bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peculiar Planets Prefer Perpendicular Paths
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: July 2021

Some exoplanets orbit their stars from pole to pole instead of across the equator. Why do they do that?
Frequency‐Dependent Modulation of Whistler‐Mode Waves by Density Irregularities During the Recovery Phase of a Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Liu Xu , Gu Wenyao , Xia Zhiyang , Chen Lunjin , Horne Richard B.
Published: July 2021

Density irregularities near the plasmapause are commonly observed and play an important role in whistler‐mode wave excitation and propagation. In this study, we report a frequency‐dependent modulation event of whistler‐mode waves by background density irregularities during a geomagnetic storm. Higher‐frequency whistler waves (near , where is the equatorial electron cyclotron frequency) are trapped in the density trough regions due to the small refractive index near the parallel direction, while lower‐frequency whistler waves (below ) are trapped in the density crest regions due to the refractive index maximum along the parallel direction. In addition to the modulation, we also find that, quantitatively, the wave amplitude of the higher‐ (lower‐) frequency whistler‐mode waves is anti‐correlated (correlated) with the relative plasma density variation. Our study suggests the importance of density irregularity dynamics in controlling whistler‐mode wave intensity, and thus radiation belt dynamics.
The Impact of Lithology on Fjord Morphology
Authors: Bernard M. , Steer P. , Gallagher K. , Egholm D. L.
Published: July 2021

Assessing the impact of glaciations on topography and the co‐evolution of ice‐sheet dynamics requires a thorough understanding of the factors that control fjord morphology. We investigate the role of lithology on glacial valley form using topographic analyses and numerical landscape evolution models. We measure fjord depths and widths from East Central Greenland (68°N–75°N), and find a control of lithology on fjord width, with wider fjords in softer rocks (i.e., sedimentary rocks). This dependency of fjord width to bedrock properties is predicted by a quarrying erosion law, but not by an abrasion one, when considering results from a simple two‐dimensional model and a more detailed three‐dimensional ice flow model (iSOSIA). Our analyses and numerical results reveal a potential control of lithology on the width of glacial valleys with glacial quarrying as a plausible responsible mechanism.
Enhancing Subseasonal Temperature Prediction by Bridging a Statistical Model With Dynamical Arctic Oscillation Forecasting
Authors: Kim Minju , Yoo Changhyun , Choi Jung
Published: July 2021

This study proposes a hybrid approach to improving subseasonal prediction skills by bridging a conventional statistical model and a dynamical ensemble forecast system. Based on the perfect prognosis method, the phase of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) from the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts ensemble forecast system is used as a predictor in a composite based statistical model to predict the wintertime surface air temperature in the Northern Hemisphere. The hybrid model, which employs AO phases predicted by the dynamical model for weeks 1–4, generally outperforms the conventional statistical model for lead times of weeks 2–6. The improved skill score is due to the high accuracy of the AO forecast from the dynamical model and the strong lagged connection between the AO and temperature. This study thus lays the groundwork for the potential use of combining climate variability, statistical relation, and dynamical forecasting.
Insights on Space‐Leader Characteristics and Evolution in Natural Negative Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning
Authors: Khounate Hamza , Nag Amitabh , Plaisir Mathieu N. , Imam Abdullah Y. , Biagi Christopher J. , Rassoul Hamid K.
Published: July 2021

We present sub‐microsecond‐scale, high‐speed video camera observations of three negative stepped leaders in cloud‐to‐ground flashes with return‐stroke peak currents (estimated by the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network) of −17, −104, and −228 kA. The camera frame exposure times for these observations were 1.8, 1.0, and 0.74 µs, respectively. The 0.74 µs exposure time is the shortest reported to date. We observed the temporal and spatial evolution of space leaders from their inception to their attachment to the pre‐existing leader channel (PELC). For stepped leaders that led to return strokes having higher peak currents, the space leaders appear to have incepted at farther median two‐dimensional distances from their respective PELC‐attachment points. These median distances were 6.1, 16.6, and 17.6 m, respectively, for the three strokes. Our observations indicate that space leader characteristics are likely influenced by stepped‐leader line‐charge‐density, which is expected to be higher in strokes with higher return‐stroke peak currents.
Millennial Resolution Late Miocene Northern China Precipitation Record Spanning Astronomical Analogue Interval to the Future
Authors: Gao Peng , Nie Junsheng , Yan Qing , Zhang Xu , Liu Qingsong , Cao Bo , Pan Baotian
Published: July 2021

Much has been learned regarding orbital and millennial timescale climate changes after the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciations (NHG) at ca. 2.7 Ma. By contrast, little is known about these variations before the NHG due to lack of high‐resolution records. Here we report first millennial resolution quantified East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) precipitation record from the north eastern Tibetan Plateau. The record supports astronomical forcing of EASM during the late Miocene, except for the period of 8.13–8.03 Ma when EASM experienced high amplitude variations at the 100‐, 20‐kyr, and suborbital bands, which is in sharp contrast with the damped astronomical forcing. Detection of strong 100‐kyr and millennial cycles during low eccentricity intervals of the warm late Miocene with ephemeral NH ice sheets cast doubt on NH ice sheet size variations as their exclusive forcing in the late Miocene and late Quaternary paleoclimatic records.
Determining Crustal Attenuation With Seismic T Waves in Southern Africa
Authors: Zhou Yong , Chen Xiaofei , Ni Sidao , Qian Yunyi , Zhang Yayun , Yu Chuanhai , Zhong Qiu , Zheng Tingting , Xu Min
Published: July 2021

