bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Boundary Event on Carbonate Productivity of a Tethyan Platform and Slope
Authors: Fleischmann Sarah , Picotti Vincenzo , Caves Rugenstein Jeremy K. , Cobianchi Miriam , Bernasconi Stefano M.
Published: May 2022

We explore the effects of the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Boundary Event (P–ToBE) on tropical carbonate productivity in the interior to margin and slope of the Venetian Platform (Northern Italy). We document the P–ToBE for the first time in the shallow‐water platform margin, and we bio‐ and chemostratigraphically tie it to transgressive/regressive cycles. Following the latest Pliensbachian sea‐level drop and emersion, transgressive grainstones at the platform edge record the P–ToBE negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) of 1–1.5‰, also found in marl/limestone couplets on the slope. Recovery of platform productivity was ephemeral, as the platform drowned right after the peak negative CIE and was covered by deep‐sea thin‐bedded micritic limestones. The end of the P–ToBE correlates with a regression and renewed recovery of carbonate productivity. The negative CIE of the subsequent Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event is recorded in open‐sea cherty limestones both at the marginal and interior platform. These limestones document an even wider transgression and the renewed partial drowning of the platform in the Serpentinus Zone. We investigate the causes of the carbon perturbation at the P–ToBE, using a simple carbon cycle model. The duration and magnitude of the CIE suggest a rapid release of methane in driving the CIE, perhaps related to the preceding sea‐level drop and associated cryosphere perturbation, or to thermogenic alteration of coals near the Karoo‐Ferrar Large Igneous Province (LIP). The extent of the warming and the magnitude of the P–ToBE CIE implies a contribution of volcanogenic carbon dioxide from the Karoo‐Ferrar LIP.
Source Characteristics and Exacerbated Tsunami Hazard of the 2020 Mw 6.9 Samos Earthquake in Eastern Aegean Sea
Authors: Hu Gui , Feng Wanpeng , Wang Yuchen , Li Linlin , He Xiaohui , Karakaş Çağıl , Tian Yunfeng
Published: May 2022

On 30 October 2020, an Mw 6.9 normal faulting earthquake occurred off the northern coasts of Samos Island, Greece. The earthquake with moderate magnitude generated the largest tsunami in the eastern Mediterranean since the 1956 Amorgos event. Here, we investigate the earthquake source characteristics and examine the factors contributing to the exacerbated tsunami using an integrated approach, including the source inversion from InSAR and GPS data, tsunami simulation, and spectral analysis of tsunami waveforms. The results show that a set of conjugate faults, determined in this study, can explain the geodetic surface deformation equally well. Our tsunami modeling results indicate that the shallow north‐dipping fault was most likely responsible for the mainshock. With the key features of our preferred source models, we infer that the tsunami was intensified by several conditions: (a) the spatial distribution of major coseismic slips coincided with the deepest portion of the Samos Basin which served as an energy reservoir for the tsunami generation; (b) the tsunami was generated in a semi‐closed bay which trapped most of the tsunami energy; (c) the east‐west orientation of the mainshock fault and the location of the concentrated coseismic slips directed the majority of the tsunami energy toward Sığacık Bay, which formed the extremely high tsunami of 3.8 m; (d) the primary tsunami wave period, close to natural oscillation frequency of the harbor, resulted in the observed significant oscillation. We conclude that the tsunami of the 2020 Samos earthquake was exacerbated by both the source characteristics and tsunami resonance property.
Holocene Paleosecular Variations Recorded by Relict Magnetic Minerals in the Anoxic Black Sea Sediments
Authors: Liu Jiabo , Nowaczyk Norbert R. , Jiang Xiaodong , Zhong Yi , Wirth Richard , Liu Qingsong , Arz Helge W.
Published: May 2022

Continuous paleosecular variations reconstructed from sedimentary archives have remarkably deepened our insights into the dynamics of the Earth's magnetic field as well as the chronological purpose. Nevertheless, to construct reliable sedimentary paleomagnetic records in diagenetic reducing sediments is challenging generally due to the pervasive magnetic mineral diagenesis. The relict magnetic minerals are residuals after diagenesis and probably able to record a depositional remanent magnetization, thus it is worthy to explore their paleomagnetic potentials. For this study, two Black Sea sediment cores covering the past 8 ka were subjected to mineralogical and paleo‐ and rock magnetic analyses. Paramagnetic pyrite framboids are pervasive in the studied sediments deposited under anoxic bottom water conditions in the Black Sea. In addition, relict magnetic minerals of ferrous hemoilmenite, Fe‐Mn and Fe‐Cr spinels, and magnetite inclusions are also present in the studied cores. Compared to the previous published paleomagnetic results from the same cores over the last glacial period (20–30 ka) which are dominated by detrital (titano‐)magnetite particles, the studied relict magnetic mineral samples exhibit a similar behavior in recording the depositional remanent magnetization. Furthermore, the obtained paleosecular variations spanning the past 8 ka reproduce the high intensity patterns observed in the regional archeomagnetic and volcanic datasets. Thus, the successful reconstruction of paleomagnetic secular variations from the anoxic Black Sea sediments greatly extend the application of paleomagnetism in sediments deposited in water with a reducing sub‐surface environments from where paleomagnetic data are generally sparse.
The scaffold protein NEDD9 is necessary for leukemia-cell migration and disease progression in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Rusyn Lisa , Reinartz Sebastian , Nikiforov Anastasia , Mikhael Nelly , vom Stein Alexander , Kohlhas Viktoria , Bloehdorn Johannes , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Lohneis Philipp , Buettner Reinhard , Robrecht Sandra , Fischer Kirsten , Pallasch Christian , Hallek Michael , Nguyen Phuong-Hien , Seeger-Nukpezah Tamina
Published: May 2022

