bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CME Evolution in the Structured Heliosphere and Effects at Earth and Mars During Solar Minimum
Authors: Palmerio Erika , Lee Christina O. , Richardson Ian G. , Nieves‐Chinchilla Teresa , Dos Santos Luiz F. G. , Gruesbeck Jacob R. , Nitta Nariaki V. , Mays M. Leila , Halekas Jasper S. , Zeitlin Cary , Xu Shaosui , Holmström Mats , Futaana Yoshifumi , Mulligan Tamitha , Lynch Benjamin J. , Luhmann Janet G.
Published: September 2022

The activity of the Sun alternates between a solar minimum and a solar maximum, the former corresponding to a period of “quieter” status of the heliosphere. During solar minimum, it is in principle more straightforward to follow eruptive events and solar wind structures from their birth at the Sun throughout their interplanetary journey. In this paper, we report analysis of the origin, evolution, and heliospheric impact of a series of solar transient events that took place during the second half of August 2018, that is, in the midst of the late declining phase of Solar Cycle 24. In particular, we focus on two successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and a following high‐speed stream (HSS) on their way toward Earth and Mars. We find that the first CME impacted both planets, whilst the second caused a strong magnetic storm at Earth and went on to miss Mars, which nevertheless experienced space weather effects from the stream interacting region preceding the HSS. Analysis of remote‐sensing and in‐situ data supported by heliospheric modeling suggests that CME–HSS interaction resulted in the second CME rotating and deflecting in interplanetary space, highlighting that accurately reproducing the ambient solar wind is crucial even during “simpler” solar minimum periods. Lastly, we discuss the upstream solar wind conditions and transient structures responsible for driving space weather effects at Earth and Mars.
Moderate and Severe Hydrological Droughts in Europe Differ in Their Hydrometeorological Drivers
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Van Loon Anne F. , Stahl Kerstin
Published: September 2022

Hydrological extreme events are generated by different sequences of hydrometeorological drivers, the importance of which may vary within the sample of drought events. Here, we investigate how the importance of different hydrometeorological driver sequences varies by event magnitude using a large sample of catchments in Europe. To do so, we develop an automated classification scheme for streamflow drought events. The classification scheme standardizes a previous qualitative drought typology and assigns events to one of eight drought event types—each characterized by a set of single or compounding drivers—using information about seasonality, precipitation deficits, and snow availability. The objective event classification reveals how drought drivers vary not just in space and by season, but also with event magnitude. Specifically, we show that (a) rainfall deficit droughts and cold snow season droughts are the dominant drought event type in Western Europe and Eastern and Northern Europe, respectively; (b) rainfall deficit and cold snow season droughts are important from autumn to spring while snowmelt and wet‐to‐dry season droughts are important in summer; and (c) moderate droughts are mainly driven by rainfall deficits while severe events are mainly driven by snowmelt deficits in colder climates and by streamflow deficits transitioning from the wet to the dry season in warmer climates. These differences in sequences of drought generation mechanisms for severe and moderate events suggest that future changes in hydrometeorological drivers may affect moderate and severe events differently.
The acute effect of glucagon on components of energy balance and glucose homoeostasis in adults without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Frampton James , Izzi-Engbeaya Chioma , Salem Victoria , Murphy Kevin G. , Tan Tricia M. , Chambers Edward S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to estimate the mean effect of acute glucagon administration on components of energy balance and glucose homoeostasis in adults without diabetes.

Methods

CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to May 2021. To be included, papers had to be a randomised, crossover, single- or double-blind study, measuring ad libitum meal energy intake, energy expenditure, subjective appetite, glucose, and/or insulin following acute administration of glucagon and an appropriate comparator in adults without diabetes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized trials with additional considerations for cross-over trials. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed for outcomes with at least five studies. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021269623).

Results

In total, 13 papers (15 studies) were considered eligible: energy intake (5 studies, 77 participants); energy expenditure (5 studies, 59 participants); subjective appetite (3 studies, 39 participants); glucose (13 studies, 159 participants); insulin (12 studies, 147 participants). All studies had some concerns with regards to risk of bias. Mean intervention effect of acute glucagon administration on energy intake was small (standardised mean difference [SMD]: –0.19; 95% CI, –0.59 to 0.21; P = 0.345). Mean intervention effect of acute glucagon administration on energy expenditure (SMD: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.37–1.08; P < 0.001), glucose (SMD: 1.11; 95% CI, 0.60–1.62; P < 0.001), and insulin (SMD: 1.33; 95% CI, 0.88–1.77; P < 0.001) was moderate to large.

