bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
World-beating? Testing Britain's Covid response and tracing the explanation
Authors: Paton Calum
Published: August 2020

The UK, and England in particular, has suffered egregiously poor outcomes in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. This short perspective points to the explanation in terms of both current British politics and the public health policy inheritance. Boris Johnson's Premiership was born in an opportunistic assertion of British exceptionalism, and Johnson's initial, fate-tempting reaction to the novel Coronavirus set the UK on the wrong path. Furthermore, the gradual erosion of professionalism in (especially health) policy-making over almost four decades, and the hollowing-out of the health protection infrastructure, both facilitated and accentuated a toxic approach to managing Covid-19.
High selectivity wideband 180° phase shifters with the functionality of vertical transition
Authors: Zhu Yu , Song Kaijun , Fan Yong
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a high selectivity wideband 180° phase shifter (PS) with the functionality of vertical transition is presented. The whole circuit is realized based on the hybrid microstrip/slotline (SL) structure. By introducing the short-circuited microstrip stepped-impedance resonators, two transmission zeros are created to improve the selectivity of the PS. With the SL in the center ground layer, a frequency independent 180° PS can be obtained. The even/odd-mode equivalent circuits of the proposed PS are analyzed to guide the design. Finally, a practical wideband 180° PS with high filtering selectivity is designed and fabricated to verify the design theory.
Open knowledge commons versus privatized gain in a fractured information ecology: lessons from COVID-19 for the future of sustainability
Authors: Hensher Martin , Kish Katie , Farley Joshua , Quilley Stephen , Zywert Katharine
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 has shone a bright light on a number of failings and weaknesses in how current economic models handle information and knowledge. Some of these are familiar issues that have long been understood but not acted upon effectively – for example, the danger that current systems of intellectual property and patent protection are actually inimical to delivering a cost-effective vaccine available to all, whereas treating knowledge as a commons and a public good is much more likely to deliver efficient outcomes for the entire global population. But COVID-19 has also demonstrated that traditional models of knowledge production and dissemination are failing us; scientific knowledge is becoming weaponized and hyper-partisan, and confidence in this knowledge is falling. We believe that the challenges that COVID-19 has exposed in the information economy and ecology will be of increasing applicability across the whole spectrum of sustainability; sustainability scholars and policymakers need to understand and grasp them now if we are to avoid contagion into other sectors due to the preventable errors that have marred the global response to COVID-19.
Recommendations for vaccination in multiple myeloma: a consensus of the European Myeloma Network
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Boccadoro Mario , Moreau Philippe , San-Miguel Jesus , Cavo Michele , Pawlyn Charlotte , Zweegman Sonja , Facon Thierry , Driessen Christoph , Hajek Roman , Dimopoulos Melitios A. , Gay Francesca , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Terpos Evangelos , Zojer Niklas , Mohty Mohamad , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Einsele Hermann , Delforge Michel , Caers Jo , Weisel Katja , Jackson Graham , Garderet Laurent , Engelhardt Monika , van de Donk Niels , Leleu Xavier , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Beksac Meral , Nijhof Inger , Abildgaard Niels , Bringhen Sara , Sonneveld Pieter
Published: August 2020

Vaccination is one of the most successful medical interventions that has saved the life of millions of people. Vaccination is particularly important in patients with multiple myeloma, who have an increased risk of infections due to the disease-inherent immune suppression, and because of the immune suppressive effects of therapy. Hence, all appropriate measures should be exploited, to elicit an effective immune response to common pathogens like influenza, pneumococci, varicella zoster virus, and to those bacteria and viruses (haemophilus influenzae, meningococci, and hepatitis) that frequently may pose a significant risk to patients with multiple myeloma. Patients after autologous, and specifically after allogeneic transplantation have severely reduced antibody titers, and therefore require a broader spectrum of vaccinations. Response to vaccination in myeloma often is less vigorous than in the general population, mandating either measurement of the postvaccination antibody titers and/or repeating the vaccination. Here, we compile the existing data on vaccination in multiple myeloma and provide recommendations for clinical practice.
Nontrivial coupling of light into a defect: the interplay of nonlinearity and topology
Authors: Xia Shiqi , Jukić Dario , Wang Nan , Smirnova Daria , Smirnov Lev , Tang Liqin , Song Daohong , Szameit Alexander , Leykam Daniel , Xu Jingjun , Chen Zhigang , Buljan Hrvoje
Published: August 2020

The flourishing of topological photonics in the last decade was achieved mainly due to developments in linear topological photonic structures. However, when nonlinearity is introduced, many intriguing questions arise. For example, are there universal fingerprints of the underlying topology when modes are coupled by nonlinearity, and what can happen to topological invariants during nonlinear propagation? To explore these questions, we experimentally demonstrate nonlinearity-induced coupling of light into topologically protected edge states using a photonic platform and develop a general theoretical framework for interpreting the mode-coupling dynamics in nonlinear topological systems. Performed on laser-written photonic Su-Schrieffer-Heeger lattices, our experiments show the nonlinear coupling of light into a nontrivial edge or interface defect channel that is otherwise not permissible due to topological protection. Our theory explains all the observations well. Furthermore, we introduce the concepts of inherited and emergent nonlinear topological phenomena as well as a protocol capable of revealing the interplay of nonlinearity and topology. These concepts are applicable to other nonlinear topological systems, both in higher dimensions and beyond our photonic platform.
Wolf phase tomography (WPT) of transparent structures using partially coherent illumination
Authors: Chen Xi , Kandel Mikhail E. , Hu Chenfei , Lee Young Jae , Popescu Gabriel
Published: August 2020

