bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Lunar Basin Formation Constrained by Gravity Signature
Authors: Lompa T. , Wünnemann K. , Wahl D. , Padovan S. , Miljković K.
Published: October 2021

Impact basins on the Moon can serve as a benchmark for timing and intensity of the impact flux in the inner solar system. The basin morphology and morphometry depend on impactor size, mass, and velocity as well as the thermal state of the lunar lithosphere which is a function of the cooling history. Erosion by superimposed impact bombardment has altered the surface expression of basin structures over time, making it difficult to determine the size unequivocally solely based on topographic expression. The gravity signature of basins is thought to be a less altered measure of the size of impact structures. By a systematic study of basin formation using the iSALE‐2D shock‐physics code, we investigate the influence of the lunar thermal state and different impactor properties on the transient crater and final basin size and on the resulting gravity anomaly. As constraints we use gravity data of 16 farside basins and their assumed formation ages to estimate the subsurface temperature related to the cooling history of the Moon. Our modeling results confirm that the thermal state affects the basin formation process and the basin sizes significantly. We provide quantitative relationships between the observed gravity signal, the different basin sizes, and the impactor diameter considering the thermal state of the Moon upon impact, which correlates with the formation ages or periods in the literature. Our study allows for estimating the impactor size from the observed gravity field if the formation age and, thus, the thermal state of the lithosphere is approximately known.
The Effects of Planetary and Stellar Parameters on Brittle Lithospheric Thickness
Authors: Byrne Paul K. , Foley Bradford J. , Violay Marie E. S. , Heap Michael J. , Mikhail Sami
Published: October 2021

The thickness of the brittle lithosphere—the outer portion of a planetary body that fails via fracturing—plays a key role in the geological processes of that body. The properties of both a planet and its host star can influence that thickness, and the potential range of those properties exceeds what we see in the Solar System. To understand how planetary and stellar parameters influence brittle lithospheric thickness generally, we modeled a comprehensive suite of combinations of planetary mass, surface and mantle temperature, heat flux, and strain rate. Surface temperature is the dominant factor governing the thickness of the brittle layer: smaller and older planets generally have thick brittle lithospheres, akin to those of Mercury and Mars, whereas larger, younger planets have thinner brittle lithospheres that may be comparable to the Venus lowlands. But certain combinations of these parameters yield worlds with exceedingly thin brittle layers. We predict that such bodies have little elevated topography and limited volatile cycling and weathering, which can be tested by future telescopic observations of known extrasolar planets.
Segmentation and Holocene Behavior of the Middle Strand of the North Anatolian Fault (NW Turkey)
Authors: Benjelloun Y. , de Sigoyer J. , Garambois S. , Carcaillet J. , Klinger Y.
Published: October 2021

The North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in the Marmara region is composed of three parallel strands all separated by ∼50 km. The activity of the middle strand, which borders the southern edge of the Marmara Sea, is much debated because of its present‐day very low seismicity. This contrasts with historical, archeological and paleoseismological evidence, which suggest several destructive earthquakes have occurred during the last 2000 years. Our study aims to better constrain seismic hazard on the middle strand by exploring its Holocene paleoseismicity. For this, we mapped 148 km of the eastern part of the middle strand, using high‐resolution satellite imagery. A series of landforms offset by the middle strand activity have been systematically measured to recover the past ruptures. Three Late Pleistocene‐Holocene terraces have been dated with the terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide method, constraining a horizontal slip rate of mm/yr. The statistical analysis of the offsets evidences several major ruptures preserved in the landscape, with coseismic lateral displacements ranging between 3 and 6.5 m. This corresponds to Mw ∼7.3 earthquakes able to propagate along several fault segments. Historical seismicity and paleoseismology data suggest that the last large earthquakes along the middle strand of the NAF (MNAF) happened in 1065 CE and between the 14th and 18th centuries CE. Since then, the MNAF may have accumulated enough stress to generate a destructive rupture.
Sources of Surface Water in Space and Time: Identification of Delivery Processes and Geographical Sources With Hydraulic Mixing‐Cell Modeling
Authors: Glaser Barbara , Hopp Luisa , Partington Daniel , Brunner Philip , Therrien René , Klaus Julian
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of the sources of surface water in riparian zones and floodplains is critical to understanding its role in runoff generation and impact on biogeochemical and ecological processes. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of integrated surface‐subsurface hydrologic modeling (HydroGeoSphere) in combination with a hydraulic mixing‐cell approach to decipher different sources of surface water and their mixing in space and time. We present a novel approach to processing the model data that allowed us to compare which mechanisms ultimately transferred water to the surface (delivery processes) and from where the surface water originated (geographical sources) for varying wetness states and phases of wetting or drying across 36 test locations within the riparian‐stream continuum of an intensively‐studied, humid‐temperate, forested headwater catchment (45 ha). Consistent with current process understanding for the study site, water exfiltrating from the subsurface was simulated as the dominant source for riparian surface water and intermittent streamflow. The model further helped to specify the relevance of different subsurface stores, revealing a wetness‐dependent activation of upslope source areas. Contributions of riparian overland flow and precipitation were minor during all investigated phases of wetting and drying. Moreover, the spatial variability of surface water sources proved to be smaller than expected for the heterogeneous patterns and frequencies of the surface saturation observed and simulated. Based on these findings, we discuss the value of hydraulic mixing‐cell modeling to complement the planning and interpretation of field investigations and to enhance process understanding regarding the spatio‐temporal sources of surface water.
Indirect reduction of Ralstonia solanacearum via pathogen helper inhibition
Authors: Li Mei , Pommier Thomas , Yin Yue , Wang Jianing , Gu Shaohua , Jousset Alexandre , Keuskamp Joost , Wang Honggui , Wei Zhong , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Kowalchuk George A
Published: October 2021

