bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain markers predicting response to cognitive‐behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: an independent replication of Whitfield-Gabrieli et al. 2015
Authors: Ashar Yoni K. , Clark Joseph , Gunning Faith M. , Goldin Philippe , Gross James J. , Wager Tor D.
Published: May 2021

Predictive brain markers promise a number of important scientific, clinical, and societal applications. Over 600 predictive brain markers have been described in published reports, but very few have been tested in independent replication attempts. Here, we conducted an independent replication of a previously published marker predicting treatment response to cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder from patterns of resting-state fMRI amygdala connectivity1. The replication attempt was conducted in an existing dataset similar to the dataset used in the original report, by a team of independent investigators in consultation with the original authors. The precise model described in the original report positively predicted treatment outcomes in the replication dataset, but with marginal statistical significance, permutation test p = 0.1. The effect size was substantially smaller in the replication dataset, with the model explaining 2% of the variance in treatment outcomes, as compared to 21% in the original report. Several lines of evidence, including the current replication attempt, suggest that features of amygdala function or structure may be able to predict treatment response in anxiety disorders. However, predictive models that explain a substantial amount of variance in independent datasets will be needed for scientific and clinical applications.
Intermedin1-53 attenuates atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by inhibiting CHOP-mediated apoptosis and inflammasome in macrophages
Authors: Ren Jin-Ling , Chen Yao , Zhang Lin-Shuang , Zhang Ya-Rong , Liu Shi-Meng , Yu Yan-Rong , Jia Mo-Zhi , Tang Chao-Shu , Qi Yong-Fen , Lu Wei-Wei
Published: May 2021

Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and rupture increase the risk of acute coronary syndromes. Advanced lesion macrophage apoptosis plays important role in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been proved to be a key mechanism of macrophage apoptosis. Intermedin (IMD) is a regulator of ERS. Here, we investigated whether IMD enhances atherosclerotic plaque stability by inhibiting ERS-CHOP-mediated apoptosis and subsequent inflammasome in macrophages. We studied the effects of IMD on features of plaque vulnerability in hyperlipemia apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Six-week IMD1-53infusion significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size. Of note, IMD1-53lowered lesion macrophage content and necrotic core size and increased fibrous cap thickness and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) content thus reducing overall plaque vulnerability. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that IMD1-53administration prevented ERS activation in aortic lesions of ApoE−/−mice, which was further confirmed in oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) induced macrophages. Similar to IMD, taurine (Tau), a non-selective ERS inhibitor significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size and plaque vulnerability. Moreover, C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), a pro-apoptosis transcription factor involved in ERS, was significantly increased in advanced lesion macrophages, and deficiency of CHOP stabilized atherosclerotic plaques in AopE−/−mice. IMD1-53decreased CHOP level and apoptosis in vivo and in macrophages treated with ox-LDL. In addition, IMD1-53infusion ameliorated NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent proinflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. IMD may attenuate the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and plaque vulnerability by inhibiting ERS-CHOP-mediated macrophage apoptosis, and subsequent NLRP3 triggered inflammation. The inhibitory effect of IMD on ERS-induced macrophages apoptosis was probably mediated by blocking CHOP activation.
HIF1α-dependent induction of the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 regulates bioenergetic adaptations to hypoxia
Authors: Laquatra Claudio , Sanchez-Martin Carlos , Dinarello Alberto , Cannino Giuseppe , Minervini Giovanni , Moroni Elisabetta , Schiavone Marco , Tosatto Silvio , Argenton Francesco , Colombo Giorgio , Bernardi Paolo , Masgras Ionica , Rasola Andrea
Published: May 2021

The mitochondrial paralog of the Hsp90 chaperone family TRAP1 is often induced in tumors, but the mechanisms controlling its expression, as well as its physiological functions remain poorly understood. Here, we find that TRAP1 is highly expressed in the early stages of Zebrafish development, and its ablation delays embryogenesis while increasing mitochondrial respiration of fish larvae. TRAP1 expression is enhanced by hypoxic conditions both in developing embryos and in cancer models of Zebrafish and mammals. The TRAP1 promoter contains evolutionary conserved hypoxic responsive elements, and HIF1α stabilization increases TRAP1 levels. TRAP1 inhibition by selective compounds or by genetic knock-out maintains a high level of respiration in Zebrafish embryos after exposure to hypoxia. Our data identify TRAP1 as a primary regulator of mitochondrial bioenergetics in highly proliferating cells following reduction in oxygen tension and HIF1α stabilization.
The AaCBF4-AaBAM3.1 module enhances freezing tolerance of kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta)
Authors: Sun Shihang , Hu Chungen , Qi Xiujuan , Chen Jinyong , Zhong Yunpeng , Muhammad Abid , Lin Miaomiao , Fang Jinbao
Published: May 2021

