bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-atomic, non-icosahedrally averaged structure of giant virus Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1
Authors: Shao Qianqian , Agarkova Irina V. , Noel Eric A. , Dunigan David D. , Liu Yunshu , Wang Aohan , Guo Mingcheng , Xie Linlin , Zhao Xinyue , Rossmann Michael G. , Van Etten James L. , Klose Thomas , Fang Qianglin
Published: October 2022

Giant viruses are a large group of viruses that infect many eukaryotes. Although components that do not obey the overall icosahedral symmetry of their capsids have been observed and found to play critical roles in the viral life cycles, identities and high-resolution structures of these components remain unknown. Here, by determining a near-atomic-resolution, five-fold averaged structure of Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1, we unexpectedly found the viral capsid possesses up to five major capsid protein variants and a penton protein variant. These variants create varied capsid microenvironments for the associations of fibers, a vesicle, and previously unresolved minor capsid proteins. Our structure reveals the identities and atomic models of the capsid components that do not obey the overall icosahedral symmetry and leads to a model for how these components are assembled and initiate capsid assembly, and this model might be applicable to many other giant viruses.
Optomechanical measurement of single nanodroplet evaporation with millisecond time-resolution
Authors: Sbarra Samantha , Waquier Louis , Suffit Stephan , Lemaître Aristide , Favero Ivan
Published: October 2022

Tracking the evolution of an individual nanodroplet of liquid in real-time remains an outstanding challenge. Here a miniature optomechanical resonator detects a single nanodroplet landing on a surface and measures its subsequent evaporation down to a volume of twenty attoliters. The ultra-high mechanical frequency and sensitivity of the device enable a time resolution below the millisecond, sufficient to resolve the fast evaporation dynamics under ambient conditions. Using the device dual optical and mechanical capability, we determine the evaporation in the first ten milliseconds to occur at constant contact radius with a dynamics ruled by the mere Kelvin effect, producing evaporation despite a saturated surrounding gas. Over the following hundred of milliseconds, the droplet further shrinks while being accompanied by the spreading of an underlying puddle. In the final steady-state after evaporation, an extended thin liquid film is stabilized on the surface. Our optomechanical technique opens the unique possibility of monitoring all these stages in real-time.
Proteo-genomic characterization of virus-associated liver cancers reveals potential subtypes and therapeutic targets
Authors: Fujita Masashi , Chen Mei-Ju May , Siwak Doris Rieko , Sasagawa Shota , Oosawa-Tatsuguchi Ayako , Arihiro Koji , Ono Atsushi , Miura Ryoichi , Maejima Kazuhiro , Aikata Hiroshi , Ueno Masaki , Hayami Shinya , Yamaue Hiroki , Chayama Kazuaki , Lee Ju-Seog , Lu Yiling , Mills Gordon B. , Liang Han , Nishizuka Satoshi S. , Nakagawa Hidewaki
Published: October 2022

Primary liver cancer is a heterogeneous disease in terms of its etiology, histology, and therapeutic response. Concurrent proteomic and genomic characterization of a large set of clinical liver cancer samples can help elucidate the molecular basis of heterogeneity and thus serve as a valuable resource for personalized liver cancer treatment. In this study, we perform proteomic profiling of ~300 proteins on 259 primary liver cancer tissues with reverse-phase protein arrays, mutational analysis using whole genome sequencing and transcriptional analysis with RNA-Seq. Patients are of Japanese ethnic background and mainly HBV or HCV positive, providing insight into this important liver cancer subtype. Unsupervised classification of tumors based on protein expression profiles reveal three proteomic subclasses R1, R2, and R3. The R1 subclass is immunologically hot and demonstrated a good prognosis. R2 contains advanced proliferative tumor with TP53 mutations, high expression of VEGF receptor 2 and the worst prognosis. R3 is enriched with CTNNB1 mutations and elevated mTOR signaling pathway activity. Twenty-two proteins, including CDK1 and CDKN2A, are identified as potential prognostic markers. The proteomic classification presented in this study can help guide therapeutic decision making for liver cancer treatment.
Encapsulated CdSe/CdS nanorods in double-shelled porous nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Li Hui , Cheng Caikun , Yang Zhijie , Wei Jingjing
Published: October 2022

Colloidal quantum dots have been emerging as promising photocatalysts to convert CO2 into fuels by using solar energy. However, the above photocatalysts usually suffer from low CO2 adsorption capacity because of their nonporous structures, which principally reduces their catalytic efficiency. Here, we show that synchronizing imine polycondensation reaction to self-assembly of colloidal CdSe/CdS nanorods can produce micro-meso hierarchically porous nanocomposites with double-shelled nanocomposites. Owing to their hierarchical pores and the ability to separate photoexcited electrons, the self-assembled porous nanocomposites exhibit remarkably higher activity (≈ 64.6 μmol g−1 h−1) toward CO2 to CO in solid-gas regime than that of nonporous solids from self-assembled CdSe/CdS nanorods under identical conditions. Importantly, the length of the nanorods is demonstrated to be crucial to correlate their ability to long-distance separation of photogenerated electrons and holes along their axial direction. Overall, this approach provides a rational strategy to optimize the CO2 adsorption and conversion by integrating the inorganic and organic semiconductors.
LINC00589-dominated ceRNA networks regulate multiple chemoresistance and cancer stem cell-like properties in HER2+ breast cancer
Authors: Bai Wendong , Peng Hongyan , Zhang Jiarui , Zhao Yongmei , Li Zhijun , Feng Xuelian , Zhang Jiang , Liang Fei , Wang Li , Zhang Nan , Li Yize , Zhu Huayu , Ji Qiuhe
Published: October 2022

Resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy (trastuzumab), cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties and multiple chemoresistance often concur and intersect in breast cancer, but molecular links that may serve as effective therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Here, we identified the long noncoding RNA, LINC00589 as a key regulatory node for concurrent intervention of these processes in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that the expression of LINC00589 is clinically valuable as an independent prognostic factor for discriminating trastuzumab responders. Mechanistically, LINC00589 serves as a ceRNA platform that simultaneously sponges miR-100 and miR-452 and relieves their repression of tumor suppressors, including discs large homolog 5 (DLG5) and PR/SET domain 16 (PRDM16, a transcription suppressor of mucin4), thereby exerting multiple cancer inhibitory functions and counteracting drug resistance. Collectively, our results disclose two LINC00589-initiated ceRNA networks, the LINC00589-miR-100-DLG5 and LINC00589-miR-452-PRDM16- mucin4 axes, which regulate trastuzumab resistance, CSC-like properties and multiple chemoresistance of breast cancer, thus providing potential diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Multiple input algorithm-guided Deep Brain stimulation-programming for Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Gülke Eileen , Juárez Paz León , Scholtes Heleen , Gerloff Christian , Kühn Andrea A. , Pötter-Nerger Monika
Published: October 2022

Technological advances of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) within the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) provide increased programming options with higher programming burden. Reducing the effort of DBS optimization requires novel programming strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a semi-automatic algorithm-guided-programming (AgP) approach to obtain beneficial stimulation settings for PD patients with directional DBS systems. The AgP evaluates iteratively the weighted combination of sensor and clinician assessed responses of multiple PD symptoms to suggested DBS settings until it converges to a final solution. Acute clinical effectiveness of AgP DBS settings and DBS settings that were found following a standard of care (SoC) procedure were compared in a randomized, crossover and double-blind fashion in 10 PD subjects from a single center. Compared to therapy absence, AgP and SoC DBS settings significantly improved (p = 0.002) total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III scores (median 69.8 interquartile range (IQR) 64.6|71.9% and 66.2 IQR 58.1|68.2%, respectively). Despite their similar clinical results, AgP and SoC DBS settings differed substantially. Per subject, AgP tested 37.0 IQR 34.0|37 settings before convergence, resulting in 1.7 IQR 1.6|2.0 h, which is comparable to previous reports. Although AgP long-term clinical results still need to be investigated, this approach constitutes an alternative for DBS programming and represents an important step for future closed-loop DBS optimization systems.
Validation of the Spanish language version of the control of allergic rhinitis and asthma test
Authors: Diana Quijano , Abraham Ali , Yaicith Arevalo , Peter Orejuela , Juan Trujillo
Published: October 2022

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are common diseases that frequently coexist, referred to as unified airway disease. There is currently no validated scale in Spanish, which allows simultaneous evaluation of both conditions. A translation from Portuguese to Spanish was therefore performed. It was administered to 120 patients aged between 18 and 70 years whose native language was Spanish and presented a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The reliability, validity and sensitivity to instrument change validations were carried out, as well as the values of minimally relevant clinical differences. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach´s alpha test on CARAT-global: 0.83 [IC 95% 0.79–0.88]; test and retest evaluation was done with Pearson´s correlation coefficient: 0.6 [IC 95% 0.32–0.77] and the standard error of measurement 3.5 (p < 0.005). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed corroborating two factors. Correlation coefficients were not high in the longitudinal validation. Concurrent validity showed an acceptable correlation between CARAT10 asthma ACQ5 and low between allergic rhinitis-VAS. There was a milestone of the controlled disease in the discriminant validity of CARAT10 rhinitis ≥ 8 mean an adequate control, CARAT10-asthma > 16 In this case, CARAT10-asthma value < 16 are interpreted as an inadequate or partial control and values ≥ 16 mean an adequate control and CARAT10-global ≥ 18, patients evaluated with CARAT10 with a result ≥ 18, which would be a patient with both conditions controlled. The minimally relevant clinically important average difference found in the CARAT10 scale was 3.25 (SD 3.77). The CARAT10 scale in Spanish is a standardised, reliable and valid evaluation method on patients with unified airway disease.
Analyses of adult transcriptomes from four different populations of the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., from China and the USA
Authors: Wang Yi-Ming , Sparks Michael E. , Harrison Robert L. , Shi Juan
Published: October 2022

