bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic properties of high-Tc superconducting nano-junctions made with a focused helium ion beam
Authors: Couëdo François , Amari Paul , Feuillet-Palma Cheryl , Ulysse Christian , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Singh Ranjan , Bergeal Nicolas , Lesueur Jérôme 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Josephson junction (JJ) is the corner stone of superconducting electronics and quantum information processing. While the technology for fabricating low Tc JJ is mature and delivers quantum circuits able to reach the “quantum supremacy”, the fabrication of reproducible and low-noise high-Tc JJ is still a challenge to be taken up. Here we report on noise properties at RF frequencies of recently introduced high-Tc Josephson nano-junctions fabricated by mean of a Helium ion beam focused at sub-nanometer scale on a YBa2Cu3O7 thin film. We show that their current-voltage characteristics follow the standard Resistively-Shunted-Junction (RSJ) circuit model, and that their characteristic frequency fc = (2e/h)IcRn reaches ~300 GHz at low temperature. Using the “detector response” method, we evidence that the Josephson oscillation linewidth is only limited by the thermal noise in the RSJ model for temperature ranging from T ~ 20 K to 75 K. At lower temperature and for the highest He irradiation dose, the shot noise contribution must also be taken into account when approaching the tunneling regime. We conclude that these Josephson nano-junctions present the lowest noise level possible, which makes them very promising for future applications in the microwave and terahertz regimes.
Temporal radiographic changes in COVID-19 patients: relationship to disease severity and viral clearance
Authors: Liu Xiaofan , Zhou Hong , Zhou Yilu , Wu Xiaojun , Zhao Yang , Lu Yang , Tan Weijun , Yuan Mingli , Ding Xuhong , Zou Jinjing , Li Ruiyun , Liu Hailing , Ewing Rob M. , Hu Yi , Nie Hanxiang , Wang Yihua 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 is “public enemy number one” and has placed an enormous burden on health authorities across the world. Given the wide clinical spectrum of COVID-19, understanding the factors that can predict disease severity will be essential since this will help frontline clinical staff to stratify patients with increased confidence. To investigate the diagnostic value of the temporal radiographic changes, and the relationship to disease severity and viral clearance in COVID-19 patients. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 99 patients admitted to the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, with laboratory confirmed moderate or severe COVID-19. Temporal radiographic changes and viral clearance were explored using appropriate statistical methods. Radiographic features from HRCT scans included ground-glass opacity, consolidation, air bronchogram, nodular opacities and pleural effusion. The HRCT scores (peak) during disease course in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia (median: 24.5) were higher compared to those with pneumonia (median: 10) (p = 3.56 × 10 −12), with more frequency of consolidation (p = 0.025) and air bronchogram (p = 7.50 × 10−6). The median values of days when the peak HRCT scores were reached in pneumonia or severe pneumonia patients were 12 vs. 14, respectively (p = 0.048). Log-rank test and Spearman’s Rank-Order correlation suggested temporal radiographic changes as a valuable predictor for viral clearance. In addition, follow up CT scans from 11 pneumonia patients showed full recovery. Given the values of HRCT scores for both disease severity and viral clearance, a standardised HRCT score system for COVID-19 is highly demanded.