Conclusions

Acute glucagon administration produces substantial increases in energy expenditure, and in circulating insulin and glucose concentrations. However, the effect of acute glucagon administration on energy intake is unclear. Insufficient evidence was available to evaluate the acute effect of glucagon on subjective appetite.
All-angle reflectionless negative refraction with ideal photonic Weyl metamaterials
Authors: Liu Yachao , Wang Guo Ping , Pendry John B. , Zhang Shuang
Published: September 2022

Negative refraction, an unnatural optical phenomenon in which the incident and the refracted waves reside on the same side of the surface normal, has been demonstrated with the invention of negative index media based on artificially engineered photonic structures called metamaterials. It has received wide attention due to its potential applications in imaging, nonlinear optics, and electromagnetic cloaking. However, it is highly challenging to realize negative refraction operating at all angles and with the perfect transmission. In this work, leveraging the recent development in topological photonics, we propose to realize reflectionless negative refraction for all incident angles with a topological metamaterial. The proposed metamaterial possesses two Weyl points of opposite topological charges. By interfacing the metamaterial with a perfect electric conductor (PEC) or a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC), the Fermi arc connecting the two Weyl points can take the form of a half-circle possessing a positive or a negative refractive index. Importantly, due to the topological protection, there is no reflection at the interface between the PEC and PMC covered areas, leading to the observation of all-angle negative refraction without reflection at the boundary. Our work provides a new platform for manipulating the propagation of surface waves, which may find applications in the construction of integrated photonic devices.
Stress induced TDP-43 mobility loss independent of stress granules
Authors: Streit Lisa , Kuhn Timo , Vomhof Thomas , Bopp Verena , Ludolph Albert C. , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Gebhardt J. Christof M. , Michaelis Jens , Danzer Karin M.
Published: September 2022

TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is closely related to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and translocates to stress granules (SGs). The role of SGs as aggregation-promoting “crucibles” for TDP-43, however, is still under debate. We analyzed TDP-43 mobility and localization under different stress and recovery conditions using live cell single-molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy. Besides reduced mobility within SGs, a stress induced decrease of TDP-43 mobility in the cytoplasm and the nucleus was observed. Stress removal led to a recovery of TDP-43 mobility, which strongly depended on the stress duration. ‘Stimulated-emission depletion microscopy’ (STED) and ‘tracking and localization microscopy’ (TALM) revealed not only TDP-43 substructures within stress granules but also numerous patches of slow TDP-43 species throughout the cytoplasm. This work provides insights into the aggregation of TDP-43 in living cells and provide evidence suggesting that TDP-43 oligomerization and aggregation takes place in the cytoplasm separate from SGs.
Dominant role of DNA methylation over H3K9me3 for IAP silencing in endoderm
Authors: Wang Zeyang , Fan Rui , Russo Angela , Cernilogar Filippo M. , Nuber Alexander , Schirge Silvia , Shcherbakova Irina , Dzhilyanova Iva , Ugur Enes , Anton Tobias , Richter Lisa , Leonhardt Heinrich , Lickert Heiko , Schotta Gunnar
Published: September 2022

Silencing of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) is largely mediated by repressive chromatin modifications H3K9me3 and DNA methylation. On ERVs, these modifications are mainly deposited by the histone methyltransferase Setdb1 and by the maintenance DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1. Knock-out of either Setdb1 or Dnmt1 leads to ERV de-repression in various cell types. However, it is currently not known if H3K9me3 and DNA methylation depend on each other for ERV silencing. Here we show that conditional knock-out of Setdb1 in mouse embryonic endoderm results in ERV de-repression in visceral endoderm (VE) descendants and does not occur in definitive endoderm (DE). Deletion of Setdb1 in VE progenitors results in loss of H3K9me3 and reduced DNA methylation of Intracisternal A-particle (IAP) elements, consistent with up-regulation of this ERV family. In DE, loss of Setdb1 does not affect H3K9me3 nor DNA methylation, suggesting Setdb1-independent pathways for maintaining these modifications. Importantly, Dnmt1 knock-out results in IAP de-repression in both visceral and definitive endoderm cells, while H3K9me3 is unaltered. Thus, our data suggest a dominant role of DNA methylation over H3K9me3 for IAP silencing in endoderm cells. Our findings suggest that Setdb1-meditated H3K9me3 is not sufficient for IAP silencing, but rather critical for maintaining high DNA methylation.
The effect of carbon fertilization on naturally regenerated and planted US forests
Authors: Davis Eric C. , Sohngen Brent , Lewis David J.
Published: September 2022

Over the last half century in the United States, the per-hectare volume of wood in trees has increased, but it is not clear whether this increase has been driven by forest management, forest recovery from past land uses, such as agriculture, or other environmental factors such as elevated carbon dioxide, nitrogen deposition, or climate change. This paper uses empirical analysis to estimate the effect of elevated carbon dioxide on aboveground wood volume in temperate forests of the United States. To accomplish this, we employ matching techniques that allow us to disentangle the effects of elevated carbon dioxide from other environmental factors affecting wood volume and to estimate the effects separately for planted and natural stands. We show that elevated carbon dioxide has had a strong and consistently positive effect on wood volume while other environmental factors yielded a mix of both positive and negative effects. This study, by enabling a better understanding of how elevated carbon dioxide and other anthropogenic factors are influencing forest stocks, can help policymakers and other stakeholders better account for the role of forests in Nationally Determined Contributions and global mitigation pathways to achieve a 1.5 degree Celsius target.
A unifying mechanism for cation effect modulating C1 and C2 productions from CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Shin Seung-Jae , Choi Hansol , Ringe Stefan , Won Da Hye , Oh Hyung-Suk , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Taemin , Nam Dae-Hyun , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Chang Hyuck
Published: September 2022

