bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated cross-study datasets of genetic dependencies in cancer
Authors: Pacini Clare , Dempster Joshua M. , Boyle Isabella , Gonçalves Emanuel , Najgebauer Hanna , Karakoc Emre , van der Meer Dieudonne , Barthorpe Andrew , Lightfoot Howard , Jaaks Patricia , McFarland James M. , Garnett Mathew J. , Tsherniak Aviad , Iorio Francesco
Published: March 2021

CRISPR-Cas9 viability screens are increasingly performed at a genome-wide scale across large panels of cell lines to identify new therapeutic targets for precision cancer therapy. Integrating the datasets resulting from these studies is necessary to adequately represent the heterogeneity of human cancers and to assemble a comprehensive map of cancer genetic vulnerabilities. Here, we integrated the two largest public independent CRISPR-Cas9 screens performed to date (at the Broad and Sanger institutes) by assessing, comparing, and selecting methods for correcting biases due to heterogeneous single-guide RNA efficiency, gene-independent responses to CRISPR-Cas9 targeting originated from copy number alterations, and experimental batch effects. Our integrated datasets recapitulate findings from the individual datasets, provide greater statistical power to cancer- and subtype-specific analyses, unveil additional biomarkers of gene dependency, and improve the detection of common essential genes. We provide the largest integrated resources of CRISPR-Cas9 screens to date and the basis for harmonizing existing and future functional genetics datasets.
Vulnerabilities of protected lands in the face of climate and human footprint changes
Authors: Shrestha Nawal , Xu Xiaoting , Meng Jiahui , Wang Zhiheng
Published: March 2021

Protected areas (PAs) play a pivotal role in maintaining viable populations of species and minimizing their habitat loss. Globally, there are currently over 200,000 PAs that cover approximately 15% of land area. The post-2020 global biodiversity framework aims to expand this coverage to 30% by 2030. However, focusing only on the percentage coverage of PAs without evaluating their effectiveness may fail to achieve conservation goals. Here, we use a multidimensional approach incorporating species, climate and anthropogenic vulnerabilities to assess the threat levels in over 2500 PAs in China. We identify nearly 10% of PAs as the most threatened PAs in China and about one-fifth PAs as hotspots of climate and anthropogenic vulnerabilities. We also find high climate instability in species vulnerability hotspots, suggesting an elevated likelihood of species’ extirpation therein. Our framework could be useful in assessing resiliency of global protected lands and also in selecting near optimal areas for their future expansion.
ADAR1 RNA editing enzyme regulates R-loop formation and genome stability at telomeres in cancer cells
Authors: Shiromoto Yusuke , Sakurai Masayuki , Minakuchi Moeko , Ariyoshi Kentaro , Nishikura Kazuko
Published: March 2021

ADAR1 is involved in adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing. The cytoplasmic ADAR1p150 edits 3’UTR double-stranded RNAs and thereby suppresses induction of interferons. Loss of this ADAR1p150 function underlies the embryonic lethality of Adar1 null mice, pathogenesis of the severe autoimmune disease Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, and the resistance developed in cancers to immune checkpoint blockade. In contrast, the biological functions of the nuclear-localized ADAR1p110 remain largely unknown. Here, we report that ADAR1p110 regulates R-loop formation and genome stability at telomeres in cancer cells carrying non-canonical variants of telomeric repeats. ADAR1p110 edits the A-C mismatches within RNA:DNA hybrids formed between canonical and non-canonical variant repeats. Editing of A-C mismatches to I:C matched pairs facilitates resolution of telomeric R-loops by RNase H2. This ADAR1p110-dependent control of telomeric R-loops is required for continued proliferation of telomerase-reactivated cancer cells, revealing the pro-oncogenic nature of ADAR1p110 and identifying ADAR1 as a promising therapeutic target of telomerase positive cancers.
Direct catalytic asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes
Authors: Wong Marie L. J. , Sterling Alistair J. , Mousseau James J. , Duarte Fernanda , Anderson Edward A.
Published: March 2021

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important motifs in contemporary drug design as linear spacer units that improve pharmacokinetic profiles. The synthesis of BCPs featuring adjacent stereocenters is highly challenging, but desirable due to the fundamental importance of 3D chemical space in medicinal chemistry. Current methods to access these high-value chiral molecules typically involve transformations of pre-formed BCPs, and can display limitations in substrate scope. Here we describe an approach to synthesize α-chiral BCPs involving the direct, asymmetric addition of simple aldehydes to [1.1.1]propellane, the predominant BCP precursor. This is achieved by combining a photocatalyst and an organocatalyst to generate a chiral α-iminyl radical cation intermediate, which installs a stereocenter simultaneously with ring-opening of [1.1.1]propellane. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, displays broad scope, and provides an array of α-chiral BCPs in high yield and enantioselectivity. We also present a theoretical model for stereoinduction in this mode of photoredox organocatalysis.
Fungi and insects compensate for lost vertebrate seed predation in an experimentally defaunated tropical forest
Authors: Williams Peter Jeffrey , Ong Robert C. , Brodie Jedediah F. , Luskin Matthew Scott
Published: March 2021