Crustal attenuation structures obtained at high frequencies (>1 Hz) are important for seismic risk assessment and geodynamics studies in stable continents. However, it is difficult to infer attenuation in low seismicity regions using body and surface waves. In this study, we explore the potential of using seismic T phases to constrain the crustal attenuation. We analyzed the characteristics of T waves recorded on the seismic array deployed in southern Africa. The converted station‐side T‐P and T‐S phases were identified by analyzing the waveform, travel time, polarization, and frequency‐wavenumber features. The distinct differences in polarization and slowness are used to quantify contributions from T‐P and T‐S conversions. The inverted frequency‐dependent Qp and Qs (attenuation factor of local P and S waves, respectively) in the southern Africa are found to be and , respectively. Our method could be extended to infer crustal attenuation features near the coasts of other continents.
The Field of Shock‐Generated Alfven Oscillations Near the Plasmapause
Authors: Leonovich A. S. , Zong Q.‐G. , Kozlov D. A. , Kotovschikov I. P.
Published: July 2021

A theoretical interpretation is given for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) oscillations observed by the GOES and Cluster satellites on November 7, 2004 near the plasmapause (Zong et al., 2009, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009ja014393, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012ja018024), before and after an interplanetary shock passes through the magnetosphere (about 18:27 UT). It is shown that, after the shock front passage, the MHD oscillation spectra recorded by Cluster (C1) and GOES 12, located respectively inside and outside the plasmasphere, differ significantly. According to our interpretation, these differences are due to the shock wavefront affecting the plasmapause and exciting broadband resonant Alfven waves, thus significantly changing the MHD oscillation spectrum. A model in the form of a plasma cylinder was developed in order to study MHD oscillations in the dayside magnetosphere numerically. An analytical model is proposed for the source of resonant Alfven waves that has the form of two fast magnetosonic wave packets propagating along the plasmapause, resulting from the shock wave/plasmapause interaction. Numerically calculated parameters of Alfven waves excited by a source based on this model show a good agreement with the oscillation parameters observed by satellites.
Synergistic melanoma cell death mediated by inhibition of both MCL1 and BCL2 in high-risk tumors driven by NF1/PTEN loss
Authors: He Shuning , Zimmerman Mark W. , Layden Hillary M. , Berezovskaya Alla , Etchin Julia , Martel Megan W. , Thurston Grace , Jing Chang-Bin , van Rooijen Ellen , Kaufman Charles K. , Rodig Scott J. , Zon Leonard I. , Patton E. Elizabeth , Mansour Marc R. , Look A. Thomas
Published: July 2021

Melanomas driven by loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor have a high risk of treatment failure and effective therapies have not been developed. Here we show that loss-of-function mutations of nf1 and pten result in aggressive melanomas in zebrafish, representing the first animal model of NF1-mutant melanomas harboring PTEN loss. MEK or PI3K inhibitors show little activity when given alone due to cross-talk between the pathways, and high toxicity when given together. The mTOR inhibitors, sirolimus, everolimus, and temsirolimus, were the most active single agents tested, potently induced tumor-suppressive autophagy, but not apoptosis. Because addition of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax resulted in compensatory upregulation of MCL1, we established a three-drug combination composed of sirolimus, venetoclax, and the MCL1 inhibitor S63845. This well-tolerated drug combination potently and synergistically induces apoptosis in both zebrafish and human NF1/PTEN-deficient melanoma cells, providing preclinical evidence justifying an early-stage clinical trial in patients with NF1/PTEN-deficient melanoma.
Risk factors for outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with advanced phase CML
Authors: Niederwieser Christian , Morozova Elena , Zubarovskaya Ludmila , Zabelina Tatjana , Klyuchnikov Evgeny , Janson Dietlinde , Wolschke Christine , Christopeit Maximilian , Ayuk Francis , Moiseev Ivan , Afanasyev Boris V. , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: July 2021

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative option for patients with advanced chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, outcome is dismal and of short follow-up. The objective of the study was to determine long-term outcome and risk factors in patients with a history of CML Blast Crisis (BC; n = 96) or accelerated phase (n = 51) transplanted between 1990 and 2018. At transplant, patients had a median age of 39 (range 7–76) years and were in ≥CP2 (n = 70), in AP (n = 40) or in BC (n = 37) with a diagnosis-HSCT interval of median 1.9 (range 0.3–24.4) years. Overall survival (OS) amounted 34% (95% CI 22–46) and progression-free survival (PFS) 26% (95% CI 16-36) at 15 years. Adverse risk factors for OS and PFS were low CD34+ count in the graft, donor age (>36 years) and BC. Cumulative incidence of Non-Relapse Mortality (NRM) was 28% (95% CI 18–38) and of relapse (RI) 43% (95% CI 33–53) at 15 years. PB-HSCT and HSCT after 2008 were favorable prognostic factors for NRM, while family donor and patient age >39 years were independently associated with higher RI. HSCT resulted in long-term OS in patients with advanced CML. OS was improved in non-BC patients, with donors ≤36 years and with higher CD34+ dose in the graft.
Beige adipocytes mediate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of subcutaneous fat in obese mice
Authors: Guo De-Huang , Yamamoto Masaki , Hernandez Caterina M. , Khodadadi Hesam , Baban Babak , Stranahan Alexis M.
Published: July 2021

