bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diameter-independent skyrmion Hall angle observed in chiral magnetic multilayers
Authors: Zeissler Katharina , Finizio Simone , Barton Craig , Huxtable Alexandra J. , Massey Jamie , Raabe Jörg , Sadovnikov Alexandr V. , Nikitov Sergey A. , Brearton Richard , Hesjedal Thorsten , van der Laan Gerrit , Rosamond Mark C. , Linfield Edmund H. , Burnell Gavin , Marrows Christopher H.
Published: January 2020

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically non-trivial nanoscale objects. Their topology, which originates in their chiral domain wall winding, governs their unique response to a motion-inducing force. When subjected to an electrical current, the chiral winding of the spin texture leads to a deflection of the skyrmion trajectory, characterised by an angle with respect to the applied force direction. This skyrmion Hall angle is predicted to be skyrmion diameter-dependent. In contrast, our experimental study finds that the skyrmion Hall angle is diameter-independent for skyrmions with diameters ranging from 35 to 825 nm. At an average velocity of 6 ± 1 ms−1, the average skyrmion Hall angle was measured to be 9° ± 2°. In fact, the skyrmion dynamics is dominated by the local energy landscape such as materials defects and the local magnetic configuration.
Publisher Correction: Analysis of the Human Protein Atlas Image Classification competition
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Winsnes Casper F. , Hjelmare Martin , Cesnik Anthony J. , Åkesson Lovisa , Xu Hao , Sullivan Devin P. , Dai Shubin , Lan Jun , Jinmo Park , Galib Shaikat M. , Henkel Christof , Hwang Kevin , Poplavskiy Dmytro , Tunguz Bojan , Wolfinger Russel D. , Gu Yinzheng , Li Chuanpeng , Xie Jinbin , Buslov Dmitry , Fironov Sergei , Kiselev Alexander , Panchenko Dmytro , Cao Xuan , Wei Runmin , Wu Yuanhao , Zhu Xun , Tseng Kuan-Lun , Gao Zhifeng , Ju Cheng , Yi Xiaohan , Zheng Hongdong , Kappel Constantin , Lundberg Emma
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A possible role for autoimmunity through molecular mimicry in alphavirus mediated arthritis
Authors: Venigalla Siva Sai Krishna , Premakumar Sowmya , Janakiraman Vani
Published: January 2020

Alphaviral infections are foremost in causing debilitating clinical outcomes in humans characterized by rheumatic arthritis like conditions. Though the presence of virus in joints and associated inflammation has been implicated as one of the reasons for the acute and chronic polyarthritis post alphaviral infections, the basis for rheumatic like outcomes is not clear. Through an in silico analysis, we have investigated the possibility of an autoimmune process mediated through molecular mimicry in alphaviral infection induced pathogenicity. Interestingly, sequence alignment of the structural polyproteins belonging to arthritogenic alphaviruses revealed conserved regions which share homology with human proteins implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These conserved regions were predicted to exhibit binding to HLA class II alleles, showcasing their potential to incite T cell help. Molecular docking of the viral peptide and the corresponding homologous region in the human protein onto HLA-DRB1 revealed strong similarities in their binding patterns. Linear and conformational B cell epitope prediction analyses showed that these potential mimics have high propensity to elicit an efficient B cell response. We thus propose that the origin of polyarthritis post-arthritogenic alphaviral infections may also be mediated through a hitherto unknown autoimmune response due to the presence of cross-reactive epitopes between viral and human proteins.
Analysis of Annual and Seasonal Precipitation Variation in the Qinba Mountain area, China
Authors: Zhang Yannan , Liang Chuan
Published: January 2020

In this study, the spatial and temporal characteristics in precipitation extremes, total precipitation, and the seasonality of precipitation of the Qinba Mountain in China were investigated from 1961 to 2015, based on daily precipitation data of 37 meteorological stations. The results from our study suggest that: the annual precipitation in the area varies between 645 mm and 2175.2 mm, with the minimum annual precipitation occurred in 1997, and the maximum annual precipitation, in 1963. Between 1961 and 2015, a significant decreasing trend was observed in the annual precipitation, suggesting a decrease of −21.1 mm/a. The spatial distribution of precipitation in the Qinba Mountain area increased from the north to the south, showing an obvious difference in precipitation between the two areas. For extreme indices, the trends of annual total wet-day precipitation (PRCPTOT), number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm)and consecutive wet days (CWD)showed a downward trend, while the other extreme indices had an upward trend. The results from our research not only help the researchers to understand the characteristics of precipitation, but also provide crucial information for the policy makers to make better decisions, in future.
Differential expression and localisation of TGF-β isoforms and receptors in the murine epididymis
Authors: Voisin Allison , Damon-Soubeyrand Christelle , Bravard Stéphanie , Saez Fabrice , Drevet Joël R. , Guiton Rachel
Published: January 2020

Testes produce spermatozoa that transit through and are stored in the epididymis where they acquire their fertilising capacities. Spermatozoa appear in the genital tract at puberty, long after the immune system was trained to self-antigens. As a consequence, this organ has to set strategies to tolerate sperm antigens to avoid autoimmune responses that would specifically target and destroy them. A recent study pointed the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling in the dendritic cells as a crucial mechanism for epididymal tolerance to spermatozoa. In the mouse, TGF-β exists under three isoforms, and three distinct receptors have been described. Using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA techniques, we investigated the expression and spatial distribution of the epididymal TGF-β isoforms and of their receptors in young and adult mice. We showed that both ligands and receptors were produced by immune and non-immune cells in the epididymis, whatever the age mice have. These data bring new clues as to the mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to sperm cells in the murine epididymis and raise potential other implications of the cytokine isoforms.
Enhancing the ENSO Predictability beyond the Spring Barrier
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Tseng Yu-Heng , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Ding Ruiqiang
Published: January 2020

