bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catchment Travel Times From Composite StorAge Selection Functions Representing the Superposition of Streamflow Generation Processes
Authors: Rodriguez Nicolas B. , Klaus Julian
Published: October 2019

Catchment travel times integrate the multitude of hydrological flow processes and provide insights into catchment functioning. StorAge Selection (SAS) functions describe how residence times of water in storage are related to travel times of water in catchment outflows. As such, SAS functions are useful to summarize transport processes in catchments and are ideal to simulate catchment outflows and the concentrations of various solutes and tracers. Recent studies suggested that using one probability distribution function (pdf) for SAS functions may not account for all transport processes in various hydrological systems. In this study we introduced a composite streamflow SAS function defined as a weighted sum of several pdfs (called components), using a uniform pdf for the youngest water and two gamma pdfs for the oldest water. The novel parameterization of this SAS function is nonlinear with respect to catchment storage and to a proxy of storage variations. This composite streamflow SAS function was needed to obtain realistic simulations of the complex high‐resolution (subdaily) stream deuterium (δ2H) dynamics measured for 2 years in the Weierbach, a forested headwater catchment in Luxembourg, whereas various SAS functions using only one component (i.e., pdf) failed. The three components of the composite streamflow SAS function confirmed the superposition of streamflow generation mechanisms with contrasting travel times suggested by previous experimental and modeling studies. Our work suggests that in some catchments, composite SAS functions may offer a more realistic perspective on transport processes derived from high‐resolution tracer data than simpler SAS functions.
Full-colour nanoprint-hologram synchronous metasurface with arbitrary hue-saturation-brightness control
Authors: Bao Yanjun , Yu Ying , Xu Haofei , Guo Chao , Li Juntao , Sun Shang , Zhou Zhang-Kai , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Wang Xue-Hua
Published: October 2019

The colour gamut, a two-dimensional (2D) colour space primarily comprising hue and saturation (HS), lays the most important foundation for the colour display and printing industries. Recently, the metasurface has been considered a promising paradigm for nanoprinting and holographic imaging, demonstrating a subwavelength image resolution, a flat profile, high durability, and multi-functionalities. Much effort has been devoted to broaden the 2D HS plane, also known as the CIE map. However, the brightness (B), as the carrier of chiaroscuro information, has long been neglected in metasurface-based nanoprinting or holograms due to the challenge in realising arbitrary and simultaneous control of full-colour HSB tuning in a passive device. Here, we report a dielectric metasurface made of crystal silicon nanoblocks, which achieves not only tailorable coverage of the primary colours red, green and blue (RGB) but also intensity control of the individual colours. The colour gamut is hence extruded from the 2D CIE to a complete 3D HSB space. Moreover, thanks to the independent control of the RGB intensity and phase, we further show that a single-layer silicon metasurface could simultaneously exhibit arbitrary HSB colour nanoprinting and a full-colour hologram image. Our findings open up possibilities for high-resolution and high-fidelity optical security devices as well as advanced cryptographic approaches.
On-target temporal characterization of optical pulses at relativistic intensity
Authors: Leshchenko Vyacheslav E. , Kessel Alexander , Jahn Olga , Krüger Mathias , Münzer Andreas , Trushin Sergei A. , Veisz Laszlo , Major Zsuzsanna , Karsch Stefan
Published: October 2019

High-field experiments are very sensitive to the exact value of the peak intensity of an optical pulse due to the nonlinearity of the underlying processes. Therefore, precise knowledge of the pulse intensity, which is mainly limited by the accuracy of the temporal characterization, is a key prerequisite for the correct interpretation of experimental data. While the detection of energy and spatial profile is well established, the unambiguous temporal characterization of intense optical pulses, another important parameter required for intensity evaluation, remains a challenge, especially at relativistic intensities and a few-cycle pulse duration. Here, we report on the progress in the temporal characterization of intense laser pulses and present the relativistic surface second harmonic generation dispersion scan (RSSHG-D-scan)—a new approach allowing direct on-target temporal characterization of high-energy, few-cycle optical pulses at relativistic intensity.
Draft genome sequences of two oriental melons, Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa
Authors: Shin Ah-Young , Koo Namjin , Kim Seungill , Sim Young Mi , Choi Doil , Kim Yong-Min , Kwon Suk-Yoon
Published: October 2019

Oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa) is one of the most important cultivated cucurbits, and is grown widely in Northeast Asian countries. With increasing interest in its biological properties and economic importance, oriental melon has become an attractive model crop for studying various horticultural traits. A previous genome sequence of the melon was constructed from a homozygous double-haploid line. Thus, individual reference genomes are required to perform functional studies and further breeding applications. Here, we report draft genome sequences of two oriental melons, Chang Bougi and SW3. The assembled 344 Mb genome of Chang Bougi was obtained with scaffold N50 1.0 Mb, and 36,235 genes were annotated. The 354 Mb genome of SW3 was assembled with scaffold N50 1.6 Mb, and has 38,173 genes. These newly constructed genomes will enable studies of fruit development, disease resistance, and breeding applications in the oriental melon.
Interaction between high-temperature magmatic fluids and limestone explains ‘Bastnäs-type’ REE deposits in central Sweden
Authors: Sahlström Fredrik , Jonsson Erik , Högdahl Karin , Troll Valentin R. , Harris Chris , Jolis Ester M. , Weis Franz
Published: October 2019

