bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An electron-deficient carbon current collector for anode-free Li-metal batteries
Authors: Kwon Hyeokjin , Lee Ju-Hyuk , Roh Youngil , Baek Jaewon , Shin Dong Jae , Yoon Jong Keon , Ha Hoe Jin , Kim Je Young , Kim Hee-Tak
Published: September 2021

The long-term cycling of anode-free Li-metal cells (i.e., cells where the negative electrode is in situ formed by electrodeposition on an electronically conductive matrix of lithium sourced from the positive electrode) using a liquid electrolyte is affected by the formation of an inhomogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the current collector and irregular Li deposition. To circumvent these issues, we report an atomically defective carbon current collector where multivacancy defects induce homogeneous SEI formation on the current collector and uniform Li nucleation and growth to obtain a dense Li morphology. Via simulations and experimental measurements and analyses, we demonstrate the beneficial effect of electron deficiency on the Li hosting behavior of the carbon current collector. Furthermore, we report the results of testing anode-free coin cells comprising a multivacancy defective carbon current collector, a LixNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1-based cathode and a nonaqueous Li-containing electrolyte solution. These cells retain 90% of their initial capacity for over 50 cycles under lean electrolyte conditions.
Modular ketal-linked prodrugs and biomaterials enabled by organocatalytic transisopropenylation of alcohols
Authors: Yu Na , Xu Yang , Liu Tao , Zhong Haiping , Xu Zunkai , Ji Tianjiao , Zou Hui , Mu Jingqing , Chen Ziqi , Liang Xing-Jie , Shi Linqi , Kohane Daniel S. , Guo Shutao
Published: September 2021

Isopropenyl ethers are critical intermediates for accessing medicinally valuable ketal-based prodrugs and biomaterials, but traditional approaches for the synthesis of isopropenyl ethers suffer from poor functional group compatibility and harsh reaction conditions. Here, we develop an organocatalytic transisopropenylation approach to solve these challenges, enabling the synthesis of isopropenyl ethers from various hydroxyl-group-containing small-molecule drugs, polymers, and functional building blocks. The method provides a straightforward and versatile synthesis of isopropenyl ethers, features excellent tolerance of diverse functional groups, applies to a wide range of substrates, and allows scalable synthesis. The development of this organocatalytic transisopropenylation approach enables access to modular preparation of various acid-sensitive ketal-linked prodrugs and functionalized ketalated biomaterials. We expect our syntheses and transformations of isopropenyl ethers will find utility in several diverse fields, including medicinal chemistry, drug delivery, and biomaterials.
A novel nairovirus associated with acute febrile illness in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kodama Fumihiro , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Park Eunsil , Tatemoto Kango , Sashika Mariko , Nakao Ryo , Terauchi Yurino , Mizuma Keita , Orba Yasuko , Kariwa Hiroaki , Hagiwara Katsuro , Okazaki Katsunori , Goto Akiko , Komagome Rika , Miyoshi Masahiro , Ito Takuya , Yamano Kimiaki , Yoshii Kentaro , Funaki Chiaki , Ishizuka Mariko , Shigeno Asako , Itakura Yukari , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Edagawa Shunji , Nagasaka Atsushi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Sawa Hirofumi , Maeda Ken , Saijo Masayuki , Matsuno Keita
Published: September 2021

The increasing burden of tick-borne orthonairovirus infections, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, is becoming a global concern for public health. In the present study, we identify a novel orthonairovirus, designated Yezo virus (YEZV), from two patients showing acute febrile illness with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia after tick bite in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2019 and 2020, respectively. YEZV is phylogenetically grouped with Sulina virus detected in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Romania. YEZV infection has been confirmed in seven patients from 2014–2020, four of whom were co-infected with Borrelia spp. Antibodies to YEZV are found in wild deer and raccoons, and YEZV RNAs have been detected in ticks from Hokkaido. In this work, we demonstrate that YEZV is highly likely to be the causative pathogen of febrile illness, representing the first report of an endemic infection associated with an orthonairovirus potentially transmitted by ticks in Japan.
Local-electrostatics-induced oxygen octahedral distortion in perovskite oxides and insight into the structure of Ruddlesden–Popper phases
Authors: Hong Youngjae , Byeon Pilgyu , Bak Jumi , Heo Yoon , Kim Hye-Sung , Bae Hyung Bin , Chung Sung-Yoon
Published: September 2021

As the physical properties of ABX3 perovskite-based oxides strongly depend on the geometry of oxygen octahedra containing transition-metal cations, precise identification of the distortion, tilt, and rotation of the octahedra is an essential step toward understanding the structure–property correlation. Here we discover an important electrostatic origin responsible for remarkable Jahn–Teller-type tetragonal distortion of oxygen octahedra during atomic-level direct observation of two-dimensional [AX] interleaved shear faults in five different perovskite-type materials, SrTiO3, BaCeO3, LaCoO3, LaNiO3, and CsPbBr3. When the [AX] sublayer has a net charge, for example [LaO]+ in LaCoO3 and LaNiO3, substantial tetragonal elongation of oxygen octahedra at the fault plane is observed and this screens the strong repulsion between the consecutive [LaO]+ layers. Moreover, our findings on the distortion induced by local charge are identified to be a general structural feature in lanthanide-based An + 1BnX3n + 1-type Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) oxides with charged [LnO]+ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Eu, and Gd) sublayers, among more than 80 RP oxides and halides with high symmetry. The present study thus demonstrates that the local uneven electrostatics is a crucial factor significantly affecting the crystal structure of complex oxides.
Dissemination of Mycobacterium abscessus via global transmission networks
Authors: Ruis Christopher , Bryant Josephine M. , Bell Scott C. , Thomson Rachel , Davidson Rebecca M. , Hasan Nabeeh A. , van Ingen Jakko , Strong Michael , Floto R. Andres , Parkhill Julian
Published: September 2021