Beta-amylase (BAM) plays an important role in plant resistance to cold stress. However, the specific role of theBAMgene in freezing tolerance is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that a cold-responsive gene module was involved in the freezing tolerance of kiwifruit. In this module, the expression ofAaBAM3.1, which encodes a functional protein, was induced by cold stress.AaBAM3.1-overexpressing kiwifruit lines showed increased freezing tolerance, and the heterologous overexpression ofAaBAM3.1inArabidopsis thalianaresulted in a similar phenotype. The results of promoter GUS activity andcis-element analyses predictedAaCBF4to be an upstream transcription factor that could regulateAaBAM3.1expression. Further investigation of protein-DNA interactions by using yeast one-hybrid, GUS coexpression, and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that AaCBF4 directly regulatedAaBAM3.1expression. In addition, the expression of bothAaBAM3.1andAaCBF4in kiwifruit responded positively to cold stress. Hence, we conclude that theAaCBF-AaBAMmodule is involved in the positive regulation of the freezing tolerance of kiwifruit.
Proteomic analysis of early-stage incompatible and compatible interactions between grapevine and P. viticola
Authors: Liu Guo-Tian , Wang Bian-Bian , Lecourieux David , Li Mei-Jie , Liu Ming-Bo , Liu Rui-Qi , Shang Bo-Xing , Yin Xiao , Wang Li-Jun , Lecourieux Fatma , Xu Yan
Published: May 2021

Wild grapevines can show strong resistance to the downy mildew pathogen P. viticola, but the associated mechanisms are poorly described, especially at early stages of infection. Here, we performed comparative proteomic analyses of grapevine leaves from the resistant genotype V. davidii “LiuBa-8” (LB) and susceptible V. vinifera “Pinot Noir” (PN) 12 h after inoculation with P. viticola. By employing the iTRAQ technique, a total of 444 and 349 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in LB and PN, respectively. The majority of these DEPs were related to photosynthesis, respiration, cell wall modification, protein metabolism, stress, and redox homeostasis. Compared with PN, LB showed fewer downregulated proteins associated with photosynthesis and more upregulated proteins associated with metabolism. At least a subset of PR proteins (PR10.2 and PR10.3) was upregulated upon inoculation in both genotypes, whereas HSP (HSP70.2 and HSP90.6) and cell wall-related XTH and BXL1 proteins were specifically upregulated in LB and PN, respectively. In the incompatible interaction, ROS signaling was evident by the accumulation of H2O2, and multiple APX and GST proteins were upregulated. These DEPs may play crucial roles in the grapevine response to downy mildew. Our results provide new insights into molecular events associated with downy mildew resistance in grapevine, which may be exploited to develop novel protection strategies against this disease.
DNMT1 reads heterochromatic H4K20me3 to reinforce LINE-1 DNA methylation
Authors: Ren Wendan , Fan Huitao , Grimm Sara A. , Kim Jae Jin , Li Linhui , Guo Yiran , Petell Christopher James , Tan Xiao-Feng , Zhang Zhi-Min , Coan John P. , Yin Jiekai , Kim Dae In , Gao Linfeng , Cai Ling , Khudaverdyan Nelli , Çetin Burak , Patel Dinshaw J. , Wang Yinsheng , Cui Qiang , Strahl Brian D. , Gozani Or , Miller Kyle M. , O’Leary Seán E. , Wade Paul A. , Wang Gang Greg , Song Jikui
Published: May 2021

DNA methylation and trimethylated histone H4 Lysine 20 (H4K20me3) constitute two important heterochromatin-enriched marks that frequently cooperate in silencing repetitive elements of the mammalian genome. However, it remains elusive how these two chromatin modifications crosstalk. Here, we report that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) specifically ‘recognizes’ H4K20me3 via its first bromo-adjacent-homology domain (DNMT1BAH1). Engagement of DNMT1BAH1-H4K20me3 ensures heterochromatin targeting of DNMT1 and DNA methylation at LINE-1 retrotransposons, and cooperates with the previously reported readout of histone H3 tail modifications (i.e., H3K9me3 and H3 ubiquitylation) by the RFTS domain to allosterically regulate DNMT1’s activity. Interplay between RFTS and BAH1 domains of DNMT1 profoundly impacts DNA methylation at both global and focal levels and genomic resistance to radiation-induced damage. Together, our study establishes a direct link between H4K20me3 and DNA methylation, providing a mechanism in which multivalent recognition of repressive histone modifications by DNMT1 ensures appropriate DNA methylation patterning and genomic stability.
Reconfigurable magnonic mode-hybridisation and spectral control in a bicomponent artificial spin ice
Authors: Gartside Jack C. , Vanstone Alex , Dion Troy , Stenning Kilian D. , Arroo Daan M. , Kurebayashi Hidekazu , Branford Will R.
Published: May 2021

Strongly-interacting nanomagnetic arrays are finding increasing use as model host systems for reconfigurable magnonics. The strong inter-element coupling allows for stark spectral differences across a broad microstate space due to shifts in the dipolar field landscape. While these systems have yielded impressive initial results, developing rapid, scaleable means to access a broad range of spectrally-distinct microstates is an open research problem. We present a scheme whereby square artificial spin ice is modified by widening a ‘staircase’ subset of bars relative to the rest of the array, allowing preparation of any ordered vertex state via simple global-field protocols. Available microstates range from the system ground-state to high-energy ‘monopole’ states, with rich and distinct microstate-specific magnon spectra observed. Microstate-dependent mode-hybridisation and anticrossings are observed at both remanence and in-field with dynamic coupling strength tunable via microstate-selection. Experimental coupling strengths are found up to g/2π = 0.16 GHz. Microstate control allows fine mode-frequency shifting, gap creation and closing, and active mode number selection.
Machine learning applied to near-infrared spectra for clinical pleural effusion classification
Authors: Chen Zhongjian , Chen Keke , Lou Yan , Zhu Jing , Mao Weimin , Song Zhengbo
Published: May 2021

Lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) have a particular poor prognosis. It is crucial to distinguish MPE from benign pleural effusion (BPE). The present study aims to develop a rapid, convenient and economical diagnostic method based on FTIR near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with machine learning strategy for clinical pleural effusion classification. NIRS spectra were recorded for 47 MPE samples and 35 BPE samples. The sample data were randomly divided into train set (n = 62) and test set (n = 20). Partial least squares, random forest, support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting machine models were trained, and subsequent predictive performance were predicted on the test set. Besides the whole spectra used in modeling, selected features using SVM recursive feature elimination algorithm were also investigated in modeling. Among those models, NIRS combined with SVM showed the best predictive performance (accuracy: 1.0, kappa: 1.0, and AUCROC: 1.0). SVM with the top 50 feature wavenumbers also displayed a high predictive performance (accuracy: 0.95, kappa: 0.89, AUCROC: 0.99). Our study revealed that the combination of NIRS and machine learning is an innovative, rapid, and convenient method for clinical pleural effusion classification, and worth further evaluation.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of cells from different areas reveals ROS responsive mechanism at sclerotial initiation stage in Morchella importuna
Authors: Liu Qizheng , He Guoqiang , Wei Jinkang , Dong Caihong
Published: May 2021

Morels are some of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms, with great economic and scientific value. Outdoor cultivation has been achieved and expanded on a large scale in China in recent years. Sclerotial formation is one of the most important phases during the morel life cycle, and previous reports indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role. However, ROS response mechanisms at sclerotial initiation (SI) stage are poorly understood. In this study, comparative transcriptome analyses were performed with sclerotial and hyphal cells at different areas in the same plate at SI stage. Gene expression was significantly different at SI stage between sclerotial formation and mycelia growth areas. GO and KEGG analyses indicated more vigorous metabolic characteristics in the hyphae area, while transcription process, DNA repair, and protein processing were enriched in sclerotial cells. Gene expression related to H2O2 production was high in the hyphae area, while expression of H2O2-scavenging genes was high in sclerotial cells, leading to a higher H2O2 concentration in the hyphal region than in the sclerotium. Minor differences were observed in gene expression of H2O2-induced signaling pathway in sclerotial and hyphal cells; however, expression levels of the target genes of transcription factor MSN2, important in the H2O2-induced signaling pathways, were significantly different. MSN2 enhanced stress response regulation in sclerotia by regulating these target genes. Small molecular HSPs were also found upregulated in sclerotial cells. This study indicated that sclerotial cells are more resistant to ROS stress than hyphal cells through transcriptional regulation of related genes.
A numerical assessment of social distancing of preventing airborne transmission of COVID-19 during different breathing and coughing processes
Authors: Issakhov Alibek , Zhandaulet Yeldos , Omarova Perizat , Alimbek Aidana , Borsikbayeva Aliya , Mustafayeva Ardak
Published: May 2021

The spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to show that geographic barriers alone cannot contain the virus. Asymptomatic carriers play a critical role in the nature of this virus, which is rapidly escalating into a global pandemic. Asymptomatic carriers can inadvertently transmit the virus through the air stream. Many diseases can infect human bodies with tiny droplets or particles that carry various viruses and bacteria that are generated by the respiratory system of infected patients. This article presents the numerical results of the spread of droplets or particles in a room. The proposed numerical model in this work takes into account the sedimentation of particles or droplets under the action of gravitational sedimentation and transport in the room during the process of breathing and sneezing or coughing. Three different cases are numerically investigated taking into account normal breathing and coughing or sneezing, respectively, and three different rates of particle ejection from the mouth are considered. Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flows were used to describe three-dimensional air flow inside ventilated rooms. The influence of ventilation rate on social distancing is also computationally investigated. It was found that particles can move up to 5 m with a decrease in concentration in the direction of the air flow. The conclusions made in this work show that, given the environmental conditions, the two meter social distance recommended by WHO is insufficient.
A multi-factorial mathematical model for the selection of electropolishing parameters with a view to reducing the environmental impact
Authors: Lochyński Paweł , Charazińska Sylwia , Karczewski Maciej , Łyczkowska-Widłak Edyta
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical metal processing is a process that generates harmful pollution. An important goal often disregarded by researchers is not only the achievement of the best possible quality of electropolished surface, but also minimising the load of metal ions in the wastewater generated in the process. The conducted experiments on the electropolishing of stainless steel in laboratory conditions, varied time, temperature and current density conditions, as well as process bath contamination (ranging from 0 to 6% Fe mass) allowed us to develop a multi-factorial mathematical model. This model offers the possibility of being able to select the process parameters recommended for achieving the desired effects. It takes into account such surface quality parameters as roughness and gloss, process duration and current density that determine power consumption, as well as the weight loss of the electropolished element that influence the rate of contamination in processing baths and wastewater. The study presents the composition of a passive film of stainless steel after the electropolishing process at the initial and final stages of the process bath’s exploitation. The results obtained from XPS tests were then correlated with the results of corrosion tests and resistance to pitting corrosion in the environment of 0.1 M NaCl.
Disruption of prepulse inhibition is associated with compulsive behavior severity and nucleus accumbens dopamine receptor changes in Sapap3 knockout mice
Authors: Manning Elizabeth E. , Wang Abigail Y. , Saikali Linda M. , Winner Anna S. , Ahmari Susanne E.
Published: May 2021

