bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FUNWAVE‐GPU: Multiple‐GPU Acceleration of a Boussinesq‐Type Wave Model
Authors: Yuan Ye , Shi Fengyan , Kirby James T. , Yu Fujiang
Published: April 2020

This paper documents development of a multiple‐Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) version of FUNWAVE‐Total Variation Diminishing (TVD), an open‐source model for solving the fully nonlinear Boussinesq wave equations using a high‐order TVD solver. The numerical schemes of FUNWAVE‐TVD, including Cartesian and spherical coordinates, are rewritten using CUDA Fortran, with inter‐GPU communication facilitated by the Message Passing Interface. Since FUNWAVE‐TVD involves the discretization of high‐order dispersive derivatives, the on‐chip shared memory is utilized to reduce global memory access. To further optimize performance, the batched tridiagonal solver is scheduled simultaneously in multiple‐GPU streams, which can reduce the GPU execution time by 20–30%. The GPU version is validated through a benchmark test for wave runup on a complex shoreline geometry, as well as a basin‐scale tsunami simulation of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki event. Efficiency evaluation shows that, in comparison with the CPU version running at a 36‐core HPC node, speedup ratios of 4–7 and above 10 can be observed for single‐ and double‐GPU runs, respectively. The performance metrics of multiple‐GPU implementation needs to be further evaluated when appropriate.
Contrasting Influences of Human Activities on Hydrological Drought Regimes Over China Based on High‐Resolution Simulations
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Zhang Mengru , He Xiaogang , Ren Liliang , Pan Ming , Yu Xiaohan , Wei Zhongwang , Sheffield Justin
Published: April 2020

How human activities have altered hydrological droughts (streamflow deficits) in China during the past five decades (1961–2016) is investigated using the latest version (v2.0) of PCR‐GLOBWB model at high spatial resolution (~10 km). Although both human activities and climate variability have significant effects on river flows over China, there are large regional north‐south contrasts. Over northern China, human activities generally intensify hydrological droughts. We find that human activities exacerbated drought deficit by about 70–200% from 2004 to 2015. In contrast, droughts over southern China are generally alleviated by human activities. For instance, irrigation and water management (such as reservoir operation and water abstraction) increase drought StDef (standardized drought deficit volume) by about 80% in the Yellow River (north) but reduce it by about 20% in the Yangtze River (south). Human activities slightly reduce drought deficit in the Yangtze River due to the combination of large reservoir storage and low ratio of agriculture consumption to abstracted irrigation water. In contrast, hydrological drought is aggravated in the semiarid Yellow River basin because of high water consumption from agricultural sectors. This study suggests that human activities have contrasting influences on hydrological drought characteristics in the northern (intensification) and southern (mitigation) parts of China. Therefore, it is critical to consider the variable roles of human activities on hydrological drought in China when developing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Pore‐Scale Controls on the Gas and Water Transport in Hydrate‐Bearing Sediments
Authors: Li Guangyao , Zhan Liangtong , Yun Taesup , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2020

Gas and water flow rates shape the economic feasibility of hydrate deposit exploration. However, pore‐scale controls on the gas and water transport as well as ensued impacts on gas production from hydrate deposits have not been well understood. This study uses 3D pore network modeling to understand the impacts of pore characteristics, hydrate, and hysteresis on two‐phase fluid transport in hydrate‐bearing sediments. The results highlight that drying and wetting are occurring simultaneously in sediments resulting in a nonunique water retention curve. The relative permeability to gas is governed by the coefficient of variance and the connectivity of pore size distribution in sediments. Parameter values for the modified Brook‐Corey relative permeability model are recommended considering preferential hydrate pore clogging habits.
Thermodynamic limits for simultaneous energy harvesting from the hot sun and cold outer space
Authors: Li Wei , Buddhiraju Siddharth , Fan Shanhui
Published: April 2020

The sun and outer space are two of the most important fundamental thermodynamic resources for renewable energy harvesting. A significant amount of work has focused on understanding the fundamental limit of energy harvesting from the sun. More recently, there have been several theoretical analyses of the fundamental limit of energy harvesting from outer space. However, far less is understood about the fundamental limits of simultaneous energy harvesting from both the sun and outer space. Here, we consider and introduce various schemes that are capable of simultaneous energy harvesting and elucidate the fundamental thermodynamic limits of these schemes. We show that the theoretical limits can far exceed the previously established limit associated with utilizing only one thermodynamic resource. Our results highlight the significant potential of simultaneous energy harvesting and indicate new fundamental opportunities for improving the efficiency of energy harvesting systems.
High functional diversity among Nitrospira populations that dominate rotating biological contactor microbial communities in a municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Spasov Emilie , Tsuji Jackson M , Hug Laura A , Doxey Andrew C , Sauder Laura A , Parker Wayne J , Neufeld Josh D
Published: April 2020