Electrocatalysis, whose reaction venue locates at the catalyst–electrolyte interface, is controlled by the electron transfer across the electric double layer, envisaging a mechanistic link between the electron transfer rate and the electric double layer structure. A fine example is in the CO2 reduction reaction, of which rate shows a strong dependence on the alkali metal cation (M+) identity, but there is yet to be a unified molecular picture for that. Using quantum-mechanics-based atom-scale simulation, we herein scrutinize the M+-coupling capability to possible intermediates, and establish H+- and M+-associated ET mechanisms for CH4 and CO/C2H4 formations, respectively. These theoretical scenarios are successfully underpinned by Nernstian shifts of polarization curves with the H+ or M+ concentrations and the first-order kinetics of CO/C2H4 formation on the electrode surface charge density. Our finding further rationalizes the merit of using Nafion-coated electrode for enhanced C2 production in terms of enhanced surface charge density.
Angiocrine extracellular vesicles impose mesenchymal reprogramming upon proneural glioma stem cells
Authors: Adnani Lata , Kassouf Jordan , Meehan Brian , Spinelli Cristiana , Tawil Nadim , Nakano Ichiro , Rak Janusz
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable form of primary astrocytic brain tumor driven by glioma stem cell (GSC) compartment closely associated with the vascular niche. GSC phenotypes are heterogeneous and range from proneural to mesenchymal-like, the latter characterised by greater invasiveness. Here we document the secretory (angiocrine) role of endothelial cells and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drivers of proneural-to-mesenchymal reprogramming of GSCs. These changes involve activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and NFκB, and inactivation of NOTCH, while altering responsiveness to chemotherapy and driving infiltrative growth in the brain. Our findings suggest that EV-mediated angiocrine interactions impact the nature of cellular stemness in GBM with implications for disease biology and therapy.
Transformation of primary sensory cortical representations from layer 4 to layer 2
Authors: Voelcker Bettina , Pancholi Ravi , Peron Simon
Published: September 2022

Sensory input arrives from thalamus in cortical layer (L) 4, which outputs predominantly to superficial layers. L4 to L2 thus constitutes one of the earliest cortical feedforward networks. Despite extensive study, the transformation performed by this network remains poorly understood. We use two-photon calcium imaging to record neural activity in L2-4 of primary vibrissal somatosensory cortex (vS1) as mice perform an object localization task with two whiskers. Touch responses sparsen and become more reliable from L4 to L2, with nearly half of the superficial touch response confined to ~1 % of excitatory neurons. These highly responsive neurons have broad receptive fields and can more accurately decode stimulus features. They participate disproportionately in ensembles, small subnetworks with elevated pairwise correlations. Thus, from L4 to L2, cortex transitions from distributed probabilistic coding to sparse and robust ensemble-based coding, resulting in more efficient and accurate representations.
A stem cell roadmap of ribosome heterogeneity reveals a function for RPL10A in mesoderm production
Authors: Genuth Naomi R. , Shi Zhen , Kunimoto Koshi , Hung Victoria , Xu Adele F. , Kerr Craig H. , Tiu Gerald C. , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Salomon-Shulman Rachel E. A. , Axelrod Jeffrey D. , Burlingame Alma L. , Loh Kyle M. , Barna Maria
Published: September 2022

Recent findings suggest that the ribosome itself modulates gene expression. However, whether ribosomes change composition across cell types or control cell fate remains unknown. Here, employing quantitative mass spectrometry during human embryonic stem cell differentiation, we identify dozens of ribosome composition changes underlying cell fate specification. We observe upregulation of RPL10A/uL1-containing ribosomes in the primitive streak followed by progressive decreases during mesoderm differentiation. An Rpl10a loss-of-function allele in mice causes striking early mesodermal phenotypes, including posterior trunk truncations, and inhibits paraxial mesoderm production in culture. Ribosome profiling in Rpl10a loss-of-function mice reveals decreased translation of mesoderm regulators, including Wnt pathway mRNAs, which are also enriched on RPL10A/uL1-containing ribosomes. We further show that RPL10A/uL1 regulates canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling during stem cell differentiation and in the developing embryo. These findings reveal unexpected ribosome composition modularity that controls differentiation and development through the specialized translation of key signaling networks.
SeqCode: a nomenclatural code for prokaryotes described from sequence data
Authors: Hedlund Brian P. , Chuvochina Maria , Hugenholtz Philip , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Murray Alison E. , Palmer Marike , Parks Donovan H. , Probst Alexander J. , Reysenbach Anna-Louise , Rodriguez-R Luis M. , Rossello-Mora Ramon , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Venter Stephanus N. , Whitman William B.
Published: September 2022

Most prokaryotes are not available as pure cultures and therefore ineligible for naming under the rules and recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP). Here we summarize the development of the SeqCode, a code of nomenclature under which genome sequences serve as nomenclatural types. This code enables valid publication of names of prokaryotes based upon isolate genome, metagenome-assembled genome or single-amplified genome sequences. Otherwise, it is similar to the ICNP with regard to the formation of names and rules of priority. It operates through the SeqCode Registry (https://seqco.de/), a registration portal through which names and nomenclatural types are registered, validated and linked to metadata. We describe the two paths currently available within SeqCode to register and validate names, includingCandidatusnames, and provide examples for both. Recommendations on minimal standards for DNA sequences are provided. Thus, the SeqCode provides a reproducible and objective framework for the nomenclature of all prokaryotes regardless of cultivability and facilitates communication across microbiological disciplines.
A functional selection reveals previously undetected anti-phage defence systems in the E. coli pangenome
Authors: Vassallo Christopher N. , Doering Christopher R. , Littlehale Megan L. , Teodoro Gabriella I. C. , Laub Michael T.
Published: September 2022