The scaffold protein NEDD9 is frequently upregulated and hyperphosphorylated in cancers, and is associated with poor clinical outcome. NEDD9 promotes B-cell adhesion, migration and chemotaxis, pivotal processes for malignant development. We show that global or B-cell-specific deletion of Nedd9 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) mouse models delayed CLL development, markedly reduced disease burden and resulted in significant survival benefit. NEDD9 was required for efficient CLL cell homing, chemotaxis, migration and adhesion. In CLL patients, peripheral NEDD9 expression was associated with adhesion and migration signatures as well as leukocyte count. Additionally, CLL lymph nodes frequently expressed high NEDD9 levels, with a subset of patients showing NEDD9 expression enriched in the CLL proliferation centers. Blocking activity of prominent NEDD9 effectors, including AURKA and HDAC6, effectively reduced CLL cell migration and chemotaxis. Collectively, our study provides evidence for a functional role of NEDD9 in CLL pathogenesis that involves intrinsic defects in adhesion, migration and homing.
Diaphragmatic electromyography during a spontaneous breathing trial to predict extubation failure in preterm infants
Authors: Williams Emma E. , Arattu Thodika Fahad M. S. , Chappelow Imogen , Chapman-Hatchett Nicole , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: May 2022

Background

Premature attempts at extubation and prolonged episodes of ventilatory support in preterm infants have adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether measuring the electrical activity of the diaphragm during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) could predict extubation failure in preterm infants.

Methods

When infants were ready for extubation, the electrical activity of the diaphragm was measured by transcutaneous electromyography (EMG) before and during a SBT when the infants were on endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure.

Results

Forty-eight infants were recruited (median (IQR) gestational age of 27.2 (25.6–30.4) weeks). Three infants did not pass the SBT and 13 failed extubation. The amplitude of the EMG increased during the SBT [2.3 (1.5–4.2) versus 3.5 (2.1–5.3) µV; p < 0.001]. In the whole cohort, postmenstrual age (PMA) was the strongest predictor for extubation failure (area under the curve (AUC) 0.77). In infants of gestational age <29 weeks, the percentage change of the EMG predicted extubation failure with an AUC of 0.74 while PMA was not associated with the outcome of extubation.

Conclusions

In all preterm infants, PMA was the strongest predictor of extubation failure; in those born <29 weeks of gestation, diaphragmatic electromyography during an SBT was the best predictor of extubation failure.

Impact

Composite assessments of readiness for extubation may be beneficial in the preterm population.

Diaphragmatic electromyography measured by surface electrodes is a non-invasive technique to assess the electrical activity of the diaphragm.

Postmenstrual age was the strongest predictor of extubation outcome in preterm infants.

The change in diaphragmatic activity during a spontaneous breathing trial in extremely prematurely born infants can predict subsequent extubation failure with moderate sensitivity and specificity.
Porous microcapsules encapsulating β cells generated by microfluidic electrospray technology for diabetes treatment
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Yu Yunru , Liu Dechen , Li Jingbo , Sun Ji , Wei Qiong , Zhao Yuanjin , Pandol S. J. , Li Ling
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide and needs effective clinical treatment methods. β-Cell replacement therapy has become a safe alternative for diabetes treatment in recent years, and encapsulation methods have been proposed to facilitate this type of therapy. Here, we used coaxial microfluidic electrospray technology to generate microcapsules allowing high cell viability (>90%) with porous alginate shells and β cell-containing cores in less than half an hour. Benefitting from microfluidic electrospray, the sizes of the generated microcapsules were adjustable. The biocompatible porous hydrogel shell not only protected β cells from immune rejection but also allowed the exchange of small molecular nutrients during transplantation, and the liquid core guaranteed the high viability of the encapsulated cells. This constructed living cell biosystem further demonstrated its potential as an artificial islet after transplantation into the omental pouches of diabetic mice to control blood glucose levels and thus treat diabetes. We consider that this system, with an elaborate structure and an abundance of highly viable encapsulated β cells to improve treatment performance, could be applied in a wide range of clinical situations.
Beating Carnot efficiency with periodically driven chiral conductors
Authors: Ryu Sungguen , López Rosa , Serra Llorenç , Sánchez David
Published: May 2022

Classically, the power generated by an ideal thermal machine cannot be larger than the Carnot limit. This profound result is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics. A hot question is whether this bound is still valid for microengines operating far from equilibrium. Here, we demonstrate that a quantum chiral conductor driven by AC voltage can indeed work with efficiencies much larger than the Carnot bound. The system also extracts work from common temperature baths, violating Kelvin-Planck statement. Nonetheless, with the proper definition, entropy production is always positive and the second law is preserved. The crucial ingredients to obtain efficiencies beyond the Carnot limit are: i) irreversible entropy production by the photoassisted excitation processes due to the AC field and ii) absence of power injection thanks to chirality. Our results are relevant in view of recent developments that use small conductors to test the fundamental limits of thermodynamic engines.
The immune checkpoint B7x expands tumor-infiltrating Tregs and promotes resistance to anti-CTLA-4 therapy
Authors: John Peter , Pulanco Marc C. , Galbo Phillip M. , Wei Yao , Ohaegbulam Kim C. , Zheng Deyou , Zang Xingxing
Published: May 2022