The spongy mothLymantria dispar, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is a forest pest that occurs as two different biotypes: the European spongy moth (ESM),Lymantria dispar dispar, which is distributed in Europe and North America; and the Asian spongy moth (ASM), which consists of subspeciesLymantria dispar asiaticaandLymantria dispar japonicaand is distributed in China, Russia, Korea, and Japan. The Asian biotype is classified as a quarantine pest by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of the superior flight ability of adult females compared to females of the European biotype. To identify genes that potentially account for differences in female flight capability between the two biotypes, we assembled and compared transcriptional profiles of two North American populations of ESM and two Chinese populations of ASM, including samples of unmated female adults and females after mating and oviposition. Of 129,286 unigenes identified, 306 were up-regulated in ASM samples relative to ESM, including genes involved in egg production. In contrast, 2309 unigenes were down-regulated in ASM samples, including genes involved in energy production. Although a previous study found that ASM female flight was reduced after oviposition, a comparison of gene expression before and after mating and oviposition did not reveal any genes which were consistently up- or down-regulated in the two ASM populations.
Clinical relevance of CERK and SPHK1 in breast cancer and their association with metastasis and drug resistance
Authors: Bhadwal Priyanka , Randhawa Vinay , Vaiphei Kim , Dahiya Divya , Agnihotri Navneet
Published: October 2022

Despite numerous reports on the altered sphingolipids metabolism in human cancers, their clinical significance in breast cancer remains obscure. Previously, we identified the high levels of sphingolipids, ceramide phosphates and sphingosine phosphates, and the genes involved in their synthesis, CERK and SPHK1, in breast cancer patients. The present study aimed to determine the correlations of CERK and SPHK1 with clinical outcomes as well as metastasis and drug resistance markers. Both local and TCGA cohorts were analysed. High-confidence regulatory interaction network was constructed to find association of target genes with metastasis and drug resistance. Furthermore, correlations of CERK and SPHK1 with selected metastasis and drug resistance markers were validated in both cohorts. Overexpression of CERK and SPHK1 was associated with nodal metastasis, late tumor stage and high proliferation potency. In addition, increased CERK expression was also indicative of poor patient survival. Computational network analysis revealed the association of CERK and SPHK1 with known metastasis markers MMP-2 and MMP-9 and drug resistance markers ABCC1 and ABCG2. Correlation analysis confirmed the associations of target genes with these markers in both local as well as TCGA cohort. The above findings suggest clinical utility of CERK and SPHK1 as potential biomarkers in breast cancer patients and thus could provide novel leads in the development of therapeutics.
Morphometric classification of kangaroo bones reveals paleoecological change in northwest Australia during the terminal Pleistocene
Authors: Mein Erin , Manne Tiina , Veth Peter , Weisbecker Vera
Published: October 2022

Specimen identification is the backbone of archeozoological research. The challenge of differentiating postcranial skeletal elements of closely related wild animals in biodiverse regions can prove a barrier to understanding past human foraging behaviours. Morphometrics are increasingly being employed to classify paleozoological animal remains, however, the potential of these methods to discriminate between wild animal groups has yet to be fully realised. Here we demonstrate the applicability of a traditional morphometric approach to taxonomically classify foot and ankle bones of kangaroos, a large and highly diverse marsupial family. Using multiple discriminant analysis, we classify archaeological specimens from Boodie Cave, in northwest Australia and identify the presence of two locally extinct macropod species during the terminal Pleistocene. The appearance of the banded hare-wallaby and northern nail-tail wallaby in the Pilbara region at this time provides independent evidence of the ecological and human responses to a changing climate at the end of the last Ice Age. Traditional morphometrics provides an accessible, inexpensive, and non-destructive tool for paleozoological specimen classification and has substantial potential for applications to other diverse wild faunas.
Infants infer third-party social dominance relationships based on visual access to intergroup conflict
Authors: Pun Anthea , Birch Susan A. J. , Baron Andrew Scott
Published: October 2022

During a conflict, having a greater number of allies than the opposition can improve one’s success in a conflict. However, allies must be aware that has a conflict has occurred, and this is often influenced by what they are able to see. Here, we explored whether infants’ assessment of social dominance is influenced by whether or not social allies have visual access to an episode of intergroup conflict. In Experiment 1, 9–12-month-olds only expected an agent to be socially dominant if their allies were able to witness the conflict. Experiment 2 provided further support for this finding, as infants did not expect an agent from a numerically larger group to be socially dominant when allies were unable to witness the conflict. Together, these results suggest that infants do not simply use a heuristic in which “numerically larger groups are always more dominant”. Importantly, infants are able to incorporate social allies’ ability to witness a conflict when predicting social dominance between groups.
The optimization method of wing ice shape regulation based on flight dynamics characteristics
Authors: Dou Pengfei , Li Zhe , Dong Zehong , Xie Li-ke
Published: October 2022

Ice on aircraft wing changes the aircraft aerodynamic shape, and has negative effects on flight dynamic characteristics, seriously threatening flight safety. Plasma ice shape regulation is a new de-icing method. Plasma actuator produces an apparent thermal effect, which is designed to dissolve the continuous ice into intermittent ice pieces. How to achieve the optimal regulation ice shape to improve the flight dynamics characteristics under icing conditions is a technical problem restricting the application of this method. A simulation ice shape based on previous ice tunnel experiments and a scale model of swept wing were established. The aerodynamic parameters of no ice, full ice, and two regulation ice schemes were obtained based on wind tunnel. Six degrees of freedom flight dynamics model was established, and flight simulation had been carried out. As the analysis of trim characteristics, dynamic stability, and maneuverability, flight dynamics characteristics were better improved when the ratio of ice width to the mean aerodynamic chord was 0.15. The evaluation method of plasma ice shape regulation schemes was proposed. The proposed method, which can compare and optimize the arrangement of plasma actuators, realized the optimal regulation ice shape on the premise of balancing flight safety and energy consumption.
Photobiochemical mechanisms of biomolecules relevant to germicidal ultraviolet irradiation at 222 and 254 nm
Authors: Naito Keisuke , Sawadaishi Kazuyuki , Kawasaki Masahiro
Published: October 2022