Overhunting reduces important plant-animal interactions such as vertebrate seed dispersal and seed predation, thereby altering plant regeneration and even above-ground biomass. It remains unclear, however, if non-hunted species can compensate for lost vertebrates in defaunated ecosystems. We use a nested exclusion experiment to isolate the effects of different seed enemies in a Bornean rainforest. In four of five tree species, vertebrates kill many seeds (13–66%). Nonetheless, when large mammals are excluded, seed mortality from insects and fungi fully compensates for the lost vertebrate predation, such that defaunation has no effect on seedling establishment. The switch from seed predation by generalist vertebrates to specialist insects and fungi in defaunated systems may alter Janzen–Connell effects and density-dependence in plants. Previous work using simulation models to explore how lost seed dispersal will affect tree species composition and carbon storage may require reevaluation in the context of functional redundancy within complex species interactions networks.
Computational analysis of fused co-expression networks for the identification of candidate cancer gene biomarkers
Authors: Pidò Sara , Ceddia Gaia , Masseroli Marco
Published: March 2021

The complexity of cancer has always been a huge issue in understanding the source of this disease. However, by appreciating its complexity, we can shed some light on crucial gene associations across and in specific cancer types. In this study, we develop a general framework to infer relevant gene biomarkers and their gene-to-gene associations using multiple gene co-expression networks for each cancer type. Specifically, we infer computationally and biologically interesting communities of genes from kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma data sets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The gene communities are extracted through a data-driven pipeline and then evaluated through both functional analyses and literature findings. Furthermore, we provide a computational validation of their relevance for each cancer type by comparing the performance of normal/cancer classification for our identified gene sets and other gene signatures, including the typically-used differentially expressed genes. The hallmark of this study is its approach based on gene co-expression networks from different similarity measures: using a combination of multiple gene networks and then fusing normal and cancer networks for each cancer type, we can have better insights on the overall structure of the cancer-type-specific network.
Defining the root cause of reduced H1N1 live attenuated influenza vaccine effectiveness: low viral fitness leads to inter-strain competition
Authors: Dibben Oliver , Crowe Jonathan , Cooper Shaun , Hill Laura , Schewe Katarzyna E. , Bright Helen
Published: March 2021

In the 2013–14 and 2015–16 influenza seasons, reduced vaccine effectiveness (VE) was observed for the H1N1 component of the FluMist quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (QLAIV) in the USA, leading to loss of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation. Here we demonstrate in ferrets that 2015–16A/H1N1pdm09 vaccine strain A/Bolivia/559/2013 (A/BOL13) is outcompeted in trivalent (TLAIV) and QLAIV formulations, leading to reduced protection from wild-type challenge. While monovalent (MLAIV) A/BOL13 provided significant protection from wild-type virus shedding and fever at doses as low as 3.0 log10 fluorescent focus units (FFU), it failed to provide a similar level of protection in TLAIV or QLAIV formulation, even at a 6.0 log10 FFU dose. Conversely, clinically effective H1N1 strain A/New Caledonia/20/1999 provided significant protection in MLAIV, TLAIV, and QLAIV formulations. In conclusion, reduced A/BOL13 replicative fitness rendered it susceptible to inter-strain competition in QLAIV, contributing to its reduced VE in the 2015–16 season.
Easing COVID-19 lockdown measures while protecting the older restricts the deaths to the level of the full lockdown
Authors: Fokas A. S. , Cuevas-Maraver J. , Kevrekidis P. G.
Published: March 2021

Guided by a rigorous mathematical result, we have earlier introduced a numerical algorithm, which using as input the cumulative number of deaths caused by COVID-19, can estimate the effect of easing of the lockdown conditions. Applying this algorithm to data from Greece, we extend it to the case of two subpopulations, namely, those consisting of individuals below and above 40 years of age. After supplementing the Greek data for deaths with the data for the number of individuals reported to be infected by SARS-CoV-2, we estimated the effect on deaths and infections in the case that the easing of the lockdown measures is different for these two subpopulations. We found that if the lockdown measures are partially eased only for the young subpopulation, then the effect on deaths and infections is small. However, if the easing is substantial for the older population, this effect may be catastrophic.
Trumpet sounds emitted by male sperm whales in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pace D. S. , Lanfredi C. , Airoldi S. , Giacomini G. , Silvestri M. , Pavan G. , Ardizzone D.
Published: March 2021

Sperm whale trumpets are sounds only occasionally documented, with a well recognisable and stereotyped acoustic arrangement. This study investigated the acoustic features of the trumpets and the context in which these sounds were recorded, using acoustic data collected over 22 years, in the Pelagos Sanctuary area (North-Western Mediterranean Sea). Analysed trumpets (n = 230), recorded at the beginning of a dive after the whale fluke-up, comprised a series of acoustic units organized in short sequences. Acoustic parameters were derived for the entire trumpet and for each distinguishable unit in a trumpet. Overall, trumpet durations and their initial frequencies were higher in recordings collected when multiple whales were visually or acoustically detected in the observation area. The identity of 68 whales was assessed through photo-identification, with 29 individuals producing trumpets within and between years. The variability of the acoustic parameters appeared to be higher within the same individuals rather than between different individuals, suggesting an individual plasticity in composing and arranging units in a trumpet. Different click patterns were observed before and after the trumpets, with more complex sequences when (1) other whales were visually/acoustically detected, and (2) individuals were in suitable foraging sites (i.e., canyon areas). Trumpets were commonly followed or preceded by click patterns suited for communication, such as codas and/or slow clicks. Significant relations between the trumpet emission and the male-only long-range communication click pattern (i.e. slow clicks) emerged, supporting the hypothesis that a trumpet is a sound emitted by maturing/mature males in feeding grounds. This study provides the first evidence that trumpets were conserved in the sperm whale acoustic repertoire at the decadal timescale, persisting across years and individuals in the same area. This persistence may be functionally specific to foraging activities performed by males in a well-established feeding area.
Determine neighboring region spatial effect on dengue cases using ensemble ARIMA models
Authors: Thiruchelvam Loshini , Dass Sarat Chandra , Asirvadam Vijanth Sagayan , Daud Hanita , Gill Balvinder Singh
Published: March 2021