Mycobacterium abscessus, a multidrug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacterium, has emerged as a major pathogen affecting people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although originally thought to be acquired independently from the environment, most individuals are infected with one of several dominant circulating clones (DCCs), indicating the presence of global transmission networks of M. abscessus. How and when these clones emerged and spread globally is unclear. Here, we use evolutionary analyses of isolates from individuals both with and without CF to reconstruct the population history, spatiotemporal spread and recent transmission networks of the DCCs. We demonstrate synchronous expansion of six unrelated DCCs in the 1960s, a period associated with major changes in CF care and survival. Each of these clones has spread globally as a result of rare intercontinental transmission events. We show that the DCCs, but not environmentally acquired isolates, exhibit a specific smoking-associated mutational signature and that current transmission networks include individuals both with and without CF. We therefore propose that the DCCs initially emerged in non-CF populations but were then amplified and spread through the CF community. While individuals with CF are probably the most permissive host, non-CF individuals continue to play a key role in transmission networks and may facilitate long-distance transmission.
ValLAI_Crop, a validation dataset for coarse-resolution satellite LAI products over Chinese cropland
Authors: Song Bowen , Liu Liangyun , Du Shanshan , Zhang Xiao , Chen Xidong , Zhang Helin
Published: September 2021

Numerous validation efforts have been conducted over the last decade to assess the accuracy of global leaf area index (LAI) products. However, such efforts continue to face obstacles due to the lack of sufficient high-quality field measurements. In this study, a fine-resolution LAI dataset consisting of 80 reference maps was generated during 2003–2017. The direct destructive method was used to measure the field LAI, and fine-resolution LAI images were derived from Landsat images using semiempirical inversion models. Eighty reference LAI maps, each with an area of 3 km × 3 km and a percentage of cropland larger than 75%, were selected as the fine-resolution validation dataset. The uncertainty associated with the spatial scale effect was also provided. Ultimately, the fine-resolution reference LAI dataset was used to validate the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI product. The results indicate that the fine-resolution reference LAI dataset builds a bridge to link small sampling plots and coarse-resolution pixels, which is extremely important in validating coarse-resolution LAI products.
Multiple strain analysis of Streptomyces species from Philippine marine sediments reveals intraspecies heterogeneity in antibiotic activities
Authors: Tenebro Chuckcris P. , Trono Dana Joanne Von L. , Vicera Carmela Vannette B. , Sabido Edna M. , Ysulat Jovito A. , Macaspac Aaron Joseph M. , Tampus Kimberly A. , Fabrigar Trisha Alexis P. , Saludes Jonel P. , Dalisay Doralyn S.
Published: September 2021

The marine ecosystem has become the hotspot for finding antibiotic-producing actinomycetes across the globe. Although marine-derived actinomycetes display strain-level genomic and chemodiversity, it is unclear whether functional traits, i.e., antibiotic activity, vary in near-identical Streptomyces species. Here, we report culture-dependent isolation, antibiotic activity, phylogeny, biodiversity, abundance, and distribution of Streptomyces isolated from marine sediments across the west-central Philippines. Out of 2212 marine sediment-derived actinomycete strains isolated from 11 geographical sites, 92 strains exhibited antibacterial activities against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequence analyses confirmed that antibiotic-producing strains belong to the genus Streptomyces, highlighting Streptomyces parvulus as the most dominant species and three possible new species. Antibiotic-producing Streptomyces strains were highly diverse in Southern Antique, and species diversity increase with marine sediment depth. Multiple strains with near-identical 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequences displayed varying strength of antibiotic activities. The genotyping of PKS and NRPS genes revealed that closely related antibiotic-producing strains have similar BGC domains supported by their close phylogenetic proximity. These findings collectively suggest Streptomyces' intraspecies adaptive characteristics in distinct ecological niches that resulted in outcompeting other bacteria through differential antibiotic production.
Association mining based approach to analyze COVID-19 response and case growth in the United States
Authors: Katragadda Satya , Gottumukkala Raju , Bhupatiraju Ravi Teja , Kamal Azmyin Md. , Raghavan Vijay , Chu Henry , Kolluru Ramesh , Ashkar Ziad
Published: September 2021

Containing the COVID-19 pandemic while balancing the economy has proven to be quite a challenge for the world. We still have limited understanding of which combination of policies have been most effective in flattening the curve; given the challenges of the dynamic and evolving nature of the pandemic, lack of quality data etc. This paper introduces a novel data mining-based approach to understand the effects of different non-pharmaceutical interventions in containing the COVID-19 infection rate. We used the association rule mining approach to perform descriptive data mining on publicly available data for 50 states in the United States to understand the similarity and differences among various policies and underlying conditions that led to transitions between different infection growth curve phases. We used a multi-peak logistic growth model to label the different phases of infection growth curve. The common trends in the data were analyzed with respect to lockdowns, face mask mandates, mobility, and infection growth. We observed that face mask mandates combined with mobility reduction through moderate stay-at-home orders were most effective in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases across various states.
Higher ultraviolet radiation during early life is associated with lower risk of childhood type 1 diabetes among boys
Authors: Miller Kate M. , Hart Prue H. , Lucas Robyn M. , Davis Elizabeth A. , de Klerk Nicholas H.
Published: September 2021

