bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of diet quality, food consumption, eating frequency and eating behaviour with dental caries experience in Finnish children: a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Virkkala Veera F. , Eloranta Aino-Maija , Suominen Anna Liisa , Vierola Anu , Ikävalko Tiina , Väistö Juuso , Mikkonen Santtu , Methuen Mirja , Schwab Ursula , Viljakainen Heli T. , Leinonen Jukka , Närhi Matti , Lakka Timo A.
Published: August 2022

We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of dietary factors with caries experience in a population sample of 487 children aged 6–9 years at baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. Altogether, 406 of these children attended 2-year follow-up examinations. Food consumption and eating frequency were assessed using 4-day food records, diet quality using the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) and eating behaviour using the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Caries experience was examined clinically. The cross-sectional associations of dietary factors with caries experience at baseline were analysed using linear regression and the longitudinal associations of dietary factors with a change in caries experience over follow-up using generalised mixed-effects regression adjusted for other risk factors. A higher consumption of high-fibre grain products (standardised regression coefficient β = −0·16, P = 0·003) and milk (β = −0·11, P = 0·025) and higher BSDS (β = −0·15, P = 0·007) were associated with lower caries experience, whereas a higher consumption of potatoes (β = 0·11, P = 0·048) and emotional overeating (β = 0·12, P = 0·025) were associated with higher caries experience. Higher snacking frequency (fixed coefficient β = 0·07, P = 0·033), desire to drink (β = 0·10, P = 0·046), slowness in eating (β = 0·12, P = 0·027) and food fussiness (β = 0·12, P = 0·018) were associated with higher caries experience, whereas enjoyment of food (β = −0·12, P = 0·034) and higher BSDS (β = −0·02, P = 0·051) were associated with lower caries experience.
On solving an isotope dilution model for the partition of phenylalanine and tyrosine uptake by the liver of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Crompton L. A. , McKnight L. L. , Reynolds C. K. , Ellis J. L. , Dijkstra J. , France J.
Published: August 2022

An isotope dilution model for partitioning phenylalanine and tyrosine uptake by the liver of the lactating dairy cow is constructed and solved in the steady state. An original ten-pool model is adopted and solved by cleaving it into two five-pool sub-models, one representing phenylalanine and the other tyrosine. If assumptions are made, model solution permits calculation of the rate of phenylalanine and tyrosine uptake from portal vein and hepatic arterial blood supply, hydroxylation, and synthesis and degradation of constitutive protein. The model requires the measurement of plasma flow rate through the liver in combination with amino acid concentrations and plateau isotopic enrichments in arterial and portal and hepatic vein plasma during a constant infusion of [1-13C]phenylalanine and [2,3,5,6-2H]tyrosine tracers. It also requires estimates of the rate of oxidation and protein export secretion. Analysis of measurement errors in experimental enrichments and infusion rates on model solutions indicated that accurate values of the intracellular and extracellular enrichments are central to minimising errors in the calculated flows. Solving the model by cleaving into two five-pool schemes rather than solving the ten-pool scheme directly is preferred as there appears to be less compounding of errors and the results consistently appear to be more biologically feasible. The model provides a means for assessing the impact of hepatic metabolism on amino acid availability to peripheral tissues such as the mammary gland.
Aerobic exercise enhances cognitive training effects in first-episode schizophrenia: randomized clinical trial demonstrates cognitive and functional gains
Authors: Nuechterlein Keith H. , McEwen Sarah C. , Ventura Joseph , Subotnik Kenneth L. , Turner Luana R. , Boucher Michael , Casaus Laurie R. , Distler Margaret G. , Hayata Jacqueline N.
Published: August 2022

Background

Cognitive training (CT) and aerobic exercise both show promising moderate impact on cognition and everyday functioning in schizophrenia. Aerobic exercise is hypothesized to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and thereby synaptic plasticity, leading to increased learning capacity. Systematic CT should take advantage of increased learning capacity and be more effective when combined with aerobic exercise.

Methods

We examined the impact of a 6-month program of cognitive training & exercise (CT&E) compared to cognitive training alone (CT) in 47 first-episode schizophrenia outpatients. All participants were provided the same Posit Science computerized CT, 4 h/week, using BrainHQ and SocialVille programs. The CT&E group also participated in total body circuit training exercises to enhance aerobic conditioning. Clinic and home-based exercise were combined for a target of 150 min per week.

Results

The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery Overall Composite improved significantly more with CT&E than with CT alone (p = 0.04), particularly in the first 3 months (6.5 v. 2.2 T-score points, p < 0.02). Work/school functioning improved substantially more with CT&E than with CT alone by 6 months (p < 0.001). BDNF gain tended to predict the amount of cognitive gain but did not reach significance. The cognitive gain by 3 months predicted the amount of work/school functioning improvement at 6 months. The amount of exercise completed was strongly associated with the degree of cognitive and work/school functioning improvement.

