bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total Surface Current Vector and Shear From a Sequence of Satellite Images: Effect of Waves in Opposite Directions
Authors: Ardhuin Fabrice , Alday Matias , Yurovskaya Maria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe total surface current velocity (TSCV)—the horizontal vector quantity that advects seawater—is an essential climate variable, with few observations available today. The TSCV can be derived from the phase speed of surface gravity waves, and the estimates of the phase speeds of different wavelengths could give a measure of the vertical shear. Here, we combine 10‐m resolution Level‐1C of the Sentinel‐2 Multispectral Instrument, acquired with time lags up to 1 s, and numerical simulation of these images. Retrieving the near‐surface shear requires a specific attention to waves in opposing directions when estimating a single‐phase speed from the phase difference in an image pair. Opposing waves lead to errors in phase speeds that are most frequent for shorter wavelengths. We propose an alternative method using a least squares fit of the current speed and amplitudes of waves in opposing directions to the observed complex amplitudes of a sequence of three images. When applied to Sentinel‐2, this method generally provides more noisy estimate of the current. A byproduct of this analysis is the “opposition spectrum” which is a key quantity in the sources of microseisms and microbaroms. For future possible sensors, the retrieval of TSCV and shear can benefit from increased time lags, resolution, and exposure time of acquisition. These findings should allow new investigations of near‐surface ocean processes including regions of freshwater influence or internal waves, using existing satellite missions such as Sentinel‐2, and provide a basis for the design of future optical instruments.
Efficacy of green jackfruit flour as a medical nutrition therapy replacing rice or wheat in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Rao A. Gopal , Naik K. Sunil , Unnikrishnan A. G. , Joseph James 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background/Objectives
Medical nutrition therapy along with pharmacological interventions as a multidisciplinary approach is required to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the efficacy of Jackfruit365™ green jackfruit flour as an integral part of daily meal in patients with T2DM.

Subjects/Methods
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted between May 2019 and February 2020. Patients of either sex aged ≥18 to ≤60 years with a diagnosis of T2DM for >1 year receiving oral antihyperglycemic agents were randomized (1:1) to receive either jackfruit flour 30 g/day (Group A) or placebo flour (Group B) (breakfast and dinner) daily for 12 weeks replacing an equal volume of rice or wheat flour. The primary endpoint was a mean change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Other endpoints were mean changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), lipid profile, and body weight. The independent t-test was used to compare changes between the groups.

Results
A total of 40 patients were enrolled (n = 20 each). A significantly higher reduction in HbA1c was observed in Group A compared to Group B from baseline to week 12 [−2.73 mmol/mol (−0.25%) vs. 0.22 mmol/mol (0.02%), p = 0.006]. The mean change in FPG and PPG was significantly higher in Group A than that of Group B (p = 0.043 and p = 0.001). The continuous glucose monitoring showed decreasing mean blood glucose in 7 days of administration of jackfruit flour meal.

Conclusion
Patients from Group A had a significantly higher reduction in HbA1c, FPG, and PPG than Group B demonstrating the efficacy of jackfruit flour in glycemic control as medical nutrition therapy replacing an equal volume of rice or wheat flour in daily meal.

Clinical trial registry
CTRI/2019/05/019417.
