bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous electrical magnetochiral effect by chiral spin-cluster scattering
Authors: Ishizuka Hiroaki , Nagaosa Naoto
Published: June 2020

The non-collinear spin configurations give rise to many nontrivial phenomena related to the Berry phase. They are often related to the vector and scalar spin chiralities. The scalar spin chirality leads to the topological Hall effect in metals, while the vector spin chirality to the ferroelectricity of spin origin, i.e., multiferroics in insulators. However, the role of the vector spin chirality in conducting systems has not yet been elucidated. Here we show theoretically that the spin correlation with vector spin chirality in chiral magnets scatters electrons asymmetrically, resulting in nonreciprocal transport phenomena, i.e., electrical magnetochiral effect (eMCE). This asymmetric scattering appears in the leading-order scattering term, implying a large nonreciprocity in the charge and spin currents. We find that the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the eMCE reproduces that observed in MnSi. Our results reveal the microscopic mechanism of eMCE and its potential in producing a large nonreciprocal response.
Modular self-assembly of gamma-modified peptide nucleic acids in organic solvent mixtures
Authors: Kumar Sriram , Pearse Alexander , Liu Ying , Taylor Rebecca E.
Published: June 2020

Nucleic acid-based materials enable sub-nanometer precision in self-assembly for fields including biophysics, diagnostics, therapeutics, photonics, and nanofabrication. However, structural DNA nanotechnology has been limited to substantially hydrated media. Transfer to organic solvents commonly used in polymer and peptide synthesis results in the alteration of DNA helical structure or reduced thermal stabilities. Here we demonstrate that gamma-modified peptide nucleic acids (γPNA) can be used to enable formation of complex, self-assembling nanostructures in select polar aprotic organic solvent mixtures. However, unlike the diameter-monodisperse populations of nanofibers formed using analogous DNA approaches, γPNA structures appear to form bundles of nanofibers. A tight distribution of the nanofiber diameters could, however, be achieved in the presence of the surfactant SDS during self-assembly. We further demonstrate nanostructure morphology can be tuned by means of solvent solution and by strand substitution with DNA and unmodified PNA. This work thereby introduces a science of γPNA nanotechnology.
Oxidation-boosted charge trapping in ultra-sensitive van der Waals materials for artificial synaptic features
Authors: Yang Feng-Shou , Li Mengjiao , Lee Mu-Pai , Ho I-Ying , Chen Jiann-Yeu , Ling Haifeng , Li Yuanzhe , Chang Jen-Kuei , Yang Shih-Hsien , Chang Yuan-Ming , Lee Ko-Chun , Chou Yi-Chia , Ho Ching-Hwa , Li Wenwu , Lien Chen-Hsin , Lin Yen-Fu
Published: June 2020

Exploitation of the oxidation behaviour in an environmentally sensitive semiconductor is significant to modulate its electronic properties and develop unique applications. Here, we demonstrate a native oxidation-inspired InSe field-effect transistor as an artificial synapse in device level that benefits from the boosted charge trapping under ambient conditions. A thin InOx layer is confirmed under the InSe channel, which can serve as an effective charge trapping layer for information storage. The dynamic characteristic measurement is further performed to reveal the corresponding uniform charge trapping and releasing process, which coincides with its surface-effect-governed carrier fluctuations. As a result, the oxide-decorated InSe device exhibits nonvolatile memory characteristics with flexible programming/erasing operations. Furthermore, an InSe-based artificial synapse is implemented to emulate the essential synaptic functions. The pattern recognition capability of the designed artificial neural network is believed to provide an excellent paradigm for ultra-sensitive van der Waals materials to develop electric-modulated neuromorphic computation architectures.
Strongly correlated Fermions strongly coupled to light
Authors: Roux Kevin , Konishi Hideki , Helson Victor , Brantut Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2020

Strong quantum correlations in matter are responsible for some of the most extraordinary properties of materials, from magnetism to high-temperature superconductivity, but their integration in quantum devices requires a strong, coherent coupling with photons, which still represents a formidable technical challenge in solid state systems. In cavity quantum electrodynamics, quantum gases such as Bose-Einstein condensates or lattice gases have been strongly coupled with light. However, neither Fermionic quantum matter, comparable to electrons in solids, nor atomic systems with controlled interactions, have thus far been strongly coupled with photons. Here we report on the strong coupling of a quantum-degenerate unitary Fermi gas with light in a high finesse cavity. We map out the spectrum of the coupled system and observe well resolved dressed states, resulting from the strong coupling of cavity photons with each spin component of the gas. We investigate spin-balanced and spin-polarized gases and find quantitative agreement with ab initio calculation describing light-matter interaction. Our system offers complete and simultaneous control of atom-atom and atom-photon interactions in the quantum degenerate regime, opening a wide range of perspectives for quantum simulation.
Diagnostic evaluation of a deep learning model for optical diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Dejun , Tian Fei , Tian Xiangdong , Sun Lin , Huang Xianghui , Zhao Feng , Zhou Nan , Chen Zuoyu , Zhang Qiang , Yang Meng , Yang Yichen , Guo Xuexi , Li Zhibin , Liu Jia , Wang Jiefu , Wang Junfeng , Wang Bangmao , Zhang Guoliang , Sun Baocun , Zhang Wei , Kong Dalu , Chen Kexin , Li Xiangchun
Published: June 2020