In 1969, Emil Wolf proposed diffraction tomography using coherent holographic imaging to extract 3D information from transparent, inhomogeneous objects. In the same era, the Wolf equations were first used to describe the propagation correlations associated with partially coherent fields. Combining these two concepts, we present Wolf phase tomography (WPT), which is a method for performing diffraction tomography using partially coherent fields. WPT reconstruction works directly in the space–time domain, without the need for Fourier transformation, and decouples the refractive index (RI) distribution from the thickness of the sample. We demonstrate the WPT principle using the data acquired by a quantitative-phase-imaging method that upgrades an existing phase-contrast microscope by introducing controlled phase shifts between the incident and scattered fields. The illumination field in WPT is partially spatially coherent (emerging from a ring-shaped pupil function) and of low temporal coherence (white light), and as such, it is well suited for the Wolf equations. From three intensity measurements corresponding to different phase-contrast frames, the 3D RI distribution is obtained immediately by computing the Laplacian and second time derivative of the measured complex correlation function. We validate WPT with measurements of standard samples (microbeads), spermatozoa, and live neural cultures. The high throughput and simplicity of this method enables the study of 3D, dynamic events in living cells across the entire multiwell plate, with an RI sensitivity on the order of 10−5.
Tumour suppressor 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase induces differentiation in colon cancer via GLI1 inhibition
Authors: Satapathy Shakti Ranjan , Topi Geriolda , Osman Janina , Hellman Karin , Ek Fredrik , Olsson Roger , Sime Wondossen , Mehdawi Lubna M. , Sjölander Anita
Published: August 2020

Inflammation is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. We and others have shown that colorectal cancer patients with elevated cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2 (CysLT2R) and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) levels exhibit good prognoses. However, both CysLT2R and 15-PGDH, which act as tumour suppressors, are often suppressed in colorectal cancer. We previously reported that leukotriene C4 (LTC4)-induced differentiation in colon cancer via CysLT2R signalling. Here, we investigated the involvement of Hedgehog (Hh)–GLI1 signalling, which is often hyperactivated in colorectal cancer. We found that the majority of colorectal cancer patients had high-GLI1 expression, which was negatively correlated with CysLT2R, 15-PGDH, and Mucin-2 and overall survival compared with the low-GLI1 group. LTC4-induced 15-PGDH downregulated both the mRNA and protein expression of GLI1 in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner. Interestingly, the LTC4-induced increase in differentiation markers and reduction in Wnt targets remained unaltered in GLI1-knockdown cells. The restoration of GLI1 in 15-PGDH-knockdown cells did not ameliorate the LTC4-induced effects, indicating the importance of both 15-PGDH and GLI1. LTC4-mediated reduction in the DCLK1 and LGR5 stemness markers in colonospheres was abolished in cells lacking 15-PGDH or GLI1. Both DCLK1 and LGR5 were highly increased in tumour tissue compared with the matched controls. Reduced Mucin-2 levels were observed both in zebrafish xenografts with GLI1-knockdown cells and in the cysltr2−/− colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) mouse model. Furthermore, GLI1 expression was positively correlated with stemness and negatively correlated with differentiation in CRC patients when comparing tumour and mucosal tissues. In conclusion, restoring 15-PGDH expression via CysLT2R activation might benefit colorectal cancer patients.
MicroRNA-377-3p released by mesenchymal stem cell exosomes ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by targeting RPTOR to induce autophagy
Authors: Wei Xuxia , Yi Xiaomeng , Lv Haijin , Sui Xin , Lu Pinglan , Li Lijuan , An Yuling , Yang Yang , Yi Huimin , Chen Guihua
Published: August 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are the severe lung damage and respiratory failure without effective therapy. However, there was a lack of understanding of the mechanism by which exosomes regulate autophagy during ALI/ARDS. Here, we found lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly increased inflammatory factors, administration of exosomes released by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) successfully improved lung morphometry. Further studies showed that miR-377-3p in the exosomes played a pivotal role in regulating autophagy, leading to protect LPS induced ALI. Compared to exosomes released by human fetal lung fibroblast cells (HFL-1), hucMSCs-exosomes overexpressing miR-377-3p more effectively suppressed the bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) and inflammatory factors and induced autophagy, causing recoveration of ALI. Administration of miR-377-3p expressing hucMSCs-exosomes or its target regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RPTOR) knockdown significantly reduced ALI. In summary, miR-377-3p released by hucMSCs-exosomes ameliorated Lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by targeting RPTOR to induce autophagy in vivo and in vitro.
NLRP7 plays a functional role in regulating BMP4 signaling during differentiation of patient-derived trophoblasts
Authors: Alici-Garipcan Aybuke , Özçimen Burcu , Süder Ilke , Ülker Volkan , Önder Tamer T. , Özören Nesrin
Published: August 2020

