model reduced to the time period of the last 800 years results in a RMSE of 92 years. As multiple measurements can be performed on a single object, the total error for the whole object will be even lower.
Modelling contaminant transport in fly ash–bentonite composite landfill liner: mechanism of different types of ions
Authors: Garg Ankit , Reddy Narala Gangadhara , Huang He , Buragohain Poly , Kushvaha Vinod
Published: July 2020

Generated hazardous or toxic waste posses a serious threat if dumped into ponds or low lying areas which leads to contamination, this necessitates the effective landfill liner system. Mainly compacted clayey soils are used as an engineered barrier. Recently, composite materials have gained popularity as landfill liner materials, including the use of waste materials amended with low permeable soils. Though, studies on the composite optimum mix and its corresponding thickness are very scarce. Here, we evaluated the unconfined compressive strength and hydraulic conductivity of fly ash–bentonite composites. Efforts were also made to determine the thickness of landfill liner composite using a finite difference method (i.e. MATLAB). The results reveal that composite consists of 30% bentonite and 70% fly ash is suitable for landfill liner, which meets strength and permeability criteria. Numerical simulation for five major contaminants shows that the composite plays a crucial role in reducing the leaching of heavy metals and suggests an optimum thickness in the range of 126–154 cm. Overall, the findings of the study indicate that fly ash–bentonite composite can be used to solve real-life challenges in a sustainable way.
Are choriocapillaris flow void features robust to diurnal variations? A swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) study
Authors: Lin Emily , Ke Mengyuan , Tan Bingyao , Yao Xinwen , Wong Damon , Ong Lirong , Schmetterer Leopold , Chua Jacqueline
Published: July 2020

We evaluated the impact of diurnal variation on choroidal and retinal microvasculature and structural measurements using a swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography machine (SS-OCTA; PLEX Elite 9,000, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, USA). Fourteen participants who were without ocular diseases underwent SS-OCTA imaging using 3 × 3-mm2 macular scan pattern on two separate days at five time points. Choriocapillaris flow voids were generated to determine its density (percentage), size (μm) and numbers. Perfusion densities of the large superficial vessels, as well as capillaries on superficial and deep vascular plexuses were generated from retinal angiograms. Subfoveal choroidal and retinal thicknesses were manually measured. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to investigate the impact of diurnal variation on choroidal and retinal measurements. There was no observable diurnal pattern for any of the flow void features, in terms of the density, size and numbers. There was a significant diurnal pattern observed in the choroidal thickness, where it decreased progressively during the day (P < 0.005). As opposed to sub-foveal choroidal thickness, there does not appear to be significant diurnal variation in choriocapillaris flow voids in normal individuals. This suggests that alterations of choriocapillaris flow deficit seen in pathological eyes will not be confounded by the diurnal fluctuation.
Effect of the heating rate and premelting process on the melting point and volatilization of a fluorine-containing slag
Authors: Zhao Zhongyu , Zhao Junxue , Tan Zexin , Qu Boqiao , Lu Liang , Cui Yaru
Published: July 2020

The melting point and volatilization characteristics of a fluorine-containing slag were investigated under different heating rates and premelting processes. The “hemisphere method” was used to detect the melting point, and the results showed that the measurements for the fluorine-free slag increased with increasing heating rate, and the deviation reached 60 °C and was affected by the hysteresis and fractional melting. The measured values and volatilization of the fluorine-containing slag decreased with increasing heating rate. The weight loss reached 16.8%, and the melting point deviation reached 90 °C, which was primarily affected by the volatility. The melting point of the synthetic fluorine-containing slag was 70 °C higher than that of the premelted slag due to flux volatilization of 8.3%. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed a large amount of CaF2 on the surface of the melted slag. The internal crystals in the synthetic slag were mainly diamond-shaped calcium fluoroaluminate (3CaO·3Al2O3·CaF2) and those in the premelted slag were needle-shaped cuspidine (3CaO·2SiO2·CaF2) that formed during secondary crystallization. Two factors that impacted the volatilization were proposed: one is the content of free CaF2, and the other is the slag structure. Based on these factors, volatilization models for synthetic and premelted fluorine-containing slags were established. This work is of significance for relevant measurement specifications to ensure the repeatability and comparability of the physicochemical properties, especially for volatile-containing slags.
Cancer risk in road transportation workers: a national representative cohort study with 600,000 person-years of follow-up
Authors: Lee Wanhyung , Kang Mo-Yeol , Kim Jihyun , Lim Sung-Shil , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: July 2020