Nitrification, the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate via nitrite, is an important process in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Members of the Nitrospira genus that contribute to complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) have only recently been discovered and their relevance to engineered water treatment systems is poorly understood. This study investigated distributions of Nitrospira, ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in biofilm samples collected from tertiary rotating biological contactors (RBCs) of a municipal WWTP in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenomics, our results demonstrate that Nitrospira species strongly dominate RBC biofilm samples and that comammox Nitrospira outnumber all other nitrifiers. Genome bins recovered from assembled metagenomes reveal multiple populations of comammox Nitrospira with distinct spatial and temporal distributions, including several taxa that are distinct from previously characterized Nitrospira members. Diverse functional profiles imply a high level of niche heterogeneity among comammox Nitrospira, in contrast to the sole detected AOA representative that was previously cultivated and characterized from the same RBC biofilm. Our metagenome bins also reveal two cyanase-encoding populations of comammox Nitrospira, suggesting an ability to degrade cyanate, which has only been shown previously for several Nitrospira representatives that are strict nitrite oxidizers. This study demonstrates the importance of RBCs as model systems for continued investigation of environmental factors that control the distributions and activities of AOB, AOA, comammox Nitrospira, and other nitrite oxidizers.
HSPA12A attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury through inhibiting caspase-11-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis via PGC-1α-dependent acyloxyacyl hydrolase expression
Authors: Liu Jiali , Du Shuya , Kong Qiuyue , Zhang Xiaojin , Jiang Surong , Cao Xiaofei , Li Yuehua , Li Chuanfu , Chen Huaqun , Ding Zhengnian , Liu Li
Published: April 2020

Liver dysfunction is strongly associated with poor survival of sepsis patients. Cytosolic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensing by Caspase-4/5/11 for pyroptosis activation is a major driver of the development of sepsis. Studies in macrophages and endothelial cells have demonstrated that LPS is inactivated by acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) and leading to desensitizing Caspase-4/5/11 to LPS. However, little is known about the cytosolic LPS-induced pyroptosis in hepatocytes during sepsis. Heat shock protein 12A (HSPA12A) is a novel member of the HSP70 family. Here, we report that LPS increased HSPA12A nuclear translocation in hepatocytes, while knockout of HSPA12A (Hspa12a−/−) in mice promoted LPS-induced acute liver injury. We also noticed that the LPS-induced Caspase-11 activation and its cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) to produce the membrane pore-forming GSDMDNterm (markers of pyroptosis) were greater in livers of Hspa12a−/− mice compared with its wild type controls. Loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that HSPA12A deficiency promoted, whereas HSPA12A overexpression inhibited, cytosolic LPS accumulation, Caspase-11 activation and GSDMDNterm generation in primary hepatocytes following LPS incubation. Notably, LPS-induced AOAH expression was suppressed by HSPA12A deficiency, whereas AOAH overexpression reversed the HSPA12A deficiency-induced promotion of LPS-evoked and Caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis of hepatocytes. In-depth molecular analysis showed that HSPA12A interacted directly with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and increased its nuclear translocation, thereby inducing AOAH expression for cytosolic LPS inactivation, which ultimately leading to inhibition of the Caspase-11 mediated pyroptosis of hepatocytes. Taken together, these findings revealed HSPA12A as a novel player against LPS-induced liver injury by inhibiting cytosolic LPS-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis via PGC-1α-mediated AOAH expression. Therefore, targeting hepatocyte HSPA12A represents a viable strategy for the management of liver injury in sepsis patients.
Temporal transcriptome analysis of neuronal commitment reveals the preeminent role of the divergent lncRNA biotype and a critical candidate gene during differentiation
Authors: Prajapati Bharat , Fatima Mahar , Fatma Mena , Maddhesiya Priya , Arora Himali , Naskar Teesta , Devasenapathy Subhashree , Seth Pankaj , Sinha Subrata
Published: April 2020

lncRNA genes can be genic or “intergenic”. “Genic” RNAs can be further divided into six biotypes. Through genome-wide analysis of a publicly available data set on corticogenesis, we found that the divergent lncRNA (XH) biotype, comprising the lncRNA and the coding gene being in opposite directions in a head-to-head manner, was most prominent during neural commitment. Within this biotype, a coding gene/divergent RNA pair of the BASP1 gene and the uncharacterized RNA loc285696 (hitherto referred as BASP1-AS1) formed a major HUB gene during neuronal differentiation. Experimental validation during the in vitro differentiation of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) showed that BASP1-AS1 regulates the expression of its adjacent coding gene, BASP1. Both transcripts increased sharply on the first day of neuronal differentiation of hNPCs, to fall steadily thereafter, reaching very low levels in differentiated neurons. BASP1-AS1 RNA and the BASP1 gene formed a molecular complex that also included the transcription factor TCF12. TCF12 is coded by the DYX1 locus, associated with inherited dyslexia and neurodevelopmental defects. Knockdown of BASP1-AS1, BASP1, or TCF12 impaired the neuronal differentiation of hNPCs, as seen by reduction in DCX and TUJ1-positive cells and by reduced neurite length. There was also increased cell proliferation. A common set of critical genes was affected by the three molecules in the complex. Our study thus identified the role of the XH biotype and a novel mediator of neuronal differentiation—the complex of BASP1-AS1, BASP1, and TCF12. It also linked a neuronal differentiation pathway to inherited dyslexia.
A holographic duality from lifted tensor networks
Authors: McMahon Nathan A. , Singh Sukhbinder , Brennen Gavin K.
Published: April 2020