Visceral obesity increases risk of cognitive decline in humans, but subcutaneous adiposity does not. Here, we report that beige adipocytes are indispensable for the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of subcutaneous fat. Mice lacking functional beige fat exhibit accelerated cognitive dysfunction and microglial activation with dietary obesity. Subcutaneous fat transplantation also protects against chronic obesity in wildtype mice via beige fat-dependent mechanisms. Beige adipocytes restore hippocampal synaptic plasticity following transplantation, and these effects require the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL4). After observing beige fat-mediated induction of IL4 in meningeal T-cells, we investigated the contributions of peripheral lymphocytes in donor fat. There was no sign of donor-derived lymphocyte trafficking between fat and brain, but recipient-derived lymphocytes were required for the effects of transplantation on cognition and microglial morphology. These findings indicate that beige adipocytes oppose obesity-induced cognitive impairment, with a potential role for IL4 in the relationship between beige fat and brain function.
Unveiling structure-performance relationships from multi-scales in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics
Authors: Li Shuixing , Zhan Lingling , Yao Nannan , Xia Xinxin , Chen Zeng , Yang Weitao , He Chengliang , Zuo Lijian , Shi Minmin , Zhu Haiming , Lu Xinhui , Zhang Fengling , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2021

Unveiling the correlations among molecular structures, morphological characteristics, macroscopic properties and device performances is crucial for developing better photovoltaic materials and achieving higher efficiencies. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive study is performed based on four state-of-the-art non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), which allows to systematically examine the above-mentioned correlations from different scales. It’s found that extending conjugation of NFA shows positive effects on charge separation promotion and non-radiative loss reduction, while asymmetric terminals can maximize benefits from both terminals. Another molecular optimization is from alkyl chain tuning. The shortened alkyl side chain results in strengthened terminal packing and decreased π-π distance, which contribute high carrier mobility and finally the high charge collection efficiency. With the most-acquired benefits from molecular structure and macroscopic factors, PM6:BTP-S9-based organic photovoltaics (OPVs) exhibit the optimal efficiency of 17.56% (certified: 17.4%) with a high fill factor of 78.44%, representing the best among asymmetric acceptor based OPVs. This work provides insight into the structure-performance relationships, and paves the way toward high-performance OPVs via molecular design.
Wavelength conversion through plasmon-coupled surface states
Authors: Turan Deniz , Lu Ping Keng , Yardimci Nezih T. , Liu Zhaoyu , Luo Liang , Park Joong-Mok , Nandi Uttam , Wang Jigang , Preu Sascha , Jarrahi Mona
Published: July 2021

Surface states generally degrade semiconductor device performance by raising the charge injection barrier height, introducing localized trap states, inducing surface leakage current, and altering the electric potential. We show that the giant built-in electric field created by the surface states can be harnessed to enable passive wavelength conversion without utilizing any nonlinear optical phenomena. Photo-excited surface plasmons are coupled to the surface states to generate an electron gas, which is routed to a nanoantenna array through the giant electric field created by the surface states. The induced current on the nanoantennas, which contains mixing product of different optical frequency components, generates radiation at the beat frequencies of the incident photons. We utilize the functionalities of plasmon-coupled surface states to demonstrate passive wavelength conversion of nanojoule optical pulses at a 1550 nm center wavelength to terahertz regime with efficiencies that exceed nonlinear optical methods by 4-orders of magnitude.
Magnetic-field-induced robust zero Hall plateau state in MnBi2Te4 Chern insulator
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Yongchao , Yang Ming , Mao Jiahao , Li Hao , Li Yaoxin , Li Jiaheng , Zhu Haipeng , Wang Junfeng , Li Liang , Wu Yang , Xu Yong , Zhang Jinsong , Wang Yayu
Published: July 2021

The intrinsic antiferromagnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 provides an ideal platform for exploring exotic topological quantum phenomena. Recently, the Chern insulator and axion insulator phases have been realized in few-layer MnBi2Te4 devices at low magnetic field regime. However, the fate of MnBi2Te4 in high magnetic field has never been explored in experiment. In this work, we report transport studies of exfoliated MnBi2Te4 flakes in pulsed magnetic fields up to 61.5 T. In the high-field limit, the Chern insulator phase with Chern number C = −1 evolves into a robust zero Hall resistance plateau state. Nonlocal transport measurements and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the charge transport in the zero Hall plateau state is conducted by two counter-propagating edge states that arise from the combined effects of Landau levels and large Zeeman effect in strong magnetic fields. Our result demonstrates the intricate interplay among intrinsic magnetic order, external magnetic field, and nontrivial band topology in MnBi2Te4.
Maternal blood count parameters of chronic inflammation by gestational age and their associations with risk of preterm delivery in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Morisaki Naho , Piedvache Aurélie , Nagata Chie , Michikawa Takehiro , Morokuma Seiichi , Kato Kiyoko , Sanefuji Masafumi , Shibata Eiji , Tsuji Mayumi , Shimono Masayuki , Ohga Shouichi , Kusuhara Koichi ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: July 2021