Fungal phytopathogen modulates plant and insect responses to promote its dissemination
Authors: Franco Flávia P , Túler Amanda C , Gallan Diego Z , Gonçalves Felipe G , Favaris Arodí P , Peñaflor Maria Fernanda G V , Leal Walter S , Moura Daniel S , Bento José Maurício S , Silva-Filho Marcio C 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Vector-borne plant pathogens often change host traits to manipulate vector behavior in a way that favors their spread. By contrast, infection by opportunistic fungi does not depend on vectors, although damage caused by an herbivore may facilitate infection. Manipulation of hosts and vectors, such as insect herbivores, has not been demonstrated in interactions with fungal pathogens. Herein, we establish a new paradigm for the plant-insect-fungus association in sugarcane. It has long been assumed that Fusarium verticillioides is an opportunistic fungus, where it takes advantage of the openings left by Diatraea saccharalis caterpillar attack to infect the plant. In this work, we show that volatile emissions from F. verticillioides attract D. saccharalis caterpillars. Once they become adults, the fungus is transmitted vertically to their offspring, which continues the cycle by inoculating the fungus into healthy plants. Females not carrying the fungus prefer to lay their eggs on fungus-infected plants than mock plants, while females carrying the fungus prefer to lay their eggs on mock plants than fungus-infected plants. Even though the fungus impacts D. saccharalis sex behavior, larval weight and reproduction rate, most individuals complete their development. Our data demonstrate that the fungus manipulates both the host plant and insect herbivore across life cycle to promote its infection and dissemination.
The prognostic and diagnostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Johnson Philip J. , Dhanaraj Sofi , Berhane Sarah , Bonnett Laura , Ma Yuk Ting 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a presumed measure of the balance between neutrophil-associated pro-tumour inflammation and lymphocyte-dependent antitumour immune function, has been suggested as a prognostic factor for several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
In this study, a prospectively accrued cohort of 781 patients (493 HCC and 288 chronic liver disease (CLD) without HCC) were followed-up for more than 6 years. NLR levels between HCC and CLD patients were compared, and the effect of baseline NLR on overall survival amongst HCC patients was assessed via multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results
On entry into the study (‘baseline’), there was no clinically significant difference in the NLR values between CLD and HCC patients. Amongst HCC patients, NLR levels closest to last visit/death were significantly higher compared to baseline. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that NLR was an independent prognostic factor, even after adjustment for the HCC stage.

Conclusion
NLR is a significant independent factor influencing survival in HCC patients, hence offering an additional dimension in prognostic models.
Cascade screening for beta-thalassemia in Pakistan: development, feasibility and acceptability of a decision support intervention for relatives
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Jafri Hussain , Rashid Yasmin , Ehsan Yasmin , Bashir Shabnam , Ahmed Mushtaq 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe government-funded ‘Punjab Thalassaemia Prevention Project’ (PTPP) in Pakistan includes cascade screening for biological relatives of children with beta-Thalassaemia Major (β-TM). However, there is low uptake of cascade screening. This paper presents the (i) development of a paper-based ‘decision support intervention for relatives’ (DeSIRe) to enable PTPP Field Officers to facilitate informed decision making about carrier testing, and (ii) assessment of the feasibility and acceptability of the DeSIRe. The intervention was developed using the International Patient Decision Aids Standards quality criteria and Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Twelve focus groups were conducted (September and October 2020) to explore the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and relatives of children with β-TM, in six cities. The focus groups were attended by 117 participants (60 HCPs and 57 relatives). Thematic analysis showed that the DeSIRe was considered acceptable for supporting relatives to make informed decisions about cascade screening, and potentially feasible for use in clinical practice. Suggestions for changing some words, the structure and adding information about how carrier testing relates to consanguineous marriages will enable further development of the DeSIRe. Participants generally welcomed the DeSIRe; however, they highlighted the perceived need to use more directive language, hence showed a cultural preference for directive genetic counselling. The findings highlight challenges for researchers using western theories, frameworks, policies and clinical guidelines to develop decision support interventions for implementation more globally. Future research is needed to evaluate the use of the DeSIRe in routine practice and whether it enables relatives to make informed decisions.