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant interseasonal–interannual variability in the tropical Pacific and substantial efforts have been dedicated to predicting its occurrence and variability because of its extensive global impacts. However, ENSO predictability has been reduced in the 21st century, and the impact of extratropical atmosphere on the tropics has intensified during the past 2 decades, making the ENSO more complicated and harder to predict. Here, by combining tropical preconditions/ocean–atmosphere interaction with extratropical precursors, we provide a novel approach to noticeably increase the ENSO prediction skill beyond the spring predictability barrier. The success of increasing the prediction skill results mainly from the longer lead-time of the extratropical–tropical ocean-to-atmosphere interaction process, especially for the first 2 decades of the 21st century.
Characterization and carbon mineralization of biochars produced from different animal manures and plant residues
Authors: Sarfaraz Qamar , Silva Leandro Souza da , Drescher Gerson Laerson , Zafar Mohsin , Severo Fabiane Figueiredo , Kokkonen Allan , Dal Molin Gustavo , Shafi Muhammad Izhar , Shafique Qudsia , Solaiman Zakaria M.
Published: January 2020

Renewing carbon and re-establishing it again in the soil is one of the valuable means to cope with climate change. There are many technologies for carbon apprehension and storage, but the most important one gaining attention is biochar technology. So, to carbonize and return different biological materials back to the farmland, a comprehensive study was proposed to characterize and evaluate the carbon (C) mineralization of biochars produced from different animal manures and crop straws. Six types of biochars were prepared from animal manures (poultry litter, swine and cattle manures) and crop straws (rice, soybean, and corn straws). The biochars were analyzed for chemical characteristics (elemental variables, thermal decomposition, cation exchange capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, specific surface area, and surface functional groups) and an incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate C mineralization from soil biochar mixture. Biochars produced from crop straws resulted to have more C as compared to the biochars produced from animal manures. Concentration of nitrogen was low, while P, K, Ca, and Mg were found reasonably higher in all biochars except swine manure biochar. The plant-derived biochars presented lower CO2emissions when incorporated to soil at 1 and 2% of C. Varying but all the biochars prepared represented an alkaline pH. Biochars prepared from the crop straws resulted to have more C, alkaline in nature, high CEC, low CO2emissions, can sequester C and more suitable to enhance the soil fertility in comparison to biochars produced from other sources.
3D sub-pixel correlation length imaging
Authors: Harti R. P. , Strobl M. , Valsecchi J. , Hovind J. , Grünzweig C.
Published: January 2020

Quantitative 2D neutron dark-field-imaging with neutron grating interferometry has been used to characterize structures in the size range below the imaging resolution. We present the first 3D quantitative neutron dark-field imaging experiment. We characterize sub-pixel structure sizes below the imaging resolution in tomography by quantitatively analyzing the change in dark-field contrast with varying neutron wavelength. This proof of principle experiment uses a dedicated reference sample with four different solutions of microspheres, each with a different diameter. The result is a 3D tomogram featuring a real space scattering function in each voxel. The presented experiment is expected to mark the path for future material science research through the individual quantification of small-angle scattering structures in each voxel of a volume of a bulk inhomogeneous sample material.
G Protein-Coupling of Adhesion GPCRs ADGRE2/EMR2 and ADGRE5/CD97, and Activation of G Protein Signalling by an Anti-EMR2 Antibody
Authors: Bhudia Nisha , Desai Sapna , King Natalie , Ancellin Nicolas , Grillot Didier , Barnes Ashley A. , Dowell Simon J.
Published: January 2020

The experimental evidence that Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptors (aGPCRs) functionally couple to heterotrimeric G proteins has been emerging in incremental steps, but attributing biological significance to their G protein signalling function still presents a major challenge. Here, utilising activated truncated forms of the receptors, we show that ADGRE2/EMR2 and ADGRE5/CD97 are G protein-coupled in a variety of recombinant systems. In a yeast-based assay, where heterologous GPCRs are coupled to chimeric G proteins, EMR2 showed broad G protein-coupling, whereas CD97 coupled more specifically to Gα12, Gα13, Gα14and Gαzchimeras. Both receptors induced pertussis-toxin (PTX) insensitive inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in mammalian cells, suggesting coupling to Gαz. EMR2 was shown to signal via Gα16, and via a Gα16/Gαzchimera, to stimulate IP1accumulation. Finally, using an NFAT reporter assay, we identified a polyclonal antibody that activates EMR2 G protein signallingin vitro. Our results highlight the potential for the development of soluble agonists to understand further the biological effects and therapeutic opportunities for ADGRE receptor-mediated G protein signalling.
Label-free fluorescence assay coupled exonuclease reaction and SYBR Green I for the detection of T4 polynucleotide kinase activity
Authors: Wu Xu , He Shuyi , Zhao Julia Xiaojun
Published: January 2020

A sensitive label-free fluorescence assay for monitoring T4 polynucleotide kinase (T4 PNK) activity and inhibition was developed based on a coupled λ exonuclease cleavage reaction and SYBR Green I.
Electrochemical determination of trace sulfur containing compounds in model fuel based on a silver/polyaniline-modified electrode
Authors: Shoba Siyabonga , Bankole Owolabi M. , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S.
Published: January 2020