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), are three reportedly predictive biomarkers that reflect subclinical chronic inflammatory burden. However, how these biomarkers change during pregnancy and its clinical utility among pregnant women have been rarely studied. Among 76,853 singleton pregnancies delivered at 28–41 weeks of gestation that were enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, we observed the distribution of maternal NLR, PLR, and LMR values from week 0 to week 36 using spline curves, as well as their predictive values for preterm delivery with and without hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, placental abruption and intrauterine growth restriction (collectively termed ischemic placental disease due to their shared pathological and pathophysiological features) for measurements at 8–11 weeks, 12–17 weeks, and 18–21 weeks. NLR and PLR increased, whereas LMR decreased, with increasing gestation. High LMR and low NLR observed at 18–21 weeks, but not at earlier gestations, were associated with higher risk of preterm delivery with IPD (odds ratio 1.80 [95% CI 1.02, 3.19] per log[LMR]; odds ratio 0.49 [95% CI 0.29, 0.82] per log[NLR]). All parameters were not predictive of preterm delivery without IPD. We provide a robust reference curve for maternal blood count parameters NLR, PLR, and LMR by gestational week.
Sirtuin 5 depletion impairs mitochondrial function in human proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Haschler Timo N. , Horsley Harry , Balys Monika , Anderson Glenn , Taanman Jan-Willem , Unwin Robert J. , Norman Jill T.
Published: July 2021

Ischemia is a major cause of kidney damage. Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) are highly susceptible to ischemic insults that frequently cause acute kidney injury (AKI), a potentially life-threatening condition with high mortality. Accumulating evidence has identified altered mitochondrial function as a central pathologic feature of AKI. The mitochondrial NAD+-dependent enzyme sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) is a key regulator of mitochondrial form and function, but its role in ischemic renal injury (IRI) is unknown. SIRT5 expression was increased in murine PTECs after IRI in vivo and in human PTECs (hPTECs) exposed to an oxygen/nutrient deprivation (OND) model of IRI in vitro. SIRT5-depletion impaired ATP production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and provoked mitochondrial fragmentation in hPTECs. Moreover, SIRT5 RNAi exacerbated OND-induced mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction and swelling, and increased degradation by mitophagy. These findings suggest SIRT5 is required for normal mitochondrial function in hPTECs and indicate a potentially important role for the enzyme in the regulation of mitochondrial biology in ischemia.
Hydralazine augmented ultrasound hyperthermia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Karmacharya Mrigendra B. , Sultan Laith R. , Hunt Stephen J. , Sehgal Chandra M.
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the use of hydralazine to enhance ultrasound hyperthermia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by minimizing flow-mediated heat loss from the tumor. Murine HCC tumors were treated with a continuous mode ultrasound with or without an intravenous administration of hydralazine (5 mg/kg). Tumor blood flow and blood vessels were evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and histology, respectively. Hydralazine markedly enhanced ultrasound hyperthermia through the disruption of tumor blood flow in HCC. Ultrasound treatment with hydralazine significantly reduced peak enhancement (PE), perfusion index (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) of the CEUS time-intensity curves by 91.9 ± 0.9%, 95.7 ± 0.7%, and 96.6 ± 0.5%, compared to 71.4 ± 1.9%, 84.7 ± 1.1%, and 85.6 ± 0.7% respectively without hydralazine. Tumor temperature measurements showed that the cumulative thermal dose delivered by ultrasound treatment with hydralazine (170.8 ± 11.8 min) was significantly higher than that without hydralazine (137.7 ± 10.7 min). Histological assessment of the ultrasound-treated tumors showed that hydralazine injection formed larger hemorrhagic pools and increased tumor vessel dilation consistent with CEUS observations illustrating the augmentation of hyperthermic effects by hydralazine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ultrasound hyperthermia can be enhanced significantly by hydralazine in murine HCC tumors by modulating tumor blood flow. Future studies demonstrating the safety of the combined use of ultrasound and hydralazine would enable the clinical translation of the proposed technique.
Male diet affects female fitness and sperm competition in human- and bat-associated lineages of the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Křemenová Jana , Bartonička Tomáš , Balvín Ondřej , Massino Christian , Reinhardt Klaus , Sasínková Markéta , Weig Alfons R. , Otti Oliver
Published: July 2021

