bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population structure and genetic diversity of non-native aoudad populations
Authors: Stipoljev Sunčica , Safner Toni , Gančević Pavao , Galov Ana , Stuhne Tina , Svetličić Ida , Grignolio Stefano , Cassinello Jorge , Šprem Nikica
Published: June 2021

The aoudad (Ammotragus lerviaPallas 1777) is an ungulate species, native to the mountain ranges of North Africa. In the second half of the twentieth century, it was successfully introduced in some European countries, mainly for hunting purposes, i.e. in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. We used neutral genetic markers, the mitochondrial DNA control region sequence and microsatellite loci, to characterize and compare genetic diversity and spatial pattern of genetic structure on different timeframes among all European aoudad populations. Four distinct control region haplotypes found in European aoudad populations indicate that the aoudad has been introduced in Europe from multiple genetic sources, with the population in the Sierra Espuña as the only population in which more than one haplotype was detected. The number of detected microsatellite alleles within all populations (< 3.61) and mean proportion of shared alleles within all analysed populations (< 0.55) indicates relatively low genetic variability, as expected for new populations funded by a small number of individuals. In STRUCTURE results with K = 2–4, Croatian and Czech populations cluster in the same genetic cluster, indicating joined origin. Among three populations from Spain, Almeria population shows as genetically distinct from others in results, while other Spanish populations diverge at K = 4. Maintenance of genetic diversity should be included in the management of populations to sustain their viability, specially for small Czech population with high proportion of shared alleles (0.85) and Croatian population that had the smallest estimated effective population size (Ne = 5.4).
Label-free high-throughput screening assay for the identification of norepinephrine transporter (NET/SLC6A2) inhibitors
Authors: Sijben Hubert J. , van Oostveen Wieke M. , Hartog Peter B. R. , Stucchi Laura , Rossignoli Andrea , Maresca Giovanna , Scarabottolo Lia , IJzerman Adriaan P. , Heitman Laura H.
Published: June 2021

The human norepinephrine transporter (NET) is an established drug target for a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Conventional methods that are used to functionally characterize NET inhibitors are based on the use of radiolabeled or fluorescent substrates. These methods are highly informative, but pose limitations to either high-throughput screening (HTS) adaptation or physiologically accurate representation of the endogenous uptake events. Recently, we developed a label-free functional assay based on the activation of G protein-coupled receptors by a transported substrate, termed the TRACT assay. In this study, the TRACT assay technology was applied to NET expressed in a doxycycline-inducible HEK 293 JumpIn cell line. Three endogenous substrates of NET—norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (EP)—were compared in the characterization of the reference NET inhibitor nisoxetine. The resulting assay, using NE as a substrate, was validated in a manual HTS set-up with a Z′ = 0.55. The inhibitory potencies of several reported NET inhibitors from the TRACT assay showed positive correlation with those from an established fluorescent substrate uptake assay. These findings demonstrate the suitability of the TRACT assay for HTS characterization and screening of NET inhibitors and provide a basis for investigation of other solute carrier transporters with label-free biosensors.
Polymetallic nodules are essential for food-web integrity of a prospective deep-seabed mining area in Pacific abyssal plains
Authors: Stratmann Tanja , Soetaert Karline , Kersken Daniel , van Oevelen Dick
Published: June 2021

Polymetallic nodule fields provide hard substrate for sessile organisms on the abyssal seafloor between 3000 and 6000 m water depth. Deep-seabed mining targets these mineral-rich nodules and will likely modify the consumer-resource (trophic) and substrate-providing (non-trophic) interactions within the abyssal food web. However, the importance of nodules and their associated sessile fauna in supporting food-web integrity remains unclear. Here, we use seafloor imagery and published literature to develop highly-resolved trophic and non-trophic interaction webs for the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ, central Pacific Ocean) and the Peru Basin (PB, South-East Pacific Ocean) and to assess how nodule removal may modify these networks. The CCZ interaction web included 1028 compartments connected with 59,793 links and the PB interaction web consisted of 342 compartments and 8044 links. We show that knock-down effects of nodule removal resulted in a 17.9% (CCZ) to 20.8% (PB) loss of all taxa and 22.8% (PB) to 30.6% (CCZ) loss of network links. Subsequent analysis identified stalked glass sponges living attached to the nodules as key structural species that supported a high diversity of associated fauna. We conclude that polymetallic nodules are critical for food-web integrity and that their absence will likely result in reduced local benthic biodiversity.
Diffusion in multicomponent aqueous alcoholic mixtures
Authors: Guevara-Carrion Gabriela , Fingerhut Robin , Vrabec Jadran
Published: June 2021