Immune checkpoint molecules play critical roles in regulating the anti-tumor immune response, and tumor cells often exploit these pathways to inhibit and evade the immune system. The B7-family immune checkpoint B7x is widely expressed in a broad variety of cancer types, and is generally associated with advanced disease progression and poorer clinical outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that transduction and stable expression of B7x in multiple syngeneic tumor models leads to the expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Mechanistically, B7x does not cause increased proliferation of Tregs in tumors, but instead promotes the conversion of conventional CD4+ T cells into Tregs. Further, we find that B7x induces global transcriptomic changes in Tregs, driving these cells to adopt an activated and suppressive phenotype. B7x increases the expression of the Treg-specific transcription factor Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells by modulating the Akt/Foxo pathway. B7x-mediated regulation of Tregs reduces the efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 treatment, a therapeutic that partially relies on Treg-depletion. However, combination treatment of anti-B7x and anti-CTLA-4 leads to synergistic therapeutic efficacy and overcomes the B7x-mediated resistance to anti-CTLA-4. Altogether, B7x mediates an immunosuppressive Treg-promoting pathway within tumors and is a promising candidate for combination immunotherapy.
Regulated IRE1α-dependent decay (RIDD)-mediated reprograming of lipid metabolism in cancer
Authors: Almanza Aitor , Mnich Katarzyna , Blomme Arnaud , Robinson Claire M. , Rodriguez-Blanco Giovanny , Kierszniowska Sylwia , McGrath Eoghan P. , Le Gallo Matthieu , Pilalis Eleftherios , Swinnen Johannes V. , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Chevet Eric , Gorman Adrienne M. , Samali Afshin
Published: May 2022

IRE1α is constitutively active in several cancers and can contribute to cancer progression. Activated IRE1α cleaves XBP1 mRNA, a key step in production of the transcription factor XBP1s. In addition, IRE1α cleaves select mRNAs through regulated IRE1α-dependent decay (RIDD). Accumulating evidence implicates IRE1α in the regulation of lipid metabolism. However, the roles of XBP1s and RIDD in this process remain ill-defined. In this study, transcriptome and lipidome profiling of triple negative breast cancer cells subjected to pharmacological inhibition of IRE1α reveals changes in lipid metabolism genes associated with accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs). We identify DGAT2 mRNA, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme in TAG biosynthesis, as a RIDD target. Inhibition of IRE1α, leads to DGAT2-dependent accumulation of TAGs in lipid droplets and sensitizes cells to nutritional stress, which is rescued by treatment with the DGAT2 inhibitor PF-06424439. Our results highlight the importance of IRE1α RIDD activity in reprograming cellular lipid metabolism.
Stress-induced protein disaggregation in the endoplasmic reticulum catalysed by BiP
Authors: Melo Eduardo Pinho , Konno Tasuku , Farace Ilaria , Awadelkareem Mosab Ali , Skov Lise R. , Teodoro Fernando , Sancho Teresa P. , Paton Adrienne W. , Paton James C. , Fares Matthew , Paulo Pedro M. R. , Zhang Xin , Avezov Edward
Published: May 2022

Protein synthesis is supported by cellular machineries that ensure polypeptides fold to their native conformation, whilst eliminating misfolded, aggregation prone species. Protein aggregation underlies pathologies including neurodegeneration. Aggregates’ formation is antagonised by molecular chaperones, with cytoplasmic machinery resolving insoluble protein aggregates. However, it is unknown whether an analogous disaggregation system exists in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) where ~30% of the proteome is synthesised. Here we show that the ER of a variety of mammalian cell types, including neurons, is endowed with the capability to resolve protein aggregates under stress. Utilising a purpose-developed protein aggregation probing system with a sub-organellar resolution, we observe steady-state aggregate accumulation in the ER. Pharmacological induction of ER stress does not augment aggregates, but rather stimulate their clearance within hours. We show that this dissagregation activity is catalysed by the stress-responsive ER molecular chaperone – BiP. This work reveals a hitherto unknow, non-redundant strand of the proteostasis-restorative ER stress response.
An instantly fixable and self-adaptive scaffold for skull regeneration by autologous stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Gonggong , Xu Yang , Liu Quanying , Chen Manyu , Sun Huan , Wang Peilei , Li Xing , Wang Yuxiang , Li Xiang , Hui Xuhui , Luo En , Liu Jun , Jiang Qing , Liang Jie , Fan Yujiang , Sun Yong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: May 2022