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with disruption of sensorimotor gating, which may contribute to difficulties inhibiting intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals. Neural mechanisms underlying these disturbances are unclear; however, striatal dopamine is implicated in regulation of sensorimotor gating and OCD pathophysiology. The goal of this study was to examine the relationships between sensorimotor gating, compulsive behavior, and striatal dopamine receptor levels in Sapap3 knockout mice (KOs), a widely used preclinical model system for OCD research. We found a trend for disruption of sensorimotor gating in Sapap3-KOs using the translational measure prepulse inhibition (PPI); however, there was significant heterogeneity in both PPI and compulsive grooming in KOs. Disruption of PPI was significantly correlated with a more severe compulsive phenotype. In addition, PPI disruption and compulsive grooming severity were associated with reduced dopamine D1 and D2/3 receptor density in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC). Compulsive grooming progressively worsened in Sapap3-KOs tested longitudinally, but PPI disruption was first detected in high-grooming KOs at 7 months of age. Through detailed characterization of individual differences in OCD-relevant behavioral and neurochemical measures, our findings suggest that NAcC dopamine receptor changes may be involved in disruption of sensorimotor gating and compulsive behavior relevant to OCD.
High shear resistance of insect cells: the basis for substantial improvements in cell culture process design
Authors: Strobl Florian , Duerkop Mark , Palmberger Dieter , Striedner Gerald
Published: May 2021

Multicellular organisms cultivated in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) are more sensitive to environmental conditions in the suspension culture than microbial cells. The hypothesis, that stirring induced shear stress is the main problem, persists, although it has been shown that these cells are not so sensitive to shear. As these results are largely based on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell experiments the question remains if similar behavior is valid for insect cells with a higher specific oxygen demand. The requirement of higher oxygen transfer rates is associated with higher shear forces in the process. Consequently, we focused on the shear resistance of insect cells, using CHO cells as reference system. We applied a microfluidic device that allowed defined variations in shear rates. Both cell lines displayed high resistance to shear rates up to 8.73 × 105 s−1. Based on these results we used microbial CSTRs, operated at high revolution speeds and low aeration rates and found no negative impact on cell viability. Further, this cultivation approach led to substantially reduced gas flow rates, gas bubble and foam formation, while addition of pure oxygen was no longer necessary. Therefore, this study contributes to the development of more robust insect cell culture processes.
Meridional changes in the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre during Heinrich Stadials
Authors: Pinho Tainã M. L. , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Portilho-Ramos Rodrigo C. , Campos Marília C. , Crivellari Stefano , Nascimento Rodrigo A. , Albuquerque Ana L. S. , Bahr André , Mulitza Stefan
Published: May 2021

Subtropical ocean gyres play a key role in modulating the global climate system redistributing energy between low and high latitudes. A poleward displacement of the subtropical gyres has been observed over the last decades, but the lack of long-term monitoring data hinders an in-depth understanding of their dynamics. Paleoceanographic records offer the opportunity to identify meridional changes in the subtropical gyres and investigate their consequences to the climate system. Here we use the abundance of planktonic foraminiferal speciesGloborotalia truncatulinodesfrom a sediment core collected at the northernmost boundary of the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre (SASG) together with a previously published record of the same species from the southernmost boundary of the SASG to reconstruct meridional fluctuations of the SASG over last ca. 70 kyr. Our findings indicate southward displacements of the SASG during Heinrich Stadials (HS) 6-4 and HS1, and a contraction of the SASG during HS3 and HS2. During HS6-4 and HS1, the SASG southward displacements likely boosted the transfer of heat to the Southern Ocean, ultimately strengthening deep-water upwelling and CO2release to the atmosphere. We hypothesize that the ongoing SASG poleward displacement may further increase oceanic CO2release.
A web-based survey on various symptoms of computer vision syndrome and the genetic understanding based on a multi-trait genome-wide association study
Authors: Yoshimura Keito , Morita Yuji , Konomi Kenji , Ishida Sachiko , Fujiwara Daisuke , Kobayashi Keisuke , Tanaka Masami
Published: May 2021

