bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Systematics of Chlorine, Lithium, and Boron andδ37Cl,δ7Li, and δ11B in the Hydrothermal System of the Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Authors: Cullen Jeffrey T. , Hurwitz Shaul , Barnes Jaime D. , Lassiter John C. , Penniston‐Dorland Sarah , Meixner Anette , Wilckens Frederike , Kasemann Simone A. , McCleskey R. Blaine
Published: April 2021

Chlorine, lithium, and boron are trace elements in rhyolite but are enriched in groundwater flowing through rhyolite because they tend to partition into the fluid phase during high‐temperature fluid‐rock reactions. We present a large data set of major element and δ37Cl, δ7Li, and δ11B compositions of thermal water and rhyolite from Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field (YPVF). The Cl/B, Cl/Li, δ37Cl (−0.2‰ to +0.7‰), and δ11B (−6.2‰ to −5.9‰) values of alkaline‐chloride thermal waters reflect high‐temperature leaching of chlorine, lithium, and boron from rhyolite that has δ37Cl and δ11B values of +0.1‰ to +0.9‰ and −6.3‰ to −6.2‰, respectively. Chlorine and boron are not reactive, but lithium incorporation into hydrothermal alteration minerals result​s in a large range of Cl/Li, B/Li, and δ7Li (−1.2‰ to +3.8‰) values in thermal waters. The relatively large range in δ7Li values of thermal waters reflects a large range of values in rhyolite. Large volumes of rhyolite must be leached to account for the chloride, lithium and boron fluxes, implying deep groundwater flow through rhyolite flows and tuffs representing Yellowstone's three eruptive cycles (∼2.1 Ma). Lower Cl/B values in acid‐sulfate waters result from preferential partitioning of boron into the vapor phase and enrichment in the near‐surface water condensate. The Cl/B, Cl/Li, δ7Li (−0.3‰ to +2.1‰), and δ11B (−8.0‰ to −8.1‰) values of travertine depositing calcium‐carbonate thermal waters which discharge in the northern and southern YPVF suggest that chlorine, lithium, and boron are derived from Mesozoic siliciclastic sediments which contain detrital material from the underlying metamorphic basement.
Surface Melt and Runoff on Antarctic Ice Shelves at 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C of Future Warming
Authors: Gilbert E. , Kittel C.
Published: April 2021

The future surface mass balance (SMB) of Antarctic ice shelves has not been constrained with models of sufficient resolution and complexity. Here, we force the high‐resolution Modèle Atmosphérique Régional with future simulations from four CMIP models to evaluate the likely effects on the SMB of warming of 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C above pre‐industrial temperatures. We find non‐linear growth in melt and runoff which causes SMB to become less positive with more pronounced warming. Consequently, Antarctic ice shelves may be more likely to contribute indirectly to sea level rise via hydrofracturing‐induced collapse, which facilitates accelerated glacial discharge. Using runoff and melt as indicators of ice shelf stability, we find that several Antarctic ice shelves (Larsen C, Wilkins, Pine Island, and Shackleton) are vulnerable to disintegration at 4°C. Limiting 21st century warming to 2°C will halve the ice shelf area susceptible to hydrofracturing‐induced collapse compared to 4°C.
Identifying Key Environmental Factors Explaining Temporal Patterns of DOC Export From Watersheds in the Conterminous United States
Authors: Wei Xinyuan , Hayes Daniel J. , Fernandez Ivan , Zhao Jianheng , Fraver Shawn , Chan Catherine , Diao Jiaojiao
Published: April 2021

The export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from a watershed is a key component of the terrestrial biosphere carbon cycle. There is a need to improve our understanding of how and by how much various environmental factors are driving the temporal patterns of DOC export in order to accurately model and evaluate terrestrial carbon storage and fluxes. In this synthesis, we compiled observational data sets from 14 watersheds in the conterminous United States spanning the time period from 1981 to 2017. We used these data sets to examine the relative impacts of various climate, atmospheric deposition, and land cover factors on the temporal patterns of DOC export across watersheds of different sizes and landscape conditions, as well as the time‐series autocorrelation of DOC export. Our results suggest that the dominant factor on an annual scale was the amount of precipitation, which had a positive correlation with DOC export from a watershed. Overall increasing nitrogen deposition was coincident with increasing DOC export, and increasing sulfur deposition was coincident with declining DOC export. The seasonal pattern of DOC export was strongly regulated by air temperature, the long‐term trend was negatively influenced by increasing sulfur deposition, and no obvious autocorrelation was detected in DOC export. In addition, higher rates of DOC export were positively correlated with greater area of wetlands within a watershed, but was not found to be strongly related to any of the other land cover types.
S wave Velocity Structure of the Crust and Upper Mantle Beneath Shanxi Rift, Central North China Craton and its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Cai Yan , Wu Jianping , Rietbrock Andreas , Wang Weilai , Fang Lihua , Yi Shuang , Liu Jing
Published: April 2021

