bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An active site loop toggles between conformations to control antibiotic hydrolysis and inhibition potency for CTX-M β-lactamase drug-resistance enzymes
Authors: Lu Shuo , Hu Liya , Lin Hanfeng , Judge Allison , Rivera Paola , Palaniappan Murugesan , Sankaran Banumathi , Wang Jin , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Palzkill Timothy
Published: November 2022

β-lactamases inactivate β-lactam antibiotics leading to drug resistance. Consequently, inhibitors of β-lactamases can combat this resistance, and the β-lactamase inhibitory protein (BLIP) is a naturally occurring inhibitor. The widespread CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-15 β-lactamases have an 83% sequence identity. In this study, we show that BLIP weakly inhibits CTX-M-14 but potently inhibits CTX-M-15. The structure of the BLIP/CTX-M-15 complex reveals that binding is associated with a conformational change of an active site loop of β-lactamase. Surprisingly, the loop structure in the complex is similar to that in a drug-resistant variant (N106S) of CTX-M-14. We hypothesized that the pre-established favorable loop conformation of the N106S mutant would facilitate binding. The N106S substitution results in a ~100- and 10-fold increase in BLIP inhibition potency for CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-15, respectively. Thus, this indicates that an active site loop in β-lactamase toggles between conformations that control antibiotic hydrolysis and inhibitor susceptibility. These findings highlight the role of accessible active site conformations in controlling enzyme activity and inhibitor susceptibility as well as the influence of mutations in selectively stabilizing discrete conformations.
Chemically stable fluorescent proteins for advanced microscopy
Authors: Campbell Benjamin C. , Paez-Segala Maria G. , Looger Loren L. , Petsko Gregory A. , Liu Ce Feng
Published: November 2022

We report the rational engineering of a remarkably stable yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), ‘hyperfolder YFP’ (hfYFP), that withstands chaotropic conditions that denature most biological structures within seconds, including superfolder green fluorescent protein (GFP). hfYFP contains no cysteines, is chloride insensitive and tolerates aldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation better than common fluorescent proteins, enabling its use in expansion and electron microscopies. We solved crystal structures of hfYFP (to 1.7-Å resolution), a monomeric variant, monomeric hyperfolder YFP (1.6 Å) and an mGreenLantern mutant (1.2 Å), and then rationally engineered highly stable 405-nm-excitable GFPs, large Stokes shift (LSS) monomeric GFP (LSSmGFP) and LSSA12 from these structures. Lastly, we directly exploited the chemical stability of hfYFP and LSSmGFP by devising a fluorescence-assisted protein purification strategy enabling all steps of denaturing affinity chromatography to be visualized using ultraviolet or blue light. hfYFP and LSSmGFP represent a new generation of robustly stable fluorescent proteins developed for advanced biotechnological applications.
Neuroprotective action of α-Klotho against LPS-activated glia conditioned medium in primary neuronal culture
Authors: Nakao Vinicius Wanatable , Mazucanti Caio Henrique Yokowama , de Sá Lima Larissa , de Mello Paloma Segura , de Souza Port’s Natacha Medeiros , Kinoshita Paula Fernanda , Leite Jacqueline Alves , Kawamoto Elisa Mitiko , Scavone Cristoforo
Published: November 2022

The α-Klotho is an anti-aging protein that, when overexpressed, extends the life span in humans and mice. It has an anti-inflammatory and protective action on renal cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation and production of inflammatory cytokines in response to TNF-α. Furthermore, studies have shown the neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho against neuroinflammation on different conditions, such as aging, animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic brain injury. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of α-Klotho protein on primary glial cell culture against the proinflammatory challenge with LPS and how this could interfere with neuronal health. Cortical mixed glial cells and purified astrocytes were pretreated with α- α-Klotho and stimulated with LPS followed by TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ levels, and NF-κB activity analysis. Conditioned medium from cortical mixed glia culture treated with LPS (glia conditioned medium (GCM) was used to induce neuronal death of primary cortical neuronal culture and evaluate if GCM-KL (medium from glia culture pretreated α-Klotho followed by LPS stimulation) or GCM + LPS in the presence of KL can reverse the effect. LPS treatment in glial cells induced an increase in proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and activation of astrocyte NF-κB. GCM treated-cortical neuronal culture induced a concentration-dependent neuronal death. Pretreatment with α-Klotho decreased TNF-α and IL-6 production, reverted NF-κB activation, and decreased neuronal death induced by GCM. In addition, KL incubation together with GCM + LPS completely reverts the neuronal toxicity induced by low concentration of GCM-LPS. These data suggest an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho protein in the CNS. This work demonstrated the therapeutic potential of α-Klotho in pathological processes which involves a neuroinflammatory component.
Probabilistic model checking of cancer metabolism
Authors: Friedenberg Meir D. , Lita Adrian , Gilbert Mark R. , Larion Mioara , Celiku Orieta
Published: November 2022