A novel loss-of-function mutation of PBK associated with human kidney stone disease
Authors: Nettuwakul Choochai , Sawasdee Nunghathai , Praditsap Oranud , Rungroj Nanyawan , Pasena Arnat , Dechtawewat Thanyaporn , Deejai Nipaporn , Sritippayawan Suchai , Rojsatapong Santi , Chaowagul Wipada , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractKidney stone disease (KSD) is a prevalent disorder that causes human morbidity worldwide. The etiology of KSD is heterogeneous, ranging from monogenic defect to complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Since mutations of genes responsible for KSD in a majority of families are still unknown, our group is identifying mutations of these genes by means of genomic and genetic analyses. In this study, we identified a novel loss-of-function mutation of PBK, encoding the PDZ binding kinase, that was found to be associated with KSD in an affected Thai family. Glycine (Gly) substituted by arginine (Arg) at position 43 (p.Gly43Arg) in PBK cosegregated with the disease in affected members of this family, but was absent in 180 normal control subjects from the same local population. Gly43 is highly evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates, and its substitution affects protein structure by alterations in H-bond forming patterns. This p.Gly43Arg substitution results in instability of the variant PBK protein as examined in HEK293T cells. The variant PBK protein (p.Gly43Arg) demonstrated decreased kinase activity to phosphorylate p38 MAPK as analyzed by immunoblotting and antibody microarray techniques. Taken together, these findings suggest a possible new mechanism of KSD associated with pathogenic PBK variation.
An Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Candidates of Susceptibility Genes for Crohn’s Disease in Japanese Populations
Authors: Kakuta Yoichi , Ichikawa Ryo , Fuyuno Yuta , Hirano Atsushi , Umeno Junji , Torisu Takehiro , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Asakura Akihiro , Nakano Takeru , Izumiyama Yasuhiro , Okamoto Daisuke , Naito Takeo , Moroi Rintaro , Kuroha Masatake , Kanazawa Yoshitake , Kimura Tomoya , Shiga Hisashi , Naito Takeshi , Esaki Motohiro , Kawai Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi , Nakamura Minoru , Matsumoto Takayuki , Nagasaki Masao , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Unno Michiaki , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractExpression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses have enabled us to predict the function of disease susceptibility SNPs. However, eQTL for the effector memory T cells (TEM) located in the lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs), which play an important role in Crohn’s disease (CD), are not yet available. Thus, we conducted RNA sequencing and eQTL analyses of TEM cells located in the LPMCs from IBD patients (n = 20). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using genotyping data of 713 Japanese CD patients and 2,063 controls. We compared the results of GWAS and eQTL of TEM, and also performed a transcriptome-wide association study using eQTL from Genotype Tissue Expression project. By eQTL analyses of TEM, correlations of possible candidates were confirmed in 22,632 pairs and 2,463 genes. Among these candidates, 19 SNPs which showed significant correlation with tenascin-XA (TNXA) expression were significantly associated with CD in GWAS. By TWAS, TNFSF15 (FDR = 1.35e-13) in whole blood, ERV3-1 (FDR = 2.18e-2) in lymphocytes, and ZNF713 (FDR = 3.04e-2) in the sigmoid colon was significantly associated with CD. By conducting integration analyses using GWAS and eQTL data, we confirmed multiple gene transcripts are involved in the development of CD.
Phylogeny, evolution, and potential ecological relationship of cytochrome CYP52 enzymes in Saccharomycetales yeasts
Authors: Ortiz-Álvarez Jossue , Becerra-Bracho Arturo , Méndez-Tenorio Alfonso , Murcia-Garzón Jazmin , Villa-Tanaca Lourdes , Hernández-Rodríguez César 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCytochrome P450s from the CYP52 family participate in the assimilation of alkanes and fatty acids in fungi. In this work, the evolutionary history of a set of orthologous and paralogous CYP52 proteins from Saccharomycetales yeasts was inferred. Further, the phenotypic assimilation profiles were related with the distribution of cytochrome CYP52 members among species. The maximum likelihood phylogeny of CYP52 inferred proteins reveled a frequent ancient and modern duplication and loss events that generated orthologous and paralogous groups. Phylogeny