Complete hydatidiform mole (HM) is a gestational trophoblastic disease resulting in hyperproliferation of trophoblast cells and absence of embryo development. Mutations in the maternal-effect gene NLRP7 are the major cause of familial recurrent complete HM. Here, we established an in vitro model of HM using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived trophoblasts harboring NLRP7 mutations. Using whole transcriptome profiling during trophoblast differentiation, we showed that impaired NLRP7 expression results in precocious downregulation of pluripotency factors, activation of trophoblast lineage markers, and promotes maturation of differentiated extraembryonic cell types such as syncytiotrophoblasts. Interestingly, we found that these phenotypes are dependent on BMP4 signaling and BMP pathway inhibition corrected the excessive trophoblast differentiation of patient-derived iPSCs. Our human iPSC model of a genetic placental disease recapitulates aspects of trophoblast biology, highlights the broad utility of iPSC-derived trophoblasts for modeling human placental diseases and identifies NLRP7 as an essential modulator of key developmental cell fate regulators.
Recent declines in salmon body size impact ecosystems and fisheries
Authors: Oke K. B. , Cunningham C. J. , Westley P. A. H. , Baskett M. L. , Carlson S. M. , Clark J. , Hendry A. P. , Karatayev V. A. , Kendall N. W. , Kibele J. , Kindsvater H. K. , Kobayashi K. M. , Lewis B. , Munch S. , Reynolds J. D. , Vick G. K. , Palkovacs E. P.
Published: August 2020

Declines in animal body sizes are widely reported and likely impact ecological interactions and ecosystem services. For harvested species subject to multiple stressors, limited understanding of the causes and consequences of size declines impedes prediction, prevention, and mitigation. We highlight widespread declines in Pacific salmon size based on 60 years of measurements from 12.5 million fish across Alaska, the last largely pristine North American salmon-producing region. Declines in salmon size, primarily resulting from shifting age structure, are associated with climate and competition at sea. Compared to salmon maturing before 1990, the reduced size of adult salmon after 2010 has potentially resulted in substantial losses to ecosystems and people; for Chinook salmon we estimated average per-fish reductions in egg production (−16%), nutrient transport (−28%), fisheries value (−21%), and meals for rural people (−26%). Downsizing of organisms is a global concern, and current trends may pose substantial risks for nature and people.
A series of helical α-synuclein fibril polymorphs are populated in the presence of lipid vesicles
Authors: Meade Richard M. , Williams Robert J. , Mason Jody M.
Published: August 2020

α-Synuclein (αS) deposition is a defining characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology, and other synucleinopathies. αS aggregates in disease, leading to the generation of neuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies. These accumulate in the cytoplasmic space of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the brain, causing cell death, resulting in decreased dopamine levels, and ultimately PD symptoms. To date, a significant proportion of structural information has arisen from in vitro studies using recombinantly purified forms of the protein, often failing to acknowledge that αS is natively located in the presence of phospholipids, where it likely plays a direct role in regulating synaptic vesicle function and neurotransmission. Here we present a series of macromolecular αS assemblies not previously described that form in the presence of lipid vesicles. These fibrillar structures are striking in both their large size relative to those previously reported and by their varying helical content, from ribbons to wave-like helices of long pitch shortening to those more compact and bulkier. These studies provide the foundation for more detailed structural analysis, and may offer new possibilities to further define disease-relevant versions of the protein that are accessible to pharmacological intervention.
Author Correction: Serum vitamin D is associated with improved lung function markers but not with prevalence of asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
Authors: Ganji Vijay , Al-Obahi Asma , Yusuf Sumaya , Dookhy Zainab , Shi Zumin
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Effect of ultrasonication on the stability and storage of a soy protein isolate-phosphatidylcholine nanoemulsions
Authors: Teng Fei , He Mingyu , Xu Jingwen , Chen Fanfan , Wu Changling , Wang Zhongjiang , Li Yang
Published: August 2020

Phosphatidylcholine-soybean protein isolate (PC-SPI) nanoemulsions were prepared by ultrasonication. The effects of preparation conditions (SPI and PC addition, ultrasonic power and time) on the structural properties of the nanoemulsions and their storage stability were investigated. The results showed that the most optimal adsorption capacity and adsorption tightness at the oil–water interface under optimal conditions (1.5% SPI, 0.20% PC, 500 W ultrasonic power and 9 min ultrasonic time) were exhibited by the SPI-PC conjugate, which demonstrated that this nanoemulsions can be categorized as a high-quality emulsion suitable for research. To test its stability, and the high-quality nanoemulsion of β-carotene was stored. After degradation of the nanoemulsions during storage, β-carotene was released. The β-carotene retention rate of the high-quality emulsion was maintained above 86% at different temperatures in the absence of light for up to 30 days. This study provides new information for the development of transport and stability systems for nanoemulsions.
A novel naphthalimide that selectively targets breast cancer via the arylhydrocarbon receptor pathway
Authors: Gilbert J. , De Iuliis G. N. , McCluskey A. , Sakoff J. A.
Published: August 2020

