bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-formed compositional superlattices triggered by cation orderings in m-plane Al1−xInxN on GaN
Authors: Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Shima Kohei , Kojima Kazunobu , Kangawa Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImmiscible semiconductors are of premier importance since the source of lighting has been replaced by white light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) composed of thermodynamically immiscible InxGa1−xN blue LEDs and yellow phosphors. For realizing versatile deep-ultraviolet to near-infrared light-emitters, Al1−xInxN alloys are one of the desirable candidates. Here we exemplify the appearance and self-formation sequence of compositional superlattices in compressively strained m-plane Al1−xInxN films. On each terrace of atomically-flat m-plane GaN, In- and Al-species diffuse toward a monolayer (ML) step edge, and the first and second uppermost < $$\stackrel{-}{1}\stackrel{-}{1}20$$

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> cation-rows are preferentially occupied by Al and In atoms, respectively, because the configuration of one In-N and two Al-N bonds is more stable than that of one Al-N and two In-N bonds. Subsequent coverage by next < $$\stackrel{-}{1}\stackrel{-}{1}20$$

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> Al-row buries the < $$\stackrel{-}{1}\stackrel{-}{1}20$$

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> In-row, producing nearly Al0.5In0.5N cation-stripe ordering along [0001]-axis on GaN. At the second Al0.72In0.28N layer, this ordinality suddenly lessens but In-rich and In-poor < $$\stackrel{-}{1}\stackrel{-}{1}20$$

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>-rows are alternately formed, which grow into respective {0001}-planes. Simultaneously, approximately 5-nm-period Al0.70In0.30N/Al0.74In0.26N ordering is formed to mitigate the lattice mismatch along [0001], which grow into approximately 5-nm-period Al0.70In0.30N/Al0.74In0.26N {$$10\stackrel{-}{1}2$$

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} superlattices as step-flow growth progresses. Spatially resolved cathodoluminescence spectra identify the emissions from particular structures.
Risk factors and evaluation of keratoconus progression after penetrating keratoplasty with anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Yoshida Junko , Toyono Tetsuya , Shirakawa Rika , Miyai Takashi , Usui Tomohiko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo determine the risk factors and unique characteristics of keratoconus (KC) progression after penetrating keratoplasty (PK), anterior segment optical coherence tomography parameters were statistically analyzed in comparison with eyes undergoing PK for other diseases as a control. Ninety-one eyes maintaining clear PK grafts for over 10 years were divided into 2 groups according to the primary indication for PK (KC vs Others groups). Corneal thinning indicators (inferior host thinnest corneal thickness/central corneal thickness [IHT/CCT], inferior graft thinnest corneal thickness/CCT [IGT/CCT]), were smaller whereas anterior chamber depth, and steepest corneal power (Ks), and maximum corneal power (Kmax) were larger in the KC group with statistical significance. Graft size, Kmax and Ks correlated with IHT/CCT and IGT/CCT in the KC group. These correlations were not detected in controls. Graft size and postoperative period were selected by multivariate regression analysis as factors for corneal ectatic changes in the KC group. In conclusion, KC eyes long after PK show inferior graft and host corneal thinning, and corneal protrusion. Corneal power parameters such as Kmax or Ks can be used to monitor KC progression after PK. A small graft might lead to KC progression after PK.
Long-term survey of sea turtles (Caretta caretta) reveals correlations between parasite infection, feeding ecology, reproductive success and population dynamics
Authors: Lockley Emma C. , Fouda Leila , Correia Sandra M. , Taxonera Albert , Nash Liam N. , Fairweather Kirsten , Reischig Thomas , Durão Jandira , Dinis Herculano , Roque Silvana Monteiro , Lomba João Pina , dos Passos Leno , Cameron Sahmorie J. K. , Stiebens Victor A. , Eizaguirre Christophe 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLong-term monitoring of host-parasite interactions is important for understanding the consequences of infection on host fitness and population dynamics. In an eight-year survey of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) population nesting in Cabo Verde, we determined the spatiotemporal variation of Ozobranchus margoi, a sanguivorous leech best known as a vector for sea turtle fibropapilloma virus. We quantified O. margoi association with turtles’ δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes to identify where infection occurs. We then measured the influence of infection on reproduction and offspring fitness. We found that parasite prevalence has increased from 10% of the population in 2010, to 33% in 2017. Stable isotope analysis of host skin samples suggests transmission occurs within the host’s feeding grounds. Interestingly, we found a significant interaction between individual size and infection on the reproductive success of turtles. Specifically, small, infected females produced fewer offspring of poorer condition, while in contrast, large, infected turtles produced greater clutch sizes and larger offspring. We interpret this interaction as evidence, upon infection, for a size-dependent shift in reproductive strategy from bet hedging to terminal investment, altering population dynamics. This link between infection and reproduction underscores the importance of using long-term monitoring to quantify the impact of disease dynamics over time.
