bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensity modulator for secure, stable, and high-performance decoy-state quantum key distribution
Authors: Lu Feng-Yu , Lin Xing , Wang Shuang , Fan-Yuan Guan-Jie , Ye Peng , Wang Rong , Yin Zhen-Qiang , He De-Yong , Chen Wei , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe decoy-state method substantially improves the performance of quantum key distribution (QKD) and perfectly solves crucial issues caused by multiphoton pulses. In recent years, the decoy-state method has occupied a key position in practicality, and almost all the QKD systems have employed the decoy-state method. However, the imperfections of traditional intensity modulators limit the performance of the decoy-state method and bring side channels. In this work, a special intensity modulator and its accompanying modulation method are designed and experimentally verified for the secure, stable, and high-performance decoy-state QKDs. The experimental result indicates that its stable and adjustable intensities, convenient two-level modulation, inherently high speed, and compact structure is extremely fit for future trends and will help the decoy-state method to be perfectly applied to QKD systems.
Multiple quantum phase transitions of different nature in the topological kagome magnet Co3Sn2−xInxS2
Authors: Guguchia Z. , Zhou H. , Wang C. N. , Yin J.-X. , Mielke C. , Tsirkin S. S. , Belopolski I. , Zhang S.-S. , Cochran T. A. , Neupert T. , Khasanov R. , Amato A. , Jia S. , Hasan M. Z. , Luetkens H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe exploration of topological electronic phases that result from strong electronic correlations is a frontier in condensed matter physics. One class of systems that is currently emerging as a platform for such studies are so-called kagome magnets based on transition metals. Using muon spin-rotation, we explore magnetic correlations in the kagome magnet Co3Sn2−xInxS2 as a function of In-doping, providing putative evidence for an intriguing incommensurate helimagnetic (HM) state. Our results show that, while the undoped sample exhibits an out-of-plane ferromagnetic (FM) ground state, at 5% of In-doping the system enters a state in which FM and in-plane antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases coexist. At higher doping, a HM state emerges and becomes dominant at the critical doping level of only xcr,1 ≃ 0.3. This indicates a zero temperature first order quantum phase transition from the FM, through a mixed state, to a helical phase at xcr,1. In addition, at xcr,2 ≃ 1, a zero temperature second order phase transition from helical to paramagnetic phase is observed, evidencing a HM quantum critical point (QCP) in the phase diagram of the topological magnet Co3Sn2−xInxS2. The observed diversity of interactions in the magnetic kagome lattice drives non-monotonous variations of the topological Hall response of this system.
Attenuated dengue viruses are genetically more diverse than their respective wild-type parents
Authors: Bifani Amanda Makha , Choy Milly M. , Tan Hwee Cheng , Ooi Eng Eong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDengue poses a significant burden of individual health, health systems and the economy in dengue endemic regions. As such, dengue vaccine development has been an active area of research. Previous studies selected attenuated vaccine candidates based on plaque size. However, these candidates led to mixed safety outcome in clinical trials, suggesting it is insufficiently informative as an indicator of dengue virus (DENV) attenuation. In this study, we examined the genome diversity of wild-type DENVs and their attenuated derivatives developed by Mahidol University and tested in phase 1 clinical trials. We found that the attenuated DENVs, in particular the strain under clinical development by Takeda Vaccines, DENV2 PDK53, showed significantly higher genome diversity than its wild-type parent, DENV2 16681. The determinant of genomic diversity was intrinsic to the PDK53 genome as infectious clone of PDK53 showed greater genomic diversity after a single in vitro passage compared to 16681 infectious clone. Similar trends were observed with attenuated DENV1 and DENV4, both of which were shown to be attenuated clinically, but not DENV3 that was not adequately attenuated clinically. Taken together, evidence presented here suggests that genome diversity could be developed into a marker of DENV attenuation.