Cancer cell metabolism is often deregulated as a result of adaption to meeting energy and biosynthesis demands of rapid growth or direct mutation of key metabolic enzymes. Better understanding of such deregulation can provide new insights on targetable vulnerabilities, but is complicated by the difficulty in probing cell metabolism at different levels of resolution and under different experimental conditions. We construct computational models of glucose and glutamine metabolism with focus on the effect of IDH1/2-mutations in cancer using a combination of experimental metabolic flux data and patient-derived gene expression data. Our models demonstrate the potential of computational exploration to reveal biologic behavior: they show that an exogenously-mutated IDH1 experimental model utilizes glutamine as an alternative carbon source for lactate production under hypoxia, but does not fully-recapitulate the patient phenotype under normoxia. We also demonstrate the utility of using gene expression data as a proxy for relative differences in metabolic activity. We use the approach of probabilistic model checking and the freely-available Probabilistic Symbolic Model Checker to construct and reason about model behavior.
Increased interferon-γ levels and risk of severe malaria: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mahittikorn Aongart , Mala Wanida , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Wilairatana Polrat , Kotepui Manas
Published: November 2022

Interferon (IFN)-γ contributes to the pathogenesis of severe malaria; however, its mechanism remains unclear. Herein, differences in IFN-γ levels between patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative (meta-analysis) approaches. The systematic review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022315213). The searches for relevant studies were performed in five databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science, between 1 January and 10 July 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the mean difference (MD) of IFN-γ levels between patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated malaria using a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird method). Overall, qualitative synthesis indicated that most studies (14, 58.3%) reported no statistically significant difference in IFN-γ levels between patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated malaria. Meanwhile, remaining studies (9, 37.5%) reported that IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in patients with severe malaria than those in patients with uncomplicated malaria. Only one study (4.17%) reported that IFN-γ levels were significantly lower in patients with severe malaria than those in patients with uncomplicated malaria. The meta-analysis results indicated that patients with severe malaria had higher mean IFN-γ levels than those with uncomplicated malaria (p < 0.001, MD: 13.63 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval: 6.98–20.29 pg/mL, I2: 99.02%, 14 studies/15 study sites, 652 severe cases/1096 uncomplicated cases). In summary, patients with severe malaria exhibited higher IFN-γ levels than those with uncomplicated malaria, although the heterogeneity of the outcomes is yet to be elucidated. To confirm whether alteration in IFN-γ levels of patients with malaria may indicate disease severity and/or poor prognosis, further studies are warranted.
Children’s perception of interpersonal coordination during joint painting
Authors: Abraham Rotem , Grinspun Noemí , Rabinowitch Tal-Chen
Published: November 2022

Interpersonal coordination is important for many joint activities. A special case of interpersonal coordination is synchronization, which is required for the performance of many activities, but is also associated with diverse positive social and emotional attributes. The extent to which these effects are due to the reliance on synchrony for task performance or to its specific rhythmic characteristics, is not clear. To address these questions, we considered a more general form of interpersonal coordination, implemented during joint artmaking. This is a non-typical context for interpersonal coordination, not required for task success, and smoother and more loosely-structured than more standard forms of synchronous coordination. Therefore, comparing interpersonal coordination with non-coordination during shared painting, could help reveal general social-emotional reactions to coordination. To gain a more ‘naïve’ perspective we focused on children, and staged coordinated and non-coordinated art interactions between an adult and a child, asking child observers to judge various variables reflecting the perceived bond between the painters. We found an overall stronger perceived bond for the coordination condition. These results demonstrate that even a non-typical form of interpersonal coordination could be attributed with positive social and emotional qualities, a capacity revealed already in childhood, with possible implications for development.
Prevalence and associations of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in the ural eye and medical study
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Iakupova Ellina M. , Fakhretdinova Albina A. , Tuliakova Azaliia M. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Rusakova Iuliia A. , Nuriev Ildar F. , Zaynetdinov Artur F. , Miniazeva Liana A. , Jonas Jost B.
Published: November 2022

To assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in a population in Russia. The population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study was conducted in an urban and rural region in Bashkortostan/Russia and included 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible persons, aged 40 + years. DED and MGD were assessed by Schirmer´s test, slit-lamp based examination of the Meibomian glands, and an interview with DED-related questions. The study included 5153 (87.4%) individuals with DED and MGD assessments (mean age: 58.5 ± 10.5 years). The mean Schirmer´s test result was 11.8 ± 6.8 mm and 12.5 ± 7.1 mm for the right/left eye, with a result of ≤ 5 mm measured in 1098 (21.3%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 20.2, 22.4) of the worse eyes. The mean subjective dry eye symptoms score was 1.37 ± 1.82. MGD grade 1 (telangiectasia at the lid margin), 2, 3, 4 or any grade in the worse eye was diagnosed in 901 (21.1%), 1161 (27.1%), 158 (3.7%), 32 (0.7%), and 2252 (52.6%; 95% CI 51.1, 54.1) eyes respectively. The prevalence of DED diagnosis #1, #2 and #3 (Schirmer´s test ≤ 5 mm, and dry eye score ≥ 1, ≥ 2, and ≥ 3, respectively), #4 (dry eye score ≥ 1, Schirmer test ≤ 5 mm, MGD grade 1 +), and #5 (dry eye score ≥ 1, Schirmer test ≤ 5 mm, MGD grade 2 +) were 598/5142 (11.6%), 426/5153 (8.3%), 273/5142 (5.3%), 335/5142 (6.5%), and 186/5142 (3.6%), respectively. Mean depression score as applied was 5.1 ± 3.8. Higher DED prevalence (definition #4) was associated (multivariable analysis) with female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.71; 95% CI 1.31, 2.22; P < 0.001), higher depression score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 101, 1.07; P = 0.009), and higher prevalence of thyroid disease history (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.19, 2.24; P = 0.006). DED and MGD were common in this rural and urban population, and their prevalence was associated with female sex, thyroid disease, and depression.
Genomic control of inflammation in experimental atopic dermatitis
Authors: Liu Yan , Zienkiewicz Jozef , Qiao Huan , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Boyd Kelli L. , Veach Ruth Ann , Hawiger Jacek
Published: November 2022