Limited stem cells, poor stretchability and mismatched interface fusion have plagued the reconstruction of cranial defects by cell-free scaffolds. Here, we designed an instantly fixable and self-adaptive scaffold by dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid chelating Ca2+ of the microhydroxyapatite surface and bonding type I collagen to highly simulate the natural bony matrix. It presents a good mechanical match and interface integration by appropriate calcium chelation, and responds to external stress by flexible deformation. Meanwhile, the appropriate matrix microenvironment regulates macrophage M2 polarization and recruits endogenous stem cells. This scaffold promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro, as well as significant ectopic mineralization and angiogenesis. Transcriptome analysis confirmed the upregulation of relevant genes and signalling pathways was associated with M2 macrophage activation, endogenous stem cell recruitment, angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Together, the scaffold realized 97 and 72% bone cover areas after 12 weeks in cranial defect models of rabbit (Φ = 9 mm) and beagle dog (Φ = 15 mm), respectively.
Cryo-EM structures of thylakoid-located voltage-dependent chloride channel VCCN1
Authors: Hagino Tatsuya , Kato Takafumi , Kasuya Go , Kobayashi Kan , Kusakizako Tsukasa , Hamamoto Shin , Sobajima Tomoaki , Fujiwara Yuichiro , Yamashita Keitaro , Kawasaki Hisashi , Maturana Andrés D. , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Nureki Osamu
Published: May 2022

In the light reaction of plant photosynthesis, modulation of electron transport chain reactions is important to maintain the efficiency of photosynthesis under a broad range of light intensities. VCCN1 was recently identified as a voltage-gated chloride channel residing in the thylakoid membrane, where it plays a key role in photoreaction tuning to avoid the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of Malus domestica VCCN1 (MdVCCN1) in nanodiscs and detergent at 2.7 Å and 3.0 Å resolutions, respectively, and the structure-based electrophysiological analyses. VCCN1 structurally resembles its animal homolog, bestrophin, a Ca2+-gated anion channel. However, unlike bestrophin channels, VCCN1 lacks the Ca2+-binding motif but instead contains an N-terminal charged helix that is anchored to the lipid membrane through an additional amphipathic helix. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that these structural elements are essential for the channel activity, thus revealing the distinct activation mechanism of VCCN1.
Stable inheritance of H3.3-containing nucleosomes during mitotic cell divisions
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Duan Shoufu , Hua Xu , Li Zhiming , He Richard , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: May 2022

Newly synthesized H3.1 and H3.3 histones are assembled into nucleosomes by different histone chaperones in replication-coupled and replication-independent pathways, respectively. However, it is not clear how parental H3.3 molecules are transferred following DNA replication, especially when compared to H3.1. Here, by monitoring parental H3.1- and H3.3-SNAP signals, we show that parental H3.3, like H3.1, are stably transferred into daughter cells. Moreover, Mcm2-Pola1 and Pole3-Pole4, two pathways involved in parental histone transfer based upon the analysis of modifications on parental histones, participate in the transfer of both H3.1 and H3.3 following DNA replication. Lastly, we found that Mcm2, Pole3 and Pole4 mutants defective in parental histone transfer show defects in chromosome segregation. These results indicate that in contrast to deposition of newly synthesized H3.1 and H3.3, transfer of parental H3.1 and H3.3 is mediated by these shared mechanisms, which contributes to epigenetic memory of gene expression and maintenance of genome stability.
Tunability of the bandgap of SnS by variation of the cell volume by alloying with A.E. elements
Authors: Kawamura Fumio , Song Yelim , Murata Hidenobu , Tampo Hitoshi , Nagai Takehiko , Koida Takashi , Imura Masataka , Yamada Naoomi
Published: May 2022

We clarified that the bandgap of inorganic materials is strongly correlated with their effective coordination number (ECoN) via first-principles calculations and experimental confirmations. Tin mono-sulphide (Pnma) and germanium mono-sulphide (Pnma) were selected as model cases since these materials successively alter the ECoN as the cell volume changes and show an uncommon relationship between cell volume and bandgap. Contrary to the common semiconductors, the bandgaps of SnS (Pnma) and GeS (Pnma) have a positive relationship with respect to cell volume. This unique phenomenon was explained by incorporating the concept of ECoN into the theoretical studies. The theory proposed in this study is widely applicable to semiconductors with low-symmetry structures. Further, we experimentally demonstrated that the bandgap of SnS (Pnma) can be broadly tuned by changing the unit cell volume via alloying with alkali-earth (A.E.) metals, which could allow SnS to be applied to Si-based tandem photovoltaics. Alloying with A.E. elements also stabilised Cl as an n-type donor, which enabled n-type conduction in the bandgap-widened SnS film in the SnS-based semiconductors.
Silica nanolayer coated capillary by hydrothermal sol–gel process for amines separation and detection of tyramine in food products
Authors: Obma Apinya , Hemwech Pattamaporn , Phoolpho Sittisak , Bumrungpuech Rawiwan , Wirasate Supa , Kaowphong Sulawan , Wilairat Prapin , Chantiwas Rattikan
Published: May 2022