Prepared GCE/PAni/Ag characterizedviaspectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, XRD, XPS) and microscopic techniques (TEM and SEM), was employed for the quantification of benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene in model fuel.
The synthesis of a dual-template surface molecularly imprinted polymer based on silica gel and its application in the removal of pesticides from tea polyphenols
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Huang Xin , Wang Li , Ma Chaoyang , Wu Shijia , Wang Hongxin
Published: January 2020

Imidacloprid and acetamiprid were used as dual templates to form a molecularly imprinted polymer on modified silica gel. The prepared polymer was used as a solid-phase extraction column filling to effectively remove imidacloprid and acetamiprid from tea polyphenols.
Controllable positions of Cu2+ to enhance low-temperature SCR activity on novel Cu-Ce-La-SSZ-13 by a simple one-pot method
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Guo Lei , Qu Hongxia , Liu Li , Xie Huifang , Zhong Qin
Published: January 2020

Regulation of Cu2+ ions to migrate to more active SCR reaction sites can efficiently improve low-temperature SCR activity.
Hybrid Ni3S2–MoS2 nanowire arrays as a pH-universal catalyst for accelerating the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Gu Xundi , Zheng Shuangjie , Huang Xiaobo , Yuan Hefeng , Li Jinping , Kundu Manab , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2020

Hybrid Ni3S2–MoS2 NWAs/NF obtained via a facile two-step hydrothermal route shows high catalytic performance toward hydrogen evolution in a pH-universal environment.
Kinetics and mechanism of decomposition induced by solvent evolution in ICM-101 solvates: solvent-evolution-induced low-temperature decomposition
Authors: Chi Yu , Liao Longyu , Yu Qian , Zhao Chuande , Fan Guijuan
Published: January 2020

[2,2′-Bi(1,3,4-oxadiazole)]-5,5′-dinitramide (ICM-101), a high-energy-density material, was reported in recent years.
Femtosecond-to-nanosecond dynamics of flavin mononucleotide monitored by stimulated Raman spectroscopy and simulations
Authors: Andrikopoulos Prokopis C. , Liu Yingliang , Picchiotti Alessandra , Lenngren Nils , Kloz Miroslav , Chaudhari Aditya S. , Precek Martin , Rebarz Mateusz , Andreasson Jakob , Hajdu Janos , Schneider Bohdan , Fuertes Gustavo
Published: January 2020

The ultrafast excited-state dynamics of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) was monitored upon light irradiation by a hybrid experimental/computational approach.
Anion-induced morphological regulation of cupric oxide nanostructures and their application as co-catalysts for solar water splitting
Authors: Vo Truong-Giang , Chang Shu-Ju , Chiang Chia-Ying
Published: January 2020

Modulating the morphological structure evolution of copper-based materials was accomplished by varying anion species in electroplating solution. The correlation between the surface morphology and their electrochemical behavior was investigated.
Impact of vacuum UV on natural and algal organic matter from cyanobacterial impacted waters
Authors: Visentin Flavia , Bhartia Siddharth , Mohseni Madjid , Peldszus Sigrid , Dorner Sarah , Barbeau Benoit
Published: January 2020

Cyanobacterial bloom events produce toxins and taste and odor issues, disturbing drinkable water quality. Vacuum UV (VUV) is a promising advanced oxidation process used to treat impacted water, with potential applicability in small and remote communities.
Insight into the mechanism of the water–gas shift reaction over Au/CeO2 catalysts using combined operando spectroscopies
Authors: Ziemba Marc , Ganduglia-Pirovano M. Verónica , Hess Christian
Published: January 2020

The mechanism of the low-temperature water–gas shift (LT-WGS) reaction over Au/CeO2 catalysts with different ceria terminations, i.e., (111), (110), and (100) facets, was investigated.
Grape pomace extract supplementation activates FNDC5/irisin in muscle and promotes white adipose browning in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Rodriguez Lanzi Cecilia , Perdicaro Diahann J. , Gambarte Tudela Julián , Muscia Victoria , Fontana Ariel R. , Oteiza Patricia I. , Vazquez Prieto Marcela A.
Published: January 2020

Grape pomace extract (GPE) and epicatechin up-regulate the expression and secretion of the myokine irisin in rats and in L6 myotubes via PGC-1α, respectively. GPE also promotes browning of white adipose tissue and prevent HFD-induce glucose intolerance.
Lipase-catalyzed ring-opening copolymerization of ω-pentadecalactone and δ-valerolactone by reactive extrusion
Authors: Li Changcun , Pan Shuaijun , Xu Weijian , Lu Yanbing , Wang Peipei , Zhang Fuming , Gross Richard Alan
Published: January 2020

This work demonstrates the synthesis of poly(ω-pentadecalactone-co-δ-valeroLactone) with high molecular weight (Mn = 71.3 kDa) and low polydispersity (Đ = 1.67) within 6 hours by reactive extrusion (REX) using a lipase catalyst (Novozyme-435).
A pharmaceutical industry perspective on microphysiological kidney systems for evaluation of safety for new therapies
Authors: Phillips Jonathan A. , Grandhi Taraka Sai Pavan , Davis Myrtle , Gautier Jean-Charles , Hariparsad Niresh , Keller Douglas , Sura Radhakrishna , Van Vleet Terry R.
Published: January 2020

The human kidney contains approximately one million nephrons.
Application of microphysiological systems in biopharmaceutical research and development
Authors: Peterson Norman C. , Mahalingaiah Prathap Kumar , Fullerton Aaron , Di Piazza Matteo
Published: January 2020