Tensor networks provide an efficient classical representation of certain strongly correlated quantum many-body systems. We present a general lifting method to ascribe quantum states to the network structure itself that reveals important new physical features. To illustrate, we focus on the multiscale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) tensor network for 1D critical ground states on a lattice. The MERA representation of the said state can be lifted to a 2D quantum dual in a way that is suggestive of a lattice version of the holographic correspondence from string theory. The bulk 2D state has an efficient quantum circuit construction and exhibits several features of holography, including the appearance of horizon-like holographic screens, short-ranged correlations described via a strange correlator and bulk gauging of global on-site symmetries at the boundary. Notably, the lifting provides a way to calculate a quantum-corrected Ryu–Takayanagi formula, and map bulk operators to boundary operators and vice versa.
Biologically driven cut-off definition of lymphocyte ratios in metastatic breast cancer and association with exosomal subpopulations and prognosis
Authors: Gerratana Lorenzo , Basile Debora , Toffoletto Barbara , Bulfoni Michela , Zago Silvia , Magini Alessandro , Lera Marta , Pelizzari Giacomo , Parisse Pietro , Casalis Loredana , Vitale Maria Grazia , Fanotto Valentina , Bonotto Marta , Caponnetto Federica , Bartoletti Michele , Lisanti Camilla , Minisini Alessandro Marco , Emiliani Carla , Di Loreto Carla , Fasola Gianpiero , Curcio Francesco , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Cesselli Daniela , Puglisi Fabio
Published: April 2020

High neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are respectively associated with systemic inflammation and immune suppression and have been associated with a poor outcome. Plasmatic exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in the intercellular communication system that can exert an immunosuppressive function. Aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between the immune system and circulating exosomes in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A threshold capable to classify patients according to MLR, NLR and PLR, was computed through a receiving operator curve analysis after propensity score matching with a series of female blood donors. Exosomes were isolated from plasma by ExoQuick solution and characterized by flow-cytometry. NLR, MLR, PLR and exosomal subpopulations potentially involved in the pre-metastatic niche were significantly different in MBC patients with respect to controls. MLR was significantly associated with number of sites at the onset of metastatic disease, while high levels of MLR and NLR were found to be associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, exosomal subpopulations varied according to NLR, MLR, PLR and both were associated with different breast cancer subtypes and sites of distant involvement. This study highlights the nuanced role of immunity in MBC spread, progression and outcome. Moreover, they suggest potential interaction mechanisms between immunity, MBC and the metastatic niche.
An anomaly in quantum phases induced by borders
Authors: Jing Jun , Guidry Mike , Wu Lian-Ao
Published: April 2020

The stationary behavior of a quantum system is determined by its Hamiltonian and its boundary conditions. All quantum phase transitions (QPT) reported previously were induced by changing the Hamiltonian. In a circular spin model with Heisenberg XY interactions and no magnetic field, we observe an anomaly in quantum phases caused by a qualitative change of the boundary condition. The unexpected anomaly features an infinite number of single-particle levels, in the same pattern as the single-photon-triggered quantum phase transition in the Rabi model.
Simulation analysis of impact damage to the bone tissue surrounding a dental implant
Authors: Ma Xinyang , Diao Xiaoou , Li Zhirui , Xin Haitao , Suo Tao , Hou Bing , Tang Zhongbin , Wu Yulu , Feng Fan , Luo Huiwen
Published: April 2020

Dental implant may suffer transient external impacts. To simulate the effect of impact forces on bone damage is very important for evaluation of damage and guiding treatment in clinics. In this study, an animal model was established by inserting an implant into the femoral condyle of New Zealand rabbit. Implant with good osseointegration was loaded with impact force. A three-dimensional finite element model was established based on the data of the animal model. Damage process to bone tissue was simulated with Abaqus 6.13 software combining dynamic mechanical properties of the femur. The characteristics of bone damage were analyzed by comparing the results of animal testing with numerical simulation data. After impact, cortical bone around the implant and trabecular at the bottom of the implant were prone to damage. The degree of damage correlated with the direction of loading and the magnitude of the impact. Lateral loading was most likely performed to damage cancellous bone. The stress wave formed by the impact force can damage the implant–bone interface and peri-implant trabeculae. The data from numerical simulations were consistent with data from animal experiments, highlighting the importance of a thorough examination and evaluation based on the patient’s medical history.
FGF21 Mimics a Fasting-Induced Metabolic State and Increases Appetite in Zebrafish
Authors: Blanco Ayelén Melisa , Bertucci Juan Ignacio , Unniappan Suraj
Published: April 2020

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the FGF superfamily that acts in an endocrine manner. FGF21 is a key regulator of energy balance and metabolism in mammals, and has emerged as a therapeutic potential for treating obesity and diabetes. Here, we report that mRNAs encoding FGF21 and its receptors are widely distributed within the zebrafish tissues and are importantly modulated by fasting (decreased in brain and liver, and increased in gut). FGF21 stimulates food intake in zebrafish, likely in part by modulating brain npy/agrp and nucb2/nesfatin-1 and gut ghrelin and cck mRNA expression. In accordance with this orexigenic role, the expression of FGF21 and its receptors were observed to increase preprandially and decrease post-feeding in the foregut and/or liver. Finally, we found important evidence in favor of a role for FGF21 in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in the zebrafish liver in a way that mimics a fasting metabolic state.
The Effect of Functional and Intra-Coronary Imaging Techniques on Fluoroscopy Time, Radiation Dose and Contrast Volume during Coronary Angiography
Authors: De la Garza-Salazar Fernando , Lankenau-Vela Diana Lorena , Cadena-Nuñez Bertha , González-Cantú Arnulfo , Romero-Ibarguengoitia Maria Elena
Published: April 2020