Population-level ecological studies show type 1 diabetes incidence is inversely correlated with ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels. We conducted a nested case–control study using administrative datasets to test this association at the individual level. Cases (n = 1819) were children born in Western Australia (WA) from 1980–2014, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ≤ 16 years. Controls (n = 27,259) were randomly selected from all live births in WA, matched to cases by sex and date of birth. Total ambient erythemal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) doses for each trimester of pregnancy and first year of life were estimated for each individual, using daily NASA satellite data that were date- and geographically-specific. Conditional logistic regression tested the association between UVR dose and case–control status. Type 1 diabetes risk was 42% lower in boys of mothers with third-trimester UVR dose in the highest (compared to the lowest) quartile (p = 0.04). Higher UVR in the first year of life was associated with lower type 1 diabetes risk among boys (p = 0.01). UVR dose was not associated with type 1 diabetes risk in girls. Higher UVR in late pregnancy and early life appear to interact with sex-specific factors to lower type 1 diabetes risk among boys in Western Australia.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panel markers for ancestry investigations
Authors: Truelsen D. , Tvedebrink T. , Mogensen H. S. , Farzad M. S. , Shan M. A. , Morling N. , Pereira V. , Børsting C.
Published: September 2021

The EUROFORGEN NAME panel is a regional ancestry panel designed to differentiate individuals from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The first version of the panel was developed for the MassARRAY system and included 111 SNPs. Here, a custom AmpliSeq EUROFORGEN NAME panel with 102 of the original 111 loci was used to sequence 1098 individuals from 14 populations from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, North-East Africa, and South-Central Asia. These samples were also sequenced with a global ancestry panel, the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The GenoGeographer software was used to assign the AIM profiles to reference populations and calculate the weight of the evidence as likelihood ratios. The combination of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panels led to fewer ambiguous assignments, especially for individuals from the Middle East and South-Central Asia. The likelihood ratios showed that North African individuals could be separated from European and Middle Eastern individuals using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The separation improved with the addition of the EUROFORGEN NAME panel. The analyses also showed that the separation of Middle Eastern populations from European and South-Central Asian populations was challenging even when both panels were applied.
Spatiotempo﻿ral evolution analysis of NO2 column density before and after COVID-19 pandemic in Henan province based on SI-APSTE model
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Jinhuan , Song Kunlin , Cheng Cheng , Li Shenshen , Cai Kun
Published: September 2021

Air pollution is the result of comprehensive evolution of a dynamic and complex system composed of emission sources, topography, meteorology and other environmental factors. The establishment of spatiotemporal evolution model is of great significance for the study of air pollution mechanism, trend prediction, identification of pollution sources and pollution control. In this paper, the air pollution system is described based on cellular automata and restricted agents, and a Swarm Intelligence based Air Pollution SpatioTemporal Evolution (SI-APSTE) model is constructed. Then the spatiotemporal evolution analysis method of air pollution is studied. Taking Henan Province before and after COVID-19 pandemic as an example, the NO2products of TROPOMI and OMI were analysed based on SI-APSTE model. The tropospheric NO2Vertical Column Densities (VCDs) distribution characteristics of spatiotemporal variation of Henan province before COVID-19 pandemic were studied. Then the tropospheric NO2VCDs of TROPOMI was used to study the pandemic period, month-on-month and year-on-year in 18 urban areas of Henan Province. The results show that SI-APSTE model can effectively analyse the spatiotemporal evolution of air pollution by using environmental big data and swarm intelligence, and also can establish a theoretical basis for pollution source identification and trend prediction.
Model-based analysis of multi-UAV path planning for surveying postdisaster building damage
Authors: Nagasawa Ryosuke , Mas Erick , Moya Luis , Koshimura Shunichi
Published: September 2021

Emergency responders require accurate and comprehensive data to make informed decisions. Moreover, the data should be acquired and analyzed swiftly to ensure an efficient response. One of the tasks at hand post-disaster is damage assessment within the impacted areas. In particular, building damage should be assessed to account for possible casualties, and displaced populations, to estimate long-term shelter capacities, and to assess the damage to services that depend on essential infrastructure (e.g. hospitals, schools, etc.). Remote sensing techniques, including satellite imagery, can be used to gathering such information so that the overall damage can be assessed. However, specific points of interest among the damaged buildings need higher resolution images and detailed information to assess the damage situation. These areas can be further assessed through unmanned aerial vehicles and 3D model reconstruction. This paper presents a multi-UAV coverage path planning method for the 3D reconstruction of postdisaster damaged buildings. The methodology has been implemented in NetLogo3D, a multi-agent model environment, and tested in a virtual built environment in Unity3D. The proposed method generates camera location points surrounding targeted damaged buildings. These camera location points are filtered to avoid collision and then sorted using the K-means or the Fuzzy C-means methods. After clustering camera location points and allocating these to each UAV unit, a route optimization process is conducted as a multiple traveling salesman problem. Final corrections are made to paths to avoid obstacles and give a resulting path for each UAV that balances the flight distance and time. The paper presents the details of the model and methodologies, and an examination of the texture resolution obtained from the proposed method and the conventional overhead flight with the nadir-looking method used in 3D mappings. The algorithm outperforms the conventional method in terms of the quality of the generated 3D model.
Comprehensive mineralogical and physicochemical characterization of recent sapropels from Romanian saline lakes for potential use in pelotherapy
Authors: Baricz Andreea , Levei Erika A. , Șenilă Marin , Pînzaru Simona Cîntă , Aluaş Mihaela , Vulpoi Adriana , Filip Claudiu , Tripon Carmen , Dădârlat Dorin , Buda Doriana M. , Dulf Francisc V. , Pintea Adela , Cristea Adorján , Muntean Vasile , Keresztes Zsolt G. , Alexe Mircea , Banciu Horia Leonard
Published: September 2021