The ancient, ongoing coevolutionary battle between bacteria and their viruses, bacteriophages, has given rise to sophisticated immune systems including restriction-modification and CRISPR-Cas. Many additional anti-phage systems have been identified using computational approaches based on genomic co-location within defence islands, but these screens may not be exhaustive. Here we developed an experimental selection scheme agnostic to genomic context to identify defence systems in 71 diverse E. coli strains. Our results unveil 21 conserved defence systems, none of which were previously detected as enriched in defence islands. Additionally, our work indicates that intact prophages and mobile genetic elements are primary reservoirs and distributors of defence systems in E. coli, with defence systems typically carried in specific locations or hotspots. These hotspots encode dozens of additional uncharacterized defence system candidates. Our findings reveal an extended landscape of antiviral immunity in E. coli and provide an approach for mapping defence systems in other species.
Lactococcus lactis engineered to deliver hCAP18 cDNA alleviates DNBS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice by promoting IL17A and IL10 cytokine expression
Authors: Noguès Esther Borras , Kropp Camille , Bétemps Laureline , de Sousa Cassiana , Chain Florian , Auger Sandrine , Azevedo Vasco , Langella Philippe , Chatel Jean-Marc
Published: September 2022

With its antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties, the cathelicidin (LL37) plays an important role in innate immune system. Here, we attempted to alleviate chemically induced colitis using a lactococci strain that either directly expressed the precursor to LL37, hCAP18 (LL-pSEC:hCAP18), or delivered hCAP18 cDNA to host cells under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter (LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18). We also investigated whether the alleviation of symptoms could be explained through modification of the gut microbiota by hCAP18. Mice were administered daily doses of LL-pSEC:hCAP18 or LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18. On day 7, colitis was induced by DNBS. During autopsy, we assessed macroscopic tissue damage in the colon and collected tissue samples for the characterization of inflammation markers and histological analysis. Feces were collected at day 7 for 16S DNA sequencing. We also performed a fecal transplant experiment in which mice underwent colon washing and received feces from Lactococcus lactis-treated mice before DNBS-colitis induction. Treatment with LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18 reduced the severity of colitis symptoms. The protective effects were accompanied by increased levels of IL17A and IL10 in mesenteric lymph node cells. L. lactis administration altered the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae. However, fecal transplant from L. lactis-treated mice did not improve DNBS-induced symptoms in recipient mice.
Inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis cause Glut4 translocation and increase glucose uptake in adipocytes
Authors: Meriin A. B. , Zaarur N. , Bogan J. S. , Kandror K. V.
Published: September 2022

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in adipocytes by triggering translocation of glucose transporter 4-containg vesicles to the plasma membrane. Under basal conditions, these vesicles (IRVs for insulin-responsive vesicles) are retained inside the cell via a “static” or “dynamic” mechanism. We have found that inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis, actinomycin D and emetine, stimulate Glut4 translocation and glucose uptake in adipocytes without engaging conventional signaling proteins, such as Akt, TBC1D4, or TUG. Actinomycin D does not significantly affect endocytosis of Glut4 or recycling of transferrin, suggesting that it specifically increases exocytosis of the IRVs. Thus, the intracellular retention of the IRVs in adipocytes requires continuous RNA and protein biosynthesis de novo. These results point out to the existence of a short-lived inhibitor of IRV translocation thus supporting the “static” model.
Hydromechanical impact of basement rock on injection-induced seismicity in Illinois Basin
Authors: Bondarenko Nikita , Podladchikov Yury , Makhnenko Roman
Published: September 2022