The Fick diffusion coefficient matrix of the highly associating quaternary mixture water + methanol + ethanol + 2-propanol as well as its ternary and binary subsystems is analyzed with molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Three of the ternary subsystems are studied in this sense for the first time. The predictive capability of the employed force fields, which were sampled with the Green–Kubo formalism and Kirkwood–Buff integration, is confirmed by comparison with experimental literature data on vapor-liquid equilibrium, shear viscosity and Fick diffusion coefficient, wherever possible. A thorough analysis of the finite size effects on the simulative calculation of diffusion coefficients of multicomponent systems is carried out. Moreover, the dependence of the Fick diffusion coefficient matrix on the velocity reference frame and component order is analyzed. Their influence is found to be less significant for the main matrix elements, reaching a maximum variation of 19%. The large differences found for the cross elements upon variation of the reference frame hinder a straightforward interpretation of the Fick diffusion coefficient matrix with respect to the presence of diffusive coupling effects.
Efficient facemask decontamination via forced ozone convection
Authors: Schwan Joseph , Alva Troy R. , Nava Giorgio , Rodriguez Carla Berrospe , Dunn Zachary Spencer , Chartron Justin W. , Morgan Joshua , Wang Pin , Mangolini Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 crisis has taken a significant toll on human life and the global economy since its start in early 2020. Healthcare professionals have been particularly vulnerable because of the unprecedented shortage of Facepiece Respirators (FPRs), which act as fundamental tools to protect the medical staff treating the coronavirus patients. In addition, many FPRs are designed to be disposable single-use devices, creating an issue related to the generation of large quantities of non-biodegradable waste. In this contribution, we describe a plasma-based decontamination technique designed to circumvent the shortages of FPRs and alleviate the environmental problems posed by waste generation. The system utilizes a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) to generate ozone and feed it through the fibers of the FPRs. The flow-through configuration is different than canonical ozone-based sterilization methods, in which the equipment is placed in a sealed ozone-containing enclosure without any flow through the mask polymer fibers. We demonstrate the rapid decontamination of surgical masks using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) as model pathogens, with the flow-through configuration providing a drastic reduction in sterilization time compared to the canonical approach. We also demonstrate that there is no deterioration in mask structure or filtration efficiency resulting from sterilization. Finally, we show that this decontamination approach can be implemented using readily available tools, such as a plastic box, a glass tube, few 3D printed components, and the high-voltage power supply from a plasma globe toy. The prototype assembled for this study is portable and affordable, with effectiveness comparable to that of larger and more expensive equipment.
Genetic and epigenetic modifications of F1 offspring’s sperm cells following in utero and lactational combined exposure to nicotine and ethanol
Authors: Pabarja Athareh , Ganjalikhan Hakemi Sepideh , Musanejad Elahe , Ezzatabadipour Massood , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noureddin , Afgar Ali , Afarinesh Mohammad Reza , Haghpanah Tahereh
Published: June 2021

It is well established that maternal lifestyle during pregnancy and lactation affects the intrauterine programming of F1 offspring. However, despite the co-use of alcohol and nicotine is a common habit, the effects of exposure to both substances on the reproductive system of F1 male offspring and the underlying mechanisms of developmental programming have not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine pre- and postnatal concurrent exposure to these substances on genetic and epigenetic alterations of sperm cells as well as testis properties of F1 offspring compared with exposure to each substance alone. Pregnant dams in the F0 generation randomly received normal saline, nicotine, ethanol, and combinations throughout full gestation and lactation periods. Sperm cells and testes of F1 male offspring were collected at postnatal day 90 for further experiments. High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed offspring. Regarding epigenetic alterations, there was a significant increase in the relative transcript abundance of histone deacetylase 1 and 2 in all exposed sperm cells. Moreover, despite a decrease in the expression level of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3A, no marked differences were found in the expression levels of DNMT1 and 3B in any of the exposed sperm cells compared to non-exposed ones. Interestingly, combined exposure had less prominent effects relative to exposure to each substance alone. The changes in the testicular and sperm parameters were compatible with genetic and epigenetic alterations. However, MDA level as an oxidative stress indicator increased in all exposed pups, which may be responsible for such outputs. In conclusion, maternal co-exposure to these substances exhibited epigenotoxicity effects on germline cells of F1 male offspring, although these effects were less marked relative to exposure to each substance alone. These counteracting effects may be explained by cross-tolerance and probably less impairment of the antioxidant defense system.
No evidence for stochastic resonance effects on standing balance when applying noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation in young healthy adults
Authors: Assländer L. , Giboin L. S. , Gruber M. , Schniepp R. , Wuehr M.
Published: June 2021

Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) at imperceptible levels has been shown to reduce body sway. This reduction was commonly attributed to the mechanism of stochastic resonance (SR). However, it has never been explicitly tested whether nGVS-induced effects on body sway consistently follow a SR-like bell-shaped performance curve with maximal reductions in a particular range of noise intensities. To test this, body sway in 21 young healthy participants was measured during varying nGVS amplitudes while standing with eyes closed in 3 conditions (quiet stance, sway referencing, sinusoidal platform tilts). Presence of SR-like response dynamics in each trial was assessed (1) by a goodness-of-fit analysis using an established SR-curve model and (2) by ratings from 3 human experts. In accordance to theory, we found reductions of body sway at one nGVS amplitude in most trials (75–95%). However, only few trials exhibited SR-like bell-shaped performance curves with increasing noise amplitudes (10–33%). Instead, body sway measures rather fluctuated randomly across nGVS amplitudes. This implies that, at least in young healthy adults, nGVS effects on body sway are incompatible with SR. Thus, previously reported reductions of body sway at particular nGVS intensities more likely result from inherent variations of the performance metric or by other yet unknown mechanisms.
DNCON2_Inter: predicting interchain contacts for homodimeric and homomultimeric protein complexes using multiple sequence alignments of monomers and deep learning
Authors: Quadir Farhan , Roy Raj S. , Halfmann Randal , Cheng Jianlin
Published: June 2021