Negative electroretinograms: genetic and acquired causes, diagnostic approaches and physiological insights
Authors: Jiang Xiaofan , Mahroo Omar A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe dark-adapted human electroretinogram (ERG) response to a standard bright flash includes a negative-going a-wave followed by a positive-going b-wave that crosses the baseline. An electronegative waveform (or negative ERG) results when the b-wave is selectively reduced such that the ERG fails to cross the baseline following the a-wave. In the context of a normally sized a-wave, it indicates a site of retinal dysfunction occurring after phototransduction (commonly at the photoreceptor to bipolar cell synapse). This is an important finding. In genetic disease, the pattern of ERG abnormality can point to variants in a small group of genes (frequently those associated with congenital stationary night blindness and X-linked retinoschisis, but negative ERGs can also be seen in other conditions including syndromic disease). In acquired disease, there are numerous causes, but specific features may point to melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR). In some cases, the visual symptoms precede the diagnosis of the melanoma and so the ERG findings can initiate investigations facilitating early detection and treatment. Negative ERGs can occur in other paraneoplastic conditions, and in a range of other diseases. This review will outline the physiological basis for the negative ERG, report prevalences in the literature from different cohorts, discuss the range of causes, displaying examples of a number of ERG phenotypes, highlight features of a clinical approach to patients, and briefly discuss further insights relating to current flows shaping the a-wave trough and from single-cell transcriptome analysis.
Ultra-strong bio-glue from genetically engineered polypeptides
Authors: Ma Chao , Sun Jing , Li Bo , Feng Yang , Sun Yao , Xiang Li , Wu Baiheng , Xiao Lingling , Liu Baimei , Petrovskii Vladislav S. , Bin Liu  , Zhang Jinrui , Wang Zili , Li Hongyan , Zhang Lei , Li Jingjing , Wang Fan , Gӧstl Robert , Potemkin Igor I. , Chen Dong , Zeng Hongbo , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe development of biomedical glues is an important, yet challenging task as seemingly mutually exclusive properties need to be combined in one material, i.e. strong adhesion and adaption to remodeling processes in healing tissue. Here, we report a biocompatible and biodegradable protein-based adhesive with high adhesion strengths. The maximum strength reaches 16.5 ± 2.2 MPa on hard substrates, which is comparable to that of commercial cyanoacrylate superglue and higher than other protein-based adhesives by at least one order of magnitude. Moreover, the strong adhesion on soft tissues qualifies the adhesive as biomedical glue outperforming some commercial products. Robust mechanical properties are realized without covalent bond formation during the adhesion process. A complex consisting of cationic supercharged polypeptides and anionic aromatic surfactants with lysine to surfactant molar ratio of 1:0.9 is driven by multiple supramolecular interactions enabling such strong adhesion. We demonstrate the glue’s robust performance in vitro and in vivo for cosmetic and hemostasis applications and accelerated wound healing by comparison to surgical wound closures.
Light-emitting metalenses and meta-axicons for focusing and beaming of spontaneous emission
Authors: Mohtashami Yahya , DeCrescent Ryan A. , Heki Larry K. , Iyer Prasad P. , Butakov Nikita A. , Wong Matthew S. , Alhassan Abdullah , Mitchell William J. , Nakamura Shuji , DenBaars Steven P. , Schuller Jon. A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPhased-array metasurfaces have been extensively used for wavefront shaping of coherent incident light. Due to the incoherent nature of spontaneous emission, the ability to similarly tailor photoluminescence remains largely unexplored. Recently, unidirectional photoluminescence from InGaN/GaN quantum-well metasurfaces incorporating one-dimensional phase profiles has been shown. However, the possibility of generating arbitrary two-dimensional waveforms—such as focused beams—is not yet realized. Here, we demonstrate two-dimensional metasurface axicons and lenses that emit collimated and focused beams, respectively. First, we develop off-axis meta-axicon/metalens equations designed to redirect surface-guided waves that dominate the natural emission pattern of quantum wells. Next, we show that photoluminescence properties are well predicted by passive transmission results using suitably engineered incident light sources. Finally, we compare collimating and focusing performances across a variety of different light-emitting metasurface axicons and lenses. These generated two-dimensional phased-array photoluminescence waveforms facilitate future development of light sources with arbitrary functionalities.