We report that the naphthalimide analogue 2-(2-aminophenyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (NAP-6) is a highly potent and selective breast cancer targeting molecule. These effects are mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway and the subsequent induction of CYP1 metabolising monooxygenases in breast cancer cell line models. Indeed the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 with a GI50 value of 100 nM is greater than 500-fold more sensitive to NAP-6 compared with other tumour derived cell models. Within 1 h exposure of these cells to NAP-6, CYP1A1 expression increases 25-fold, rising to 250-fold by 24 h. A smaller concurrent increase in CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 is also observed. Within 24 h these cells present with DNA damage as evident by enhanced H2AXγ expression, cell cycle checkpoint activation via increased CHK2 expression, S-phase cell cycle arrest and cell death. Specific small molecule inhibitors of the AHR and CYP1 family ameliorate these events. A positive luciferase reporter assay for NAP-6 induced XRE binding further confirms the role of the AHR in this phenomenon. Non-sensitive cell lines fail to show these biological effects. For the first time we identify 2-(2-aminophenyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione as a new AHR ligand that selectively targets breast cancer.
Opposing associations between sedentary time and decision-making competence in young adults revealed by functional connectivity in the dorsal attention network
Authors: Pindus Dominika M. , Zwilling Christopher E. , Jarrett Jennifer S. , Talukdar Tanveer , Schwarb Hillary , Anderson Evan , Cohen Neal J. , Barbey Aron K. , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: August 2020

How daily physical activity and sedentary time relate to human judgement and functional connectivity (FC) patterns that support them remains underexplored. We investigated the relationships between accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time to decision-making competence (DMC) in young adults using a comprehensive Adult-Decision Making Competence battery. We applied graph theory measures of global and local efficiency to test the mediating effects of FC in cognitively salient brain networks (fronto-parietal; dorsal attention, DAN; ventral attention; and default mode), assessed from the resting-state fMRI. Sedentary time was related to lower susceptibility to a framing bias. However, once global and local efficiency of the DAN were considered we observed (1)higher susceptibilityto framing withmore sedentary time,mediated through lower local and global efficiency in the DAN, and (2)lower susceptibilityto framing withmore sedentary time. MVPA was not related to DMC or graph theory measures. These results suggest that remaining sedentary may reduce neurofunctional readiness for top-down control and decrease engagement of deliberate thought, required to ignore irrelevant aspects of a problem. The positive effect suggests that the relationship between sedentary time and DMC may be moderated by unmeasured factors such as the type of sedentary behavior.
The chirality origin of retinal-carotenoid complex in gloeobacter rhodopsin: a temperature-dependent excitonic coupling
Authors: Jana Sankar , Jung Kwang-Hwan , Sheves Mordechai
Published: August 2020

Retinal proteins play significant roles in light-induced protons/ions transport across the cell membrane. A recent studied retinal protein, gloeobacter rhodopsin (gR), functions as a proton pump, and binds the carotenoid salinixanthin (sal) in addition to the retinal chromophore. We have studied the interactions between the two chromophores as reflected in the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of gR complex. gR exhibits a weak CD spectrum but following binding of sal, it exhibits a significant enhancement of the CD bands. To examine the CD origin, we have substituted the retinal chromophore of gR by synthetic retinal analogues, and have concluded that the CD bands originated from excitonic interaction between sal and the retinal chromophore as well as the sal chirality induced by binding to the protein. Temperature increase significantly affected the CD spectra, due to vanishing of excitonic coupling. A similar phenomenon of excitonic interaction lose between chromophores was recently reported for a photosynthetic pigment-protein complex (Nature Commmun, 9, 2018, 99). We propose that the excitonic interaction in gR is weaker due to protein conformational alterations. The excitonic interaction is further diminished following reduction of the retinal protonated Schiff base double bond. Furthermore, the intact structure of the retinal ring is necessary for obtaining the excitonic interaction.
Feasibility of a new free mobility procedure to evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system in patients with syncope
Authors: Nader-Kawachi Juan , Manrique-Mirón Paulo C. , Pino-Peña Yaima C. , Andrade-Magdaleno María L. , López-Estrada Jesús
Published: August 2020

To propose a new test to evaluate the autonomic nervous system in patients with syncope: Multimodal Monitoring for Diagnosis of Dysautonomia (MMDD). We included 21 patients with syncope (16 female, 6 male, mean age 43.5 years) and 21 with no-syncope subjects (15 female, 7 male, mean age 45.1 years) to perform a test of nine 2-min stages: four while resting and four during active testing of autonomic response. Transcranial-Doppler, electrocardiogram, and photoplethysmography blood pressure pulse-to-pulse monitoring, allow registering six variables from the Middle Cerebral Artery and four from the Cardiovascular System. We analyze each variable's mean differences in each stage and its change when they pass from one stage to another with the T and Z tests. To understand the significance of the change, we use a logistic regression model for a certain subgroup of variables. Since we have a small dataset, we use the bootstrap technique to infer the general behavior that characterizes a syncope. Our data confirm differences between syncope and non-syncope patients during MMDD stress stages 2, 4, 6 and 8. Bootstrap and multivariate logistic regression allow us to identify which sets of variables in each of these stages of the MMDD are sufficiently sensitive to recognizing syncope. MMDD protocol can recognize a syncope patient with some confidence by detecting subtle changes in the autonomic nervous system. This protocol encourages us to continue to study the effectiveness of MMDD protocol allowing a new approach to future research.
Role of Salvinia molesta in biodecolorization of methyl orange dye from water
Authors: Al-Baldawi Israa Abdulwahab , Abdullah Siti Rozaimah Sheikh , Almansoory Asia Fadhile , Ismail Nur ’Izzati , Hasan Hassimi Abu , Anuar Nurina
Published: August 2020