The rhizosphere microbiome forms a first line of defense against soilborne pathogens. To date, most microbiome enhancement strategies have relied on bioaugmentation with antagonistic microorganisms that directly inhibit pathogens. Previous studies have shown that some root-associated bacteria are able to facilitate pathogen growth. We therefore hypothesized that inhibiting such pathogen helpers may help reduce pathogen densities. We examined tripartite interactions between a model pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, two model helper strains and a collection of 46 bacterial isolates recovered from the tomato rhizosphere. This system allowed us to examine the importance of direct (effects of rhizobacteria on pathogen growth) and indirect (effects of rhizobacteria on helper growth) pathways affecting pathogen growth. We found that the interaction between rhizosphere isolates and the helper strains was the major determinant of pathogen suppression both in vitro and in vivo. We therefore propose that controlling microbiome composition to prevent the growth of pathogen helpers may become part of sustainable strategies for pathogen control.
Roles of mechanosensitive channel Piezo1/2 proteins in skeleton and other tissues
Authors: Qin Lei , He Tailin , Chen Sheng , Yang Dazhi , Yi Weihong , Cao Huiling , Xiao Guozhi
Published: October 2021

Mechanotransduction is a fundamental ability that allows living organisms to receive and respond to physical signals from both the external and internal environments. The mechanotransduction process requires a range of special proteins termed mechanotransducers to convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals in cells. The Piezo proteins are mechanically activated nonselective cation channels and the largest plasma membrane ion channels reported thus far. The regulation of two family members, Piezo1 and Piezo2, has been reported to have essential functions in mechanosensation and transduction in different organs and tissues. Recently, the predominant contributions of the Piezo family were reported to occur in the skeletal system, especially in bone development and mechano-stimulated bone homeostasis. Here we review current studies focused on the tissue-specific functions of Piezo1 and Piezo2 in various backgrounds with special highlights on their importance in regulating skeletal cell mechanotransduction. In this review, we emphasize the diverse functions of Piezo1 and Piezo2 and related signaling pathways in osteoblast lineage cells and chondrocytes. We also summarize our current understanding of Piezo channel structures and the key findings about PIEZO gene mutations in human diseases.
Viral genome wide association study identifies novel hepatitis C virus polymorphisms associated with sofosbuvir treatment failure
Authors: Smith David A. , Fernandez-Antunez Carlota , Magri Andrea , Bowden Rory , Chaturvedi Nimisha , Fellay Jacques , McLauchlan John , Foster Graham R. , Irving William L. ,   STOP-HCV Consortium, Ball Jonathan , Brainard Diana , Burgess Gary , Cooke Graham , Dillon John , Gore Charles , Guha Neil , Halford Rachel , Herath Cham , Holmes Chris , Howe Anita , Hudson Emma , Irving William , Khakoo Salim , Klenerman Paul , Koletzki Diana , Martin Natasha , Massetto Benedetta , Mbisa Tamyo , McHutchison John , McKeating Jane , Miners Alec , Murray Andrea , Shaw Peter , Spencer Chris C. A. , Targett-Adams Paul , Thomson Emma , Vickerman Peter , Zitzmann Nicole , Simmonds Peter , Pedergnana Vincent , Ramirez Santseharay , Bukh Jens , Barnes Eleanor , Ansari M. Azim
Published: October 2021

Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, worldwide. With the development of direct-acting antivirals, treatment of chronically infected patients has become highly effective, although a subset of patients responds less well to therapy. Sofosbuvir is a common component of current de novo or salvage combination therapies, that targets the HCV NS5B polymerase. We use pre-treatment whole-genome sequences of HCV from 507 patients infected with HCV subtype 3a and treated with sofosbuvir containing regimens to detect viral polymorphisms associated with response to treatment. We find three common polymorphisms in non-targeted HCV NS2 and NS3 proteins are associated with reduced treatment response. These polymorphisms are enriched in post-treatment HCV sequences of patients unresponsive to treatment. They are also associated with lower reductions in viral load in the first week of therapy. Using in vitro short-term dose-response assays, these polymorphisms do not cause any reduction in sofosbuvir potency, suggesting an indirect mechanism of action in decreasing sofosbuvir efficacy. The identification of polymorphisms in NS2 and NS3 proteins associated with poor treatment outcomes emphasises the value of systematic genome-wide analyses of viruses in uncovering clinically relevant polymorphisms that impact treatment.
COVA1-18 neutralizing antibody protects against SARS-CoV-2 in three preclinical models
Authors: Maisonnasse Pauline , Aldon Yoann , Marc Aurélien , Marlin Romain , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Kuzmina Natalia A. , Freyn Alec W. , Snitselaar Jonne L. , Gonçalves Antonio , Caniels Tom G. , Burger Judith A. , Poniman Meliawati , Bontjer Ilja , Chesnais Virginie , Diry Ségolène , Iershov Anton , Ronk Adam J. , Jangra Sonia , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Brouwer Philip J. M. , Bijl Tom P. L. , van Schooten Jelle , Brinkkemper Mitch , Liu Hejun , Yuan Meng , Mire Chad E. , van Breemen Mariëlle J. , Contreras Vanessa , Naninck Thibaut , Lemaître Julien , Kahlaoui Nidhal , Relouzat Francis , Chapon Catherine , Ho Tsong Fang Raphaël , McDanal Charlene , Osei-Twum Mary , St-Amant Natalie , Gagnon Luc , Montefiori David C. , Wilson Ian A. , Ginoux Eric , de Bree Godelieve J. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Schotsaert Michael , Coughlan Lynda , Bukreyev Alexander , van der Werf Sylvie , Guedj Jérémie , Sanders Rogier W. , van Gils Marit J. , Le Grand Roger
Published: October 2021