The presently increasing demand for rare earth elements (REE), particularly in high-tech and “green energy” applications, has led to global interest in the distribution, origins and formation conditions of REE deposits. The World’s first hard-rock REE sources, the polymetallic deposits of Bastnäsfältet in Bergslagen, central Sweden, were also the place of the original discovery of several REE and many of their host minerals. Similar deposits with high concentrations of REE occur along a > 100 km corridor in the region and they share a number of geological and mineralogical features; all comprising Palaeoproterozoic, skarn-hosted magnetite-REE mineralisation of ambiguous origin. Here we report oxygen isotope data for magnetite and quartz, and oxygen and carbon isotope data for carbonates from ten of these classic deposits, to model and assess their mode of origin. Combined with existing geological observations, the isotope results support an origin in a c. 1.9 Ga shallow-marine back-arc, sub-seafloor setting, where felsic magmatic-sourced, high-temperature fluids reacted with pre-existing limestone interlayers, leading to localised skarn formation and magnetite-REE-mineral precipitation. These findings help us to better understand the geological processes that have produced economic REE mineralisation and may assist future exploration for these critical commodities.
Dynamics of ABC Transporter P-glycoprotein in Three Conformational States
Authors: Kopcho Noah , Chang Geoffrey , Komives Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2019

We used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to obtain a comprehensive view of transporter dynamics (85.8% sequence coverage) occurring throughout the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in three distinct conformational states: predominantly inward-facing apo P-gp, pre-hydrolytic (E552Q/E1197Q) P-gp bound to Mg+2-ATP, and outward-facing P-gp bound to Mg+2-ADP-VO4−3. Nucleotide affinity was measured with bio-layer interferometry (BLI), which yielded kinetics data that fit a two Mg+2-ATP binding-site model. This model has one high affinity site (3.2 ± 0.3 µM) and one low affinity site (209 ± 25 µM). Comparison of deuterium incorporation profiles revealed asymmetry between the changes undergone at the critical interfaces where nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) contact intracellular helices (ICHs). In the pre-hydrolytic state, both interfaces between ICHs and NBDs decreased exchange to similar extents relative to inward-facing P-gp. In the outward-facing state, the ICH-NBD1 interface showed decreased exchange, while the ICH-NBD2 interface showed less of an effect. The extracellular loops (ECLs) showed reduced deuterium uptake in the pre-hydrolytic state, consistent with an occluded conformation. While in the outward-facing state, increased ECL exchange corresponding to EC domain opening was observed. These findings point toward asymmetry between both NBDs, and they suggest that pre-hydrolytic P-gp occupies an occluded conformation.
Thermogenic crosstalk occurs between adipocytes from different species
Authors: Gilor Chen , Yang Kefeng , Lee Aejin , Song No-Joon , Fadda Paolo , Adin Christopher A. , Herbert Claire , Jennings Ryan , Ham Kathleen , Lee James , Ziouzenkova Ouliana
Published: October 2019

Visceral obesity increases risks for all-cause mortality worldwide. A small population of thermogenic adipocytes expressing uncoupling protein-1 (Ucp1) regulates energy dissipation in white adipose tissue (WAT) depots. Thermogenic adipocytes subsets decrease obesity in mice, but their efficacy has not been tested in obese large animals. Here we enclosed murine subcutaneous adipocytes with and without engineered thermogenic response in biocompatible microcapsules and implanted them into the left and right side of the visceral falciform depot in six obese dogs. After 28 days of treatment, dogs have markedly reduced waist circumference, body weight, and fat mass. Ucp1 expression in canine WAT was increased at sites implanted with thermogenic vs. wild type murine adipocytes. This site-specific thermogenic remodeling of canine tissue by thermogenic murine adipocytes suggests evolutionary conserved paracrine regulation of energy dissipation across species. These findings have translational potential aimed to reduce deleterious WAT depots in humans and pets.
Spatial and temporal variations of air quality and six air pollutants in China during 2015–2017
Authors: Guo Hong , Gu Xingfa , Ma Guoxia , Shi Shuaiyi , Wang Wannan , Zuo Xin , Zhang Xiaochuan
Published: October 2019

Air pollution has aroused significant public concern in China, therefore, long-term air-quality data with high temporal and spatial resolution are needed to understand the variations of air pollution in China. However, the yearly variations with high spatial resolution of air quality and six air pollutants are still unknown for China until now. Therefore, in this paper, we analyze the spatial and temporal variations of air quality and six air pollutants in 366 cities across mainland China during 2015–2017 for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The results indicate that the annual mean mass concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO all decreased year by year during 2015–2017. However, the annual mean NO2 concentrations were almost unchanged, while the annual mean O3 concentrations increased year by year. Anthropogenic factors were mainly responsible for the variations of air quality. Further analysis suggested that PM2.5 and PM10 were the main factors influencing air quality, while NO2 played an important role in the formation of PM2.5 and O3. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of future air-pollution control policy in China.
Impact of sanitation and socio-economy on groundwater fecal pollution and human health towards achieving sustainable development goals across India from ground-observations and satellite-derived nightlight
Authors: Mukherjee Abhijit , Duttagupta Srimanti , Chattopadhyay Siddhartha , Bhanja Soumendra Nath , Bhattacharya Animesh , Chakraborty Swagata , Sarkar Soumyajit , Ghosh Tilottama , Bhattacharya Jayanta , Sahu Sohini
Published: October 2019