In this study we aimed to compare the mineralogical, thermal, physicochemical, and biological characteristics of recent organic carbon-rich sediments (‘sapropels’) from three geographically distant Romanian lakes (Tekirghiol and Amara, SE Romania, and Ursu, Central Romania) with distinct hydrogeochemical origins, presently used for pelotherapy. The investigated lakes were classified as inland brackish Na-Cl-sulfated type (Amara), coastal moderately saline and inland hypersaline Na-Cl types (Tekirghiol and Ursu, respectively). The settled organic matter is largely composed of photosynthetic pigments derived from autochthonous phytoplankton. Kerogen was identified in the sapropel of coastal Tekirghiol Lake suggesting its incipient maturation stage. The mineral composition was fairly similar in all sapropels and mainly consisted of quartz, calcite, and aragonite. Smectite, illite, mixed layer smectite/illite appeared as major clay components. Potentially toxic elements were found in low concentrations. The physical properties (i.e., specific heat, thermal conductivity and retentivity) and cation exchange capacity are comparable to other peloids used for therapy. This study is the first comprehensive multi-approached investigation of the geochemical nature of recent sapropels in Romanian saline lakes and thus contributes to expanding our knowledge on the origin and physicochemical qualities of organic matter-rich peloids with therapeutic uses.
The rs9340799 polymorphism of the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene and its association with breast cancer susceptibility
Authors: Tan Shing Cheng , Low Teck Yew , Mohamad Hanif Ezanee Azlina , Sharzehan Mohamad Ayub Khan , Kord-Varkaneh Hamed , Islam Md Asiful
Published: September 2021

TheESR1rs9340799 polymorphism has been frequently investigated with regard to its association with breast cancer (BC) susceptibility, but the findings have been inconclusive. In this work, we aimed to address the inconsistencies in study findings by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies were identified from the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang databases based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was then calculated under five genetic models: homozygous (GG vs. AA), heterozygous (AG vs. AA), dominant (AG + GG vs. AA), recessive (GG vs. AA + AG) and allele (G vs. A). Combined results from 23 studies involving 34,721 subjects indicated a lack of significant association between the polymorphism and BC susceptibility (homozygous model, OR = 1.045, 95% CI 0.887–1.231, P = 0.601; heterozygous model, OR = 0.941, 95% CI 0.861–1.030, P = 0.186; dominant model, OR = 0.957, 95% CI 0.875–1.045, P = 0.327; recessive model, OR = 1.053, 95% CI 0.908–1.222, P = 0.495; allele model, OR = 0.987, 95% CI 0.919–1.059, P = 0.709). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity, menopausal status and study quality also revealed no statistically significant association (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that theESR1rs9340799 polymorphism was not associated with BC susceptibility, suggesting its limited potential as a genetic marker for BC.
Detecting halfmetallic electronic structures of spintronic materials in a magnetic field
Authors: Fujiwara H. , Umetsu R. Y. , Kuroda F. , Miyawaki J. , Kashiuchi T. , Nishimoto K. , Nagai K. , Sekiyama A. , Irizawa A. , Takeda Y. , Saitoh Y. , Oguchi T. , Harada Y. , Suga S.
Published: September 2021

Band-gap engineering is one of the fundamental techniques in semiconductor technology and also applicable in next generation spintronics using the spin degree of freedom. To fully utilize the spintronic materials, it is essential to optimize the spin-dependent electronic structures in the operando conditions by applying magnetic and/or electric fields. Here we present an advanced spectroscopic technique to probe the spin-polarized electronic structures by using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) in resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering (RIXS) under an external magnetic field. Thanks to the spin-selective dipole-allowed transitions in RIXS-MCD, we have successfully demonstrated the direct evidence of the perfectly spin-polarized electronic structures for the prototypical halfmetallic Heusller alloy $$\hbox {Co}_2\hbox {MnSi}$$

Co
2

MnSi

. RIXS-MCD is a promising tool to probe the spin-dependent carriers and band-gap induced in the buried magnetic layers in an element specific way under the operando conditions.
Effects of apolipoprotein E isoform, sex, and diet on insulin BBB pharmacokinetics in mice
Authors: Rhea Elizabeth M. , Hansen Kim , Pemberton Sarah , Torres Eileen Ruth S. , Holden Sarah , Raber Jacob , Banks William A.
Published: September 2021

