bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method for characterizing dissolved DNA and its application to the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Linney Morgan D. , Schvarcz Christopher R. , Steward Grieg F. , DeLong Edward F. , Karl David M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDissolved DNA (D‐DNA) is a ubiquitous component of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems. It is operationally defined as the DNA that passes a membrane filter and thus includes pools of truly dissolved “free” DNA (F‐DNA), virion encapsidated DNA, DNA within membrane vesicles, and possibly other bound forms, each with different sources and lability. We investigated whether filtration (< 0.1 μm), concentration by tangential flow ultrafiltration (> 30 kDa), and fractionation in an equilibrium buoyant density gradient could be used to discriminate the mass contributions of the different pools of filterable DNA in seawater. Spike‐in experiments with a known range of DNA standards (75–20,000 bp) indicated that this method results in high recoveries of F‐DNA (68–86%) with minimal degradation. Application of the fractionation method to seawater samples collected from the oligotrophic North Pacific Ocean followed by analysis of fractions (epifluorescence and electron microscopy, DNase digestion) suggested that the low‐density fractions (1.30–1.35 g mL−1) were dominated by vesicle‐like particles, mid‐density fractions (1.45–1.55 g mL−1) by virus‐like particles, and high‐density fractions (1.60–1.70 g mL−1) by F‐DNA. The estimated concentration of DNA that is either F‐DNA, in viruses, or in vesicles was 0.13, 0.14, and 0.08 μg L−1, respectively in the euphotic zone and 0.09, 0.04, and 0.03 μg L−1, respectively in the mesopelagic zone. The approach described should be useful for more detailed investigations of the abundance, dynamics, and sources of DNA in the distinct pools that comprise filterable DNA in aquatic environments.
Enabling Optical Steganography, Data Storage, and Encryption with Plasmonic Colors
Authors: Song Maowen , Wang Di , Kudyshev Zhaxylyk A. , Xuan Yi , Wang Zhuoxian , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Kildishev Alexander V. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlasmonic color generation utilizing ultrathin metasurfaces as well as metallic nanoparticles holds a great promise for a wide range of applications including color displays, data storage, and information encryption due to its high spatial resolution and mechanical/chemical stability. Most of the recently demonstrated systems generate static colors; however, more advanced applications such as data storage require fast and flexible means to tune the plasmonic colors, while keeping them vibrant and stable. Here, a surface‐relief aluminum metasurface that reflects polarization‐tunable plasmonic colors is designed and experimentally demonstrated. Excitation of localized surface plasmons encodes discrete combinations of the incident and reflected polarized light into diverse colors. A single storage unit, namely a nanopixel, stores multiple‐bit information in the orientation of its constituent nanoantennae, which is conveniently retrived by inspecting the reflected color sequence with two linear polarizers. Owing to the broad color variability and high spatial resolution of the metasurface, the proposed encoding approach holds a strong promise for rapid parallel readout and encryption of high‐density optical data. The method also enables robust generation of dynamic kaleidoscopic images without the “cross‐talk” effect. The approach opens up a new route for advanced dynamic steganography, high‐density parallel‐access optical data storage, and optical information encryption.