The Shanxi rift is located in the central part of the North China Craton (NCC). With strong tectonic deformation and intense seismic activity, its crust‐mantle deformation and deep structure have always attracted wide attention. Using teleseismic events observed in a dense network of 610 temporary and 127 permanent stations in the central NCC, we obtained the crust‐mantle S wave velocity structures by the joint inversion method of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion data. Our results show that the crust thickens in the northern part of the Shanxi rift (41 km) and thins in the southern part (35 km). The Taiyuan and Linfen basins, located in the central part, have high‐velocity zones in the lower crust and upper mantle; beneath the Yuncheng basin in the south, there are low‐velocity zones in the lower crust and uppermost mantle (30–80 km); the Datong basin, located in the northern part of the rift, exhibits a wide range of low‐velocity anomalies in the middle to lower crust and upper mantle. We speculate that the destruction of the NCC and associated lithospheric thinning had a significant impact on the southern part of the rift, but is still in its early stage in the central part, which retains most of the craton features. An upwelling of the asthenospheric magma occurred beneath the western part of the Datong basin. The horizontal deflection of the asthenospheric flow causes low‐velocity anomalies in its surrounding area, which is consistent with LAB topography.
Primary and Net Ecosystem Production in a Large Lake Diagnosed From High‐Resolution Oxygen Measurements
Authors: Fernández Castro Bieito , Chmiel Hannah Elisa , Minaudo Camille , Krishna Shubham , Perolo Pascal , Rasconi Serena , Wüest Alfred
Published: April 2021

The rates of gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (R), and net ecosystem production (NEP) provide quantitative information about the cycling of carbon and energy in aquatic ecosystems. In lakes, metabolic rates are often diagnosed from diel oxygen fluctuations recorded with high‐resolution sondes. This requires that the imprint of ecosystem metabolism can be separated from that of physical processes. Here, we quantified the vertical and temporal variability of the metabolic rates of a deep, large, mesotrophic lake (Lake Geneva, Switzerland–France) by using a 6‐month record (April–October 2019) of high‐frequency, depth‐resolved (0–30 m) dissolved oxygen measurements. Two new alternative methods (in the time and frequency domain) were used to filter low‐frequency basin‐scale internal motions from the oxygen signal. Both methods proved successful and yielded consistent metabolic estimates showing net autotrophy (NEP = GPP − R = 55 mmol m−2 day−1) over the sampling period and depth interval, with GPP (235 mmol m−2 day−1) exceeding R (180 mmol m−2 day−1). They also revealed significant temporal variability, with at least two short‐lived blooms occurring during calm periods, and a vertical partitioning of metabolism, with stronger diel cycles and positive NEP in the upper ∼10 m and negative NEP below, where the diel oxygen signal was dominated by internal motions. The proposed methods expand the range of applicability of the diel oxygen technique to large lakes hosting energetic, low‐frequency internal motions, offering new possibilities for unveiling the rich spatiotemporal metabolism dynamics in these systems.
Relationship Between the Ozone and Water Vapor Columns on Mars as Observed by SPICAM and Calculated by a Global Climate Model
Authors: Lefèvre F. , Trokhimovskiy A. , Fedorova A. , Baggio L. , Lacombe G. , Määttänen A. , Bertaux J.‐L. , Forget F. , Millour E. , Venot O. , Bénilan Y. , Korablev O. , Montmessin F.
Published: April 2021

Ozone (O3) in the atmosphere of Mars is produced following the photolysis of CO2 and is readily destroyed by the hydrogen radicals (HOx) released by the photolysis and oxidation of water vapor. As a result, an anti‐correlation between ozone and water vapor is expected. We describe here the O3‐H2O relationship derived from 4 Martian years of simultaneous observations by the SPICAM spectrometer onboard the Mars Express spacecraft. A distinct anti‐correlation is found at high latitudes, where the O3 column varies roughly with the −0.6 power of the H2O column. The O3 and H2O columns are uncorrelated at low latitudes. To evaluate our quantitative understanding of the Martian photochemistry, the observed O3‐H2O relationship is then compared to that predicted by a global climate model with photochemistry. For identical model and observed abundances of H2O, the model underpredicts observed ozone by about a factor of 2 relative to SPICAM when using the currently recommended gas‐phase chemistry. Sensitivity studies employing low‐temperature CO2 absorption cross sections, or adjusted kinetics rates, do not solve this bias. Taking into account potential heterogeneous processes of HOx loss on clouds leads to a significant improvement, but only at high northern latitudes. More broadly, the modeled ozone deficits suggest that the HOx‐catalyzed photochemistry is too efficient in our simulations. This problem is consistent with the long‐standing underestimation of CO in Mars photochemical models, and may be related to similar difficulties in modeling O3 and HOx in the Earth's upper stratosphere and mesosphere.
Methylene blue prevents osteoarthritis progression and relieves pain in rats via upregulation of Nrf2/PRDX1
Authors: Li Jia-wei , Wang Rong-liang , Xu Jia , Sun Kuo-yang , Jiang Hui-ming , Sun Zi-ying , Lv Zhong-yang , Xu Xing-quan , Wu Rui , Guo Hu , Jiang Qing , Shi Dong-quan
Published: April 2021