The aim was to analyze the effect of fractional flow reserve (FFR), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) on fluoroscopy time (FT), radiation dose (RD) and contrast volume (CV) in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This case-control study included consecutive patients above the age of 18, who underwent coronary angiography. FT, RD, and CV after each procedure were retrospectively recorded. Multivariate models were used to demonstrate the effect of these complementary studies and other factors, on radiation and contrast exposure. A total of 1047 patients were included, 74.5% were men and the mean (SD) age was 62.4 (12.1) years. Complementary studies performed were: IVUS (n = 237), FFR (n = 56) and OCT (n = 37). FFR and IVUS had a small effect on FT (η = 0.008 B = 2.2, p < 0.001; η = 0.009, B = 2.5, p < 0.001), while OCT had no effect (η = 0.002 B = 2.9, p < 0.183). IVUS, FFR and OCT had no effect on the RD. IVUS did not affect contrast volume (η = 0.002 B = 9.4, p < 0.163) while OCT and FFR had a small effect on CV (η = 0.006 B = 39, p < 0.01; η = 0.008 B = 37, p < 0.003). The number of placed stents had a significant effect on FT (η = 0.192, Β = 4.2, p < 0.001), RD (η = 0.129, Β = 511.8, p < 0.001) and CV (η = 0.177, Β = 40.5, p < 0.001). The use of complementary studies in hemodynamics did not modify the received RD and had a minor effect on FT and the CV used.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of four cassava cultivars to drought stress
Authors: Zhu Yanmei , Luo Xinglu , Nawaz Gul , Yin Jingjing , Yang Jingni
Published: April 2020

The antioxidant mechanism is crucial for resisting oxidative damage induced by drought stress in plants. Different antioxidant mechanisms may contribute to the tolerance of cassava to drought stress, but for a specific genotype, the response is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate antioxidant response and physiological changes of four cassava genotypes under water stress conditions, by keeping the soil moisture content as 80% (control), 50% (medium), 20% (severe) of field capacity for a week. Genotypes RS01 and SC124 were keeping higher relative water content (RWC) and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and less affected by oxidative stress than SC205 and GR4 under drought stress. RS01 just showed slight membrane damage and oxidative stress even under severe drought conditions. A principal component analysis showed that cassava plant water status was closely related to the antioxidant mechanism. Antioxidant response in genotypes RS01 and SC124 under drought stress might attribute to the increased accumulation of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) content and higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, which explained by the up-regulation of Mn-SOD and CAT genes. However, Genotypes SC205 and GR4 mainly depended on the accumulation of total phenolics (TP) and increased glutathione reductase (GR) activity, which attribute to the up-regulation of the GR gene. Our findings could provide vital knowledge for refining the tactics of cultivation and molecular breeding with drought avoidance in cassava.
Behavioural risk factors and healthy life expectancy: evidence from two longitudinal studies of ageing in England and the US
Authors: Zaninotto Paola , Head Jenny , Steptoe Andrew
Published: April 2020

We examined whether the co-occurrence of four behavioural risk factors (alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity) is associated with disability-free and chronic disease-free life expectancy similarly in two longitudinal studies of ageing in England and the United States. Data were from 17,351 individuals aged 50+ from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and, 10,388 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), from 2002 to 2013. Disability-free life expectancy was estimated using repeat measures of limitations with instrumental activities and activities of daily living and, chronic disease-free life expectancy was based on chronic health conditions. Multistate life table models were used to estimate sex-specific health expectancy at the ages of 50, 60 and 70. In both countries and at all ages, there was a clear gradient towards shorter health expectancy with increasing number of behavioural risk factors. Compared to people with 2+ behavioural risk factors, in both countries, those with no behavioural risk factors could expect to live up to 11 years longer without disability and, up to 12 years longer without chronic conditions. Individual and co-occurring behavioural risk factors were strongly associated with shorter healthy life expectancy in both countries, attesting to the robustness of the contribution of lifestyle factors on health expectancy.
Prediction of Intracranial Aneurysm Risk using Machine Learning
Authors: Heo Jaehyuk , Park Sang Jun , Kang Si-Hyuck , Oh Chang Wan , Bang Jae Seung , Kim Tackeun
Published: April 2020