The common explanation of observed injection-induced microseismicity is based on the measured stress state at the injection interval and the assumption that it remains the same in the vicinity. We argue here that representing the stress state in different geologic formations over the injection site with the single Mohr’s circle is insufficient due to local stratigraphic features and contrast in compressibilities of the involved formations. The role of hydromechanical coupling in the microseismic response is also crucial for the proper assessment of the problem. Thoroughly monitored Illinois Basin Decatur Project revealed the majority of CO2 injection-associated microseismic events being originated in the crystalline basement. Even though basement faults can serve as the conduits for fluid flow—the predicted pressure increase seems to be insufficient to trigger seismicity. To address this issue, accurate laboratory measurements of rock properties from the involved formations are conducted. The pre-injection stress state and its evolution are evaluated with the hydromechanically coupled numerical model. It appears that the presence of an offset in a stiff competent layer affects the stress state in its vicinity. Therefore, both the pre-injection stress state and its evolution during the fluid injection should be addressed during the induced seismicity assessment.
Integrated analysis to study the interplay between post-translational modifications (PTM) in hepatitis C virus proteins and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development
Authors: Ikram Aqsa , Rauff Bisma , Alzahrani Badr , Awan Faryal Mehwish , Obaid Ayesha , Naz Anam , Kakar Salik Javed , Janjua Hussnain Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Many PTMs dysregulation is known to be the major cause of many cancers including HCV induced HCC. PTMs of hepatitis C virus (HCV) regions NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B are crucial for proper protein functions and replication that directly affect the generation of infectious virus particles and completion of its life cycle. In this study, we have performed comprehensive analysis of PTMs within HCV non-structural proteins (NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B) through bioinformatics analysis to examine post-translational crosstalk between phosphorylation, palmitoylation, methylation, acetylation and ubiquitination sites in selected viral proteins. Our analysis has revealed many highly putative PTMs sites that are also conserved among major genotypes conferring the importance of these sites. We have also analysed viral 3D structures in their modified and unmodified forms to address extent and signatures of structural changes upon PTM. This study provides evidence that PTMs induce significant conformational changes and make viral proteins more stable. To find the potential role of PTMs in HCV induced HCC, docking analysis between selected viral proteins and p38-MAPK has been performed which also confirms their strong association with HCV induced HCC. The major findings proposed that PTMs at specific sites of HCV viral proteins could dysregulate specific pathways that cause the development of HCC.
Mortality in patients with acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection hospitalized in an intensive care unit during the period 2017–2019
Authors: Ruiz Guillermo Ortiz , Herrera Carlos Felipe López , Bohórquez Jorge Andrés Mahecha , Betancur John Edison
Published: September 2022

Identify risk factors associated with mortality in HIV patients admitted to an ICU in the city of Bogotá. Retrospective cohort study of patients treated in an ICU during the years 2017–2019. The analysis included descriptive statistics, association tests, and a logistic regression model. A predictive model of mortality at the time of admission to the ICU was developed. 110 HIV patients were identified. Association was found between a Charlson index ≥ 6 and mortality (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.1) and an increase in mortality in the first 21 days of ICU stay (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.9). In the logistic regression analysis, the absence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) upon admission to the ICU (OR = 2.5 95% CI 1.0–6.1) and the first 21 days of ICU stay (OR = 2.3 95% CI 1.0–5.4) were associated with an increase in mortality. The predictive mortality model established that mortality was higher in patients admitted to the ICU without having previously received HAART than in those who did receive therapy at the time of admission to the ICU. In patients with HIV admitted to the ICU, the absence of HAART will negatively impact mortality during their hospital stay.
Perception of the non-dominant hand as larger after non-judgmental focus on its details
Authors: Ghaderi Ata , Welch Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

We investigated whether brief non-judgmental focus on the details of one’s non-dominant hand might lead to changes in perception of its size, and if such a change would be related to central coherence, body dissatisfaction, or how much participants liked their hand. After two pilot experiments (N = 28 and N = 30 respectively: Appendix 1), a within-subject experiment (N = 82) was conducted. Subjects were mainly university students. They were asked to rate the size of their non-dominant hand and how much they liked it, and the size of an external object (a X-box controller) on a visual-analog scale before and after focusing on their details for 5 min, as well as the size of another object (a calculator) before and after a 5 min long distraction task. After completing the tasks, they were asked to respond to a brief questionnaire on body dissatisfaction. A s significant interaction between time and factors (non-dominant hand, X-box controller and calculator) emerged (F(2, 78) = 6.41, p = .003). Participants rated their hand as larger after focusing on its details compared to baseline, and this change was significantly larger than those reported for the X-box controller. No significant change in how they liked their hand was observed, and contrary to the pilot experiments, the perceived change in size of the hand was not related to body dissatisfaction. The significant change in reporting of the size of the hand after focusing on its details seems to be an interesting finding, worth further replications.
Modification of the immune response by bacteriophages alters methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
Authors: Suda Tomoya , Hanawa Tomoko , Tanaka Mayuko , Tanji Yasunori , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Hasegawa-Ishii Sanae , Shirato Ken , Kizaki Takako , Matsuda Takeaki
Published: September 2022

There is an urgent need to develop phage therapies for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, although bacteria have been shown to be susceptible to phage therapy, phage therapy is not sufficient in some cases. PhiMR003 is a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus phage previously isolated from sewage influent, and it has demonstrated high lytic activity and a broad host range to MRSA clinical isolates in vitro. To investigate the potential of phiMR003 for the treatment of MRSA infection, the effects of phiMR003 on immune responses in vivo were analysed using phiMR003-susceptible MRSA strains in a mouse wound infection model. Additionally, we assessed whether phiMR003 could affect the immune response to infection with a nonsusceptible MRSA strain. Interestingly, wounds infected with both susceptible and nonsusceptible MRSA strains treated with phiMR003 demonstrated decreased bacterial load, reduced inflammation and accelerated wound closure. Moreover, the infiltration of inflammatory cells in infected tissue was altered by phiMR003. While the effects of phiMR003 on inflammation and bacterial load disappeared with heat inactivation of phiMR003. Transcripts of proinflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide were reduced in mouse peritoneal macrophages. These results show that the immune modulation occurring as a response to the phage itself improves the clinical outcomes of phage therapy.
Evaluation of different 89Zr-labeled synthons for direct labeling and tracking of white blood cells and stem cells in healthy athymic mice
Authors: Bansal Aditya , Sharma Shalini , Klasen Benedikt , Rösch Frank , Pandey Mukesh K.
Published: September 2022