Colonoscopy is commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC). We develop a deep learning model called CRCNet for optical diagnosis of CRC by training on 464,105 images from 12,179 patients and test its performance on 2263 patients from three independent datasets. At the patient-level, CRCNet achieves an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.882 (95% CI: 0.828–0.931), 0.874 (0.820–0.926) and 0.867 (0.795–0.923). CRCNet exceeds average endoscopists performance on recall rate across two test sets (91.3% versus 83.8%; two-sided t-test, p < 0.001 and 96.5% versus 90.3%; p = 0.006) and precision for one test set (93.7% versus 83.8%; p = 0.02), while obtains comparable recall rate on one test set and precision on the other two. At the image-level, CRCNet achieves an AUPRC of 0.990 (0.987–0.993), 0.991 (0.987–0.995), and 0.997 (0.995–0.999). Our study warrants further investigation of CRCNet by prospective clinical trials.
Geometry and evolution of the ecological niche in plant-associated microbes
Authors: Chaloner Thomas M. , Gurr Sarah J. , Bebber Daniel P.
Published: June 2020

The ecological niche can be thought of as a volume in multidimensional space, where each dimension describes an abiotic condition or biotic resource required by a species. The shape, size, and evolution of this volume strongly determine interactions among species and influence their current and potential geographical distributions, but the geometry of niches is poorly understood. Here, we analyse temperature response functions and host plant ranges for hundreds of potentially destructive plant-associated fungi and oomycetes. We demonstrate that niche specialization is uncorrelated on abiotic (i.e. temperature response) and biotic (i.e. host range) axes, that host interactions restrict fundamental niche breadth to form the realized niche, and that both abiotic and biotic niches show limited phylogenetic constraint. The ecological terms ‘generalist’ and ‘specialist’ therefore do not apply to these microbes, as specialization evolves independently on different niche axes. This adaptability makes plant pathogens a formidable threat to agriculture and forestry.
A kinase-deficient NTRK2 splice variant predominates in glioma and amplifies several oncogenic signaling pathways
Authors: Pattwell Siobhan S. , Arora Sonali , Cimino Patrick J. , Ozawa Tatsuya , Szulzewsky Frank , Hoellerbauer Pia , Bonifert Tobias , Hoffstrom Benjamin G. , Boiani Norman E. , Bolouri Hamid , Correnti Colin E. , Oldrini Barbara , Silber John R. , Squatrito Massimo , Paddison Patrick J. , Holland Eric C.
Published: June 2020

Independent scientific achievements have led to the discovery of aberrant splicing patterns in oncogenesis, while more recent advances have uncovered novel gene fusions involving neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinases (NTRKs) in gliomas. The exploration of NTRK splice variants in normal and neoplastic brain provides an intersection of these two rapidly evolving fields. Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), encoded NTRK2, is known for critical roles in neuronal survival, differentiation, molecular properties associated with memory, and exhibits intricate splicing patterns and post-translational modifications. Here, we show a role for a truncated NTRK2 splice variant, TrkB.T1, in human glioma. TrkB.T1 enhances PDGF-driven gliomas in vivo, augments PDGF-induced Akt and STAT3 signaling in vitro, while next generation sequencing broadly implicates TrkB.T1 in the PI3K signaling cascades in a ligand-independent fashion. These TrkB.T1 findings highlight the importance of expanding upon whole gene and gene fusion analyses to include splice variants in basic and translational neuro-oncology research.
Autophagy-mediated apoptosis eliminates aneuploid cells in a mouse model of chromosome mosaicism
Authors: Singla Shruti , Iwamoto-Stohl Lisa K. , Zhu Meng , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: June 2020

The high incidence of aneuploidy in the embryo is considered the principal cause for low human fecundity. However, the prevalence of aneuploidy dramatically declines as pregnancy progresses, with the steepest drop occurring as the embryo completes implantation. Despite the fact that the plasticity of the embryo in dealing with aneuploidy is fundamental to normal development, the mechanisms responsible for eliminating aneuploid cells are unclear. Here, using a mouse model of chromosome mosaicism, we show that aneuploid cells are preferentially eliminated from the embryonic lineage in a p53-dependent process involving both autophagy and apoptosis before, during and after implantation. Moreover, we show that diploid cells in mosaic embryos undertake compensatory proliferation during the implantation stages to confer embryonic viability. Together, our results indicate a close link between aneuploidy, autophagy, and apoptosis to refine the embryonic cell population and ensure only chromosomally fit cells proceed through development of the fetus.
Dynamic and scalable DNA-based information storage
Authors: Lin Kevin N. , Volkel Kevin , Tuck James M. , Keung Albert J.
Published: June 2020