Effective treatments against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are urgently needed. Monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results in patients. Here, we evaluate the in vivo prophylactic and therapeutic effect of COVA1-18, a neutralizing antibody highly potent against the B.1.1.7 isolate. In both prophylactic and therapeutic settings, SARS-CoV-2 remains undetectable in the lungs of treated hACE2 mice. Therapeutic treatment also causes a reduction in viral loads in the lungs of Syrian hamsters. When administered at 10 mg kg-1 one day prior to a high dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in cynomolgus macaques, COVA1-18 shows very strong antiviral activity in the upper respiratory compartments. Using a mathematical model, we estimate that COVA1-18 reduces viral infectivity by more than 95% in these compartments, preventing lymphopenia and extensive lung lesions. Our findings demonstrate that COVA1-18 has a strong antiviral activity in three preclinical models and could be a valuable candidate for further clinical evaluation.
Energy systems in scenarios at net-zero CO2 emissions
Authors: DeAngelo Julianne , Azevedo Inês , Bistline John , Clarke Leon , Luderer Gunnar , Byers Edward , Davis Steven J.
Published: October 2021

Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions has become the explicitgoal of many climate-energy policies around the world. Although many studies have assessed net-zero emissions pathways, the common features and tradeoffs of energy systems across global scenarios at the point of net-zero CO2 emissions have not yet been evaluated. Here, we examine the energy systems of 177 net-zero scenarios and discuss their long-term technological and regional characteristics in the context of current energy policies. We find that, on average, renewable energy sources account for 60% of primary energy at net-zero (compared to ∼14% today), with slightly less than half of that renewable energy derived from biomass. Meanwhile, electricity makes up approximately half of final energy consumed (compared to ∼20% today), highlighting the extent to which solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels remain prevalent in the scenarios even when emissions reach net-zero. Finally, residual emissions and offsetting negative emissions are not evenly distributed across world regions, which may have important implications for negotiations on burden-sharing, human development, and equity.
Longitudinal functional imaging of VIP interneurons reveals sup-population specific effects of stroke that are rescued with chemogenetic therapy
Authors: Motaharinia Mohamad , Gerrow Kim , Boghozian Roobina , White Emily , Choi Sun-Eui , Delaney Kerry R. , Brown Craig E.
Published: October 2021

Stroke profoundly disrupts cortical excitability which impedes recovery, but how it affects the function of specific inhibitory interneurons, or subpopulations therein, is poorly understood. Interneurons expressing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) represent an intriguing stroke target because they can regulate cortical excitability through disinhibition. Here we chemogenetically augmented VIP interneuron excitability in a murine model of photothrombotic stroke and show that it enhances somatosensory responses and improves recovery of paw function. Using longitudinal calcium imaging, we discovered that stroke primarily disrupts the fidelity (fraction of responsive trials) and predictability of sensory responses within a subset of highly active VIP neurons. Partial recovery of responses occurred largely within these active neurons and was not accompanied by the recruitment of minimally active neurons. Importantly, chemogenetic stimulation preserved sensory response fidelity and predictability in highly active neurons. These findings provide a new depth of understanding into how stroke and prospective therapies (chemogenetics), can influence subpopulations of inhibitory interneurons.
Idler-free multi-channel discrimination via multipartite probe states
Authors: Harney Cillian , Pirandola Stefano
Published: October 2021

The characterisation of Quantum Channel Discrimination (QCD) offers critical insight for future quantum technologies in quantum metrology, sensing and communications. The task of multi-channel discrimination creates a scenario in which the discrimination of multiple quantum channels can be equated to the idea of pattern recognition, highly relevant to the tasks of quantum reading, illumination and more. Although the optimal quantum strategy for many scenarios is an entangled idler-assisted protocol, the extension to a multi-hypothesis setting invites the exploration of discrimination strategies based on unassisted, multipartite probe states. In this work, we expand the space of possible quantum-enhanced protocols by formulating general classes of unassisted multi-channel discrimination protocols which are not assisted by idler modes. Developing a general framework for idler-free protocols, we perform an explicit investigation in the bosonic setting, studying prominent Gaussian channel discrimination problems for real-world applications. Our findings uncover the existence of strongly quantum advantageous, idler-free protocols for the discrimination of bosonic loss and environmental noise. This circumvents the necessity for idler assistance to achieve quantum advantage in some of the most relevant discrimination settings, significantly loosening practical requirements for prominent quantum-sensing applications.
An alphavirus replicon-based vaccine expressing a stabilized Spike antigen induces protective immunity and prevents transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between cats
Authors: Langereis Martijn A. , Albulescu Irina C. , Stammen-Vogelzangs Judith , Lambregts Morindy , Stachura Ken , Miller Suzan , Bosco-Lauth Angela M. , Hartwig Airn E. , Porter Stephanie M. , Allen Michelle , Mogler Mark , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Bosch Berend-Jan , Vermeij Paul , de Groof Ad , Bowen Richard A. , Davis Randy , Xu Zach , Tarpey Ian
Published: October 2021

Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic concerns were raised regarding infection of new animal hosts and the effect on viral epidemiology. Infection of other animals could be detrimental by causing clinical disease, allowing further mutations, and bares the risk for the establishment of a non-human reservoir. Cats were the first reported animals susceptible to natural and experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2. Given the concerns these findings raised, and the close contact between humans and cats, we aimed to develop a vaccine candidate that could reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection and in addition to prevent spread among cats. Here we report that a Replicon Particle (RP) vaccine based on Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, known to be safe and efficacious in a variety of animal species, could induce neutralizing antibody responses in guinea pigs and cats. The design of the SARS-CoV-2 spike immunogen was critical in developing a strong neutralizing antibody response. Vaccination of cats was able to induce high neutralizing antibody responses, effective also against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant. Interestingly, in contrast to control animals, the infectious virus could not be detected in oropharyngeal or nasal swabs of vaccinated cats after SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Correspondingly, the challenged control cats spread the virus to in-contact cats whereas the vaccinated cats did not transmit the virus. The results show that the RP vaccine induces protective immunity preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission. These data suggest that this RP vaccine could be a multi-species vaccine useful to prevent infection and spread to and between animals should that approach be required.
Prognostic significance of FLT3-ITD length in AML patients treated with intensive regimens
Authors: Castaño-Bonilla Tamara , Alonso-Dominguez Juan M. , Barragán Eva , Rodríguez-Veiga Rebeca , Sargas Claudia , Gil Cristina , Chillón Carmen , Vidriales María B. , García Raimundo , Martínez-López Joaquín , Ayala Rosa , Larrayoz María J. , Anguita Eduardo , Cuello Rebeca , Cantalapiedra Alberto , Carrillo Estrella , Soria-Saldise Elena , Labrador Jorge , Recio Isabel , Algarra Lorenzo , Rodríguez-Medina Carlos , Bilbao-Syeiro Cristina , López-López Juan A. , Serrano Josefina , De Cabo Erik , Sayas María J. , Olave María T. , Sánchez-García Joaquín , Mateos Mamen , Blas Carlos , López-Lorenzo Jose L. , Lainez-Gonzalez Daniel , Serrano Juana , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Sanz Miguel A. , Montesinos Pau
Published: October 2021

FLT3-ITD mutations are detected in approximately 25% of newly diagnosed adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and confer an adverse prognosis. The FLT3-ITD allelic ratio has clear prognostic value. Nevertheless, there are numerous manuscripts with contradictory results regarding the prognostic relevance of the length and insertion site (IS) of the FLT3-ITD fragment. We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of these variables on the complete remission (CR) rates, overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of AML patients with FLT3-ITDmutations. We studied the FLT3-ITD length of 362 adult AML patients included in the PETHEMA AML registry. We tried to validate the thresholds of ITD length previously published (i.e., 39 bp and 70 bp) in intensively treated AML patients (n = 161). We also analyzed the mutational profile of 118 FLT3-ITD AML patients with an NGS panel of 39 genes and correlated mutational status with the length and IS of ITD. The AUC of the ROC curve of the ITD length for OS prediction was 0.504, and no differences were found when applying any of the thresholds for OS, RFS or CR rate. Only four out of 106 patients had ITD IS in the TKD1 domain. Our results, alongside previous publications, confirm that FLT3-ITD length lacks prognostic value and clinical applicability.
Dynamic FRET-FLIM based screening of signal transduction pathways
Authors: Harkes Rolf , Kukk Olga , Mukherjee Sravasti , Klarenbeek Jeffrey , van den Broek Bram , Jalink Kees
Published: October 2021

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) is an intrinsically quantitative method to screen for protein–protein interactions and is frequently used to record the outcome of signal transduction events. With new highly sensitive and photon efficient FLIM instrumentation, the technique also becomes attractive to screen, with high temporal resolution, for fast changes in Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), such as those occurring upon activation of cell signaling. The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is rapidly formed following activation of certain cell surface receptors. cAMP is subsequently degraded by a set of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) which display cell-type specific expression and may also affect baseline levels of the messenger. To study which specific PDEs contribute most to cAMP regulation, we knocked down individual PDEs and recorded breakdown rates of cAMP levels following transient stimulation in HeLa cells stably expressing the FRET/FLIM sensor, Epac-SH189. Many hundreds of cells were recorded at 5 s intervals for each condition. FLIM time traces were calculated for every cell, and decay kinetics were obtained. cAMP clearance was significantly slower when PDE3A and, to a lesser amount, PDE10A were knocked down, identifying these isoforms as dominant in HeLa cells. However, taking advantage of the quantitative FLIM data, we found that knockdown of individual PDEs has a very limited effect on baseline cAMP levels. By combining photon-efficient FLIM instrumentation with optimized sensors, systematic gene knockdown and an automated open-source analysis pipeline, our study demonstrates that dynamic screening of transient cell signals has become feasible. The quantitative platform described here provides detailed kinetic analysis of cellular signals in individual cells with unprecedented throughput.
Azimuthal modulation of electromagnetically induced grating using structured light
Authors: Asadpour Seyyed Hossein , Kirova Teodora , Qian Jing , Hamedi Hamid R. , Juzeliūnas Gediminas , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