DLBCL-Morph: Morphological features computed using deep learning for an annotated digital DLBCL image set
Authors: Vrabac Damir , Smit Akshay , Rojansky Rebecca , Natkunam Yasodha , Advani Ranjana H. , Ng Andrew Y. , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Rajpurkar Pranav 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Though histologically DLBCL shows varying morphologies, no morphologic features have been consistently demonstrated to correlate with prognosis. We present a morphologic analysis of histology sections from 209 DLBCL cases with associated clinical and cytogenetic data. Duplicate tissue core sections were arranged in tissue microarrays (TMAs), and replicate sections were stained with H&E and immunohistochemical stains for CD10, BCL6, MUM1, BCL2, and MYC. The TMAs are accompanied by pathologist-annotated regions-of-interest (ROIs) that identify areas of tissue representative of DLBCL. We used a deep learning model to segment all tumor nuclei in the ROIs, and computed several geometric features for each segmented nucleus. We fit a Cox proportional hazards model to demonstrate the utility of these geometric features in predicting survival outcome, and found that it achieved a C-index (95% CI) of 0.635 (0.574,0.691). Our finding suggests that geometric features computed from tumor nuclei are of prognostic importance, and should be validated in prospective studies.
On valorization of solvent extracts of Terminalia arjuna (arjuna) upon DNA scission and free radical scavenging improves coupling responses and cognitive functions under in vitro conditions
Authors: Meena D. K. , Sahoo A. K. , Srivastava P. P. , Sahu N. P. , Jadhav M. , Gandhi M. , Swain H. S. , Borah S. , Das B. K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChronic diseases have been treated using the phytochemical concepts of ethnomedicinal plant-derived herbal products.Terminalia arjuna, a significant ethnomedicinal plant, was revisited and reconnoitred for antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and DNA nicking inhibiting activity under H2O2conditions using 21 solvent extracts. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, and nitrous oxide scavenging (%) were found to have a strong positive association and interaction (PCA 1 explains 84.54% variation) with ethanol bark (Etoh-AB) (Meoh-AF). TPC (144.67–1794 µg/mL GAE) and TFC (2.5–34 µM Fe(II)/g were highest in Etoh-AB. In a pattern of combined solvent extracts, Etoh-AB had the highest antioxidant capacity, accompanied by Etoh-AL ≥ Meoh-AB ≥ Dw-AF. WithR2 = 0.94, the DNA nicking inhibition behaviour parameters relative front, relative quantity, band (%), and lane (%) formed a positive significant (p < 0.01) connection. For the first time, we show that Etoh-AB nicks supercoiled, circular plasmid DNA in a way that is comparable to normal antioxidants. Normal antioxidants with the ability to prevent DNA nicking include Butylated hydroxy anisole < Butylated hydroxy toluene < ascorbic acid < and Gallic acid. Gallic acid (m/z170.0208 g/mol) and Ellagic acid (m/z302.0063 g/mol were present in high concentrations in solvent extracts. 0.48 mg was found to be the effective concentration for inhibiting relative DNA nicking. The current study is the first of its kind to show that steroid concentrations are higher in bark fractions of acetone, ethanol, and methanol. Furthermore,T. arjunasolvent extracts provide a wealth of information on phytochemical profiling, antioxidant ability, and DNA nicking inhibition, which may be useful for exploring the natural way and further research to develop a remedy against geriatric chronic disease. Despite the fact that ethanol is very close to methanol in terms of solvent toxicity, the current study identified it as the preferred solvent. Thus, the current research revisits previous studies and explores the potentiality of non-polar and polar aprotic and polar protic solvent systems, which lend credence to bioactive compounds that may be useful in isolating and formulating safe and cost effective herbal medicament for livestocks and aquaculture, and drugs for deoxygenerative human diseases, and can also be investigated further to instil environmental frugality.
