bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light People: Tarik Bourouina
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Xiaoyi
Published: August 2021

Editorial

In 2015, 195 countries of the United Nations proposed Sustainable Development Goals so as to alleviate the problems of climate change and global pollution. In France, there is a scientist dedicated to contribute providing solutions for above issues by virtue of MEMS, Lab-On-Chip and metamaterials. This expert is Prof. Tarik Bourouina, a Professor of Physics at ESIEE Paris, Université Gustave Eiffel. He devoted himself to the investigations on micro sensors and metamaterials, and kept seeking their applications in the future blueprint of “Sustainable” and “Smart” cities. On the other hand, he has formed an indissoluble bond with Light: Science and Applications (LIGHT) since the very beginning of the journal. He also set up the LIGHT’s Paris office, which is the first LIGHT’s overseas office in Europe. We are much honored to have an opportunity to exclusively communicate with Prof. Tarik Bourouina, who will share his research experience and stories with LIGHT in this interview.
Weak immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Malard Florent , Gaugler Béatrice , Gozlan Joel , Bouquet Lucie , Fofana Djeneba , Siblany Lama , Eshagh Deborah , Adotevi Olivier , Laheurte Caroline , Ricard Laure , Dulery Rémy , Stocker Nicolas , van de Wyngaert Zoe , Genthon Alexis , Banet Anne , Memoli Mara , Ikhlef Souhila , Sestilli Simona , Vekhof Anne , Brissot Eolia , Marjanovic Zora , Chantran Yannick , Cuervo Nancy , Ballot Eric , Morand-Joubert Laurence , Mohty Mohamad
Published: August 2021

This study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with hematological malignancies. Antibodies blocking spike binding to immobilized ACE-2 (NAb) correlated with anti-Spike (S) IgG d42 titers (Spearman r = 0.865, p < 0.0001), and an anti-S IgG d42 level ≥3100 UA/mL was predictive of NAb ≥ 30%, the positivity cutoff for NAb (p < 0.0001). Only 47% of the patients achieved an anti-S IgG d42 level ≥3100 UA/mL after the two BNT162b2 inocula, compared to 87% of healthy controls. In multivariable analysis, male patients, use of B-cell targeting treatment within the last 12 months prior to vaccination, and CD19+ B-cell level <120/uL, were associated with a significantly decreased probability of achieving a protective anti-S IgG level after the second BNT162b2 inoculum. Finally, using the IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, we found a significant increase in T-cell response against the S protein, with 53% of patients having an anti-S IgG-positive ELISPOT after the second BNT162b2 inoculum. There was a correlation between the anti-S ELISPOT response and IgG d42 level (Spearman r = 0.3026, p = 0.012). These findings suggest that vaccination with two BNT162b2 inocula translates into a significant increase in humoral and cellular response in patients with hematological malignancies, but only around half of the patients can likely achieve effective immune protection against COVID-19.
The HSP90/R2TP assembly chaperone promotes cell proliferation in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Maurizy Chloé , Abeza Claire , Lemmers Bénédicte , Gabola Monica , Longobardi Ciro , Pinet Valérie , Ferrand Marina , Paul Conception , Bremond Julie , Langa Francina , Gerbe François , Jay Philippe , Verheggen Céline , Tinari Nicola , Helmlinger Dominique , Lattanzio Rossano , Bertrand Edouard , Hahne Michael , Pradet-Balade Bérengère
Published: August 2021

The R2TP chaperone cooperates with HSP90 to integrate newly synthesized proteins into multi-subunit complexes, yet its role in tissue homeostasis is unknown. Here, we generated conditional, inducible knock-out mice for Rpap3 to inactivate this core component of R2TP in the intestinal epithelium. In adult mice, Rpap3 invalidation caused destruction of the small intestinal epithelium and death within 10 days. Levels of R2TP substrates decreased, with strong effects on mTOR, ATM and ATR. Proliferative stem cells and progenitors deficient for Rpap3 failed to import RNA polymerase II into the nucleus and they induced p53, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Post-mitotic, differentiated cells did not display these alterations, suggesting that R2TP clients are preferentially built in actively proliferating cells. In addition, high RPAP3 levels in colorectal tumors from patients correlate with bad prognosis. Here, we show that, in the intestine, the R2TP chaperone plays essential roles in normal and tumoral proliferation.
A synthetic building operation dataset
Authors: Li Han , Wang Zhe , Hong Tianzhen
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a synthetic building operation dataset which includes HVAC, lighting, miscellaneous electric loads (MELs) system operating conditions, occupant counts, environmental parameters, end-use and whole-building energy consumptions at 10-minute intervals. The data is created with 1395 annual simulations using the U.S. DOE detailed medium-sized reference office building, and 30 years’ historical weather data in three typical climates including Miami, San Francisco, and Chicago. Three energy efficiency levels of the building and systems are considered. Assumptions regarding occupant movements, occupants’ diverse temperature preferences, lighting, and MELs are adopted to reflect realistic building operations. A semantic building metadata schema - BRICK, is used to store the building metadata. The dataset is saved in a 1.2 TB of compressed HDF5 file. This dataset can be used in various applications, including building energy and load shape benchmarking, energy model calibration, evaluation of occupant and weather variability and their influences on building performance, algorithm development and testing for thermal and energy load prediction, model predictive control, policy development for reinforcement learning based building controls.
A global database of diversified farming effects on biodiversity and yield
Authors: Jones Sarah K. , Sánchez Andrea C. , Juventia Stella D. , Estrada-Carmona Natalia
Published: August 2021