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or eczema, a recurrent allergic inflammation of the skin, afflicts 10–20% of children and 5% adults of all racial and ethnic groups globally. We report a new topical treatment of AD by a Nuclear Transport Checkpoint Inhibitor (NTCI), which targets two nuclear transport shuttles, importin α5 and importin β1. In the preclinical model of AD, induced by the active vitamin D3analog MC903 (calcipotriol), NTCI suppressed the expression of keratinocyte-derived cytokine, Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), the key gene in AD development. Moreover, the genes encoding mediators of TH2response, IL-4 and its receptor IL-4Rα were also silenced together with the genes encoding cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13, IL-23α, IL-33, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, VEGF A, the chemokines RANTES and IL-8, and intracellular signal transducers COX-2 and iNOS. Consequently, NTCI suppressed skin infiltration by inflammatory cells (eosinophils, macrophages, and CD4 + T lymphocytes), and reduced MC903-evoked proliferation of Ki-67-positive cells. Thus, we highlight the mechanism of action and the potential utility of topical NTCI for treatment of AD undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial (AMTX-100 CF, NCT04313400).
Influential factors of saliva microbiota composition
Authors: Wells Philippa M. , Sprockett Daniel D. , Bowyer Ruth C. E. , Kurushima Yuko , Relman David A. , Williams Frances M. K. , Steves Claire J.
Published: November 2022

The oral microbiota is emerging as an influential factor of host physiology and disease state. Factors influencing oral microbiota composition have not been well characterised. In particular, there is a lack of population-based studies. We undertook a large hypothesis-free study of the saliva microbiota, considering potential influential factors of host health (frailty; diet; periodontal disease), demographics (age; sex; BMI) and sample processing (storage time), in a sample (n = 679) of the TwinsUK cohort of adult twins. Alpha and beta diversity of the saliva microbiota was associated most strongly with frailty (alpha diversity: β = −0.16, Q = 0.003, Observed; β = −0.16, Q = 0.002, Shannon; β = −0.16, Q = 0.003, Simpson; Beta diversity: Q = 0.002, Bray Curtis dissimilarity) and age (alpha diversity: β = 0.15, Q = 0.006, Shannon; β = 0.12, Q = 0.003, Simpson; beta diversity: Q = 0.002, Bray Curtis dissimilarity; Q = 0.032, Weighted UniFrac) in multivariate models including age, frailty, sex, BMI, frailty and diet, and adjustment for multiple testing. Those with a more advanced age were more likely to be dissimilar in the saliva microbiota composition than younger participants (P = 5.125e−06, ANOVA). In subsample analyses, including consideration of periodontal disease (total n = 138, periodontal disease n = 66), the association with frailty remained for alpha diversity (Q = 0.002, Observed ASVs; Q = 0.04 Shannon Index), but not beta diversity, whilst age was not demonstrated to associate with alpha or beta diversity in this subsample, potentially due to insufficient statistical power. Length of time that samples were stored prior to sequencing was associated with beta diversity (Q = 0.002, Bray Curtis dissimilarity). Six bacterial taxa were associated with age after adjustment for frailty and diet. Of the factors studied, frailty and age emerged as the most influential with regards to saliva microbiota composition. Whilst age and frailty are correlates, the associations were independent of each other, giving precedence to both biological and chronological ageing as processes of potential importance when considering saliva microbiota composition.
An educational intervention based on family-centered empowerment model to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis via mother education
Authors: Shojaei Maryam Sadat , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Ghavami Vahid , Tehrani Hadi
Published: November 2022

The relative contribution of a theory-based intervention to modify high-risk behaviors in training programs is a major priority that remains an open question. Here, we tested whether the family-centered empowerment model used in the educational intervention was effective to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis via mother education. A quasi experimental study was conducted on 200 women presenting to healthcare practices in rural areas of Torbat-e Jam, Iran, from April 2020 to February 2021. Four rural areas were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received the training program, which included four 2-h sessions and consulting support via social network and messaging service. The control group did not receive any training. SPSS16was implemented to test multiple statistical analyses. Our finding showed in the intervention group compared with the control group, knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and behavior outcomes were significantly changed (P < 0.001) across time during baseline through follow-up. Likewise, there are no differences (P > 0.05) in the change in construct of the family-centered empowerment model and risk behaviors in the control group from baseline to follow-up. Intervention based on a family-centered empowerment model is possible and very acceptable to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis by increasing an individual’s knowledge, changing attitude, and promoting self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20160619028529N12. Registration date: 24/03/2020.
Design, fabrication and application of self-spiraling pattern-driven 4D-printed actuator
Authors: Zeng Siyuan , Gao Yicong , Qiu Hao , Xu Junjun , Tan Jianrong
Published: November 2022