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise significantly enhances the impact of CT on cognition and functional outcome in first-episode schizophrenia, apparently driven by the amount of exercise completed.
Birds and Natura 2000: a review of the scientific literature
Authors: Portaccio Alessia , Campagnaro Thomas , Sitzia Tommaso
Published: August 2022

The Natura 2000 network, the pillar of biodiversity conservation in Europe, still shows some knowledge gaps after almost 30 years since its implementation. As birds are a taxonomic group that is underrepresented in the literature related to Natura 2000 compared to their importance in the EU Directives, this review investigated the characteristics of the scientific research dedicated to birds in relation to Natura 2000. This review focused on 169 peer-reviewed articles covering a period of 25 years (1995–2019). Most studies were set within single Natura 2000 site or regions within countries, and concerned terrestrial habitats, particularly wetlands. The terrestrial Mediterranean biogeographical region and marine Atlantic region had the greatest number of publications, while Spain, Italy, and France were the countries with the highest number of reviewed articles. The number of publications was correlated to Natura 2000 coverage at both country and biogeographical region level. Bird species were studied mainly at a community or single-species level and most publications studied distribution and occurrence of the bird species of interest, while very few assessed the conservation status of the species. Only a few articles set within Natura 2000 sites addressed the issues of habitat suitability for birds or the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Both Annex I and non-Annex I bird species were examined in the literature, with most species having decreasing population trends at the European scale. Future research on bird conservation and Natura 2000 should focus on marine ecosystems as well as habitats that have received less attention despite their important role in a changing future (alpine and urban types). Moreover, future studies should encompass larger spatial scales and those species for which status and trends are still not thoroughly investigated. Finally, it would be important to enhance research efforts on the conservation status and effectiveness in relation to the network.
Seed dormancy and germination behaviour of tropical rainforest tree species from Sri Lanka
Authors: Samarasinghe B.R. Chandima P. , Jayasuriya K.M.G. Gehan , Gunaratne A.M. Thilanka A. , Senanayaka Mahesh C. , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: August 2022

Plant community-level studies on seed dormancy traits are important to understand and determine the significance of seed dormancy in different ecosystems. Hence, we studied seed dormancy and other related seed biological traits of 42 selected tropical lowland rainforest tree species from Sri Lanka, aiming to address seed dormancy class(es) for a biodiverse tropical lowland wet zone forest community and the relationship between dormancy classes, forest strata and seed dispersal mechanisms. Seed germination, imbibition, embryo length:seed length ratio, embryo morphology and the effect of gibberrelic acid on seed germination were determined. Sixty-two percent of the species with T50 < 30 days were identified as having fast-germinating seeds and the remaining 38% with T50 > 30 possessed slow-germinating seeds. Seeds of 33 species had fully developed embryos, while nine species had underdeveloped embryos; three had morphological dormancy (MD) and six morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Treatment with gibberellic acid revealed physiological dormancy (PD) in seeds of six species, and the response to manual scarification confirmed physical dormancy (PY) in seeds of Pericopsis moonina. The majority of tropical lowland rainforests had non-dormant (ND) species (62%), and 14.3, 14.3, 7 and 2.3% of the species had MPD, PD, MD, and PY, respectively. Non-dormancy decreased for taxa from the upper strata to the lower strata of the forest. ND seeds were dispersed during the rainy season. Thus, non-dormancy seems to be the most dominant germination behaviour among the tree species in the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka with the class of dormancy related to forest strata and dispersal time.
Favourable outcome of a severe bradyarrhythmia in a neonate: a case report
Authors: Mascarenhas Dwayne , Goyal Medha , Nanavati Ruchi
Published: August 2022

We report the case of a term neonate with severe fetal bradycardia with an unusually benign clinical course with follow-up till infancy.
A quantitative model of verb–object order in Middle English with special reference to the prose–poetry distinction
Authors: ZIMMERMANN RICHARD
Published: August 2022

This article reports a regression model for the change from OV to VO in Middle English. It focuses on genre (prose versus poetry) as a predictor by including data from a recently published corpus, theParsed Corpus of Middle English Poetry(PCMEP; Zimmermann 2015). Other independent variables considered are time, object type, clause type and weight. The results specify the time course of the development in Middle English with great precision and replicate several effects from the previous literature including the importance of the genre variable, poetry being considerably more conservative than prose. It is recommended that poetry texts should be considered in studies on early Middle English syntax more generally to arrive at comprehensive assessments of linguistic changes at the time.
Projected Changes and Time of Emergence of Temperature Extremes Over Australia in CMIP5 and CMIP6
Authors: Deng Xu , Perkins‐Kirkpatrick Sarah E. , Alexander Lisa V. , Stark Clair
Published: August 2022