Age, apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoform, sex, and diet can independently affect the risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, synergy between some of these risk factors have been observed. However, the relation between the latter three risk factors has not been investigated. Central nervous system (CNS) insulin resistance is commonly involved in each of these risk factors. CNS insulin is primarily derived from the periphery in which insulin must be transported across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Additionally, insulin can bind the brain endothelial cell to affect intracellular signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized CNS access to insulin could be affected by the combination of apoE isoform, sex, and diet. We analyzed insulin BBB pharmacokinetics in aged apoE targeted replacement (E3 and E4) male and female mice on a low-fat and high-fat diet. There were differences within males and females due to apoE genotype and diet in insulin interactions at the BBB. These sex-, diet-, and apoE isoform-dependent differences could contribute to the cognitive changes observed due to altered CNS insulin signaling.
Host selection pattern and flavivirus screening of mosquitoes in a disturbed Colombian rainforest
Authors: Hoyos Juliana , Carrasquilla María Cristina , León Cielo , Montgomery Joel M. , Salyer Stephanie J. , Komar Nicholas , González Camila
Published: September 2021

Studies on the feeding behavior of hematophagous insects, particularly those of medical importance, are relevant for tracking possible pathogen transmission routes and identifying biases in the choice of vertebrates. We evaluated host selection of blood-feeding mosquitoes in a disturbed forest in the Magdalena Medio valley in Colombia from March 2017 to April 2018, after the introduction of Zika virus to the Americas from the 2015–2016 outbreak. We estimated vertebrate diversity and collected blood-engorged female mosquitoes. Genomic DNA/RNA was extracted from the mosquito’s abdomen for vertebrate host identification and pathogen detection. We performed conventional PCR and sequencing, using universal primers targeting vertebrate regions of the eukaryotic mitochondrial genome to determine bloodmeal host. Additionally, we tested for the presence of flaviviruses in all mosquito samples with RT-PCR. Based on the identity and quantity of detected bloodmeals, we performed mosquito-vertebrate interaction network analysis and estimated topology metrics. In total, we collected 292 engorged female mosquitoes representing 20 different species. Bloodmeal analyses identified 26 vertebrate species, the majority of which were mammals (N = 16; 61.5%). No flaviviruses of medical importance were detected from the samples. Although feeding patterns varied, network analyses showed a high degree of specialization by mosquitoes and revealed ecological and phylogenetic relationships among the host community. We conclude that host selection or preference by mosquitoes is species specific.
In vivo demonstration of a novel non-invasive model for inducing localized hypothermia to ameliorate hepatotoxicity
Authors: Tan Yeong Lan , Nga Min En , Ho Han Kiat
Published: September 2021

Moderate hypothermia (32 °C) has been previously shown to ameliorate drug-induced liver injuries in vitro. However, there are concerns regarding its clinical relevance as it remains a challenge to perform selective liver cooling in a non-invasive manner. To reconcile this dilemma, we propose the use of pulsed cooling for regional hypothermic conditioning in liver. This involves intermittent cooling applied in pulses of 15 min each, with a one-hour recovery interval between pulses. Cooling is achieved by applying ice packs to the cutaneous region overlying the liver. Through an in vivo C57BL/6NTac mouse study, we demonstrated the feasibility of attaining localized hypothermia close to the liver while maintaining core body temperature. This has successfully ameliorated acetaminophen-induced liver injury based on the liver function tests, liver histology and total weight change. Collectively, we provide a proof of concept for pulsed external localized cooling as being clinically actionable to perform induced selective hypothermia.
Surface charge manipulation and electrostatic immobilization of synaptosomes for super-resolution imaging: a study on tau compartmentalization
Authors: Bhattacharya Ushashi , Jhou Jia-Fong , Zou Yi-Fong , Abrigo Gerald , Lin Shu-Wei , Chen Yun-Hsuan , Chien Fan-Ching , Tai Hwan-Ching
Published: September 2021

Synaptosomes are subcellular fractions prepared from brain tissues that are enriched in synaptic terminals, widely used for the study of neural transmission and synaptic dysfunction. Immunofluorescence imaging is increasingly applied to synaptosomes to investigate protein localization. However, conventional methods for imaging synaptosomes over glass coverslips suffer from formaldehyde-induced aggregation. Here, we developed a facile strategy to capture and image synaptosomes without aggregation artefacts. First, ethylene glycol bis(succinimidyl succinate) (EGS) is chosen as the chemical fixative to replace formaldehyde. EGS/glycine treatment makes the zeta potential of synaptosomes more negative. Second, we modified glass coverslips with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to impart positive charges. EGS-fixed synaptosomes spontaneously attach to modified glasses via electrostatic attraction while maintaining good dispersion. Individual synaptic terminals are imaged by conventional fluorescence microscopy or by super-resolution techniques such as direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). We examined tau protein by two-color and three-color dSTORM to understand its spatial distribution within mouse cortical synapses, observing tau colocalization with synaptic vesicles as well postsynaptic densities.
Study on hyperspectral estimation model of soil organic carbon content in the wheat field under different water treatments
Authors: Yang Chenbo , Feng Meichen , Song Lifang , Wang Chao , Yang Wude , Xie Yongkai , Jing Binghan , Xiao Lujie , Zhang Meijun , Song Xiaoyan , Saleem Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Hyperspectral remote sensing technology can be used to monitor the soil nutrient changes in a rapid, real-time, and non-destructive manner, which is of great significance to promote the development of precision agriculture. In this paper, 225 soil samples were studied. The effects of different water treatments on soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and the relationship between SOC content and spectral reflectance (350–2500 nm) were studied. 17 kinds of preprocessing algorithm were performed on the original spectral (R), and the five allocation ratios of calibration to verification sets were set. Finally, the model was constructed by partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that the effects of water treatment on SOC content were different in different growth stages of winter wheat. Results of correlation analysis showed that the differential transformation can refine the spectral characteristics, and improve the correlation between SOC content and spectral reflectance. Results of model construction showed that the models constructed by second-order differential transformation were not good. But the ratio of standard deviation to the standard prediction error (RPD) values of the models were constructed by simple mathematical transformation (T0–T5) and first-order differential transformation (T6–T11) can reach more than 1.4. The simple mathematical transformation (T0–T2, T4–T5) and the first-order differential transformation (T6–T10) resulted in the highest RPD in mode 5 and mode 2, respectively. Among all the models, the model of T7 in mode 2 reach the highest accuracy with a RPD value of 1.9861. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the data preprocessing algorithm and allocation ratio in the process of constructing the hyperspectral monitoring model of SOC.
Action video game training improves text reading accuracy, rate and comprehension in children with dyslexia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peters Jessica L. , Crewther Sheila G. , Murphy Melanie J. , Bavin Edith L.
Published: September 2021