We propose a theoretical scheme for creating a two-dimensional Electromagnetically Induced Grating in a three-level $$\Lambda $$
Λ
-type atomic system interacting with a weak probe field and two simultaneous position-dependent coupling fields—a two dimensional standing wave and an optical vortex beam. Upon derivation of the Maxwell wave equation, describing the dynamic response of the probe light in the atomic medium, we perform numerical calculations of the amplitude, phase modulations and Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of the probe field under different system parameters. We show that due to the azimuthal modulation of the Laguerre–Gaussian field, a two-dimensional asymmetric grating is observed, giving an increase of the zeroth and high orders of diffraction, thus transferring the probe energy to the high orders of direction. The asymmetry is especially seen in the case of combining a resonant probe with an off-resonant standing wave coupling and optical vortex fields. Unlike in previously reported asymmetric diffraction gratings for PT symmetric structures, the parity time symmetric structure is not necessary for the asymmetric diffraction grating presented here. The asymmetry is due to the constructive and destructive interference between the amplitude and phase modulations of the grating system, resulting in complete blocking of the diffracted photons at negative or positive angles, due to the coupling of the vortex beam. A detailed analysis of the probe field energy transfer to different orders of diffraction in the case of off-resonant standing wave coupling field proves the possibility of direct control over the performance of the grating.
Comparative evaluation of Nanopore polishing tools for microbial genome assembly and polishing strategies for downstream analysis
Authors: Lee Jin Young , Kong Minyoung , Oh Jinjoo , Lim JinSoo , Chung Sung Hee , Kim Jung-Min , Kim Jae-Seok , Kim Ki-Hwan , Yoo Jae-Chan , Kwak Woori
Published: October 2021

Assembling high-quality microbial genomes using only cost-effective Nanopore long-read systems such as Flongle is important to accelerate research on the microbial genome and the most critical point for this is the polishing process. In this study, we performed an evaluation based on BUSCO and Prokka gene prediction in terms of microbial genome assembly for eight state-of-the-art Nanopore polishing tools and combinations available. In the evaluation of individual tools, Homopolish, PEPPER, and Medaka demonstrated better results than others. In combination polishing, the second round Homopolish, and the PEPPER × medaka combination also showed better results than others. However, individual tools and combinations have specific limitations on usage and results. Depending on the target organism and the purpose of the downstream research, it is confirmed that there remain some difficulties in perfectly replacing the hybrid polishing carried out by the addition of a short-read. Nevertheless, through continuous improvement of the protein pores, related base-calling algorithms, and polishing tools based on improved error models, a high-quality microbial genome can be achieved using only Nanopore reads without the production of additional short-read data. The polishing strategy proposed in this study is expected to provide useful information for assembling the microbial genome using only Nanopore reads depending on the target microorganism and the purpose of the research.
Alkyl-Quinolones derivatives as potential biomarkers for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection chronicity in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Michalet Serge , Allard Pierre-Marie , Commun Carine , Ngoc Van Thanh Nguyen , Nouwade Kodjo , Gioia Bruna , Dijoux-Franca Marie-Geneviève , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Doléans-Jordheim Anne
Published: October 2021

In Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a rapid and standardized definition of chronic infection would allow a better management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections, as well as a quick grouping of patients during clinical trials allowing better comparisons between studies. With this purpose, we compared the metabolic profiles of 44 in vitro cultures of Pa strains isolated from CF patients at different stages of infection in order to identify metabolites differentially synthetized according to these clinical stages. Compounds produced and secreted by each strain in the supernatant of a liquid culture were analysed by metabolomic approaches (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/QTOF, UV and UPLC-Orbitrap, MS). Multivariate analyses showed that first colonization strains could be differentiated from chronic colonization ones, by producing notably more Alkyl-Quinolones (AQs) derivatives. Especially, five AQs were discriminant: HQC5, HQNOC7, HQNOC7:1, db-PQS C9 and HQNOC9:1. However, the production of HHQ was equivalent between strain types. The HHQ/HQNOC9:1 ratio was then found to be significantly different between chronic and primo-colonising strains by using both UV (p = 0.003) and HRMS data (p = 1.5 × 10–5). Our study suggests that some AQ derivatives can be used as biomarkers for an improved management of CF patients as well as a better definition of the clinical stages of Pa infection.
A numerical study on the effect of CO2 addition for methane explosion reaction kinetics in confined space
Authors: Wang Jingyan , Liang Yuntao , Tian Fuchao , Chen Chengfeng
Published: October 2021

To explore the influence of the CO2 volume fraction on methane explosion in confined space over wide equivalent ratios, the explosion temperature, the explosion pressure, the concentration of the important free radicals, and the concentration of the catastrophic gas generated after the explosion in confined space were studied. Meanwhile, the elementary reaction steps dominating the gas explosion were identified through the sensitivity analysis. With the increase of the CO2 volume fraction, the explosion time prolongs, and the explosion pressure and temperature decrease monotonously. Moreover, the concentrations of the investigated free radicals also decrease as the increase of the CO2 volume fraction. For the catastrophic gas, the concentration of the gas product CO increases and the concentrations of CO2, NO, and NO2 decrease as the volume fraction of CO2 increases. When 7% methane is added with 10% CO2, the increase rate of CO is 76%, and the decrease rates of CO2, NO, and NO2 are 27%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. If the volume fraction of CO2 is constant, the larger the volume fraction of methane in the blend gas, the greater the mole fraction of radical H and the lower the mole fraction of radical O. For radical OH, its mole fraction first increases, and then decreases with the location of peak value of 9.5%, while the CO concentration increases with the increase of the methane concentration. For all the investigated volume fraction of methane, the addition of CO2 reduces the sensitivity coefficients of each key elementary reaction step, and the sensitivity coefficient of reaction promoting methane consumption decreases faster than that of the reaction inhibit methane consumption, which indicates that the addition of CO2 effectively suppresses the methane explosion.
Mice lacking DYRK2 exhibit congenital malformations with lung hypoplasia and altered Foxf1 expression gradient
Authors: Yogosawa Satomi , Ohkido Makiko , Horii Takuro , Okazaki Yasumasa , Nakayama Jun , Yoshida Saishu , Toyokuni Shinya , Hatada Izuho , Morimoto Mitsuru , Yoshida Kiyotsugu
Published: October 2021