An efficient method for identifying subjects at high risk of an intracranial aneurysm (IA) is warranted to provide adequate radiological screening guidelines and effectively allocate medical resources. We developed a model for pre-diagnosis IA prediction using a national claims database and health examination records. Data from the National Health Screening Program in Korea were utilized as input for several machine learning algorithms: logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), scalable tree boosting system (XGB), and deep neural networks (DNN). Algorithm performance was evaluated through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) using different test data from that employed for model training. Five risk groups were classified in ascending order of risk using model prediction probabilities. Incidence rate ratios between the lowest- and highest-risk groups were then compared. The XGB model produced the best IA risk prediction (AUROC of 0.765) and predicted the lowest IA incidence (3.20) in the lowest-risk group, whereas the RF model predicted the highest IA incidence (161.34) in the highest-risk group. The incidence rate ratios between the lowest- and highest-risk groups were 49.85, 35.85, 34.90, and 30.26 for the XGB, LR, DNN, and RF models, respectively. The developed prediction model can aid future IA screening strategies.
Anti-CD81 antibodies reduce migration of activated T lymphocytes and attenuate mouse experimental colitis
Authors: Hasezaki Takuya , Yoshima Tadahiko , Mine Yukiko
Published: April 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immunological disease associated with CD4+T cell activation in the intestines. CD81 is a regulator of the immune system with multiple biological functions. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the contribution of CD81 to IBD pathophysiology and the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CD81 antibodies. Expression of CD81 was increased on activated T cellsin vitroand in colitic micein vivo. Therapeutic effects of anti-CD81 antibodies on colitic symptoms and inflammation were evaluated in mice with colitis, including long-term effects of the antibodies. Treatment with anti-CD81 antibodies improved colitis scores, reduced colon shortening, decreased loss of body weight, and resulted in fewer pathological changes of the colon in colitic mice. Moreover, the increased inflammatory markers in the blood of colitic mice were decreased by anti-CD81 antibodies. The anti-CD81 antibody treatment had long-lasting therapeutic effects on colitic mice, even after cessation of treatment. Two different clones of the anti-mouse CD81 antibody were also effective in mice with colitis. Furthermore, anti-CD81 antibodies reduced migration of CD4+T cells both in colitic mice andin vitro. Thus, CD81 contributes to IBD pathology and treatment with anti-CD81 antibodies may be a potential novel therapy for IBD patients.
Rotavirus A shedding and HBGA host genetic susceptibility in a birth community-cohort, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2014–2018
Authors: Cantelli Carina Pacheco , Velloso Alvaro Jorge , Assis Rosane Maria Santos de , Barros José Júnior , Mello Francisco Campello do Amaral , Cunha Denise Cotrim da , Brasil Patricia , Nordgren Johan , Svensson Lennart , Miagostovich Marize Pereira , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi , Moraes Marcia Terezinha Baroni de
Published: April 2020

Recent studies have investigated whether the human histo-blood group antigen (HBGAs) could affect the effectiveness of the oral rotavirus vaccines, suggesting secretor positive individuals develop a more robust response. We investigated the Rotavirus A (RVA) shedding in association with the host susceptibility profile in children from a birth community-cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. A total of 132 children were followed-up between 0 to 11-month-old, stool samples were collected before/after the 1st/2ndRV1 vaccination doses and saliva samples were collected during the study. RVA shedding was screened by RT-qPCR and G/P genotypes determined by multiplex RT-PCR and/or Sanger nucleotide sequencing. The sequencing indicated an F167L amino acid change in the RV1 VP8* P[8] in 20.5% of shedding follow-ups and these mutant subpopulations were quantified by pyrosequencing. The HBGA/secretor status was determined and 80.3% of the children were secretors. Twenty-oneFUT2gene SNPs were identified and two new mutations were observed. The mutant F167L RV1 VP8* P[8] was detected significantly more in Le (a+b+) secretors (90.5%) compared to non-secretors and even to secretors Le (a−b+) (9.5%). The study highlights the probable association between RV1 shedding and HBGAs as a marker for evaluating vaccine strain host susceptibility.
Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of in vitro cultured Nidularium procerum, a bromeliad vulnerable to extinction
Authors: Gollo André Luiz , Tanobe Valcineide O. A. , de Melo Pereira Gilberto Vinícius , Marin Oranys , Bonatto Sandro José Ribeiro , Silva Suzany , de Barros Ivan Ricardo , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: April 2020

This study reports the first phytochemical and biological characterization in treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R) of extracts fromNidularium procerum, an endemic bromeliad of Atlantic Forest vulnerable to extinction. Extracts of dry leaves obtained fromin vitro-grown plants were recovered by different extraction methods,viz., hexanoic, ethanolic, and hot and cold aqueous. Chromatography–based metabolite profiling and chemical reaction methods revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, lipids, vitamins, among other antioxidant and antitumor biomolecules. Eicosanoic and tricosanoic acids, α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) and scutellarein were, for the first time, described in theNidulariumgroup. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts contained the highest phenolic content (107.3 mg of GAE.100 g−1) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, respectively. The immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities of aqueous extracts were assessed using specific tests of murine macrophages modulation (RAW 264.7) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, respectively. The aqueous extract improved cell adhesion and phagocytic activities and phagolysossomal formation of murine macrophages. This constitutes new data on the Bromeliaceae family, which should be better exploited to the production of new phytomedicines for pharmacological uses.
Impact of Kidney Donor Profile Index Scores on Post-Transplant Clinical Outcomes Between Elderly and Young Recipients, A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Park Woo Yeong , Kim Jeong Ho , Ko Eun Jung , Min Ji-Won , Ban Tae Hyun , Yoon Hye-Eun , Kim Young Soo , Jin Kyubok , Yang Chul Woo , Han Seungyeup , Chung Byung Ha
Published: April 2020