An early bothremydid from the Arlington Archosaur Site of Texas
Authors: Adrian Brent , Smith Heather F. , Noto Christopher R. , Grossman Aryeh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFour turtle taxa are previously documented from the Cenomanian Arlington Archosaur Site (AAS) of the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group) in Texas. Herein, we describe a new side-necked turtle (Pleurodira),Pleurochayah appalachiusgen. et sp. nov., which is a basal member of the Bothremydidae.Pleurochayah appalachiusgen. et sp. nov. shares synapomorphic characters with other bothremydids, including shared traits with Kurmademydini and Cearachelyini, but has a unique combination of skull and shell traits. The new taxon is significant because it is the oldest crown pleurodiran turtle from North America and Laurasia, predating bothremyninesAlgorachelus peregrinusandPaiutemys tibertfrom Europe and North America respectively. This discovery also documents the oldest evidence of dispersal of crown Pleurodira from Gondwana to Laurasia.Pleurochayah appalachiusgen. et sp. nov. is compared to previously described fossil pleurodires, placed in a modified phylogenetic analysis of pelomedusoid turtles, and discussed in the context of pleurodiran distribution in the mid-Cretaceous. Its unique combination of characters demonstrates marine adaptation and dispersal capability among basal bothremydids.
Non-invasive assessment of exfoliated kidney cells extracted from urine using multispectral autofluorescence features
Authors: Mahbub Saabah B. , Nguyen Long T. , Habibalahi Abbas , Campbell Jared M. , Anwer Ayad G. , Qadri Uzair M. , Gill Anthony , Chou Angela , Wong Muh Geot , Gosnell Martin E. , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia , Goldys Ewa M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOptimally preserved urinary exfoliated renal proximal tubule cells were assessed by multispectral imaging of cell autofluorescence. We demonstrated different multispectral autofluorescence signals in such cells extracted from the urine of patients with healthy or diseased kidneys. Using up to 10 features, we were able to differentiate cells from individuals with heathy kidneys and impaired renal function (indicated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values) with the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99. Using the same method, we were also able to discriminate such urine cells from patients with and without renal fibrosis on biopsy, where significant differences in multispectral autofluorescence signals (AUC = 0.90) were demonstrated between healthy and diseased patients (p < 0.05). These findings show that multispectral assessment of the cell autofluorescence in urine exfoliated proximal tubule kidney cells has the potential to be developed as a sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic method for CKD.
Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth
Authors: Boley Aaron C. , Byers Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe rapid development of mega-constellations risks multiple tragedies of the commons, including tragedies to ground-based astronomy, Earth orbit, and Earth’s upper atmosphere. Moreover, the connections between the Earth and space environments are inadequately taken into account by the adoption of a consumer electronic model applied to space assets. For example, we point out that satellite re-entries from the Starlink mega-constellation alone could deposit more aluminum into Earth’s upper atmosphere than what is done through meteoroids; they could thus become the dominant source of high-altitude alumina. Using simple models, we also show that untracked debris will lead to potentially dangerous on-orbit collisions on a regular basis due to the large number of satellites within mega-constellation orbital shells. The total cross-section of satellites in these constellations also greatly increases the risk of impacts due to meteoroids. De facto orbit occupation by single actors, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the possibility of free-riding exacerbate these risks. International cooperation is urgently needed, along with a regulatory system that takes into account the effects of tens of thousands of satellites.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition sensitizes breast cancer cells to cell death via the fungus-derived sesterterpenoid ophiobolin A
Authors: Reisenauer Keighley N. , Tao Yongfeng , Das Provas , Song Shuxuan , Svatek Haleigh , Patel Saawan D. , Mikhail Sheridan , Ingros Alec , Sheesley Peter , Masi Marco , Boari Angela , Evidente Antonio , Kornienko Alexander , Romo Daniel , Taube Joseph 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) imparts properties of cancer stem-like cells, including resistance to frequently used chemotherapies, necessitating the identification of molecules that induce cell death specifically in stem-like cells with EMT properties. Herein, we demonstrate that breast cancer cells enriched for EMT features are more sensitive to cytotoxicity induced by ophiobolin A (OpA), a sesterterpenoid natural product. Using a model of experimentally induced EMT in human mammary epithelial (HMLE) cells, we show that EMT is both necessary and sufficient for OpA sensitivity. Moreover prolonged, sub-cytotoxic exposure to OpA is sufficient to suppress EMT-imparted CSC features including sphere formation and resistance to doxorubicin. In vivo growth of CSC-rich mammary cell tumors, is suppressed by OpA treatment. These data identify a driver of EMT-driven cytotoxicity with significant potential for use either in combination with standard chemotherapy or for tumors enriched for EMT features.