Self-spiraling actuators are widely found in nature and have high research and actuator-application value in self-lock and self-assembly. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is a new generation additive manufacturing of smart materials and has shown great potential for the fabrication of multi-functional and customized structures. The microarchitecture design of a bilayer actuator could bring flexible and diversified self-spiraling behaviors and more possibilities for practical application by combing 4D printing. This work investigates the stimuli effects of fiber patterns and fabrication parameters on self-spiraling behaviors of the bilayer actuator via both experimental and theoretical methods. This work may potentially provide pattern design guidance for 4D-printed self-spiraling actuators to meet different application requirements.
Interactions between folate intake and genetic predictors of gene expression levels associated with colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Haas Cameron B. , Su Yu-Ru , Petersen Paneen , Wang Xiaoliang , Bien Stephanie A. , Lin Yi , Albanes Demetrius , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Jenkins Mark A. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Newcomb Polly A. , Casey Graham , Le Marchand Loic , Campbell Peter T. , Moreno Victor , Potter John D. , Sakoda Lori C. , Slattery Martha L. , Chan Andrew T. , Li Li , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , Gruber Stephen B. , Rennert Gad , Woods Michael O. , Gallinger Steven J. , Berndt Sonja , Hayes Richard B. , Huang Wen-Yi , Wolk Alicja , White Emily , Nan Hongmei , Nassir Rami , Lindor Noralane M. , Lewinger Juan P. , Kim Andre E. , Conti David , Gauderman W. James , Buchanan Daniel D. , Peters Ulrike , Hsu Li
Published: November 2022

Observational studies have shown higher folate consumption to be associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Understanding whether and how genetic risk factors interact with folate could further elucidate the underlying mechanism. Aggregating functionally relevant genetic variants in set-based variant testing has higher power to detect gene–environment (G × E) interactions and may provide information on the underlying biological pathway. We investigated interactions between folate consumption and predicted gene expression on colorectal cancer risk across the genome. We used variant weights from the PrediXcan models of colon tissue-specific gene expression as a priori variant information for a set-based G × E approach. We harmonized total folate intake (mcg/day) based on dietary intake and supplemental use across cohort and case–control studies and calculated sex and study specific quantiles. Analyses were performed using a mixed effects score tests for interactions between folate and genetically predicted expression of 4839 genes with available genetically predicted expression. We pooled results across 23 studies for a total of 13,498 cases with colorectal tumors and 13,918 controls of European ancestry. We used a false discovery rate of 0.2 to identify genes with suggestive evidence of an interaction. We found suggestive evidence of interaction with folate intake on CRC risk for genes including glutathione S-Transferase Alpha 1 (GSTA1; p = 4.3E−4), Tonsuko Like, DNA Repair Protein (TONSL; p = 4.3E−4), and Aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA: p = 4.5E−4). We identified three genes involved in preventing or repairing DNA damage that may interact with folate consumption to alter CRC risk. Glutathione is an antioxidant, preventing cellular damage and is a downstream metabolite of homocysteine and metabolized by GSTA1. TONSL is part of a complex that functions in the recovery of double strand breaks and AGA plays a role in lysosomal breakdown of glycoprotein.
Binary THz modulator based on silicon Schottky-metasurface
Authors: Ahadi Saeedeh , Neshat Mohammad , Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad Kazem
Published: November 2022

We propose a metasurface THz modulator based on split-ring resonators (SRRs) formed by four interconnected horizontal Si–Au Schottky diodes. The equivalent junction capacitance of each SRR in the proposed modulator is much smaller than that of the previously reported metasurface counterparts with vertical Schottky junctions, leading to a higher modulation speed. To modulate a THz incident signal by the proposed metasurface, we vary the bias voltage externally applied to the Schottky junctions. Applying a reverse bias of VA =  − 5 V to the Au gate, two LC resonances at 0.48 THz, and 0.95 THz are excited in the metasurface. Switching the applied voltage to VA =  + 0.49 V, we diminish the oscillator strengths of the LC resonances, creating one dipole resonance at 0.73 THz in the transmission spectrum of the metasurface modulator. The modulation depths at these resonances are more than 45%, reaching 87% at 0.95 THz. The phase modulation for this THz modulator is about 1.12 rad at 0.86 THz. Furthermore, due to the particular design of the meta-atoms, the modulation speed of this device is estimated up to approximately several hundred GHz, which makes this device an appropriate candidate for high-speed applications in wireless communications systems based on external modulators.
Investigating the effects of low intensity visible light on human keratinocytes using a customized LED exposure system
Authors: Sutterby Emily , Chheang Chanly , Thurgood Peter , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Baratchi Sara , Pirogova Elena
Published: November 2022

Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the use of light to modulate cellular processes, and has demonstrated utility in improving wound healing outcomes, and reducing pain and inflammation. Despite the potential benefits of PBM, the precise molecular mechanisms through which it influences cell behavior are not yet well understood. Inconsistent reporting of key light parameters has created uncertainty around optimal exposure profiles. In addition, very low intensities of light, < 0.1 J/cm2, have not been thoroughly examined for their use in PBM. Here, we present a custom-made compact, and modular LED-based exposure system for studying the effects of very low-intensity visible light (cell proliferation, migration, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential) of three different wavelengths in a parallel manner. The device allows for six repeats of three different exposure conditions plus a non-irradiated control on a single 24-well plate. The immortalised human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, was selected as a major cellular component of the skin epidermal barrier. Furthermore, an in vitro wound model was developed by allowing the HaCaT to form a confluent monolayer, then scratching the cells with a pipette tip to form a wound. Cells were exposed to yellow (585 nm, 0.09 mW, ~ 3.7 mJ/cm2), orange (610 nm, 0.8 mW, ~ 31 mJ/cm2), and red (660 nm, 0.8 mW, ~ 31 mJ/cm2) light for 10 min. 48 h post-irradiation, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate cell viability, proliferation, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results demonstrate increased proliferation and decreased scratch area for all exposure conditions, however only red light increased the mitochondrial activity. Oxidative stress levels did not increase for any of the exposures. The present exposure system provides opportunities to better understand the complex cellular mechanisms driven by the irradiation of skin cells with visible light.
Simulation study on dynamic characteristics of gas diffusion in coal under nitrogen injection
Authors: Fang Xinliang
Published: November 2022

To reveal the mechanism of desorption of methane in coal seams by inert gas N2, the desorption behavior of CH4 after N2 injection was studied by using Giant Canonical ensemble Monte Carlo (GCMC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods with wiser bituminous coal as the research object. The results show that the adsorption isotherms of CH4 and N2 in the molecular structure model of bituminous coal are in good agreement with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of the two gases in the bituminous coal structure model is CH4 > N2. The higher the N2 injection pressure, the higher the temperature, and the more methane desorption. N2 can replace some adsorbed CH4 through competitive adsorption with CH4. Compared with injecting high-temperature nitrogen to desorb methane in coal seams, in high-pressure nitrogen, the diffusion effect of CH4 flowing in coal is more significant. The higher the nitrogen injection pressure, the better the effect of N2 promoting CH4 desorption. The relative concentration of CH4 in the vacuum layer gradually increases with the increase of water content. This indicates that the water in coal promotes the desorption of CH4. The mechanism of N2 injection and CH4 desorption in coal seams mainly includes gas displacement and gas dilution and diffusion. This study provides theoretical support for methane extraction technology in goaf.
A gut-derived hormone suppresses sugar appetite and regulates food choice in Drosophila
Authors: Malita Alina , Kubrak Olga , Koyama Takashi , Ahrentløv Nadja , Texada Michael J. , Nagy Stanislav , Halberg Kenneth V. , Rewitz Kim
Published: November 2022

Animals must adapt their dietary choices to meet their nutritional needs. How these needs are detected and translated into nutrient-specific appetites that drive food-choice behaviours is poorly understood. Here we show that enteroendocrine cells of the adult female Drosophila midgut sense nutrients and in response release neuropeptide F (NPF), which is an ortholog of mammalian neuropeptide Y-family gut-brain hormones. Gut-derived NPF acts on glucagon-like adipokinetic hormone (AKH) signalling to induce sugar satiety and increase consumption of protein-rich food, and on adipose tissue to promote storage of ingested nutrients. Suppression of NPF-mediated gut signalling leads to overconsumption of dietary sugar while simultaneously decreasing intake of protein-rich yeast. Furthermore, gut-derived NPF has a female-specific function in promoting consumption of protein-containing food in mated females. Together, our findings suggest that gut NPF-to-AKH signalling modulates specific appetites and regulates food choice to ensure homeostatic consumption of nutrients, providing insight into the hormonal mechanisms that underlie nutrient-specific hungers.
Light and immunostimulant mediated in situ re-education of tumor-associated macrophages using photosensitizer conjugated mannan nanoparticles for boosting immuno-photodynamic anti-metastasis therapy
Authors: Uthaman Saji , Pillarisetti Shameer , Lim Youn-Mook , Jeong Jin-Oh , Bardhan Rizia , Huh Kang Moo , Park In-Kyu
Published: November 2022

Novel co-operative immuno-photodynamic therapy nanoparticles, targeting tumor-associated macrophages, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and preventing tumor metastasis by skewing TAMs to M1-like cells, have been developed.
Enhanced adsorption and synergistic photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline by MOF-801/GO composites via solvothermal synthesis
Authors: Wu Zhihai , Chen Ziying , Chen Jia , Ning Xiaofeng , Chen Pinghua , Jiang Hualin , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: November 2022

One-pot solvothermal synthesis strategy was used to prepare MOF-801/GO composites for enhanced adsorption and synergistic photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline.
An oral hydrogel carrier for delivering resveratrol into intestine-specific target released with high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity based on structure-selected alginate and pectin
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Chuanbo , Liu Jiaming , Fan Chaozhong , Yin Jinjin , Wu Tao
Published: November 2022

Resveratrol (RES) has many beneficial effects on the human body, but it is always unstable, resulting in low oral bioavailability, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
Prune supplementation for 12 months alters the gut microbiome in postmenopausal women
Authors: Simpson Abigayle M. R. , De Souza Mary Jane , Damani Janhavi , Rogers Connie , Williams Nancy I. , Weaver Connie , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Chadwick-Corbin Sydney , Nakatsu Cindy H.
Published: November 2022