We investigated if clinical outcomes after kidney transplantation (KT) from deceased donors (DDs) with high Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) can be different according to the age of KT recipients (KTRs). Six-hundred fifty-seven KTRs from 526 DDs were included from four transplant centers. We divided KTRs into elderly-KTR and young-KTR groups based on age 60 and each group was subdivided into high- or low-KDPI subgroup based on KDPI score of 65%. We compared short-term and long-term clinical outcomes among those four subgroups (low KDPI-young KTR, low KDPI-elderly-KTR, high KDPI-young-KTR, high KDPI-elderly-KTR). In short-term outcomes including acute rejection, BK virus and CMV infection, there was no significant difference among the four subgroups. In the long-term outcomes, the development of cardiovascular disease was higher in the high KDPI-elderly-KTR group than the other groups. In comparison of allograft survival rate, the high KDPI-young KTR subgroup showed highest risk for allograft failure and there was significant interaction between high-KDPI donors and young-KTR on allograft survival rate (P = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in comparison of the patient survival rate. In conclusion, clinical impact of high-KDPI in DDs on post-transplant allograft survival may be less significant in elderly-KTR than in young-KTR.
PENet—a scalable deep-learning model for automated diagnosis of pulmonary embolism using volumetric CT imaging
Authors: Huang Shih-Cheng , Kothari Tanay , Banerjee Imon , Chute Chris , Ball Robyn L. , Borus Norah , Huang Andrew , Patel Bhavik N. , Rajpurkar Pranav , Irvin Jeremy , Dunnmon Jared , Bledsoe Joseph , Shpanskaya Katie , Dhaliwal Abhay , Zamanian Roham , Ng Andrew Y. , Lungren Matthew P.
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening clinical problem and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment are critical to avoid high morbidity and mortality rates, yet PE remains among the diagnoses most frequently missed or delayed. In this study, we developed a deep learning model—PENet, to automatically detect PE on volumetric CTPA scans as an end-to-end solution for this purpose. The PENet is a 77-layer 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) pretrained on the Kinetics-600 dataset and fine-tuned on a retrospective CTPA dataset collected from a single academic institution. The PENet model performance was evaluated in detecting PE on data from two different institutions: one as a hold-out dataset from the same institution as the training data and a second collected from an external institution to evaluate model generalizability to an unrelated population dataset. PENet achieved an AUROC of 0.84 [0.82–0.87] on detecting PE on the hold out internal test set and 0.85 [0.81–0.88] on external dataset. PENet also outperformed current state-of-the-art 3D CNN models. The results represent successful application of an end-to-end 3D CNN model for the complex task of PE diagnosis without requiring computationally intensive and time consuming preprocessing and demonstrates sustained performance on data from an external institution. Our model could be applied as a triage tool to automatically identify clinically important PEs allowing for prioritization for diagnostic radiology interpretation and improved care pathways via more efficient diagnosis.
Tankyrase inhibition sensitizes melanoma to PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade in syngeneic mouse models
Authors: Waaler Jo , Mygland Line , Tveita Anders , Strand Martin Frank , Solberg Nina Therese , Olsen Petter Angell , Aizenshtadt Aleksandra , Fauskanger Marte , Lund Kaja , Brinch Shoshy Alam , Lycke Max , Dybing Elisabeth , Nygaard Vegard , Bøe Sigurd Læines , Heintz Karen-Marie , Hovig Eivind , Hammarström Clara , Corthay Alexandre , Krauss Stefan
Published: April 2020

The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major breakthrough in cancer therapy. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients fail to respond to checkpoint pathway blockade. Evidence for WNT/β-catenin signaling-mediated immune evasion is found in a subset of cancers including melanoma. Currently, there are no therapeutic strategies available for targeting WNT/β-catenin signaling. Here we show that a specific small-molecule tankyrase inhibitor, G007-LK, decreases WNT/β-catenin and YAP signaling in the syngeneic murine B16-F10 and Clone M-3 melanoma models and sensitizes the tumors to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the synergistic effect of tankyrase and checkpoint inhibitor treatment is dependent on loss of β-catenin in the tumor cells, anti-PD-1-stimulated infiltration of T cells into the tumor and induction of an IFNγ- and CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune response. Our study uncovers a combinatorial therapeutical strategy using tankyrase inhibition to overcome β-catenin-mediated resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma.
The feather degradation mechanisms of a new Streptomyces sp. isolate SCUT-3
Authors: Li Zhi-Wei , Liang Shuang , Ke Ye , Deng Jun-Jin , Zhang Ming-Shu , Lu De-Lin , Li Jia-Zhou , Luo Xiao-Chun
Published: April 2020

Feather waste is the highest protein-containing resource in nature and is poorly reused. Bioconversion is widely accepted as a low-cost and environmentally benign process, but limited by the availability of safe and highly efficient feather degrading bacteria (FDB) for its industrial-scale fermentation. Excessive focuses on keratinase and limited knowledge of other factors have hindered complete understanding of the mechanisms employed by FDB to utilize feathers and feather cycling in the biosphere. Streptomyces sp. SCUT-3 can efficiently degrade feather to products with high amino acid content, useful as a nutrition source for animals, plants and microorganisms. Using multiple omics and other techniques, we reveal how SCUT-3 turns on its feather utilization machinery, including its colonization, reducing agent and protease secretion, peptide/amino acid importation and metabolism, oxygen consumption and iron uptake, spore formation and resuscitation, and so on. This study would shed light on the feather utilization mechanisms of FDBs.
Highly luminescent blue-emitting In1−xGaxP@ZnS quantum dots and their applications in QLEDs with inverted structure
Authors: Kim Yujin , Yang Kwangmo , Lee Seonghoon
Published: April 2020

A novel P precursor with controllable reactivity and new metal complex precursors soluble in ODE are created and used for blue-emitting In1−xGaxP@ZnS QDs (PLQY: 65%; FWHM: 46 nm). The III–V-CQD based blue-QLED of the best EQE until now is reported.
Synthesis of an amorphous Geobacter-manganese oxide biohybrid as an efficient water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Kalathil Shafeer , Katuri Krishna P. , Saikaly Pascal E.
Published: April 2020

Self-decorated Mn2O3 nanocrystals on Geobacter sulfurreducens were synthesized as sustainable and efficient water oxidation catalysts.
Enhanced catalytic activity of copper complexes in microgels for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohols
Authors: Schäfer Dominic , Fink Fabian , Kleinschmidt Denise , Keisers Kristina , Thomas Fabian , Hoffmann Alexander , Pich Andrij , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: April 2020