A hydrothermal sol–gel method for reproducible formation of silica nanolayer on the wall of silica capillaries was developed for electrochromatography. The formulation was optimized by observation of uniform gel formation on an optical microscope. The variables of the formulation include types of solvent, water-TEOS ratio, CTAB and urea contents, and mixing method. The procedure produced a coating of silica ca. 100 nm thick layer on the wall of the capillary. Surface morphology of the coating was characterized by SEM, contact angle and chemical composition by FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The coating reduced the electroosmotic mobility producing enhanced separation performance. Eight standard amines (including tyramine and benzhydrylamine, as an internal standard) were separated with peak resolution Rs ≥ 2 for all adjacent peaks and plate number N ≥ 3.0 × 104 m-1. Calibration was linear from 5 to 200 µg L-1, with r2 > 0.9985 and instrumental LOD of 4.9 μg L-1. Five samples of food products were diluted and analyzed for the amines using the coated capillary and only tyramine was detected. Intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 1.2%RSD. Percent recoveries of spiked tyramine in samples were 95 ± 3 to 106 ± 7% (n = 3).
The 2019–2020 volcanic eruption of Late’iki (Metis Shoal), Tonga
Authors: Yeo I. A. , McIntosh I. M. , Bryan S. E. , Tani K. , Dunbabin M. , Metz D. , Collins P. C. , Stone K. , Manu M. S.
Published: May 2022

Late’iki (previously known as Metis Shoal) is a highly active volcano in the Tofua arc with at least four temporary island-building eruptions and one submarine eruption in the last 55 years. The most recent eruption, commencing in October 2019, resulted in lava effusion and subsequent phreatic explosions, the construction of a short-lived island that was quickly eroded by wave action and possibly further phreatic activity that continued into January 2020. The two-pyroxene dacite from the 2019 eruption is similar to the 1967/8 eruptions suggesting the magma is residual from earlier eruptions and has not undergone further differentiation in the last 50 years. New observations of the 2019 eruption site confirm the lava-dominant character of the volcano summit but a thin veneer of wave-reworked, finely fragmented lava material remains that is interpreted to have been produced by phreatic explosions from hot rock-water interactions during the effusive eruption. A notable absence of quench-fragmented hyaloclastite breccias suggests that non-explosive quench fragmentation processes were minimal at these shallow depths or that hyaloclastite debris has resedimented to greater depths beyond our summit survey area.
Scientific response to the 2021 eruption of Nyiragongo based on the implementation of a participatory monitoring system
Authors: Boudoire G. , Calabrese S. , Colacicco A. , Sordini P. , Habakaramo Macumu P. , Rafflin V. , Valade S. , Mweze T. , Kazadi Mwepu J.-C. , Safari Habari F. , Amani Kahamire T. , Mumbere Mutima Y. , Ngaruye J.-C. , Tuyishime A. , Tumaini Sadiki A. , Mavonga Tuluka G. , Mapendano Yalire M. , Kets E.-D. , Grassa F. , D’Alessandro W. , Caliro S. , Rufino F. , Tedesco D.
Published: May 2022

The development of a resilient society is a major challenge for growing human population faced with abundant natural hazards. During and after the May 22, 2021 eruption of Nyiragongo, the local population was surprised and scared by the subsequent seismicity and associated surface fracturing, coupled with the alert of a possible new eruptive vent opening in Goma (Democratic Republic of Congo) and/or Gisenyi (Rwanda). The creation of a toll-free phone number enabled the population to record fractures and gas/thermal anomalies affecting the area. Such work was fundamental in enabling scientists and authorities to assess the associated risks. Crucially, gas data showed that the degassing through fractures did not represent direct transfer of magmatic volatiles but was more likely of superficial origin. Surprisingly, this participatory work revealed that the first fractures appeared several weeks before the eruption and their opening was not detected by the monitoring system. This firmly underlines the need for scientists to anchor citizen science in monitoring strategies.
CandyCodes: simple universally unique edible identifiers for confirming the authenticity of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Grover William H.
Published: May 2022

Counterfeit or substandard medicines adversely affect the health of millions of people and cost an estimated $200 billion USD annually. Their burden is greatest in developing countries, where the World Health Organization estimates that one in ten medical products are fake. In this work, I describe a simple addition to the existing drug manufacturing process that imparts an edible universally unique physical identifier to each pill, tablet, capsule, caplet, etc. This technique uses nonpareils (also called sprinkles and “hundreds and thousands”), tiny inexpensive multicolor candy spheres that are normally added to other candies or desserts as decorations. If nonpareils are applied at random to a pill immediately after manufacture, the specific pattern they form is unlikely to ever be repeated by random chance; this means that the pattern (or “CandyCode”) can be used to uniquely identify the pill and distinguish it from all other pills. By taking a photograph of each CandyCoded pill after manufacture and recording the location and color of each nonpareil, a manufacturer can construct a database containing the CandyCodes of all known-authentic pills they produce. A consumer can then simply use a cellphone to photograph a pill and transfer its image to the manufacturer’s server, which determines whether the pill’s CandyCode matches a known-good CandyCode in their database (meaning that the pill is authentic) or does not have a match in the database (in which case the consumer is warned that the pill may be counterfeit and should not be consumed). To demonstrate the feasibility of using random particles as universal identifiers, I performed a series of experiments using both real CandyCodes (on commercially produced chocolate candies) and simulated CandyCodes (generated by software). I also developed a simple method for converting a CandyCode photo to a set of strings for convenient storage and retrieval in a database. Even after subjecting CandyCodes to rough handling to simulate shipping conditions, the CandyCodes were still easily verifiable using a cellphone camera. A manufacturer could produce at least $$10^{17}$$