This study focuses on the projections and time of emergence (TOE) for temperature extremes over Australian regions in the phase 6 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) models. The model outputs are based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) from the Tier 1 experiments (i.e., SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, and SSP5‐8.5) in the Scenario Model Intercomparison Project (ScenarioMIP), which is compared with the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) in CMIP5 (i.e., RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). Furthermore, two large ensembles (LEs) in CMIP6 are used to investigate the effects of internal variability on the projected changes and TOE. As shown in the temporal evolution and spatial distribution, the strongest warming levels are projected under the highest future scenario and the changes for some extremes follow a “warm‐get‐warmer” pattern over Australia. Over subregions, tropical Australia usually shows the highest warming. Compared to the RCPs in CMIP5, the multi‐model medians in SSPs are higher for some indices and commonly exhibit wider spreads, likely related to the different forcings and higher climate sensitivity in a subset of the CMIP6 models. Based on a signal‐to‐noise framework, we confirm that the emergence patterns differ greatly for different extreme indices and the large uncertainty in TOE can result from the inter‐model ranges of both signal and noise, for which internal variability contributes to the determination of the signal. We further demonstrate that the internally generated variations influence the noise. Our findings can provide useful information for mitigation strategies and adaptation planning over Australia.
Investigating Influences on the Pb Pseudo‐Isochron Using Three‐Dimensional Mantle Convection Models With a Continental Reservoir
Authors: Panton James , Davies J. Huw , Elliott Tim , Andersen Morten , Porcelli Don , Price Matthew G.
Published: August 2022

For mid‐ocean ridge basalts and ocean island basalts, measurements of Pb isotope ratios show broad linear correlations with a certain degree of scatter. In 207Pb/204Pb—206Pb/204Pb space, the best fit line defines a pseudo‐isochron age (τPb) of ∼1.9 Gyr. Previous modeling suggests a relative change in the behaviors of U and Pb between 2.25 and 2.5 Ga, resulting in net recycling of HIMU (high U/Pb) material in the latter part of Earth's history, to explain the observed τPb. However, simulations in which fractionation is controlled by a single set of partition coefficients throughout the model runs fail to reproduce τPb and the observed scatter in Pb isotope ratios. We build on these models with 3D mantle convection simulations including parameterizations for melting, U recycling from the continents and preferential removal of Pb from subducted oceanic crust. We find that both U recycling after the great oxygenation event and Pb extraction after the onset of plate tectonics, are required in order to fit the observed gradient and scatter of both the 207Pb/204Pb—206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb—206Pb/204Pb arrays. Unlike much previous work, our model does not require accumulations of subducted oceanic crust to persist at the core‐mantle boundary for long periods of time in order to match geochemical observations.
Hydrological Shifts Threaten Water Resources
Authors: Fowler Keirnan , Peel Murray , Saft Margarita , Nathan Rory , Horne Avril , Wilby Robert , McCutcheon Connor , Peterson Tim
Published: August 2022

Recent shifts in the hydrological behavior of natural watersheds suggest acute challenges for water planning under climate change. Usually triggered by a multi‐year drought, these shifts involve a tendency for less annual streamflow for a given annual precipitation, and this behavior has now been reported on multiple continents. Future drying under climate change may induce similar unexpected hydrological responses, and this commentary discusses the implications for water planning and management. Commonly used hydrological models poorly represent these shifts in behavior and cannot be relied upon to anticipate future changes. Thus, their use may result in underestimation of hydroclimatic risk and exposure to “surprise” reductions in water supply, relative to projections. The onus is now on hydrologists to determine the underlying causes of shifting behavior and incorporate more dynamic realism into operational models.
Denitrification‐Driven Transcription and Enzyme Production at the River‐Groundwater Interface: Insights From Reactive‐Transport Modeling
Authors: Störiko Anna , Pagel Holger , Mellage Adrian , Van Cappellen Philippe , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: August 2022

Molecular‐biological data and omics tools have increasingly been used to characterize microorganisms responsible for the turnover of reactive compounds in the environment, such as reactive‐nitrogen species in groundwater. While transcripts of functional genes and enzymes are used as measures of microbial activity, it is not yet clear how they are quantitatively related to actual turnover rates under variable environmental conditions. As an example application, we consider the interface between rivers and groundwater which has been identified as a key driver for the turnover of reactive‐nitrogen compounds, that cause eutrophication of rivers and endanger drinking water production from groundwater. In the absence of measured data, we developed a reactive‐transport model for denitrification that simultaneously predicts the distributions of functional‐gene transcripts, enzymes, and reaction rates. Applying the model, we evaluate the response of transcripts and enzymes at the river‐groundwater interface to stable and dynamic hydrogeochemical regimes. While functional‐gene transcripts respond to short‐term (diurnal) fluctuations of substrate availability and oxygen concentrations, enzyme concentrations are stable over such time scales. The presence of functional‐gene transcripts and enzymes globally coincides with the zones of active denitrification. However, transcript and enzyme concentrations do not directly translate into denitrification rates in a quantitative way because of nonlinear effects and hysteresis caused by variable substrate availability and oxygen inhibition. Based on our simulations, we suggest that molecular‐biological data should be combined with aqueous geochemical data, which can typically be obtained at higher spatial and temporal resolution, to parameterize and calibrate reactive‐transport models.
Long‐Term Simulation of Snow Cover and Its Potential Impacts on Seasonal Frost Dynamics in Croplands Across Southern Canada
Authors: Li Ziwei , Qi Zhiming , Smith Ward , Pattey Elizabeth , Qian Budong
Published: August 2022