Globally, ~1 billion people, mostly residing in Africa and South Asia (e.g. India), still lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Resulting, unsafe disposal of fecal waste from open-defecation to nearby drinking water sources severely endanger public health. Until recently, India had a huge open-defecating population, leading declining public health from water-borne diseases like diarrhoea by ingesting polluted water, mostly sourced to groundwater. However, in recent past, sanitation development to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been encouraged throughout India, but their effect to groundwater quality and human health conditions are yet-unquantified. Here, for the first time, using long term, high-spatial resolution measurements (>1.7 million) across India and analyses, we quantified that over the years, groundwater fecal coliform concentration (2002–2017, −2.56 ± 0.06%/year) and acute diarrheal cases (1990–2016, −3.05 ± 0.01%/year) have significantly reduced, potentially influenced by sanitation development (1990–2017, 2.63 ± 0.01%/year). Enhanced alleviation of groundwater quality and human health have been observed since 2014, with initiation of acceletated constructions of sanitation infrastructures through Clean India (Swachh Bharat) Mission. However, the goal of completely faecal-pollution free, clean drinking water is yet to be achieved. We also evaluated the suitability of using satellite-derived night-time light (NLan, 1992–2013, 4.26 ± 0.05%/year) as potential predictor for such economic development. We observed that in more than 80% of the study region, night-time light demonstrated to be a strong predictor for observed changes in groundwater quality, sanitation development and water-borne disease cases. While sanitation and economic development can improve public health, poor education level and improper human practices can strongly influence on water-borne diseases loads and thus health in parts of India.
A Microfluidic Device to Enhance Viral Transduction Efficiency During Manufacture of Engineered Cellular Therapies
Authors: Moore Nathan , Chevillet John R. , Healey Laura J. , McBrine Connor , Doty Daniel , Santos Jose , Teece Bryan , Truslow James , Mott Vienna , Hsi Peter , Tandon Vishal , Borenstein Jeffrey T. , Balestrini Jenna , Kotz Kenneth
Published: October 2019

The development and approval of engineered cellular therapies are revolutionizing approaches to treatment of diseases. However, these life-saving therapies require extensive use of inefficient bioprocessing equipment and specialized reagents that can drive up the price of treatment. Integration of new genetic material into the target cells, such as viral transduction, is one of the most costly and labor-intensive steps in the production of cellular therapies. Approaches to reducing the costs associated with gene delivery have been developed using microfluidic devices to increase overall efficiency. However, these microfluidic approaches either require large quantities of virus or pre-concentration of cells with high-titer viral particles. Here, we describe the development of a microfluidic transduction device (MTD) that combines microfluidic spatial confinement with advective flow through a membrane to efficiently colocalize target cells and virus particles. We demonstrate that the MTD can improve the efficiency of lentiviral transduction for both T-cell and hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) targets by greater than two fold relative to static controls. Furthermore, transduction saturation in the MTD is reached with only half the virus required to reach saturation under static conditions. Moreover, we show that MTD transduction does not adversely affect cell viability or expansion potential.
Understanding temperature effects on recruitment in the context of trophic mismatch
Authors: Régnier T. , Gibb F. M. , Wright P. J.
Published: October 2019

Understanding how temperature affects the relative phenology of predators and prey is necessary to predict climate change impacts and recruitment variation. This study examines the role of temperature in the phenology of a key forage fish, the lesser sandeel (Ammodytes marinus, Raitt) and its copepod prey. Using time-series of temperature, fish larval and copepod abundance from a Scottish coastal monitoring site, the study quantifies how thermal relationships affect the match between hatching in sandeel and egg production of its copepod prey. While sandeel hatch time was found to be related to the rate of seasonal temperature decline during the autumn and winter through effects on gonad and egg development, variation in copepod timing mostly responded to February temperature. These two temperature relationships defined the degree of trophic mismatch which in turn explained variation in local sandeel recruitment. Projected warming scenarios indicated an increasing probability of phenological decoupling and concomitant decline in sandeel recruitment. This study sheds light on the mechanisms by which future warming could increase the trophic mismatch between predator and prey, and demonstrates the need to identify the temperature-sensitive stages in predator-prey phenology for predicting future responses to climate change.
Solution structure, glycan specificity and of phenol oxidase inhibitory activity of Anopheles C-type lectins CTL4 and CTLMA2
Authors: Bishnoi Ritika , Sousa Gregory L. , Contet Alicia , Day Christopher J. , Hou Chun-Feng David , Profitt Lauren A. , Singla Deepak , Jennings Michael P. , Valentine Ann M. , Povelones Michael , Baxter Richard H. G.
Published: October 2019