We analysed cancer risk in road transportation workers (RTWs) exposed to traffic air pollution and motor vehicle engine exhaust using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. RTWs were defined as individuals in the transportation workers group doing road transportation. First admission history of cancer within a 3-year wash-out period was defined as an incident case. The crude incidence, standardised incidence ratio (SIR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) of all cancer risk of RTWs were compared with those of government employees or the whole working population. In total, 3,074 cancer cases were found among RTWs. The respective SIRs and 95% CIs for cancers in RTWs compared with those in the whole population were as follows: liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers, 1.15 and 1.04–1.27; other digestive organ cancers, 1.28 and 1.04–1.57; trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, 1.28 and 1.15–1.43; and bladder cancer, 1.26 and 1.03–1.52, respectively. The corresponding SIRs and 95% CIs were also higher in RTWs than in government employees. RTWs have a high risk of developing cancer, including cancer in the liver, intrahepatic bile ducts, other digestive organs, trachea, bronchus, lung, and bladder. Our results can assist in establishing prevention strategies for various cancers in RTWs.
HOPX regulates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell fate determination via suppression of adipogenic gene pathways
Authors: Hng Chee Ho , Camp Esther , Anderson Peter , Breen James , Zannettino Andrew , Gronthos Stan
Published: July 2020

Previous studies of global binding patterns identified the epigenetic factor, EZH2, as a regulator of the homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX) gene expression during bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) differentiation, suggesting a potential role for HOPX in regulating BMSC lineage specification. In the present study, we confirmed that EZH2 direct binds to the HOPX promoter region, during normal growth and osteogenic differentiation but not under adipogenic inductive conditions. HOPX gene knockdown and overexpression studies demonstrated that HOPX is a promoter of BMSC proliferation and an inhibitor of adipogenesis. However, functional studies failed to observe any affect by HOPX on BMSC osteogenic differentiation. RNA-seq analysis of HOPX overexpressing BMSC during adipogenesis, found HOPX function to be acting through suppression of adipogenic pathways associated genes such as ADIPOQ, FABP4, PLIN1 and PLIN4. These findings suggest that HOPX gene target pathways are critical factors in the regulation of fat metabolism.
Therapeutic potential of fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, ADP-encapsulated liposomes as a haemostatic adjuvant for post-cardiopulmonary bypass coagulopathy
Authors: Ishida Osamu , Hagisawa Kohsuke , Yamanaka Nozomu , Tsutsumi Koji , Suzuki Hidenori , Takikawa Masato , Takeoka Shinji , Kinoshita Manabu
Published: July 2020

Fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-encapsulated liposomes (H12-ADP-liposomes) are a potent haemostatic adjuvant to promote platelet thrombi. These liposomes are lipid particles coated with specific binding sites for platelet GPIIb/IIIa and encapsulating ADP. They work at bleeding sites, facilitating haemostasis by promoting aggregation of activated platelets and releasing ADP to strongly activate platelets. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of H12-ADP-liposomes on post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) coagulopathy in a preclinical setting. We created a post-CPB coagulopathy model using male New Zealand White rabbits (body weight, 3 kg). One hour after CPB, subject rabbits were intravenously administered H12-ADP-liposomes with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) collected from donor rabbits (H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group, n = 8) or PRP alone (PRP group, n = 8). Ear bleeding time was greatly reduced for the H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group (263 ± 111 s) compared with the PRP group (441 ± 108 s, p < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed platelet thrombus containing liposomes at the bleeding site in the H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group. However, such liposome-involved platelet thrombi were not observed in the end organs after H12-ADP-liposome administration. These findings suggest that H12-ADP-liposomes could help effectively and safely consolidate platelet haemostasis in post-CPB coagulopathy and may have potential for reducing bleeding complications after cardiovascular surgery with CPB.
Superposed picosecond luminescence kinetics in lithium niobate revealed by means of broadband fs-fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy
Authors: Krampf A. , Messerschmidt S. , Imlau M.
Published: July 2020