In northern climates, accurate simulation of thermal and hydrological budgets for farmlands overwinter is crucial for both an accurate prediction of spring flooding and the successful management of nutrient losses. As snow cover influences soil freezing dynamics, it has been hypothesized that reduced snow cover due to warmer winters might intensify soil freezing. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Drawing upon observed snow depth and soil temperature data collected from six research farms across Southern Canada over various time spans from 1989 to 2020, the root zone water quality model, integrated with the simultaneous heat and water model (RZ‐SHAW), was calibrated and validated. The potential influence of warmer winter on shifts in soil frost dynamics was evaluated by estimating soil freezing dynamics for each farmland site under various air temperature scenarios using the RZ‐SHAW model. Soil frozen depth in the eastern Canada sites increased with increasing air temperature in some years but decreased under the highest air temperature increases of 3.5°C. The monthly relationship between snow depth and soil frozen depth was determined through partial correlation analysis. Snow was most effective in alleviating soil freezing in the months of January and February, a period when snow cover depth was least affected by warming air temperatures. This study suggests that the hypothesis of increasing soil frozen depth under global warming‐induced snow cover reduction holds true in conditions where soil energy lost through reduced snow cover outweighed the soil energy gained through warmer air temperature.
Scaling of Electron Heating by Magnetization During Reconnection and Applications to Dipolarization Fronts and Super‐Hot Solar Flares
Authors: Barbhuiya M. Hasan , Cassak P. A. , Shay M. A. , Roytershteyn Vadim , Swisdak M. , Caspi Amir , Runov Andrei , Liang Haoming
Published: August 2022

Electron ring velocity space distributions have previously been seen in numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection exhausts and have been suggested to be caused by the magnetization of the electron outflow jet by the compressed reconnected magnetic fields (Shuster et al., 2014, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GL060608). We present a theory of the dependence of the major and minor radii of the ring distributions solely in terms of upstream (lobe) plasma conditions, thereby allowing a prediction of the associated temperature and temperature anisotropy of the rings in terms of upstream parameters. We test the validity of the prediction using 2.5‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations with varying upstream plasma density and temperature, finding excellent agreement between the predicted and simulated values. We confirm the Shuster et al. suggestion for the cause of the ring distributions, and also find that the ring distributions are located in a region marked by a plateau, or shoulder, in the reconnected magnetic field profile. The predictions of the temperature are consistent with observed electron temperatures in dipolarization fronts, and may provide an explanation for the generation of plasma with temperatures in the 10s of MK in super‐hot solar flares. A possible extension of the model to dayside reconnection is discussed. Since ring distributions are known to excite whistler waves, the present results should be useful for quantifying the generation of whistler waves in reconnection exhausts.
Wideband Characterization of Equatorial Ionospheric Fading Using MUOS Signals
Authors: Subash Joeal , Cannon Paul S.
Published: August 2022

Six hundred hours of data from a receiver located at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory at 15°N (dip latitude), has been used to explore the fading correlation of 300–360 MHz trans‐ionospheric signals from the MUOS satellite. Using these data, we have highlighted that the inter‐frequency correlation varies with the fading frequency; components at frequencies close to the Fresnel frequency tend to be well correlated over bandwidths between 15 MHz and greater than 20 MHz, but those at higher fading frequencies are only well correlated over bandwidths between 0.1 and 5 MHz at a correlation threshold of 0.7. When considered over all fading frequencies, flat fading is far more common than frequency selective fading, such that when the frequency separation is 5 MHz and when S4 lies between 0.7 and 0.8, the ratio is ∼16:1, when the separation is 10 MHz the ratio is ∼9:1 and when the separation is 15 MHz it is ∼7:1. Together, the results in this paper suggest that flat fading is the dominant fading mechanism for satellite communication systems, with bandwidths up to 15 MHz, operating in the high VHF and low UHF bands in the equatorial region. At still higher operating bandwidths we expect frequency selective fading to become dominant as the differentially delayed multipath components, occurring via Fresnel scale irregularities, cause destructive and constructive interference.
Twisted phonon polaritons at deep subwavelength scale
Authors: Ma Ren-Min
Published: August 2022

Hyperbolic polariton vortices carrying reconfigurable topological charges have been realized at deep subwavelength scale.
Nitrogen cycling and microbial cooperation in the terrestrial subsurface
Authors: Mosley Olivia E , Gios Emilie , Close Murray , Weaver Louise , Daughney Chris , Handley Kim M
Published: August 2022