and assimilation profiles of alkanes and fatty acids showed a family expansion in yeast isolated from hydrophobic-rich environments. Docking analysis of deduced ancient CYP52 proteins suggests that the most ancient function was the oxidation of C4-C11 alkanes, while the oxidation of >10 carbon alkanes and fatty acids is a derived character. The ancient CYP52 paralogs displayed partial specialization and promiscuous interaction with hydrophobic substrates. Additionally, functional optimization was not evident. Changes in the interaction of ancient CYP52 with different alkanes and fatty acids could be associated with modifications in spatial orientations of the amino acid residues that comprise the active site. The extended family of CYP52 proteins is likely evolving toward functional specialization, and certain redundancy for substrates is being maintained.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Pelargonic Acid Micelles against Salmonella varies by Surfactant, Serotype and Stress Response
Authors: Dev Kumar Govindaraj , Mis Solval Kevin , Mishra Abhinav , Macarisin Dumitru 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe antimicrobial properties of Pelargonic acid (PA), a component of tomatoes, makes it an attractive candidate as a food additive and sanitizer. The antimicrobial efficacy of PA emulsions generated using surfactants: Tween 80, Triton X100, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Quillaja Saponin was evaluated against Salmonella serotypes Newport, Oranienburg and Typhimurium. Micelle/dropletsize, and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. Surfactant type and concentration significantly influenced the antimicrobial efficacy of PA (p < 0.05). Overall, Salmonella Newport was the most (p < 0.05) susceptible serotype to PA emulsions. PA emulsions generated with 1.00% SDS had the highest (p < 0.05) antimicrobial activity, with MIC of 7.82 mM against S. Newport and 15.62 mM against S. Oranienburg/S. Typhimurium, respectively. Addition of PA to Trypticase Soy Broth resulted in a decreased growth rate and an increased lag phase duration. Cells exposed to PA formed elongated filaments (>5 µm). Additionally, Salmonella serotypes Typhimurium and Newport also formed floccular biofilms. PA emulsions at a concentration of 31.25 mM generated using 1% SDS and 1% Quillaja saponin resulted in >6 log CFU/ml reduction in Salmonella population. Althought all PA emulsions evalauted inhibited Salmonella, morphological changes to this antimicrobial varied substantially among the Salmonella serotypes tested.
Characterization of pharmacogenetic markers related to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia toxicity in Amazonian native Americans population
Authors: de Carvalho Darlen Cardoso , Wanderley Alayde Vieira , dos Santos André Mauricio Ribeiro , Moreira Fabiano Cordeiro , de Sá Roberta Borges Andrade , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Modesto Antonio André Conde , de Souza Tatiane Piedade , Cohen-Paes Amanda , Leitão Luciana Pereira Colares , Rodrigues Juliana Carla Gomes , da Silva Artur Luiz da Costa , Guerreiro João Farias , Santos Sidney , Khayat André Salim , de Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , dos Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children. Differences are found among ethnic groups in the results of the treatment of pediatric ALL. In general, children with a high level of native American ancestry tend to respond less positively to ALL treatments, which may be related to specific genomic variants found in native American groups. Despite the evidence, few data are available on the distribution of the pharmacogenomic variants relevant to the treatment of ALL in traditional Amerindian populations, such the those of the Amazon region. Given this, the present study investigated 27 molecular markers related to the treatment of ALL in Amerindians from Brazilian Amazonia and compared the frequencies with those recorded previously on five continents, that are available in the 1,000 Genomes database. The variation in the genotype frequencies among populations was evaluated using Fisher’s exact test. The False Discovery Rate method was used to correct the results of the multiple analyses. Significant differences were found in the frequencies of the majority of markers between the Amerindian populations and those of other regions around the world. These findings highlight the unique genetic profile of the indigenous population of Brazilian Amazonia, which may reflect a distinct therapeutic profile for the treatment of ALL in these populations.