The physical architectures of information storage systems often dictate how information is encoded, databases are organized, and files are accessed. Here we show that a simple architecture comprised of a T7 promoter and a single-stranded overhang domain (ss-dsDNA), can unlock dynamic DNA-based information storage with powerful capabilities and advantages. The overhang provides a physical address for accessing specific DNA strands as well as implementing a range of in-storage file operations. It increases theoretical storage densities and capacities by expanding the encodable sequence space and simplifies the computational burden in designing sets of orthogonal file addresses. Meanwhile, the T7 promoter enables repeatable information access by transcribing information from DNA without destroying it. Furthermore, saturation mutagenesis around the T7 promoter and systematic analyses of environmental conditions reveal design criteria that can be used to optimize information access. This simple but powerful ss-dsDNA architecture lays the foundation for information storage with versatile capabilities.
Quantification of ongoing APOBEC3A activity in tumor cells by monitoring RNA editing at hotspots
Authors: Jalili Pégah , Bowen Danae , Langenbucher Adam , Park Shinho , Aguirre Kevin , Corcoran Ryan B. , Fleischman Angela G. , Lawrence Michael S. , Zou Lee , Buisson Rémi
Published: June 2020

APOBEC3A is a cytidine deaminase driving mutagenesis, DNA replication stress and DNA damage in cancer cells. While the APOBEC3A-induced vulnerability of cancers offers an opportunity for therapy, APOBEC3A protein and mRNA are difficult to quantify in tumors due to their low abundance. Here, we describe a quantitative and sensitive assay to measure the ongoing activity of APOBEC3A in tumors. Using hotspot RNA mutations identified from APOBEC3A-positive tumors and droplet digital PCR, we develop an assay to quantify the RNA-editing activity of APOBEC3A. This assay is superior to APOBEC3A protein- and mRNA-based assays in predicting the activity of APOBEC3A on DNA. Importantly, we demonstrate that the RNA mutation-based APOBEC3A assay is applicable to clinical samples from cancer patients. Our study presents a strategy to follow the dysregulation of APOBEC3A in tumors, providing opportunities to investigate the role of APOBEC3A in tumor evolution and to target the APOBEC3A-induced vulnerability in therapy.
Measurement-device-independent quantification of irreducible high-dimensional entanglement
Authors: Guo Yu , Yu Bai-Chu , Hu Xiao-Min , Liu Bi-Heng , Wu Yu-Chun , Huang Yun-Feng , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: June 2020

The certification of entanglement dimensionality is of great importance in characterizing quantum systems. Recently, it was pointed out that quantum correlation of high-dimensional states can be simulated with a sequence of lower-dimensional states. Such a problem may render existing characterization protocols unreliable—the observed entanglement may not be a truly high-dimensional one. Here, we introduce the notion of irreducible entanglement to capture its dimensionality that is indecomposable in terms of a sequence of lower-dimensional entangled systems. We prove this new feature can be detected in a measurement-device-independent manner with an entanglement witness protocol. To demonstrate the practicability of this technique, we experimentally apply it on a 3-dimensional bipartite state, and the result certifies the existence of irreducible (at least) 3-dimensional entanglement.
The role of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission in delusional thinking
Authors: Caton Michael , Ochoa Enrique L. M. , Barrantes Francisco J.
Published: June 2020

Delusions are a difficult-to-treat and intellectually fascinating aspect of many psychiatric illnesses. Although scientific progress on this complex topic has been challenging, some recent advances focus on dysfunction in neural circuits, specifically in those involving dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here we review the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in delusions, with a focus on nicotinic receptors, which are known to play a part in some illnesses where these symptoms appear, including delirium, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, Parkinson, Huntington, and Alzheimer diseases. Beginning with what we know about the emergence of delusions in these illnesses, we advance a hypothesis of cholinergic disturbance in the dorsal striatum where nicotinic receptors are operative. Striosomes are proposed to play a central role in the formation of delusions. This hypothesis is consistent with our current knowledge about the mechanism of action of cholinergic drugs and with our abstract models of basic cognitive mechanisms at the molecular and circuit levels. We conclude by pointing out the need for further research both at the clinical and translational levels.
Unit policies regarding tocolysis after preterm premature rupture of membranes: association with latency, neonatal and 2-year outcomes (EPICE cohort)
Authors: Lorthe Elsa , Moreira Carla , Weber Tom , Huusom Lene D. , Schmidt Stephan , Maier Rolf F. , Jarreau Pierre-Henri , Cuttini Marina , Draper Elizabeth S. , Zeitlin Jennifer , Barros Henrique ,   The EPICE research group, Martens E. , Martens G. , Van Reempts P. , Boerch K. , Hasselager A. , Huusom L. , Pryds O. , Weber T. , Toome L. , Varendi H. , Ancel P.-Y. , Blondel B. , Burguet A. , Jarreau P.-H. , Truffert P. , Maier R. F. , Misselwitz B. , Schmidt S. , Gortner L. , Baronciani D. , Gargano G. , Agostino R. , Croci I. , Franco F. , Carnielli V. , Cuttini M. , DiLallo D. , Koopman-Esseboom C. , Van Heijst A. , Nijman J. , Gadzinowski J. , Mazela J. , Graça L.-M. , Machado M.-C. , Rodrigues C. , Rodrigues T. , Barros H. , Bonamy A-K. , Norman M. , Wilson E. , Boyle E. , Draper E. S. , Manktelow B. N. , Fenton A. C. , Milligan D. W. A. , Zeitlin J. , Bonet M. , Piedvache A.
Published: June 2020

After preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), antibiotics and antenatal steroids are effective evidence-based interventions, but the use of tocolysis is controversial. We investigated whether a unit policy of tocolysis use after PPROM is associated with prolonged gestation and improved outcomes for very preterm infants in units that systematically use these other evidence-based treatments. From the prospective, observational, population-based EPICE cohort study (all very preterm births in 19 regions from 11 European countries, 2011–2012), we included 607 women with a singleton pregnancy and PPROM at 24–29 weeks’ gestation, of whom 101, 195 and 311 were respectively managed in 17, 32 and 45 units with no-use, restricted and liberal tocolysis policies for PPROM. The association between unit policies and outcomes (early-onset sepsis, survival at discharge, survival at discharge without severe morbidity and survival at two years without gross motor impairment) was investigated using three-level random-intercept logistic regression models, showing no differences in neonatal or two-year outcomes by unit policy. Moreover, there was no association between unit policies and prolongation of gestation in a multilevel survival analysis. Compared to a unit policy of no-use of tocolysis after PPROM, a liberal or restricted policy is not associated with improved obstetric, neonatal or two-year outcomes.
Visualising spatio-temporal distributions of assimilated carbon translocation and release in root systems of leguminous plants
Authors: Yin Yong-Gen , Suzui Nobuo , Kurita Keisuke , Miyoshi Yuta , Unno Yusuke , Fujimaki Shu , Nakamura Takuji , Shinano Takuro , Kawachi Naoki
Published: June 2020

The release of rhizodeposits differs depending on the root position and is closely related to the assimilated carbon (C) supply. Therefore, quantifying the C partitioning over a short period may provide crucial information for clarifying root–soil carbon metabolism. A non-invasive method for visualising the translocation of recently assimilated C into the root system inside the rhizobox was established using 11CO2 labelling and the positron-emitting tracer imaging system. The spatial distribution of recent 11C-photoassimilates translocated and released in the root system and soil were visualised for white lupin (Lupinus albus) and soybean (Glycine max). The inputs of the recently assimilated C in the entire root that were released into the soil were approximately 0.3%–2.9% for white lupin within 90 min and 0.9%–2.3% for soybean within 65 min, with no significant differences between the two plant species; however, the recently assimilated C of lupin was released at high concentrations in specific areas (hotspots), whereas that of soybean was released uniformly in the soil. Our method enabled the quantification of the spatial C allocations in roots and soil, which may help to elucidate the relationship between C metabolism and nutrient cycling at specific locations of the root–soil system in response to environmental conditions over relatively short periods.
Statistical modeling-approach for optimization of Cu2+ biosorption by Azotobacter nigricans NEWG-1; characterization and application of immobilized cells for metal removal
Authors: Ghoniem Abeer Abdulkhalek , El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Saber WesamEldin I. A. , El-Hersh Mohammed S. , El-khateeb Ayman Y.
Published: June 2020

Heavy metals are environmental pollutants affect the integrity and distribution of living organisms in the ecosystem and also humans across the food chain. The study targeted the removal of copper (Cu2+) from aqueous solutions, depending on the biosorption process. The bacterial candidate was identified using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, in addition to morphological and cultural properties as Azotobacter nigricans NEWG-1. The Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize copper removal by Azotobacter nigricans NEWG-1 and to study possible interactive effects between incubation periods, pH and initial CuSO4 concentration. The data obtained showed that the maximum copper removal percentage of 80.56% was reached at run no. 12, under the conditions of 200 mg/L CuSO4, 4 days’ incubation period, pH, 8.5. Whereas, the lowest Cu2+ removal (12.12%) was obtained at run no.1. Cells of Azotobacter nigricans NEWG-1 before and after copper biosorption were analyzed using FTIR, EDS and SEM. FTIR analysis indicates that several functional groups have participated in the biosorption of metal ions including hydroxyl, methylene, carbonyl, carboxylate groups. Moreover, the immobilized bacterial cells in sodium alginate-beads removed 82.35 ± 2.81% of copper from the aqueous solution, containing an initial concentration of 200 mg/L after 6 h. Azotobacter nigricans NEWG-1 proved to be an efficient biosorbent in the elimination of copper ions from environmental effluents, with advantages of feasibility, reliability and eco-friendly.
Mutations in virus-derived small RNAs
Authors: Nigam Deepti , LaTourrette Katherine , Garcia-Ruiz Hernan
Published: June 2020

RNA viruses exist as populations of genome variants. Virus-infected plants accumulate 21–24 nucleotide small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) derived from viral RNA (virus-derived siRNAs) through gene silencing. This paper describes the profile of mutations in virus-derived siRNAs for three members of the family Potyviridae: Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). For TuMV in Arabidopsis thaliana, profiles were obtained for mechanically inoculated rosette leaves and systemically infected cauline leaves and inflorescence. Results are consistent with selection pressure on the viral genome imposed by local and systemic movement. By genetically removing gene silencing in the plant and silencing suppression in the virus, our results showed that antiviral gene silencing imposes selection in viral populations. Mutations in siRNAs derived from a PRSV coat protein transgene in the absence of virus replication showed the contribution of cellular RNA-dependent RNA polymerases to the generation of mutations in virus-derived siRNAs. Collectively, results are consistent with two sources of mutations in virus-derived siRNAs: viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases responsible for virus replication and cellular RNA-dependent RNA polymerases responsible for gene silencing amplification.
RXR Expression in Marine Gastropods with Different Sensitivity to Imposex Development
Authors: Giulianelli Sebastián , Primost Mónica A. , Lanari Claudia , Bigatti Gregorio
Published: June 2020