In the present study, the potential of Salvinia molesta for biodecolorization of methyl orange (MO) dye from water was examined. Six glass vessels were filled with 4 L of water contaminated with MO with three concentrations (5, 15, and 25 mg/L), three with plants and another three without plant as contaminant control. The influence of operational parameters, including initial dye concentration, pH, temperature, and plant growth, on the efficacy of the biodecolorization process by S. molesta was determined. Temperature and pH was in the range of 25–26 °C and 6.3 to 7.3, respectively. Phytotransformation was monitored after 10 days through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a significant variation in the peak positions was demonstrated when compared to the control plant spectrum, indicating the adsorption of MO. The highest biodecolorization was 42% in a 5 mg/L MO dye concentration at pH 7.3 and at 27 °C. According to the FTIR results, a potential method for the biodecolourization of MO dye by S. molesta was proven. Salvinia molesta can be successfully used for upcoming eco-friendly phytoremediation purposes for dye removal.
Acquisition and transmission of two ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ haplotypes by the tomato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Tang Xiao-Tian , Longnecker Michael , Tamborindeguy Cecilia
Published: August 2020

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is a pathogen of solanaceous crops. Two haplotypes of Lso (LsoA and LsoB) are present in North America; both are transmitted by the tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), in a circulative and propagative manner and cause damaging plant diseases (e.g. Zebra chip in potatoes). In this study, we investigated the acquisition and transmission of LsoA or LsoB by the tomato psyllid. We quantified the titer of Lso haplotype A and B in adult psyllid guts after several acquisition access periods (AAPs). We also performed sequential inoculation of tomato plants by adult psyllids following a 7-day AAP and compared the transmission of each Lso haplotype. The results indicated that LsoB population increased faster in the psyllid gut than LsoA. Further, LsoB population plateaued after 12 days, while LsoA population increased slowly during the 16 day-period evaluated. Additionally, LsoB had a shorter latent period and higher transmission rate than LsoA following a 7 day-AAP: LsoB was first transmitted by the adult psyllids between 17 and 21 days following the beginning of the AAP, while LsoA was first transmitted between 21 and 25 days after the beginning of the AAP. Overall, our data suggest that the two Lso haplotypes have distinct acquisition and transmission rates. The information provided in this study will improve our understanding of the biology of Lso acquisition and transmission as well as its relationship with the tomato psyllid at the gut interface.
Memory-based optical polarization conversion in a double-$$\Lambda$$ atomic system with degenerate Zeeman states
Authors: Wei Yan-Cheng , Lin Sheng-Xiang , Tsai Pin-Ju , Chen Ying-Cheng
Published: August 2020

Optical memory based on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a double-$$\Lambda$$
Λ
atomic system provides a convenient way to convert the frequency, bandwidth or polarization of an optical pulse by storing it in one $$\Lambda$$
Λ
channel and retrieving it from another. This memory-based optical converter can be used to bridge the quantum nodes which have different physical properties in a quantum network. However, in real atoms, each energy level usually contains degenerate Zeeman states, which may lead to additional energy loss, as has been discussed in our recent theoretical paper (Tsai et al. in Phys. Rev. A 100, 063843). Here, we present an experimental study on the efficiency variation in the EIT-memory-based optical polarization conversion in cold cesium atoms under Zeeman-state optical pumping. The experimental results support the theoretical predictions. Our study provides quantitative knowledge and physical insight useful for practical implementation of an EIT-memory-based optical converter.
Perceived match between own and observed models’ bodies: influence of face, viewpoints, and body size
Authors: De Coster Lize , Sánchez-Herrero Pablo , Aliaga Carlos , Otaduy Miguel A. , López-Moreno Jorge , Tajadura-Jiménez Ana
Published: August 2020

People are generally unable to accurately determine their own body measurements and to translate this knowledge to identifying a model/avatar that best represents their own body. This inability has not only been related to health problems (e.g. anorexia nervosa), but has important practical implications as well (e.g. online retail). Here we aimed to investigate the influence of three basic visual features—face presence, amount of viewpoints, and observed model size—on the perceived match between own and observed models’ bodies and on attitudes towards these models. Models were real-life models (Experiment 1) or avatar models based on participants’ own bodies (Experiment 2). Results in both experiments showed a strong effect of model size, irrespective of participants’ own body measurements. When models were randomly presented one by one, participants gave significantly higher ratings to smaller- compared to bigger-sized models. The reverse was true, however, when participants observed and compared models freely, suggesting that the mode of presentation affected participants’ judgments. Limited evidence was found for an effect of facial presence or amount of viewpoints. These results add evidence to research on visual features affecting the ability to match observed bodies with own body image, which has biological, clinical, and practical implications.
Role of wavelength in photocarrier absorption and plasma formation threshold under excitation of dielectrics by high-intensity laser field tunable from visible to mid-IR
Authors: Migal Ekaterina , Mareev Evgenii , Smetanina Evgeniya , Duchateau Guillaume , Potemkin Fedor
Published: August 2020