In this review, we describe some of the advances made for tissue-specific microphysiological systems and outline the advantages and challenges of applying and further developing MPS technology in preclinical biopharmaceutical research.
Design and synthesis of a peptide derivative of ametantrone targeting the major groove of the d(GGCGCC)2palindromic sequence
Authors: Ongaro Alberto , Ribaudo Giovanni , Braud Emmanuelle , Ethève-Quelquejeu Mélanie , De Franco Michele , Garbay Christiane , Demange Luc , Gresh Nohad , Zagotto Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

We report the synthesis of a peptide derivative of antitumor anthraquinones, designed to target GC-rich palindromic sequences. It has micromolar activities on three cancer cell lines and is fifty times less toxic than mitoxantrone on a healthy line.
Bottom-up synthesis of bright fluorescent, moisture-resistant methylammonium lead bromide@poly(3-bromothiophene)
Authors: Sardar Soumen , Jana Atanu , Mukherjee Avik , Dhara Anamika , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: January 2020

Bottom-up in situ synthesis of a bright green fluorescent nanocomposite, methylammonium lead bromide@poly(3-bromothiophene) is reported and the composite exhibits excellent moisture-resistivity.
An insight into regioselectivity in the transformation through a ruthenacycle
Authors: Kiyota Sayori , Hirano Masafumi
Published: January 2020

Ru(0)-Catalysed cross-dimerisation of unsymmetrical internal alkynes with conjugated dienes yields two conjugated trienes depending on the regioselectivity. The regioselectivity is dominantly controlled by the induction effect of the substituents.
Atmospheric oxidation of 2-fluoropropene (CH3CFCH2) with Cl atom and aerial degradation of its product radicals by computational study
Authors: Gour Nand Kishor , Deka Ramesh Chandra , Paul Subrata
Published: January 2020

Primary degradation of 2-fluoropropene initiated by Cl atom and subsequent degradation of its product radials.
A new skeletal rearrangement of 1,7-dimethyl Cookson's cage dione catalyzed by a Lewis acid
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Cheekatla Subba Rao
Published: January 2020

An unexpected fragmentation of the pentacycloundecane (PCUD) framework delivers two unusual polycycles in an unprecedented approach via an extensive C–C bond reorganization promoted by the BF3·MeOH complex.
Effects of solvents, additives, and π-allyl ligand structures on the polymerization behavior of diazoacetates initiated by π-allylPd complexes
Authors: Shimomoto Hiroaki , Nakajima Moemi , Watanabe Akihiro , Murakami Hirokazu , Itoh Tomomichi , Ihara Eiji
Published: January 2020

We have revealed that the quality of control of the polymerization was improved by adding some compounds and polymer tacticity was dependent on the structures of π-allyl ligands.
Synthesis of surface functionalized hollow microporous organic capsules for doxorubicin delivery to cancer cells
Authors: Razzaque Shumaila , Cheng Ying , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: January 2020

Functionalized hypercrosslinked hollow microporous capsules are demonstrated to have potential applications in targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.
Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular transthioetherification of aryl halides with thioethers and thioesters
Authors: Li Yahui , Bao Gao , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2020

Functional group transfer reactions are an important synthetic tool in modern organic synthesis.
Mechanisms of IR amplification in radical cation polarons
Authors: Kendrick William J. , Jirásek Michael , Peeks Martin D. , Greetham Gregory M. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Donaldson Paul M. , Towrie Michael , Parker Anthony W. , Anderson Harry L.
Published: January 2020

Break down of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation is caused by mixing of electronic and vibrational transitions in the radical cations of some conjugated polymers, resulting in unusually intense vibrational bands known as infrared active vibrations (IRAVs).
Thermal fracture kinetics of heterogeneous semiflexible polymers
Authors: Lorenzo Alexander M. , De La Cruz Enrique M. , Koslover Elena F.
Published: January 2020

A kinetic model for fracture of heterogeneous semiflexible polymers, such as cofilin-coated actin filaments, shows that mechanical heterogeneity enhances fracture rates.
Thermophoresis of colloids in nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Kołacz Jakub , Konya Andrew , Selinger Robin L. B. , Wei Qi-Huo
Published: January 2020

Colloids in liquid crystal media with an applied temperature gradient exhibit strong thermophoretic motion due to temperature-dependent elastic forces.
Enhancing hydrogel-based long-lasting chemiluminescence by a platinum-metal organic framework and its application in array detection of pesticides and d-amino acids
Authors: Lu Ye , Wei Min , Wang Chenchen , Wei Wei , Liu Yong
Published: January 2020

Enhancing hydrogels-based long-lasting chemiluminescence by platinum-metal organic framework and its application in array detection of pesticides and d-amino acids.
Optimization of nucleotide sugar supply for polysaccharide formation via thermodynamic buffering
Authors: Kleczkowski Leszek A. , Igamberdiev Abir U.
Published: January 2020