To inactivate viruses and microorganisms, ultraviolet light in the short wavelength region is a promising candidate for mitigating the infection of disease. Germicidal mercury lamps emitting at 254 nm and KrCl excimer lamps emitting at 222 nm have sterilisation properties. In this work, wavelength dependence of the photobiochemical mechanisms was investigated with 222- and 254-nm irradiation to analyze the underlying damage mechanisms of DNA/RNA and proteins, using Escherichia coli, a protease, an oligopeptide, amino acids, plasmid DNA and nucleosides. The photorepair of damaged DNA and the “dark” reversion of the hydrates of uracil phosphoramidite coupling blocks were also investigated.
A spatial beam property analyzer based on dispersive crystal diffraction for low-emittance X-ray light sources
Authors: Samadi Nazanin , Shi Xianbo , Ozkan Loch Cigdem , Krempasky Juraj , Boege Michael , Chapman Dean , Stampanoni Marco
Published: October 2022

The advent of low-emittance synchrotron X-ray sources and free-electron lasers urges the development of novel diagnostic techniques for measuring and monitoring the spatial source properties, especially the source sizes. This work introduces an X-ray beam property analyzer based on a multi-crystal diffraction geometry, including a crystal-based monochromator and a Laue crystal in a dispersive setting to the monochromator. By measuring the flat beam and the transmitted beam profiles, the system can provide a simultaneous high-sensitivity characterization of the source size, divergence, position, and angle in the diffraction plane of the multi-crystal system. Detailed theoretical modeling predicts the system’s feasibility as a versatile characterization tool for monitoring the X-ray source and beam properties. The experimental validation was conducted at a bending magnet beamline at the Swiss Light Source by varying the machine parameters. A measurement sensitivity of less than 10% of a source size of around 12 µm is demonstrated. The proposed system offers a compact setup with simple X-ray optics and can also be utilized for monitoring the electron source.
Droplet to soliton crossover at negative temperature in presence of bi-periodic optical lattices
Authors: Pathak Maitri R. , Nath Ajay
Published: October 2022

It is shown that the phenomenon of negative temperature essentially occurs in Bose-Einstein condensate due to the realization of the upper bound energy state utilizing a combination of expulsive harmonic oscillator and optical lattice potentials. We study the existence of quantum droplets at negative temperature and droplet-to-soliton crossover in the binary Bose-Einstein condensate mixture in the presence of bi-periodic optical lattices and expulsive-BOL confinements. Based on the beyond mean field approximation, we employ the extended Gross-Pitäevskii equation and calculate the exact analytical form of wavefunction solutions for BOL, expulsive-BOL confinements. An interesting transition of quantum droplets from positive to negative temperatures and the droplet-to-soliton crossover by modulating the disorder in BOL potential are illustrated. The affirmation of such crossover is performed by exploring the profile of atomic condensate density which smoothly transits from being a flat top density in optical lattice confinement to a bright soliton for BOL trap. Further, we confirm the crossover by exploring the energy per particle and the variation in the root mean square size of the condensate with respect to the potential depth of the BOL trap. Eventually, all of this aid us to construct a phase diagram in a space between the amplitude of BOL potential depth and particle number which reveals the formation of droplet and soliton phases. In expulsive-BOL confinement, it is seen that the impact of the expulsive trap is insignificant on atomic condensate density in the droplet phase and it becomes prominent in the soliton region. Further, the variation of total energy reveals that the amplitude of the expulsive oscillator strengthens the droplet phase and leads to an increase in the negative temperature of the considered system.
Far-field ultrasonic imaging using hyperlenses
Authors: Syed Akbar Ali Mohamed Subair , Rajagopal Prabhu
Published: October 2022