The nitrogen cycle plays a major role in aquatic nitrogen transformations, including in the terrestrial subsurface. However, the variety of transformations remains understudied. To determine how nitrogen cycling microorganisms respond to different aquifer chemistries, we sampled groundwater with varying nutrient and oxygen contents. Genes and transcripts involved in major nitrogen-cycling pathways were quantified from 55 and 26 sites, respectively, and metagenomes and metatranscriptomes were analyzed from a subset of oxic and dysoxic sites (0.3-1.1 mg/L bulk dissolved oxygen). Nitrogen-cycling mechanisms (e.g. ammonia oxidation, denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium) were prevalent and highly redundant, regardless of site-specific physicochemistry or nitrate availability, and present in 40% of reconstructed genomes, suggesting that nitrogen cycling is a core function of aquifer communities. Transcriptional activity for nitrification, denitrification, nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) occurred simultaneously in oxic and dysoxic groundwater, indicating the availability of oxic-anoxic interfaces. Concurrent activity by these microorganisms indicates potential synergisms through metabolite exchange across these interfaces (e.g. nitrite and oxygen). Fragmented denitrification pathway encoding and transcription was widespread among groundwater bacteria, although a considerable proportion of associated transcriptional activity was driven by complete denitrifiers, especially under dysoxic conditions. Despite large differences in transcription, the capacity for the final steps of denitrification was largely invariant to aquifer conditions, and most genes and transcripts encoding N2O reductases were the atypical Sec-dependant type, suggesting energy-efficiency prioritization. Results provide insights into the capacity for cooperative relationships in groundwater communities, and the richness and complexity of metabolic mechanisms leading to the loss of fixed nitrogen.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in a Japanese patient with a homozygous founder variant of DSG2 in the East Asian population
Authors: Murakami Haruka , Tanimoto Yoko , Tanimoto Kojiro , Inoue Satomi , Ishikawa Taisuke , Makita Naomasa , Yamazawa Kazuki
Published: August 2022

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a hereditary cardiomyopathy that results in fatal arrhythmias and heart failure. Herein, we report a Japanese patient with ARVC whose parents were blood relatives. Genetic testing identified a homozygous rare variant, c.1592T > G (p.Phe531Cys), of DSG2 that is presumed to be a founder variant among East Asians. Genetic counseling sessions with precise risk assessment and appropriate follow-up programs were provided to the patient and family members.
Inequality of household water security follows a Development Kuznets Curve
Authors: Mao Feng , Miller Joshua D. , Young Sera L. , Krause Stefan , Hannah David M. ,   HWISE Research Coordination Network, Brewis Alexandra , Trowell Alex , Pearson Amber L. , Wutich Amber , Sullivan Andrea , Rosinger Asher Y. , Hagaman Ashley , Workman Cassandra , Staddon Chad , Tshala-Katumbay Desire , Krishnakumar Divya , Adams Ellis , Sánchez-Rodriguez Ernesto C. , Carrillo Genny , Asiki Gershim , Ghattas Hala , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Melgar-Quiñonez Hugo , Ahmed Farooq , Moran-Martinez Javier , Maupin Jonathan , Escobar-Vargas Jorge , Stoler Justin , Mathad Jyoti , Chapman Kelly , Maes Kenneth , Samayoa-Figueroa Luisa , Sheikhi Mahdieh , Alexander Mallika , Santoso Marianne V. , Freeman Matthew C. , Boivin Michael J. , Morales Milton Marin , Balogun Mobolanle , Ghorbani Monet , Omidvar Nasrin , Triviño Nathaly , Hawley Nicola , Owuor Patrick Mbullo , Tutu Raymond , Schuster Roseanne C. , Rasheed Sabrina , Collins Shalean M. , Srivastava Sonali , Cole Stroma , Jepson Wendy , Tesfaye Yihenew , Jamaluddine Zeina
Published: August 2022

Water security requires not only sufficient availability of and access to safe and acceptable quality for domestic uses, but also fair distribution within and across populations. However, a key research gap remains in understanding water security inequality and its dynamics, which in turn creates an impediment to tracking progress towards sustainable development. Therefore, we analyse the inequality of water security using data from 7603 households across 28 sites in 22 low- and middle-income countries, measured using the Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale. Here we show an inverted-U shaped relationship between site water security and inequality of household water security. This Kuznets-like curve suggests a process that as water security grows, the inequality of water security first increases then decreases. This research extends the Kuznets curve applications and introduces the Development Kuznets Curve concept. Its practical implications support building water security and achieving more fair, inclusive, and sustainable development.
Quantum-assisted distortion-free audio signal sensing
Authors: Zhang Chen , Dasari Durga , Widmann Matthias , Meinel Jonas , Vorobyov Vadim , Kapitanova Polina , Nenasheva Elizaveta , Nakamura Kazuo , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Isoya Junichi , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: August 2022

Quantum sensors are known for their high sensitivity in sensing applications. However, this sensitivity often comes with severe restrictions on other parameters which are also important. Examples are that in measurements of arbitrary signals, limitation in linear dynamic range could introduce distortions in magnitude and phase of the signal. High frequency resolution is another important feature for reconstructing unknown signals. Here, we demonstrate a distortion-free quantum sensing protocol that combines a quantum phase-sensitive detection with heterodyne readout. We present theoretical and experimental investigations using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, showing the capability of reconstructing audio frequency signals with an extended linear dynamic range and high frequency resolution. Melody and speech based signals are used for demonstrating the features. The methods could broaden the horizon for quantum sensors towards applications, e.g. telecommunication in challenging environment, where low-distortion measurements are required at multiple frequency bands within a limited volume.
Proteomic characterization of the Toxoplasma gondii cytokinesis machinery portrays an expanded hierarchy of its assembly and function
Authors: Engelberg Klemens , Bechtel Tyler , Michaud Cynthia , Weerapana Eranthie , Gubbels Marc-Jan
Published: August 2022