Sperm performance can vary in ecologically divergent populations, but it is often not clear whether the environment per se or genomic differences arising from divergent selection cause the difference. One powerful and easily manipulated environmental effect is diet. Populations of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) naturally feed either on bat or human blood. These are diverging genetically into a bat-associated and a human-associated lineage. To measure how male diet affects sperm performance, we kept males of two HL and BL populations each on either their own or the foreign diet. Then we investigated male reproductive success in a single mating and sperm competition context. We found that male diet affected female fecundity and changed the outcome of sperm competition, at least in the human lineage. However, this influence of diet on sperm performance was moulded by an interaction. Bat blood generally had a beneficial effect on sperm competitiveness and seemed to be a better food source in both lineages. Few studies have examined the effects of male diet on sperm performance generally, and sperm competition specifically. Our results reinforce the importance to consider the environment in which sperm are produced. In the absence of gene flow, such differences may increase reproductive isolation. In the presence of gene flow, however, the generally better sperm performance after consuming bat blood suggests that the diet is likely to homogenise rather than isolate populations.
Integrative analysis of the choroid by quantifying Haller vessel and choriocapillaris parameters in different drusen subtypes
Authors: Lee Hyungwoo , Kim Seungmin , Kim Myung Ae , Jo Young Joon , Lee Woo Hyuk , Kim Hyung Chan , Chung Hyewon
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to quantify the Haller vessel and choriocapillaris (CC) parameters in drusen subtypes in nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pachydrusen. Ninety-five eyes of 80 patients and 28 control eyes were categorized into soft drusen, subretinal drusenoid deposit (SDD), soft drusen plus SDD, pachydrusen, and control groups. The diameter, length and intersections of Haller vessels and the total area, size and number of CC flow voids were quantified using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) or OCT angiography. The pachydrusen group showed the largest Haller vessel area and diameter and shortest total length but similar CC parameters to those in the control group. The soft drusen plus SDD group showed the largest CC flow void area and size, while the Haller parameters were similar to those in the control group. The area and size of the flow voids in the SDD group were smaller than those in the soft drusen plus SDD group. Based on unsupervised machine learning, the eyes were classified into 4 clusters—the control, pachydrusen, soft drusen plus SDD and soft drusen plus SDD groups. Cluster 3 showed a larger diameter and shorter total length of the Haller vessels than cluster 4.
Compromised dental cells viability following teeth-whitening exposure
Authors: Redha Ola , Mazinanian Morteza , Nguyen Sabrina , Son Dong Ok , Lodyga Monika , Hinz Boris , Odlyha Marianne , McDonald Ailbhe , Bozec Laurent
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to assess the viability of dental cells following time-dependent carbamide peroxide teeth-whitening treatments using an in-vitro dentin perfusion assay model. 30 teeth were exposed to 5% or 16% CP gel (4 h daily) for 2-weeks. The enamel organic content was measured with thermogravimetry. The time-dependent viability of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs) following either indirect exposure to 3 commercially available concentrations of CP gel using an in-vitro dentin perfusion assay or direct exposure to 5% H2O2 were investigated by evaluating change in cell morphology and by hemocytometry. The 5% and 16% CP produced a significantly lower (p < 0.001) enamel protein content (by weight) when compared to the control. The organic content in enamel varied accordingly to the CP treatment: for the 16% and 5% CP treatment groups, a variation of 4.0% and 5.4%, respectively, was observed with no significant difference. The cell viability of HDPSCs decreased exponentially over time for all groups. Within the limitation of this in-vitro study, we conclude that even low concentrations of H2O2 and CP result in a deleterious change in enamel protein content and compromise the viability of HGFCs and HDPSCs. These effects should be observed in-vivo.
Sauna dehydration as a new physiological challenge model for intestinal barrier function
Authors: Roca Rubio Maria Fernanda , Eriksson Ulrika , Brummer Robert J. , König Julia
Published: July 2021

The intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, and an increased permeability has been linked to several intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. There is an increasing demand for interventions aimed at strengthening this barrier and for in vivo challenge models to assess their efficiency. This study investigated the effect of sauna-induced dehydration on intestinal barrier function (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03620825). Twenty healthy subjects underwent three conditions in random order: (1) Sauna dehydration (loss of 3% body weight), (2) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake, (3) negative control. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test, while intestinal damage, bacterial translocation and cytokines were assessed by plasma markers. The sauna dehydration protocol resulted in an increase in gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability. Presumably, this increase occurred without substantial damage to the enterocytes as plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were not affected. In addition, we observed significant increases in levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), IL-6 and IL-8, while sCD14, IL-10, IFN-ɣ and TNF-α were not affected. These results suggest that sauna dehydration increased intestinal permeability and could be applied as a new physiological in vivo challenge model for intestinal barrier function.
Physiological and interactomic analysis reveals versatile functions of Arabidopsis 14-3-3 quadruple mutants in response to Fe deficiency
Authors: Gao Jing , van Kleeff Paula J. M. , Li Ka Wan , de Boer Albertus H.
Published: July 2021