Various manifestations of small polarons strongly affect the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the oxide crystal lithium niobate ($$\hbox {LiNbO}_3$$LiNbO3, LN). While related transient absorption phenomena in LN have been extensively studied in recent decades, a sound microscopic picture describing the blue-green (photo)luminescence of lithium niobate single crystals is still missing. In particular, almost nothing is known about: (i) the luminescence build-up and (ii) its room temperature decay. We present here the results of our systematic experimental study using nominally undoped and Mg-doped LN crystals with different Mg concentration. Picosecond luminescence was detected by means of femtosecond fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy (FLUPS) extended to the inspection of oxide crystals in reflection geometry. Two distinct luminescence decay components on the picosecond time scale are revealed. While a short exponential decay is present in each sample, a longer non-exponential decay clearly depends on the crystal composition. Since transient absorption spectroscopy excludes geminate small polaron annihilation as microscopic cause of the luminescence, both decay components are discussed in the context of self-trapped exciton (STE) transport and decay.
Analysis of tumor mutational burden: correlation of five large gene panels with whole exome sequencing
Authors: Heydt Carina , Rehker Jan , Pappesch Roberto , Buhl Theresa , Ball Markus , Siebolts Udo , Haak Anja , Lohneis Philipp , Büttner Reinhard , Hillmer Axel M. , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine
Published: July 2020

Outcome of immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer can be predicted by measuring PDL1 expression of tumor cells. Search for additional biomarkers led to tumor mutational burden (TMB) as surrogate marker for neoantigens presented. While TMB was previously determined via whole exome sequencing (WES), there have been approaches with comprehensive gene panels as well. We sequenced samples derived from formalin-fixed tumors, aPOLEmutated cell line and standard DNA by WES and five different panels. If available, normal tissue was also exome sequenced. Sequencing data was analyzed by commercial software solutions and an in-house pipeline. A robust Pearson correlation (R = 0.9801 ± 0.0167; mean ± sd; N = 7) was determined for the different panels in a tumor paired normal setting for WES. Expanded analysis on tumor only exome sequenced samples yielded similar correlation (R = 0.9439 ± 0.0632; mean ± sd; N = 14). Remaining germline variants increased TMB in WES by 5.761 ± 1.953 (mean ± sd.; N = 7) variants per megabase (v/mb) for samples including synonymous variants and 3.883 ± 1.38 v/mb for samples without synonymous variants compared to tumor-normal paired calling results. Due to limited sample numbers in this study, additional replication is suggested for a clinical setting. Remaining germline variants in a tumor-only setting and artifacts caused by different library chemistries construction might affect the results.
Monitoring indices of bone inflammatory activity of the jaw using SPECT bone scintigraphy: a study of ARONJ patients
Authors: Hata Hironobu , Kitao Tomoka , Sato Jun , Asaka Takuya , Ohga Noritaka , Imamachi Kenji , Hirata Kenji , Shiga Tohru , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: July 2020