A variety of eye-related symptoms due to the overuse of digital devices is collectively referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). In this study, a web-based survey about mind and body functions, including eye strain, was conducted on 1998 Japanese volunteers. To investigate the biological mechanisms behind CVS, a multi-trait genome-wide association study (GWAS), a multivariate analysis on individual-level multivariate data, was performed based on the structural equation modeling methodology assuming a causal pathway for a genetic variant to influence each symptom via a single common latent variable. Twelve loci containing lead variants with a suggestive level of significance were identified. Two loci showed relatively strong signals and were associated with TRABD2B relative to the Wnt signaling pathway and SDK1 having neuronal adhesion and immune functions, respectively. By utilizing publicly available eQTL data, colocalization between GWAS and eQTL signals for four loci was detected, and a locus on 2p25.3 showed a strong colocalization (PPH4 > 0.9) on retinal MYT1L, known to play an important role in neuronal differentiation. This study suggested that the use of multivariate questionnaire data and multi-trait GWAS can lead to biologically reasonable findings and enhance our genetic understanding of complex relationships among symptoms related to CVS.
Multisensory visuo-tactile context learning enhances the guidance of unisensory visual search
Authors: Chen Siyi , Shi Zhuanghua , Müller Hermann J. , Geyer Thomas
Published: May 2021

Does multisensory distractor-target context learning enhance visual search over and above unisensory learning? To address this, we had participants perform a visual search task under both uni- and multisensory conditions. Search arrays consisted of one Gabor target that differed from three homogeneous distractors in orientation; participants had to discriminate the target’s orientation. In the multisensory session, additional tactile (vibration-pattern) stimulation was delivered to two fingers of each hand, with the odd-one-out tactile target and the distractors co-located with the corresponding visual items in half the trials; the other half presented the visual array only. In both sessions, the visual target was embedded within identical (repeated) spatial arrangements of distractors in half of the trials. The results revealed faster response times to targets in repeated versus non-repeated arrays, evidencing ‘contextual cueing’. This effect was enhanced in the multisensory session—importantly, even when the visual arrays presented without concurrent tactile stimulation. Drift–diffusion modeling confirmed that contextual cueing increased the rate at which task-relevant information was accumulated, as well as decreasing the amount of evidence required for a response decision. Importantly, multisensory learning selectively enhanced the evidence-accumulation rate, expediting target detection even when the context memories were triggered by visual stimuli alone.
Genetic network and gene set enrichment analyses identify MND1 as potential diagnostic and therapeutic target gene for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wei Jinying , Meng Guangping , Wu Jing , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to characterize the key survival-specific genes for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using machine-based learning approaches. Gene expression profiles were download from gene expression omnibus to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LUAD tissues versus healthy lung tissue and to construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. Using high-dimensional datasets of cancer specimens from clinical patients in the cancer genome atlas, gene set enrichment analysis was employed to assess the independent effect of meiotic nuclear divisions 1 (MND1) expression on survival status, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the associations of clinic-pathologic characteristics and MND1 expression with overall survival (OS). A set of 495 DEGs (145 upregulated and 350 downregulated) was detected, including 63 hub genes with ≥ 10 nodes in the PPI network. Among them, MND1 was participated in several important pathways by connecting with other genes via 17 nodes in lung cancer, and more frequently expressed in LUAD patients with advancing stage (OR = 1.68 for stage III vs. stage I). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses demonstrated that the expression level of MND1 was significantly and negatively correlated with OS. Therefore, MND1 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for LUAD.
Inheritable testicular metabolic memory of high-fat diet causes transgenerational sperm defects in mice
Authors: Crisóstomo Luís , Jarak Ivana , Rato Luís P. , Raposo João F. , Batterham Rachel L. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G.
Published: May 2021

The consumption of energy-dense diets has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities worldwide. The adoption of unhealthy feeding habits often occurs at early age, prompting the early onset of metabolic disease with unknown consequences for reproductive function later in life. Recently, evidence has emerged regarding the intergenerational and transgenerational effects of high-fat diets (HFD) on sperm parameters and testicular metabolism. Hereby, we study the impact of high-fat feeding male mice (F0) on the testicular metabolome and function of their sons (F1) and grandsons (F2). Testicular content of metabolites related to insulin resistance, cell membrane remodeling, nutritional support and antioxidative stress (leucine, acetate, glycine, glutamine, inosine) were altered in sons and grandsons of mice fed with HFD, comparing to descendants of chow-fed mice. Sperm counts were lower in the grandsons of mice fed with HFD, even if transient. Sperm quality was correlated to testicular metabolite content in all generations. Principal Component Analysis of sperm parameters and testicular metabolites revealed an HFD-related phenotype, especially in the diet-challenged generation and their grandsons. Ancestral HFD, even if transient, causes transgenerational “inherited metabolic memory” in the testicular tissue, characterized by changes in testicular metabolome and function.
Publisher Correction: Exploring the genetic variability and diversity of pearl millet core collection germplasm for grain nutritional traits improvement
Authors: Govindaraj Mahalingam , Rai Kedar N. , Kanatti Anand , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Shivade Harshad , Rao Aluri S.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: A role for the immune system in advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Tagliabue Marta , Maffini Fausto , Fumagalli Caterina , Gandini Sara , Lepanto Daniela , Corso Federica , Cacciola Salvatore , Ranghiero Alberto , Rappa Alessandra , Vacirca Davide , Cossu Rocca Maria , Alterio Daniela , Guerini Rocco Elena , Cattaneo Augusto , Chu Francesco , Zorzi Stefano , Curigliano Giuseppe , Chiocca Susanna , Barberis Massimo , Viale Giuseppe , Ansarin Mohssen
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Conformational distortion in a fibril-forming oligomer arrests alpha-Synuclein fibrillation and minimizes its toxic effects
Authors: Chakraborty Ritobrita , Dey Sandip , Sil Pallabi , Paul Simanta Sarani , Bhattacharyya Dipita , Bhunia Anirban , Sengupta Jayati , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: May 2021