The state of Selangor, in Malaysia consist of urban and peri-urban centres with good transportation system, and suitable temperature levels with high precipitations and humidity which make the state ideal for high number of dengue cases, annually. This study investigates if districts within the Selangor state do influence each other in determining pattern of dengue cases. Study compares two different models; the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Ensemble ARIMA models, using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) measurement to gauge their performance tools. ARIMA model is developed using the epidemiological data of dengue cases, whereas ensemble ARIMA incorporates the neighbouring regions’ dengue models as the exogenous variable (X), into traditional ARIMA model. Ensemble ARIMA models have better model fit compared to the basic ARIMA models by incorporating neighbuoring effects of seven districts which made of state of Selangor. The AIC and BIC values of ensemble ARIMA models to be smaller compared to traditional ARIMA counterpart models. Thus, study concludes that pattern of dengue cases for a district is subject to spatial effects of its neighbouring districts and number of dengue cases in the surrounding areas.
Scaling laws for ion irradiation effects in iron-based superconductors
Authors: Torsello Daniele , Gozzelino Laura , Gerbaldo Roberto , Tamegai Tsuyoshi , Ghigo Gianluca
Published: March 2021

We report on ion irradiation experiments performed on compounds belonging to the $$\hbox {BaFe}_2\hbox {As}_2$$

BaFe
2

As
2

family, each one involving the partial substitution of an atom of the parent compound (K for Ba, Co for Fe, and P for As), with an optimal composition to maximize the superconducting critical temperature $$T_c$$

T
c

. Employed ion beams were 3.5-MeV protons, 250-MeV Au ions, and 1.2-GeV Pb ions, but additional data from literature are also considered, thus covering a wide range of ions and energies. Microwave characterization based on the use of a coplanar waveguide resonator allowed us to investigate the irradiation-induced $$T_c$$

T
c

degradation, as well as the increase of normal state resistivity and London penetration depth. The damage was quantified in terms of displacements per atom (dpa). From this broad and comprehensive set of experimental data, clear scaling laws emerge, valid in the range of moderate irradiation-induced disorder (dpa up to 5 $$\times$$
×
10 $$^{-3}$$

-
3

were investigated). In these conditions, linear trends with dpa were found for all the modification rates, while a power law dependence on the ion energy was found for heavy-ion irradiation. All these scaling laws are reported and discussed throughout the paper.
Wild whale faecal samples as a proxy of anthropogenic impact
Authors: Marangi Marianna , Airoldi Sabina , Beneduce Luciano , Zaccone Claudio
Published: March 2021

The occurrence of protozoan parasite, bacterial communities, organic pollutants and heavy metals was investigated in free-ranging species of fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n. 2) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus, n. 2) whales from the Pelagos Sanctuary, Corsican-Ligurian Provencal Basin (Northern-Western Mediterranean Sea). Out of four faecal samples investigated, two from fin whales and one from sperm whale were found positive to Blastocystis sp. A higher number of sequences related to Synergistetes and Spirochaetae were found in sperm whales if compared with fin whales. Moreover, As, Co and Hg were found exclusively in sperm whale faecal samples, while Pb was found only in fin whale faecal samples. The concentration of both PAH and PCB was always below the limit of detection. This is the first report in which the presence of these opportunistic pathogens, bacteria and chemical pollutants have been investigated in faecal samples of free-ranging whale species and the first record of Blastocystis in fin and sperm whales. Thus, this study may provide baseline data on new anthropozoonotic parasite, bacterial records and heavy metals in free-ranging fin and sperm whales, probably as a result of an increasing anthropogenic activity. This survey calls for more integrated research to perform regular monitoring programs supported by national and/or international authorities responsible for preservation of these still vulnerable and threatened whale species in the Mediterranean Sea.
Bilayer ventilated labyrinthine metasurfaces with high sound absorption and tunable bandwidth
Authors: Du Jiayuan , Luo Yuezhou , Zhao Xinyu , Sun Xiaodong , Song Yanan , Hu Xinhua
Published: March 2021