Oxidative stress-related cartilage degeneration, synovitis, and joint pain play vital roles in the progress of osteoarthritis (OA). Anti-oxidative stress agents not only prevent structural damage progression but also relieve OA-related pain. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of methylene blue (MB), a classical and important anti-oxidant with strong neural affinity. Experimental OA was established in rats by radial transection of medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus (MCLT + MMT) of the right knee joint. The OA rats received intra-articular injection of MB (1 mg/kg) every week starting one week after surgery. We showed that MB administration exerted significant cartilage protection, synovitis inhibition as well as pain relief in OA rats. In human chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes, MB significantly attenuated tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress. We demonstrated that these effects of MB resulted from dual targets of important antioxidant enzymes, Nrf2 and PRDX1, which also mutually reinforcing and participated in an interaction. Furthermore, we found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neural inflammatory mediator, was accumulated around the vessel in synovium and subchondral bone in OA rats and in TBHP-treated primary cortical neurons; MB administration significantly inhibited CGRP expression through upregulation of Nrf2 and PRDX1. Taken together, these results suggest that MB ameliorates oxidative stress via Nrf2/PRDX1 regulation to prevent progression and relieve pain of OA.
Aberrant TGF-β1 signaling activation by MAF underlies pathological lens growth in high myopia
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , Du Yu , Li Dan , Xu Jie , Wu Qingfeng , He Wenwen , Zhang Keke , Zhu Jie , Guo Linying , Qi Ming , Liu Ailin , Qi Jiao , Wang Guangyu , Meng Jiaqi , Yang Zhenglin , Zhang Kang , Lu Yi
Published: April 2021

High myopia is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Myopia progression may lead to pathological changes of lens and affect the outcome of lens surgery, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we find an increased lens size in highly myopic eyes associated with up-regulation of β/γ-crystallin expressions. Similar findings are replicated in two independent mouse models of high myopia. Mechanistic studies show that the transcription factor MAF plays an essential role in up-regulating β/γ-crystallins in high myopia, by direct activation of the crystallin gene promoters and by activation of TGF-β1-Smad signaling. Our results establish lens morphological and molecular changes as a characteristic feature of high myopia, and point to the dysregulation of the MAF-TGF-β1-crystallin axis as an underlying mechanism, providing an insight for therapeutic interventions.
Hydrodynamic instability at impact interfaces and planetary implications
Authors: Ravid Avi , Citron Robert I. , Jeanloz Raymond
Published: April 2021

Impact-induced mixing between bolide and target is fundamental to the geochemical evolution of a growing planet, yet aside from local mixing due to jetting – associated with large angles of incidence between impacting surfaces – mixing during planetary impacts is poorly understood. Here we describe a dynamic instability of the surface between impacting materials, showing that a region of mixing grows between two media having even minimal initial topography. This additional cause of impact-induced mixing is related to Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI), and results from pressure perturbations amplified by shock-wave refraction through the corrugated interface between impactor and target. However, unlike RMI, this new impact-induced instability appears even if the bodies are made of the same material. Hydrocode simulations illustrate the growth of this mixing zone for planetary impacts, and predict results suitable for experimental validation in the laboratory. This form of impact mixing may be relevant to the formation of stony-iron and other meteorites.
Exploiting pyocyanin to treat mitochondrial disease due to respiratory complex III dysfunction
Authors: Peruzzo Roberta , Corrà Samantha , Costa Roberto , Brischigliaro Michele , Varanita Tatiana , Biasutto Lucia , Rampazzo Chiara , Ghezzi Daniele , Leanza Luigi , Zoratti Mario , Zeviani Massimo , De Pittà Cristiano , Viscomi Carlo , Costa Rodolfo , Szabò Ildikò
Published: April 2021

Mitochondrial diseases impair oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, while effective treatment is still lacking. Defective complex III is associated with a highly variable clinical spectrum. We show that pyocyanin, a bacterial redox cycler, can replace the redox functions of complex III, acting as an electron shunt. Sub-μM pyocyanin was harmless, restored respiration and increased ATP production in fibroblasts from five patients harboring pathogenic mutations in TTC19, BCS1L or LYRM7, involved in assembly/stabilization of complex III. Pyocyanin normalized the mitochondrial membrane potential, and mildly increased ROS production and biogenesis. These in vitro effects were confirmed in both DrosophilaTTC19KO and in Danio rerioTTC19KD, as administration of low concentrations of pyocyanin significantly ameliorated movement proficiency. Importantly, daily administration of pyocyanin for two months was not toxic in control mice. Our results point to utilization of redox cyclers for therapy of complex III disorders.
Symbiotic polyamine metabolism regulates epithelial proliferation and macrophage differentiation in the colon
Authors: Nakamura Atsuo , Kurihara Shin , Takahashi Daisuke , Ohashi Wakana , Nakamura Yutaka , Kimura Shunsuke , Onuki Masayoshi , Kume Aiko , Sasazawa Yukiko , Furusawa Yukihiro , Obata Yuuki , Fukuda Shinji , Saiki Shinji , Matsumoto Mitsuharu , Hase Koji
Published: April 2021