To date, few phenotypes have been described for Arabidopsis 14-3-3 mutants or the phenotypes showing the role of 14-3-3 in plant responding to abiotic stress. Although one member of the 14-3-3 protein family (14-3-3 omicron) was shown to be involved in the proper operation of Fe acquisition mechanisms at physiological and gene expression levels in Arabidopsis thaliana, it remains to be explored whether other members play a role in regulating iron acquisition. To more directly and effectively observe whether members of 14-3-3 non-epsilon group have a function in Fe-deficiency adaptation, three higher order quadruple KOs, kappa/lambda/phi/chi (klpc), kappa/lambda/upsilon/nu(klun), and upsilon/nu/phi/chi (unpc) were generated and studied for physiological analysis in this study. The analysis of iron-utilization efficiency, root phenotyping, and transcriptional level of Fe-responsive genes suggested that the mutant with kl background showed different phenotypes from Wt when plants suffered Fe starved, while these phenotypes were absent in the unpc mutant. Moreover, the absence of the four 14-3-3 isoforms in the klun mutant has a clear impact on the 14-3-3 interactome upon Fe deficiency. Dynamics of 14-3-3-client interactions analysis showed that 27 and 17 proteins differentially interacted with 14-3-3 in Wt and klun roots caused by Fe deficiency, respectively. Many of these Fe responsive proteins have a role in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle, the FoF1-synthase and in the cysteine/methionine synthesis. A clear explanation for the observed phenotypes awaits a more detailed analysis of the functional aspects of 14-3-3 binding to the target proteins identified in this study.
Impact of autocatalytic chemical reaction in an Ostwald-de-Waele nanofluid flow past a rotating disk with heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Yu Bai , Ramzan Muhammad , Riasat Saima , Kadry Seifedine , Chu Yu-Ming , Malik M. Y.
Published: July 2021

The nanofluids owing to their alluring attributes like enhanced thermal conductivity and better heat transfer characteristics have a vast variety of applications ranging from space technology to nuclear reactors etc. The present study highlights the Ostwald-de-Waele nanofluid flow past a rotating disk of variable thickness in a porous medium with a melting heat transfer phenomenon. The surface catalyzed reaction is added to the homogeneous-heterogeneous reaction that triggers the rate of the chemical reaction. The added feature of the variable thermal conductivity and the viscosity instead of their constant values also boosts the novelty of the undertaken problem. The modeled problem is erected in the form of a system of partial differential equations. Engaging similarity transformation, the set of ordinary differential equations are obtained. The coupled equations are numerically solved by using the bvp4c built-in MATLAB function. The drag coefficient and Nusselt number are plotted for arising parameters. The results revealed that increasing surface catalyzed parameter causes a decline in thermal profile more efficiently. Further, the power-law index is more influential than the variable thickness disk index. The numerical results show that variations in dimensionless thickness coefficient do not make any effect. However, increasing power-law index causing an upsurge in radial, axial, tangential, velocities, and thermal profile.
Photocrosslinkable liver extracellular matrix hydrogels for the generation of 3D liver microenvironment models
Authors: Ravichandran Akhilandeshwari , Murekatete Berline , Moedder Denise , Meinert Christoph , Bray Laura J.
Published: July 2021

Liver extracellular matrix (ECM)-based hydrogels have gained considerable interest as biomimetic 3D cell culture environments to investigate the mechanisms of liver pathology, metabolism, and toxicity. The preparation of current liver ECM hydrogels, however, is based on time-consuming thermal gelation and limits the control of mechanical properties. In this study, we used detergent-based protocols to produce decellularized porcine liver ECM, which in turn were solubilized and functionalized with methacrylic anhydride to generate photocrosslinkable methacrylated liver ECM (LivMA) hydrogels. Firstly, we explored the efficacy of two protocols to decellularize porcine liver tissue using varying combinations of commonly used chemical agents such as Triton X-100, Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and Ammonium hydroxide. Then, we demonstrated successful formation of stable, reproducible LivMA hydrogels from both the protocols by photocrosslinking. The LivMA hydrogels obtained from the two decellularization protocols showed distinct mechanical properties. The compressive modulus of the hydrogels was directly dependent on the hydrogel concentration, thereby demonstrating the tuneability of mechanical properties of these hydrogels. Immortalized Human Hepatocytes cells were encapsulated in the LivMA hydrogels and cytocompatibility of the hydrogels was demonstrated after one week of culture. In summary, the LivMA hydrogel system provides a simple, photocrosslinkable platform, which can potentially be used to simulate healthy versus damaged liver for liver disease research, drug studies and cancer metastasis modelling.
Faceting–roughening transition of a Cu grain boundary under electron-beam irradiation at 300 keV
Authors: Lee Sung Bo , Han Heung Nam
Published: July 2021

In this study, we examined the beam-irradiation effect on the structural evolution of the grain boundary (GB) in a Cu bicrystal at room temperature using a Cs-corrected, monochromated transmission electron microscope at an acceleration voltage of 300 keV. Faceting of the GB was observed at a low current density of the electron beam. With increasing current density, the GB became defaceted. The faceting–roughening transition was shown to be reversible, as the process was reversed upon decreasing the current density. The structural transition is explained by inelastic scattering effects by electron-beam irradiation.
Factors influencing the injury severity score and the probability of survival in patients who fell from height
Authors: Fujii Masashi , Shirakawa Tsutomu , Nakamura Mami , Baba Mineko , Hitosugi Masahito
Published: July 2021