The development of high power mid-IR laser applications requires a study on laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) in the mid-IR. In this paper we have measured the wavelength dependence of the plasma formation threshold (PFT) that is a LIDT precursor. In order to interpret the observed trends numerically, a model describing the laser induced electron dynamics, based on multiple rate equations, has been developed. We show both theoretically and experimentally that PFT at mid-IR wavelengths is controlled by a transition from weak- to strong-field regime of free carrier absorption. In the case of MgF$$_2$$

2

this transition occurs around 3–4 $$\upmu$$
μ
m corresponding to the region of the lowermost PFT. The region of the uppermost PFT is reached around 1 $$\upmu$$
μ
m and is governed by an interplay of photoionization and weak-field free carrier absorption which manifests itself in both MgF$$_2$$

2

and SiO$$_2$$

2

. The PFT observed in considered materials exhibits a universal dependence on the excitation wavelength in dielectrics. Thus, the presented results pave the route towards efficient and controllable laser-induced material modifications and should be of direct interest to laser researchers and application engineers for prevention of laser-induced damage of optical components in high-intensity mid-IR laser systems.
Nearest-neighbor amino acids of specificity-determining residues influence the activity of engineered Cre-type recombinases
Authors: Soni Anjali , Augsburg Martina , Buchholz Frank , Pisabarro M. Teresa
Published: August 2020

The tyrosine-type site-specific DNA recombinase Cre recombines its target site, loxP, with high activity and specificity without cross-recombining the target sites of highly related recombinases. Understanding how Cre achieves this precision is key to be able to rationally engineer site-specific recombinases (SSRs) for genome editing applications. Previous work has revealed key residues for target site selectivity in the Cre/loxP and the related Dre/rox recombinase systems. However, enzymes in which these residues were changed to the respective counterpart only showed weak activity on the foreign target site. Here, we use molecular modeling and dynamics simulation techniques to comprehensively explore the mechanisms by which these residues determine target recognition in the context of their flanking regions in the protein–DNA interface, and we establish a structure-based rationale for the design of improved recombination activities. Our theoretical models reveal that nearest-neighbors to the specificity-determining residues are important players for enhancing SSR activity on the foreign target site. Based on the established rationale, we design new Cre variants with improved rox recombination activities, which we validate experimentally. Our work provides new insights into the target recognition mechanisms of Cre-like recombinases and represents an important step towards the rational design of SSRs for applied genome engineering.
Moderate alcohol use is associated with decreased brain volume in early middle age in both sexes
Authors: Immonen Satu , Launes Jyrki , Järvinen Ilkka , Virta Maarit , Vanninen Ritva , Schiavone Nella , Lehto Eliisa , Tuulio-Henriksson Annamari , Lipsanen Jari , Michelsson Katarina , Hokkanen Laura
Published: August 2020

The aim was to examine cross-sectional association between moderate alcohol consumption and total brain volume in a cohort of participants in early middle-age, unconfounded by age-related neuronal change. 353 participants aged 39 to 45 years reported on their alcohol consumption using the AUDIT-C measure. Participants with alcohol abuse were excluded. Brain MRI was analyzed using a fully automated method. Brain volumes were adjusted by intracranial volume expressed as adjusted total brain volume (aTBV). AUDIT-C mean of 3.92 (SD 2.04) indicated moderate consumption. In a linear regression model, alcohol consumption was associated with smaller aTBV (B = − 0.258, p < .001). When sex and current smoking status were added to the model, the association remained significant. Stratified by sex, the association was seen in both males (B = − 0.258, p = 0.003) and females (B = − 0.214, p = 0.011). Adjusted for current smoking, the association remained in males (B = − 0.268, p = 0.003), but not in females. When alcohol consumption increased, total brain volume decreased by 0.2% per one AUDIT-C unit already at 39–45 years of age. Moderate alcohol use is associated with neuronal changes in both males and females suggesting health risks that should not be overlooked.
99mTc-labeled nanocolloid drugs: development methods
Authors: Sadkin Vladimir , Sкuridin Viktor , Nesterov Evgeny , Stasyuk Elena , Rogov Alexander , Varlamova Natalya , Zelchan Roman
Published: August 2020

The work considers the problem of obtaining nanocolloid radiopharmaceuticals (RPs) and studying their functional suitability for diagnosing sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in cancer patients. Two principal approaches to the formation of technetium-99m-labeled particles based on inorganic and organic matrices were considered when carrying out research to develop methods for the production of nanocolloid RPs. The composition of the reagents and the conditions for obtaining nanocolloid radiopharmaceuticals were determined. The functional suitability of new RPs for scintigraphic diagnostics of sentinel lymph nodes has been studied.
Functional, physiological and subjective responses to concurrent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise in adult cancer survivors: a controlled prospective study
Authors: O’Connor Dominic , Lennon Olive , Fernandez Matilde Mora , Signorelli Gabriel Ruiz , Caulfield Brian
Published: August 2020