Intestinal microbiota-derived metabolites have biological importance for the host. Polyamines, such as putrescine and spermidine, are produced by the intestinal microbiota and regulate multiple biological processes. Increased colonic luminal polyamines promote longevity in mice. However, no direct evidence has shown that microbial polyamines are incorporated into host cells to regulate cellular responses. Here, we show that microbial polyamines reinforce colonic epithelial proliferation and regulate macrophage differentiation. Colonisation by wild-type, but not polyamine biosynthesis-deficient, Escherichia coli in germ-free mice raises intracellular polyamine levels in colonocytes, accelerating epithelial renewal. Commensal bacterium-derived putrescine increases the abundance of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the colon. The bacterial polyamines ameliorate symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. These effects mainly result from enhanced hypusination of eukaryotic initiation translation factor. We conclude that bacterial putrescine functions as a substrate for symbiotic metabolism and is further absorbed and metabolised by the host, thus helping maintain mucosal homoeostasis in the intestine.
Author Correction: Infectivity, susceptibility, and risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission under intensive contact tracing in Hunan, China
Authors: Hu Shixiong , Wang Wei , Wang Yan , Litvinova Maria , Luo Kaiwei , Ren Lingshuang , Sun Qianlai , Chen Xinghui , Zeng Ge , Li Jing , Liang Lu , Deng Zhihong , Zheng Wen , Li Mei , Yang Hao , Guo Jinxin , Wang Kai , Chen Xinhua , Liu Ziyan , Yan Han , Shi Huilin , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhou Yonghong , Sun Kaiyuan , Vespignani Alessandro , Viboud Cécile , Gao Lidong , Ajelli Marco , Yu Hongjie
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22487-4
The fate of Si and Fe while nuclear glass alters with steel and clay
Authors: Carriere C. , Dillmann P. , Gin S. , Neff D. , Gentaz L. , Bruguier F. , Monnet I. , Gardes E. , Saheb M. , Foy E. , Nuns N. , Delanoë A. , Dynes J. J. , Michau N. , Martin C.
Published: April 2021

The French concept developed to dispose high-level radioactive waste in geological repository relies on glassy waste forms, isolated from the claystone host rock by steel containers. Understanding interactions between glass and surrounding materials is key for assessing the performance of a such system. Here, isotopically tagged SON68 glass, steel and claystone were studied through an integrated mockup conducted at 50 °C for 2.5 years. Post-mortem analyses were performed from nanometric to millimetric scales using TEM, STXM, ToF-SIMS and SEM techniques. The glass alteration layer consisted of a crystallized Fe-rich smectite mineral, close to nontronite, supporting a dissolution/reprecipitation controlling mechanism for glass alteration. The mean glass dissolution rate ranged between 1.6 × 10−2 g m−2 d−1to 3.0 × 10−2g m−2 d−1, a value only 3–5 times lower than the initial dissolution rate. Thermodynamic calculations highlighted a competition between nontronite and protective gel, explaining why in the present conditions the formation of a protective layer is prevented.
A food web including parasites for kelp forests of the Santa Barbara Channel, California
Authors: Morton Dana N. , Antonino Cristiana Y. , Broughton Farallon J. , Dykman Lauren N. , Kuris Armand M. , Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: April 2021

We built a high-resolution topological food web for the kelp forests of the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA that includes parasites and significantly improves resolution compared to previous webs. The 1,098 nodes and 21,956 links in the web describe an economically, socially, and ecologically vital system. Nodes are broken into life-stages, with 549 free-living life-stages (492 species from 21 Phyla) and 549 parasitic life-stages (450 species from 10 Phyla). Links represent three kinds of trophic interactions, with 9,352 predator-prey links, 2,733 parasite-host links and 9,871 predator-parasite links. All decisions for including nodes and links are documented, and extensive metadata in the node list allows users to filter the node list to suit their research questions. The kelp-forest food web is more species-rich than any other published food web with parasites, and it has the largest proportion of parasites. Our food web may be used to predict how kelp forests may respond to change, will advance our understanding of parasites in ecosystems, and fosters development of theory that incorporates large networks.
Agro-ecological landuse transformation in oasis systems of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, northern Oman
Authors: Buerkert Andreas , Dix Bryan Adam , Al Rawahi Mohamed Nasser , Schlecht Eva
Published: April 2021

The millenia-old oasis systems in the Western Hajar Mountains of Northern Oman have received widespread attention as models of sustainable irrigated agriculture in hyperarid Arabia. Given Oman’s rampant urbanization, growing scarcity of water and skilled labour, we quantified chances in water use, land use, and land cover between 2007 and 2018 using a rare time-series approach of detailed GIS-based crop mapping. Results from satellite image analysis and comprehensive ground truthing showed that urban areas grew from 206 ha in 2009 to 230 ha in 2014 and 252 ha in 2018. Throughout this decade, irrigated areas in backyards and front-house gardens of the town, planted largely to tree crops and vegetables, increased from 13.5 to 23.3 ha. Between 2007 and 2018 the actively used area of the studied oasis systems declined by 2.0% and the share of perennial crops without underplanting by 5.1%, while land under agroforestry increased by 2.1% and fallow land by 3.5%. Rising water demand of the sprawling town Sayh Qatanah led to terraces of Al ‘Ayn and Ash Sharayjah now being partly irrigated with treated wastewater which accelerated the abandonment of the old settlement structures. The labour- and water use efficiency-driven transformation of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar oasis agriculture into increasingly market-oriented landuse systems questions its function as example of sustainable, bio-cultural heritage of Arabia.
Cerebral venous steal equation for intracranial segmental perfusion pressure predicts and quantifies reversible intracranial to extracranial flow diversion
Authors: Pranevicius Mindaugas , Pranevicius Henrikas , Pranevicius Osvaldas
Published: April 2021