The fibrillation pathway of alpha-Synuclein, the causative protein of Parkinson’s disease, encompasses transient, heterogeneous oligomeric forms whose structural understanding and link to toxicity are not yet understood. We report that the addition of the physiologically-available small molecule heme at a sub-stoichiometric ratio to either monomeric or aggregated α-Syn, targets a His50 residue critical for fibril-formation and stabilizes the structurally-heterogeneous populations of aggregates into a minimally-toxic oligomeric state. Cryo-EM 3D reconstruction revealed a ‘mace’-shaped structure of this monodisperse population of oligomers, which is comparable to a solid-state NMR Greek key-like motif (where the core residues are arranged in parallel in-register sheets with a Greek key topology at the C terminus) that forms the fundamental unit/kernel of protofilaments. Further structural analyses suggest that heme binding induces a distortion in the Greek key-like architecture of the mace oligomers, which impairs their further appending into protofilaments and fibrils. Additionally, our study reports a novel mechanism of prevention as well as reclamation of amyloid fibril formation by blocking an inter-protofilament His50 residue using a small molecule.
Stepwise introduction of three different transition metals in metallo-supramolecular polymer for quad-color electrochromism
Authors: Bera Manas Kumar , Ninomiya Yoshikazu , Higuchi Masayoshi
Published: May 2021

Metallo-supramolecular polymers (MSPs) show unique electrochemical and optical properties, that are different to organic polymers, caused by electronic interactions between metals and ligands. For the development of quad-color electrochromic materials, here we report the stepwise introduction of three different transition metal ions into an MSP, utilizing the different complexation abilities of the transition metals. An MSP with Os(II), Ru(II), and Fe(II) (polyOsRuFe) was synthesized via a stepwise synthetic route through the formation of an Os(II) complex first, followed by the introduction of Ru(II) to the Os(II) complex, and finally the attachment of Fe(II) to the Os(II)-Ru(II) complex to produce the polymer. This synthetic procedure was extended to fabricate MSPs that comprised Co(II)/Ru(II)/Os(II) and Zn(II)/Ru(II)/Os(II). The synthesized MSPs showed a broad optical and electrochemical window due to the coupling of three heterometallic segments into the polymer. Introducing acetate anion as the counter anion greatly enhanced the solubility of polyOsRuFe in methanol. A thin film of polyOsRuFe was prepared on ITO/glass by spin-coating the methanol solution, and its reversible quad-color electrochromism was demonstrated.
Broadband asymmetric light transmission interfaces for luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Oliveto Vincent , Borca-Tasciuc Diana-Andra
Published: May 2021

Trapezoidal nanostructures deposited on the top surface of a luminescent solar concentrator may help increase the light captured inside the concentrator via the asymmetric light transmission effect.
A generic protocol to immobilize lipopolysaccharides on microbeads for multiplex analysis
Authors: Boas Ulrik , Sørensen Mads B. , Andresen Lars O. , Berger Sanne S.
Published: May 2021

Easy to use method for immobilizing LPS antigens on microbeads for multiplex analysis. Bead-based multiplex serodiagnostics enables simultaneous analysis of antibodies against several antigens.
Facile and ultra-sensitive voltammetric electrodetection of Hg2+ in aqueous media using electrodeposited AuPtNPs/ITO
Authors: Bagheri Hariri Mohiedin , Siavash Moakhar Roozbeh , Sharifi Abdar Payman , Zargarnezhad Hossein , Shone Matthew , Rahmani Seyyed Alireza , Moradi Nasrin , Niksefat Vahid , Shayar Bahadori Kasra , Dolati Abolghasem
Published: May 2021

An AuPtNPs/ITO platform was fabricated using the electrodeposition technique to detect hazardous Hg2+ ions.
Autocatalytic photodegradation of [Ru(ii)(2,2′-bipyridine)2DAD]+(DADH = 1,2-dihydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione) by hydrogen peroxide under acidic aqueous conditions
Authors: Zeng Lingli , Sirbu Dumitru , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Benniston Andrew C.
Published: May 2021

An autocatalytic photoinitiated reaction helps decomposition of the alizarin-based ruthenium(ii) bipyridine complex in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Stimulating effect of whey protein hydrolysate on bone growth in MC3T3-E1 cells and a rat model
Authors: Jang Joo Hyun , Kim Singeun , Lee Hyun Jung , Suh Hyung Joo , Jo Kyungae
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) on osteogenic cell differentiation and its growth-promoting effects in rats.
A 3D-printed Arabidopsis thaliana root imaging platform
Authors: Moussus Michel , Meier Matthias
Published: May 2021