The basal complex (BC) is essential for T. gondii cell division but mechanistic details are lacking. Here we report a reciprocal proximity based biotinylation approach to map the BC’s proteome. We interrogate the resulting map for spatiotemporal dynamics and function by disrupting the expression of components. This highlights four architecturally distinct BC subcomplexes, the compositions of which change dynamically in correlation with changes in BC function. We identify BCC0 as a protein undergirding BC formation in five foci that precede the same symmetry seen in the apical annuli and IMC sutures. Notably, daughter budding from BCC0 progresses bidirectionally: the apical cap in apical and the rest of the IMC in basal direction. Furthermore, the essential role of the BC in cell division is contained in BCC4 and MORN1 that form a ‘rubber band’ to sequester the basal end of the assembling daughter cytoskeleton. Finally, we assign BCC1 to the non-essential, final BC constriction step.
IFN-γ stimulated murine and human neurons mount anti-parasitic defenses against the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sambamurthy , Kochanowsky Joshua A. , Merritt Emily F. , Lagas Joseph S. , Swannigan Ayesha , Koshy Anita A.
Published: August 2022

Dogma holds thatToxoplasma gondiipersists in neurons because neurons cannot clear intracellular parasites, even with IFN-γ stimulation. As several recent studies questioned this idea, here we use primary murine neuronal cultures from wild type and transgenic mice in combination with IFN-γ stimulation and parental and transgenic parasites to reassess IFN-γ dependent neuronal clearance of intracellular parasites. We find that neurons respond to IFN-γ and that a subset of neurons clear intracellular parasites via immunity regulated GTPases. Whole neuron reconstructions from mice infected with parasites that trigger neuron GFP expression only after full invasion reveal that ~50% of theseT. gondii-invaded neurons no longer harbor parasites. Finally, IFN-γ stimulated human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons show an ~50% decrease in parasite infection rate when compared to unstimulated cultures. This work highlights the capability of human and murine neurons to mount cytokine-dependent anti-T. gondiidefense mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.
Superfluid stiffness of a KTaO3-based two-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Mallik S. , Ménard G. C. , Saïz G. , Witt H. , Lesueur J. , Gloter A. , Benfatto L. , Bibes M. , Bergeal N.
Published: August 2022

After almost twenty years of intense work on the celebrated LaAlO3/SrTiO3system, the recent discovery of a superconducting two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) in (111)-oriented KTaO3-based heterostructures injects new momentum to the field of oxides interface. However, while both interfaces share common properties, experiments also suggest important differences between the two systems. Here, we report gate tunable superconductivity in 2-DEGs generated at the surface of a (111)-oriented KTaO3crystal by the simple sputtering of a thin Al layer. We extract the superfluid stiffness of the 2-DEGs and show that its temperature dependence is consistent with a node-less superconducting order parameter having a gap value larger than expected within a simple BCS weak-coupling limit model. The superconducting transition follows the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless scenario, which was not reported on SrTiO3-based interfaces. Our finding offers innovative perspectives for fundamental science but also for device applications in a variety of fields such as spin-orbitronics and topological electronics.
Contrasting inequality in human exposure to greenspace between cities of Global North and Global South
Authors: Chen Bin , Wu Shengbiao , Song Yimeng , Webster Chris , Xu Bing , Gong Peng
Published: August 2022

The United Nations specified the need for “providing universal access to greenspace for urban residents” in the 11th Sustainable Development Goal. Yet, how far we are from this goal remains unclear. Here, we develop a methodology incorporating fine-resolution population and greenspace mappings and use the results for 2020 to elucidate global differences in human exposure to greenspace. We identify a contrasting difference of greenspace exposure between Global South and North cities. Global South cities experience only one third of the greenspace exposure level of Global North cities. Greenspace exposure inequality (Gini: 0.47) in Global South cities is nearly twice that of Global North cities (Gini: 0.27). We quantify that 22% of the spatial disparity is associated with greenspace provision, and 53% is associated with joint effects of greenspace provision and spatial configuration. These findings highlight the need for prioritizing greening policies to mitigate environmental disparity and achieve sustainable development goals.
Competing effects of vegetation density on sedimentation in deltaic marshes
Authors: Xu Yuan , Esposito Christopher R. , Beltrán-Burgos Maricel , Nepf Heidi M.
Published: August 2022