Deep learning methods that achieved great success in predicting intrachain residue-residue contacts have been applied to predict interchain contacts between proteins. However, these methods require multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) of a pair of interacting proteins (dimers) as input, which are often difficult to obtain because there are not many known protein complexes available to generate MSAs of sufficient depth for a pair of proteins. In recognizing that multiple sequence alignments of a monomer that forms homomultimers contain the co-evolutionary signals of both intrachain and interchain residue pairs in contact, we applied DNCON2 (a deep learning-based protein intrachain residue-residue contact predictor) to predict both intrachain and interchain contacts for homomultimers using multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and other co-evolutionary features of a single monomer followed by discrimination of interchain and intrachain contacts according to the tertiary structure of the monomer. We name this tool DNCON2_Inter. Allowing true-positive predictions within two residue shifts, the best average precision was obtained for the Top-L/10 predictions of 22.9% for homodimers and 17.0% for higher-order homomultimers. In some instances, especially where interchain contact densities are high, DNCON2_Inter predicted interchain contacts with 100% precision. We also developed Con_Complex, a complex structure reconstruction tool that uses predicted contacts to produce the structure of the complex. Using Con_Complex, we show that the predicted contacts can be used to accurately construct the structure of some complexes. Our experiment demonstrates that monomeric multiple sequence alignments can be used with deep learning to predict interchain contacts of homomeric proteins.
Incidence of elevated intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Inoue Tatsuya , Mohamed Shaheeda , Kitajima Yoko , Ikeda Shoko , Ito Arisa , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A retrospective study of chart review of patients who underwent ≥ 10 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections between April 2009 and December 2019 was conducted. Elevated IOP was defined as IOP ≥ 25 mmHg at one visit. Cases with elevated IOP resulting from IVI were identified. Furthermore, the association between elevated IOP and some parameters, as the risk factors that influence elevated IOP, was investigated. A total of 402 eyes of 370 patients were included in this study. Twenty-eight eyes of 26 patients (7.0%) were identified as cases with elevated IOP after IVI. The mean time of elevation after baseline was 50.6 ± 26.5 months. History of glaucoma (p = 0.021; odds ratio, 5.85), treatment modality (p = 0.019; odds ratio, 6.32), and total number of injections (p = 0.003; odds ratio, 1.03) were significantly associated with elevated IOP. A late complication of elevated IOP is associated with IVI in patients with AMD. Particularly, history of glaucoma and treat and extend regimen with frequent injections were found to be risk factors of elevated IOP.
Differential response of oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle fibers to mesterolone
Authors: Asfour Hasan A. , Shaqoura Emad I. , Said Raed S. , Mustafa Ayman G. , Emerald Bright Starling , Allouh Mohammed Z.
Published: June 2021

Oxidative and glycolytic muscle fibers differ in their ultrastructure, metabolism, and responses to physiological stimuli and pathological insults. We examined whether these fibers respond differentially to exogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) by comparing morphological and histological changes between the oxidative anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) and glycolytic pectoralis major (PM) fibers in adult avian muscles. Adult female White Leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus) were randomly divided into five groups: a vehicle control and four mesterolone treatment groups (4, 8, 12, and 16 mg/kg). Mesterolone was administered orally every three days for four weeks. Immunocytochemical techniques and morphometric analyses were employed to measure the changes in muscle weight, fiber size, satellite cell (SC) composition, and number of myonuclei. Mesterolone increased both body and muscle weights and induced hypertrophy in glycolytic PM fibers but not in oxidative ALD fibers. Mesterolone induced SC proliferation in both muscles; however, the myonuclear accretion was noticeable only in the PM muscle. In both muscles, the collective changes maintained a constant myonuclear domain size and the changes were dose independent. In conclusion, mesterolone induced distinct dose-independent effects in avian oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle fibers; these findings might be clinically valuable in the treatment of age-related sarcopenia.
Gene duplications and gene loss in the epidermal differentiation complex during the evolutionary land-to-water transition of cetaceans
Authors: Holthaus Karin Brigit , Lachner Julia , Ebner Bettina , Tschachler Erwin , Eckhart Leopold
Published: June 2021

Major protein components of the mammalian skin barrier are encoded by genes clustered in the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). The skin of cetaceans, i.e. whales, porpoises and dolphins, differs histologically from that of terrestrial mammals. However, the genetic regulation of their epidermal barrier is only incompletely known. Here, we investigated the EDC of cetaceans by comparative genomics. We found that important epidermal cornification proteins, such as loricrin and involucrin are conserved and subtypes of small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) are even expanded in numbers in cetaceans. By contrast, keratinocyte proline rich protein (KPRP), skin-specific protein 32 (XP32) and late-cornified envelope (LCE) genes with the notable exception of LCE7A have been lost in cetaceans. Genes encoding proline rich 9 (PRR9) and late cornified envelope like proline rich 1 (LELP1) have degenerated in subgroups of cetaceans. These data suggest that the evolution of an aquatic lifestyle was accompanied by amplification of SPRR genes and loss of specific other epidermal differentiation genes in the phylogenetic lineage leading to cetaceans.
Hydrothermally synthesized nanostructured LiMnxFe1−xPO4 (x = 0–0.3) cathode materials with enhanced properties for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Trinh Dung V. , Nguyen Mai T. T. , Dang Hue T. M. , Dang Dung T. , Le Hang T. T. , Le Huynh T. N. , Tran Hoang V. , Huynh Chinh D.
Published: June 2021