In Japan, falls from height result in the second highest trauma mortality rate after traffic motor vehicle collisions and the highest trauma-related mortality rate amongst young people. We aimed to identify factors that worsen injury severity and lower survival probability of patients who fell from height and to contribute to the improvement of their prehospital and in-hospital care. This retrospective analysis retrieved hospital records of 179 patients aged ≥ 15 years who were transported to our hospital after a fall from height during April 2014–March 2020. On multiple regression analysis, fall height ≥ 5 m more significantly resulted in higher the injury severity score. Logistic regression analysis revealed that fall height ≥ 5 m with the reference of 2–3 m significantly resulted in lower the survival probability with odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.10 (0.02–0.55). Using ‘feet-first’ as the reference body position, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of survival for those who impacted the surface on the lateral or dorsal regions were 0.11 (0.02–0.64) and 0.17 (0.03–0.99), respectively. Collecting information on the abovementioned factors at pre-hospitalisation may facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment. These results may help improve prehospital and in-hospital care, avoiding preventable trauma deaths.
Preclinical validation of a live attenuated dermotropic Leishmania vaccine against vector transmitted fatal visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Karmakar Subir , Ismail Nevien , Oliveira Fabiano , Oristian James , Zhang Wen Wei , Kaviraj Swarnendu , Singh Kamaleshwar P. , Mondal Abhishek , Das Sushmita , Pandey Krishna , Bhattacharya Parna , Volpedo Greta , Gannavaram Sreenivas , Satoskar Monika , Satoskar Sanika , Sastry Rajiv M. , Oljuskin Timur , Sepahpour Telly , Meneses Claudio , Hamano Shinjiro , Das Pradeep , Matlashewski Greg , Singh Sanjay , Kamhawi Shaden , Dey Ranadhir , Valenzuela Jesus G. , Satoskar Abhay , Nakhasi Hira L.
Published: July 2021

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal disease is caused by Leishmania donovani parasites with no vaccine available. Here we produced a dermotropic live attenuated centrin gene deleted Leishmania major (LmCen−/−) vaccine under Good Laboratory Practices and demonstrated that a single intradermal injection confers robust and durable protection against lethal VL transmitted naturally via bites of L. donovani-infected sand flies and prevents mortality. Surprisingly, immunogenicity characteristics of LmCen−/− parasites revealed activation of common immune pathways like L. major wild type parasites. Spleen cells from LmCen−/− immunized and L. donovani challenged hamsters produced significantly higher Th1-associated cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and reduced expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, IL-21, compared to non-immunized challenged animals. PBMCs, isolated from healthy people from non-endemic region, upon LmCen−/− infection also induced more IFN-γ compared to IL-10, consistent with our immunogenicity data in LmCen−/− immunized hamsters. This study demonstrates that the LmCen−/− parasites are safe and efficacious against VL and is a strong candidate vaccine to be tested in a human clinical trial.
Multi-material direct ink writing of photocurable elastomeric foams
Authors: Yirmibesoglu Osman Dogan , Simonsen Leif Erik , Manson Robert , Davidson Joseph , Healy Katherine , Menguc Yigit , Wallin Thomas
Published: July 2021

Developments in additive manufacturing have enabled the fabrication of soft machines that can safely interface with humans, creating new applications in soft robotics, wearable technologies, and haptics. However, designing custom inks for the 3D printing of soft materials with Young’s modulus less than 100 kPa remains a challenge due to highly coupled structure-property-process relationship in polymers. Here, we show a three-stage material chemistry process based on interpenetrating silicone double networks and ammonium bicarbonate particles that decouples the transient behavior during processing from the final properties of the material. Evaporation of ammonium bicarbonate particles at the final stage creates gaseous voids to produce foams with a low effective Young’s modulus in the 25 kPa −90 kPa range. Our photoirradiation-assisted direct ink writing system demonstrates the ability to maintain high resolution while enabling controlled loading of ammonium bicarbonate particles. The resultant multi-material possesses programmed porosity and related properties such as density, stiffness, Shore hardness, and ultimate strength in a monolithic object. Our multi-hardness synthetic hand and self-righting buoyant structure highlight these capabilities.
Summer and winter precipitation in East Asia scale with global warming at different rates
Authors: Liang Wengui , Zhang Minghua
Published: July 2021

Future changes of regional precipitation are of great scientific and societal interests. Large uncertainties still exist in their projections by models. Mechanistic understanding is therefore necessary. Here we demonstrate robust features of the percentage change of precipitation normalized to surface temperature change (%/K) under global warming, referred to as scaling of precipitation with temperature in East Asia. We find that land precipitation in the summer scales at ~3%/K, well below the scaling rate of the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship for atmospheric water vapor content, but the scaling in winter is comparable to the Clausius-Clapeyron scaling at ~7%/K. By using moisture budget analysis of model simulations, we show that this scaling and the seasonal contrast can be clearly attributed to the robust climate changes of steeping moisture gradient, weakening westerly jets, and increasing hydrological amplitude of atmospheric eddies.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effectively protect against neural tube defects in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin
Authors: Li Kelei , Shi Yan , Zhu Suqin , Shao Xianfeng , Li Huiying , Kuang Xiaotong , Li Shan , Guo Xiao-fei , Li Duo
Published: July 2021

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can effectively prevent NTD induced by diabetes mellitus, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuroepithelial cell apoptosis.
A novel enhanced performance thermal rectifier based on NPG functionalized carbon fibers
Authors: Cardona-Castro M. A. , Leon-Gil J. A. , Alvarez-Quintana J.
Published: July 2021