The recent advent of acoustic metamaterials offers unprecedented opportunities for sound controlling in various occasions, whereas it remains a challenge to attain broadband high sound absorption and free air flow simultaneously. Here, we demonstrated, both theoretically and experimentally, that this problem can be overcome by using a bilayer ventilated labyrinthine metasurface. By altering the spacing between two constituent single-layer metasurfaces and adopting asymmetric losses in them, near-perfect (98.6%) absorption is achieved at resonant frequency for sound waves incident from the front. The relative bandwidth of absorption peak can be tuned in a wide range (from 12% to 80%) by adjusting the open area ratio of the structure. For sound waves from the back, the bilayer metasurface still serves as a sound barrier with low transmission. Our results present a strategy to realize high sound absorption and free air flow simultaneously, and could find applications in building acoustics and noise remediation.
On ab initio-based, free and closed-form expressions for gravitational waves
Authors: Tiglio Manuel , Villanueva Aarón
Published: March 2021

We introduce a new approach for finding high accuracy, free and closed-form expressions for the gravitational waves emitted by binary black hole collisions from ab initio models. More precisely, our expressions are built from numerical surrogate models based on supercomputer simulations of the Einstein equations, which have been shown to be essentially indistinguishable from each other. Distinct aspects of our approach are that: (i) representations of the gravitational waves can be explicitly written in a few lines, (ii) these representations are free-form yet still fast to search for and validate and (iii) there are no underlying physical approximations in the underlying model. The key strategy is combining techniques from Artificial Intelligence and Reduced Order Modeling for parameterized systems. Namely, symbolic regression through genetic programming combined with sparse representations in parameter space and the time domain using Reduced Basis and the Empirical Interpolation Method enabling fast free-form symbolic searches and large-scale a posteriori validations. As a proof of concept we present our results for the collision of two black holes, initially without spin, and with an initial separation corresponding to 25–31 gravitational wave cycles before merger. The minimum overlap, compared to ground truth solutions, is 99%. That is, 1% difference between our closed-form expressions and supercomputer simulations; this is considered for gravitational (GW) science more than the minimum required due to experimental numerical errors which otherwise dominate. This paper aims to contribute to the field of GWs in particular and Artificial Intelligence in general.
Optical coherence tomography and multiphoton microscopy offer new options for the quantification of fibrotic aortic valve disease in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Jannasch Anett , Schnabel Christian , Galli Roberta , Faak Saskia , Büttner Petra , Dittfeld Claudia , Tugtekin Sems Malte , Koch Edmund , Matschke Klaus
Published: March 2021

Aortic valve sclerosis is characterized as the thickening of the aortic valve without obstruction of the left ventricular outflow. It has a prevalence of 30% in people over 65 years old. Aortic valve sclerosis represents a cardiovascular risk marker because it may progress to moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis. Thus, the early recognition and management of aortic valve sclerosis are of cardinal importance. We examined the aortic valve geometry and structure from healthy C57Bl6 wild type and age-matched hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice with aortic valve sclerosis using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and compared results with histological analyses. Early fibrotic thickening, especially in the tip region of the native aortic valve leaflets from the ApoE−/− mice, was detectable in a precise spatial resolution using OCT. Evaluation of the second harmonic generation signal using MPM demonstrated that collagen content decreased in all aortic valve leaflet regions in the ApoE−/− mice. Lipid droplets and cholesterol crystals were detected using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering in the tissue from the ApoE−/− mice. Here, we demonstrated that OCT and MPM, which are fast and precise contactless imaging approaches, are suitable for defining early morphological and structural alterations of sclerotic murine aortic valves.
A showcase study on personalized in silico drug response prediction based on the genetic landscape of muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Krentel Friedemann , Singer Franziska , Rosano-Gonzalez María Lourdes , Gibb Ewan A. , Liu Yang , Davicioni Elai , Keller Nicola , Stekhoven Daniel J. , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna , Seiler Roland
Published: March 2021

Improved and cheaper molecular diagnostics allow the shift from “one size fits all” therapies to personalised treatments targeting the individual tumor. However, the wealth of potential targets based on comprehensive sequencing remains a yet unsolved challenge that prevents its routine use in clinical practice. Thus, we designed a workflow that selects the most promising treatment targets based on multi-omics sequencing and in silico drug prediction. In this study we demonstrate the workflow with focus on bladder cancer (BLCA), as there are, to date, no reliable diagnostics available to predict the potential benefit of a therapeutic approach. Within the TCGA-BLCA cohort, our workflow identified a panel of 21 genes and 72 drugs that suggested personalized treatment for 95% of patients—including five genes not yet reported as prognostic markers for clinical testing in BLCA. The automated predictions were complemented by manually curated data, thus allowing for accurate sensitivity- or resistance-directed drug response predictions. We discuss potential improvements of drug-gene interaction databases on the basis of pitfalls that were identified during manual curation.
Garlic (Allium sativum) based interplanting alters the heavy metals absorption and bacterial diversity in neighboring plants
Authors: Hussain Javed , Wei Xiao , Xue-Gang Luo , Shah Syed Rehmat Ullah , Aslam Muhammad , Ahmed Imtiaz , Abdullah Shaikh , Babar Asma , Jakhar Ali Murad , Azam Toquier
Published: March 2021