Malaria, the world’s most devastating parasitic disease, is transmitted between humans by mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus. An. gambiae is the principal malaria vector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The C-type lectins CTL4 and CTLMA2 cooperatively influence Plasmodium infection in the malaria vector Anopheles. Here we report the purification and biochemical characterization of CTL4 and CTLMA2 from An. gambiae and An. albimanus. CTL4 and CTLMA2 are known to form a disulfide-bridged heterodimer via an N-terminal tri-cysteine CXCXC motif. We demonstrate in vitro that CTL4 and CTLMA2 intermolecular disulfide formation is promiscuous within this motif. Furthermore, CTL4 and CTLMA2 form higher oligomeric states at physiological pH. Both lectins bind specific sugars, including glycosaminoglycan motifs with β1-3/β1-4 linkages between glucose, galactose and their respective hexosamines. Small-angle x-ray scattering data supports a compact heterodimer between the CTL domains. Recombinant CTL4/CTLMA2 is found to function in vivo, reversing the enhancement of phenol oxidase activity in dsCTL4-treated mosquitoes. We propose these molecular features underline a common function for CTL4/CTLMA2 in mosquitoes, with species and strain-specific variation in degrees of activity in response to Plasmodium infection.
Amphiphilic Triazine Polymer Derivatives as Antibacterial And Anti-atopic Agents in Mice Model
Authors: Gunasekaran Pethaiah , Fan meiqi , Kim Eun Young , Shin Jun Ho , Lee Ji Eun , Son Eun Ju , Kim Jaehi , Hwang Eunha , Yim Min Su , Kim Eun-Hee , Choi Young-Jin , Lee Young-Ho , Chung Young-Ho , Kim Hak Nam , Ryu Eun Kyoung , Shin Song Yub , Kim Eun-Kyung , Bang Jeong Kyu
Published: October 2019

Considering the emergence of bacterial resistance and low proteolytic stability of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), herein we developed a series of ultra-short triazine based amphipathic polymers (TZP) that are connected with ethylene diamine linkers instead of protease sensitive amide bond. The most potent oligomers, TZP3 and TZP5 not only displayed potent antibacterial action on various drug-resistant pathogens but also exhibited a strong synergic antibacterial activity in combination with chloramphenicol against multidrug-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa(MDRPA). Since most of atopic dermatitis (AD) infections are caused by bacterial colonization, we evaluated the potency of TZP3 and TZP5 on ADin vitroandin vivo.In vitroAD analysis of these two polymers showed significant inhibition against the release ofβ-hexosaminidase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) from RBL-2H3 cells. In AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice model, these two polymers displayed significant potency in suppressing dermal and epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. Moreover, these polymers exhibited remarkable efficacy over the allergies caused by the imbalance of Th1/Th2 by regulating total IgE and IgG2a. Finally, the impact of treatment effects of these polymers was examined through analyzing the weights and sizes of spleen and lymph node of AD-induced mice.
Rising CO2 enhances hypoxia tolerance in a marine fish
Authors: Montgomery Daniel W. , Simpson Stephen D. , Engelhard Georg H. , Birchenough Silvana N. R. , Wilson Rod W.
Published: October 2019

Global environmental change is increasing hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems. During hypoxic events, bacterial respiration causes an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) while oxygen (O2) declines. This is rarely accounted for when assessing hypoxia tolerances of aquatic organisms. We investigated the impact of environmentally realistic increases in CO2 on responses to hypoxia in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). We conducted a critical oxygen (O2crit) test, a common measure of hypoxia tolerance, using two treatments in which O2 levels were reduced with constant ambient CO2 levels (~530 µatm), or with reciprocal increases in CO2 (rising to ~2,500 µatm). We also assessed blood acid-base chemistry and haemoglobin-O2 binding affinity of sea bass in hypoxic conditions with ambient (~650 μatm) or raised CO2 (~1770 μatm) levels. Sea bass exhibited greater hypoxia tolerance (~20% reduced O2crit), associated with increased haemoglobin-O2 affinity (~32% fall in P50) of red blood cells, when exposed to reciprocal changes in O2 and CO2. This indicates that rising CO2 which accompanies environmental hypoxia facilitates increased O2 uptake by the blood in low O2 conditions, enhancing hypoxia tolerance. We recommend that when impacts of hypoxia on aquatic organisms are assessed, due consideration is given to associated environmental increases in CO2.
Contrasting effects of rising temperatures on trophic interactions in marine ecosystems
Authors: Durant Joël M. , Molinero Juan-Carlos , Ottersen Geir , Reygondeau Gabriel , Stige Leif Christian , Langangen Øystein
Published: October 2019