The superposition of male sexual characteristics in female marine gastropods (imposex) represents one of the clearest ecological examples of organotin-mediated endocrine disruption. Recent evidences suggest that signaling pathways mediated by members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, RXR and PPARγ, are involved in the development of this pseudohermaphroditic condition. Here, we identified significant differences in RXR expression in two caenogastropod species from Nuevo Gulf, Argentina, Buccinanops globulosus and Trophon geversianus, which present clear contrast in imposex incidence. In addition, B. globulosus males from a polluted and an unpolluted area showed differences in RXR expression. Conversely, PPARγ levels were similar between both analyzed species. These findings indicate specie-specific RXR and PPARγ expression, suggesting a major role of RXR in the induction of imposex.
NeuroMem: Analog Graphene-Based Resistive Memory for Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Abunahla Heba , Halawani Yasmin , Alazzam Anas , Mohammad Baker
Published: June 2020

Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the edge has become a hot subject of the recent technology-minded publications. The challenges related to IoT nodes gave rise to research on efficient hardware-based accelerators. In this context, analog memristor devices are crucial elements to efficiently perform the multiply-and-add (MAD) operations found in many AI algorithms. This is due to the ability of memristor devices to perform in-memory-computing (IMC) in a way that mimics the synapses in human brain. Here, we present a novel planar analog memristor, namely NeuroMem, that includes a partially reduced Graphene Oxide (prGO) thin film. The analog and non-volatile resistance switching of NeuroMem enable tuning it to any value within the RON and ROFF range. These two features make NeuroMem a potential candidate for emerging IMC applications such as inference engine for AI systems. Moreover, the prGO thin film of the memristor is patterned on a flexible substrate of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) using standard microfabrication techniques. This provides new opportunities for simple, flexible, and cost-effective fabrication of solution-based Graphene-based memristors. In addition to providing detailed electrical characterization of the device, a crossbar of the technology has been fabricated to demonstrate its ability to implement IMC for MAD operations targeting fully connected layer of Artificial Neural Network. This work is the first to report on the great potential of this technology for AI inference application especially for edge devices.
Multivariate analysis applied in dataset of Poison Control Center of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Eller Sarah , Zucoloto Alexandre Dias , de Oliveira Carolina Dizioli Rodrigues , Hernandez Edna Maria Miello , Fruchtengarten Ligia Veras Gimenez , de Oliveira Flávia Neri Meira , de Oliveira Tiago Franco , Yonamine Mauricio
Published: June 2020

Multivariate analysis techniques could be used to identify possible intercorrelations in intoxications cases. The statistical analyses used were a multiple logistic regression, multiple correspondence analysis, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis. Of the 320 samples analysed, 192 samples were positive for some of the investigated toxic agents, of which 100 were positive for ethanol and 131 were positive for other substances. It was possible to group the patients into 3 clusters, which appears 66.5% of this information in the three first factorial axes. On the first axis, the male patients were separated from the female patients. Patients exposed to drugs, between 30 and 39 years old were grouped in the same cluster. On the second factorial axis, patients who were intoxicated with ethanol and who became intoxicated with diazepam were grouped. This work contributed to the mapping of intoxication cases at the Poison Control Centre of the São Paulo city, Brazil (CCI-SP) and serves as an initial study for the creation of a database that could be updated constantly and thus could provide a toxicovigilance system for educational policies.
Artocarpus altilis extracts as a food-borne pathogen and oxidation inhibitors: RSM, COSMO RS, and molecular docking approaches
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Norazmi , Karim Nazatul Umira , Normaya Erna , Mat Piah Bijarimi , Iqbal Anwar , Ku Bulat Ku Halim
Published: June 2020

Lipid oxidation and microbial contamination are the major factors contributing to food deterioration. Food additives like antioxidants and antibacterials can prevent food spoilage by delaying oxidation and preventing the growth of bacteria. Artocarpus altilis leaves exhibited biological properties that suggested its use as a new source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from the leaves using response surface methodology (yield and antioxidant activity). The optimum SFE conditions were 50.5 °C temperature, 3784 psi pressure and 52 min extraction time. Verification test results (Tukey’s test) showed that no significant difference between the expected and experimental DPPH activity and yield value (99%) were found. Gas-chromatography –mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed three major bioactive compounds existed in A. altilis extract. The extract demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial properties with 2,3-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, tyrosinase mushrrom inhibition of 41.5%, 8.15 ± 1.31 (µg of ascorbic acid equivalents), 32%, 37% and inhibition zone diameter of 0.766 ± 0.06 cm (B. cereus) and 1.27 ± 0.12 cm (E. coli). Conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMO RS) was performed to explain the extraction mechanism of the major bioactive compounds during SFE. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) shows the probability site of nucleophilic and electrophilic attack during bacterial inhibition. Based on molecular docking study, non-covalent interactions are the main interaction occurring between the major bioactive compounds and bacteria (antibacterial inhibition).
Sound source localization by Ormia ochracea inspired low–noise piezoelectric MEMS directional microphone
Authors: Rahaman Ashiqur , Kim Byungki
Published: June 2020