Dynamic visual attention training using Action Video Games (AVGs) is a promising intervention for dyslexia. This study investigated the efficacy of 5 h (10 × 30 min) of AVG training in dyslexic children (aged 8–13) using ‘Fruit Ninja’, while exploring whether increasing attentional and eye movement demands enhanced AVG effectiveness. Regular (AVG-R; n = 22) and enhanced AVG training (AVG+; n = 23) were compared to a treatment-as-usual comparison group (n = 19) on reading, rapid naming, eye movements and visuo-temporal processing. Playing ‘Fruit Ninja’ for only 5 h significantly improved reading accuracy, rate, comprehension and rapid naming of both AVG groups, compared to the comparison group, though increasing attentional demands did not enhance AVG efficacy. Participants whose low contrast magnocellular-temporal processing improved most following training also showed significantly greater improvement in reading accuracy. The findings demonstrate a clear role for visual attention in reading and highlight the clinical applicability of AVGs as a fun, motivational and engaging intervention for dyslexia.
Analysis on vertical–pitch coupled dynamics characteristics of shearer with corrected load
Authors: Yang Xinwei , Chen Hongyue , Li Pengfei , Wang Xin , Wei Yajing
Published: September 2021

With regard to the severe vertical and pitching vibration of shearer in actual working conditions, the vertical–pitch coupled dynamics model of shearer with 13 degrees of freedom was established using multi-body dynamics theory. Based on the elasticity theory, Hertz contact and collision dynamics, the connection stiffness model of shear body and the traction section, the rocker arm with clearance and the traction section, the support stiffness models for the guide shoe and the smooth shoe, and the stiffness characteristics model of the rocker arm were constructed respectively. Taking into account the convergence of solution process and the reliability of results, a modified drum load was proposed as the external excitation of the system and the dynamic characteristics of key parts of shearer under different working conditions were analyzed. The numerical models were validated against the vibration responses of the whole machine and critical components of shearer obtained from mechanical test under different operating conditions. The research results provide theoretical basis for the structure optimization and process parameter optimization of shearer.
Microsporidia MB is found predominantly associated with Anopheles gambiae s.s and Anopheles coluzzii in Ghana
Authors: Akorli Jewelna , Akorli Esinam Abla , Tetteh Seraphim Naa Afoley , Amlalo Godwin Kwame , Opoku Millicent , Pwalia Rebecca , Adimazoya Michelle , Atibilla Dorcas , Pi-Bansa Sellase , Chabi Joseph , Dadzie Samuel Kweku
Published: September 2021

A vertically transmitted microsporidian, Microsporidia MB, with the ability to disrupt Plasmodium development was reported in Anopheles arabiensis from Kenya, East Africa. To demonstrate its range of incidence, archived DNA samples from 7575 Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Ghana were screened. MB prevalence was observed at 1.8%. An. gambiae s.s constituted 87% of positive mosquitoes while the remaining were from An. coluzzii. Both sibling species had similar positivity rates (24% and 19%; p = 0.42) despite the significantly higher number of An. gambiae s.s analysed (An. gambiae s.s = 487; An. coluzzii = 94; p = 0.0005). The microsporidian was also more prevalent in emerged adults from field-collected larvae than field-caught adults (p < 0.0001) suggestive of an efficient vertical transmission and/or horizontal transfer among larvae. This is the first report of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes in West Africa. It indicates possible widespread among malaria vector species and warrants investigations into the symbiont’s diversity across sub-Saharan Africa.
Structural basis for small molecule targeting of Doublecortin Like Kinase 1 with DCLK1-IN-1
Authors: Patel Onisha , Roy Michael J. , Kropp Ashleigh , Hardy Joshua M. , Dai Weiwen , Lucet Isabelle S.
Published: September 2021

Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is an understudied bi-functional kinase with a proven role in tumour growth and development. However, the presence of tissue-specific spliced DCLK1 isoforms with distinct biological functions have challenged the development of effective strategies to understand the role of DCLK1 in oncogenesis. Recently, DCLK1-IN-1 was reported as a highly selective DCLK1 inhibitor, a powerful tool to dissect DCLK1 biological functions. Here, we report the crystal structures of DCLK1 kinase domain in complex with DCLK1-IN-1 and its precursors. Combined, our data rationalises the structure-activity relationship that informed the development of DCLK1-IN-1 and provides the basis for the high selectivity of DCLK1-IN-1, with DCLK1-IN-1 inducing a drastic conformational change of the ATP binding site. We demonstrate that DCLK1-IN-1 binds DCLK1 long isoforms but does not prevent DCLK1’s Microtubule-Associated Protein (MAP) function. Together, our work provides an invaluable structural platform to further the design of isoform-specific DCLK1 modulators for therapeutic intervention.
Low striatal T3 is implicated in inattention and memory impairment in an ADHD mouse model overexpressing thyroid hormone-responsive protein
Authors: Custodio Raly James Perez , Kim Mikyung , Sayson Leandro Val , Lee Hyun Jun , Ortiz Darlene Mae , Kim Bung-Nyun , Kim Hee Jin , Cheong Jae Hoon
Published: September 2021

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, potentially with a biological basis; however, its exact cause remains unknown. Thyroid hormone (TH) abnormalities are more prevalent in patients with ADHD than in the general population, indicating a shared pathogenetic mechanism for these conditions. Previously, we identified that overexpression of thyroid hormone-responsive protein (THRSP), a gene highly responsive to TH status, induced inattention in male mice. Herein, we sought to explore whether TH function in THRSP-overexpressing (THRSP OE) mice influences ADHD-like (inattention) behavior. We now confirm that THRSP overexpression in male mice reproduces behavioral features of ADHD, including sustained inattention and memory impairment, accompanied by excessive theta waves that were found normal in both the THRSP-knockout and hetero groups. Physiological characterization revealed low striatal T3 levels in the THRSP OE mice due to reduced striatal T3-specific monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), indicating brain-specific hypothyroidism in this transgenic mouse strain. TH replacement for seven days rescued inattention and memory impairment and the normalization of theta waves. This study further supports the involvement of the upregulated THRSP gene in ADHD pathology and indicates that THRSP OE mice can serve as an animal model for the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD.
Effect of the proximal secondary sphere on the self-assembly of tetrahedral zinc-oxo clusters
Authors: Terlecki Michał , Justyniak Iwona , Leszczyński Michał K. , Lewiński Janusz
Published: September 2021

Metal-oxo clusters can serve as directional and rigid building units of coordination and noncovalent supramolecular assemblies. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of their multi-faceted chemistry is vital for the development of self-assembled solid-state structures of desired properties. Here we present a comprehensive comparative structural analysis of isostructural benzoate, benzamidate, and new benzamidinate zinc-oxo clusters incorporating the [O,O]-, [O,NH]- and [NH,NH]-anchoring donor centers, respectively. We demonstrated that the NH groups in the proximal secondary coordination sphere are prone to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which affects the packing of clusters in the crystal structure. Coordination sphere engineering can lead to the rational design of new catalytic sites and novel molecular building units of supramolecular assemblies.
Statistically bias-corrected and downscaled climate models underestimate the adverse effects of extreme heat on U.S. maize yields
Authors: Lafferty David C. , Sriver Ryan L. , Haqiqi Iman , Hertel Thomas W. , Keller Klaus , Nicholas Robert E.
Published: September 2021

Efforts to understand and quantify how a changing climate can impact agriculture often rely on bias-corrected and downscaled climate information, making it important to quantify potential biases of this approach. Here, we use a multi-model ensemble of statistically bias-corrected and downscaled climate models, as well as the corresponding parent models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), to drive a statistical panel model of U.S. maize yields that incorporates season-wide measures of temperature and precipitation. We analyze uncertainty in annual yield hindcasts, finding that the CMIP5 models considerably overestimate historical yield variability while the bias-corrected and downscaled versions underestimate the largest weather-induced yield declines. We also find large differences in projected yields and other decision-relevant metrics throughout this century, leaving stakeholders with modeling choices that require navigating trade-offs in resolution, historical accuracy, and projection confidence.
Synthesis and characterisation of a very low-coordinate diferrous [2Fe–2S]0 unit
Authors: Schneider Christian , Groß Sophie J. , Demeshko Serhiy , Bontemps Sébastien , Meyer Franc , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of a very low-coordinate diferrous [2Fe–2S]0 unit is presented which shows exceptionally strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the iron ions.
Stereoselective copper-catalyzed heteroarene C–H functionalization/Michael-type annulation cascade with α-diazocarbonyls
Authors: Bhat Aabid , Tucker Nathan , Lin Jian-Bin , Grover Huck
Published: September 2021

A general reaction manifold was developed for the construction of ring-fused indole products via a regioselective and stereoselective cascade process involving a C–H bond functionalization.
Superconducting properties of BaBi3 at ambient and high pressures
Authors: Wang Yanan , Taguchi Tomoya , Li Huan , Suzuki Ai , Zhang Yanting , Miura Akari , Ikeda Mitsuki , Goto Hidenori , Eguchi Ritsuko , Miyazaki Takafumi , Liao Yen-Fa , Ishii Hirofumi , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: September 2021