Catalytically active copper bis(pyrazolyl)methane complexes have been anchored into pVCL-GMA microgels on specified positions within the microgel network.
The eternal battle to combat global warming: (thio)urea as a CO2wet scrubbing agent
Authors: Eftaiha Ala’a F. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Alsayyed Ahed W. , Al-Qaisi Feda’a , Alsoubani Fatima , Assaf Khaleel I.
Published: April 2020

CO2binding by urea/thiourea compoundsviathe formation of carbamide–carboxylate (–CONH2–CO2) and carbamimidothiocarbonate (–NH–CS–CO2) sodium adducts.
Tailoring ultra-fast charge transfer in MoS2
Authors: Johansson Fredrik O. L. , Cappel Ute B. , Fondell Mattis , Han Yuanyuan , Gorgoi Mihaela , Leifer Klaus , Lindblad Andreas
Published: April 2020

Charge transfer dynamics are of importance in functional materials used in devices. This property is morphology dependent in MoS2. Compared to a single crystal it is faster in a nanoparticle sample and even faster for a MoS2 graphene oxide composite.
Synthesis of alkynes from non-alkyne sources
Authors: Shaw Ranjay , Elagamy Amr , Althagafi Ismail , Pratap Ramendra
Published: April 2020

This review contains a compilation of the literature for the synthesis of alkynes from non-alkyne sources.
Initiation of condensation of toluene and octane vapours on a Si surface
Authors: Yaghoubian Sima
Published: April 2020

The use of the zeta adsorption isotherm in determining the condensation mode of toluene on silicon.
UV-cured nanocomposite coating for surface charging mitigation and breakdown strength enhancement: exploring the combination of surface topographical structure and perfluorooctyl chain
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Wen-Dong , Jiang Zhi-Hui , Yang Xiong , Sun Guang-Yu , Zhang Guan-Jun
Published: April 2020

A facile method using a nanocomposite coating is proposed to suppress surface charge accumulation and enhance the surface breakdown strength of polymeric insulating materials like epoxy resin by covering a thin modified alumina flake/UV curable resin nanocomposite coating.
Atomic thermodynamics and microkinetics of the reduction mechanism of electrolyte additives to facilitate the formation of solid electrolyte interphases in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhou Jianhua , Xu Zhen , Wang Yixuan
Published: April 2020

The formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) between the anode surface and the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been considered to be the most important yet the least understood issue of LIBs.
Palladium-catalyzed highly regioselective mono and double Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of 5-substituted-1,2,3-triiodobenzene under ambient conditions
Authors: Al-Zoubi Raed M. , Al-Omari Mothana K. , Al-Jammal Walid K. , Ferguson Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Efficient and highly regioselective synthesis of 2,3-diiodinated diphenylacetylene and iodinated meta-terphenylacetylene derivatives via mono and double Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.
Carbon monoxide formation from trimethylamine-boranecarboxylate: DFT studies of SNi and chelotropic mechanisms
Authors: Keller John W. , Ayudhya Theppawut I. , Dingra Nin N.
Published: April 2020

According to a DFT model, CO is formed from trimethylamine boranecarboxylate, a carbon monoxide releasing molecular pro-drug (CORM),viainitial SNi subsitution followed by chelotropic fragmentation of the resulting cyclic carboxyborane anion.
Novel patterned sapphire substrates for enhancing the efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chao Szu-Han , Yeh Li-Hsien , Wu Rudder T. , Kawagishi Kyoko , Hsu Shih-Chieh
Published: April 2020

A novel patterned sapphire substrate composed of a silicon nitride barrier and air voids was developed for enhancing the efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes.
Docking and in vitro molecular biology studies of p-anisidine-appended 1-hydroxy-2-acetonapthanone Schiff base lanthanum(iii) complexes
Authors: Sathiyanarayanan V. , Prasath P. Varun , Sekhar P. Chandra , Ravichandran K. , Easwaramoorthy D. , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Oh Won Chun , Sagadevan Suresh
Published: April 2020

A new series of lanthanum(iii) complexes was synthesized using a p-anisidine-appended 1-hydroxy-2-acetonapthanone (3) Schiff base and characterized via spectroscopic methods.
3D nanoweb-like zeolitic imidazole framework in a microfluidic system for catalytic applications
Authors: Ko Dong-Hyeon , Chen Rui , Sun Dengrong , Leem Jin Woo , Joo Jeong-Un , Kang Il-Suk , Sung Myung Mo , Lee Haiwon , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: April 2020

A 3D nanoweb-like zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst was structured inside a microfluidic channel for Knoevenagel condensation reaction by growing the ZIF on 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) networks bridging the built-in micropillars.
Controlling DOPA adsorption via interacting with polyelectrolytes: layer structure and corrosion resistance
Authors: Chen Ting , Yang Hui , Yang Ming , Liu Fanghui , Wu Jiazhong , Yang Siyu , Wang Jinben
Published: April 2020

Protein adsorption on polyelectrolyte (PE) surfaces can be tuned by PE layer structure and property, which plays an important role in understanding the correlation between molecular conformation and anticorrosion performance of composite materials.
Triple layered Ga2O3/Cu2O/Au photoanodes with enhanced photoactivity and stability prepared using iron nickel oxide catalysts
Authors: Kim Hee Jun , Lee Tae Won , Kim Hye Hyun , Yang U Jeong , Kim Chan Ul , Choi Kyoung Jin , Lee Heon , Baik Jeong Min
Published: April 2020