Oceanic eddy-induced modifications to air–sea heat and CO2 fluxes in the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence
Authors: Pezzi Luciano P. , de Souza Ronald B. , Santini Marcelo F. , Miller Arthur J. , Carvalho Jonas T. , Parise Claudia K. , Quadro Mario F. , Rosa Eliana B. , Justino Flavio , Sutil Ueslei A. , Cabrera Mylene J. , Babanin Alexander V. , Voermans Joey , Nascimento Ernani L. , Alves Rita C. M. , Munchow Gabriel B. , Rubert Joel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSea surface temperature (SST) anomalies caused by a warm core eddy (WCE) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA) rendered a crucial influence on modifying the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL). During the first cruise to support the Antarctic Modeling and Observation System (ATMOS) project, a WCE that was shed from the Brazil Current was sampled. Apart from traditional meteorological measurements, we used the Eddy Covariance method to directly measure the ocean–atmosphere sensible heat, latent heat, momentum, and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes. The mechanisms of pressure adjustment and vertical mixing that can make the MABL unstable were both identified. The WCE also acted to increase the surface winds and heat fluxes from the ocean to the atmosphere. Oceanic regions at middle and high latitudes are expected to absorb atmospheric CO2, and are thereby considered as sinks, due to their cold waters. Instead, the presence of this WCE in midlatitudes, surrounded by predominantly cold waters, caused the ocean to locally act as a CO2 source. The contribution to the atmosphere was estimated as 0.3 ± 0.04 mmol m−2 day−1, averaged over the sampling period. The CO2 transfer velocity coefficient (K) was determined using a quadratic fit and showed an adequate representation of ocean–atmosphere fluxes. The ocean–atmosphere CO2, momentum, and heat fluxes were each closely correlated with the SST. The increase of SST inside the WCE clearly resulted in larger magnitudes of all of the ocean–atmosphere fluxes studied here. This study adds to our understanding of how oceanic mesoscale structures, such as this WCE, affect the overlying atmosphere.
α-Tubulin Regulates the Fate of Germline Stem Cells in Drosophila Testis
Authors: Tao Xiaoqian , Dou Yunqiao , Huang Guangyu , Sun Mingzhong , Lu Shan , Chen Dongsheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Drosophila testis provides an exemplary model for analyzing the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate the fate of stem cell in vivo. Using this model, we show that the Drosophila αTub67C gene (full name αTubulin at 67C), which encodes α4-Tubulin (a type of α-Tubulin), plays a new role in controlling the fate of male germline stem cells (GSC). In this study, we have found that Drosophila α4-Tubulin is required intrinsically and extrinsically for GSCs maintenance. Results from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgene reporter assays show that the gene αTub67C is not required for Dpp/Gbb signaling silencing of bam expression, suggesting that αTub67C functions downstream of or parallel to bam, and is independent of Gbb/Dpp-bam signaling pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of αTub67C fails to obviously increase the number of GSC/Gonialblast (GB). Given that the α-tubulin genes are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human, which triggers us to study the more roles of the gene α-tubulin in other animals in the future.