With the Convention on Biological Diversity conference (COP15), United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), and United Nations Food Systems Summit, 2021 is a pivotal year for transitioning towards sustainable food systems. Diversified farming systems are key to more sustainable food production. Here we present a global dataset documenting outcomes of diversified farming practices for biodiversity and yields compiled following best standards for systematic review of primary studies and specifically designed for use in meta-analysis. The dataset includes 4076 comparisons of biodiversity outcomes and 1214 of yield in diversified farming systems compared to one of two reference systems. It contains evidence from 48 countries of effects on species from 33 taxonomic orders (spanning insects, plants, birds, mammals, eukaryotes, annelids, fungi, and bacteria) of diversified farming systems producing annual or perennial crops across 12 commodity groups. The dataset presented provides a resource for researchers and practitioners to easily access information on where diversified farming systems effectively contribute to biodiversity and food production outcomes.
Characterization of THSD7A-antibodies not binding to glomerular THSD7A in a patient with diabetes mellitus but no membranous nephropathy
Authors: Reinhard Linda , Thomas Cindy , Machalitza Maya , Lattwein Erik , Weiss Lothar S. , Vitu Jan , Wiech Thorsten , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Hoxha Elion
Published: August 2021

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies against the podocyte antigens phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing protein 7A (THSD7A) in 80% and 2–3% of patients, respectively. THSD7A antibodies are considered to be pathogenic and highly specific for MN patients. Using an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) we detected THSD7A-antibodies (titre 1:10) in the serum of a patient with high proteinuria who, however, in the kidney biopsy was diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy and MN was excluded as a possible cause of proteinuria. Different immunofluorescence assays and Western blot techniques using recombinant THSD7A (rTHSD7A) or THSD7A from different human tissues revealed that the circulating THSD7A-autoantibodies were only of the IgG3 subclass. The patient serum reacted exclusively with rTHSD7A and only when the antigen was present in reducing Western blot conditions, or on formaldehyde-fixed cells for the IIFT. Our findings show for the first time the existence of circulating THSD7A-antibodies recognizing denatured/reduced rTHSD7A, which do not react with glomerular THSD7A in vivo and are thus presumptively non-pathogenic. As a consequence, kidney biopsy or Western blot analyses of THSD7A under non-reducing conditions should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of THSD7A-associated MN, especially in cases with low THSD7A-antibody levels in the IIFT.
Stretchable self-tuning MRI receive coils based on liquid metal technology (LiquiTune)
Authors: Motovilova Elizaveta , Tan Ek Tsoon , Taracila Victor , Vincent Jana M. , Grafendorfer Thomas , Shin James , Potter Hollis G. , Robb Fraser J. L. , Sneag Darryl B. , Winkler Simone A.
Published: August 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging systems rely on signal detection via radiofrequency coil arrays which, ideally, need to provide both bendability and form-fitting stretchability to conform to the imaging volume. However, most commercial coils are rigid and of fixed size with a substantial mean offset distance of the coil from the anatomy, which compromises the spatial resolution and diagnostic image quality as well as patient comfort. Here, we propose a soft and stretchable receive coil concept based on liquid metal and ultra-stretchable polymer that conforms closely to a desired anatomy. Moreover, its smart geometry provides a self-tuning mechanism to maintain a stable resonance frequency over a wide range of elongation levels. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations were experimentally confirmed and demonstrated that the proposed coil withstood the unwanted frequency detuning typically observed with other stretchable coils (0.4% for the proposed coil as compared to 4% for a comparable control coil). Moreover, the signal-to-noise ratio of the proposed coil increased by more than 60% as compared to a typical, rigid, commercial coil.
Improved procedure for electro-spinning and carbonisation of neat solvent-fractionated softwood Kraft lignin
Authors: Khan Inam , Hararak Bongkot , Fernando Gerard F.
Published: August 2021