Repeatability of IVIM biomarkers from diffusion‐weighted MRI in head and neck: Bayesian probability versus neural network
Authors: Koopman Thomas , Martens Roland , Gurney‐Champion Oliver J. , Yaqub Maqsood , Lavini Cristina , de Graaf Pim , Castelijns Jonas , Boellaard Ronald , Marcus J. Tim 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model for DWI might provide useful biomarkers for disease management in head and neck cancer. This study compared the repeatability of three IVIM fitting methods to the conventional nonlinear least‐squares regression: Bayesian probability estimation, a recently introduced neural network approach, IVIM‐NET, and a version of the neural network modified to increase consistency, IVIM‐NETmod.MethodsTen healthy volunteers underwent two imaging sessions of the neck, two weeks apart, with two DWI acquisitions per session. Model parameters (ADC, diffusion coefficient , perfusion fraction , and pseudo‐diffusion coefficient ) from each fit method were determined in the tonsils and in the pterygoid muscles. Within‐subject coefficients of variation (wCV) were calculated to assess repeatability. Training of the neural network was repeated 100 times with random initialization to investigate consistency, quantified by the coefficient of variance.ResultsThe Bayesian and neural network approaches outperformed nonlinear regression in terms of wCV. Intersession wCV of in the tonsils was 23.4% for nonlinear regression, 9.7% for Bayesian estimation, 9.4% for IVIM‐NET, and 11.2% for IVIM‐NETmod. However, results from repeated training of the neural network on the same data set showed differences in parameter estimates: The coefficient of variances over the 100 repetitions for IVIM‐NET were 15% for both and , and 94% for ; for IVIM‐NETmod, these values improved to 5%, 9%, and 62%, respectively.ConclusionRepeatabilities from the Bayesian and neural network approaches are superior to that of nonlinear regression for estimating IVIM parameters in the head and neck.
Genetic factors involved in delayed methotrexate elimination in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Cheng Yu , Chen Mao‐hua , Zhuang Qian , Lin Bi‐juan , Chen Ying‐ying , Yang Ling , Liu Mao‐bai , Que Wan‐cai , Qiu Hong‐qiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDelayed excretion of methotrexate can lead to life‐threatening toxicity that may result in treatment cessation, irreversible organ damage, and death. Various factors have been demonstrated to influence the pharmacokinetic process of methotrexate, including genetic and nongenetic factors.MethodsWe investigated the genetic factors primarily related to the metabolic pathway of methotrexate in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with delayed elimination, defined as C44‐48h ≥ 1.0μmol/L in this study. A total of 196 patients (delayed excretion group: 98; normal excretion group: 98) who received CCCG‐ALL‐2015 protocol after propensity score‐matched analysis were included in the study. Twenty‐eight target single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, and 25 SNPs were finally included in the study.ResultsThe genotype distribution of SLCO1B1 rs2306283 SNP was different between the delayed and normal excretion groups. SLCO1B1 rs2306283 AA carriers had a significantly lower methotrexate C44‐48h/D ratio than GG carriers in both groups. Furthermore, compared with the normal excretion group, SLCO1B1 rs2306283 AG and GG were risk factors for developing oral mucositis (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11‐4.08; P < .001), hepatotoxicity (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26‐3.56; P < .001), and myelosuppression (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.41; P = .005) in delayed excretion group.ConclusionsThe results from this study indicate the potential role of SLCO1B1 rs2306283 as a pharmacogenomic marker to guide and optimize methotrexate treatment for delayed elimination in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Parental decision making regarding consent to randomization on Children's Oncology Group AALL0932
Authors: Parker Kellee , Cottrell Erika , Stork Linda , Lindemulder Susan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundWithin pediatric oncology, parental decision making regarding participation in clinical trials that aim to reduce therapy to mitigate side effects is not well studied. The recently completed Children's Oncology Group trial for standard‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AALL0932) included a reduction in maintenance therapy, and required consent for randomization immediately prior to starting maintenance. At our institution, 40% of children enrolled on AALL0932 were withdrawn from protocol therapy prior to randomization due to parental choice. This study sought to identify factors that impacted parental decision making regarding randomization on AALL0932.ProcedureParents of children enrolled on AALL0932 at our institution were eligible if their child met criteria for the average‐risk randomization. Parents were invited to participate in a 30‐50‐minute phone interview. Questions focused on factors that shaped parental decision making about randomization, as well as their perspectives about the clinical trial experience more generally.ResultsFear of receiving less therapy and subsequent relapse was the predominant reason to decline randomization. Reasons given for consenting to randomization included trust in the physician, altruism, hope for less therapy, and potential for fewer side effects. Parents also reflected on ways to support future families making decisions about clinical trial participation.ConclusionWhile many parents recognize the importance of clinical trials aiming to mitigate side effects, the fear of their own child relapsing with less than standard therapy may dissuade them from study participation. Recognizing and addressing these concerns will be important for enrollment and retention in future clinical trials.