Cell based therapies are evolving as an effective new approach to treat various diseases. To understand the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of cell-based therapies, it is imperative to follow their biodistribution noninvasively. Positron-emission-tomography (PET)-based non-invasive imaging of cell trafficking offers such a potential. Herein, we evaluated and compared three different ready-to-use direct cell radiolabeling synthons, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Bn-NCS, [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-NCS, and [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-SA for PET imaging-based trafficking of white blood cells (WBCs) and stem cells (SCs) up to 7 days in athymic nude mice. We compared the degree of 89Zr complexation and percentage of cell radiolabeling efficiencies with each. All three synthons, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Bn-NCS, [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-NCS, and [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-SA, were successfully prepared, and used for radiolabeling of WBCs and SCs. The highest cell radiolabeling yield was found for [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Bn-NCS, followed by [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-NCS, and [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-SA. In terms of biodistribution, WBCs radiolabeled with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Bn-NCS or [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-NCS, were primarily accumulated in liver and spleen, whereas SCs radiolabeled with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Bn-NCS or [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-NCS were found in lung, liver and spleen. A high bone uptake was observed for both WBCs and SCs radiolabeled with [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-SA, suggesting in-vivo instability of [89Zr]Zr-Hy3ADA5-SA synthon. This study offers an appropriate selection of ready-to-use radiolabeling synthons for noninvasive trafficking of WBCs, SCs and other cell-based therapies.
Oligomerization state of the functional bacterial twin-arginine translocation (Tat) receptor complex
Authors: Sharma Ankith , Chowdhury Rajdeep , Musser Siegfried M.
Published: September 2022

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system transports folded proteins across bacterial and plastid energy transducing membranes. Ion leaks are generally considered to be mitigated by the creation and destruction of the translocation conduit in a cargo-dependent manner, a mechanism that enables tight sealing around a wide range of cargo shapes and sizes. In contrast to the variable stoichiometry of the active translocon, the oligomerization state of the receptor complex is considered more consistently stable but has proved stubbornly difficult to establish. Here, using a single molecule photobleaching analysis of individual inverted membrane vesicles, we demonstrate that Tat receptor complexes are tetrameric in native membranes with respect to both TatB and TatC. This establishes a maximal diameter for a resting state closed pore. A large percentage of Tat-deficient vesicles explains the typically low transport efficiencies observed. This individual reaction chamber approach will facilitate examination of the effects of stochastically distributed molecules.
Reactivity of aminophenols in forming nitrogen-containing brown carbon from iron-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Al-Abadleh Hind A. , Motaghedi Fatemeh , Mohammed Wisam , Rana Md Sohel , Malek Kotiba A. , Rastogi Dewansh , Asa-Awuku Akua A. , Guzman Marcelo I.
Published: September 2022

Nitrogen-containing organic carbon (NOC) in atmospheric particles is an important class of brown carbon (BrC). Redox active NOC like aminophenols received little attention in their ability to form BrC. Here we show that iron can catalyze dark oxidative oligomerization of o- and p-aminophenols under simulated aerosol and cloud conditions (pH 1–7, and ionic strength 0.01–1 M). Homogeneous aqueous phase reactions were conducted using soluble Fe(III), where particle growth/agglomeration were monitored using dynamic light scattering. Mass yield experiments of insoluble soot-like dark brown to black particles were as high as 40%. Hygroscopicity growth factors (κ) of these insoluble products under sub- and super-saturated conditions ranged from 0.4–0.6, higher than that of levoglucosan, a prominent proxy for biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA). Soluble products analyzed using chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed the formation of ring coupling products of o- and p-aminophenols and their primary oxidation products. Heterogeneous reactions of aminophenol were also conducted using Arizona Test Dust (AZTD) under simulated aging conditions, and showed clear changes to optical properties, morphology, mixing state, and chemical composition. These results highlight the important role of iron redox chemistry in BrC formation under atmospherically relevant conditions.
Decreased spliceosome fidelity and egl-8 intron retention inhibit mTORC1 signaling to promote longevity
Authors: Huang Wenming , Kew Chun , Fernandes Stephanie de Alcantara , Löhrke Anna , Han Lynn , Demetriades Constantinos , Antebi Adam
Published: September 2022