Frailty transitions and cognitive function among South Korean older adults
Authors: Nari Fatima , Jang Bich Na , Youn Hin Moi , Jeong Wonjeong , Jang Sung-In , Park Eun-Cheol 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFrailty is considered a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, manifested by the accumulation of age-associated deficits. The consequences of frailty transitions are still understudied. This study evaluated the influence of frailty transitions on cognitive function in the older adult population. We used data derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) (2008–2018) on older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Frailty was assessed using a validated Korean frailty measure known as the frailty instrument (FI), and cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Transitions in frailty and their relationship with cognitive function were investigated using lagged generalized estimating equations (GEE), t-tests, and ANOVA. Respondents who experienced frailty transitions (those with ameliorating frailty), those who developed frailty, and whose frailty remained constant, were more likely to have a lower cognitive function than those who were consistently non-frail. Older age, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and instrumental ADL disability were more negatively associated with declining cognitive function, especially in the “frail → frail” group. Changes in all individual components of the frailty instrument were significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. The results suggest an association between frailty transitions and cognitive impairment. Over a 2-year span, the remaining frail individuals had the highest rate of cognitive decline in men, while the change from non-frail to frail state in women was significantly associated with the lowest cognitive function values. We recommend early interventions and prevention strategies in older adults to help ameliorate or slow down both frailty and cognitive function decline.
Applying a novel visual-to-touch sensory substitution for studying tactile reference frames
Authors: Yizhar Or , Buchs Galit , Heimler Benedetta , Friedman Doron , Amedi Amir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPerceiving the spatial location and physical dimensions of touched objects is crucial for goal-directed actions. To achieve this, our brain transforms skin-based coordinates into a reference frame by integrating visual and posture information. In the current study, we examine the role of posture in mapping tactile sensations to a visual image. We developed a new visual-to-touch sensory substitution device that transforms images into a sequence of vibrations on the arm. 52 blindfolded participants performed spatial recognition tasks in three different arm postures and had to switch postures between trial blocks. As participants were not told which side of the device is down and which is up, they could choose how to map its vertical axis in their responses. Contrary to previous findings, we show that new proprioceptive inputs can be overridden in mapping tactile sensations. We discuss the results within the context of the spatial task and the various sensory contributions to the process.
A functional requirement for sex-determination M/m locus region lncRNA genes in Aedes aegypti female larvae
Authors: Mysore Keshava , Hapairai Limb K. , Li Ping , Roethele Joseph B. , Sun Longhua , Igiede Jessica , Misenti Joi K. , Duman-Scheel Molly 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough many putative long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes have been identified in insect genomes, few of these genes have been functionally validated. A screen for female-specific larvicides that facilitate Aedes aegypti male sex separation uncovered multiple interfering RNAs with target sites in lncRNA genes located in the M/m locus region, including loci within or tightly linked to the sex determination locus. Larval consumption of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) strain engineered to express interfering RNA corresponding to lncRNA transcripts resulted in significant female death, yet had no impact on male survival or fitness. Incorporation of the yeast larvicides into mass culturing protocols facilitated scaled production and separation of fit adult males, indicating that yeast larvicides could benefit mosquito population control strategies that rely on mass releases of male mosquitoes. These studies functionally verified a female-specific developmental requirement for M/m locus region lncRNA genes, suggesting that sexually antagonistic lncRNA genes found within this highly repetitive pericentromeric DNA sequence may be contributing to the evolution of A. aegypti sex chromosomes.
Fivefold higher abundance of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) forest than field ecotypes
Authors: Opalińska Patrycja , Wierzbicka Anna , Asman Marek , Rączka Grzegorz , Dyderski Marcin K. , Nowak-Chmura Magdalena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is the most common deer species in Europe. The species can be a reservoir of some tick-borne diseases but it is primarily recognized for its contribution as an amplifier host. In Central Europe, two roe deer ecotypes are living in adjacent areas: field and forest. We investigated differences in tick load and species composition on these two ecotypes. We collected ticks from 160 (80 the forest ecotype and 80 the field ecotype) roe deer culled in Wielkopolska Region (West-Central Poland). The most common was Ixodes ricinus (n = 1610; 99%) followed by Ixodes hexagonus (n = 22; 1%). The dominant life stage of the ticks was female. Prevalence was higher for forest roe deer. Mean number of ticks found on the forest ecotype was almost fivefold higher than on the field ecotype (3.75 ± 0.83 vs. 0.77 ± 0.20 ticks). The mean probability of tick occurrence was threefold higher in the forest (0.915 ± 0.050) than the field ecotype (0.279 ± 0.125). The most infested body parts of roe deer from both ecotypes were the neck and the head.