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the functional, physiological and subjective responses to NMES exercise in cancer patients. Participants with a cancer diagnosis, currently undergoing treatment, and an had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (ECOG) of 1 and 2 were recommended to participate by their oncologist. Following a 2-week, no-NMES control period, each participant was asked to undertake a concurrent NMES exercise intervention over a 4-week period. Functional muscle strength [30 s sit-to-stand (30STS)], mobility [timed up and go (TUG)], exercise capacity [6-min walk test (6MWT)] and health related quality of life (HR-QoL) were assessed at baseline 1 (BL1), 2-week post control (BL2) and post 4-week NMES exercise intervention (POST). Physiological and subjective responses to LF-NMES were assessed during a 10-stage incremental session, recorded at BL2 and POST. Fourteen participants [mean age: 62 years (10)] completed the intervention. No adverse events were reported. 30STS (+ 2.4 reps, p = .007), and 6MWT (+ 44.3 m, p = .028) significantly improved after the intervention. No changes in TUG or HR-QoL were observed at POST. Concurrent NMES exercise may be an effective exercise intervention for augmenting physical function in participants with cancer and moderate and poor functional status. Implications for cancer survivors: By allowing participants to achieve therapeutic levels of exercise, concurrent NMES may be an effective supportive intervention in cancer rehabilitation.
Using sediment grain size characteristics to assess effectiveness of mechanical sand barriers in reducing erosion
Authors: Xie Yunhu , Dang Xiaohong , Zhou Yujuan , Hou Zhihui , Li Xiaojia , Jiang Hongtao , Zhou Dandan , Wang Ji , Hai Chunxing , Zhou Ruiping
Published: August 2020

Wind and sand control features are important tools for limiting desertification. Sand barriers are one of the oldest engineering measures used to reduce wind-sand hazards. Their efficacy and exact mechanism by which they work has remained a topic of scientific debate however. Sediment grain-size distributions can help constrain their utility and function. This research analyzed sediment grain size distributions in samples collected from areas around six different types of sand barriers installed along the southeastern margin of the Tengger Desert. Results were compared with sediment from a bare dune area (no barriers) used as a control. The barrier area samples contained high proportions of coarse sand and relatively low proportions of silty sand and very fine sand. Fine and medium sand were present but clay was not. The lower proportions of fine sand and higher proportions of coarse sand relative to bare dunes documented an effective reduction in aeolian transport by the barriers. Samples from the barrier areas also showed poorer sorting relative to bare dune areas. This appeared as lower kurtosis values and wider frequency distribution curves relative to those measured from bare dunes samples. The wider cumulative frequency curves for samples from the barrier areas likely reflects the higher proportion of coarse-grained material. The Straw/1.5 and PLA/1 barrier types hosted greater sediment accumulation than that observed for the other barrier types (Straw/1, PLA/1.5, Mixed/1 and Mixed/1.5). Sediment grain size distributions showed that the base and middle slope areas of the dune experienced deposition, while the top of the dunes experienced erosion. The Straw/1 barrier (straw installed as a 1 × 1 m grid) performed best in terms of installation costs and protective effects for the study area. This study demonstrates how sediment grain size distributions can be used as quantitative proxies for sand barrier performance in reducing desertification.
Bedaquiline inhibits the yeast and human mitochondrial ATP synthases
Authors: Luo Min , Zhou Wenchang , Patel Hiral , Srivastava Anurag P. , Symersky Jindrich , Bonar Michał M. , Faraldo-Gómez José D. , Liao Maofu , Mueller David M.
Published: August 2020

Bedaquiline (BDQ, Sirturo) has been approved to treat multidrug resistant forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Prior studies suggested that BDQ was a selective inhibitor of the ATP synthase from M. tuberculosis. However, Sirturo treatment leads to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and death, raising the concern that this adverse effect results from inhibition at a secondary site. Here we show that BDQ is a potent inhibitor of the yeast and human mitochondrial ATP synthases. Single-particle cryo-EM reveals that the site of BDQ inhibition partially overlaps with that of the inhibitor oligomycin. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the binding mode of BDQ to this site is similar to that previously seen for a mycobacterial enzyme, explaining the observed lack of selectivity. We propose that derivatives of BDQ ought to be made to increase its specificity toward the mycobacterial enzyme and thereby reduce the side effects for patients that are treated with Sirturo.
A fraction of barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) associates with centromeres and controls mitosis progression
Authors: Torras-Llort Mònica , Medina-Giró Sònia , Escudero-Ferruz Paula , Lipinszki Zoltan , Moreno-Moreno Olga , Karman Zoltan , Przewloka Marcin R. , Azorín Fernando
Published: August 2020

Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) is a conserved nuclear envelope (NE) component that binds chromatin and helps its anchoring to the NE. Cycles of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation control BAF function. Entering mitosis, phosphorylation releases BAF from chromatin and facilitates NE-disassembly. At mitotic exit, PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation restores chromatin binding and nucleates NE-reassembly. Here, we show that in Drosophila a small fraction of BAF (cenBAF) associates with centromeres. We also find that PP4 phosphatase, which is recruited to centromeres by CENP-C, prevents phosphorylation and release of cenBAF during mitosis. cenBAF is necessary for proper centromere assembly and accurate chromosome segregation, being critical for mitosis progression. Disrupting cenBAF localization prevents PP2A inactivation in mitosis compromising global BAF phosphorylation, which in turn leads to its persistent association with chromatin, delays anaphase onset and causes NE defects. These results suggest that, together with PP4 and CENP-C, cenBAF forms a centromere-based mechanism that controls chromosome segregation and mitosis progression.
Through-bottle whisky sensing and classification using Raman spectroscopy in an axicon-based backscattering configuration
Authors: Fleming Holly , Chen Mingzhou , Bruce Graham D. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: August 2020