In high-latitude marine environments, primary producers and their consumers show seasonal peaks of abundance in response to annual light cycle, water column stability and nutrient availability. Predatory species have adapted to this pattern by synchronising life-history events such as reproduction with prey availability. However, changing temperatures may pose unprecedented challenges by decoupling the predator-prey interactions. Here we build a predator-prey model accounting for the full life-cycle of fish and zooplankton including their phenology. The model assumes that fish production is bottom-up controlled by zooplankton prey abundance and match or mismatch between predator and prey phenology, and is parameterised based on empirical findings of how climate influences phenology and prey abundance. With this model, we project possible climate-warming effects on match-mismatch dynamics in Arcto-boreal and temperate biomes. We find a strong dependence on synchrony with zooplankton prey in the Arcto-boreal fish population, pointing towards a possible pronounced population decline with warming because of frequent desynchronization with its zooplankton prey. In contrast, the temperate fish population appears better able to track changes in prey timing and hence avoid strong population decline. These results underline that climate change may enhance the risks of predator-prey seasonal asynchrony and fish population declines at higher latitudes.
Multi-tissue network analysis for drug prioritization in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Neidlin Michael , Dimitrakopoulou Smaragda , Alexopoulos Leonidas G.
Published: October 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that affects several tissues: cartilage, synovium, meniscus and subchondral bone. The pathophysiology of this complex disease is still not completely understood and existing pharmaceutical strategies are limited to pain relief treatments. Therefore, a computational method was developed considering the diverse mechanisms and the multi-tissue nature of OA in order to suggest pharmaceutical compounds. Specifically, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify gene modules that were preserved across four joint tissues. The driver genes of these modules were selected as an input for a network-based drug discovery approach. WGCNA identified two preserved modules that described functions related to extracellular matrix physiology and immune system responses. Compounds that affected various anti-inflammatory pathways and drugs targeted at coagulation pathways were suggested. 9 out of the top 10 compounds had a proven association with OA and significantly outperformed randomized approaches not including WGCNA. The method presented herein is a viable strategy to identify overlapping molecular mechanisms in multi-tissue diseases such as OA and employ this information for drug discovery and compound prioritization.
Electromagnetic time-harmonic and static field polygonal rotator with homogeneous materials
Authors: Gao Weijie , Wang Huaping , Yu Faxin
Published: October 2019

We propose a scheme of designing polygonal rotator with homogenous materials by using linear coordinate transformation. Our strategy is available for both time-harmonic electromagnetic field case and static field case. In particular, we found that only one anisotropic material is needed in static field case, and the density of field in the central region can be altered to be denser or sparser, or stay the same. The magnetostatic field rotator can be realized by multilayered structure composed of ferromagnetic materials and superconductor, and the direct current rotator can be realized by metals with different conductivity. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of our strategy in both time-harmonic field case and static field case.
Epithelial EP4 plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in colon
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihide , Nakanishi Yuki , Yoshioka Takuto , Yamaga Yuichi , Masuda Tomonori , Fukunaga Yuichi , Sono Makoto , Yoshikawa Takaaki , Nagao Munemasa , Araki Osamu , Ogawa Satoshi , Goto Norihiro , Hiramatsu Yukiko , Breyer Richard M. , Fukuda Akihisa , Seno Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Colonic epithelial cells comprise the mucosal barrier, and their dysfunction promotes microbial invasion from the gut lumen and induces the development of intestinal inflammation. The EP4 receptor is known to mediate the protective effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 in the gastrointestinal tract; however, the exact role of epithelial EP4 in intestinal pathophysiology remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of epithelial EP4 in maintaining colonic homeostasis by characterizing the intestinal epithelial cell-specific EP4 knockout (EP4 cKO) mice. Mice harboring the epithelial EP4 deletion showed significantly lower colonic crypt depth and lower numbers of secretory cell lineages, as well as impaired epithelial cells in the colon. Interestingly, EP4-deficient colon epithelia showed a higher number of apoptotic cells. Consistent with the defect in mucosal barrier function of colonic epithelia and secretory cell lineages, EP4 cKO colon stroma showed enhanced immune cell infiltration, which was accompanied by increased production of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, EP4-deficient colons were susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Our study is the first to demonstrate that epithelial EP4 loss resulted in potential “inflammatory” status under physiological conditions. These findings provided insights into the crucial role of epithelial PGE2/EP4 axis in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
Phenomics reveals a novel putative chloroplast fatty acid transporter in the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi involved in temperature acclimation
Authors: Johansson Oskar N. , Töpel Mats , Egardt Jenny , Pinder Matthew I. M. , Andersson Mats X. , Godhe Anna , Clarke Adrian K.
Published: October 2019