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and let out in the environment by agriculture, industry, mining and therapeutic expertise and thrilling amassing of these elements pollutes the environment. In this study we have investigated the potential of garlic interplanting in promoting hyper accumulation and absorption of heavy metals to provide a basis for phytoremediation of polluted land. Monoculture and inter-plantation of garlic were conducted to investigate the absorption of cadmium and lead contamination in the land. A group of experiments with single planting (monoculture) of Lolium perenne, Conyza canadensis and Pteris vittata as accumulators were used. The results have shown that garlic has a potential as a hyper accumulate and absorb heavy metals. It was found that the accumulation of Cd and Pb was much higher with inter-planting. Garlic boosts up the absorption of heavy metals in Lolium perenne of Cd 66% and Pb 44% respectively. The Inter-planting of garlic with Pteris vittata promotes the Cd 26% and Pb 15%. While the maximum accumulation of Lead 87% and Cadmium 77% occurred in Conyza canadensis herb plant. The bacterial diversity in the soil was analyzed for each experimental soil and was found that the Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Planctomycetes were commonly abundant in both single planting (monoculture) of ryegrass and interplanting ryegrass with garlic habitats. Variances were observed in the bacterial floral composition of single (monoculture) and intercropping (interplant) soils. Relative abundance of bacterial taxa revealed that the proportion of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria in the inter-planting group was slightly higher, while Firmicutes and Planctomycetes were low. This study provides the evidence to control the heavy metals contaminated soils with weed species. Growth promotion and heavy metal uptake of neighboring plants proved the specific plant-plant and plant-microbial associations with garlic plants. This inter-planting strategy can be used to improve heavy metal absorption.
Synergistic roles of Wnt modulators R-spondin2 and R-spondin3 in craniofacial morphogenesis and dental development
Authors: Alhazmi Nora , Carroll Shannon H. , Kawasaki Kenta , Woronowicz Katherine C. , Hallett Shawn A. , Macias Trevino Claudio , Li Edward B. , Baron Roland , Gori Francesca , Yelick Pamela C. , Harris Matthew P. , Liao Eric C.
Published: March 2021

Wnt signaling plays a critical role in craniofacial patterning, as well as tooth and bone development. Rspo2 and Rspo3 are key regulators of Wnt signaling. However, their coordinated function and relative requirement in craniofacial development and odontogensis are poorly understood. We showed that in zebrafish rspo2 and rspo3 are both expressed in osteoprogenitors in the embryonic craniofacial skeleton. This is in contrast to mouse development, where Rspo3 is expressed in osteoprogenitors while Rspo2 expression is not observed. In zebrafish, rspo2 and rspo3 are broadly expressed in the pulp, odontoblasts and epithelial crypts. However, in the developing molars of the mouse, Rspo3 is largely expressed in the dental follicle and alveolar mesenchyme while Rspo2 expression is restricted to the tooth germ. While Rspo3 ablation in the mouse is embryonic lethal, zebrafish rspo3-/- mutants are viable with modest decrease in Meckel’s cartilage rostral length. However, compound disruption of rspo3 and rspo2 revealed synergistic roles of these genes in cartilage morphogenesis, fin development, and pharyngeal tooth development. Adult rspo3−/− zebrafish mutants exhibit a dysmorphic cranial skeleton and decreased average tooth number. This study highlights the differential functions of Rspo2 and Rspo3 in dentocranial morphogenesis in zebrafish and in mouse.
Global-scale constraints on light-absorbing anthropogenic iron oxide aerosols
Authors: Lamb K. D. , Matsui H. , Katich J. M. , Perring A. E. , Spackman J. R. , Weinzierl B. , Dollner M. , Schwarz J. P.
Published: March 2021

Anthropogenic iron oxide aerosols (FeOx) have been identified as a climatically significant atmospheric light absorber, and as a contributor of free iron to the oceans. Here we provide global-scale constraints on their atmospheric abundance with measurements over the remote Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from aircraft campaigns spanning 10 years. We find FeOx-like aerosols are transported far from source regions with similar efficiency as black carbon particles. Strong contrast in concentrations was observed between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere Pacific. We provide observational constraints in remote regions on the ambient ratios of FeOxrelative to BC from fossil fuel burning. Comparison with a global aerosol model tuned to recent observations in East-Asian source regions confirm an upward revision of emissions based on model/observation comparison over the Pacific receptor region. We find that anthropogenic FeOx-like particles generate global-scale shortwave atmospheric heating 0.3–26% of that of black carbon in remote regions where concentrations of both aerosols are very low.
Modeling the effect of exposure notification and non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 transmission in Washington state
Authors: Abueg Matthew , Hinch Robert , Wu Neo , Liu Luyang , Probert William , Wu Austin , Eastham Paul , Shafi Yusef , Rosencrantz Matt , Dikovsky Michael , Cheng Zhao , Nurtay Anel , Abeler-Dörner Lucie , Bonsall David , McConnell Michael V. , O’Banion Shawn , Fraser Christophe
Published: March 2021

Contact tracing is increasingly used to combat COVID-19, and digital implementations are now being deployed, many based on Apple and Google’s Exposure Notification System. These systems utilize non-traditional smartphone-based technology, presenting challenges in understanding possible outcomes. In this work, we create individual-based models of three Washington state counties to explore how digital exposure notifications combined with other non-pharmaceutical interventions influence COVID-19 disease spread under various adoption, compliance, and mobility scenarios. In a model with 15% participation, we found that exposure notification could reduce infections and deaths by approximately 8% and 6% and could effectively complement traditional contact tracing. We believe this can provide health authorities in Washington state and beyond with guidance on how exposure notification can complement traditional interventions to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
Field effect control of translocation dynamics in surround-gate nanopores
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Ryuzaki Sou , Yokota Kazumichi , He Yuhui , Washio Takashi , Tamada Kaoru , Kawai Tomoji
Published: March 2021