Cerebral perfusion is determined by segmental perfusion pressure for the intracranial compartment (SPP), which is lower than cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) because of extracranial stenosis. We used the Thevenin model of Starling resistors to represent the intra-extra-cranial compartments, with outflow pressures ICP and Pe, to express SPP = Pd–ICP = FFR*CPP–Ge(1 − FFR)(ICP–Pe). Here Pd is intracranial inflow pressure in the circle of Willis, ICP—intracranial pressure; FFR = Pd/Pa is fractional flow reserve (Pd scaled to the systemic pressure Pa), Ge—relative extracranial conductance. The second term (cerebral venous steal) decreases SPP when FFR < 1 and ICP > Pe. We verified the SPP equation in a bench of fluid flow through the collapsible tubes. We estimated Pd, measuring pressure in the intra-extracranial collateral (supraorbital artery) in a volunteer. To manipulate extracranial outflow pressure Pe, we inflated the infraorbital cuff, which led to the Pd increase and directional Doppler flow signal reversal in the supraorbital artery. SPP equation accounts for the hemodynamic effect of inflow stenosis and intra-extracranial flow diversion, and is a more precise perfusion pressure target than CPP for the intracranial compartment. Manipulation of intra-extracranial pressure gradient ICP–Pe can augment intracranial inflow pressure (Pd) and reverse intra-extracranial steal.
Multi-dimensional optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As thermophotovoltaic cell using real coded genetic algorithm
Authors: Gamel Mansur Mohammed Ali , Ker Pin Jern , Lee Hui Jing , Rashid Wan Emilin Suliza Wan Abdul , Hannan M. A. , David J. P. R. , Jamaludin M. Z.
Published: April 2021

The optimization of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell efficiency is essential since it leads to a significant increase in the output power. Typically, the optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell has been limited to single variable such as the emitter thickness, while the effects of the variation in other design variables are assumed to be negligible. The reported efficiencies of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell mostly remain < 15%. Therefore, this work develops a multi-variable or multi-dimensional optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell using the real coded genetic algorithm (RCGA) at various radiation temperatures. RCGA was developed using Visual Basic and it was hybridized with Silvaco TCAD for the electrical characteristics simulation. Under radiation temperatures from 800 to 2000 K, the optimized In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell efficiency increases by an average percentage of 11.86% (from 8.5 to 20.35%) as compared to the non-optimized structure. It was found that the incorporation of a thicker base layer with the back-barrier layers enhances the separation of charge carriers and increases the collection of photo-generated carriers near the band-edge, producing an optimum output power of 0.55 W/cm2 (cell efficiency of 22.06%, without antireflection coating) at 1400 K radiation spectrum. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential to generate electricity sustainably from industrial waste heat and the multi-dimensional optimization methodology can be adopted to optimize semiconductor devices, such as solar cell, TPV cell and photodetectors.
NREM delta power and AD-relevant tauopathy are associated with shared cortical gene networks
Authors: Scarpa Joseph R. , Jiang Peng , Gao Vance D. , Vitaterna Martha H. , Turek Fred W. , Kasarskis Andrew
Published: April 2021

Reduced NREM sleep in humans is associated with AD neuropathology. Recent work has demonstrated a reduction in NREM sleep in preclinical AD, pointing to its potential utility as an early marker of dementia. We test the hypothesis that reduced NREM delta power and increased tauopathy are associated with shared underlying cortical molecular networks in preclinical AD. We integrate multi-omics data from two extensive public resources, a human Alzheimer’s disease cohort from the Mount Sinai Brain Bank (N = 125) reflecting AD progression and a (C57BL/6J × 129S1/SvImJ) F2 mouse population in which NREM delta power was measured (N = 98). Two cortical gene networks, including a CLOCK-dependent circadian network, are associated with NREM delta power and AD tauopathy progression. These networks were validated in independent mouse and human cohorts. Identifying gene networks related to preclinical AD elucidate possible mechanisms associated with the early disease phase and potential targets to alter the disease course.
An improved biolistic delivery and analysis method for evaluation of DNA and CRISPR-Cas delivery efficacy in plant tissue
Authors: Miller Kyle , Eggenberger Alan L. , Lee Keunsub , Liu Fei , Kang Minjeong , Drent Madison , Ruba Andrew , Kirscht Tyler , Wang Kan , Jiang Shan
Published: April 2021

Biolistic delivery is widely used for genetic transformation but inconsistency between bombardment samples for transient gene expression analysis often hinders quantitative analyses. We developed a methodology to improve the consistency of biolistic delivery results by using a double-barrel device and a cell counting software. The double-barrel device enables a strategy of incorporating an internal control into each sample, which significantly decreases variance of the results. The cell counting software further reduces errors and increases throughput. The utility of this new platform is demonstrated by optimizing conditions for delivering DNA using the commercial transfection reagentTransIT-2020. In addition, the same approach is applied to test the efficacy of multiple gRNAs for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing. The novel combination of the bombardment device and analysis method allows simultaneous comparison and optimization of parameters in the biolistic delivery. The platform developed here can be broadly applied to any target samples using biolistics, including animal cells and tissues.
Deformation and rupture of microcapsules flowing through constricted capillary
Authors: Leopércio Bruna C. , Michelon Mariano , Carvalho Marcio S.
Published: April 2021