Nanostructured cathode materials based on Mn-doped olivine LiMnxFe1−xPO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyzed results indicated that the synthesized LiMnxFe1−xPO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) samples possessed a sphere-like nanostructure and a relatively homogeneous size distribution in the range of 100–200 nm. Electrochemical experiments and analysis showed that the Mn doping increased the redox potential and boosted the capacity. While the undoped olivine (LiFePO4) had a capacity of 169 mAh g−1 with a slight reduction (10%) in the initial capacity after 50 cycles (150 mAh g−1), the Mn-doped olivine samples (LiMnxFe1−xPO4) demonstrated reliable cycling tests with negligible capacity loss, reaching 151, 147, and 157 mAh g−1 for x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, respectively. The results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) accompanied by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) have resulted that the Mn substitution for Fe promoted the charge transfer process and hence the rapid Li transport. These findings indicate that the LiMnxFe1−xPO4 nanostructures are promising cathode materials for lithium ion battery applications.
A system-oriented strategy to enhance electron production of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 in bio-photovoltaic devices: experimental and modeling insights
Authors: Firoozabadi Hossein , Mardanpour Mohammad Mahdi , Motamedian Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Bio-photovoltaic devices (BPVs) harness photosynthetic organisms to produce bioelectricity in an eco-friendly way. However, their low energy efficiency is still a challenge. A comprehension of metabolic constraints can result in finding strategies for efficiency enhancement. This study presents a systemic approach based on metabolic modeling to design a regulatory defined medium, reducing the intracellular constraints in bioelectricity generation of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 through the cellular metabolism alteration. The approach identified key reactions that played a critical role in improving electricity generation in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 by comparing multiple optimal solutions of minimal and maximal NADH generation using two criteria. Regulatory compounds, which controlled the enzyme activity of the key reactions, were obtained from the BRENDA database. The selected compounds were subsequently added to the culture media, and their effect on bioelectricity generation was experimentally assessed. The power density curves for different culture media showed the BPV fed by Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 suspension in BG-11 supplemented with NH4Cl achieved the maximum power density of 148.27 mW m−2. This produced power density was more than 40.5-fold of what was obtained for the BPV fed with cyanobacterial suspension in BG-11. The effect of the activators on BPV performance was also evaluated by comparing their overpotential, maximum produced power density, and biofilm morphology under different conditions. These findings demonstrated the crucial role of cellular metabolism in improving bioelectricity generation in BPVs.
Associations of hypertension burden on subsequent dementia: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jung Hyunjean , Yang Pil-Sung , Kim Daehoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Sung Jung-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Joung Boyoung
Published: June 2021

In this nationwide cohort study, we assessed the effects of hypertension burden and blood pressure (BP) control on dementia in different age subgroups. From the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening cohort from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2013, we enrolled 428,976 subjects aged 40–79 years without previous diagnosis of dementia or stroke. During a mean follow-up of 7.3 ± 1.5 years, 9435 (2.2%) were diagnosed with dementia. Per 10 mmHg increase in systolic BP (SBP), risk of dementia was increased by 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.30) in subjects aged 40–59 years and 8% (95% CI 1.04–1.11) in subjects aged 60–69 years. No significant associations were observed in subjects aged ≥ 70 years. Among subjects aged 40–59 years, both vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia risks were increased with increasing SBP. Increasing hypertension burden (proportion of days with increased BP) was associated with higher dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09 per 10% increase, 95% CI 1.08–1.10). Among patients with baseline SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, optimal follow-up SBP (120–139 mmHg) was associated with decreased dementia risk (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.95). Hypertension burden was associated with higher risks of dementia. Adequate BP control was associated with lower risk of dementia in individuals aged < 70 years.
Carrier-capture-assisted optoelectronics based on van der Waals materials to imitate medicine-acting metaplasticity
Authors: Nie Qianfan , Gao Caifang , Yang Feng-Shou , Lee Ko-Chun , Lin Che-Yi , Wang Xiang , Ho Ching-Hwa , Lien Chen-Hsin , Lin Shu-Ping , Li Mengjiao , Lin Yen-Fu , Li Wenwu , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: June 2021