10
17

CandyCoded pills—41 million for each person on Earth—and still be able to uniquely identify each CandyCode. By providing universally-unique IDs that are easy to manufacture but hard to counterfeit, require no alteration of the existing drug formulation and minimal alteration of the manufacturing process, and need only a cameraphone for verification, CandyCodes could play an important role in the fight against fraud in pharmaceuticals and many other products.
Evaluation and promotion strategy of resilience of urban water supply system under flood and drought disasters
Authors: Li Zhijie , Zhao Hui , Liu Jinning , Zhang Jingqi , Shao Zhiguo
Published: May 2022

With global climate change and the rapid urbanization, urban flood and drought disasters are frequent and urban water supply systems are facing a sea of serious challenges. It is crucial to assess the resilience of urban water supply systems and develop corresponding disaster mitigation and improvement strategies. Urban water supply systems include many subsystems, but existing researches generally focus on a single subsystem. Therefore, this paper proposes a correlation analysis method and a factor analysis method for the resilience evaluation index system of urban water supply systems by combining each subsystem and applying grey system theory. The method can reflect the four dimensions of the water supply process (water source, water plant, supply and distribution network and users) and the five dimensions of the urban management system (society, natural environment, economy, physics and organization). Taking Qingdao as an example, a multi-level integrated evaluation model based on a cloud model is applied to simulate and analyze the resilience of Qingdao's water supply system. As a result, decision support is provided for planning and building resilience systems for urban water systems in the short and long term, based on four main factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis T cell and muscle oxidative metabolism associate with exercise-induced changes in cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Andonian Brian J. , Koss Alec , Koves Timothy R. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Hubal Monica J. , Pober David M. , Lord Janet M. , MacIver Nancie J. , St Clair E. William , Muoio Deborah M. , Kraus William E. , Bartlett David B. , Huffman Kim M.
Published: May 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) T cells drive autoimmune features via metabolic reprogramming that reduces oxidative metabolism. Exercise training improves cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., systemic oxidative metabolism) and thus may impact RA T cell oxidative metabolic function. In this pilot study of RA participants, we took advantage of heterogeneous responses to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise program to identify relationships between improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness with changes in peripheral T cell and skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. In 12 previously sedentary persons with seropositive RA, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests, fasting blood, and vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained before and after 10 weeks of HIIT. Following HIIT, improvements in RA cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with changes in RA CD4 + T cell basal and maximal respiration and skeletal muscle carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) enzyme activity. Further, changes in CD4 + T cell respiration were associated with changes in naïve CD4 + CCR7 + CD45RA + T cells, muscle CrAT, and muscle medium-chain acylcarnitines and fat oxidation gene expression profiles. In summary, modulation of cardiorespiratory fitness and molecular markers of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism during exercise training paralleled changes in T cell metabolism. Exercise training that improves RA cardiorespiratory fitness may therefore be valuable in managing pathologically related immune and muscle dysfunction.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02528344. Registered on 19 August 2015.
MRI-guided thrombolysis for lenticulostriate artery stroke within 12 h of symptom onset
Authors: Zhang Jianying , Bai Qingke , Zhao Zhenguo , Mao Yiting , Dong Qiang , Cao Wenjie
Published: May 2022

Stroke thrombolysis treatment is generally administered within 4.5 h, but a greater time window may be permitted depending upon the ischemic penumbra on neuroimaging. This observational cohort study investigated the outcomes of thrombolysis given within 12 h after symptom onset of lenticulostriate artery stroke. The population comprised 160 patients. Thrombolysis was administered via tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase (TPA). Thrombolysis was indicated by a mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), that is, an acute ischemic lesion on DWI without a corresponding lesion on T2WI. Demographics and medical history were compared with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, to reflect outcome. Patients with a favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–1) had significantly lower hypertension, baseline NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and admission systolic/diastolic blood pressure compared with patients with mRS 2–6. Lower admission systolic blood pressure and NIHSS score were significantly associated with favorable outcome. In patients either with IV-TPA within 4.5 h, or between 4.5 and 12 h, lower admission systolic blood pressure and/or NIHSS score similarly independently predict favorable outcome. However, in all groups, the onset-to-treatment time did not significantly influence the outcomes. We conclude that in our cohort higher admission systolic blood pressure and higher baseline NIHSS and not time were associated with poor outcome in patients with magnetic resonance-guided thrombolysis within 12 h of isolated lenticulostriate artery stroke, therefore loosening the traditionally perceived dependency of outcome on time.
Boosting microfluidic microbial fuel cells performance via investigating electron transfer mechanisms, metal-based electrodes, and magnetic field effect
Authors: Shirkosh Mohammad , Hojjat Yousef , Mardanpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: May 2022

The presented paper fundamentally investigates the influence of different electron transfer mechanisms, various metal-based electrodes, and a static magnetic field on the overall performance of microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the first time to improve the generated bioelectricity. To do so, as the anode of microfluidic MFCs, zinc, aluminum, tin, copper, and nickel were thoroughly investigated. Two types of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, were used as biocatalysts to compare the different electron transfer mechanisms. Interaction between the anode and microorganisms was assessed. Finally, the potential of applying a static magnetic field to maximize the generated power was evaluated. For zinc anode, the maximum open circuit potential, current density, and power density of 1.39 V, 138,181 mA m-2 and 35,294 mW m-2 were obtained, respectively. The produced current density is at least 445% better than the values obtained in previously published studies so far. The microfluidic MFCs were successfully used to power ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) for medical and clinical applications to elucidate their application as micro-sized power generators for implantable medical devices.
Establishing the transdiagnostic contextual pathways of emotional outbursts
Authors: Chung Justin Cheuk Yin , Mevorach Carmel , Woodcock Kate Anne
Published: May 2022