Congenital malformations cause life-threatening diseases in pediatrics, yet the molecular mechanism of organogenesis is poorly understood. Here we show that Dyrk2-deficient mice display congenital malformations in multiple organs. Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular pathology of Dyrk2-deficient mice, particularly with respect to Foxf1 reduction. Mutant pups exhibit sudden death soon after birth due to respiratory failure. Detailed analyses of primordial lungs at the early developmental stage demonstrate that Dyrk2 deficiency leads to altered airway branching and insufficient alveolar development. Furthermore, the Foxf1 expression gradient in mutant lung mesenchyme is disrupted, reducing Foxf1 target genes, which are necessary for proper airway and alveolar development. In ex vivo lung culture system, we rescue the expression of Foxf1 and its target genes in Dyrk2-deficient lung by restoring Shh signaling activity. Taken together, we demonstrate that Dyrk2 is essential for embryogenesis and its disruption results in congenital malformation.
Diffusive skin effect and topological heat funneling
Authors: Cao Pei-Chao , Li Ying , Peng Yu-Gui , Qi Minghong , Huang Wen-Xi , Li Peng-Qi , Zhu Xue-Feng
Published: October 2021

Non-Hermitian wave system has attracted intense attentions in the past decade since it reveals interesting physics and generates various counterintuitive effects. However, in the diffusive system that is inherently non-Hermitian with natural dissipation, the robust control of heat flow is hitherto still a challenge. Here we introduce the skin effect into diffusive systems. Different from the skin effect in wave systems, where asymmetric couplings were enabled by dynamic modulations or judicious gain/loss engineering, asymmetric couplings of the temperature fields in diffusive systems can be realized by directly contacted metamaterial channels. Topological heat funneling is further presented, where the temperature field automatically concentrates towards a designated position and shows a strong immunity against the defects. Our work indicates that the diffusive system can provide a distinctive platform for exploring non-Hermitian physics as well as thermal topology.
Probing polymer brushes with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: a mini review
Authors: Anthi Judita , Kolivoška Viliam , Holubová Barbora , Vaisocherová-Lísalová Hana
Published: October 2021

Polymer brush tethered to the electrode/electrolyte interface being probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
A novel Au/electroactive poly(amic acid) composite as an effective catalyst for p-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Lai Guan-Hui , Huang Tsao-Cheng , Huang Bi-Sheng , Chou Yi-Chen
Published: October 2021

The Au/EPAA composite demonstrated excellent performance and stability as a catalyst for the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.
A periodic review of chemical and pharmacological profiles of Tubiechong as insect Chinese medicine
Authors: Xie Jiayu , Zhang Dapeng , Liu Cheng , Wang Lingchong
Published: October 2021

Tubiechong, in Chinese medicine, denotes the dried female insects of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker (ESW) or Polyphaga plancyi Bolivar (PPB).
Improving the capacity of zinc-ion batteries through composite defect engineering
Authors: Huang Juhua , Cao Yuning , Cao Ming , Zhong Jiajie
Published: October 2021

The composite defect engineering changes the morphology of α-MnO2 and improves the electrochemical performance, which is better than the material with single defect.
First-principles based theoretical calculations of atomic structures of hydroxyapatite surfaces and their charge states in contact with aqueous solutions
Authors: Saito T. , Yokoi T. , Nakamura A. , Matsunaga K.
Published: October 2021

Macroscopic charge states for hydroxyapatite surfaces have been quantitatively determined using an implicit solvation model based on first-principles calculations.
Kinetic resolution of sulfur-stereogenic sulfoximines by Pd(ii)–MPAA catalyzed C–H arylation and olefination
Authors: Mukherjee Kallol , Grimblat Nicolas , Sau Somratan , Ghosh Koushik , Shankar Majji , Gandon Vincent , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: October 2021

A Pd/MPAA catalysed KR of heteroaryl substituted sulfoximines through C–H alkenylation and arylation (up to >99% ee) is developed. In-depth DFT studies uncover the salient features.
Enzyme-activated near-infrared fluorogenic probe with high-efficiency intrahepatic targeting ability for visualization of drug-induced liver injury
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Xueqian , Yuan Qing , Bian Yongning , Li Mingrui , Wang Yaling , Gao Xueyun , Su Dongdong
Published: October 2021

We rationally designed a leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activated fluorogenic probe hCy-CA-LAP with high hepatocyte-targeting ability for accurate and sensitive imaging of DILI.
Recent advances in non-precious group metal-based catalysts for water electrolysis and beyond
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Kim Ho Young , Joo Jinwhan , Joo Sang Hoon , Lim June Sung , Lee Jinwoo , Huang Huawei , Shao Minhua , Hu Jue , Kim Jin Young , Min Byeong Jo , Lee Seung Woo , Kang Minsoo , Lee Kwangyeol , Choi Songa , Park Yeji , Wang Yao , Li Junjun , Zhang Zhicheng , Ma Jianmin , Choi Sang-Il
Published: October 2021