Transcriptome wide SSR discovery cross-taxa transferability and development of marker database for studying genetic diversity population structure of Lilium species
Authors: Biswas Manosh Kumar , Bagchi Mita , Nath Ujjal Kumar , Biswas Dhiman , Natarajan Sathishkumar , Jesse Denison Michael Immanuel , Park Jong-In , Nou Ill-Sup 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLily belongs to family liliaceae, which mainly propagates vegetatively. Therefore, sufficient number of polymorphic, informative, and functional molecular markers are essential for studying a wide range of genetic parameters in Lilium species. We attempted to develop, characterize and design SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers using online genetic resources for analyzing genetic diversity and population structure of Lilium species. We found di-nucleotide repeat motif were more frequent (4684) within 0.14 gb (giga bases) transcriptome than other repeats, of which was two times higher than tetra-repeat motifs. Frequency of di-(AG/CT), tri-(AGG/CTT), tetra-(AAAT), penta-(AGAGG), and hexa-(AGAGGG) repeats was 34.9%, 7.0%, 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively. A total of 3607 non-redundant SSR primer pairs was designed based on the sequences of CDS, 5′-UTR and 3′-UTR region covering 34%, 14%, 23%, respectively. Among them, a sub set of primers (245 SSR) was validated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, of which 167 primers gave expected PCR amplicon and 101 primers showed polymorphism. Each locus contained 2 to 12 alleles on average 0.82 PIC (polymorphic information content) value. A total of 87 lily accessions was subjected to genetic diversity analysis using polymorphic SSRs and found to separate into seven groups with 0.73 to 0.79 heterozygosity. Our data on large scale SSR based genetic diversity and population structure analysis may help to accelerate the breeding programs of lily through utilizing different genomes, understanding genetics and characterizing germplasm with efficient manner.
Water strider females use individual experience to adjust jumping behaviour to their weight within physical constraints of water surface tension
Authors: Baek Minjung , Lawin Katherine M. , Codden Christina J. , Lim Hangkyo , Yang Eunjin , Kim Ho-Young , Lee Sang-im , Jablonski Piotr G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDifferent species of water striders match leg speeds to their body sizes to maximize their jump take off velocity without breaking the water surface, which might have aided evolution of leg structures optimized for exploitation of the water surface tension. It is not understood how water striders achieve this match. Can individuals modify their leg movements based on their body mass and locomotor experience? Here we tested if water striders, Gerris latiabdominis, adjust jumping behaviour based on their personal experience and how an experimentally added body weight affects this process. Females, but not males, modified their jumping behaviour in weight-dependent manner, but only when they experienced frequent jumping. They did so within the environmental constraint set by the physics of water surface tension. Females’ ability to adjust jumping may represent their adaptation to frequent increases or decreases of the weight that they support as mating bouts, during which males ride on top of females, start or end, respectively. This suggests that natural selection for optimized biomechanics combined with sexual selection for mating adaptations shapes this ability to optimally exploit water surface tension, which might have aided adaptive radiation of Gerromorpha into a diversity of semiaquatic niches.