Plant polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, starch) are either direct (i.e. leaf starch) or indirect products of photosynthesis, and they belong to the most abundant organic compounds in nature. Although each of these polymers is made by a specific enzymatic machinery, frequently in different cell locations, details of their synthesis share certain common features. Thus, the production of these polysaccharides is preceded by the formation of nucleotide sugars catalyzed by fully reversible reactions of various enzymes, mostly pyrophosphorylases. These ‘buffering’ enzymes are, generally, quite active and operate close to equilibrium. The nucleotide sugars are then used as substrates for irreversible reactions of various polysaccharide-synthesizing glycosyltransferases (‘engine’ enzymes), e.g. plastidial starch synthases, or plasma membrane-bound cellulose synthase and callose synthase, or ER/Golgi-located variety of glycosyltransferases forming hemicellulose and pectin backbones. Alternatively, the irreversible step might also be provided by a carrier transporting a given immediate precursor across a membrane. Here, we argue that local equilibria, established within metabolic pathways and cycles resulting in polysaccharide production, bring stability to the system via the arrangement of a flexible supply of nucleotide sugars. This metabolic system is itself under control of adenylate kinase and nucleoside-diphosphate kinase, which determine the availability of nucleotides (adenylates, uridylates, guanylates and cytidylates) and Mg2+, the latter serving as a feedback signal from the nucleotide metabolome. Under these conditions, the supply of nucleotide sugars to engine enzymes is stable and constant, and the metabolic process becomes optimized in its load and consumption, making the system steady and self-regulated.
The prognostic value of lncRNA SNHG4 and its potential mechanism in liver cancer
Authors: Jiao Yan , Li Yanqing , Jia Baoxing , Chen Qingmin , Pan Guoqiang , Hua Fang , Liu Yahui
Published: January 2020

Background and object: Emerging evidence shows that non-coding RNA functions as new gene regulators and prognostic markers in several cancers, including liver cancer. Here, we focused on the small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) in liver cancer prognosis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.

Methods: The expression data and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA. Chi-square tests evaluated the correlation between SNHG4 expression and clinical parameters. Differences in survival between high and low expression groups (optic cutoff value determined by ROC) from Cox regression analysis were compared, and P-value was calculated by a log-rank test. Kaplan–Meier curves were compared with the log-rank test. GSEA and ceRNA network were conducted to explore the potential mechanism.

Results: Data mining of lncRNA expression data for 371 patients with primary tumor revealed overexpression of SNHG4 in liver cancer. High SNHG4 expression was correlated with histological type (P = 0.01), histologic grade (P = 0.001), stage (P = 0.01), T classification (P = 0.004) and survival status (P = 0.013). Patients with high SNHG4 expression had poor overall survival and relapse-free survival compared with those with low SNHG4 expression. Multivariate analysis identified SNHG4 as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival in liver cancer. GSEA revealed related signaling pathway and ceRNA network explored the further mechanism.

Conclusion: High SNHG4 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in liver cancer.
Localising vibrating scatterer phenomena in synthetic aperture radar imagery
Authors: Corbett B. , Andre D. , Finnis M.
Published: January 2020

Artefact phenomena resulting from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation can pose a challenge for image interpretation. One such artefact is produced when a vibrating target is imaged. Suppression of these artefacts has previously been described, however little has been developed in the area of modelling the location and shape of such artefacts. The authors present an experimentally validated model that provides accurate location and shape of vibrating target paired echoes in both SAR near‐field and SAR far‐field imagery.
Optimised routing and compressive sensing based data communication in wireless sensor network
Authors: Pasupuleti Venkat Rao , Balaswamy Chinthaguntla
Published: January 2020

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) play a prominent role in real‐time applications, like traffic monitoring, tracking the intruder, and so on, which are duly based on the destination. Compressive sensing tracks a wide application in tracking the location, and this study uses the Kronecker basis representation‐based tensor completion (KBR‐TC) model for availing the data communication in WSNs. Additionally, this study proposes a fractional earthworm optimisation (FEWO) algorithm for finding the optimal cluster heads (CHs) in the network. Once the CHs are selected, the multipath is optimally finalised using the fit factor that depends on the energy, trust, distance and delay. The proposed FEWO is designed by modifying standard earthworm algorithm (EWA) with the fractional concept. Finally, the data is compressed using the KBR‐TC model, for data transmission, and the data is sent to the destination, where the data is reconstructed. The analysis of the methods based on energy (J), throughput (%) and delay (ms) reveal that the proposed FEWO method outperformed the existing methods with the maximal energy, throughput and minimal delay of 0.1295 J, 0.1295 J and 88.5768%, respectively.
Miniaturisation of branch line couplers with a compact transmission line topology based on coupled line section
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Islam Sk Nurul , Sen Gobinda , Mitra Das Tannistha , Parui Susanta Kumar , Das Santanu
Published: January 2020

This study presents a compact transmission line topology to reduce the circuit size of single‐ and two‐section branch line couplers (BLCs). The proposed transmission line is composed of a high impedance series line and one coupled line section. The coupled line section consists of two high impedance series lines and one coupled line. The proposed line is analysed with even–odd mode analysis to derive closed‐form design equations. To validate the equations, a compact single‐ and two‐section BLCs are designed at 0.85 GHz based on the proposed line. The physical size occupied by the proposed single‐ and two‐section BLCs is 23 and 19.5%, respectively, compared to conventional BLCs. Moreover, the proposed transmission line demonstrates the harmonic suppression characteristic due to the coupled line section. As a result of which, the second‐ and third‐order harmonic of the proposed BLCs are suppressed. The proposed BLCs are designed, fabricated, and tested.
Power estimation for dual half‐bridge inverter with common resonant capacitor
Authors: Villa Jorge , Barragan Luis A. , Navarro Denis , Artigas Jose I. , Dominguez Alberto
Published: January 2020