Here, we developed and characterized 3D printed microfluidic chip designs and materials for plant culturing. One general open microfluidic chip has been established for high-resolution live imaging of plant roots under changing microenvironments.
A novel water-soluble multicolor halo- and photochromic switching system based on a nitrile-rich acceptor
Authors: Belikov Mikhail Yu. , Ievlev Mikhail Yu. , Bardasov Ivan N.
Published: May 2021

The first example of a multicolor nitrile-rich dye exhibiting pH-tunable negative photochromism and photoacidity in aqueous media under irradiation using visible light was described.
Diels–Alder cycloaddition polymerization of highly aromatic polyimides and their multiblock copolymers
Authors: Cristurean Doris , Schaumüller Stephan , Strasser Paul , Haudum Stephan , Himmelsbach Markus , Bechmann Matthias , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian
Published: May 2021

A novel route to highly aromatic polyimides is presented and is used to form multiblock copolymers which is inherently difficult to achieve via traditional routes for this important polymer family.
Suppression of chain transfer via a restricted rotation effect of dibenzosuberyl substituents in polymerization catalysis
Authors: Dai Shengyu , Li Gen , Lu Weiqing , Liao Yudan , Fan Weigang
Published: May 2021

Catalysts with dibenzosuberyl substituents possess superior thermostability and outstanding ability to suppress chain transfer in ethylene (co)polymerization, producing high molecular weight polyethylene and functionalized polyethylene.
Shear dynamics of confined membranes
Authors: Le Goff Thomas , To Tung B. T. , Pierre-Louis Olivier
Published: May 2021

Inspired by biolubrication, we model the nonlinear dynamics of lipidic membranes sheared between two walls. Several regimes are found with different wrinkle patterns, leading to a non-monotonous contribution of the membrane to the friction force.
Aircraft tracking in infrared imagery with adaptive learning and interference suppression
Authors: Wu Sijie , Zhang Kai , Li Shaoyi , Yan Jie
Published: May 2021

Airborne target tracking is a crucial part of infrared imaging guidance. In contrast to visual tracking tasks, the target in infrared imagery shows different visual patterns. Moreover, severe background clutter and frequent occlusion caused by infrared interference make it a challenging task. Recently, discriminative correlation filter (DCF)‐based trackers have shown impressive performance. However, the features adopted in DCF‐based trackers are either handcrafted or pre‐trained from a different task, which do not closely intertwine with the domain‐specific video. To settle this problem, it is proposed to make full use of online training to learn domain‐specific features. By integrating the correlation filter layer into the convolutional neural networks, the feature domain and the response maps of the DCF can be optimized iteratively in the initial frame. Meanwhile, utilizing the measurement of the response maps' peak strength, further adjustments to the feature domain can be made to achieve a sharper peak and suppress the interference region during the tracking process. Evaluations are conducted to prove the validity of proposed aircraft‐tracking algorithm.
Underwater image enhancement based on colour correction and fusion
Authors: Zhu Daqi , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Youmin
Published: May 2021

Underwater image processing has always been a very challenging problem. Under the influence of environmental factors, underwater images are prone to some problems, such as colour cast, low visibility, and few edge details. Here, an image enhancement algorithm is proposed to improve image degradation mainly caused by the absorption of light. First, colour compensation and white balance algorithm are used to restore the natural appearance of the image. Then the improved dark channel prior (DCP) is used to improve the visibility and avoid blocking artifacts which appear in traditional DCP. Unsharp masking (USM) is applied to enhance the texture features of the DCP image. Finally, wavelet fusion is used to fuse the DCP image and DCP+USM image. The fusion algorithm not only further improves the visibility and texture features, but also reduces the noise of DCP+USM. Compared with other methods, quantitative analysis results show that the enhanced images have higher visibility, more details and edge information.
Star-in-a-box simulations of fully convective stars
Authors: Käpylä P. J.
Published: May 2021

Context.Main-sequence late-type stars with masses of less than 0.35 M⊙are fully convective.

Aims.The goal is to study convection, differential rotation, and dynamos as functions of rotation in fully convective stars.

Methods.Three-dimensional hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations with a star-in-a-box model, in which a spherical star is immersed inside of a Cartesian cube, are used. The model corresponds to a 0.2 M⊙main-sequence M5 dwarf. A range of rotation periods (Prot) between 4.3 and 430 d is explored.

Results.The slowly rotating model withProt = 430 days produces anti-solar differential rotation with a slow equator and fast poles, along with predominantly axisymmetric quasi-steady large-scale magnetic fields. For intermediate rotation (Prot = 144 and 43 days) the differential rotation is solar-like (fast equator, slow poles), and the large-scale magnetic fields are mostly axisymmetric and either quasi-stationary or cyclic. The latter occurs in a similar parameter regime as in other numerical studies in spherical shells, and the cycle period is similar to observed cycles in fully convective stars with rotation periods of roughly 100 days. In the rapid rotation regime the differential rotation is weak and the large-scale magnetic fields are increasingly non-axisymmetric with a dominatingm = 1 mode. This large-scale non-axisymmetric field also exhibits azimuthal dynamo waves.