Hyperlenses for ultrasonic imaging in nondestructive evaluation and non-invasive diagnostics have not been widely discussed, likely due to the lack of understanding on their performance, as well as challenges with reception of the elastic wavefield past fine features. This paper discusses the development and application of a cylindrical hyperlens that can magnify subwavelength features and achieve super-resolution in the far-field. A radially symmetric structure composed of alternating metal and water layers is used to demonstrate the hyperlens. Numerical simulations are used to study the performance of cylindrical hyperlenses with regard to their geometrical parameters in imaging defects separated by a subwavelength distance, gaining insight into their construction for the ultrasonic domain. An elegant extension of the concept of cylindrical hyperlens to flat face hyperlens is also discussed, paving the way for a wider practical implementation of the technique. The paper also presents a novel waveguide-based reception technique that uses a conventional ultrasonic transducer as receiver to capture waves exiting from each fin of the hyperlens discretely. A metallic hyperlens is then custom-fabricated, and used to demonstrate for the first time, a super-resolved image with 5X magnification in the ultrasonic domain. The proposed hyperlens and the reception technique are among the first demonstrations in the ultrasonic domain, and well-suited for practical inspections. The results have important implications for higher resolution ultrasonic imaging in industrial and biomedical applications.
In vitro and in vivo assessment of the antioxidant potential of isoxazole derivatives
Authors: Hawash Mohammed , Jaradat Nidal , Abualhasan Murad , Thaher Manar , Sawalhi Rawan , Younes Nadeen , Shanaa Amani , Nuseirat Mariam , Mousa Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Previously developed fluorophenyl-isoxazole-carboxamides derivatives were re-synthesized and their scavenging activity against DPPH free radical and inhibitory activity against lipase and α-amylase enzymes were evaluated. The inhibition of the tested enzymes was weak while the most potent activities were observed in the DPPH assay. In particular, compounds2aand2cdemonstrated high antioxidant potency with IC50values of 0.45 ± 0.21 and 0.47 ± 0.33 µg/ml, respectively, when compared to Trolox, the positive control compound, which has an IC50value of 3.10 ± 0.92 µg/ml. Based on the in vitro results, the most potent compound2awas chosen for in vivo evaluation of antioxidant properties using 20 male mice injected intra-peritoneally and divided into four groups. The in vivo results revealed that total antioxidant capacity (TAC) obtained for mice treated with2awas two folds greater than that of mice treated with the positive control Quercetin. Although further biological and preclinical investigations need to be performed to assess the therapeutic potential of2a, the results of this study show promising antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo.
Validation of a new instrument for assessing attitudes on psychedelics in the general population
Authors: Žuljević Marija Franka , Buljan Ivan , Leskur Mia , Kaliterna Mariano , Hren Darko , Duplančić Darko
Published: October 2022

Although there is research interest to assess attitudes on psychedelics, no validated instrument exists for this purpose. We aimed to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Attitudes on Psychedelics Questionnaire (APQ) in a sample of the Croatian general population. A cross-sectional, web-based survey among the general population was conducted on 1153 participants (62.1% female, 77.7% with a graduate or high school degree, 15.1% health care workers). We assessed participants’ ability to recognize psychedelic substances using a short knowledge test. The APQ consists of 20 items with four sub-scales: Legal Use of Psychedelics, Effects of Psychedelics, Risk Assessment of Psychedelics, and Openness to Psychedelics. This model demonstrated best fit in a confirmatory factor analysis. Total scale reliability was excellent (McDonald’s ω = 0.949, 95% CI = 0.944–0.953). A strong correlation with a similar unvalidated measure (r = 0.885, P < 0.001) demonstrated convergent validity. We observed an association between attitudes and knowledge on psychedelics (r = 0.494, P < 0.001). Younger age, male gender, and lower educational status were associated with higher APQ scores. The APQ is valid, reliable, and could be applied in assessing educational interventions, patients’ treatment outcomes, and the attitudes of different groups of experts. We encourage further validation of the APQ in English.
Identification and antibacterial evaluation of endophytic actinobacteria from Luffa cylindrica
Authors: Mahdi Ramzy Ali , Bahrami Yadollah , Kakaei Elham
Published: October 2022

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has limited treatment options and led to the untreatable infections, thereby necessitating the discovery of new antibiotics to battel against bacteria. Natural products from endophytic actinobacteria (EA) serve as a reservoir for discovery of new antibiotics. Therefore, the current study focused on the isolation and antibacterial properties of EA isolated from Luffa cylindrica. Six strains were identified using morphological characterization, SEM analyses and 16S rRNA gene sequencing from the roots and leaves of the plant. They were taxonomically classified as Streptomycetaceae family. This is the first report on EA form L. cylindrica. The strains produced a chain of oval, cubed or cylindrical shaped spores with spiny or smooth surfaces. Three strains; KUMS-B3, KUMS-B4 and KUMS-B6 were reported as endophytes for the first time. Fifty percent of isolates were isolated from leaves samples using YECD medium. Our results showed that the sampling time and seasons may affect the bacterial diversity. All six strains had antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested bacteria S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Among the strains, KUMS-B6 isolate, closely related to S. praecox, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and negative bacteria. KUMS-B6, KUMS-B5 and KUMS-B4 isolates strongly inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, the strains, isolated from leaves exhibited stronger antagonist activities compared to those isolated from the roots. The study revealed that the isolated strains from Luffa produce a plethora of bioactive substances that are potential source of new drug candidates for the treatment of infections.
Ultrafast photoinduced dynamics of a donor-($$\mathrm \pi$$)bridge-acceptor based merocyanine dye
Authors: Shen Jianwei , Jha Ajay , Lv Meng , Jiang Guanyu , Zhao Qixu , Liu Zihui , Chen Jinquan , Yang Yan , Sun Haitao , Duan Hong-Guang , Sun Zhenrong
Published: October 2022