Emotional outbursts or temper outbursts are challenging behaviours commonly experienced by people with neurodevelopmental disorders and people who have experienced childhood adversity, which can negatively impact individuals and their families. Emotional outbursts may manifest in different situations via unique pathways distinguished by context-specific differences in the regulation and expression of emotions. Caregivers (N = 268) of young people (6–25 years) with emotional outbursts completed a bespoke caregiver-report questionnaire. Potential pathways were identified by examining the patterns of antecedents and setting events related to outbursts through factor and cluster analyses. Six contextual factors were derived from the Emotional Outburst Questionnaire. Based on these factors, the responses were classified into three clusters, which may represent potential pathways of emotional outbursts. The three clusters were characterized by the increased likelihood of outbursts: (1) across all setting events and triggers; (2) in safe setting events; (3) in unsafe setting events. These potential pathways may be related to: (1) differences in sensory processing; (2) masking of emotions in unsafe environments; (3) differences in safety perception. This framework supports a transdiagnostic account of emotional outbursts and may facilitate the development of pathway-specific intervention strategies.
An extensive description of the microbiological effects of silver diamine fluoride on dental biofilms using an oral in situ model
Authors: Klanliang Kittipit , Asahi Yoko , Maezono Hazuki , Sotozono Maki , Kuriki Nanako , Machi Hiroyuki , Ebisu Shigeyuki , Hayashi Mikako
Published: May 2022

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been long studied in laboratories, and its clinical effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of root caries has been reported. In the present study, we assessed the microbiological effects of SDF on dental biofilms grown on demineralized dentin in situ. Specifically, demineralized bovine root dentin slabs used as biofilm substrates were treated with 38% SDF, and the biofilms formed after this treatment were analyzed via real-time PCR, DEAD/LIVE cell staining, and SEM. Next, the viable cell count was determined, and microbial profiles were compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Untreated slabs were used as controls. We observed significant decreases in viable cell counts (p < 0.05), number of biofilm-forming cells (p < 0.01), biofilm thickness (p < 0.01), and high proportion of dead cells with SDF treatment (p < 0.01). The microcolonies in the SDF-treated biofilms showed less complexity, and only a limited number of genera were differentially abundant between the groups. Microbial diversity index comparisons showed no significant differences between the groups with respect to treatments days (p = 0.362). Thus, SDF negatively influenced dental biofilm growth on demineralized root dentin in situ; however, its antimicrobial action did not target a specific oral taxon.
Microbial community functioning during plant litter decomposition
Authors: Schroeter Simon A. , Eveillard Damien , Chaffron Samuel , Zoppi Johanna , Kampe Bernd , Lohmann Patrick , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Sanchez-Arcos Carlos , Pohnert Georg , Taubert Martin , Küsel Kirsten , Gleixner Gerd
Published: May 2022

Microbial life in soil is fueled by dissolved organic matter (DOM) that leaches from the litter layer. It is well known that decomposer communities adapt to the available litter source, but it remains unclear if they functionally compete or synergistically address different litter types. Therefore, we decomposed beech, oak, pine and grass litter from two geologically distinct sites in a lab-scale decomposition experiment. We performed a correlative network analysis on the results of direct infusion HR-MS DOM analysis and cross-validated functional predictions from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and with DOM and metaproteomic analyses. Here we show that many functions are redundantly distributed within decomposer communities and that their relative expression is rapidly optimized to address litter-specific properties. However, community changes are likely forced by antagonistic mechanisms as we identified several natural antibiotics in DOM. As a consequence, the decomposer community is specializing towards the litter source and the state of decomposition (community divergence) but showing similar litter metabolomes (metabolome convergence). Our multi-omics-based results highlight that DOM not only fuels microbial life, but it additionally holds meta-metabolomic information on the functioning of ecosystems.
Preliminary study for the application of Raman spectroscopy for the identification of Leishmania infected dogs
Authors: Giuseppe Acri , Annastella Falcone , Giannetto Claudia , Elisabetta Giudice , Giuseppe Piccione , Barbara Testagrossa , Cicero Luca , Cassata Giovanni , Simona Di Pietro
Published: May 2022

Raman spectroscopy is a rapid qualitative and quantitative technique that allows the simultaneous determination of several components in biological fluids. This methodology concerns an alternative technique to distinguish between non-healthy and healthy subjects. Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of world interest, the most important agent is L. infantum. Dogs are the principal reservoirs affected by a broad spectrum of clinical features. During a clinical exam, blood samples were collected in tubes without anticoagulants, from twenty two dogs. One aliquot was used for serological test for Leishmaniasis, one aliquot was subjected to the Raman spectroscopic analysis. Animals were divided into two groups of equal subjects, Leishmania group (LG) constituted by infected dogs, and control group (CG) constituted by healthy dogs. The acquired spectra were different in the region 1200–1370 cm−1, in which it is possible to distinguish the amide III vibration (~ 1300 cm−1). In LG, an evident shift to the shortwave region is observed in spectral frequencies of the band centered at ~ 1250 cm−1. Our results distinguished between LD group and CG. Further studies are necessary to exclude the effect of metabolic modification due to disease on the recorded spectra changes and to consolidate the achievability of Raman spectroscopy as rapid and less expensive diagnosis of Leishmaniasis.
Bioinformatic approach for the discovery of cis-eQTL signals during fruit ripening of a woody species as grape (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Martínez-García Pedro José , Mas-Gómez Jorge , Wegrzyn Jill , Botía Juan A.
Published: May 2022