Low occupancy rate of the pedicle screw in the vertebral body leads to upper instrumented vertebral fracture
Authors: Oe Shin , Yamato Yu , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yoshida Go , Kobayashi Sho , Yasuda Tatsuya , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Mihara Yuki , Ushirozako Hiroki , Ide Koichirou , Yamada Tomohiro , Watanabe Yuh , Matsuyama Yukihiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUpper instrumented vertebra (UIV) fracture in adult spinal deformity surgery leads serious complications, such as spinal cord injury in 0.5–0.8%. Although tip-apex distance is important for preventing screw cut-out in proximal femoral fracture surgery, this suggest that the screw occupancy rate for bone fragments is also important. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the occupancy rate of pedicle screws (ORPS) affects UIV fracture. Patients with UIV fracture 1 year after surgery were defined as the fracture group (F); others were defined as the no fracture group (NF). ORPS, cut-out of pedicle screw (PS), medications, and bone mineral density were evaluated. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between group F (n = 58) and group NF (n = 260) were observed in age (71 years old in group F and 65 years old in group NF), diabetes medication use (19% in group F and 4% in group NF), steroid drug use (10% in group F and 2% in group NF), and ORPS (70% in group F and 76% in group NF). The cut-off value of ORPS using receiver operator characteristic analysis was 73%. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified diabetes medication use (P = 0.026, odds ratio [OR] 4.0) and ORPS < 73% (P = 0.001, OR 3.6) as significant risk factors for UIV fracture. The surgeon can’t control use of diabetes medication. However, they can replace with longer PS when ORPS < 73% is detected on radiographs taken during surgery. Further studies will be needed to better elucidate it’s use.
Respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Yang Yu-Cih , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Hwu Chii-Min 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFew studies investigated the respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with coexistent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We want to compare the long-term respiratory endpoints of metformin use and nonuse in patients with T2DM and COPD. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with T2DM and COPD from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Program between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. Main outcomes were hospitalized bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and lung cancer. In total, 20,644 propensity score-matched metformin users and nonusers were assessed. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of metformin use relative to nonuse for bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, NIPPV, IMV, and lung cancer were 1.17 (1.11–1.23), 1.34 (1.26–1.43), 0.99 (0.89–1.10), 1.10 (1.03–1.17), and 1.12 (0.96–1.30). Metformin use also exhibited significant dose–response relationship with respect to the risks of bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD and IMV. Consistent results were found in the sensitivity test. This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that in patients with T2DM and COPD, metformin use was associated with higher risks of pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, and IMV. If patients with COPD use metformin, vigilance with regard to their pulmonary condition may be required.
Synthesis of hydrotalcite-type mixed oxide catalysts from waste steel slag for transesterification of glycerol and dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Liu Guanhao , Yang Jingyi , Xu Xinru 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe mixed metal oxides S-CaMgAl MO prepared by acidolysis, coprecipitation and calcination under different temperatures from S95 steel slag of Shanghai Baosteel Co., Ltd. were used to catalyze the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and glycerol for synthesizing glycerol carbonate (GC). The catalysts were characterized by EDS, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, CO2-TPD and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. S-CaMgAl MO calcined at 600 °C had excellent catalytic performance due to the large pore size and proper alkalinity. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time and the amount of catalyst on transesterification were investigated to obtain the optimal reaction conditions. The glycerol carbonate yield reached 96.2% and the glycerol conversion was 98.3% under the condition of 3 wt% catalyst, 1:3 molar ratio of glycerol and DMC, 75 °C reaction temperature and 90 min reaction time. In addition, the GC yield and glycerol conversion still achieved above 90% after five cycles of S-CaMgAl MO.
Clinical characteristics of branch retinal vein occlusion with increased retinal haemorrhage during treatment for macular oedema
Authors: Lee You Hyun , Kim Yu Cheol 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study was performed to evaluate clinical characteristics of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients with increased retinal haemorrhage during macular oedema (MO) treatment. Patients were divided into increased and non-increased retinal haemorrhage groups. The former group was sub-divided based on the degree of increase: < 50% or ≥ 50%. Baseline characteristics, clinical data, and best vision achieved before and after increased retinal haemorrhage were assessed. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients were included. Forty-six eyes were non-increased, 11 eyes experienced < 50% increase in retinal haemorrhage, and 11 eyes had ≥ 50% increase. Ischaemic BRVO was related to increased haemorrhage based on the multivariate analysis. The ≥ 50% increase group exhibited higher baseline central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), poorer baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and longer mean periods between the final intravitreal injections and the time increased retinal haemorrhages were observed, compared to the < 50% group. The best vision achieved before and after increased haemorrhage was significantly worse in the ≥ 50% group. In conclusion, the ischaemic type of BRVO is related to increased retinal haemorrhage during MO treatment, and a ≥ 50% increase in haemorrhages is associated with higher CSMT and poorer BCVA at baseline, with poor visual gain.