Merocyanine dyes are of great interest amongst researchers due to their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and solvatochromism. Molecular structure of these dyes constitutes conjugated pathway between the donor and acceptor substituents, with lowest energy transition of $$\mathrm \pi$$
π
–$$\mathrm \pi$$
π
* character. To rationalize the design of these dyes and deduce structure-property relationship, it is eminent to unravel the excited state dynamics in these complex molecular structures in different solvents. Here we have studied excited state dynamics of a merocyanine dye known as HB194, which has shown commendable efficiency in small molecule based bulk heterojuction solar cells. We have employed femtosecond transient absorption in combination with the quantum chemistry calculations to unravel the solvent dependent charge transfer dynamics of HB194. The excited state decays of the HB194 in different solvents show multi-exponential components. The analysis of the time-resolved data reveals that the polar solvents induce conformationally relaxed intramolecular charge transfer state. In non-polar solvent cyclohexane, only solvent-stabilized ICT state is observed. Additionally, we observe an anomalously red-shifted emission in ethylene glycol centred at $$\sim$$
∼
750 nm. Our computational calculations suggest the presence of molecular dimers resulting into observed red-shifted emission band. Our work therefore underscores the importance of gathering molecular-level insight into the system-bath interactions for designing next generation merocynanine-based solvatochromic dyes.
In-sensor neural network for high energy efficiency analog-to-information conversion
Authors: Sadasivuni Sudarsan , Bhanushali Sumukh Prashant , Banerjee Imon , Sanyal Arindam
Published: October 2022

This work presents an on-chip analog-to-information conversion technique that utilizes analog hyper-dimensional computing based on reservoir-computing paradigm to process electrocardiograph (ECG) signals locally in-sensor and reduce radio frequency transmission by more than three orders-of-magnitude. Instead of transmitting the naturally sparse ECG signal or extracted features, the on-chip analog-to-information converter analyzes the ECG signal through a nonlinear reservoir kernel followed by an artificial neural network, and transmits the prediction results. The proposed technique is demonstrated for detection of sepsis onset and achieves state-of-the-art accuracy and energy efficiency while reducing sensor power by$$159\times $$159×with test-chips prototyped in 65 nm CMOS.
Glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) induce phenotypic imipenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Háhn Judit , Kriszt Balázs , Tóth Gergő , Jiang Dongze , Fekete Márton , Szabó István , Göbölös Balázs , Urbányi Béla , Szoboszlay Sándor , Kaszab Edit
Published: October 2022

GBHs are the most widely used herbicides for weed control worldwide that potentially affect microorganisms, but the role of their sublethal exposure in the development of antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonasaeruginosa is still not fully investigated. Here, the effects of glyphosate acid (GLY), five glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), and POE(15), a formerly used co-formulant, on susceptibility to imipenem, a potent carbapenem-type antibiotic, in one clinical and four non-clinical environmental P.aeruginosa isolates were studied. Both pre-exposure in broth culture and co-exposure in solid media of the examined P.aeruginosa strains with 0.5% GBHs resulted in a decreased susceptibility to imipenem, while other carbapenems (doripenem and meropenem) retained their effectiveness. Additionally, the microdilution chequerboard method was used to examine additive/antagonistic/synergistic effects between GLY/POE(15)/GBHs and imipenem by determining the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indexes. Based on the FIC index values, glyphosate acid and Total demonstrated a potent antagonistic effect in all P.aeruginosa strains. Dominator Extra 608 SL and Fozat 480 reduced the activity of imipenem in only one strain (ATCC10145), while POE(15) and three other GBHs did not have any effect on susceptibility to imipenem. Considering the simultaneous presence of GBHs and imipenem in various environmental niches, the detected interactions between these chemicals may affect microbial communities. The mechanisms of the glyphosate and GBH-induced imipenem resistance in P.aeruginosa are yet to be investigated.
Quantitative myocardial perfusion during stress using CMR is impaired in healthy Middle Eastern immigrants without CV risk factors
Authors: Jablonowski Robert , Bennet Louise , Engblom Henrik , Aletras Anthony H. , Xue Hui , Kellman Peter , Carlsson Marcus , Arheden Håkan
Published: October 2022

Middle Eastern immigrants constitute a growing proportion of the European population and compared to native Swedes are more insulin resistant, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Quantitative first pass perfusion (qFPP) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect early signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim was to study if myocardial perfusion differs between healthy male Middle Eastern immigrants and native male Swedes. Eighteen Iraqi- and twelve Swedish born controls, all males, never smokers with no CVD risk factors were included. Global myocardial perfusion at rest and stress was assessed using qFPP and by phase-contrast CMR imaging of coronary sinus flow. Quantitative first pass perfusion analysis (mean ± SD) demonstrated no difference at rest between Iraqi and Swedish males (0.8 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.4 ml/min/g, P = 0.38) but lower perfusion during adenosine in Iraqi males (2.9 ± 0.7 vs 3.5 ± 0.7 ml/min/g, P = 0.02). Myocardial perfusion assessed by coronary sinus flow demonstrated similar results with no difference in resting perfusion between groups (0.7 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.2 ml/min/g, P = 0.21) but a lower perfusion during adenosine in the Iraqi group (3.0 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.6 ml/min/g, P = 0.01. Myocardial perfusion during adenosine stress was lower in healthy Iraqi immigrants compared to Swedish controls suggesting impaired microvascular function and risk of underestimating CVD risk in healthy individuals of Middle Eastern origin.
Toxicology evaluation of overdose hydroxychloroquine on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Luo Min , Xie Dan , Lin Ziyuan , Sun Huaqin , Liu Yanyan
Published: October 2022