Controlling the fast electrophoresis of nano-objects in solid-state nanopores is a critical issue for achieving electrical analysis of single-particles by ionic current. In particular, it is crucial to slow-down the translocation dynamics of nanoparticles. We herein report that a focused electric field and associated water flow in a surround-gate nanopore can be used to trap and manipulate a nanoscale object. We fine-control the electroosmosis-induced water flow by modulating the wall surface potential via gate voltage. We find that a nanoparticle can be captured in the vicinity of the conduit by balancing the counteracting electrophoretic and hydrodynamic drag forces. By creating a subtle force imbalance, in addition, we also demonstrate a gate-controllable motion of single-particles moving at an extremely slow speed of several tens of nanometers per second. The present method may be useful in single-molecule detection by solid-state nanopores and nanochannels.
Enzymatically synthesized α-galactooligosaccharides attenuate metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet induced mice in association with the modulation of gut microbiota
Authors: He Ningning , Chen Hao , Zhou Zihan , Zhao Wandong , Wang Shuo , Lv Zhiyuan , Liu Nian , Wang Haoyu , Yang Zizhen , Li Shangyong
Published: March 2021

The composition and structure of gut microbiota plays an important role in obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and related metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Bioactive compound from the Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) elicited anti-hypoxia effects in OGD/R-injured HT22 cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Hua Hanyi , Zhu Hongkang , Liu Chang , Zhang Wenyi , Li Jiayi , Hu Bin , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Pi Fuwei , Xie Yunfei , Yao Weirong , Qian He
Published: March 2021

Cerebral stroke, a common clinical problem, is the predominant cause of disability and death worldwide.
Multi-scale analysis of radio-frequency performance of 2D-material based field-effect transistors
Authors: Toral-Lopez A. , Pasadas F. , Marin E. G. , Medina-Rull A. , Gonzalez-Medina J. M. , Ruiz F. G. , Jiménez D. , Godoy A.
Published: March 2021

This multi-scale approach combines small-signal modeling with numerical simulations to study 2D-FETs. It is introduced in the context of performance protection of MoS2 devices with different gate lengths and low contact resistances.
Photo-tunable epsilon-near-zero behavior in a self-assembled liquid crystal – nanoparticle hybrid material
Authors: Bhardwaj Amit , Sridurai Vimala , Bhat Sachin A. , Yelamaggad Channabasaveshwar V. , Nair Geetha G.
Published: March 2021

A room temperature stable self-assembled liquid crystal metamaterial exhibits dynamic tuning of the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) bandwidth on illumination with actinic light in the optical regime.
Chemoselective synthesis of fully substituted pyrroles via a one-pot four-component isocyanide-based reaction
Authors: Nazeri Mohammad Taghi , Shaabani Ahmad , Notash Behrouz
Published: March 2021

We report a chemoselective approach for the synthesis of fully substituted pyrroles via a one-pot four-component reaction from 5-amino-pyrazoles, aldehydes, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and isocyanides in CH3CN using PTSA·H2O as a catalyst under ultrasound irradiation.
Machine-learning-assisted low dielectric constant polymer discovery
Authors: Liang Jiechun , Xu Shangqian , Hu Linfeng , Zhao Yu , Zhu Xi
Published: March 2021

A machine learning method is combined with SMILES string processing to classify polymers based on their dielectric properties and generate new low dielectric polymers. The generated polymers are synthesized using a cloud lab.
Total synthesis of biselide A
Authors: Challa Venugopal Rao , Kwon Daniel , Taron Matthew , Fan Hope , Kang Baldip , Wilson Darryl , Haeckl F. P. Jake , Keerthisinghe Sandra , Linington Roger G. , Britton Robert
Published: March 2021

A total synthesis of the marine macrolide biselide A is described that relies on an enantiomerically enriched α-chloroaldehyde as the sole chiral building block.
The design of flower-like C–MnO2 nanosheets on carbon cloth toward high-performance flexible zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Yi-Lin , Wang Gui-Gen , Yan Dong , Li Gui-Zhong , Zhao Hai-Xu , Zhang Hua-Yu , Yang Hui-Ying
Published: March 2021

We employed a mussel-derived polydopamine layer as an inductive catalyst to prompt the growth of flower-like δ-MnO2 on carbon cloth for use in zinc ion batteries.
Amalgamation of MnWO4 nanorods with amorphous carbon nanotubes for highly stabilized energy efficient supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Sardar Kausik , Thakur Subhasish , Maiti Soumen , Besra Nripen , Bairi Partha , Chanda Kausik , Majumdar Gautam , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: March 2021

An MnWO4–aCNT hybrid was realized at low temperature and utilized as the electrodes of a supercapacitor. Benefitting from the dual features of an EDLC and a pseudocapacitor, the hybrid delivers boosted electrochemical performance.
A novel 3-D lead-iodide polymer based on the linkage of rare binuclear [Pb2I]3+ cations and anionic bis(pyrazinyl)-trizole bridges
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhang Ting-ting , Zhou Jian , Xiang Bin , Liu Jiang-tao
Published: March 2021