Engineering the protein dynamics of an ancestral luciferase
Authors: Schenkmayerova Andrea , Pinto Gaspar P. , Toul Martin , Marek Martin , Hernychova Lenka , Planas-Iglesias Joan , Daniel Liskova Veronika , Pluskal Daniel , Vasina Michal , Emond Stephane , Dörr Mark , Chaloupkova Radka , Bednar David , Prokop Zbynek , Hollfelder Florian , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Damborsky Jiri 
Published: June 2021

AbstractProtein dynamics are often invoked in explanations of enzyme catalysis, but their design has proven elusive. Here we track the role of dynamics in evolution, starting from the evolvable and thermostable ancestral protein AncHLD-RLucwhich catalyses both dehalogenase and luciferase reactions. Insertion-deletion (InDel) backbone mutagenesis of AncHLD-RLucchallenged the scaffold dynamics. Screening for both activities reveals InDel mutations localized in three distinct regions that lead to altered protein dynamics (based on crystallographic B-factors, hydrogen exchange, and molecular dynamics simulations). An anisotropic network model highlights the importance of the conformational flexibility of a loop-helix fragment ofRenillaluciferases for ligand binding. Transplantation of this dynamic fragment leads to lower product inhibition and highly stable glow-type bioluminescence. The success of our approach suggests that a strategy comprising (i) constructing a stable and evolvable template, (ii) mapping functional regions by backbone mutagenesis, and (iii) transplantation of dynamic features, can lead to functionally innovative proteins.
Lattice quantum electrodynamics in (3+1)-dimensions at finite density with tensor networks
Authors: Magnifico Giuseppe , Felser Timo , Silvi Pietro , Montangero Simone 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGauge theories are of paramount importance in our understanding of fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. However, the complete characterization of their phase diagrams and the full understanding of non-perturbative effects are still debated, especially at finite charge density, mostly due to the sign-problem affecting Monte Carlo numerical simulations. Here, we report the Tensor Network simulation of a three dimensional lattice gauge theory in the Hamiltonian formulation including dynamical matter: Using this sign-problem-free method, we simulate the ground states of a compact Quantum Electrodynamics at zero and finite charge densities, and address fundamental questions such as the characterization of collective phases of the model, the presence of a confining phase at large gauge coupling, and the study of charge-screening effects.
Strong interaction between interlayer excitons and correlated electrons in WSe2/WS2 moiré superlattice
Authors: Miao Shengnan , Wang Tianmeng , Huang Xiong , Chen Dongxue , Lian Zhen , Wang Chong , Blei Mark , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Tongay Sefaattin , Wang Zenghui , Xiao Di , Cui Yong-Tao , Shi Su-Fei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHeterobilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) can form a moiré superlattice with flat minibands, which enables strong electron interaction and leads to various fascinating correlated states. These heterobilayers also host interlayer excitons in a type-II band alignment, in which optically excited electrons and holes reside on different layers but remain bound by the Coulomb interaction. Here we explore the unique setting of interlayer excitons interacting with strongly correlated electrons, and we show that the photoluminescence (PL) of interlayer excitons sensitively signals the onset of various correlated insulating states as the band filling is varied. When the system is in one of such states, the PL of interlayer excitons is relatively amplified at increased optical excitation power due to reduced mobility, and the valley polarization of interlayer excitons is enhanced. The moiré superlattice of the TMDC heterobilayer presents an exciting platform to engineer interlayer excitons through the periodic correlated electron states.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission in the North American deer mouse
Authors: Griffin Bryan D. , Chan Mable , Tailor Nikesh , Mendoza Emelissa J. , Leung Anders , Warner Bryce M. , Duggan Ana T. , Moffat Estella , He Shihua , Garnett Lauren , Tran Kaylie N. , Banadyga Logan , Albietz Alixandra , Tierney Kevin , Audet Jonathan , Bello Alexander , Vendramelli Robert , Boese Amrit S. , Fernando Lisa , Lindsay L. Robbin , Jardine Claire M. , Wood Heidi , Poliquin Guillaume , Strong James E. , Drebot Michael , Safronetz David , Embury-Hyatt Carissa , Kobasa Darwyn 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWidespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in humans raises the theoretical risk of reverse zoonosis events with wildlife, reintroductions of SARS-CoV-2 into permissive nondomesticated animals. Here we report that North American deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection following intranasal exposure to a human isolate, resulting in viral replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract with little or no signs of disease. Further, shed infectious virus is detectable in nasal washes, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs, and viral RNA is detectable in feces and occasionally urine. We further show that deer mice are capable of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to naïve deer mice through direct contact. The extent to which these observations may translate to wild deer mouse populations remains unclear, and the risk of reverse zoonosis and/or the potential for the establishment ofPeromyscusrodents as a North American reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 remains unknown.