The single-tone sound source localization (SSL) by majority of fly Ormia ochracea’s ears–inspired directional microphones leaves a limited choice when an application like hearing aid (HA) demands broadband SSL. Here, a piezoelectric MEMS directional microphone using a modified mechanical model of fly’s ear has been presented with primary focus to achieve SSL in most sensitive audio bands to mitigate the constraints of traditional SSL works. In the modified model, two optimized rectangular diaphragms have been pivoted by four optimized torsional beams; while the backside of the whole structure has been etched. As a result, the SSL relative to angular rotation of the incoming sound depicts the cosine dependency as an ideal pressure–gradient sensor. At the same time, the mechanical coupling leads the magnitude difference between two diaphragms which has been accounted as SSL in frequency domain. The idea behind this work has been analytical simulated first, and with the convincing mechanical results, the designed bio–inspired directional microphone (BDM) has been fabricated using commercially available MEMSCAP based on PiezoMUMPS processes. In an anechoic chamber, the fabricated device has been excited in free-field sound, and the SSL at 1 kHz frequency, rocking frequency, bending frequency, and in-between rocking and bending frequencies has been found in full compliance with the given angle of incidence of sound. With the measured inter-aural sensitivity difference (mISD) and directionality, the developed BDM has been demonstrated as a practical SSL device, and the results have been found in a perfect match with the given angle of incidence of sound. Furthermore, to facilitate the SSL in noisy environment, the noise has been optimized in all scopes, like the geometry of the diaphragm, supportive torsional beam, and sensing. As a result, the A-weighted noise of this work has been found less than 23 dBA across the audio bands, and the equivalent-input noise (EIN) has been found to be 25.52 dB SPL at 1 kHz frequency which are the lowest ever reported by a similar device. With the developed SSL in broadband–in addition to the lowest noise–the developed device can be extended in some audio applications like an HA device.
Intrastriatal administration of coenzyme Q10 enhances neuroprotection in a Parkinson’s disease rat model
Authors: Park Hyung Woo , Park Chun Gwon , Park Min , Lee Seung Ho , Park Hye Ran , Lim Jaesung , Paek Sun Ha , Choy Young Bin
Published: June 2020

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and no treatment has been yet established to prevent disease progression. Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant, has been considered a promising neuroprotective agent; however, conventional oral administration provides limited efficacy due to its very low bioavailability. In this study, we hypothesised that continuous, intrastriatal administration of a low dose of Coenzyme Q10 could effectively prevent dopaminergic neuron degeneration. To this end, a Parkinson’s disease rat model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine was established, and the treatment was applied a week before the full establishment of this disease model. Behavioural tests showed a dramatically decreased number of asymmetric rotations in the intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 group compared with the no treatment group. Rats with intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 exposure also exhibited a larger number of dopaminergic neurons, higher expression of neurogenetic and angiogenetic factors, and less inflammation, and the effects were more prominent than those of orally administered Coenzyme Q10, although the dose of intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 was 17,000-times lower than that of orally-administered Coenzyme Q10. Therefore, continuous, intrastriatal delivery of Coenzyme Q10, especially when combined with implantable devices for convection-enhanced delivery or deep brain stimulation, can be an effective strategy to prevent neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Antibacterial activity of ultrathin platinum islands on flat gold against Escherichia coli
Authors: Hakamada Masataka , Sakakibara Susumu , Miyazawa Naoki , Deguchi Soichiro , Mabuchi Mamoru
Published: June 2020

Nanoporous Au exhibits high antibacterial activity (AA) without releasing reactive oxygen species or metal ions, instead its AA depends on the work function (WF) because cell walls are affected by peculiar electronic states at the surface. Based on this mechanism, a flat surface without nanostructure should show high AA if the WF of the surface is suitably tuned. To verify this, ultrathin Pt islands with high WF was fabricated on flat Au by underpotential deposition (UPD) of copper and subsequent redox replacement with Pt, and the AA of the Pt/Au substrate on Escherichia coli was evaluated. The Pt/Au substrate showed higher AA than Pt and Au surfaces, and a positive relationship between AA and WF was demonstrated. In addition, first principles calculations were performed to investigate the mechanism for the high WF of the Pt/Au substrate. The findings suggest that the high WF of the Pt/Au substrate is at least partly due to charge transfer from Au to Pt.
Goosegrass Detection in Strawberry and Tomato Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sharpe Shaun M. , Schumann Arnold W. , Boyd Nathan S.
Published: June 2020