Dual half‐bridge inverter with common resonant capacitor is a cost‐effective solution that is often used in induction heating appliances. In this topology, a simple and reliable calculation of the power supplied by both inverters would involve measuring the output voltages, both load currents and the resonant‐capacitor voltage. This study presents a real‐time implementation of two methods to calculate the output powers without measuring the voltage of the resonant capacitor. Simulations are performed to confirm the validity of the methods, which are also experimentally verified through a high‐level synthesis implementation in a real prototype with a system‐on‐chip.
ESPRESSO highlights the binary nature of the ultra-metal-poor giant HE 0107−5240
Authors: Bonifacio P. , Molaro P. , Adibekyan V. , Aguado D. , Alibert Y. , Allende Prieto C. , Caffau E. , Cristiani S. , Cupani G. , Di Marcantonio P. , D’Odorico V. , Ehrenreich D. , Figueira P. , Genova R. , González Hernández J. I. , Lo Curto G. , Lovis C. , Martins C. J. A. P. , Mehner A. , Micela G. , Monaco L. , Nunes N. J. , Pepe F. A. , Poretti E. , Rebolo R. , Santos N. C. , Saviane I. , Sousa S. , Sozzetti A. , Suarez-Mascareño A. , Udry S. , Zapatero-Osorio M. R.
Published: January 2020

Context. The vast majority of the known stars of ultra low metallicity ([Fe/H] <  −4.5) are known to be enhanced in carbon, and belong to the “low-carbon band” (A(C) = log(C/H)+12 ≤ 7.6). It is generally, although not universally, accepted that this peculiar chemical composition reflects the chemical composition of the gas cloud out of which these stars were formed. The first ultra-metal-poor star discovered, HE 0107−5240, is also enhanced in carbon and belongs to the “low-carbon band”. It has recently been claimed to be a long-period binary, based on radial velocity measurements. It has also been claimed that this binarity may explain its peculiar composition as being due to mass transfer from a former AGB companion. Theoretically, low-mass ratios in binary systems are much more favoured amongst Pop III stars than they are amongst solar-metallicity stars. Any constraint on the mass ratio of a system of such low metallicity would shed light on the star formation mechanisms in this metallicity regime.

Aims. We acquired one high precision spectrum with ESPRESSO in order to check the reality of the radial velocity variations. In addition we analysed all the spectra of this star in the ESO archive obtained with UVES to have a set of homogenously measured radial velocities.

Methods. The radial velocities were measured using cross correlation against a synthetic spectrum template. Due to the weakness of metallic lines in this star, the signal comes only from the CH molecular lines of the G-band.

Results. The measurement obtained in 2018 from an ESPRESSO spectrum demonstrates unambiguously that the radial velocity of HE 0107−5240 has increased from 2001 to 2018. Closer inspection of the measurements based on UVES spectra in the interval 2001–2006 show that there is a 96% probability that the radial velocity correlates with time, hence the radial velocity variations can already be suspected from the UVES spectra alone.

Conclusions. We confirm the earlier claims of radial velocity variations in HE 0107−5240. The simplest explanation of such variations is that the star is indeed in a binary system with a long period. The nature of the companion is unconstrained and we consider it is equally probable that it is an unevolved companion or a white dwarf. Continued monitoring of the radial velocities of this star is strongly encouraged.
GG Tauri A: gas properties and dynamics from the cavity to the outer disk
Authors: Phuong N. T. , Dutrey A. , Diep P. N. , Guilloteau S. , Chapillon E. , Di Folco E. , Tang Y.-W. , Piétu V. , Bary J. , Beck T. , Hersant F. , Hoai D. T. , Huré J. M. , Nhung P. T. , Pierens A. , Tuan-Anh P.
Published: January 2020

Context.GG Tauri A is the prototype of a young triple T Tauri star that is surrounded by a massive and extended Keplerian outer disk. The central cavity is not devoid of gas and dust and at least GG Tauri Aa exhibits its own disk of gas and dust emitting at millimeter wavelengths. Its observed properties make this source an ideal laboratory for investigating planet formation in young multiple solar-type stars.

Aims.We used new ALMA13CO and C18O(3–2) observations obtained at high angular resolution (~0.2″) together with previous CO(3–2) and (6–5) ALMA data and continuum maps at 1.3 and 0.8 mm in order to determine the gas properties (temperature, density, and kinematics) in the cavity and to a lesser extent in the outer disk.

Methods.By deprojecting, we studied the radial and azimuthal gas distribution and its kinematics. We also applied a new method to improve the deconvolution of the CO data and in particular better quantify the emission from gas inside the cavity. We perform local and nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium studies in order to determine the excitation conditions and relevant physical parameters inside the ring and in the central cavity.

Results.Residual emission after removing a smooth-disk model indicates unresolved structures at our angular resolution, probably in the form of irregular rings or spirals. The outer disk is cold, with a temperature <20 K beyond 250 au that drops quickly (∝r−1). The kinematics of the gas inside the cavity reveals infall motions at about 10% of the Keplerian speed. We derive the amount of gas in the cavity, and find that the brightest clumps, which contain about 10% of this mass, have kinetic temperatures 40−80 K, CO column densities of a few 1017cm−2, and H2densities around 107cm−3.

Conclusions.Although the gas in the cavity is only a small fraction of the disk mass, the mass accretion rate throughout the cavity is comparable to or higher than the stellar accretion rate. It is accordingly sufficient to sustain the circumstellar disks on a long timescale.
Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage may be the preferred preoperative drainage method in hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ba Yongjiang , Yue Ping , Leung Joseph W. , Wang Haiping , Lin Yanyan , Bai Bing , Zhu Xiaoliang , Zhang Lei , Zhu Kexiang , Wang Wenhui , Meng Wenbo , Zhou Wence , Liu Ying , Li Xun
Published: January 2020

Background and study aims Preoperative biliary drainage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is controversial. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical outcome and associated complications for types II, III, and IV HC managed by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Patients and methods Between January 2011 and June 2017, a total of 180 patients with II, III, and IV HC were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. According to the drainage method, patients were divided into two groups: PTBD (n = 81) and ERCP (n = 99). This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03104582, and was completed.