Genotyping of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Senok Abiola , Nassar Rania , Celiloglu Handan , Nabi Anju , Alfaresi Mubarak , Weber Stefan , Rizvi Irfan , Müller Elke , Reissig Annett , Gawlik Darius , Monecke Stefan , Ehricht Ralf 
Published: October 2020

AbstractReports from Arabian Gulf countries have demonstrated emergence of novel methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. To address the lack of data from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), genetic characterisation of MRSA identified between December 2017 and August 2019 was conducted using DNA microarray-based assays. The 625 MRSA isolates studied were grouped into 23 clonal complexes (CCs) and assigned to 103 strains. CC5, CC6, CC22 and CC30 represented 54.2% (n/N = 339/625) of isolates with other common CCs being CC1, CC8, CC772, CC361, CC80, CC88. Emergence of CC398 MRSA, CC5-MRSA-IV Sri Lanka Clone and ST5/ST225-MRSA-II, Rhine-Hesse EMRSA/New York-Japan Clone in our setting was detected. Variants of pandemic CC8-MRSA-[IVa + ACME I] (PVL+) USA300 were detected and majority of CC772 strains were CC772-MRSA-V (PVL+), “Bengal- Bay Clone”. Novel MRSA strains identified include CC5-MRSA-V (edinA+), CC5-MRSA-[VT + fusC], CC5-MRSA-IVa (tst1+), CC5-MRSA-[V/VT + cas + fusC + ccrA/B-1], CC8-MRSA-V/VT, CC22-MRSA-[IV + fusC + ccrAA/(C)], CC45-MRSA-[IV + fusC + tir], CC80-MRSA-IVa, CC121-MRSA-V/VT, CC152-MRSA-[V + fusC] (PVL+). Although several strains harboured SCC-borne fusidic acid resistance (fusC) (n = 181), erythromycin/clindamycin resistance (ermC) (n = 132) and gentamicin resistance (aacA-aphD) (n = 179) genes, none harboured vancomycin resistance genes while mupirocin resistance gene mupR (n = 2) and cfr gene (n = 1) were rare. An extensive MRSA repertoire including CCs previously unreported in the region and novel strains which probably arose locally suggest an evolving MRSA landscape.
Combining semi-quantitative risk assessment, composite indicator and fuzzy logic for evaluation of hazardous chemical accidents
Authors: Do Huyen Thi Thu , Ly Tram Thi Bich , Do Tho Tien 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, a combination of semi-quantitative risk assessment, composite indicator and fuzzy logic has been developed to identify industrial establishments and processes that represent potential environmental accidents associated with hazardous chemicals. The proposed method takes into consideration the root causes of risk probability of hazardous chemical accidents (HCAs), such as unsafe onsite storing and usage, inadequate operation training, poor safety management and analysis, equipment failure, and factors affected by the potential consequences of the accidents, including human health, water resources, and building and construction. These issues have been aggregated in a system of criteria and sub-criteria, demonstrated by a list of non-overlapping and exhaustive categorical terms. Semi-quantitative risk assessment is then applied to develop a framework for screening industrial establishments that exhibit potential HCAs. Fuzzy set theory with triangular fuzzy number deals with the uncertainty associated with the data input and reduces the influence of subjectivity and vagueness to the final results. The proposed method was tested among 77 industrial establishments located within the industrial zones of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Eighteen establishments were categorized as high HCA risk, 36 establishments were categorized as medium HCA risk, and 23 ones were of low HCA risk. The results are compatible with the practical chemical safety situation of the establishments and are consistent with expert evaluation.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 accelerates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in keratinocytes during wound healing process
Authors: Koike Yuta , Yozaki Mariko , Utani Atsushi , Murota Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the wound healing process, the morphology of keratinocytes at the wound edge temporarily changes to a spindle morphology, which is thought to occur due to an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2, also called basic FGF, has the potential to accelerate wound closure by activating vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts. We examined the effects of FGF2 on keratinocyte morphology and EMT in wounded skin. Histological examination of murine wounds treated with FGF2 revealed that wound edge keratinocytes formed thickened and multilayered epithelia. In addition, we detected wound edge keratinocytes migrating individually toward the wound center. These migrating keratinocytes exhibited not only spindle morphology but also down-regulated E-cadherin and up-regulated vimentin expression, which is characteristic of EMT. In FGF2-treated wounds, a PCR array revealed the upregulation of genes related to EMT, including transforming growth factor (TGF) signaling. Further, FGF2-treated wound edge keratinocytes expressed EMT-associated transcription factors, including Snai2, and showed translocation of β-catenin from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm/nucleus. However, in vitro examination of keratinocytes revealed that FGF2 alone did not activate EMT in keratinocytes, but that FGF2 might promote EMT in combination with TGFβ1. These findings suggest that FGF2 treatment of wounds could promote keratinocyte EMT, accelerating wound closure.