Changes in splicing fidelity are associated with loss of homeostasis and aging, yet only a handful of splicing factors have been shown to be causally required to promote longevity, and the underlying mechanisms and downstream targets in these paradigms remain elusive. Surprisingly, we found a hypomorphic mutation within ribonucleoprotein RNP-6/poly(U)-binding factor 60 kDa (PUF60), a spliceosome component promoting weak 3′-splice site recognition, which causes aberrant splicing, elevates stress responses and enhances longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Through genetic suppressor screens, we identify a gain-of-function mutation within rbm-39, an RNP-6-interacting splicing factor, which increases nuclear speckle formation, alleviates splicing defects and curtails longevity caused by rnp-6 mutation. By leveraging the splicing changes induced by RNP-6/RBM-39 activities, we uncover intron retention in egl-8/phospholipase C β4 (PLCB4) as a key splicing target prolonging life. Genetic and biochemical evidence show that neuronal RNP-6/EGL-8 downregulates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling to control organismal lifespan. In mammalian cells, PUF60 downregulation also potently and specifically inhibits mTORC1 signaling. Altogether, our results reveal that splicing fidelity modulates lifespan through mTOR signaling.
Efficient electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction with tetraphenylethylene- and porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Gong Lei , Gao Ying , Wang Yinhai , Chen Baotong , Yu Baoqiu , Liu Wenbo , Han Bin , Lin Chenxiang , Bian Yongzhong , Qi Dongdong , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: September 2022

TPE-CoPor-COF shows high FECO(91–95%) in the range of −0.6 to −1.0 V, and a maximumjCOof −30.4 mA cm−2at −1.0 V, exceeding most of reported COF-based electrocatalysts.
[ASr4Cl][Ge3S10] (A = Na, K) and [KBa4Cl][Ge3S10]: new salt-inclusion infrared nonlinear optical crystals with zero-dimensional [Ge3S9] clusters
Authors: Song Yufei , Cui Shaoxin , Qian Zhen , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng , Wu Hongping
Published: September 2022

Three new Salt-Inclusion Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystals with Zero-dimensional [Ge3S9] Clusters.
Understanding the electrocatalytic mechanism of self-template formation of hierarchical Co9S8/Ni3S2heterojunctions for highly selective electroreduction of nitrobenzene
Authors: Wang Xuanping , Li Longbin , Shi Mingzhu , Wang Yiqi , Xu Guodong , Yuan Kai , Zhu Peipei , Ding Mengning , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2022

Electrons transfer from Ni3S2to Co9S8in Co9S8/Ni3S2heterojunctions through their interface, which is favourable for the adsorption of H2O and nitrobenzene onto Co sites for the formation of H* and further protonation of nitrobenzene.
A high-performance supercapacitor based on free-standing V4C3TX@NiO-reduced graphene oxide core–shell hierarchical heterostructured hydrogel electrodes
Authors: Chen Weiwen , Geng Ziyu , Zhu Shicong , Qiu Zenghui , Zhang Xin , Xu Haijun
Published: September 2022

A high-performance symmetric supercapacitor device based on free-standing V4C3TX@NiO-RGO core–shell hierarchical heterostructured hydrogel electrodes is built.
Dynamically shaping the surface of silica colloids
Authors: Niggel Vincent , Hsu Chiao-Peng , Isa Lucio
Published: September 2022

The shaping of the surface of silica particles obtained from the reaction of two silane precursors is highly dynamical and affects the final particle roughness.
Liquid crystal droplet design by using pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymer additives
Authors: Kumari Asha , Singh Hanuman , Dhawan Sameer , Bhardwaj Surya Kant , Haridas V. , Sinha Aloka
Published: September 2022

Peptide-based liquid crystal (LC) droplets for sensing applications.
Potassium doping towards enhanced Na-ion diffusivity in a fluorophosphate cathode for sodium-ion full cells
Authors: Yu Hong , Gao Yan , Wang Jinjin , Liang Qinghua , Kang Jinzhao , Wang Xiaomei , Du Cheng-Feng , Yan Qingyu
Published: September 2022

K+doping into the Na-site of a Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode creates Na vacancies and increases disordering in the crystal structure, which dramatically accelerates Na ion diffusivity with outstanding rate and cycle performances in sodium-ion full batteries.
Vanadium-free NASICON-type electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Yechao , Meng Xianhe , Yan Lijing , Kang Qiaoling , Du Huiwei , Wan Chubin , Fan Meiqiang , Ma Tingli
Published: September 2022

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been rapidly developed as an effective replacement or supplement for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the high natural abundance and low cost of sodium resources.
Electronic structure modulation of MnO2 by Ru and F incorporation for efficient proton exchange membrane water electrolysis
Authors: Kim Dongwon , Voronova Anastasiia , Kim Sol , Kim Jin Young , Park Hee-Young , Jang Jong Hyun , Seo Bora
Published: September 2022

Incorporation of Ru and F into α-MnO2 tuned the electronic structure of α-MnO2 and led to the development of a highly active, cost-effective anode catalyst for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.
3D bio-printing of photocrosslinked anatomically tooth-shaped scaffolds for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction
Authors: Gong Haihuan , Zhao Yanyan , Chen Qiwei , Wang Yilin , Zhao Hong , Zhong Jing , Lan Qing , Jiang Ying , Huang Wenhua
Published: September 2022

3D printing interconnected porous scaffold with an in-organic-organic material for alveolar ridge preservation.
Precise fibrin decomposition and tumor mechanics modulation with hydroxyethyl starch-based smart nanomedicine for enhanced antitumor efficacy
Authors: Chen Jitang , Zhang Zhijie , Li Yining , Zeng Haowen , Li Zheng , Wang Chong , Xu Chen , Deng Qingyuan , Wang Qiang , Yang Xiangliang , Li Zifu
Published: September 2022