The dynamics of deformable microcapsules flowing through constricted channels is relevant in target delivery of chemicals in physiological systems, porous media, microfluidic medical diagnostic devices and many other applications. In some situations, the microcapsules need to sustain the stress they are subjected to as they flow through constricted channels and in others, the stress may be the rupture trigger used to release the internal content. We experimentally investigate the flow of monodispersed gellan gum microcapsules through a constricted capillary tube by measuring the evolution of the pressure difference and flow visualization. The maximum pressure difference and capsule deformation is obtained for capsules with different diameter and shell thickness. We map the conditions, e.g. diameter and shell thickness, at which the capsule membrane ruptures during the flow, releasing its internal phase.
Interleukin-6 as an enhancer of anti-angiogenic therapy for ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Seki Toshiyuki , Yanaihara Nozomu , Shapiro Jason Solomon , Saito Misato , Tabata Junya , Yokomizo Ryo , Noguchi Daito , Kuroda Takafumi , Kawabata Ayako , Suzuki Jiro , Takahashi Kazuaki , Matsuzawa Haruka , Miyake Misayo , Takenaka Masataka , Iida Yasushi , Yanagida Satoshi , Okamoto Aikou
Published: April 2021

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) that is associated with elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, resistance to chemotherapy, and increased mortality. Although bevacizumab (Bev) is a widely used anti-angiogenic agent for EOC, the efficacy of Bev and the role of IL-6 in modulating angiogenesis in OCCC are unknown. We performed tube formation assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in OCCC cell-conditioned medium and using cells directly co-cultured with OCCC cells. We observed that IL-6 inhibition significantly mitigated the ability of Bev to impede tube formation in both cases. Furthermore, IL-6 blockade disrupted the anti-angiogenic efficacy of Bev and its concomitant anti-tumor activity. In addition, IL-6 inhibition resulted in a significant increase in angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) secretion and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Clinical specimens also exhibited this reciprocal relationship between IL-6 and Ang1 expression. Finally, depletion of Ang1 abrogated the effects of IL-6 inhibition on Bev activity, demonstrating that IL-6 supports the anti-angiogenic activity of Bev by suppressing Ang1 expression and promoting dependence on VEGF for angiogenesis. Altogether, our data suggest that OCCC tumors with high IL-6 levels are candidates for Bev therapy.
Equilibrium and thermodynamic investigation of biosorption of nickel from water by activated carbon made from palm kernel chaff
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie Charles , Agim Akambende Edward , Mama Cordelia Nnennaya , Emenike PraiseGod Chidozie , Ogarekpe Nkpa Mba
Published: April 2021

Novel biosorbents were derived from a waste product of palm kernel oil extraction known as palm kernel chaff (PKC). One portion of the PKC was carbonized in a furnace and then activated chemically, while the other half was activated without carbonization. Both were designated as CPKC and UPKC, respectively. The two biosorbents so produced were then used to conduct batch equilibrium and kinetic sorption studies at 30 °C, 35 °C and 40 °C and pH 3.0 and 9.0 for an agitation period of 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 min. The Koble-Corrigan, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and the Freundlich isotherms fitted the experimental data very well with R2values of 0.97 to 1.0, 0.95 to 1.0, and 0.96 to 1.0, respectively. The linear type II Langmuir isotherm performed much better (0.96 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.0) than the nonlinear isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity was obtained as 120.6 mg/g using CPKC at pH 9.0 and 35 °C. The Langmuir separation coefficient values (0.022 ≤ RL ≤ 0.926) show that the sorption of nickel to PKC is favorable. The most favorable sorption condition was found for CPKC at pH 9 and temperature of 40 °C. The values of sorption energy (8.21 ≤ E ≤ 14.27) and the isosteric heat of sorption (−133.09 ≤ ∆Hx ≤ −17.92) indicate that the mode of sorption is mostly ion exchange. Thermodynamic parameters also show that the process is exothermic and entropy-driven. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model shows the best correlation compared to the other kinetic models. The coefficient of correlation for the pseudo-second-order model was mostly within the range of 0.999–1.000 for 90% of all kinetic studies carried out.
An integrated approach for spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Pb and Zn) in topsoil
Authors: Vaziri Azadeh , Nazarpour Ahad , Ghanavati Navid , Babainejad Teimor , Watts Michael J.
Published: April 2021

In this study, statistical analysis and spatial distribution were performed to compare raw data and centred log-ratio (clr) transformed data of three copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentration for 550 surface soil samples in Khuzestan plain. The results of both approaches showed that classical univariate analysis and compositional data analysis are essential to find the real structure of data and clarify its different aspects. Results also indicated that spatial distributions of raw data andclr-transformed data were completely different in three studied metals. Raw data necessarily shows the effects of anthropogenic activities and needs an additional evaluation of human health risk assessment for these three studied elements. Data obtained fromclr-coefficient maps also demonstrated the role of geological processes in the distribution pattern of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). To improve the understanding of the implications for PTE pollution and consequences for human health, a RGB colour composite map was produce to identify the potential origin of PTEs from areas with higher than typical baseline concentrations.
On solution existence of MHD Casson nanofluid transportation across an extending cylinder through porous media and evaluation of priori bounds
Authors: Abdal Sohaib , Hussain Sajjad , Siddique Imran , Ahmadian Ali , Ferrara Massimiliano
Published: April 2021