Postmenopausal women given prunes for 12 months had altered microbiomes. Some taxa correlated with phenolic metabolites and inflammatory markers, indicating potential mechanisms of health benefits.
Regulating the phase distribution of quasi-2D perovskites using a three-dimensional cyclic molecule toward improved light-emitting performance
Authors: Chen Chiung-Han , Hsu Chiao-Hsin , Ni I-Chih , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Wu Chih-I. , Kuo Chi-Ching , Chueh Chu-Chen
Published: November 2022

A cage-like cryptand acts as an effective additive for quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites, not only to improve the quality of the film but also to modulate its phase distribution and promote cascade energy transfer between multiphase.
Low threading dislocation density and antiphase boundary free GaAs epitaxially grown on on-axis Si (001) substrates
Authors: Yang Junjie , Li Keshuang , Jia Hui , Deng Huiwen , Yu Xuezhe , Jurczak Pamela , Park Jae-Seong , Pan Shujie , Li Wei , Chen Siming , Seeds Alwyn , Tang Mingchu , Liu Huiyun
Published: November 2022

The interactions between 1D defect threading dislocations and 2D defect antiphase boundaries and antiphase boundary annihilation in III–V materials on Si heteroepitaxy growth are revealed.
Ternary AlGexP alloy compounds for high capacity and rate capability of lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Li Wenwu , Wen Jiajun , Chen Anjie , Wang Jeng-Han , Liu Meilin , Park Ho Seok
Published: November 2022

AlGe2P achieves the fastest electronic and Li-ion conductivities among Al3Ge2P3, AlGe2P, AlGe6P and Ge as verified by first-principles calculations and experimental validations, thus providing superior Li-storage properties.
Spin evolution and flip in the oxygen reduction reaction: a theoretical study of Cu(Ni)XP2S6(X = In, Bi and Cr)
Authors: Bai Haoyun , Liu Di , Zhou Pengfei , Feng Jinxian , Sui Xulei , Lu Yunhao , Liu Hongchao , Pan Hui
Published: November 2022

We found that the excellent ORR performance of Ni doped CuXP2S6(X = In, Bi and Cr) is related to spin selective charge transfer and spin flip, which are clearly observed and analyzed by first-principles calculation.
High aspect ratio galfenol flakes for high strain efficiency and sensing performance of magnetostrictive polymer composites
Authors: Charles Andrew D. M. , Rider Andrew N. , Brown Sonya A. , Wang Chun-Hui
Published: November 2022

Highly efficient strain response achieved in low volume loading flake Galfenol/polymer composites and results correlated with a novel multi-physics model, providing new insights toward use of the material type for emerging sensors and transducers.
The impact of oxygen partial pressure during sintering on the electrocaloric effect of Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Liang Wei , Niu Xiang , Jian Xiaodong , Zeng Zhan , Lai Junying , Wang Ting , Gong Weiping , Zeng WenHan , Yao Yingbang , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Lu Sheng-Guo
Published: November 2022

Barium strontium titanate (Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3-BST) bulk ceramics were prepared using a conventional solid-state approach with different oxygen partial pressures in this work.
The ultra-high thermoelectric power factor in facile and scalable single-step thermal evaporation fabricated composite SnSe/Bi thin films
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Rani Sanju , Parmar Rahul , Amati Matteo , Gregoratti Luca , Ghosh Abhishek , Pathak Saurabh , Kumar Anil , Wang Xu , Singh Vidya Nand
Published: November 2022

Ultrahigh power factor is achieved for SnSe/Bi composite film by easy scalable route at 580 K, which can further explored for other metals as well.
Metabolomics study on southern hard clams (Mercenaria campechiensis) response to diclofenac exposure
Authors: Jiang Lin , Wang Bo
Published: November 2022

NMR metabolomics was applied to southern hard clams exposed to diclofenac for the targeted metabolic pathway and early marker discovery.
Flexible “polymer-in-ceramic” composite solid electrolyte PI–PEO0.2–PDA@LATP0.8 and its ionic conductivity
Authors: He Lei , Cao Jian-Hua , Wang Ya-Kun , Wu Da-Yong
Published: November 2022

Li+ conduct ion between the PEO chain segments, the PEOLATP interface, and the continuous LATP phases.
Finite‐time robust performance improvement for non‐linear systems in the presence of input non‐linearity and external disturbance
Authors: Wang Haoping , Ghaffari Valiollah , Mobayen Saleh , Bartoszewicz Andrzej , Fekih Afef , Assawinchaichote Wudhichai
Published: November 2022

The main focus of this research is on improving the performance of dynamic systems with actuator non‐linearities and time‐varying disturbances. To this end, using the concept of finite‐time stability, a novel observer is presented to estimate the disturbances in systems with input non‐linearities. Then, introducing an innovative sliding manifold, a robust observer‐based technique is derived to guarantee the finite‐time stability of the sliding surface. Hence, the closed‐loop system would be stable in the presence of hard non‐linearities and time‐varying disturbances. The performance of the proposed approach was assessed in using a simulation study of two numerical examples. The obtained results and comparison with a conventional method confirmed the benefits of the suggested approach.
Gate driver power supply arrangement for cascode‐connected super‐junction MOSFETs in a bridge‐leg
Authors: McNeill Neville , Hopkins Andrew , Williams Barry W.
Published: November 2022