In general, the electro-spinning of lignin requires it to be functionalised and/or blended with synthetic or natural polymers. This paper reports on the use of solvent fractionated lignin-lignin blend to electro-spin BioChoice softwood Kraft lignin. The blend consisted of acetone-soluble and ethanol-soluble lignin in a binary solvent of acetone and DMSO. Solvent fractionation was used to purify lignin where the ash content was reduced in the soluble lignin fractions from 1.24 to ~ 0.1%. The corresponding value after conventional acid-washing in sulphuric acid was 0.34%. A custom-made electro-spinning apparatus was used to produce the nano-fibres. Heat treatment procedures were developed for drying the electro-spun fibres prior to oxidation and carbonisation; this was done to prevent fibre fusion. The lignin fibres were oxidised at 250 °C, carbonised at 1000 °C, 1200 °C and 1500 °C. The cross-section of the fibres was circular and they were observed to be void-free. The longitudinal sections showed that the fibres were not fused. Thus, this procedure demonstrated that solvent fractionated lignin can be electro-spun without using plasticisers or polymer blends using common laboratory solvents and subsequently carbonised to produce carbon fibres with a circular cross-section.
Enhanced genome editing efficiency of CRISPR PLUS: Cas9 chimeric fusion proteins
Authors: Park Jongjin , Yoon Jiyoung , Kwon Daekee , Han Mi-Jung , Choi Sunmee , Park Slki , Lee Junghyuk , Lee Kiwook , Lee Jaehwan , Lee Seunghee , Kang Kyung-Sun , Choe Sunghwa
Published: August 2021

Efforts to improve CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing systems for lower off-target effects are mostly at the cost of its robust on-target efficiency. To enhance both accuracy and efficiency, we created chimeric SpyCas9 proteins fused with the 5′-to-3′ exonuclease Recombination J (RecJ) or with GFP and demonstrated that transfection of the pre-assembled ribonucleoprotein of the two chimeric proteins into human or plant cells resulted in greater targeted mutagenesis efficiency up to 600% without noticeable increase in off-target effects. Improved activity of the two fusion proteins should enable editing of the previously hard-to-edit genes and thus readily obtaining the cells with designer traits.
Improving magnetic resonance imaging with smart and thin metasurfaces
Authors: Stoja Endri , Konstandin Simon , Philipp Dennis , Wilke Robin N. , Betancourt Diego , Bertuch Thomas , Jenne Jürgen , Umathum Reiner , Günther Matthias
Published: August 2021

Over almost five decades of development and improvement, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become a rich and powerful, non-invasive technique in medical imaging, yet not reaching its physical limits. Technical and physiological restrictions constrain physically feasible developments. A common solution to improve imaging speed and resolution is to use higher field strengths, which also has subtle and potentially harmful implications. However, patient safety is to be considered utterly important at all stages of research and clinical routine. Here we show that dynamic metamaterials are a promising solution to expand the potential of MRI and to overcome some limitations. A thin, smart, non-linear metamaterial is presented that enhances the imaging performance and increases the signal-to-noise ratio in 3T MRI significantly (up to eightfold), whilst the transmit field is not affected due to self-detuning and, thus, patient safety is also assured. This self-detuning works without introducing any additional overhead related to MRI-compatible electronic control components or active (de-)tuning mechanisms. The design paradigm, simulation results, on-bench characterization, and MRI experiments using homogeneous and structural phantoms are described. The suggested single-layer metasurface paves the way for conformal and patient-specific manufacturing, which was not possible before due to typically bulky and rigid metamaterial structures.
A distinct negative leader propagation mode
Authors: Scholten O. , Hare B. M. , Dwyer J. , Liu N. , Sterpka C. , Kolmašová I. , Santolík O. , Lán R. , Uhlíř L. , Buitink S. , Corstanje A. , Falcke H. , Huege T. , Hörandel J. R. , Krampah G. K. , Mitra P. , Mulrey K. , Nelles A. , Pandya H. , Rachen J. P. , Trinh T. N. G. , ter Veen S. , Thoudam S. , Winchen T.
Published: August 2021