It is a theoretical exportation for mass transpiration and thermal transportation of Casson nanofluid over an extending cylindrical surface. The Stagnation point flow through porous matrix is influenced by magnetic field of uniform strength. Appropriate similarity functions are availed to yield the transmuted system of leading differential equations. Existence for the solution of momentum equation is proved for various values of Casson parameter$$\beta $$β, magnetic parameterM, porosity parameter$$K_p$$Kpand Reynolds numberRein two situations of mass transpiration (suction/injuction). The core interest for this study aroused to address some analytical aspects. Therefore, existence of solution is proved and uniqueness of this results is discussed with evaluation of bounds for existence of solution. Results for skin friction factor are established to attain accuracy for large injection values. Thermal and concentration profiles are delineated numerically by applying Runge-Kutta method and shooting technique. The flow speed retards againstM,$$\beta $$βand$$K_p$$Kpfor both situations of mass injection and suction. The thermal boundary layer improves with Brownian and thermopherotic diffusions.
Low-temperature (< 200 °C) degradation of electronic nicotine delivery system liquids generates toxic aldehydes
Authors: Jaegers Nicholas R. , Hu Wenda , Weber Thomas J. , Hu Jian Zhi
Published: April 2021

Electronic cigarette usage has spiked in popularity over recent years. The enhanced prevalence has consequently resulted in new health concerns associated with the use of these devices. Degradation of the liquids used in vaping have been identified as a concern due to the presence of toxic compounds such as aldehydes in the aerosols. Typically, such thermochemical conversions are reported to occur between 300 and 400 °C. Herein, the low-temperature thermal degradation of propylene glycol and glycerol constituents of e-cigarette vapors are explored for the first time by natural abundance 13C NMR and 1H NMR, enabling in situ detection of intact molecules from decomposition. The results demonstrate that the degradation of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) liquids is strongly reliant upon the oxygen availability, both in the presence and absence of a material surface. When oxygen is available, propylene glycol and glycerol readily decompose at temperatures between 133 and 175 °C over an extended time period. Among the generated chemical species, formic and acrylic acids are observed which can negatively affect the kidneys and lungs of those who inhale the toxin during ENDS vapor inhalation. Further, the formation of hemi- and formal acetals is noted from both glycerol and propylene glycol, signifying the generation of both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, highly toxic compounds, which, as a biocide, can lead to numerous health ailments. The results also reveal a retardation in decomposition rate when material surfaces are prevalent with no directly observed unique surface spectator or intermediate species as well as potentially slower conversions in mixtures of the two components. The generation of toxic species in ENDS liquids at low temperatures highlights the dangers of low-temperature ENDS use.
Telomere length and epigenetic age acceleration in adolescents with anxiety disorders
Authors: Cerveira de Baumont Angelica , Hoffmann Mauricio Scopel , Bortoluzzi Andressa , Fries Gabriel R. , Lavandoski Patrícia , Grun Lucas K. , Guimarães Luciano S. P. , Guma Fátima T. C. R. , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Barbé-Tuana Florencia M. , Manfro Gisele G.
Published: April 2021

Evidence on the relationship between genetics and mental health are flourishing. However, few studies are evaluating early biomarkers that might link genes, environment, and psychopathology. We aimed to study telomere length (TL) and epigenetic age acceleration (AA) in a cohort of adolescents with and without anxiety disorders (N = 234). We evaluated a representative subsample of participants at baseline and after 5 years (n = 76) and categorized them according to their anxiety disorder diagnosis at both time points: (1) control group (no anxiety disorder, n = 18), (2) variable group (anxiety disorder in one evaluation, n = 38), and (3) persistent group (anxiety disorder at both time points, n = 20). We assessed relative mean TL by real-time quantitative PCR and DNA methylation by Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We calculated AA using the Horvath age estimation algorithm and analyzed differences among groups using generalized linear mixed models. The persistent group of anxiety disorder did not change TL over time (p = 0.495). The variable group had higher baseline TL (p = 0.003) but no accelerated TL erosion in comparison to the non-anxiety control group (p = 0.053). Furthermore, there were no differences in AA among groups over time. Our findings suggest that adolescents with chronic anxiety did not change telomere length over time, which could be related to a delay in neuronal development in this period of life.
HyperBeta: characterizing the structural dynamics of proteins and self-assembling peptides
Authors: Nobile Marco S. , Fontana Federico , Manzoni Luca , Cazzaniga Paolo , Mauri Giancarlo , Saracino Gloria A. A. , Besozzi Daniela , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: April 2021

Self-assembling processes are ubiquitous phenomena that drive the organization and the hierarchical formation of complex molecular systems. The investigation of assembling dynamics, emerging from the interactions among biomolecules like amino-acids and polypeptides, is fundamental to determine how a mixture of simple objects can yield a complex structure at the nano-scale level. In this paper we present HyperBeta, a novel open-source software that exploits an innovative algorithm based on hyper-graphs to efficiently identify and graphically represent the dynamics of $$\beta$$
β
-sheets formation. Differently from the existing tools, HyperBeta directly manipulates data generated by means of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation tools (GROMACS), performed using the MARTINI force field. Coarse-grained molecular structures are visualized using HyperBeta ’s proprietary real-time high-quality 3D engine, which provides a plethora of analysis tools and statistical information, controlled by means of an intuitive event-based graphical user interface. The high-quality renderer relies on a variety of visual cues to improve the readability and interpretability of distance and depth relationships between peptides. We show that HyperBeta is able to track the $$\beta$$
β
-sheets formation in coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, and provides a completely new and efficient mean for the investigation of the kinetics of these nano-structures. HyperBeta will therefore facilitate biotechnological and medical research where these structural elements play a crucial role, such as the development of novel high-performance biomaterials in tissue engineering, or a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms at the basis of complex pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease.
Impact of acute partial-body cryostimulation on cognitive performance, cerebral oxygenation, and cardiac autonomic activity
Authors: Theurot Dimitri , Dugué Benoit , Douzi Wafa , Guitet Paul , Louis Julien , Dupuy Olivier
Published: April 2021