Diatoms are the dominant phytoplankton in temperate oceans and coastal regions and yet little is known about the genetic basis underpinning their global success. Here, we address this challenge by developing the first phenomic approach for a diatom, screening a collection of randomly mutagenized but identifiably tagged transformants. Based upon their tolerance to temperature extremes, several compromised mutants were identified revealing genes either stress related or encoding hypothetical proteins of unknown function. We reveal one of these hypothetical proteins is a novel putative chloroplast fatty acid transporter whose loss affects several fatty acids including the two omega-3, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, both of which have medical importance as dietary supplements and industrial significance in aquaculture and biofuels. This mutant phenotype not only provides new insights into the fatty acid biosynthetic pathways in diatoms but also highlights the future value of phenomics for revealing specific gene functions in these ecologically important phytoplankton.
Vitamin A deficiency impairs the immune response to intranasal vaccination and RSV infection in neonatal calves
Authors: McGill Jodi L. , Kelly Sean M. , Guerra-Maupome Mariana , Winkley Emma , Henningson Jamie , Narasimhan Balaji , Sacco Randy E.
Published: October 2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a leading cause of severe acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children worldwide. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most prevalent nutrition-related health problems in the world and is a significant risk factor in the development of severe respiratory infections in infants and young children. Bovine RSV (BRSV) is a primary cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young cattle. The calf model of BRSV infection is useful to understand the immune response to human RSV infection. We have previously developed an amphiphilic polyanhydride nanoparticle (NP)-based vaccine (i.e., nanovaccine) encapsulating the fusion and attachment proteins from BRSV (BRSV-NP). Calves receiving a single, intranasal dose of the BRSV-NP vaccine are partially protected from BRSV challenge. Here, we evaluated the impact of VAD on the immune response to the BRSV-NP vaccine and subsequent challenge with BRSV. Our results show that VAD calves are unable to respond to the mucosal BRSV-NP vaccine, are afforded no protection from BRSV challenge and have significant abnormalities in the inflammatory response in the infected lung. We further show that acute BRSV infection negatively impacts serum and liver retinol, rendering even well-nourished individuals susceptible to VAD. Our results support the use of the calf model for elucidating the impact of nutritional status on mucosal immunity and respiratory viral infection in infants and underline the importance of VA in regulating immunity in the respiratory mucosa.
Tumour-Secreted Hsp90α on External Surface of Exosomes Mediates Tumour - Stromal Cell Communication via Autocrine and Paracrine Mechanisms
Authors: Tang Xin , Chang Cheng , Guo Jiacong , Lincoln Vadim , Liang Chengyu , Chen Mei , Woodley David T. , Li Wei
Published: October 2019

Extracellular heat shock protein-90alpha (eHsp90α) plays an essential role in tumour invasion and metastasis. The plasma eHsp90α levels in patients with various cancers correlate with the stages of the diseases. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action by tumour-secreted eHsp90α remained unclear. Here we show that eHsp90α accounts for approximately 1% of the total cellular Hsp90α and is associated with tumour-secreted exosomes. CRISPR-cas9 knockout of Hsp90α did not affect the overall distribution and quantity of secreted exosomes, but it caused increased exosome-associated CD9 and decreased exosome-associated TSG101, Alix, and CD63. However, Hsp90α-knockout tumour cells have not only lost their own constitutive motility, but also the ability to recruit stromal cells via secreted exosomes. These defects are specifically due to the lack of eHsp90α on tumour cell-secreted exosomes. Anti-Hsp90α antibody nullified the pro-motility activity of tumour-secreted exosomes and human recombinant Hsp90α protein fully rescued the functional defects of eHsp90α-free exosomes. Finally, while current exosome biogenesis models exclusively implicate the luminal location of host cytosolic proteins inside secreted exosomes, we provide evidence for eHsp90α location on the external surface of tumour-secreted exosomes. Taken together, this study elucidates a new mechanism of action by exosome-associated eHsp90α.
Optimal Multiphase Computed Tomographic Angiography-based Infarct Core Estimations for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Seong-Joon , Jung Woo Sang , Choi Mun Hee , Hong Ji Man , Lee Jin Soo , Choi Jin Wook
Published: October 2019

We evaluated the best methods for predicting various infarct core thresholds for endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke using parameters obtained by multiphase computed tomographic angiography (mCTA). Consecutive patients evaluated for endovascular treatment who concomitantly underwent mCTA and stroke magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed. The ability of CTA-based collaterals (single-phase [sCTAc] and multiphase [mCTAc]) and ASPECTS or their combined interpretation for the selection of patients with cores of <31 ml and <70 ml, and ≥100 ml, were compared. In the total 142 patients, the combined interpretation of collateral scores and ASPECTS score indicated significant added benefit for the prediction of smaller infarct volume thresholds (<31 ml) compared to ASPECTS alone. Selection of cases that satisfied both sCTAc 3–5 and ASPECTS 6–10 had the optimal predictive capability and inter-rater reliability. While the combined interpretation did not provide a significant added benefit for the prediction of larger infarct volume thresholds, sCTAc 0–2 and mCTAc 0–2 performed as well as ASPECTS 0–5 in prediction of core volumes ≥100 ml with better inter-rater reliability. sCTA and mCTA can improve the selection of patients for EVT by more accurately predicting lower infarct core volume cutoffs. When excluding patients with large infarct cores, they can improve inter-rater reliability.
Quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations in human whole blood by spectroscopic visible-light optical coherence tomography
Authors: Veenstra Colin , Kruitwagen Saskia , Groener Dafne , Petersen Wilma , Steenbergen Wiendelt , Bosschaart Nienke
Published: October 2019