Selenocysteine insertion sequence binding protein 2 (Sbp2) in the sex-specific regulation of selenoprotein gene expression in mouse pancreatic islets
Authors: Chellan B. , Zhao L. , Landeche M. , Carmean C. M. , Dumitrescu A. M. , Sargis R. M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSelenoproteins are a group of selenocysteine-containing proteins with major roles in cellular antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenoprotein expression is determined by hierarchical mechanisms that result in tissue-specific levels. Current data inadequately explain the abundance of various selenoproteins under normal and pathological conditions, including in pancreatic β-cells. Selenocysteine insertion sequence binding protein 2 (SBP2) is a critical protein in selenoprotein translation that also plays an essential role in stabilizing selenoprotein transcripts by antagonizing nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Importantly, dysfunctional SBP2 is associated with endocrine disorders in humans. Here we describe the impact of induced Sbp2 deficiency in pancreatic β-cells on selenoprotein transcript profiles in the pancreatic islets of C57BL/6J mice. Sex differences were noted in control mice, in which female islets showed 5 selenoproteins decreased and one increased versus male islets. Induced Sbp2 deficiency in pancreatic β-cells altered expression of only 3 selenoprotein transcripts in male islets, whereas 14 transcripts were reduced in female islets. In all cases, decreased transcription was observed in genes known to be regulated by NMD. The differential impact of Sbp2 deletion on selenoprotein transcription between sexes suggests sex-specific hierarchical mechanisms of selenoprotein expression that may influence islet biology and consequentially metabolic disease risk.
High prevalence of mcr-1-encoded colistin resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from broiler chicken in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Shahana , Das Tridip , Islam Md Zohorul , Herrero-Fresno Ana , Biswas Paritosh Kumar , Olsen John Elmerdahl 
Published: October 2020

AbstractColistin is a last-resort antimicrobial used for the treatment of human infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, colistin is still widely used in intensive poultry production in Bangladesh. We aimed to investigate the dynamics and genetic diversity of colistin-resistant commensal Escherichia coli from broiler chickens. A total of 1200 E. coli strains were characterized from 20 broiler farms at three-time points along the production period. All strains were screened for mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes by a multiplex PCR, and their genetic diversity was measured by repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP)-PCR fingerprinting. Genomic diversity and characterization were performed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Twenty-five percent of the commensal E. coli strains harbored mcr-1 genes. Frequency of mcr-1 gene detection correlated positively (odds ratio 1.71; 95% CI 0.96–3.06; p = 0.068) with the use of colistin in poultry flocks. REP-PCR profiles and WGS analysis showed diverse E. coli population carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. Phylogenetic comparison of mcr-1-bearing strains recovered from this study with a global strain collection revealed wide phylogenetic relationship. This study identified a high prevalence of mcr-1 gene among genetically diverse E. coli populations from broiler chickens in Bangladesh suggesting a massive horizontal spread of mcr-1 rather than by clonal expansion.
SASH1 is a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Burgess Joshua T. , Bolderson Emma , Adams Mark N. , Duijf Pascal H. G. , Zhang Shu-Dong , Gray Steven G. , Wright Gavin , Richard Derek J. , O’Byrne Kenneth J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSASH1 (SAM and SH3 domain-containing protein 1) is a tumor suppressor protein that has roles in key cellular processes including apoptosis and cellular proliferation. As these cellular processes are frequently disrupted in human tumours and little is known about the role of SASH1 in the pathogenesis of the disease, we analysed the prognostic value of SASH1 in non-small cell lung cancers using publicly available datasets. Here, we show that low SASH1 mRNA expression is associated with poor survival in adenocarcinoma. Supporting this, modulation of SASH1 levels in a panel of lung cancer cell lines mediated changes in cellular proliferation and sensitivity to cisplatin. The treatment of lung cancer cells with chloropyramine, a compound that increases SASH1 protein concentrations, reduced cellular proliferation and increased sensitivity to cisplatin in a SASH1-dependent manner. In summary, compounds that increase SASH1 protein levels could represent a novel approach to treat NSCLC and warrant further study.