DOX@CREKA/tPA–HP modulates tumor mechanical properties by decomposing intratumoral fibrin, thereby decompressing tumor blood vessels, facilitating drug delivery, and augmenting antitumor effect.
The synergistic effect of defect passivation and energy level adjustment for low-temperature carbon-based CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Dan , Guo Tonghui , Zheng Chunqiu , Zhou Yuan , Jin Junjun , Zhu Zhenkun , Wang Zhen , Cui Xiaxia , Wu Sujuan , Zhang Jing , Tai Qidong
Published: September 2022

Hydrophobic organic ammonium halide salts are used to passivate perovskite defects, adjust interfacial energy level alignments, and ultimately improve the efficiency and stability of low-temperature carbon-based CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells.
Atomic force microscopy comes of age
Authors: Francis Lewis W. , Lewis Paul D. , Wright Chris J. , Conlan R. Steve
Published: September 2022

AFM (atomic force microscopy) analysis, both of fixed cells, and live cells in physiological environments, is set to offer a step change in the research of cellular function. With the ability to map cell topography and morphology, provide structural details of surface proteins and their expression patterns and to detect pico‐Newton force interactions, AFM represents an exciting addition to the arsenal of the cell biologist. With the explosion of new applications, and the advent of combined instrumentation such as AFM—confocal systems, the biological application of AFM has come of age. The use of AFM in the area of biomedical research has been proposed for some time, and is one where a significant impact could be made. Fixed cell analysis provides qualitative and quantitative subcellular and surface data capable of revealing new biomarkers in medical pathologies. Image height and contrast, surface roughness, fractal, volume and force analysis provide a platform for the multiparameter analysis of cell and protein functions. Here, we review the current status of AFM in the field and discuss the important contribution AFM is poised to make in the understanding of biological systems.
Cyclo‐oxygenase 2 up‐regulates the effect of multidrug resistance
Authors: Liu Bing , Qu Liyan , Tao Huimin
Published: September 2022

COX‐2 (cyclo‐oxygenase 2), an inducible form of the enzyme that catalyses the first step in the synthesis of prostanoids, is associated with inflammatory diseases and carcinogenesis, which is suspected to promote angiogenesis and tissue invasion of tumours and resistance to apoptosis. COX‐2 is also involved in drug resistance and poor prognosis of many neoplastic diseases or cancers. The activation of the COX‐2/PGE2 (prostaglandin E2)/prostaglandin E receptor signal pathway can up‐regulate the expression of all three ABC (ATP‐binding‐cassette) transporters, MDR1/P‐gp (multidrug resistance/P‐glycoprotein), MRP1 (multidrug‐resistance protein 1) and BCRP (breast‐cancer‐resistance protein), which encode efflux pumps, playing important roles in the development of multidrug resistance. In addition, COX inhibitors inhibit the expression of MDR1/P‐gp, MRP1 and BCRP and enhance the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs. Therefore we can use the COX inhibitors to potentialize the effects of chemotherapeutic agents and reverse multidrug resistance to facilitate the patient who may benefit from addition of COX inhibitors to standard cytotoxic therapy.
Distance similarity measure based profiling attacks against masked chips
Authors: Li Dejian , Hu Yi , Feng Xi , Gao Shunxian , Liu Huizhi , Hu Xiaobo
Published: September 2022

The attack price of higher order side channel attacks (HOSCA) grows exponentially with the mask order. When the mask order is larger than 3, HOSCA can be inapplicable. In light of this, the distance similarity measure based profiling attack (DSMPA) is proposed. In DSMPA, the leakage property of masks can be characterised in a profiling scenario and the so called templates can be obtained. Then, DSM can be used to recover mask values with templates. With mask values recovered, the effect of masking disappears and one can use first‐order side‐channel attacks to recover the secret key used by a masked chip. The key‐recovery efficiency of DSMPA is evaluated in real scenarios, and the advantage of DSMPA over HOSCA in terms of the key‐recovery efficiency can be obvious under the success rate metric. Overall, the contribution of this work may provide evaluators a powerful tool to evaluate the security of masked chips.
Damage tolerance analysis of wading structures of amphibious aircraft based on Franc3D
Authors: HE Erming , LI Wei , XUE Xiaofeng , JIA Zhiyan , FENG Yunwen
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the combined action effect of the corrosive environment of amphibious aircraft wading structures and random loads including water surface take-off and landing impact, based on the standard load spectrum TWIST of transport aircraft, considering the load level and frequency corresponding to the hydrodynamic load, the simulated random load spectrum of the wading structure was first compiled; the Willenborg/Chang high-load hysteresis model was used to consider the hysteretic effect of hydrodynamic high-amplitude overload on structural crack propagation, and an engineering method for damage tolerance analysis of amphibious aircraft wading structures was established. Taking the common hole edge crack of a typical wading structure of a certain type of aircraft as an example, based on the Franc3D crack propagation analysis software, the crack propagation life under the combined action of corrosive environment and random load spectrum was analyzed, and the inspection threshold value and check interval for maintaining the airworthiness of the structure were determined by residual strength analysis. The method proposed in this study is simple and feasible, and provides a theoretical basis for the damage tolerance analysis and maintenance plan formulation of amphibious aircraft wading structures.