This review outlines the strategies and challenges of the state-of-the-art non-precious group metal-based catalysts toward water electrolysis.
Surface recrystallized stable 2D–3D graded perovskite solar cells for efficiency beyond 21%
Authors: Garai Rabindranath , Gupta Ritesh Kant , Hossain Maimur , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: October 2021

An ambient stable surface recrystallized 2D–3D graded perovskite solar cell reveals excellent efficiencies of 21.18% (0.12 cm2) and 18.81% (2 cm2).
Phytic acid-induced nitrogen configuration adjustment of active nitrogen-rich carbon nanosheets for high-performance potassium-ion storage
Authors: Ma Liang , Li Zhibin , Li Jinliang , Dai Yao , Qian Chen , Zhu Yaofeng , Wang Hao , Hui Kwun Nam , Pan Likun , Amin Mohammed A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Mai Wenjie
Published: October 2021

.A new approach is developed to design active nitrogen-rich carbon nanosheets by phytic acid induction, which present a remarkable improvement of the specific capacity for potassium ion storage.
A Fe single atom on N,S-doped carbon catalyst for performing N-alkylation of aromatic amines under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Lu Guo-Ping , Shan Hongbin , Lin Yamei , Zhang Kai , Zhou Baojing , Zhong Qin , Wang Pengcheng
Published: October 2021

A green and gram-scale strategy has been developed for the synthesis of Fe single atom/N,S-doped carbon catalyst via the pyrolysis of polyaniline-modified Fe,S-doped ZIFs, in which ZIFs can be prepared in water at room temperature.
Plasmonic metal enhanced broadband near-infrared emission from a transparent nano-glass composite containing hybrid Ag–metal/γ-Ga2O3:Ni2+ nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Niu Luyue , Zhang Feifei , Wang Sikai , Xiao Jing , Chen Jun , Zhang Lian , Ren Jing , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: October 2021

The Ag+ ion-exchange technique is employed to incorporate a large amount of Ag in a nano-glass composite containing γ-Ga2O3:Ni2+ nanocrystals with enhanced emissions.
Tuning the dynamic magnetic behaviour and proton conductivity via water-induced reversible single-crystal to single-crystal structural transformation
Authors: Ji Xiao-Qin , Sun Rong , Xiong Jin , Sun Hao-Ling , Gao Song
Published: October 2021

A rare dysprosium layered complex undergoing humidity induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation and the synergetic switch of the dynamic magnetic behaviour and proton conductivity has been successfully constructed.
Updates in deep learning research in ophthalmology
Authors: Ng Wei Yan , Zhang Shihao , Wang Zhaoran , Ong Charles Jit Teng , Gunasekeran Dinesh V. , Lim Gilbert Yong San , Zheng Feihui , Tan Shaun Chern Yuan , Tan Gavin Siew Wei , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Schmetterer Leopold , Ting Daniel Shu Wei
Published: October 2021

Ophthalmology has been one of the early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) within the medical field. Deep learning (DL), in particular, has garnered significant attention due to the availability of large amounts of data and digitized ocular images. Currently, AI in Ophthalmology is mainly focused on improving disease classification and supporting decision-making when treating ophthalmic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). However, most of the DL systems (DLSs) developed thus far remain in the research stage and only a handful are able to achieve clinical translation. This phenomenon is due to a combination of factors including concerns over security and privacy, poor generalizability, trust and explainability issues, unfavorable end-user perceptions and uncertain economic value. Overcoming this challenge would require a combination approach. Firstly, emerging techniques such as federated learning (FL), generative adversarial networks (GANs), autonomous AI and blockchain will be playing an increasingly critical role to enhance privacy, collaboration and DLS performance. Next, compliance to reporting and regulatory guidelines, such as CONSORT-AI and STARD-AI, will be required to in order to improve transparency, minimize abuse and ensure reproducibility. Thirdly, frameworks will be required to obtain patient consent, perform ethical assessment and evaluate end-user perception. Lastly, proper health economic assessment (HEA) must be performed to provide financial visibility during the early phases of DLS development. This is necessary to manage resources prudently and guide the development of DLS.
Spectral Modulation Detection Performance and Speech Perception in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Davidson Lisa S. , Geers Ann E. , Uchanski Rosalie M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

The aims of this study were, for pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients, (a) to determine the effect of age on their spectral modulation detection (SMD) ability and compare their age effect to that of their typically hearing (TH) peers; (b) to identify demographic, cognitive, and audiological factors associated with SMD ability; and (c) to determine the unique contribution of SMD ability to segmental and suprasegmental speech perception performance.

Method:

A total of 104 pediatric CI recipients and 38 TH peers (ages 6–11 years) completed a test of SMD. CI recipients completed tests of segmental (e.g., word recognition in noise and vowels and consonants in quiet) and suprasegmental (e.g., talker discrimination, stress discrimination, and emotion identification) perception, nonverbal intelligence, and working memory. Regressions analyses were used to examine the effects of group and age on percent-correct SMD scores. For the CI group, the effects of demographic, audiological, and cognitive variables on SMD performance and the effects of SMD on speech perception were examined.