Linear Burning Rate and Erosivity Properties of Nitrocellulose Propellant Formulations Plasticized by Glycidyl Azide Polymer and Nitroglycerine
Authors: Comtois Etienne , Favis Basil D. , Dubois Charles 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe performance of the extruded cord geometry of nitrocellulose (NC) propellants plasticized by glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and nitroglycerine (NG) has been evaluated using both closed and erosion vented vessel techniques in order to obtain the linear burning rate and the relative erosivity of these propellants. The closed vessel experiments performed at −46, 21 and 63 °C demonstrate that the measured maximum pressure is in accordance with the calculation obtained using the CHEETAH V2 thermochemical code. From the closed vessel analysis, the linear burning rates show that it is on average 89±3 % that of the 21 °C propellant when fired at −46 °C. and 112±4 % when fired at 63 °C. The addition of either GAP or NG increases the linear burning rate when compared to the neat NC formulation. Relative erosion data obtained in the erosion vented vessel are in agreement with the Arisawa‐Kimura models and it is found that the ratio of CO/CO2 concentration in combustion gases is a better erosivity indicator than N2/CO ratio.
SEMA3C induces androgen synthesis in prostatic stromal cells through paracrine signaling
Authors: Yenki Parvin , Adomat Hans H. , Ong Christopher J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCastration resistant prostate cancer progression is associated with an acquired intratumoral androgen synthesis. Signaling pathways that can upregulate androgen production in prostate tumor microenvironment are not entirely known. In this study, we investigate the potential effect of a secreted signaling protein named semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) on steroidogenic activities of prostatic stromal cells.MethodsWe treated human primary prostate stromal cells (PrSC) with 1uM recombinant SEMA3C protein and androgen precursor named dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 1.7uM. Also, to test SEMA3C's effect on the conversion of DHEA to androgens, we exposed PrSCs to the conditioned media derived from LNCaP cells that were transduced with a lentiviral vector harboring full length SEMA3C gene or empty vector (CM‐LNSEMA3C or CM‐LNVector). Then, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed on steroids isolated from PrSCs media. The messnger RNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in PrSCs was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsRecombinant SEMA3C had no effect on steroidogenic activities in PrSCs. However, key steroidogenic enzymes expression and androgen synthesis were upregulated in PrSCs treated with CM‐LNSEMA3C, compared to those treated with CM‐LNVector. These results suggest that steroidogenic activities in PrSCs were upregulated in response to a signaling factor in CM‐LNSEMA3C, other than SEMA3C. We hypothesized that SEMA3C overexpression in LNCaP cells affected androgen synthesis in PrSCs through sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway activation in PrSCs. We verified this effect by blocking Shh signaling with smoothened antagonist.ConclusionBased on known ability of Shh signaling pathway to activate steroidogenesis in stromal cells, we suggest that SEMA3C overexpression in LNCaP cells can upregulate Shh which in turn is able to stimulate steroidogenic activities in prostatic stromal cells.
Having a child within a cohabiting union in Europe and North America: What is the role of parents' socio‐economic status?
Authors: Koops Judith C. , Liefbroer Aart C. , Gauthier Anne H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe link between parental socio‐economic status (SES) and the likelihood of having a birth in cohabitation or in marriage varies considerably across countries. Previous studies have referred to the pattern of disadvantage perspective and the second demographic transition theory to explain this cross‐national variation. Yet no study has directly tested the explanatory power of both theories in this context. In the current study, hypotheses are formulated about the influence of economic inequality and norms regarding family formation on this relationship. The hypotheses are tested in 19 European and North American countries, using data of the Generations and Gender Survey and four other datasets. The analyses show that in societies that have more traditional family formation norms, women with lower parental SES are more likely to have a birth in cohabitation whereas such differences are not found in less traditional societies. The influence of economic inequality is less clear‐cut.