The non-invasive quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations [tHb] is highly desired for the assessment of haematologic disorders in vulnerable patient groups, but invasive blood sampling is still the gold standard in current clinical practice. This work demonstrates the potential of visible-light spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (sOCT) for quantifying the [tHb] in human whole blood. To accurately quantify the [tHb] from the substantial optical attenuation by blood in the visible wavelength range, we used a combination of zero-delay acquisition and focus tracking that ensures optimal system sensitivity at any depth inside the sample. Subsequently, we developed an analysis model to adequately correct for the high scattering contribution by red blood cells to the sOCT signal. We validate our method and compare it to conventional sOCT (without focus tracking and zero-delay acquisition) through ex-vivo measurements on flowing human whole blood, with [tHb] values in the clinical range of 7–23 g/dL. For our method with optimized sensitivity, the measured and expected values correlate well (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.89, p < 0.01), with a precision of 3.8 g/dL. This is a considerable improvement compared to conventional sOCT (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.59, p = 0.16; precision of 9.1 g/dL).
Expression of FGD3 gene as prognostic factor in young breast cancer patients
Authors: Renda Irene , Bianchi Simonetta , Vezzosi Vania , Nori Jacopo , Vanzi Ermanno , Tavella Ketty , Susini Tommaso
Published: October 2019

The FGD3 gene works as a cell migration inhibitor and seems to be a promising indicator of outcome in some human cancers including breast. In this study, we analysed for the first time the prognostic role of FGD3 in young breast cancer patients. We studied the relationship between traditional prognostic factors, FGD3 expression and outcome in ≤40 years breast cancer patients. We found that lower FGD3 expression decreased the probability of disease-free survival (p = 0.042) and overall survival (p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis for overall survival AJCC stage (p = 0.005) and FGD3 expression (p = 0.03) resulted independent prognostic factors. Low FGD3 expression increased the risk of death from disease (HR 5.73, p = 0.03). Moreover, low FGD3 expression was associated with more widespread lymph node involvement (p = 0.04) and a lower FGD3 staining intensity was found in positive-lymph-node patients vs negative (p = 0.003) and in patients with ≥10 involved lymph nodes vs <10 (p = 0.05). Our results suggest FGD3 to be a significant independent prognostic factor in young breast cancer patients in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival. A lower expression increased the risk of recurrence and death from disease and was associated with widespread lymph node metastases.
Sea Surface Height Estimation with Multi-GNSS and Wavelet De-noising
Authors: Chen Fade , Liu Lilong , Guo Fei
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a new sea surface height (SSH) estimation using GNSS reflectometry (GNSS-R). It is a cost-effective remote sensing technique and owns long-term stability besides high temporal and spatial resolution. Initial in-situ SSH estimates are first produced by using the SNR data of BDS (L1, L5, L7), GPS (L1, L2, L5), and GLONASS (L1, L2), of MAYG station, which is located in Mayotte, France near the Indian Ocean. The results of observation data over a period of seven days showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) of SSH estimation is about 32 cm and the correlation coefficient is about 0.83. The tidal waveform is reconstructed based on the initial SSH estimates by utilizing the wavelet de-noising technique. By comparing the tide gauge measurements with the reconstructed tidal waveform at SSH estimation instants, the SSH estimation errors can be obtained. The results demonstrate that the correlation coefficient and RMSE of the wavelet de-noising based SSH estimation is 0.95 and 19 cm, respectively. Compared with the initial estimation results, the correlation coefficient is improved by about 14.5%, while the RMSE is reduced by 40.6%.
A cost-effective and environmentally sustainable process for phycoremediation of oil field formation water for its safe disposal and reuse
Authors: Das Bhaskar , Deka Suresh
Published: October 2019

High volumes of formation water comprising of complex mixture of hydrocarbons is generated during crude oil exploration. Owing to ecotoxicological concerns, the discharge of the formation water without remediation of hydrocarbonaceous pollutants is not permitted. Keeping this into mind, we carried out phycoremediation of hydrocarbons in formation water so that it can be safely discharged or re-used. For this, a native algal species was isolated from formation water followed by its morphological and 18S ribosomal RNA based identification confirming the algal isolate to beChlorella vulgarisBS1 (NCBI GenBank Accession No. MH732950). The algal isolate exhibited high biomass productivity of 1.76 gm L−1d−1(specific growth rate: 0.21 d−1, initial inoculum: 1500 mg L−1) along with remediation of 98.63% petroleum hydrocarbons present in formation water within 14 days of incubation indicating an efficient hydrocarbon remediation process. Concomitantly, the hydrocarbon remediation process resulted in reduction of 75% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) load and complete removal of sulfate from formation water making it suitable for safe disposal or reuse as oil well injection water respectively. The present process overcomes the bottlenecks of external growth nutrient addition or dilution associated with conventional biological treatment resulting in a practically applicable and cost-effective technology for remediation of oil field formation water.
Using SpO2 Recovery Index after a 6-Minute Walk Test to Predict Respiratory-Related Events in Hospitalized Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Sakai Yasunari , Yamamoto Shuhei , Hoshina Miho , Kawachi Shohei , Ichiyama Takashi , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: October 2019