Goosegrass is a problematic weed species in Florida vegetable plasticulture production. To reduce costs associated with goosegrass control, a post-emergence precision applicator is under development for use atop the planting beds. To facilitate in situ goosegrass detection and spraying, tiny- You Only Look Once 3 (YOLOv3-tiny) was evaluated as a potential detector. Two annotation techniques were evaluated: (1) annotation of the entire plant (EP) and (2) annotation of partial sections of the leaf blade (LB). For goosegrass detection in strawberry, the F-score was 0.75 and 0.85 for the EP and LB derived networks, respectively. For goosegrass detection in tomato, the F-score was 0.56 and 0.65 for the EP and LB derived networks, respectively. The LB derived networks increased recall at the cost of precision, compared to the EP derived networks. The LB annotation method demonstrated superior results within the context of production and precision spraying, ensuring more targets were sprayed with some over-spraying on false targets. The developed network provides online, real-time, and in situ detection capability for weed management field applications such as precision spraying and autonomous scouts.
The optimal time interval between the placement of self-expandable metallic stent and elective surgery in patients with obstructive colon cancer
Authors: Kye Bong-Hyeon , Kim Ji-Hoon , Kim Hyung-Jin , Lee Yoon Suk , Lee In-Kyu , Kang Won Kyung , Cho Hyeon-Min , Ahn Chang-Hyeok , Oh Seong-Taek
Published: June 2020

A bridge to surgery (BTS) after a colonic stent for obstructive colon cancer has not been accepted as a standard treatment strategy. Also, there is no consensus regarding the optimal time interval for BTS. We aimed to identify the optimal timing for BTS after stent placement to decrease the oncologic risk. We retrospectively collected data of 174 patients who underwent BTS after stent placement for stage II or III obstructive colon cancer from five hospitals. We divided the patients into three groups based on the time interval for BTS after stent placement: within 7 days (Group 1), from 8 to 14 days (Group 2), and after 14 days (Group 3). The primary outcome was to compare the oncologic outcomes including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence rate (RR) among the three groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 involved 75, 56, and 43 patients, respectively. Postoperative morbidity rates were 17.3%, 10.8%, and 9.3% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.337). RRs were 16.0%, 35.7%, and 30.2% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.029). In multivariate analysis, the time interval for BTS was an independent risk factor for DFS (P < 0.001; HR, 14.463; 95% CI, 1.458–3.255) and OS (P = 0.027; HR, 4.917; 95% CI, 1.071–3.059). In conclusion, the perioperative short-term outcome was not affected by the time interval of BTS. However, elective surgery within 7 days after colonic stent might be suggested to balance the short-term benefits and long-term oncologic risks.
Imputation for sequencing variants preselected to a customized low-density chip
Authors: Liu Aoxing , Lund Mogens Sandø , Boichard Didier , Mao Xiaowei , Karaman Emre , Fritz Sebastien , Aamand Gert Pedersen , Wang Yachun , Su Guosheng
Published: June 2020

The sequencing variants preselected from association analyses and bioinformatics analyses could improve genomic prediction. In this study, the imputation of sequencing SNPs preselected from major dairy breeds in Denmark-Finland-Sweden (DFS) and France (FRA) was investigated for both contemporary animals and old bulls in Danish Jersey. For contemporary animals, a two-step imputation which first imputed to 54 K and then to 54 K + DFS + FRA SNPs achieved highest accuracy. Correlations between observed and imputed genotypes were 91.6% for DFS SNPs and 87.6% for FRA SNPs, while concordance rates were 96.6% for DFS SNPs and 93.5% for FRA SNPs. The SNPs with lower minor allele frequency (MAF) tended to have lower correlations but higher concordance rates. For old bulls, imputation for DFS and FRA SNPs were relatively accurate even for bulls without progenies (correlations higher than 97.2% and concordance rates higher than 98.4%). For contemporary animals, given limited imputation accuracy of preselected sequencing SNPs especially for SNPs with low MAF, it would be a good strategy to directly genotype preselected sequencing SNPs with a customized SNP chip. For old bulls, given high imputation accuracy for preselected sequencing SNPs with all MAF ranges, it would be unnecessary to re-genotype preselected sequencing SNPs.
Microstructure of the retinal pigment epithelium near-infrared autofluorescence in healthy young eyes and in patients with AMD
Authors: Vienola Kari V. , Zhang Min , Snyder Valerie C. , Sahel José-Alain , Dansingani Kunal K. , Rossi Ethan A.
Published: June 2020

Retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells are essential for maintaining normal visual function, especially in their role in the visual cycle, and are thought to be one of the first cell classes affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Clinical imaging systems routinely evaluate the structure of the RPE at the tissue level, but cellular level information may provide valuable RPE biomarkers of health, aging and disease. In this exploratory study, participants were imaged with 795 nm excitation in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) to observe the microstructure of the near-infrared autofluorescence (AO-IRAF) from the RPE layer in healthy retinas and patients with AMD. The expected hexagonal mosaic of RPE cells was only sometimes seen in normal eyes, while AMD patients exhibited highly variable patterns of altered AO-IRAF. In some participants, AO-IRAF structure corresponding to cones was observed, as we have demonstrated previously. In some AMD patients, marked alterations in the pattern of AO-IRAF could be seen even in areas where the RPE appeared relatively normal in clinical imaging modalities, such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). AO-IRAF imaging using AOSLO offers promise for better detection and understanding of early RPE changes in the course of AMD, potentially before clinical signs appear.
Reactive stress-coping styles show more variable reproductive expenditure and fitness outcomes
Authors: Twiss Sean D. , Shuert Courtney R. , Brannan Naomi , Bishop Amanda M. , Pomeroy Patrick. P.
Published: June 2020