Development of quantitative analysis software has enabled application of several standardised uptake values (SUV) for bone analysis in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The present retrospective study aimed to develop a reliable method of monitoring bone inflammatory activity in antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) using SPECT quantitative analysis software. Fifteen ARONJ patients underwent SPECT before and after anti-inflammatory therapy. We calculated the mean maximum SUV (SUVmax) of the bilateral cranial bones using quantitative analysis software and used this as the control [C]. We attempted to adjust the SUVmax of the lesion [L] as follows: adjusted SUVmax (aSUVmax) = [L] − [C]. The optimum threshold to calculate the metabolic bone volume (MBV) (cm3) was [C] + 3. The threshold values obtained for each case were input to calculate MBV at each osteomyelitis site. Retrospectively, we compared aSUVmax and MBV of each patient’s ARONJ before and after anti-inflammatory therapy. The patients’ high aSUVmax or large MBV of the ARONJ reduced rapidly, reflecting individual clinical findings after treatment. Application of SPECT quantitative analysis software to monitor bone inflammatory activity in ARONJ could improve the prognosis-deciding abilities of clinicians and enable them to treat ARONJ effectively.
Author Correction: Deep learning enables automated localization of the metastatic lymph node for thyroid cancer on 131I post-ablation whole-body planar scans
Authors: Kavitha MuthuSubash , Lee Chang-Hee , Shibudas KattakkaliSubhashdas , Kurita Takio , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Developmental stage-specific distribution and phosphorylation of Mblk-1, a transcription factor involved in ecdysteroid-signaling in the honey bee brain
Authors: Kumagai Hitomi , Kunieda Takekazu , Nakamura Korefumi , Matsumura Yasuhiro , Namiki Manami , Kohno Hiroki , Kubo Takeo
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The regulation of nanomaterials and nanomedicines for clinical application: current and future perspectives
Authors: Foulkes Rachel , Man Ernest , Thind Jasmine , Yeung Suet , Joy Abigail , Hoskins Clare
Published: July 2020

Nanomedicine research has increased drastically over the past ten years, however, before clinical translation many regulatory factors must be considered.
Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites in electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Pan Yangli , Zhong Yijun , Ran Ran , Shao Zongping
Published: July 2020

We summarize recent developments of Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites as intriguing and high-performing electrocatalysts for key reactions relevant to energy conversion and storage at both low and high temperatures.
A new strategy of interlayer doping of Li ions for the photoluminescence enhancement of Eu3+-doped bismuth oxychloride layered semiconductors
Authors: Fan Youzhun , Han Jiajun , Xiao Taizhong , He Fangyu , Peng Jincai , Wang Qi , Li Yongjin , Yin Zhaoyi , Yang Zhengwen , Qiu Jianbei , Fu Hao , Song Zhiguo
Published: July 2020

The interlayer doping of Li+ ions significantly improves the IEF in layered BiOCl, which modifies the photoluminescence of Eu3+ ions via its local field effect and photocarrier separation role.
Binary catalytic system for homo- and block copolymerization of ε-caprolactone with δ-valerolactone
Authors: Wang Yan , Han Yongle , Zhang Lifang
Published: July 2020

The combined interaction of 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a] pyrimidine (ITU) as the organocatalytic nucleophile with YCl3 as Lewis acid cocatalyst, generating ITU/YCl3, was employed for homo- and copolymerization of CL with VL.
Expeditious synthesis of covalent organic frameworks: a review
Authors: Li Xinle , Yang Chongqing , Sun Bing , Cai Songliang , Chen Ziman , Lv Yongqin , Zhang Jian , Liu Yi
Published: July 2020

A comprehensive overview of the advances in the expeditious synthesis of COFs.
All-printed ultra-flexible organic nanowire artificial synapses
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Xu Wentao
Published: July 2020

APON-ST is an all-printed organic nanowires synaptic transistor with ultra-high bending stability.
Intrinsic mechanical properties of the polymeric semiconductors
Authors: An Xiang , Wang Kai , Bai Lubing , Wei Chuanxin , Xu Man , Yu Mengna , Han Yamin , Sun Ning , Sun Lili , Lin Jinyi , Ding Xuehua , Xie Linghai , Zhang Qi , Qin Tianshi , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

Intrinsic flexible polymeric semiconductors are the most potential active candidates in flexible optoelectronics for their solution-processing ability, dynamic programmable mechanical property and excellent optoelectronic behaviour.