Although the prognostic factors of interstitial pneumonia (IP) patients have been reported, IP has poor prognosis. Hospitalized patients with IP have severely impaired pulmonary diffusion capacity and prominent desaturation. We hypothesized that determining oxygen saturation recovery (SpO2 recovery index) after the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can provide additional prognostic information regarding rehospitalization for respiratory-related events. We evaluated 73 IP patients at our hospital for demographic characteristics, pulmonary function tests and 6MWT. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate rehospitalisation for respiratory-related events using SpO2 recovery index. Cox regression analysis revealed a relationship between SpO2 recovery index and rehospitalisation. The optimum cutoff value of SpO2 recovery index was 4% (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 79.2%). SpO2 recovery index was most closely related to pulmonary diffusion capacity (r = 0.684, P < 0.001). In a multivariable model, it was the strongest independent predictor of rehospitalisation for respiratory-related events (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.90; P = 0.032). In this study, we estimated pulmonary diffusion capacity using SpO2 recovery index values obtained from 6MWT. A SpO2 recovery index of <4% can be useful in predicting rehospitalisation for respiratory-related events.
Calibrated interdental brushing for the prevention of periodontal pathogens infection in young adults - a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bourgeois Denis , Bravo Manuel , Llodra Juan-Carlos , Inquimbert Camille , Viennot Stéphane , Dussart Claude , Carrouel Florence
Published: October 2019

Periodontal disease is clearly correlated with systemic disease. The presence of periodontal pathogens in interdental spaces in young, healthy adults is a strong indicator of the need to introduce daily interdental prophylaxis. Twenty-five subjects (aged 18–35 years), diagnosticated clinically as periodontally healthy, were enrolled in this study. One hundred interdental sites were included. Among these sites, 50 “test” sites were cleaned daily with calibrated interdental brushes (IDBs), whereas the other 50 sites were not cleaned and considered “controls”. The interdental biofilm at these interdental sites was collected at the beginning of the study (basal) and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology was used to quantify (i) 19 periodontal bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, and (ii) total bacteria. In the test sites, the quantity of total bacteria decreased over time with the use of IDBs. The bacteria from the red and orange Socransky complexes, which are associated with periodontal disease, significantly decreased in the test sites but not in the control sites. Bacteria from the yellow, and purple Socransky complexes, which are associated with periodontal health, increased significantly in both groups whereas bacteria from the blue Socransky complex increased significantly only in the test sites. Furthermore, at basal, 66% of test sites and 68% of control sites bled during interdental brushing. These percentages decreased by 85% in 3 months for the test sites and by 27% in the control sites. In conclusion, the daily use of calibrated IDBs can reduce periodontal pathogens, reestablish symbiotic microbiota and, decrease interdental inflammation in interdental sites of healthy young adults.
Improved cell viability for large-scale biofabrication with photo-crosslinkable hydrogel systems through a dual-photoinitiator approach
Authors: Han Win Tun , Jang Taesik , Chen Shengyang , Chong Lydia Shi Hui , Jung Hyun-Do , Song Juha
Published: October 2019

Through concurrent use of photoinitiators with different activation kinetics, a hydrogel crosslinking system exhibited efficient crosslinking properties and desired mechanical properties with high cell viability.
Soil-derived fulvic acid and root exudates, modified by soil bacteria, alter CuO nanoparticle-induced root stunting of wheat via Cu complexation
Authors: Hortin J. M. , Anderson A. J. , Britt D. W. , Jacobson A. R. , McLean J. E.
Published: October 2019

Cu from CuO nanoparticles is bioavailable to wheat as soluble complexes of root/bacterial exudates and soil organic matter.
Rhodium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of quinoxalines with water as a hydrogen source
Authors: Zhang Xia , Chen Jingchao , Khan Ruhima , Shen Guoli , He Zhenxiu , Zhou Yongyun , Fan Baomin
Published: October 2019

Rhodium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of quinoxalines with water as a hydrogen source was reported.
(+)- and (−)-actinoxocine, and actinaphthorans A–B, C-ring expansion and cleavage angucyclinones from a marine-derivedStreptomycessp.
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Zhang Lu , Fu Xinzhen , Li Zhi , Guo Lin , Kou Lijuan , Liu Ming , Xie Zeping
Published: October 2019

A pair of enantiomeric C-ring expansion angucyclinones with an unprecedented epoxybenzo[f]naphtho[1,8-bc]oxocine carbon skeleton, and two unique C-ring cleavage analogues, were isolated from a marine-derivedStreptomycessp.
Super absorption of solar energy using a plasmonic nanoparticle based CdTe solar cell
Authors: Rehman Qandeel , Khan Aimal Daud , Khan Adnan Daud , Noman Muhammad , Ali Haider , Rauf Abdul , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel
Published: October 2019

Improving the photon absorption in thin-film solar cells with plasmonic nanoparticles is essential for the realization of extremely efficient cells with substantial cost reduction.
Development of a novel bio-inspired “cotton-like” collagen aggregate/chitin based biomaterial with a biomimetic 3D microstructure for efficient hemostasis and tissue repair
Authors: Zheng Chi , Liu Xinhua , Luo Xiaomin , Zheng Manhui , Wang Xuechuan , Dan Weihua , Jiang Huie
Published: October 2019

Hemostatic materials based on collagen and chitin are commonly assessed with regard to their topical absorbability and bioactivity.