Recently, researchers have focused on optoelectronics based on two-dimensional van der Waals materials to realize multifunctional memory and neuron applications. Layered indium selenide (InSe) semiconductors satisfy various requirements as photosensitive channel materials, and enable the realization of intriguing optoelectronic applications. Herein, we demonstrate InSe photonic devices with different trends of output currents rooted in the carrier capture/release events under various gate voltages. Furthermore, we reported an increasing/flattening/decreasing synaptic weight change index (∆Wn) via a modulated gate electric field, which we use to imitate medicine-acting metaplasticity with effective/stable/ineffective features analogous to the synaptic weight change in the nervous system of the human brain. Finally, we take advantage of the low-frequency noise (LFN) measurements and the energy-band explanation to verify the rationality of carrier capture-assisted optoelectronics applied to neural simulation at the device level. Utilizing optoelectronics to simulate essential biomedical neurobehaviors, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility and meaningfulness of combining electronic engineering with biomedical neurology.
Leveraging artificial intelligence for pandemic preparedness and response: a scoping review to identify key use cases
Authors: Syrowatka Ania , Kuznetsova Masha , Alsubai Ava , Beckman Adam L. , Bain Paul A. , Craig Kelly Jean Thomas , Hu Jianying , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Rhee Kyu , Bates David W.
Published: June 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a valuable tool that could be widely used to inform clinical and public health decision-making to effectively manage the impacts of a pandemic. The objective of this scoping review was to identify the key use cases for involving AI for pandemic preparedness and response from the peer-reviewed, preprint, and grey literature. The data synthesis had two parts: an in-depth review of studies that leveraged machine learning (ML) techniques and a limited review of studies that applied traditional modeling approaches. ML applications from the in-depth review were categorized into use cases related to public health and clinical practice, and narratively synthesized. One hundred eighty-three articles met the inclusion criteria for the in-depth review. Six key use cases were identified: forecasting infectious disease dynamics and effects of interventions; surveillance and outbreak detection; real-time monitoring of adherence to public health recommendations; real-time detection of influenza-like illness; triage and timely diagnosis of infections; and prognosis of illness and response to treatment. Data sources and types of ML that were useful varied by use case. The search identified 1167 articles that reported on traditional modeling approaches, which highlighted additional areas where ML could be leveraged for improving the accuracy of estimations or projections. Important ML-based solutions have been developed in response to pandemics, and particularly for COVID-19 but few were optimized for practical application early in the pandemic. These findings can support policymakers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in prioritizing research and development to support operationalization of AI for future pandemics.
In situ strategy for biomedical target localization via nanogold nucleation and secondary growth
Authors: Sawaguchi Akira , Kamimura Takeshi , Takahashi Nobuyasu , Yamashita Atsushi , Asada Yujiro , Imazato Hiroyuki , Aoyama Fumiyo , Wakui Akiko , Sato Takeshi , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Hishikawa Yoshitaka
Published: June 2021

Immunocytochemistry visualizes the exact spatial location of target molecules. The most common strategy for ultrastructural immunocytochemistry is the conjugation of nanogold particles to antibodies as probes. However, conventional nanogold labelling requires time-consuming nanogold probe preparation and ultrathin sectioning of cell/tissue samples. Here, we introduce an in situ strategy involving nanogold nucleation in immunoenzymatic products on universal paraffin/cryostat sections and provide unique insight into nanogold development under hot-humid air conditions. Nanogold particles were specifically localized on kidney podocytes to target synaptopodin. Transmission electron microscopy revealed secondary growth and self-assembly that could be experimentally controlled by bovine serum albumin stabilization and phosphate-buffered saline acceleration. Valuable retrospective nanogold labelling for gastric H+/K+-ATPase was achieved on vintage immunoenzymatic deposits after a long lapse of 15 years (i.e., 15-year-old deposits). The present in situ nanogold labelling is anticipated to fill the gap between light and electron microscopy to correlate cell/tissue structure and function.
Microglial metabolism is a pivotal factor in sexual dimorphism in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Guillot-Sestier Marie-Victoire , Araiz Ana Rubio , Mela Virginia , Gaban Aline Sayd , O’Neill Eoin , Joshi Lisha , Chouchani Edward T. , Mills Evanna L. , Lynch Marina A.
Published: June 2021

Age and sex are major risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with a higher incidence of the disease in females. Neuroinflammation, which is a hallmark of AD, contributes to disease pathogenesis and is inexorably linked with inappropriate microglial activation and neurodegeneration. We investigated sex-related differences in microglia in APP/PS1 mice and in post-mortem tissue from AD patients. Changes in genes that are indicative of microglial activation were preferentially increased in cells from female APP/PS1 mice and cells from males and females were morphological, metabolically and functionally distinct. Microglia from female APP/PS1 mice were glycolytic and less phagocytic and associated with increased amyloidosis whereas microglia from males were amoeboid and this was also the case in post-mortem tissue from male AD patients, where plaque load was reduced. We propose that the sex-related differences in microglia are likely to explain, at least in part, the sexual dimorphism in AD.
The multiscale nature of leaf growth fields
Authors: Armon Shahaf , Moshe Michael , Sharon Eran
Published: June 2021