A neural algorithm for Drosophila linear and nonlinear decision-making
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Zeng Yi , Guo Aike , Su Haifeng , Xu Bo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt has been evidenced that vision-based decision-making in Drosophila consists of both simple perceptual (linear) decision and value-based (non-linear) decision. This paper proposes a general computational spiking neural network (SNN) model to explore how different brain areas are connected contributing to Drosophila linear and nonlinear decision-making behavior. First, our SNN model could successfully describe all the experimental findings in fly visual reinforcement learning and action selection among multiple conflicting choices as well. Second, our computational modeling shows that dopaminergic neuron-GABAergic neuron-mushroom body (DA-GABA-MB) works in a recurrent loop providing a key circuit for gain and gating mechanism of nonlinear decision making. Compared with existing models, our model shows more biologically plausible on the network design and working mechanism, and could amplify the small differences between two conflicting cues more clearly. Finally, based on the proposed model, the UAV could quickly learn to make clear-cut decisions among multiple visual choices and flexible reversal learning resembling to real fly. Compared with linear and uniform decision-making methods, the DA-GABA-MB mechanism helps UAV complete the decision-making task with fewer steps.
Transportin-2 plays a critical role in nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of oestrogen receptor-α
Authors: Moriyama Tetsuji , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Oka Masahiro , Yamada Masami 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOestrogen receptor-α (ERα) shuttles continuously between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and functions as an oestrogen-dependent transcription factor in the nucleus and as an active mediator of signalling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, in the cytoplasm. However, little is known regarding the mechanism of ERα nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this study, we found that ERα is transported into the nucleus by importin-α/β1. Furthermore, we found that Transportin-2 (TNPO2) is involved in 17β-oestradiol (E2)-dependent cytoplasmic localisation of ERα. Interestingly, it was found that TNPO2 does not mediate nuclear export, but rather is involved in the cytoplasmic retention of ERα via the proline/tyrosine (PY) motifs. Moreover, we found that TNPO2 competitively binds to the basic nuclear localisation signal (NLS) of ERα with importin-α to inhibit importin-α/β-dependent ERα nuclear import. Finally, we confirmed that TNPO2 knockdown enhances the nuclear localisation of wild-type ERα and reduces PI3K/AKT phosphorylation in the presence of E2. These results reveal that TNPO2 regulates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and cytoplasmic retention of ERα, so that ERα has precise functions depending on the stimulation.
Association between obesity and remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
Authors: Abuhelwa Ahmad Y. , Hopkins Ashley M. , Sorich Michael J. , Proudman Susanna , Foster David J. R. , Wiese Michael D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between body-mass index (BMI) and remission in RA patients receiving conventional synthetic (cs-) or the biological Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD), tocilizumab. Individual participant data (IPD) were pooled from five trials investigating tocilizumab and/or csDMARDs therapy (primarily methotrexate) for RA. Time to first remission was recorded according to the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). BMI was classified according to WHO definitions. Associations between baseline BMI and remission were assessed by Cox-proportional hazard analysis. IPD were available from 5428 patients treated with tocilizumab ± csDMARDs (n = 4098) or csDMARDs alone (n = 1330). Of these, 1839 (33.9%) had normal BMI, 1780 (32.8%) overweight, 1652 (30.4%) obese and 157 (2.9%) were underweight. Obesity, compared to normal BMI, was associated with less frequent remission using SDAI (adjusted HR 0.80 [95% CI 0.70–0.92]) and CDAI (adjusted HR 0.77 [0.68–0.87]). As continuous variable, increased BMI was associated with less frequent SDAI (P = 0.001) and CDAI (P = 0.001) defined remission. No heterogeneity in identified associations was observed between studies (P = 0.08) or treatments (P = 0.22). Obesity was negatively associated with RA disease remission regardless of RA therapy, suggesting that baseline BMI should be considered as a stratification factor in future RA trials.