Results Compared with the PTBD group, the ERCP group had a higher incidence of post-procedural cholangitis (37 [37.37 %] vs. 18 [22.22 %], P = 0.028) and pancreatitis (17 [17.17 %] vs. 2 [2.47 %], P = 0.001); required more salvaged biliary drainage (18 [18.18 %] vs. 5 [6.17 %], P  = 0.029), and incurred a higher cost (P < 0.05). Patients with type III and IV HC in the ERCP group had more cholangitis than those in the PTBD group (26 [36.62 %] vs. 11 [18.03 %], P = 0.018). The rate of cholangitis in patients who received endoscopic bilateral biliary stents insertion was higher than patients with unilateral stenting (23 [50.00 %] vs. 9 [26.47 %], P = 0.034), and underwent PTBD internal-external drainage had a higher incidence of cholangitis than those with only external drainage (11 [34.36 %] vs. 7 [14.29 %], P = 0.034). No significant difference in the rate of cholangitis was observed between the endoscopic unilateral stenting group and the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage group (9 [26.47 %] vs. 5 [26.32 %], P = 0.990).

Conclusion Compared to ERCP, PTBD reduced the rate of cholangitis, pancreatitis, salvage biliary drainage, and decreased hospitalization costs in patients with types II, III, and IV HC. Risk of cholangitis for patients with types III and IV was significantly lower in the PTBD group.
Endoscopic mucosal resection with an additional working channel (EMR+) in a porcine ex vivo model: a novel technique to improve en bloc resection rate of snare polypectomy
Authors: Knoop Richard F. , Wedi Edris , Petzold Golo , Bremer Sebastian C.B. , Amanzada Ahmad , Ellenrieder Volker , Neesse Albrecht , Kunsch Steffen
Published: January 2020

Background and study aims Recently, a new external additional working channel (AWC) was introduced by which conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) can be improved to a technique termed “EMR+”. We first evaluated this novel technique in comparison to classical EMR in flat lesions.

Methods The trial was prospectively conducted in an ex vivo animal model with porcine stomachs placed into the EASIE-R simulator. Prior to intervention, standardized lesions were set by coagulation dots, measuring 1, 2, 3 or 4 cm.

Results Overall, 152 procedures were performed. EMR and EMR+ were both very reliable in 1-cm lesions, each showing en bloc resection rates of 100 %. EMR+ en bloc resection rate was significantly higher in 2-cm lesions (95.44 % vs. 54.55 %, P = 0.02), in 3-cm lesions (86.36 % vs. 18.18 %, P < 0.01) and also in 4-cm lesions (60.00 % vs. 0 %, P < 0.01). Perforations occurred only in EMR+ procedures in 4-cm lesions (3 of 20; 15 %).

Conclusions With its grasp-and-snare technique, EMR+ facilitates en bloc resection of larger lesions compared to conventional EMR. In lesions 2 cm and larger, EMR+ has demonstrated advantages, especially concerning en bloc resection rate. At 3 cm, EMR+ reaches its best discriminatory power whereas EMR+ has inherent limits at 4 cm and in lesions of that size, other techniques such as ESD or surgery should be considered.
Electrochemotherapy for colorectal cancer using endoscopic electroporation: a phase 1 clinical study
Authors: Falk Hansen Hanne , Bourke Michael , Stigaard Trine , Clover James , Buckley Martin , O’Riordain Micheal , Winter Des C. , Hjorth Johannesen Helle , Hansen Rasmus Hvass , Heebøll Hanne , Forde Patrick , Jakobsen Henrik Loft , Larsen Ole , Rosenberg Jacob , Soden Declan , Gehl Julie
Published: January 2020

Background and study aims Electrochemotherapy is an anticancer treatment that uses electric pulses to facilitate uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor cells and has proven to have a high local cytotoxic effect with minimal adverse events. Electrochemotherapy has mostly been used in treatment of cutaneous metastases but development of a new endoscopic electrode device has made treatment of colorectal tumors possible. This first-in-man multicenter phase I study investigated safety and efficacy of electrochemotherapy using endoscopic electroporation in patients with colorectal tumors.

Patients and methods Seven patients with colorectal tumors who were deemed ineligible for or had declined standard treatment were included. They were treated with bleomycin either intratumorally or intravenously and the electric pulses were delivered through the endoscopic electrode device. Safety and efficacy were assessed clinically and by scans immediately after treatment and adverse events were reported. Response was evaluated up to 6 months after treatment by scans (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) and endoscopic examinations.

Results Seven patients aged 62 to 88 years with multiple comorbidities were included and had one or two treatments each. Post-treatment scans showed tumor responses in the treated areas and no damage to surrounding tissues. Only a few grade one adverse events were reported. Three patients had preoperative rectal bleeding, of which two reported cessation of bleeding and one reported decreased bleeding.