A growing leaf is a prototypical active solid, as its active units, the cells, locally deform during the out-of-equilibrium process of growth. During this local growth, leaves increase their area by orders of magnitude, yet maintain a proper shape, usually flat. How this is achieved in the lack of a central control, is unknown. Here we measure the in-plane growth tensor of Tobacco leaves and study the statistics of growth-rate, isotropy and directionality. We show that growth strongly fluctuates in time and position, and include multiple shrinkage events. We identify the characteristic scales of the fluctuations. We show that the area-growth distribution is broad and non-Gaussian, and use multiscale statistical methods to show how growth homogenizes at larger/longer scales. In contrast, we show that growth isotropy does not homogenize in time. Mechanical analysis shows that with such growth statistics, a leaf can stay flat only if the fluctuations are regulated/correlated.
Carbon dioxide fluxes increase from day to night across European streams
Authors: Attermeyer Katrin , Casas-Ruiz Joan Pere , Fuss Thomas , Pastor Ada , Cauvy-Fraunié Sophie , Sheath Danny , Nydahl Anna C. , Doretto Alberto , Portela Ana Paula , Doyle Brian C. , Simov Nikolay , Gutmann Roberts Catherine , Niedrist Georg H. , Timoner Xisca , Evtimova Vesela , Barral-Fraga Laura , Bašić Tea , Audet Joachim , Deininger Anne , Busst Georgina , Fenoglio Stefano , Catalán Núria , de Eyto Elvira , Pilotto Francesca , Mor Jordi-René , Monteiro Juliana , Fletcher David , Noss Christian , Colls Miriam , Nagler Magdalena , Liu Liu , Romero González-Quijano Clara , Romero Ferran , Pansch Nina , Ledesma José L. J. , Pegg Josephine , Klaus Marcus , Freixa Anna , Herrero Ortega Sonia , Mendoza-Lera Clara , Bednařík Adam , Fonvielle Jérémy A. , Gilbert Peter J. , Kenderov Lyubomir A. , Rulík Martin , Bodmer Pascal
Published: June 2021

Globally, inland waters emit over 2 Pg of carbon per year as carbon dioxide, of which the majority originates from streams and rivers. Despite the global significance of fluvial carbon dioxide emissions, little is known about their diel dynamics. Here we present a large-scale assessment of day- and night-time carbon dioxide fluxes at the water-air interface across 34 European streams. We directly measured fluxes four times between October 2016 and July 2017 using drifting chambers. Median fluxes are 1.4 and 2.1 mmol m−2 h−1 at midday and midnight, respectively, with night fluxes exceeding those during the day by 39%. We attribute diel carbon dioxide flux variability mainly to changes in the water partial pressure of carbon dioxide. However, no consistent drivers could be identified across sites. Our findings highlight widespread day-night changes in fluvial carbon dioxide fluxes and suggest that the time of day greatly influences measured carbon dioxide fluxes across European streams.
Absolute seasonal temperature estimates from clumped isotopes in bivalve shells suggest warm and variable greenhouse climate
Authors: de Winter Niels J. , Müller Inigo A. , Kocken Ilja J. , Thibault Nicolas , Ullmann Clemens V. , Farnsworth Alex , Lunt Daniel J. , Claeys Philippe , Ziegler Martin
Published: June 2021

Seasonal variability in sea surface temperatures plays a fundamental role in climate dynamics and species distribution. Seasonal bias can also severely compromise the accuracy of mean annual temperature reconstructions. It is therefore essential to better understand seasonal variability in climates of the past. Many reconstructions of climate in deep time neglect this issue and rely on controversial assumptions, such as estimates of sea water oxygen isotope composition. Here we present absolute seasonal temperature reconstructions based on clumped isotope measurements in bivalve shells which, critically, do not rely on these assumptions. We reconstruct highly precise monthly sea surface temperatures at around 50 °N latitude from individual oyster and rudist shells of the Campanian greenhouse period about 78 million years ago, when the seasonal range at 50 °N comprised 15 to 27 °C. In agreement with fully coupled climate model simulations, we find that greenhouse climates outside the tropics were warmer and more seasonal than previously thought. We conclude that seasonal bias and assumptions about seawater composition can distort temperature reconstructions and our understanding of past greenhouse climates.
Easy access to drug building-blocks through benzylic C–H functionalization of phenolic ethers by photoredox catalysis
Authors: Brandhofer Tobias , Stinglhamer Martin , Derdau Volker , Méndez María , Pöverlein Christoph , García Mancheño Olga
Published: June 2021

A visible light-mediated photocatalyzed C–C-bond benzylic functionalization of phenolic ether-containing drug-like compounds is presented.
Delivery nanoplatforms based on dynamic covalent chemistry
Authors: Lu Fei , Zhang Huiwen , Pan Wei , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: June 2021

The latest progress in dynamic covalent chemistry-based nanoplatforms with improved delivery efficiency and therapeutic performance is summarized to reveal the design principles for CAPIR-capable delivery.
Multiplexed patterning of hybrid lipid membrane and protein arrays for cell signaling study
Authors: Ti Yu-Ting , Cheng Hsiao-Chi , Li Ying , Tu Hsiung-Lin
Published: June 2021

A chip-based strategy for multiplexed patterning of hybrid lipid membrane and protein arrays for cell signaling study.
Multiplex amplification of target genes of periodontal pathogens in continuous flow PCR microfluidic chip
Authors: Li Zhenqing , Liu Jiahui , Wang Ping , Tao Chunxian , Zheng Lulu , Sekine Shinichi , Zhuang Songlin , Zhang Dawei , Yamaguchi Yoshinori
Published: June 2021

Multiplex amplification for the target genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Tannerella forsythia (T.f) were performed in a continuous flow PCR microfluidic chip.
Facile intra- and intermolecular charge transfer control for efficient mechanofluorochromic material
Authors: Kim Min-Ji , Ahn Mina , Wee Kyung-Ryang
Published: June 2021