Potential risks of treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) include QT interval prolongation, hypoglycemia, a wide range of neuropsychiatric manifestations, hematotoxicity, and potential genetic defects. HCQ is extremely toxic when used in overdose and can lead to tachycardia, hypotension, known central nervous system, transmission defects, hypokalemia and other manifestations in individuals. The mechanism of excessive HCQ leading to these manifestations is still unclear. In this paper, overdose HCQ at different concentrations was used to treat zebrafish embryos, and the phenomena like human beings were obtained, such as increased heart rate and nervous system inhibition. With the increase of concentration to 100 μM, embryo mortality and malformation rate increased and hatching rate decreased, in situ hybridization showed abnormal differentiation of embryo germ layers and formation of vital organs. We selected embryos treated with 50 μM HCQ, in which concentration the mortality rate, hatching rate and malformation rate of the embryos were like those of the control group, for transcriptome analysis. Although the above indexes did not change significantly, the molecular changes related to the development of the heart, eye, nerve and other important organs were significant. This study provides useful information for further research on the toxicity mechanism of HCQ overdose, and provides some insight that can guide future studies in humans.
Evidence of sweet corn yield losses from rising temperatures
Authors: Dhaliwal Daljeet S. , Williams Martin M.
Published: October 2022

Crop production is sensitive to anomalous weather conditions, but vegetable crops can be highly sensitive to environmental changes. Using sweet corn data collected on 16,040 fields over a 27-year period, we: (a) estimate yield sensitivities to changes in growing season temperature and total precipitation, (b) estimate critical thresholds in non-linear temperature effects on sweet corn yield across diverse environments, and (c) quantify yield losses from surpassing the upper temperature threshold during anthesis in sweet corn. Our results show growing-season temperatures exceeding 30 $$^\circ{\rm C} $$∘Cwere detrimental to crop yield. Each additional degree day spent above 30 $$^\circ{\rm C} $$∘Cduring anthesis reduced crop yields by 0.5% and 2% in irrigated and rainfed fields, respectively. This study shows evidence for sweet corn yield losses across broad spatial domains in the wake of climate change and underscores the urgency to accelerate crop adaptation strategies to sustain production of this highly popular crop.
A complete blood count-based multivariate model for predicting the recovery of patients with moderate COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Yiting , Li Xuewen , Xu Jiancheng , Zhou Qi
Published: October 2022

Many resource-limited countries need an efficient and convenient method to assess disease progression in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study developed and validated a complete blood count-based multivariate model for predicting the recovery of patients with moderate COVID-19. We collected the clinical data and laboratory test results of 86 patients with moderate COVID-19. These data were categorized into two subgroups depending on the laboratory test time. Univariate logistic regression and covariance diagnosis were used to screen for independent factors, and multifactorial logistic regression was used for model building. Data from 38 patients at another hospital were collected for external verification of the model. Basophils (OR 6.372; 95% CI 3.284–12.363), mean corpuscular volume (OR 1.244; 95% CI 1.088–1.422), red blood cell distribution width (OR 2.585; 95% CI 1.261–5.297), and platelet distribution width (OR 1.559; 95% CI 1.154–2.108) could be combined to predict recovery of patients with moderate COVID-19. The ROC curve showed that the model has good discrimination. The calibration curve showed that the model was well-fitted. The DCA showed that the model is clinically useful. Small increases in the above parameters within the normal range suggest an improvement in patients with moderate COVID-19.
Experimental and theoretical studies of native deep-level defects in transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Kim Jun Young , Gelczuk Łukasz , Polak Maciej P. , Hlushchenko Daria , Morgan Dane , Kudrawiec Robert , Szlufarska Izabela
Published: October 2022

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), especially in two-dimensional (2D) form, exhibit many properties desirable for device applications. However, device performance can be hindered by the presence of defects. Here, we combine state of the art experimental and computational approaches to determine formation energies and charge transition levels of defects in bulk and 2D MX2 (M = Mo or W; X = S, Se, or Te). We perform deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements of bulk TMDs. Simultaneously, we calculate formation energies and defect levels of all native point defects, which enable identification of levels observed in DLTS and extend our calculations to vacancies in 2D TMDs, for which DLTS is challenging. We find that reduction of dimensionality of TMDs to 2D has a significant impact on defect properties. This finding may explain differences in optical properties of 2D TMDs synthesized with different methods and lays foundation for future developments of more efficient TMD-based devices.
Emergence of explosive synchronization bombs in networks of oscillators
Authors: Arola-Fernández Lluís , Faci-Lázaro Sergio , Skardal Per Sebastian , Boghiu Emanuel-Cristian , Gómez-Gardeñes Jesús , Arenas Alex
Published: October 2022