Partially functionalized carbon fibers with phase change organic molecules are newfangled candidate materials which can provide avenues to achieve high performance thermal rectifiers with a novel architecture via surface chemical functionalization.
Competitive adsorption of phenol and toluene onto silica-supported transition metal clusters for biofuel purification
Authors: Gueddida Saber , Badawi Michael , Aminabhavi Tejraj , Lebègue Sébastien
Published: July 2021

Biomass-based renewable hydrocarbon fuel is a complex mix that contains many oxygenating substances, in particular phenolics, which leads to adverse consequences such as reduced engine energy performance and increased toxic gas emissions.
A fully hydrophobic ionogel enables highly efficient wearable underwater sensors and communicators
Authors: Wei Junjie , Zheng Yinfei , Chen Tao
Published: July 2021

A fully hydrophobic ionogel sensor possesses excellent underwater sensing performance with high sensitivity, rapid responsiveness and superior durability, showing great potential in underwater communication and marine biological research.
High-rate transition metal-based cathode materials for battery-supercapacitor hybrid devices
Authors: Wang Cong , Song Zehao , Shi Pei , Lv Lin , Wan Houzhao , Tao Li , Zhang Jun , Wang Hanbin , Wang Hao
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of portable electronic devices and large-scale grid energy storage devices, it is need to enhance the specific energy and power density of electrochemical devices to meet the fast-growing requirements of energy storage.
Solvent-directed formation of helically twisted stacking constructs via self-assembly of tris(phenylisoxazolyl)benzene dimers
Authors: Ono Yudai , Hirao Takehiro , Haino Takeharu
Published: July 2021

Ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy)-appended tris(phenylisoxazolyl)benzene dimers were synthesized. The dimers were self-assembled to form helically twisted stacking constructs only in a 40% (v/v) CHCl3/methylcyclohexane mixture.
Facile fabrication of flexible concave microlens arrays with a well-controlled curvature
Authors: Lv Guowei , Tian Hongmiao , Shao Jinyou , Feng Xuehong , Meng Lingjie , Ren Zijun , Yu Demei
Published: July 2021

Flexible concave microlens arrays with a well-controlled curvature can be fabricated straightforwardly using a leaky dielectric via the electrowetting-on-dielectrics phenomenon for potential miniaturized and high-performance flexible optical micro-devices.
Palladium-catalysed oxidative nucleophilic allylation between alkenes and activated ketimines
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Peng , Chen Zhi-Chao , Du Wei , Ouyang Qin , Chen Ying-Chun
Published: July 2021

A direct linear regioselective oxidative allylation reaction between alkenes and activated ketimines has been developed by using a Pd(OAc)2/2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone system.
Visible light mediated functionalization of allenes
Authors: Singh Jitender , Sharma Anoop , Sharma Anuj
Published: July 2021

This review summarizes the visible light mediated strategies for the functionalization of allenes.
The role of hydrogen in heavy transport to operate within planetary boundaries
Authors: Valente Antonio , Tulus Victor , Galán-Martín Ángel , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: July 2021

Fueling trucks with green hydrogen shows a favorable environmental life-cycle performance with respect to conventional diesel. Hydrogen as an alternative fuel would help society to safely operate within the absolute ecological limits of our planet.
The activation-free electroless deposition of NiFe over carbon cloth as a self-standing flexible electrode towards overall water splitting
Authors: Kafle Alankar , Kumar Mukesh , Gupta Divyani , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: July 2021

The electroless deposition of NiFe over carbon cloth as a flexible electrode for overall water splitting was demonstrated.
Phase and morphology engineering of porous cobalt–copper sulfide as a bifunctional oxygen electrode for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhuang Linzhou , Tao Haolan , Xu Fang , Lian Cheng , Liu Honglai , Wang Keyu , Li Jiankun , Zhou Wei , Xu Zhi , Shao Zongping , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: July 2021

Porous Co2Cu1–S is developed into a promising bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst via active-site electronic structure and morphology engineering. When applied as a cathode in Zn–air battery, it exhibits a high specific capacity and robust stability.
17.25% high efficiency ternary solar cells with increased open-circuit voltage using a high HOMO level small molecule guest donor in a PM6:Y6 blend
Authors: Tang Wei , Peng Wenhong , Zhu Mengbing , Jiang Huanxiang , Wang Wenchao , Xia Hao , Yang Renqiang , Inganäs Olle , Tan Hua , Bian Qingzhen , Wang Ergang , Zhu Weiguo
Published: July 2021

A small-molecule TiC12 was primarily incorporated into the PM6:Y6 system as the third component to construct ternary OSCs. As a result, a record PCE of 17.25% with an advanced Voc of 0.853 V was obtained in the OSCs.
Functionalisation of MoS2 2D layers with diarylethene molecules
Authors: Morant-Giner Marc , Carbonell-Vilar José M. , Viciano-Chumillas Marta , Forment-Aliaga Alicia , Cano Joan , Coronado Eugenio
Published: July 2021

Covalently and electrostatically functionalised MoS2 flakes with photoswitchable diarylethene derivatives.