In this study, the photoelectrochemical performance of Cu2O-based photoanodes is evaluated in terms of photoactivity and stability.
Highly efficient and durable aqueous electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to HCOOH with a novel bismuth–MOF: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Zhang Xurui , Zhang Yanxing , Li Qingqing , Zhou Xiaodong , Li Qingyu , Yi Jin , Liu Yuyu , Zhang Jiujun
Published: April 2020

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERCO2) to low-carbon fuel and useful chemicals, which can simultaneously store renewable energy and recover CO2 in a green manner, has proven to be a viable energy storage and conversion strategy.
Simultaneously improving the photovoltaic parameters of organic solar cells via isomerization of benzo[b]benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene-based octacyclic non-fullerene acceptors
Authors: Zhou Zhijie , Duan Jiamin , Ye Linglong , Wang Guo , Zhao Bin , Tan Songting , Shen Ping , Ryu Hwa Sook , Woo Han Young , Sun Yanming
Published: April 2020

Three isomeric FREAs were synthesized and applied in organic solar cells. The OSC devices based on Z1-bb exhibited a PCE of 12.66%. The isomerization of a fused-ring core could be achieve high-performance OSCs with high Jsc, Voc, and FF.
Fe/Fe3C nanoparticle-decorated N-doped carbon nanofibers for improving the nitrogen selectivity of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction
Authors: Lan Yue , Chen Junliang , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wei-xian , Yang Jianping
Published: April 2020

N-doped carbon nanofibers embedded with Fe/Fe3C nanodomains demonstrate superior electrocatalytic nitrate reduction ability and nitrogen selectivity.
Ultrasensitive micro/nanocrack-based graphene nanowall strain sensors derived from the substrate's Poisson's ratio effect
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Ye Chen , Zhao Gang , Zhang Huan , Liu Zhiduo , Dai Wen , Wang Junjie , Alam Fakhr E. , Yan Qingwei , Li Xinming , Xu Jian , Chen Chin-Yin , Zhao Pei , Ye Jichun , Jiang Nan , Chen Ding , Wu Sudong , Kong Jing , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: April 2020

Thin film strain sensors composed of GNWs grown by MPCVD, showing ultrahigh sensitivity which can be applied for acoustic signature recognition, as well as electronic skin devices to detect both subtle and large motions of the human body.
Nano-domains in lead-free piezoceramics: a review
Authors: Lv Xiang , Zhang Xi-xiang , Wu Jiagang
Published: April 2020

A systematic review summarizing and analyzing the role of recently observed nano-domains and polar nanoregions (PNRs) in lead-free piezoceramics.
Decoupled electrolytes towards enhanced energy and high temperature performance of thermally regenerative ammonia batteries
Authors: Wang Weiguang , Shu Gequn , Zhu Xiuping , Tian Hua
Published: April 2020

An electrolyte decoupling strategy is proposed for ammonia batteries to restrain the self-discharge and enhance energy density as well as power generation at high temperatures.
Multiradical-stabilized hollow carbon spheres as a pressure-resistant cathode for fast lithium/sodium storage with excellent performance
Authors: Lu Chengyi , Pan Guang , Mao Zhaoyong , Shi Liangwei , Huang Qiaogao , Tian Wenlong , Hu Yuli , Wu Haitao , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Kening
Published: April 2020

Improving the energy density of pressure-tolerant batteries is an important approach to improving the working ability of underwater robots.
Mesoscopic heterogeneity in a nanocellulose-containing cell storage medium
Authors: Shundo Atsuomi , Matsumoto Yuji , Hayashi Hisato , Tsuruzoe Nobutomo , Matsuno Hisao , Tanaka Keiji
Published: April 2020

A nanocellulose-containing medium was spatially heterogeneous at a few tens of micrometres and its length scale affected cell floating.
A drug delivery system obtained by hot-melt processing of zein plasticized by a pharmaceutically active ionic liquid
Authors: Chaunier Laurent , Viau Lydie , Falourd Xavier , Lourdin Denis , Leroy Eric
Published: April 2020

Zein is extruded with [Lidocainium][Ibuprofenate] to obtain an amorphous drug delivery system.
Shape memory materials for electrically-powered soft machines
Authors: Huang Xiaonan , Ford Michael , Patterson Zach J. , Zarepoor Masoud , Pan Chengfeng , Majidi Carmel
Published: April 2020

We review the recent progress of electrically-powered artificial muscles and soft machines using shape memory alloy and liquid crystal elastomer.
A decellularized scaffold derived from squid cranial cartilage for use in cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Lim Thou , Tang Qian , Zhu Zhen-Zhong , Feng Yong , Zhan Shi , Wei Xiao-Juan , Zhang Chang-Qing
Published: April 2020

Decellularized cartilage scaffold (DCS) is an emerging substitute for cartilage defect application.
Morphology tunable and acid-sensitive dextran–doxorubicin conjugate assemblies for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Qingfei , He Shasha , Kuang Gaizhen , Liu Sha , Lu Hongtong , Li Xiaoyuan , Zhou Dongfang , Huang Yubin
Published: April 2020

Morphology tunable and acid-sensitive dextran–doxorubicin conjugate assemblies (DD-M and DDF-V) were developed for targeted cancer therapy.