This letter presents a circuit for powering cascode gate driver circuits with super‐junction (SJ) MOSFETs in a bridge‐leg. The cascode gate driver gives inherent MOSFET intrinsic diode deactivation, and the bridge‐leg incorporates an inductive turn‐on snubber which controls the charging currents into the MOSFETs’ output capacitances. The cascode driver circuits and snubber inductor are configured such that the gate‐drive energy is derived from the power stage.
A giant umbrella-like stellar stream around the tidal ring galaxy NGC 922
Authors: Martínez-Delgado David , Roca-Fàbrega Santi , Miró-Carretero Juan , Gómez-Flechoso Maria Angeles , Romàn Javier , Donatiello Giuseppe , Schmidt Judy , Lang Dustin , Akhlaghi Mohammad , Hanson Mark
Published: November 2022

Context. Tidal ring galaxies (TRGs) are rarely observed in the local universe due to their intrinsically transient nature. The tidal ring structures are the result of strong interactions between gas-rich stellar disks and smaller galactic systems, and do not last longer than ∼500 Myr. Therefore, these are perfect scenarios in which to look for the debris of recently accreted dwarf galactic systems.

Aims. Our goal is to study the low surface brightness stellar structures around the TRG NGC 922 and to revise the hypothesis of its formation in light of these new data.

Methods. We present new deep images of the TRG NGC 922 and its surroundings from the DESI Legacy survey data and from our observations with an amateur telescope. These observations are compared with results from high-resolution N-body simulations that were designed to reproduce an alternative formation scenario for this peculiar galaxy.

Results. Our new observations unveil that the low surface brightness stellar tidal structures around NGC 922 are much more complex than reported in previous works. In particular, the formerly detected tidal spike-like structure at the north-east of the central galaxy disk is not connected with the dwarf companion galaxy PGC 3080368, which has been suggested as the intruder triggering the ring formation of NGC 922. The deep images reveal that this tidal structure mainly has a fainter giant umbrella-like shape, and thus it was formed from the tidal disruption of a different satellite. Using the broad-band g, r, and z DESI LS images, we measured the photometric properties of this stellar stream, estimating a total absolute magnitude in the r band of Mr = −17.0 ± 0.03 mag and a total stellar mass for the stream of between 6.9 and 8.5×108 M⊙. We performed a set of N-body simulations to reproduce the observed NGC922-intruder interaction, suggesting a new scenario for the formation of its tidal ring from the infall of a gas-rich satellite around 150 Myr ago. Finally, our deep images also reveal a tidal shell around the dwarf galaxy PGC 3080368, a possible fossil of a recent merger with a smaller satellite, which may suggest it is in its first infall towards NGC 922.
Solid-state reaction mechanism of columbite-to-pyrochlore conversion at different temperature
Authors: Lu Xiang , Chen Wen
Published: November 2022

Columbite-to-pyrochlore conversion is proposed to enhance the difference of physicochemical properties between niobium minerals and gangue minerals with the aim of improving the niobium minerals processing of Bayan Obo deposit. Columbite mixed NaF and CaCO3 could be converted into pyrochlore. Gibbs free energies of the conversions were calculated by two-parameter model. The reaction mechanism was clarified through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersion spectrometer. Oxygen benefited the conversion because FeO, by-product of the reaction is oxidized into Fe2O3, releasing a large amount of heat. Experimental results indicated that NaF reacted with CaCO3 before columbite conversion. Columbite-to-NaNbO3 conversion was dominant as sintering temperature was from 873 K to 973 K. Columbite-to-pyrochlore conversion dominated with the temperature increasing to 1073 K although the reaction occurred at 973 K. Therefore, Columbite-to-pyrochlore conversion preferred to occur when columbite mixtures were placed into the tubular furnace with a temperature of 1073 K directly.
Personalrekrutierung – neue Wege gehen
Authors: Welk Ina
Published: November 2022

Aufgrund des Pflegenotstands müssen Kliniken sich als attraktiver Arbeitgeber präsentieren, um potenzielle Bewerberinnen und Bewerber anzusprechen. Wir verraten Ihnen, wie Sie mit Social Media Recruiting, Employer Branding und Active Sourcing die passenden Fachkräfte finden und binden.
Women's Health Issues in Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Authors: Linnemann Birgit , Hart Christina ,   Speakers of the GTH Working Group "Women's Health"
Published: November 2022

In the last couple of years sex specific health issues have continually been gaining attraction by physicians of different medical specialities. Sex differences have been described e.g. in the pathogenesis and mortality in patients affected by COVID-19, in metabolic regulation and cancer mechanisms.1
2
3 In the field of haemostasis, many aspects concerning risk factors, clinical presentation and management of thromboembolic disease and bleeding disorders also display sex differences.
Simulating the detonation flow field of a two-phase rotating detonation ramjet
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: November 2022

Two thermal property calculation methods provide reference for the selection of combustion chamber parameters during simulations.
Injecting gas bubbles creates shortcut for plasma propagation
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: November 2022