A novel optical design allows through-bottle Raman spectroscopy of alcohols with minimised glass contributions to the signal, by using a shaped laser beam which forms a ring on the glass and a focus within the contents.
An eNose-based method performing drift correction for online VOC detection under dry and humid conditions
Authors: Jaeschke Carsten , Glöckler Johannes , Padilla Marta , Mitrovics Jan , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: August 2020

In the presented study, the possibility of drift counteraction using component removal methods performing drift correction is explored by utilising our recently demonstrated innovative eNose concept, the so-called iLovEnose system.
Ammonium-substitution for successfully activating the bulk of Keggin acid salts in 1-butanol dehydration
Authors: Lang Charlotte , Schnee Josefine , Takam Mba Boris Junior , Devred François , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: August 2020

Being too bulky and hydrophobic, 1-butanol only reacts at the surface of H3PW12O40, but when a part of H+are replaced by NH4+, butanol can reach remaining inner acid sites inside the bulk and achieves its dehydration with enhanced performance.
Isocyanide adducts of tri- and tetravalent uranium metallocenes supported by tetra(isopropyl)cyclopentadienyl ligands
Authors: Boreen Michael A. , Groß Oliver A. , Hohloch Stephan , Arnold John
Published: August 2020

Reactions of uranium(iii) metallocenium salt [(CpiPr4)2U][B(C6F5)4] with tert-butyl isocyanide yielded cationic uranium(iv) products, including a rare example of a linear f-block metallocene complex.
Themed issue on drinking water oxidation and disinfection processes
Authors: Bond Tom , Chu Wenhai , von Gunten Urs , Farré Maria José
Published: August 2020

Guest editors Tom Bond, Wenhai Chu, Urs von Gunten and Maria José Farré introduce the Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology themed issue on drinking water oxidation and disinfection processes.
Salvianolic acid B prevents body weight gain and regulates gut microbiota and LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Li Lin , Li Rui , Zhu Ruyuan , Chen Beibei , Tian Yimiao , Zhang Hao , Xia Bingke , Jia Qiangqiang , Wang Lili , Zhao Dandan , Mo Fangfang , Li Yu , Zhang Shujing , Gao Sihua , Zhang Dongwei , Guo Shuzhen
Published: August 2020

Salvianolic acid B prevents body weight gain and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. The underlying mechanism behind these effects may be associated with the regulation of metabolic endotoxemia, gut microbiota homeostasis and LPS/TLR4 pathway.
Biological and chemical insight into Gaultheria procumbens fruits: a rich source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant salicylate glycosides and procyanidins for food and functional application
Authors: Michel Piotr , Granica Sebastian , Rosińska Karolina , Rojek Jarosław , Poraj Łukasz , Olszewska Monika Anna
Published: August 2020

The fruits of Gaultheria procumbens are the richest known dietary source of salicylates with confirmed anti-inflammatory potential.
Correction: An acoustofluidic device for efficient mixing over a wide range of flow rates
Authors: Bachman Hunter , Chen Chuyi , Rufo Joseph , Zhao Shuaiguo , Yang Shujie , Tian Zhenhua , Nama Nitesh , Huang Po-Hsun , Huang Tony Jun
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘An acoustofluidic device for efficient mixing over a wide range of flow rates’ by Hunter Bachman et al., Lab Chip, 2020, 20, 1238–1248, DOI: 10.1039/C9LC01171D.
Computational insights into selective CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH catalysed by ZnO based nanocages
Authors: Mandal Shyama Charan , Pathak Biswarup
Published: August 2020

ZnO and Cu@ZnO NCs are efficient catalysts for selective CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH.
Styrene-co-DVB grafted PVDF proton exchange membranes for vanadium redox flow battery applications
Authors: Rajput Abhishek , Khan Harun , Raj Savan K. , Kothandaraman R. , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: August 2020

Styrene–DVB copolymer grafted semi-interpenetrating type PVDF-based proton exchange membranes (PEMs) have been designed for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) applications.
Electrostatic forces above graphene nanoribbons and edges interpreted as partly hydrogen-free
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Hoffmann-Vogel Regina
Published: August 2020

We measure with high sensitivity the electrostatic forces above the graphene nanoribbons and show that the edges are largely hydrogen free. This opens the possibility of studying graphene nanoribbons with interesting new electronic properties.
An in situ phosphorization strategy towards doped Co2P scaffolded within echinus-like carbon for overall water splitting
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Si-Min , Li Yaru , Yan Hong , Xu Sailong
Published: August 2020

An in situ phosphorization route of host/guest precursors is demonstrated to prepare (M0.2Co0.8)2P@C (M = Fe and Ni) electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. EELS observations and DFT calculations underlie the electrocatalytic performances.