Stress-coping styles dictate how individuals react to stimuli and can be measured by the integrative physiological parameter of resting heart-rate variability (HRV); low resting HRV indicating proactive coping styles, while high resting HRV typifies reactive individuals. Over 5 successive breeding seasons we measured resting HRV of 57 lactating grey seals. Mothers showed consistent individual differences in resting HRV across years. We asked whether proactive and reactive mothers differed in their patterns of maternal expenditure and short-term fitness outcomes within seasons, using maternal daily mass loss rate to indicate expenditure, and pup daily mass gain to indicate within season fitness outcomes. We found no difference in average rates of maternal daily mass loss or pup daily mass gain between proactive and reactive mothers. However, reactive mothers deviated more from the sample mean for maternal daily mass and pup daily mass gain than proactive mothers. Thus, while proactive mothers exhibit average expenditure strategies with average outcomes, expenditure varies much more among reactive mothers with more variable outcomes. Overall, however, mean fitness was equal across coping styles, providing a mechanism for maintaining coping style diversity within populations. Variability in reactive mothers’ expenditures and success is likely a product of their attempts to match phenotype to prevailing environmental conditions, achieved with varying degrees of success.
Passenger for millenniums: association between stenothermic microcrustacean and suctorian epibiont - the case of Eurytemora lacustris and Tokophyra sp
Authors: Sługocki Łukasz , Karpowicz Maciej , Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba Agnieszka , Kozłowska Joanna , Spikkeland Ingvar , Nilssen Jens Petter
Published: June 2020

Epibionts often colonize the exoskeleton of crustaceans, which sometimes results in the development of a long-term relationship between them. Our present work confirmed that a specific epibiont is closely associated with the pelagic calanoid copepod Eurytemora lacustris, regardless of the region, which suggests a preserved interaction between these species. Molecular analyses revealed that the epibiont belongs to the genus Tokophrya. We also found that the level of basibiont colonization is related to its size and identified that the most intensely inhabited body parts are those located near the center of the copepod body. We hypothesize that the relationship between Eurytemora (basibiont) and Tokophrya (epibiont) was established during the Quaternary period, following which these two populations were fragmented into lakes where they survived in close interaction. In addition, we suppose that the close relationship between the two species indicates the coevolution of stenotherms. Further studies on the interactions between Eurytemora lacustris and Tokophrya are required in order to gain insight into the long-term relationship between the copepods and the epibionts.
Relationship between biometeorological factors and the number of hospitalizations due to asthma
Authors: Romaszko-Wojtowicz Anna , Cymes Iwona , Dragańska Ewa , Doboszyńska Anna , Romaszko Jerzy , Glińska-Lewczuk Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

The incidence of asthma exacerbation depends on atmospheric conditions, including such meteorological factors as the ambient temperature, relative air humidity or concentration of atmospheric aerosols. An assessment of relations between the frequency of asthma exacerbation and environmental conditions was made according to the meteorological components, the biometeorological indexUTCI(Universal Thermal Climate Index), as well as selected air quality parameters, including concentrations of PM10and PM2.5. The study was conducted on the basis of a retrospective analysis of medical data collected at the Independent Public Hospital of Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases in Olsztyn (Poland). Our analysis of patient data (from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2017) showed a significant correlation between the number of asthma exacerbation and theUTCIvalue. More frequent asthma exacerbations are observed in patients aged over 65 years when air humidity increases. TheUTCIvalues contained within class 5, describing thermoneutral conditions, correspond to an average frequency of asthma exacerbation. A decline in theUTCIvalue leads to a reduced number of asthma exacerbation, while a rise makes the cases of asthma exacerbations increase.
Quantitative analyses of diameter and running pattern of choroidal vessels in central serous chorioretinopathy by en face images
Authors: Shiihara Hideki , Sonoda Shozo , Terasaki Hiroto , Kakiuchi Naoko , Yamashita Takehiro , Uchino Eisuke , Murao Fumiko , Sano Hiroki , Mitamura Yoshinori , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: June 2020

This study was to investigate the choroidal vessels in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) quantitatively. We studied 41 CSC eyes and their fellow eyes, and 41 normal eyes of 41 age-adjusted individuals. En-face optical coherence tomography image of the top 25% slab of Haller’s layer was analyze. The mean vessel area, vessel length, and vessel diameter were calculated. The running pattern of the vessels was quantified and used to determine the degree of symmetry, the “symmetry index”. The vessel area of CSC eyes was not significantly different from that of fellow eyes but significantly larger than that of normal eyes. The vessel length of CSC eyes was not significantly different from fellow eyes but significantly shorter than that of normal eyes. The mean vessel diameter was larger in CSC eyes than in the fellow eyes and the normal eye. The symmetry index was not significantly different in CSC eyes from that of their fellow eyes but was smaller than that of normal eyes. The quantitative analysis showed that eyes with CSC had larger choroidal vessels and asymmetrical vessels running in Haller’s layer.
Author Correction: Vitamin D Supplementation in Overweight/obese Asian Indian Women with Prediabetes Reduces Glycemic Measures and Truncal Subcutaneous Fat: A 78 Weeks Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (PREVENT-WIN Trial)
Authors: Bhatt Surya Prakash , Misra Anoop , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Gulati Seema , Singh Namrata
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.