Results:

The TH group performed significantly better than the CI group on SMD. Both groups showed better performance with increasing age. Significant predictors of SMD performance for the CI group were age and nonverbal intelligence. SMD performance predicted significant variance in segmental and suprasegmental perception. The variance predicted by SMD performance was nearly double for suprasegmental than for segmental perception.

Conclusions:

Children in the CI group, on average, scored lower than their TH peers. The slopes of improvement in SMD with age did not differ between the groups. The significant effect of nonverbal intelligence on SMD performance in CI recipients indicates that difficulties inherent in the task affect outcomes. SMD ability predicted speech perception scores, with a more prominent role in suprasegmental than in segmental speech perception. SMD ability may provide a useful nonlinguistic tool for predicting speech perception benefit, with cautious interpretation based on age and cognitive function.
Gängige veterinärmedizinische Praxis in der Kleintieranästhesie – eine Onlineumfrage unter Kleintierpraktikern in Europa
Authors: Reiser Kathrin , Schroers Maike , Reese Sven , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: October 2021

Gegenstand und Ziel Erhebung des Standes der Kleintieranästhesie in Europa und Überprüfung der Möglichkeit zur Einhaltung der Leitlinien der AVA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) und der DVG-Fachgruppe VAINS (Veterinärmedizinische Anästhesie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie).

Material und Methoden Ein Link zu einer Onlineumfrage mit Fragen zum Narkosemanagement (Themenbereiche Demografie, Ausstattung, Monitoring, Wärmemanagement, präanästhetische Untersuchung, Narkoseprotokoll u. a.) wurde an Kleintierpraktiker in verschiedenen Ländern verschickt.

Ergebnisse Die 767 eingegangenen auswertbaren Fragebögen stammten aus Deutschland (n = 343), Österreich (n = 216), Schweiz (n = 83), Großbritannien (n = 38), Frankreich (n = 25), Ungarn (n = 25), Skandinavien (n = 23) und „sonstigen Ländern“ (n = 11). Durchschnittlich 91 % der Befragten erfüllten die Leitlinie der AVA und 58 % die Leitlinie der Fachgruppe VAINS noch vor deren Veröffentlichung. Praxen/Kliniken mit mehr Mitarbeiten hatten eine bessere Ausstattung und Praxen/Kliniken mit mehr Anästhesien pro Woche führten häufiger eine „gute Voruntersuchung“ durch.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Obwohl die Leitlinien z. T. erfüllt werden, ließ sich zeigen, dass in vielen Praxen/Kliniken das Narkoseregime optimiert werden kann, u. a. durch Verbesserung der Ausstattung oder deren bessere Nutzung.
Akutes Leberversagen bei einem Hund nach Aufnahme eines Pilzes, vermutlich der Gattung Amanita
Authors: Runft Sandra , Mischke Reinhard , Hoppe Sonja , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion
Published: October 2021

Ein 4 Jahre alter, männlich-kastrierter, 29,4 kg schwerer Husky-Mischling, der am Tag zuvor einen Pilz, wahrscheinlich der Gattung Amanita. gefressen hatte, wurde mit Diarrhö, Vomitus, Inappetenz und zunehmender Apathie vorgestellt. Labordiagnostisch ließen sich Hypoglykämie, Hyperbilirubinämie, erhöhte Leberenzymaktivitäten sowie verminderte Gerinnungsfaktoraktivitäten (veränderte Prothrombinzeit und aktivierte partielle Thromboplastinzeit) feststellen. Trotz stationärer symptomatischer Therapie über 3 Tage verschlechterte sich das Allgemeinbefinden des Hundes und er wurde euthanasiert. Die pathomorphologischen Befunde waren durch Blutungen in mehreren Organen, blutige Ingesta, Ikterus und hochgradige Leberzellnekrosen gekennzeichnet.
Editorial
Authors: Köppel Maximilian
Published: October 2021

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

dank intensiver Forschungsmühen der vergangenen Jahrzehnte liegt inzwischen eine erdrückende Datenlage zugunsten der gesundheitsfördernden Effekte körperlicher Aktivität und Bewegung sowohl als primär-, sekundär- und tertiärpräventive Maßnahme vor. Darüber hinaus findet die Bewegungstherapie auch als Supportivmaßnahme zum Symptommanagement in der Onkologie wachsende Anwendung. Die Anwendungsbereiche der Bewegungstherapie, des Gesundheitssports und eines körperlich aktiven Alltags sind gewaltig. Durch die Corona-Pandemie und die mit ihr einhergehenden Sicherheitsmaßnahmen kam es in den vergangenen 1,5 Jahren jedoch zu massiven Einbrüchen im körperlichen Aktivitätsverhalten der Menschen. Wenig verwunderlich ist dabei, dass davon gerade jene Menschen besonders betroffen sind, welche Bewegung und körperliche Aktivität am nötigsten haben. Psychoedukative Maßnahmen im Hinblick auf die Motivation und Volition zur Bewegung werden in den kommenden Jahren daher einen ganz besonderen Stellenwert erhalten, um diese Personengruppen wieder in Bewegung zu bringen und zu halten. Mit dem Auftaktartikel der vorliegenden B&G von Göhner et al. wird sich genau dieser Fragestellung gewidmet. Konkret untersuchen die Autoren die Effektivität und Nachhaltigkeit einer Schulungsmaßnahme zum Thema Strategien zur Bewegungsförderung für Bewegungstherapeutinnen und -therapeuten.