We assessed the effects of a 3-min partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) exposure—where the whole body is exposed to extreme cold, except the head—on cognitive inhibition performance and the possible implications of parasympathetic cardiac control and cerebral oxygenation. In a randomized controlled counterbalanced cross-over design, eighteen healthy young adults (nine males and nine females) completed a cognitive Stroop task before and after one single session of PBC (3-min exposure at − 150 °C cold air) and a control condition (3 min at room temperature, 20 °C). During the cognitive task, heart rate variability (HRV) and cerebral oxygenation of the prefrontal cortex were measured using heart rate monitoring and near-infrared spectroscopy methods. We also recorded the cerebral oxygenation during the PBC session. Stroop performance after PBC exposure was enhanced (562.0 ± 40.2 ms) compared to pre-PBC (602.0 ± 56.4 ms; P < 0.042) in males only, accompanied by an increase (P < 0.05) in HRV indices of parasympathetic tone, in greater proportion in males compared to females. During PBC, cerebral oxygenation decreased in a similar proportion in males and females but the cerebral extraction (deoxyhemoglobin: ΔHHb) remained higher after exposure in males, only. These data demonstrate that a single PBC session enhances the cognitive inhibition performance on a Stroop task in males, partly mediated by a greater parasympathetic cardiac control and greater cerebral oxygenation. The effects of PBC on cognitive function seem different in females, possibly explained by a different sensitivity to cold stimulation.
Preparation and characterization of nano-galvanic bimetallic Fe/Sn nanoparticles deposited on talc and its enhanced performance in Cr(VI) removal
Authors: Bayat Mitra , Nasernejad Bahram , Falamaki Cavus
Published: April 2021

In this study, talc-supported nano-galvanic Sn doped nZVI (Talc-nZVI/Sn) bimetallic particles were successfully synthesized and utilized for Cr(VI) remediation. Talc-nZVI/Sn nanoparticles were characterized by FESEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, zeta potential, and BET analysis. The findings verified the uniform dispersion of nZVI/Sn spherical nanoparticles on talc surface with a size of 30–200 nm, and highest specific surface area of 146.38 m2/g. The formation of numerous nano-galvanic cells between nZVI core and Sn shell enhanced the potential of bimetallic particles in Cr(VI) mitigation. Moreover, batch experiments were carried out to investigate optimum conditions for Cr(VI) elimination and total Cr(VI) removal was achieved in 20 min using Sn/Fe mass ratio of 6/1, the adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 80 mg/L, at the acidic environment (pH = 5) and temperature of 303 K. Besides, co-existing of metallic cations turned out to facilitate the electron transfer from the nano-galvanic couple of NZVI/Sn, and suggested the revolution of bimetallic particles to trimetallic composites. The aging study of the nanocomposite confirmed its constant high activity during 60 days. The removal reaction was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the modified Langmuir isotherm models. Overall, due to the synergistic galvanic cell effect of nZVI/Sn nanoparticles and full coverage of active sites by Sn layer, Talc-nZVI/6Sn was utilized as a promising nanocomposite for fast and highly efficient Cr(VI) elimination.
Assessing the degradation of ancient milk proteins through site-specific deamidation patterns
Authors: Ramsøe Abigail , Crispin Mia , Mackie Meaghan , McGrath Krista , Fischer Roman , Demarchi Beatrice , Collins Matthew J. , Hendy Jessica , Speller Camilla
Published: April 2021

The origins, prevalence and nature of dairying have been long debated by archaeologists. Within the last decade, new advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry have allowed for the direct detection of milk proteins from archaeological remains, including ceramic residues, dental calculus, and preserved dairy products. Proteins recovered from archaeological remains are susceptible to post-excavation and laboratory contamination, a particular concern for ancient dairying studies as milk proteins such as beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and caseins are potential laboratory contaminants. Here, we examine how site-specific rates of deamidation (i.e., deamidation occurring in specific positions in the protein chain) can be used to elucidate patterns of peptide degradation, and authenticate ancient milk proteins. First, we characterize site-specific deamidation patterns in modern milk products and experimental samples, confirming that deamidation occurs primarily at low half-time sites. We then compare this to previously published palaeoproteomic data from six studies reporting ancient milk peptides. We confirm that site-specific deamidation rates, on average, are more advanced in BLG  recovered from ancient dental calculus and pottery residues. Nevertheless, deamidation rates displayed a high degree of variability, making it challenging to authenticate samples with relatively few milk peptides. We demonstrate that site-specific deamidation is a useful tool for identifying modern contamination but highlight the need for multiple lines of evidence to authenticate ancient protein data.