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are associations between genetic variants, such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and gene expression. eQTLs are an important tool to understand the genetic variance of gene expression of complex phenotypes. eQTLs analyses are common in biomedical models but are scarce in woody crop species such as fruit trees or grapes. In this study, a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis was conducted leveraging with expression data from two different growth stages, around ripening onset, of 10 genotypes of grape (Vitis viniferaL.). A total of 2170cis-eQTL were identified in 212 gene modulated at ripening onset. The 48% of these DEGs have a known function. Among the annotated protein-coding genes, terpene synthase, auxin-regulatory factors, GRFS, ANK_REP_REGION domain-containing protein, Kinesin motor domain-containing protein and flavonol synthase were noted. This new inventory ofcis-eQTLs influencing gene expression during fruit ripening will be an important resource to examine variation for this trait and will help to elucidate the complex genetic architecture underlying this process in grape.
A novel study on the reduction of non-exhaust particulate matter emissions through system vibration control
Authors: Jayashree Priyadarshini , Rustighi Emiliano , Straffelini Giovanni
Published: May 2022

The need to reduce non-exhaust particulate matter emissions is of paramount importance as they pose repercussions on human lives and the environment. In this study, a novel way to limit emissions is proposed based on the minimization of the vibration of the mating bodies. Two model friction material formulations were tested in the form of pins and paired with a pearlitic grey cast iron disc counterface in a laboratory pin on disc apparatus. To reduce the vibrations, a damping tape was wrapped around the pins. With the damping of vibration, a significant drop in the emissions was recorded, and this was correlated with the friction layer establishment during sliding, which observed low disruption. It is believed that the use of this method for reducing emissions can accompany the optimization phase of the brake squeal noise of friction materials, thereby, providing new design perspectives.
Supergiant porphyry copper deposits are failed large eruptions
Authors: Chiaradia Massimo , Caricchi Luca
Published: May 2022

Porphyry copper deposits, the principal source of copper and molybdenum, form at convergent margins. Copper is precipitated from fluids associated with cooling magmas that have formed in the mantle and evolved at mid- to lower crustal levels, before rising toward the surface where they saturate and exsolve an aqueous fluid and copper. Despite advances in the understanding of their formation, there are still underexplored aspects of the genesis of porphyry copper deposits. Here we examine the role played by magma injection rates into the upper crust on the formation of porphyry copper deposits with different copper endowments. Mass balance calculations suggest that supergiant porphyry copper deposits (>10 million tonnes copper) require magma volumes (up to >2500 km3) and magma injection rates (>0.001 km3 year−1) typical of large volcanic eruptions from rift, hot spot, and subduction-related settings. Because large volcanic eruptions would destroy magmatic-hydrothermal systems or prevent their formation, the largest porphyry copper deposits can be considered as failed large eruptions and this may be one of the causes of their rarity.
DC bias characteristic enhancement of the powder core by using densified submicron sized FeNi particles through spray pyrolysis
Authors: Septiani Eka Lutfi , Kikkawa Jun , Cao Kiet Le Anh , Hirano Tomoyuki , Okuda Nobuhiro , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Enokido Yasushi , Ogi Takashi
Published: May 2022

High-density submicron-sized FeNi particles prepared by a spray pyrolysis route exhibit high magnetic characteristics and enhance the powder core performance indicated by the improvement of the DC bias characteristic value.
A novel sensor for visual and selective detection of Hg2+ based on functionalized doped quantum dots
Authors: Wu Zhipeng , Dai Chenglin , Wang Yiwu , Ma Lianju , Zang Guangchao , Liu Qian , Zhu Shu
Published: May 2022

A novel electrochemiluminescence sensor and visual attempts for mercury ion detection were developed by using new functionalized doped quantum dot nano-materials.
Polyphenol derived bioactive carbon quantum dot-incorporated multifunctional hydrogels as an oxidative stress attenuator for antiaging and in vivo wound-healing applications
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Dutta Sayan Deb , Hexiu Jin , Ganguly Keya , Lim Ki-Taek , Kim Jongsung
Published: May 2022

Schematic for the synthesis of polyphenolic multifunctional GelMA-CQD hydrogel as a potential candidate for antiaging and in vivo wound-healing applications.
Recent advancements on decarbonylation reactions assisted by Ru-complexes: Synthetic and mechanistic approach
Authors: Patra Sushree Aradhana , Dinda Rupam , Das Pattanayak Pratikshya , Mohapatra Deepika
Published: May 2022

This frontier article covers the recent advancements on ruthenium complex catalysed decarbonylation reactions of different types of carbonyl compounds and provides a direction towards the mechanistic understanding.