Marsh vegetation, a definitive component of delta ecosystems, has a strong effect on sediment retention and land-building, controlling both how much sediment can be delivered to and how much is retained by the marsh. An understanding of how vegetation influences these processes would improve the restoration and management of marshes. We use a random displacement model to simulate sediment transport, deposition, and resuspension within a marsh. As vegetation density increases, velocity declines, which reduces sediment supply to the marsh, but also reduces resuspension, which enhances sediment retention within the marsh. The competing trends of supply and retention produce a nonlinear relationship between sedimentation and vegetation density, such that an intermediate density yields the maximum sedimentation. Two patterns of sedimentation spatial distribution emerge in the simulation, and the exponential distribution only occurs when resuspension is absent. With resuspension, sediment is delivered farther into the marsh and in a uniform distribution. The model was validated with field observations of sedimentation response to seasonal variation in vegetation density observed in a marsh within the Mississippi River Delta.
Electrically tunable two-dimensional heterojunctions for miniaturized near-infrared spectrometers
Authors: Deng Wenjie , Zheng Zilong , Li Jingzhen , Zhou Rongkun , Chen Xiaoqing , Zhang Dehui , Lu Yue , Wang Chongwu , You Congya , Li Songyu , Sun Ling , Wu Yi , Li Xuhong , An Boxing , Liu Zheng , Wang Qi jie , Duan Xiangfeng , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: August 2022

Miniaturized spectrometers are of considerable interest for their portability. Most designs to date employ a photodetector array with distinct spectral responses or require elaborated integration of micro & nano optic modules, typically with a centimeter-scale footprint. Here, we report a design of a micron-sized near-infrared ultra-miniaturized spectrometer based on two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure (2D-vdWH). By introducing heavy metal atoms with delocalized electronic orbitals between 2D-vdWHs, we greatly enhance the interlayer coupling and realize electrically tunable infrared photoresponse (1.15 to 1.47 μm). Combining the gate-tunable photoresponse and regression algorithm, we achieve spectral reconstruction and spectral imaging in a device with an active footprint < 10 μm. Considering the ultra-small footprint and simple fabrication process, the 2D-vdWHs with designable bandgap energy and enhanced photoresponse offer an attractive solution for on-chip infrared spectroscopy.
Lower vaccine-acquired immunity in the elderly population following two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination is alleviated by a third vaccine dose
Authors: Renia Laurent , Goh Yun Shan , Rouers Angeline , Le Bert Nina , Chia Wan Ni , Chavatte Jean-Marc , Fong Siew‐Wai , Chang Zi Wei , Zhuo Nicole Ziyi , Tay Matthew Zirui , Chan Yi-Hao , Tan Chee Wah , Yeo Nicholas Kim‐Wah , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Huang Yuling , Wong Joel Xu En , Hor Pei Xiang , Loh Chiew Yee , Wang Bei , Ngoh Eve Zi Xian , Salleh Siti Nazihah Mohd , Carissimo Guillaume , Dowla Samanzer , Lim Alicia Jieling , Zhang Jinyan , Lim Joey Ming Er , Wang Cheng-I. , Ding Ying , Pada Surinder , Sun Louisa Jin , Somani Jyoti , Lee Eng Sing , Ong Desmond Luan Seng ,   SCOPE Cohort Study Group, Ruesta Anthony Torres , Neo Vanessa , Chen Wendy Yehui , Goh Estelle Yi Wei , Ong Alice Soh Meoy , Chua Adeline Chiew Yen , Nguee Samantha Yee Teng , Tan Yong Jie , Tang Weiyi , Leo Yee‐Sin , MacAry Paul A. , Lin Raymond Tzer Pin , Wang Lin-Fa , Ren Ee Chee , Lye David C. , Bertoletti Antonio , Young Barnaby Edward , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: August 2022

Understanding the impact of age on vaccinations is essential for the design and delivery of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present findings from a comprehensive analysis of multiple compartments of the memory immune response in 312 individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Two vaccine doses induce high antibody and T cell responses in most individuals. However, antibody recognition of the Spike protein of the Delta and Omicron variants is less efficient than that of the ancestral Wuhan strain. Age-stratified analyses identify a group of low antibody responders where individuals ≥60 years are overrepresented. Waning of the antibody and cellular responses is observed in 30% of the vaccinees after 6 months. However, age does not influence the waning of these responses. Taken together, while individuals ≥60 years old take longer to acquire vaccine-induced immunity, they develop more sustained acquired immunity at 6 months post-vaccination. A third dose strongly boosts the low antibody responses in the older individuals against the ancestral Wuhan strain, Delta and Omicron variants.
Boosting the stability of perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles by B-site supplement mechanism
Authors: Zhang Bo-Wen , Zhu Meng-Nan , Gao Min-Rui , Xi Xiuan , Duan Nanqi , Chen Zhou , Feng Ren-Fei , Zeng Hongbo , Luo Jing-Li
Published: August 2022

Perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles (P-eNs) have immense potentials for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction in solid oxide electrolysis cell. Despite the recent achievements in promoting the B-site cation exsolution for enhanced catalytic activities, the unsatisfactory stability of P-eNs at high voltages greatly impedes their practical applications and this issue has not been elucidated. In this study, we reveal that the formation of B-site vacancies in perovskite scaffold is the major contributor to the degradation of P-eNs; we then address this issue by fine-regulating the B-site supplement of the reduced Sr2Fe1.3Ni0.2Mo0.5O6-δ using foreign Fe sources, achieving a robust perovskite scaffold and prolonged stability performance. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism from the perspective of structure stability of perovskite has also been proposed to understand the origins of performance deterioration. The B-site supplement endows P-eNs with the capability to become appealing electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction and more broadly, for other energy storage and conversion systems.
Synaptosome microRNAs regulate synapse functions in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kumar Subodh , Orlov Erika , Gowda Prashanth , Bose Chhanda , Swerdlow Russell H. , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Reddy P. Hemachandra
Published: August 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are found in nerve terminals, synaptic vesicles, and synaptosomes, but it is unclear whether synaptic and cytosolic miRNA populations differ in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or if synaptosomal miRNAs affect AD synapse activity. To address these questions, we generated synaptosomes and cytosolic fractions from postmortem brains of AD and unaffected control (UC) samples and analyzed them using a global Affymetrix miRNAs microarray platform. A group of miRNAs significantly differed (P < 0.0001) with high fold changes variance (+/− >200-fold) in their expressions in different comparisons: (1) UC synaptosome vs UC cytosol, (2) AD synaptosomes vs AD cytosol, (3) AD cytosol vs UC cytosol, and (4) AD synaptosomes vs UC synaptosomes. MiRNAs data analysis revealed that some potential miRNAs were consistently different across sample groups. These differentially expressed miRNAs were further validated using AD postmortem brains, brains of APP transgenic (Tg2576), Tau transgenic (P301L), and wild-type mice. The miR-501-3p, miR-502-3p, and miR-877-5p were identified as potential synaptosomal miRNAs upregulated with disease progression based on AD Braak stages. Gene Ontology Enrichment and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of synaptosomal miRNAs showed the involvement of miRNAs in nervous system development, cell junction organization, synapse assembly formation, and function of GABAergic synapse. This is the first description of synaptic versus cytosolic miRNAs in AD and their significance in synapse function.
Lack of full sequencing GBA1 studies for patients with Parkinson’s disease in Latin America
Authors: Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes , Schumacher-Schuh Artur F. , Mata Ignacio F.
Published: August 2022

Full sequencing of the GBA1 gene in patients with Parkinson’s disease provides a wide screening of pathogenic variants, but less developed regions of the world, like Latin America, may have difficulties in performing full sequencing. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to explore the prevalence and the odds ratio of specific GBA1 variants in Parkinson’s disease in Latin America. We noted a lack of full sequencing GBA1 studies in Latin America.
Size effects and active state formation of cobalt oxide nanoparticles during the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Haase Felix T. , Bergmann Arno , Jones Travis E. , Timoshenko Janis , Herzog Antonia , Jeon Hyo Sang , Rettenmaier Clara , Cuenya Beatriz Roldan
Published: August 2022

Water electrolysis is a key technology to establish CO2-neutral hydrogen production. Nonetheless, the near-surface structure of electrocatalysts during the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still largely unknown, which hampers knowledge-driven optimization. Here using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, we provide quantitative near-surface structural insights into oxygen-evolving CoOx(OH)y nanoparticles by tracking their size-dependent catalytic activity down to 1 nm and their structural adaptation to OER conditions. We uncover a superior intrinsic OER activity of sub-5 nm nanoparticles and a size-dependent oxidation leading to a near-surface Co–O bond contraction during OER. We find that accumulation of oxidative charge within the surface Co3+O6 units triggers an electron redistribution and an oxyl radical as predominant surface-terminating motif. This contrasts the long-standing view of high-valent metal ions driving the OER, and thus, our advanced operando spectroscopy study provides much needed fundamental understanding of the oxygen-evolving near-surface chemistry.
Programmable DARPin-based receptors for the detection of thrombotic markers
Authors: Strittmatter Tobias , Wang Yidan , Bertschi Adrian , Scheller Leo , Freitag Patrick C. , Ray Preetam Guha , Stuecheli Pascal , Schaefer Jonas V. , Reinberg Thomas , Tsakiris Dimitrios , Plückthun Andreas , Ye Haifeng , Fussenegger Martin
Published: August 2022

Cellular therapies remain constrained by the limited availability of sensors for disease markers. Here we present an integrated target-to-receptor pipeline for constructing a customizable advanced modular bispecific extracellular receptor (AMBER) that combines our generalized extracellular molecule sensor (GEMS) system with a high-throughput platform for generating designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins). For proof of concept, we chose human fibrin degradation products (FDPs) as markers with high clinical relevance and screened a DARPin library for FDP binders. We built AMBERs equipped with 19 different DARPins selected from 160 hits, and found 4 of them to be functional as heterodimers with a known single-chain variable fragments binder. Tandem receptors consisting of combinations of the validated DARPins are also functional. We demonstrate applications of these AMBER receptors in vitro and in vivo by constructing designer cell lines that detect pathological concentrations of FDPs and respond with the production of a reporter and a therapeutic anti-thrombotic protein.