Conclusion This first-in-man study shows that electrochemotherapy for colorectal tumors using the endoscopic electrode device can induce local tumor response and is safe also for fragile elderly patients with comorbidities.
Anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) as a new treatment for gastroesophageal reflux refractory to proton pump inhibitors: a pilot study
Authors: Inoue Haruhiro , Tanabe Mayo , de Santiago Enrique Rodríguez , Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Shimamura Yuto , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Ueno Akiko , Sumi Kazuya , Tomida Hideomi , Iwaya Yugo , Ikeda Haruo , Onimaru Manabu
Published: January 2020

Background The incidence of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing. While surgical intervention with Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication remains the gold standard, less invasive anti-reflux interventions are desired. We have developed a minimally invasive anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) treatment. Herein, we report its technical details and describe its feasibility, safety, and efficacy in PPI-refractory GERD.

Methods We conducted a prospective single-center single-arm interventional trial evaluating the outcome of ARMA in 12 patients with PPI-refractory GERD. GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-HRQL) evaluation, Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) assessment, and impedance-pH monitoring were performed at baseline and at 2 months post-ARMA.

Results A total of 12 patients underwent ARMA with a median follow-up duration of 9 months (range: 6 – 14 months). Median GERD-HRQL score significantly improved from 30.5 to 12 (P = 0.002); median FSSG score significantly improved from 25 to 10.5 (P = 0.002), and median DeMeester score decreased from 33.5 to 2.8 (P = 0.049) at 2 months follow-up. No immediate complications were observed.

Conclusion Our pilot study has shown that ARMA, a new endoscopic treatment for PPI-refractory GERD, is simple, safe, and improves GERD-related symptoms and objective acid reflux parameters.
Feedback from artificial intelligence improved the learning of junior endoscopists on histology prediction of gastric lesions
Authors: Lui Thomas K.L. , Wong Kenneth K.Y. , Mak Loey L.Y. , To Elvis W.P. , Tsui Vivien W.M. , Deng Zijie , Guo Jiaqi , Ni Li , Cheung Michael K.S. , Leung Wai K.
Published: January 2020

Background and study aims Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted image classification has been shown to have high accuracy on endoscopic diagnosis. We evaluated the potential effects of use of an AI-assisted image classifier on training of junior endoscopists for histological prediction of gastric lesions.

Methods An AI image classifier was built on a convolutional neural network with five convolutional layers and three fully connected layers A Resnet backbone was trained by 2,000 non-magnified endoscopic gastric images. The independent validation set consisted of another 1,000 endoscopic images from 100 gastric lesions. The first part of the validation set was reviewed by six junior endoscopists and the prediction of AI was then disclosed to three of them (Group A) while the remaining three (Group B) were not provided this information. All endoscopists reviewed the second part of the validation set independently.

Results The overall accuracy of AI was 91.0 % (95 % CI: 89.2–92.7 %) with 97.1 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 95.6–98.7%), 85.9 % specificity (95 % CI: 83.0–88.4 %) and 0.91 area under the ROC (AUROC) (95 % CI: 0.89–0.93). AI was superior to all junior endoscopists in accuracy and AUROC in both validation sets. The performance of Group A endoscopists but not Group B endoscopists improved on the second validation set (accuracy 69.3 % to 74.7 %; P = 0.003).

Conclusion The trained AI image classifier can accurately predict presence of neoplastic component of gastric lesions. Feedback from the AI image classifier can also hasten the learning curve of junior endoscopists in predicting histology of gastric lesions.
Diagnostic yield and agreement on fine-needle specimens from solid pancreatic lesions: comparing the smear technique to liquid-based cytology
Authors: van Riet Priscilla A. , Quispel Rutger , Cahen Djuna L. , Snijders-Kruisbergen Mieke C. , van Loenen Petri , Erler Nicole S. , Poley Jan-Werner , van Driel Lydi M. J. W. , Mulder Sanna A. , Veldt Bart J. , Leeuwenburgh Ivonne , Anten Marie-Paule G. F. , Honkoop Pieter , Thijssen Annemieke Y. , Hol Lieke , Hadithi Mohammed , Fitzpatrick Claire E. , Schot Ingrid , Bergmann Jilling F. , Bhalla Abha , Bruno Marco J. , Biermann Katharina
Published: January 2020

Background and study aims The traditional “smear technique” for processing and assessing endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is sensitive to artifacts. Processing and evaluation of specimens collected in a liquid medium, liquid-based cytology (LBC) may be a solution. We compared the diagnostic value of EUS-FNA smears to LBC in pancreatic solid lesions in the absence of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).

Patients and methods Consecutive patients who required EUS-FNA of a solid pancreatic lesion were included in seven hospitals in the Netherlands and followed for at least 12 months. Specimens from the first pass were split into two smears and a vial for LBC (using ThinPrep and/or Cell block). Smear and LBC were compared in terms of diagnostic accuracy for malignancy, sample quality, and diagnostic agreement between three cytopathologists.

Results Diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was higher for LBC (82 % (58/71)) than for smear (66 % (47/71), P = 0.04), but did not differ when smears were compared to ThinPrep (71 % (30/42), P = 0.56) or Cell block (62 % (39/63), P = 0.61) individually. Artifacts were less often present in ThinPrep (57 % (24/42), P = 0.02) or Cell block samples (40 % (25/63), P < 0.001) than smears (76 % (54/71)). Agreement on malignancy was equally good for smears and LBC (ĸ = 0.71 versus ĸ = 0.70, P = 0.98), but lower for ThinPrep (ĸ = 0.26, P = 0.01) than smears.

Conclusion After a single pass, LBC provides higher diagnostic accuracy than the conventional smear technique for EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic lesions in the absence of ROSE. Therefore, LBC, may be an alternative to the conventional smear technique, especially in centers lacking ROSE.