Quantitative modeling predicts competitive advantages of a next generation anti‐NKG2A monoclonal antibody over monalizumab for the treatment of cancer
Authors: Spinosa Phillip , Musial‐Siwek Monika , Presler Marc , Betts Alison , Rosentrater Emily , Villali Janice , Wille Lucia , Zhao Yang , McCaughtry Tom , Subramanian Kalyanasundaram , Liu Hanlan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA semimechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK)/receptor occupancy (RO) model was constructed to differentiate a next generation anti‐NKG2A monoclonal antibody (KSQ mAb) from monalizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors. A three‐compartment model incorporating drug PK, biodistribution, and NKG2A receptor interactions was parameterized using monalizumab PK, in vitro affinity measurements for both monalizumab and KSQ mAb, and receptor burden estimates from the literature. Following calibration against monalizumab PK data in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the model successfully predicted the published PK and RO observed in gynecological tumors and in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Simulations predicted that the KSQ mAb requires a 10‐fold lower dose than monalizumab to achieve a similar RO over a 3‐week period following q3w intravenous (i.v.) infusion dosing. A global sensitivity analysis of the model indicated that the drug‐target binding affinity greatly affects the tumor RO and that an optimal affinity is needed to balance RO with enhanced drug clearance due to target mediated drug disposition. The model predicted that the KSQ mAb can be dosed over a less frequent regimen or at lower dose levels than the current monalizumab clinical dosing regimen of 10 mg/kg q2w. Either dosing strategy represents a competitive advantage over the current therapy. The results of this study demonstrate a key role for mechanistic modeling in identifying optimal drug parameters to inform and accelerate progression of mAb to clinical trials.
Cancer‐on‐a‐Chip for Modeling Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Tumor Interactions
Authors: Jiang Xing , Ren Li , Tebon Peyton , Wang Canran , Zhou Xingwu , Qu Moyuan , Zhu Jixiang , Ling Haonan , Zhang Shiming , Xue Yumeng , Wu Qingzhi , Bandaru Praveen , Lee Junmin , Kim Han‐Jun , Ahadian Samad , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Wu Jinhui , Gu Zhen , Sun Wujin , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐based therapies, have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, patient response to ICIs is highly variable, necessitating the development of methods to quickly assess efficacy. In this study, an array of miniaturized bioreactors has been developed to model tumor‐immune interactions. This immunotherapeutic high‐throughput observation chamber (iHOC) is designed to test the effect of anti‐PD‐1 antibodies on cancer spheroid (MDA‐MB‐231, PD‐L1+) and T cell (Jurkat) interactions. This system facilitates facile monitoring of T cell inhibition and reactivation using metrics such as tumor infiltration and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) secretion. Status of the tumor‐immune interactions can be easily captured within the iHOC by measuring IL‐2 concentration using a micropillar array where sensitive, quantitative detection is allowed after antibody coating on the surface of array. The iHOC is a platform that can be used to model and monitor cancer‐immune interactions in response to immunotherapy in a high‐throughput manner.
Nanojet Trapping of a Single Sub‐10 nm Upconverting Nanoparticle in the Full Liquid Water Temperature Range
Authors: Lu Dasheng , Pedroni Marco , Labrador‐Páez Lucía , Marqués Manuel I. , Jaque Daniel , Haro‐González Patricia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUpconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been used as optical probes in a great variety of scenarios ranging from cells to animal models. When optically trapped, a single UCNP can be remotely manipulated making possible, for instance, thermal scanning in the surroundings of a living cell. When conventional optics is used, the stability of an optically trapped UCNP is very limited. Its reduced size leads to optical potentials comparable to thermal energy, and up to now, stable optical trapping of a UCNP has been demonstrated only close to room temperature. This fact limits their use above room temperature, for instance, the use to investigate protein denaturalization that occurs in the 40–50 °C range. In this work, stable optical trapping of a single UCNP in the 20–90 °C range has been demonstrated by using a photonic nanojet. The use of an optically trapped microsphere makes it possible to overcome the diffraction limit producing another optical trap of smaller size and enhanced strength. This simple strategy leads not only to an improvement in the thermal stability of the optical trap but also to an enhancement of the emission intensity generated by the optically trapped UCNP.