An investigation of hibernating members from the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera, Culicidae) in subterranean habitats of central Germany
Authors: Dörge Dorian D. , Cunze Sarah , Schleifenbaum Henrik , Zaenker Stefan , Klimpel Sven 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTheCulex pipienscomplex encompasses five species and subspecies of the genusCulex. Over time, a multitude of morphologically indistinguishable species has been assigned to this complex with several species being classified as important vectors for different diseases. Some species of this complex hibernate in subterranean habitats, and it has been proven that viruses can survive this phase of hibernation. However, studies focusing on the environmental requirements, ecology and spatial and temporal distribution patterns of mosquitos in underground habitats are sparse. Here, we investigate the main environmental factors and dependencies ofCulex, considering the number of individuals and survival probabilities in underground habitats during the winter months. Methods. Since the State of Hesse, Germany harbors about 3500 to 4000 subterranean shelters ample availability of subterranean habitats there provides a good opportunity to conduct detailed investigations of theCulex pipienscomplex. In this study, we identified a sample of 727 specimens of overwintering females within theCulex pipienscomplex from 52 different underground sites collected over a period of 23 years using qPCR. A complete data set of samplings of hibernating mosquitos from 698 subterranean habitats in Central Germany over the same period was available to study the spatial and temporal patterns and the effect of temperature and precipitation conditions on these hibernating populations using a generalized linear model (GLM). Results. Our qPCR-results show, similar to aboveground studies of mosquitos, thatCulex pipiens pipiensandCulex torrentiumoccur sympatrically. On the other hand,Culex pipiens molestusoccurred very rarely. The GLM revealed no shifts in species composition over time, but different preferences for subterranean hibernacula, chemical effects on overwintering populations as well as effects of annual and seasonal mean temperature and precipitation during the active phase from March to November.Cx. p. pipiensandCx. torrentiumare the most common species within Hessian caves and other underground habitats during winter. They co-occur with different frequency without any patterns in species composition. Weather conditions influence the number of overwintering mosquitos during the activity phase. Depending on cave parameters, the number of mosquitos decreases during the winter months.
Vector competence of Aedes albopictus populations for chikungunya virus is shaped by their demographic history
Authors: Vega-Rúa Anubis , Marconcini Michele , Madec Yoann , Manni Mosè , Carraretto Davide , Gomulski Ludvik Marcus , Gasperi Giuliano , Failloux Anna-Bella , Malacrida Anna Rodolfa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe mosquitoAedes albopictusis one of the most dangerous invasive species. Its worldwide spread has created health concerns as it is a major vector of arboviruses of public health significance such as chikungunya (CHIKV). Dynamics of different genetic backgrounds and admixture events may have impacted competence for CHIKV in adventive populations. Using microsatellites, we infer the genetic structure of populations across the expansion areas that we then associate with their competence for different CHIKV genotypes. Here we show that the demographic history ofAe. albopictuspopulations is a consequence of rapid complex patterns of historical lineage diversification and divergence that influenced their competence for CHIKV. The history of adventive populations is associated with CHIKV genotypes in a genotype-by-genotype interaction that impacts their vector competence. Thus, knowledge of the demographic history and vector competence of invasive mosquitoes is pivotal for assessing the risk of arbovirus outbreaks in newly colonized areas.