The pressure dependence of BaBi3 superconductivity is investigated, demonstrating only the presence of the α phase, and p-wave superconductivity.
Rovibronic spectroscopy of PN from first principles
Authors: Semenov Mikhail , El-Kork Nayla , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: September 2021

We report an ab initio study on the rovibronic spectroscopy of the closed-shell diatomic molecule phosphorous mononitride, PN.
Detection of ligand binding to glycopolymers using saturation transfer difference NMR
Authors: Muzulu Janet , Basu Amit
Published: September 2021

Saturation transfer from glycopolymers to bound small molecules enables detection of ligand binding to polymers.
Tunable ionic conductivity and photoluminescence in quasi-2D CH3NH3PbBr3 thin films incorporating sulphur doped graphene quantum dots
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Jitendra , Kadian Sachin , Srivastava Priya , Manik Gaurav , Bag Monojit
Published: September 2021

Incorporating sulphur doped GQDs in the perovskite active layer results in a quasi 2D-structure with reduced ion migration and improved device stability.
Superior CNT-supported bimetallic RuCu catalyst for the highly selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol
Authors: Sherbi Magdy , Wesner Anne , Wisniewski Valea Kim , Bukowski Anna , Velichkova Hristiana , Fiedler Bodo , Albert Jakob
Published: September 2021

Surface modification using Cu significantly improves the performance of Ru/MWCNT catalysts for the selective production of 1,2-PD up to (93.4%) from glycerol hydrogenolysis.
Ketogenic diet aggravates colitis, impairs intestinal barrier and alters gut microbiota and metabolism in DSS-induced mice
Authors: Li Shengjie , Zhuge Aoxiang , Wang Kaicen , Lv Longxian , Bian Xiaoyuan , Yang Liya , Xia Jiafeng , Jiang Xianwan , Wu Wenrui , Wang Shuting , Wang Qiangqiang , Li Lanjuan
Published: September 2021

A ketogenic diet was shown to aggravate DSS-induced colitis in mice by increasing intestinal and systemic inflammation, and disrupting the intestinal barrier, which results from modulated gut microbiota and metabolism.
Nature-inspired mineralization of a wood membrane as a sensitive electrochemical sensing device for in situ recognition of chiral molecules
Authors: Dai Zhenqing , Guo Junli , Su Tiantian , Wang Jinfeng , Gao Zhida , Song Yan-Yan
Published: September 2021

Cost-effective and easily accessible membranes based on natural wood are developed and demonstrated as a new class of artificial solid-state ion channels for electrochemical sensing applications.
Quantification of local zinc and tungsten deposits in bone with LA-ICP-MS using novel hydroxyapatite–collagen calibration standards
Authors: VanderSchee Cassidy R. , Frier David , Kuter David , Mann Koren K. , Jackson Brian P. , Bohle D. Scott
Published: September 2021

Methods to prepare and quantify basal levels of zinc and adventitious levels of tungsten in bone are developed, optimized, and tested.
Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and phenol by iron-silicate glass prepared by the sol–gel method
Authors: Khan Irfan , Akiyama Kazuhiko , Inagaki Akiko , Ali Ahmad Salah , Kuzmann Ernő , Homonnay Zoltán , Sinkó Katalin , Popov Nina , Pati Shudhanshu Shekhar , Kubuki Shiro
Published: September 2021

A highly efficient photo-Fenton catalyst iron silicate glass was successfully prepared by a simple sol–gel method.
Janthinoid A, an unprecedented tri-nor-meroterpenoid with highly modified bridged 4a,1-(epoxymethano)phenanthrene scaffold, produced by the endophyte of Penicillium janthinellum TE-43
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Su Jun-Cheng , Jiang Bao-Zhen , Li Ye-Ling , Guo Yuan-Qiang , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2021

Janthinoid A (1), an unprecedented C22 meroterpenoid featuring a highly modified bridged 4a,1-(epoxymethano)phenanthrene scaffold, was produced by Penicillium janthinellum.
Machine learning prediction of hydrogen atom transfer reactivity in photoredox-mediated C–H functionalization
Authors: Yang Li-Cheng , Li Xin , Zhang Shuo-Qing , Hong Xin
Published: September 2021

DFT-computed structure–activity relationship data and physical organic descriptors create accurate machine learning model for HAT barrier prediction in photoredox-mediated HAT catalysis.
A new PLA–Tween composited drug-carrying C60–Fe3O4 multifunctional ultrasound contrast agent based on three kinds of lesions
Authors: Gao Baoqing , Feng Yao , Chen Xinmeng , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2021

A PLA–Tween composited drug-carrying C60–Fe3O4 microbubble was designed and prepared. Using Fe3O4 as a targeting factor and C60 as a drug carrier, C60–Fe3O4–WF, C60–Fe3O4–NET and C60–Fe3O4–DOX targeted drug-loading complexes were obtained.
Lipid-mimicking phosphorus-based glycosidase inactivators as pharmacological chaperones for the treatment of Gaucher's disease
Authors: Scherer Manuel , Santana Andrés G. , Robinson Kyle , Zhou Steven , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Clarke Lorne , Withers Stephen G.
Published: September 2021

Engineered 2-fluoroglucosides containing a phosphorus-based leaving group rapidly form a stable covalent intermediate with GCase, thus stabilising the enzyme during transit to the lysosome, where it is released on a clinically appropriate timescale.