The mechanofluorochromism is related to the optical properties according to the electron push–pull substituent effect. As the intramolecular charge transfer decreases, strong intermolecular interactions occur, leading to mechanofluorochromism.
Co(iii)-Catalyzed stereospecific synthesis of (E)-homoallylic alcohols with 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxan-2-ones: late-stage C–H homoallylation of indole derivatives
Authors: Hu Hong , Xu Wen-Hua , Kang Wu-Xiang , Sun Wei , Sun Rui , Wei Xiao-Hong , Sun Meng
Published: June 2021

An Co(iii)-catalyzed stereoselective C–H homoallylation reaction to access (E)-homoallylic alcohols was developed. This protocol provides a powerful approach for the late-stage C–H homoallylation of indole-based molecules.
Multicomponent cascade reactions of HKAs: synthesis of highly functionalized 5H-chromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidines
Authors: Fan Yun-Xiang , Cao Xin-Ling , Chen Li , Chen Yi-Hua , Yan Sheng-Jiao
Published: June 2021

A novel protocol was developed for the construction of functionalized 5H-chromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidines from 3-formylchromones, heterocyclic ketene aminals, and amidine hydrochlorides via a novel cascade reaction involving ring-opening and 1,3-H shift reactions.
Phosphine-catalyzed enantioselective [4 + 1] annulation of oxindoles with allenic ketones for the construction of spirocyclopentene oxindoles
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Ni Huanzhen , Lu Yixin
Published: June 2021

A phosphine-catalyzed enantioselective [4 + 1] annulation between allenic ketones and oxindoles has been developed.
Zirconium-hydride-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of quinolines and indoles with ammonia borane
Authors: Cui Xin , Huang Wei , Wu Lipeng
Published: June 2021

Herein, by applying zirconium-hydride complex as the catalyst, the transfer hydrogenation of quinoline and indole derivatives with ammonia borane as a proton and hydride source is achieved.
Perylene bisimide cyclophanes as receptors for planar transition structures – catalysis of stereoinversions by shape-complementarity and noncovalent π–π interactions
Authors: Kroeger Asja A. , Karton Amir
Published: June 2021

Perylene bisimide cyclophanes, ideal receptors for planar aromatic compounds, act as π–π catalysts by stabilizing shape-complementary stereoinversion transition structures.
DNA barcode by flossing through a cylindrical nanopore
Authors: Seth Swarnadeep , Bhattacharya Aniket
Published: June 2021

We report a method for DNA barcoding from the dwell time measurement of protein tags (barcodes) along the DNA backbone using Brownian dynamics simulation of a model DNA and use a recursive scheme to improve the measurements to almost 100% accuracy.
Scintillation in (C6H5CH2NH3)2SnBr4: green-emitting lead-free perovskite halide materials
Authors: Diguna Lina Jaya , Kaffah Silmi , Mahyuddin Muhammad Haris , Arramel  , Maddalena Francesco , Bakar Suriani Abu , Aminah Mimin , Onggo Djulia , Witkowski Marcin Eugeniusz , Makowski Michal , Drozdowski Winicjusz , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang
Published: June 2021

A new tin perovskite material with green emission is investigated as a new scintillator for imaging readout. Temperature dependent measurements were studied to understand the mechanism and to improve the future lead-free scintillator.
Revisiting the valence stability and preparation of perovskite structure type oxides ABO3 with the use of Madelung electrostatic potential energy and lattice site potential
Authors: Yoshimura Masahiro , Sardar Kripasindhu
Published: June 2021

The stability of perovskite structure type oxides and higth valence state of cations, respectively may be better understood by considering lattice site potential and Madelung electrostatic potential energy.
Homo–hetero/core–shell structure design strategy of NaYF4 nanocrystals for superior upconversion luminescence
Authors: Janjua Raheel Ahmed , Iqbal Obaid , Ahmed Muhammad Aqeel , Al-Kahtani Abdullah A. , Saeed Sara , Imran Muhammad , Wattoo Abdul Ghafar
Published: June 2021

Establishment of essential conditions of different phases of NaYF4 and their utilization for the synthesis of core/shell structures to achieve the enhancement of UCL intensities.
A hydrogel-enabled free-standing polypyrrole cathode film for potassium ion batteries with high mass loading and low-temperature stability
Authors: Chen Fang , Wang Junru , Liao Jiaying , Wang Shuo , Wen Zhaoyin , Chen Chunhua
Published: June 2021

A convenient one-route way for the synthesis of a free-standing polypyrrole film with high areal capacity, long cycle life and outstanding low-temperature stability has been presented.
Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries: advances and prospects
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Chonglong , Li Ziwei , Hu Xuechun , Abdul Razzaq Amir , Deng Zhao
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive review on the research advances and prospects of sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathodes for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries is conducted to shed light on their implementation in commercial production in the future.
A zwitterionic polypeptide nanocomposite with unique NIR-I/II photoacoustic imaging for NIR-I/II cancer photothermal therapy
Authors: Du Chang , Zhou Lei , Qian Jiwen , He Meng , Dong Chang-Ming , Xia Jin-Dong , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Zhang Rong
Published: June 2021

We put forward an innovative strategy to construct a zwitterionic polypeptide nanocomposite which mediated unique NIR-I/II PAI and NIR-II PTT to completely eradicate MCF-7 tumors in vivo. This study will accelerate the polypeptide nanomedicine for clinical transition.
Broadband optical nonlinearity of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) for ultrafast photonics
Authors: Dong Li , Chu Hongwei , Li Ying , Zhao Shengzhi , Li Dechun
Published: June 2021