The bubbles facilitate and guide the development of underwater pulsed spark discharges by enhancing the electric field strength in their vicinity.
Meat acceptability of crossbred bulls fed a high-grain feedlot diet with antimicrobials and a blend of organic trace minerals and yeast
Authors: Matos Aylle Medeiros , Duarte Vanessa , Tagiariolli Murilo Augusto , Bonin Edinéia , Vital Ana Carolina Pelaes , Guerrero Ana , Prado Rodolpho Martin do , Costa e Silva Luiz Fernando , Ávila Vicente Diaz , Carvalho Venício Macedo , Prado Ivanor Nunes do
Published: November 2022

Context Natural products, organic trace minerals and yeast have been studied for use as alternatives to antibiotics in improving meat quality and acceptability of bulls finished in feedlots. Aims This study was conducted to evaluate acceptability to consumers of meat from feedlot-finished bulls fed diets containing antimicrobials with or without a natural product based on organic trace minerals and live yeast. Methods Crossbred (European × Nellore) bulls (n = 24, age 24 ± 3 months, weight 385.5 ± 3.8 kg) were fed one of four diets: control, without additives; and three diets that included monensin (ionophore, at 30 mg/kg DM intake) alone or with virginiamycin (antibiotic, at 30 mg/kg DM intake) or with a supplement comprising organic minerals and live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (30 g/100 kg bodyweight). Mineral and microbiological analyses of meat were conducted, and consumer perception of the products, including effects of aging and length of display, was measured. Key results No differences in meat mineral levels were found among treatments (P > 0.05). Consumer acceptability was not modified (P > 0.050) by diet with respect to meat odour, flavour, tenderness and overall acceptability. Meat aged for 7 days had higher scores (P < 0.001) than meat aged for 1 day for all studied attributes except odour (P > 0.05). In the first 7 days of display, meat from bulls fed monensin or monensin + supplement blend had the highest visual acceptability scores (P < 0.001). For all diets, visual acceptability decreased with display time after 5 days (P < 0.001). During the first week of display, consumers showed greatest willingness to buy meat from the treatments with monensin or monensin + supplement blend (P < 0.001). Conclusion A combination of monensin and mineral–yeast blend may be beneficial to meat acceptability and shelf life and promote consumer willingness to buy. Implications Combinations of organic mineral and yeast with conventional additives such as monensin are suitable as supplements to increase meat quality of cattle finished in feedlots and fed high-grain diets.
Genetically-encoded BRET probes shed light on ligand bias–induced variable ion selectivity in TRPV1 and P2X5/7
Authors: Chappe Yann Loïck , Pierredon Sandra , Joushomme Alexandre , Molle Pablo , Garenne André , Canovi Anne , Barbeau Solène , Poulletier De Gannes Florence , Hurtier Annabelle , Lagroye Isabelle , Ducret Thomas , Quignard Jean-François , Compan Vincent , Percherancier Yann
Published: November 2022

Whether ion channels experience ligand-dependent dynamic ion selectivity remains of critical importance since this could support ion channel functional bias. Tracking selective ion permeability through ion channels, however, remains challenging even with patch-clamp electrophysiology. In this study, we have developed highly sensitive bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) probes providing dynamic measurements of Ca
2+
and K
+
concentrations and ionic strength in the nanoenvironment of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 Channel (TRPV1) and P2X channel pores in real time and in live cells during drug challenges. Our results indicate that AMG517, BCTC, and AMG21629, three well-known TRPV1 inhibitors, more potently inhibit the capsaicin (CAPS)-induced Ca
2+
influx than the CAPS-induced K
+
efflux through TRPV1. Even more strikingly, we found that AMG517, when injected alone, is a partial agonist of the K
+
efflux through TRPV1 and triggers TRPV1-dependent cell membrane hyperpolarization. In a further effort to exemplify ligand bias in other families of cationic channels, using the same BRET-based strategy, we also detected concentration- and time-dependent ligand biases in P2X7 and P2X5 cationic selectivity when activated by benzoyl-adenosine triphosphate (Bz-ATP). These custom-engineered BRET-based probes now open up avenues for adding value to ion-channel drug discovery platforms by taking ligand bias into account.
Mapping prohormone processing by proteases in human enteroendocrine cells using genetically engineered organoid models
Authors: Beumer Joep , Bauzá-Martinez Julia , Veth Tim S. , Geurts Veerle , Boot Charelle , Gilliam-Vigh Hannah , Poulsen Steen S. , Knop Filip K. , Wu Wei , Clevers Hans
Published: November 2022

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) secrete hormones in response to ingested nutrients to control physiological processes such as appetite and insulin release. EEC hormones are synthesized as large proproteins that undergo proteolytic processing to generate bioactive peptides. Mutations in EEC-enriched proteases are associated with endocrinopathies. Due to the relative rarity of EECs and a paucity of in vitro models, intestinal prohormone processing remains challenging to assess. Here, human gut organoids in which EECs can efficiently be induced are subjected to CRISPR-Cas9–mediated modification of EEC-expressed endopeptidase and exopeptidase genes. We employ mass spectrometry–based analyses to monitor peptide processing and identify glucagon production in intestinal EECs, stimulated upon bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling. We map the substrates and products of major EECs endo- and exopeptidases. Our studies provide a comprehensive description of peptide hormones produced by human EECs and define the roles of specific proteases in their generation.