Engineering Bimetallic NiFe‐Based Hydroxides/Selenides Heterostructure Nanosheet Arrays for Highly‐Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Caichi , Han Yu , Yao Libing , Liang Limin , He Jiayin , Hao Qiuyan , Zhang Jun , Li Ying , Liu Hui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDeveloping cost‐effective and high‐efficiency electrocatalysts toward alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for water splitting. Amorphous bimetallic NiFe‐based (oxy)hydroxides have excellent OER activity under alkaline media, but their poorly electrical conductivity impedes the further improvement of their catalytic performance. Herein, a bimetallic NiFe‐based heterostructure electrocatalyst that is composed of amorphous NiFe(OH)x and crystalline pyrite (Ni, Fe)Se2 nanosheet arrays is designed and constructed. The catalyst exhibits an outstanding OER performance, only requiring low overpotentials of 180, 220, and 230 mV at the current density of 10, 100, and 300 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH, which is among the state‐of‐the‐art OER catalysts. Based on the experimental and theoretical results, the electronic coupling at the interface that leads to the increased electrical conductivity and the optimized adsorption free energies of the oxygen‐contained intermediates plays a crucial role in enhancing the OER activities. This work focusing on improving the OER performance via engineering amorphous‐crystalline bimetallic heterostructure may provide some inspiration for reasonably designing advanced electrocatalysts.
Agro-ecological Lower Midland Zones IV and V in Kenya Using GIS and Remote Sensing for Climate-Smart Crop Management
Authors: Manzi Hilda , Gweyi-Onyango Joseph P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFood production in Kenya and Africa in recent past has experienced vagaries of weather fluctuations which ultimately have affected crop yield. Farming in Kenya is localized in specific Agro-ecological zones, hence understanding crop growth responses in particular regions is crucial in planning and management for purposes of accelerating adoption. A number of strategies for adoption and adaptation to changing weather patterns have been deployed yet only limited challenges have been partially addressed or managed. This chapter examines previous methods used in classifying agro-ecological zones and further provides additional insightful parameters that can be adopted to enable farmers understand and adapt better to the current variable and unpredictable cropping seasons. The chapter scrutinizes past and current documented information on agro-ecological zonal valuations coupled with the use of earth observation components such as air temperature at surface, land surface temperature, evapotranspiration, soil, temperature, and soil and moisture content in order to better understand and effectively respond to new phenomena occurring as a result of climate change in the marginal agricultural areas. Significant variations in precipitation, ambient temperature, soil moisture content, and soil temperature become evident when earth observation data are used in evaluation of agro-ecological lower midland zones IV and V. The said variations cut across areas within the agro-ecological zones that have been allocated similar characteristics when assigning cropping seasons. The chapter summarizes the outcomes of various streams of contributions that have reported significant shifts or changes in rainfall and temperature patterns across Kenya and wider Eastern Africa region. The chapter highlights the need for re-evaluation of the agro-ecological zones based on the recent earth observation datasets in their diversity. The research emphasizes the use of multiple climate and soil-related parameters in understanding climate change in the other marginal areas of Kenya.
M-theory cosmology, octonions, error correcting codes
Authors: Gunaydin Murat , Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , Yamada Yusuke 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We study M-theory compactified on twisted 7-tori with G2-holonomy. The effective 4d supergravity has 7 chiral multiplets, each with a unit logarithmic Kähler potential. We propose octonion, Fano plane based superpotentials, codifying the error correcting Hamming (4, 7) code. The corresponding 7-moduli models have Minkowski vacua with one flat direction. We also propose superpotentials based on octonions/error correcting codes for Minkowski vacua models with two flat directions. We update phenomenological α-attractor models of inflation with 3α = 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, based on inflation along these flat directions. These inflationary models reproduce the benchmark targets for detecting B-modes, predicting 7 different values of $$ r=12\alpha /{N}_e^2 $$
r
=
12
α
/

N
e
2

in the range 10−2 ≳ r ≳ 10−3, to be explored by future cosmological observations.