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) show extraordinary potential in the domains of fundamental research and miscellaneous technology applications.
Fabrication of a γ-In2Se3/Si heterostructure phototransistor for heart rate detection
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Ming , Cao Kaijun , Wu Chunyan , Xie Chao , Zhou Yuxue , Luo Linbao
Published: June 2021

A γ-In2Se3/Si heterostructure phototransistor presents a high responsivity arising from the photogating effect. It shows potential applications in real-time and accurate health monitoring, such as heart rate detection.
A high endurance, temperature-resilient, and robust organic electrochemical transistor for neuromorphic circuits
Authors: Han Songjia , Yu Shunlin , Hu Sujuan , Chen Hui-jiuan , Wu Jin , Liu Chuan
Published: June 2021

A novel organic electrochemical transistor is proposed by adopting a dual-network hydrogel as the electrolyte.
Biological insights from SMA-extracted proteins
Authors: Unger Lucas , Ronco-Campaña Alejandro , Kitchen Philip , Bill Roslyn M. , Rothnie Alice J.
Published: June 2021

In the twelve years since styrene maleic acid (SMA) was first used to extract and purify a membrane protein within a native lipid bilayer, this technological breakthrough has provided insight into the structural and functional details of protein–lipid interactions. Most recently, advances in cryo-EM have demonstrated that SMA-extracted membrane proteins are a rich-source of structural data. For example, it has been possible to resolve the details of annular lipids and protein–protein interactions within complexes, the nature of lipids within central cavities and binding pockets, regions involved in stabilising multimers, details of terminal residues that would otherwise remain unresolved and the identification of physiologically relevant states. Functionally, SMA extraction has allowed the analysis of membrane proteins that are unstable in detergents, the characterization of an ultrafast component in the kinetics of electron transfer that was not possible in detergent-solubilised samples and quantitative, real-time measurement of binding assays with low concentrations of purified protein. While the use of SMA comes with limitations such as its sensitivity to low pH and divalent cations, its major advantage is maintenance of a protein's lipid bilayer. This has enabled researchers to view and assay proteins in an environment close to their native ones, leading to new structural and mechanistic insights.
Quantum information splitting of an arbitrary three‐qubit state by using three sets of GHZ states
Authors: Sk Rajiuddin , Dash Tadasha , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: June 2021

Quantum Information Splitting is an important technique used in Quantum Communication where a sender has to comply with more than one recipient for quantum teleportation. We have shown that three sets of three‐qubit GHZ states can be used to realize the splitting of an arbitrary three‐qubit state securely. We propose a scheme by a new quantum circuit and simulate them on the IBM quantum experience platform and conclude that an arbitrary three‐qubit state can be split up experimentally by using three GHZ states. In a way, the presented protocol is deterministic and secure against eavesdropping attacks.
Relation of internal attenuation, dust emission, and the size of spiral galaxies
Authors: López-Corredoira M. , Gutiérrez C. M.
Published: June 2021

Aims.Dust in spiral galaxies produces emission in the far-infrared (FIR) and internal absorption in visible wavelengths. However, the relation of the two amounts is not trivial because optical absorption may saturate, but the FIR emission does not. Moreover, the volume concentration of dust plays a role in the relation of absorption and emission, which depends on the size of the galaxy. We explore the relation of these three quantities.

Methods.In order to understand the geometrical problem, we developed a model of dust distribution. We also investigated the relation of the three variables with real data of spiral galaxies atz < 0.2 using the spectroscopic Sloan Digital Sky Survey and FIR AKARI survey. Internal absorptions were derived with two different methods: the ratio of emission lines Hαand Hβ, and a previously calibrated relation based on the color variations as a function of absolute magnitude and concentration index.

Results.We find that in our low-zsample, the dependence of the average internal attenuation on galaxy size is negligible on average because of the relation of dust mass with size. It allows us to derive the internal attenuation of the galaxy,AV, even when we only know its FIR flux. This attenuation approximately depends on the inclination of the galaxyiasAV̄ =γV̄ log101cos i, whereγVis a constant. We found thatγVhas a maximum value for galaxies of 1.45 ± 0.27 magnitudes. When similar properties of dust are assumed, a general expression can be used at anyz:γV̄ = (1.45 ± 0.27)fMexp[−(1.0 ± 0.6)fM] andfM= 7.6 × 10−6αhR−1.75× (FFIR/700 Jy) 1.87 ×fcosmol.(z); the dependence on the cosmological model is embedded infcosmol.(z) =dL(z)(Mpc)2(1 + z)(1.75η − 1.87), whereη = 2 for cosmologies following Etherington’s relation,dLis the luminosity distance,αhRis the angular size of the scalelength, andFFIRthe flux at wavelength 100(1 + z) μm.

Conclusions.For cases of nonsaturation (f ≲ 3.6), this might be used as a cosmological test because the factorfcosmol.at highzvaries strongly in different cosmologies. Although the present-day sensitivity of FIR or millimeter surveys does not allow us to carry out this cosmological test within the standard model, it may be used in the future, when we can observe galaxies atz = 3−5 with a sensitivity at ∼500 μm better than ∼10 μJy, for instance. For much lowerzor different cosmological models, a test might be feasible at present.