The interconnection of rare binuclear [Pb2I]3+ cations and anionic bis(pyrazinyl)-trizole bridges gives a novel 3-D lead-iodide polymer, which exhibits photoluminescent and photocurrent response properties.
Decreasing waste brine volume from anion exchange with nanofiltration: implications for multiple treatment cycles
Authors: Korak Julie A. , Flint Leah C. , Arias-Paić Miguel
Published: March 2021

Ion exchange (IX) removes hexavalent chromium from water, but waste brine disposal makes implementation cost-prohibitive in many communities. Nanofiltration treats waste brine for reuse in the next regeneration cycle.
Advances in the molecular design of ionenes for a diverse range of applications
Authors: Lee Jae Sang , Hocken Alexis , Green Matthew D.
Published: March 2021

Ionenes are polymers that have charges in their backbone. We introduce the applications of non-segmented ionenes and give insights into the design of segmented ionenes for a diverse set of applications.
A hierarchical structure of a Co0.85Se@NC/ZnSe@NC yolk-double-shell polyhedron for long-term lithium storage
Authors: Cao Meng , Pan Hanqing , Luo Wanshu , Wang Qingqing , Ma Yinglan , Wang Ying , Wang Chao
Published: March 2021

A yolk-double-shell polyhedron assembled using Co0.85Se@NC and ZnSe@NC nanoparticles is synthesized. The complex composition and unique structure of this novel electrode result in an impressive long life of 3000 cycles at 5 A g−1.
Selective switching of multiple plexcitons in colloidal materials: directing the energy flow at the nanoscale
Authors: Peruffo Nicola , Gil Gabriel , Corni Stefano , Mancin Fabrizio , Collini Elisabetta
Published: March 2021

Two sets of plexcitonic resonances are selectively activated and connected by a relaxation cascade in colloidal particle-porphyrin nanosystems.
Facile construction of noncovalent graft copolymers with triple stimuli-responsiveness for triggered drug delivery
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Hairong , Tian Hongrui , Zhang Mingzu , He Jinlin , Ni Peihong
Published: March 2021

A triple stimuli-responsive noncovalent graft copolymer was designed and synthesized by the host–guest interactions between β-CD grafted dextran and ferrocene-terminated poly(lactide).
Morphology control on fluorescent metallacycle-cored supramolecular polymers
Authors: Lv Bing , Zhang Zeyuan , Ma Lingzhi , Duan Xianglong , Zhang Mingming
Published: March 2021

Fluorescent supramolecular polymers were successfully prepared by linkage of hexagonal metallacycles via the thiol–ene click reaction. The morphology of the polymers was finely regulated by the length of the linkers and the solvents.
Hydrogen peroxide-responsive AIE probe for imaging-guided organelle targeting and photodynamic cancer cell ablation
Authors: Wu Qian , Li Youmei , Li Ying , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

A versatile red/near-infrared AIE probe, TTPy-H2O2, was developed for the specific visualization of H2O2 with mitochondria targeting ability, meanwhile achieving efficient photodynamic therapy for cancer cells.
Fabrication of NiO–carbon nanotube/sulfur composites for lithium-sulfur battery application
Authors: Jia Xiaobo , Liu Baosheng , Liu Jinghua , Zhang Shaohui , Sun Zijun , He Xiong , Li Hongda , Wang Guofu , Chang Haixin
Published: March 2021

The NiO–CNT/S composites combine the high conductivity of CNT and double adsorption of CNT and NiO (physical adsorption and chemical adsorption) to enhance electrochemical performance for sulfur electrode materials.
Webbing a network of reliable thermochemistry around lignin building blocks: tri-methoxy-benzenes
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P. , Turovtsev Vladimir V. , Andreeva Irina V. , Orlov Yurij D. , Pimerzin Aleksey A.
Published: March 2021

Methoxy-substituted benzenes are the simplest fragments from the lignin separation feedstock.
Solvent-free synthesis of phytosterol linoleic acid esters at low temperature
Authors: Liu Wei , Xiao Bing , Wang Xiaoping , Chen Jingnan , Yang Guolong
Published: March 2021

Herein, we have developed a simple chemical method toward efficient preparation of phytosterol linoleic acid esters through esterification at very mild temperature (60 °C) using 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as the catalyst.
A controlled T7 transcription-driven symmetric amplification cascade machinery for single-molecule detection of multiple repair glycosylases
Authors: Wang Li-juan , Liang Le , Liu Bing-jie , Jiang BingHua , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: March 2021

A controlled T7 transcription-driven symmetric amplification cascade machinery is developed for single-molecule detection of multiple repair glycosylases.
Proton-conductive coordination polymer glass for solid-state anhydrous proton batteries
Authors: Ma Nattapol , Kosasang Soracha , Yoshida Atsushi , Horike Satoshi
Published: March 2021

Melt-quenched coordination polymer glass shows exclusive H+conductivity (8.0 × 10−3S cm−1at 120 °C, anhydrous) and optimal mechanical properties (42.8 Pa s at 120 °C), enables the operation of an all-solid-state proton battery from RT to 110 °C.
A tellura-Baeyer–Villiger oxidation: one-step transformation of tellurophene into chiral tellurinate lactone
Authors: Wang Shitao , Yan Chaoxian , Zhao Wenlong , Liu Xiaolan , Yuan Cheng-Shan , Zhang Hao-Li , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: March 2021