Research on network percolation and synchronization has deepened our understanding of abrupt changes in the macroscopic properties of complex engineered and natural systems. While explosive percolation emerges from localized structural perturbations that delay the formation of a connected component, explosive synchronization is usually studied by fine-tuning of global parameters. Here, we introduce the concept of synchronization bombs as large networks of heterogeneous oscillators that abruptly transit from incoherence to phase-locking (or vice-versa) by adding (or removing) one or a few links. We build these bombs by optimizing global synchrony with decentralized information in a competitive percolation process driven by a local rule, and show their occurrence in systems of Kuramoto –periodic– and Rössler –chaotic– oscillators and in a model of cardiac pacemaker cells, providing an analytical characterization in the Kuramoto case. Our results propose a self-organized approach to design and control abrupt transitions in adaptive biological systems and electronic circuits, and place explosive synchronization and percolation under the same mechanistic framework.
High interstadial sea levels over the past 420ka from the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea
Authors: de Gelder Gino , Husson Laurent , Pastier Anne-Morwenn , Fernández-Blanco David , Pico Tamara , Chauveau Denovan , Authemayou Christine , Pedoja Kevin
Published: October 2022

The history of sea level across the Quaternary is essential for assessing past and future climate. Global sea-level reconstructions are typically derived from oxygen isotope curves, but require calibration with geological constraints that are scarce prior to the last glacial cycle (>130 thousand years ago). Here we show that the coral reef terrace sequence at the Huon Peninsula (Papua New Guinea) provides such constraints up to ∼420 thousand years ago, through a geometric analysis of high-resolution topographic data. We derive a northward tectonic tilt as regional deformation pattern, and estimate relative sea level for 31 Quaternary periods, including several periods for which no relative sea level data exists elsewhere. Supported by numerical reef models, these estimates suggest that oxygen isotope-based global mean sea-level curves systematically underestimate interstadial sea-level elevations, by up to ∼20 m. Compared to those curves, our results imply a stronger degree of non-linearity between ice-sheet volumes and global temperatures within Quaternary glacial cycles.
Basaltic Plinian eruptions at Las Sierras-Masaya volcano driven by cool storage of crystal-rich magmas
Authors: Bamber Emily C. , La Spina Giuseppe , Arzilli Fabio , de’ Michieli Vitturi Mattia , Polacci Margherita , Hartley Margaret E. , Petrelli Maurizio , Fellowes Jonathan , Burton Mike
Published: October 2022

Although rare, basaltic Plinian eruptions represent a considerable volcanic hazard. The low viscosity of crystal-poor basaltic magma inhibits magma fragmentation; however, Las Sierras-Masaya volcano, Nicaragua, has produced multiple basaltic Plinian eruptions. Here, we quantify the geochemistry and volatile concentrations of melt inclusions in samples of the Fontana Lapilli and Masaya Triple Layer eruptions to constrain pre-eruptive conditions. Combining thermometry and geochemical modelling, we show that magma cooled to ~1000 °C prior to eruption, crystallising a mush that was erupted and preserved in scoriae. We use these data in a numerical conduit model, which finds that conditions most conducive to Plinian eruptions are a pre-eruptive temperature <1100 °C and a total crystal content >30 vol.%. Cooling, crystal-rich, large-volume basaltic magma bodies may be hazardous due to their potential to erupt with Plinian magnitude. Rapid ascent rates mean there may only be some minutes between eruption triggering and Plinian activity at Masaya.
A globally robust relationship between water table decline, subsidence rate, and carbon release from peatlands
Authors: Ma Lei , Zhu Gaofeng , Chen Bolong , Zhang Kun , Niu Shuli , Wang Jinsong , Ciais Phillipe , Zuo Hongchao
Published: October 2022

Peatland ecosystems are globally important carbon stores. Disturbances, such as drainage and climate drying, act to lower peatland water table depths, consequently enhancing soil carbon release and subsidence rates. Here, we conduct a global meta-analysis to quantify the relationship among water table depth, carbon release and subsidence. We find that the water table decline stimulated heterotrophic, rather than autotrophic, soil respiration, which was associated with an increase in subsidence rate. This relationship held across different climate zones and land uses. We find that 81% of the total annual soil respiration for all drained peatlands was attributable to tropical peatlands drained for agriculture and forestry and temperate peatlands drained for agriculture. Globally, we estimate that, drained peatlands release 645 Mt C yr–1(401–1025 Mt C yr–1) through soil respiration, equivalent to approximately 5% of global annual anthropogenic carbon emissions. Our findings highlight the importance of conserving pristine peatlands to help mitigate climate change.
Saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) improves anxiety related behaviour in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation through the modulation of the microbiota and gut derived metabolites
Authors: Pontifex Matthew G. , Connell Emily , Le Gall Gwenaelle , Pourtau Line , Gaudout David , Angeloni Cristina , Zallocco Lorenzo , Ronci Maurizio , Giusti Laura , Müller Michael , Vauzour David
Published: October 2022

Treatment of anxiety and depression predominantly centres around pharmacological interventions, which have faced criticism for their associated side effects, lack of efficacy and low tolerability.
Multicomponent synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindolylidene-malononitrile (PIYM) fluorophores and their photophysical properties
Authors: Natarajan Nithya , Jayabal Ezhilan , Rengarajan Venkatesan , Gnanasambandam Vasuki
Published: October 2022

From the array of small molecule organic fluorophores available as functional materials and in biology, synthetic procedures that allow for a simpler and rapid synthesis of organic fluorophores with desirable photophysical properties are in high demand.