Population-scale peach genome analyses unravel selection patterns and biochemical basis underlying fruit flavor
Authors: Yu Yang , Guan Jiantao , Xu Yaoguang , Ren Fei , Zhang Zhengquan , Yan Juan , Fu Jun , Guo Jiying , Shen Zhijun , Zhao Jianbo , Jiang Quan , Wei Jianhua , Xie Hua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA narrow genetic basis in modern cultivars and strong linkage disequilibrium in peach (Prunus persica) has restricted resolution power for association studies in this model fruit species, thereby limiting our understanding of economically important quality traits including fruit flavor. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly for a Chinese landrace, Longhua Shui Mi (LHSM), a representative of the Chinese Cling peaches that have been central in global peach genetic improvement. We also map the resequencing data for 564 peach accessions to this LHSM assembly at an average depth of 26.34× per accession. Population genomic analyses reveal a fascinating history of convergent selection for sweetness yet divergent selection for acidity in eastern vs. western modern cultivars. Molecular-genetics and biochemical analyses establish that PpALMT1 (aluminum-activated malate transporter 1) contributes to their difference of malate content and that increases fructose content accounts for the increased sweetness of modern peach fruits, as regulated by PpERDL16 (early response to dehydration 6-like 16). Our study illustrates the strong utility of the genomics resources for both basic and applied efforts to understand and exploit the genetic basis of fruit quality in peach.
Structural specificities of cell surface β-glucan polysaccharides determine commensal yeast mediated immuno-modulatory activities
Authors: Lee Changhon , Verma Ravi , Byun Seohyun , Jeun Eun-Ji , Kim Gi-Cheon , Lee Suyoung , Kang Hye-Ji , Kim Chan Johng , Sharma Garima , Lahiri Abhishake , Paul Sandip , Kim Kwang Soon , Hwang Dong Soo , Iwakura Yoichiro , Speciale Immacolata , Molinaro Antonio , De Castro Cristina , Rudra Dipayan , Im Sin-Hyeog 
Published: June 2021

AbstractYeast is an integral part of mammalian microbiome, and like commensal bacteria, has the potential of being harnessed to influence immunity in clinical settings. However, functional specificities of yeast-derived immunoregulatory molecules remain elusive. Here we find that while under steady state, β-1,3-glucan-containing polysaccharides potentiate pro-inflammatory properties, a relatively less abundant class of cell surface polysaccharides, dubbed mannan/β-1,6-glucan-containing polysaccharides (MGCP), is capable of exerting potent anti-inflammatory effects to the immune system. MGCP, in contrast to previously identified microbial cell surface polysaccharides, through a Dectin1-Cox2 signaling axis in dendritic cells, facilitates regulatory T (Treg) cell induction from naïve T cells. Furthermore, through a TLR2-dependent mechanism, it restrains Th1 differentiation of effector T cells by suppressing IFN-γ expression. As a result, administration of MGCP display robust suppressive capacity towards experimental inflammatory disease models of colitis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, thereby highlighting its potential therapeutic utility against clinically relevant autoimmune diseases.