Conclusions.The results of the star-in-a-box models agree with simulations of partially convective late-type stars in spherical shells in that the transitions in differential rotation and dynamo regimes occur at similar rotational regimes in terms of the Coriolis (inverse Rossby) number. This similarity between partially and fully convective stars suggests that the processes generating differential rotation and large-scale magnetism are insensitive to the geometry of the star.
The 10 parsec sample in the Gaia era
Authors: Reylé C. , Jardine K. , Fouqué P. , Caballero J. A. , Smart R. L. , Sozzetti A.
Published: May 2021

Context. The nearest stars provide a fundamental constraint for our understanding of stellar physics and the Galaxy. The nearby sample serves as an anchor where all objects can be seen and understood with precise data. This work is triggered by the most recent data release of the astrometric space mission Gaia and uses its unprecedented high precision parallax measurements to review the census of objects within 10 pc.

Aims. The first aim of this work was to compile all stars and brown dwarfs within 10 pc observable by Gaia and compare it with the Gaia Catalogue of Nearby Stars as a quality assurance test. We complement the list to get a full 10 pc census, including bright stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets.

Methods. We started our compilation from a query on all objects with a parallax larger than 100 mas using the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data database (SIMBAD). We completed the census by adding companions, brown dwarfs with recent parallax measurements not in SIMBAD yet, and vetted exoplanets. The compilation combines astrometry and photometry from the recent Gaia Early Data Release 3 with literature magnitudes, spectral types, and line-of-sight velocities.

Results. We give a description of the astrophysical content of the 10 pc sample. We find a multiplicity frequency of around 27%. Among the stars and brown dwarfs, we estimate that around 61% are M stars and more than half of the M stars are within the range from M3.0 V to M5.0 V. We give an overview of the brown dwarfs and exoplanets that should be detected in the next Gaia data releases along with future developments.

Conclusions. We provide a catalogue of 540 stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets in 339 systems, within 10 pc from the Sun. This list is as volume-complete as possible from current knowledge and it provides benchmark stars that can be used, for instance, to define calibration samples and to test the quality of the forthcoming Gaia releases. It also has a strong outreach potential.
Circular economy: barrier and opportunities for SMEs
Authors: Suryantini Ni Putu Santi , Arsawan I Wayan Edi , Darmayanti Ni Putu Ayu , Moskalenko Svitlana , Gorokhova Tetiana
Published: May 2021

The circular economy was a concept introduced by the European Union consortium, several national governments, and business people around the world. However, the scientific and research content of the circular economy concept is so superficial and disorganized that it is still a vague collection of ideas separate from several fields of science. The purpose of this study is to measure visual trends in the circular economy. This survey identified keywords related to the circular economy to find and identify related articles in the Scopus database for 1000 articles published from 2000 to 2021. The findings were a visual trend of the increasing number of publications each year, academic affiliation, author, article subject area, keywords, and authorship network. This literature review provides evidence that circular economy thinking attracts academic researchers to formulate relevant policies.
The Cluster approach to the formation of innovative susceptibility priorities within the framework of the Euroconcept «Green U-turn» to renewable energy in Ukraine
Authors: Diuzhev Viktor , Suslikov Stanislav , Savchenko Olga , Matrosova Viktoriia , Veriutina Victoria
Published: May 2021

An article discusses the formation of innovative susceptibility of Ukrainian enterprises to the technologies of non-traditional renewable energy. The relevance of this problem is determined on the basis of the European concept of «Green U-turn», which is a logical continuation of the strategy «20-20-20» on the development of non-traditional renewable energy. The article proposes the use of a cluster approach to systematization, grouping and balancing general and specific factors that form the innovative susceptibility of Ukrainian enterprises to technologies of non-traditional renewable energy. The study is based on the expert information regarding stages of life cycles «production-consumption-utilization» of the various non-conventional renewable energy technologies, as well as the analytical information on publication activity as an important factor in the integral assessment of the priorities of energy-saving technologies. The estimates are formed taking into account the data on a sample of enterprises in Ukraine. The results of the study will serve as the basis for the formation of appropriate organizational and managerial clusters that allow enterprises to create an innovative product and thereby increase their competitiveness, which is a powerful incentive for national and regional development. Based on this integrated approach, it is possible to analyze factors both at regional level and at level specific enterprise.
Well-being in the work environment as foundation to achieve sustainable development goal
Authors: Kuzmina Jekaterina , Atstāja Dzintra , Dambe Gundega , Kichuk Yaroslav , Bykhovchenko Valentyna
Published: May 2021

Sustainable development of the world is one of the most discussed topics, while well-being and risk-awareness of the employees are important elements to achieve it. The aim of the study is to analyse the work environment factors that are considered important by prospective and new employees and compare them with the opinions of experienced professional HR and company managers. The second goal of the research paper is to measure the risk-awareness of young adults due to its relevance for the current discussion. The results of the study show that students consider safe and ergonomic working conditions, green thinking, flexible working hours and good pay as the most important factors in the workplace. HR professionals, on the other hand, consider the psychological climate, safety, engagement, and work-life balance as the most important factors. Young adults in Latvia show some level of risk-awareness, while a deeper understanding of the issues is necessary.