A tellura-Baeyer–Villiger oxidation is discovered, which enables one-step transformation of tellurophene into chiral tellurinate lactones. The resulting tellurinate lactones are dimerized in the solid state to form U-shaped polycycles.
Selective aldehyde reductions in neutral water catalysed by encapsulation in a supramolecular cage
Authors: Paul Avishek , Shipman Michael A. , Onabule Dolapo Y. , Sproules Stephen , Symes Mark D.
Published: March 2021

Herein, we use a supramolecular coordination cage as a catalyst for the reduction of aldehydes to the corresponding alcohols using a weak hydride donor in neutral water, with a mode of action reminiscent of natural enzymes.
Adipositas und HFpEF – Henne oder Ei?
Authors: Kresoja Karl-Patrik , Rommel Karl-Philipp , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp
Published: March 2021

Herzinsuffizienz mit erhaltener Pumpfunktion (HFpEF) ist wahrscheinlich eine der am häufigsten übersehenen Ursachen für das Vorliegen einer Belastungsdyspnoe bei Patienten mit Adipositas. Patienten mit Adipositas-assoziierter HFpEF machen bis zu 80 % aller HFpEF Patienten aus, und eine individualisierte Therapie für diese Patientengruppe zu finden ist von größter Wichtigkeit. Patienten mit Adipositas-assoziierter HFpEF sind gekennzeichnet durch eine progressive Expansion und Umwandlung des vor allem epikardialen Fettgewebes, einer Erhöhung des Plasmavolumens, einer verstärkten lokalen und systemischen Inflammation sowie einer ausgeprägten myokardialen Fibrose. Diese Veränderungen münden in einer ausgeprägten Belastungsintoleranz, Anfälligkeit für Volumenänderungen sowie einer sich intensivierenden Kaskade von Komorbiditäten. Individualisierte Therapien zur Behandlung der Adipositas-assoziierten HFpEF sind auf dem Weg und könnten erstmalige Erfolge bei der Behandlung des heterogenen HFpEF-Syndroms bringen.
Wie kann die Akademisierung dem Fachkräftemangel entgegenwirken? – Ausbildungsreform
Authors: Hanke Alina , Sandeck Florian , Richter Robert
Published: March 2021

Bislang gibt es keine Lösung für den Fachkräftemangel. Drei Erfahrene im Bereich der Ausbildung und des Studiums werfen einen Blick auf das Anforderungsniveau für Physiotherapeut(inn)en sowie die vorhandenen Ausbildungsstrukturen und suchen nach einer Lösung.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Glycosphingolipids: A Review
Authors: Guo Zhongwu , Li Qingjiang
Published: March 2021

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are the major vertebrate glycolipids, which contain two distinctive moieties, a glycan and a ceramide, stitched together by a β-glycosidic linkage. The hydrophobic lipid chains of ceramide can insert into the cell membrane to form ‘lipid rafts’ and anchor the hydrophilic glycan onto the cell surface to generate microdomains and function as signaling molecules. GSLs mediate signal transduction, cell interactions, and many other biological activities, and are also related to many diseases. To meet the need of biological studies, chemists have developed various synthetic methodologies to access GSLs. Among them, the application of enzymes to GSL synthesis has witnessed significant advancements in the past decades. This short review briefly summarizes the history and progress of enzymatic GSL synthesis.

1 Introduction

1.1 The Glycosphingolipid Structure

1.2 GSL Biosynthesis

1.3 Functions and Biological Significance

1.4 Overview of GSL Synthesis

1.5 Scope of the Review

2 Glycotransferases for GSL Synthesis

3 Glycosynthases for GSL Synthesis

4 Enzymatic Synthesis of Ceramide

5 Conclusion
Performing Distance Measurements in Curved Facial Regions: A Comparison between Three-Dimensional Surface Scanning and Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Alfertshofer Michael , Frank Konstantin , Melnikov Dmitry V. , Möllhoff Nicholas , Gotkin Robert H. , Freytag David Lysander , Heisinger Stephan , Giunta Riccardo E. , Schenck Thilo L. , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Facial flap surgery depends strongly on thorough preoperative planning and precise surgical performance. To increase the dimensional accuracy of transferred facial flaps, the methods of ultrasound and three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning offer great possibilities. This study aimed to compare different methods of measuring distances in the facial region and where they can be used reliably. The study population consisted of 20 volunteers (10 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 26.7 ± 7.2 years and a mean body mass index of 22.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2. Adhesives with a standardized length of 20 mm were measured in various facial regions through ultrasound and 3D surface scans, and the results were compared. Regardless of the facial region, the mean length measured through ultrasound was 18.83 mm, whereas it was 19.89 mm for 3D surface scans, with both p < 0.0001. Thus, the mean difference was 1.17 mm for ultrasound measurements and 0.11 mm for 3D surface scans. Curved facial regions show a great complexity when it comes to measuring distances due to the concavity and convexity of the face. Distance measurements through 3D surface scanning showed more accurate distances than the ultrasound measurement. Especially in “complex” facial regions (e.g., glabella region and labiomental sulcus), the 3D surface scanning showed clear advantages.