The common phenomenon of lightning still harbors many secrets such as what are the conditions for lightning initiation and what is driving the discharge to propagate over several tens of kilometers through the atmosphere forming conducting ionized channels called leaders. Since lightning is an electric discharge phenomenon, there are positively and negatively charged leaders. In this work we report on measurements made with the LOFAR radio telescope, an instrument primarily build for radio-astronomy observations. It is observed that a negative leader rather suddenly changes, for a few milliseconds, into a mode where it radiates 100 times more VHF power than typical negative leaders after which it spawns a large number of more typical negative leaders. This mode occurs during the initial stage, soon after initiation, of all lightning flashes we have mapped (about 25). For some flashes this mode occurs also well after initiation and we show one case where it is triggered twice, some 100 ms apart. We postulate that this is indicative of a small (order of 5 km$$^2$$

2

) high charge pocket. Lightning thus appears to be initiated exclusively in the vicinity of such a small but dense charge pocket.
Evaluation of two highly effective lipid-lowering therapies in subjects with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Klassen Aline , Faccio Andrea Tedesco , Picossi Carolina Raissa Costa , Derogis Priscilla Bento Matos Cruz , dos Santos Ferreira Carlos Eduardo , Lopes Aline Soriano , Sussulini Alessandra , Cruz Elisa Castañeda Santa , Bastos Rafaela Tudela , Fontoura Stefanie Caroline , Neto Antonio Martins Figueiredo , Tavares Marina Franco Maggi , Izar Maria Cristina , Fonseca Francisco Antonio Helfenstein
Published: August 2021

For cardiovascular disease prevention, statins alone or combined with ezetimibe have been recommended to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets, but their effects on other lipids are less reported. This study was designed to examine lipid changes in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after two highly effective lipid-lowering therapies. Twenty patients with STEMI were randomized to be treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg QD or simvastatin 40 mg combined with ezetimibe 10 mg QD for 30 days. Fasting blood samples were collected on the first day (D1) and after 30 days (D30). Lipidomic analysis was performed using the Lipidyzer platform. Similar classic lipid profile was obtained in both groups of lipid-lowering therapies. However, differences with the lipidomic analysis were observed between D30 and D1 for most of the analyzed classes. Differences were noted with lipid-lowering therapies for lipids such as FA, LPC, PC, PE, CE, Cer, and SM, notably in patients treated with rosuvastatin. Correlation studies between classic lipid profiles and lipidomic results showed different information. These findings seem relevant, due to the involvement of these lipid classes in crucial mechanisms of atherosclerosis, and may account for residual cardiovascular risk.

Randomized clinical trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02428374, registered on 28/09/2014.
Parallel LC shaped metamaterial resonator for C and X band satellite applications with wider bandwidth
Authors: Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Siddiky Air Mohammad , Ahamed Eistiak , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Abdullah Sabirin
Published: August 2021

The electromagnetic properties of the metal based dielectric in the field of millimeter and sub-millimeter technology attracts a new era for innovation. In this research work, we have introduced a parallel LC shaped metamaterial resonator with wider bandwidth. The negative refractive index for two resonant frequencies is located from the negative permittivity from 5.1 to 6.3, 10.4 to 12.9 GHz, where the negative refractive index is located from 5.4 to 6.3 and 10.5 to 13.5 GHz. The electromagnetic wave polarizing in the proposed structure with parallel LC shaped metallic structure shows a fascinating response of wider bandwidth for the external electric and magnetic field. This paper focuses on the design of conducting layer for the suggested design with the parallel metallic arm for analysing the mutual coupling effect of the scattering response where the sub-branch in metallic design is shown more resonant frequencies with the enhancement of the compactness. This proposed structure is analysed with different metallic arrangements and array structures for different boundary conditions.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)
Authors: Nanasato Yoshihiko , Mikami Masafumi , Futamura Norihiro , Endo Masaki , Nishiguchi Mitsuru , Ohmiya Yasunori , Konagaya Ken-ichi , Taniguchi Toru
Published: August 2021

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar or sugi) is one of the most important coniferous tree species in Japan and breeding programs for this species have been launched since 1950s. Genome editing technology can be used to shorten the breeding period. In this study, we performed targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in C. japonica. First, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was tested using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing transgenic embryogenic tissue lines. Knock-out efficiency of GFP ranged from 3.1 to 41.4% depending on U6 promoters and target sequences. The GFP knock-out region was mottled in many lines, indicating genome editing in individual cells. However, in 101 of 102 mutated individuals (> 99%) from 6 GFP knock-out lines, embryos had a single mutation pattern. Next, we knocked out the endogenous C. japonica magnesium chelatase subunit I (CjChlI) gene using two guide RNA targets. Green, pale green, and albino phenotypes were obtained in the gene-edited cell lines. Sequence analysis revealed random deletions, insertions, and replacements in the target region. Thus, targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to modify the C. japonica genome.
Altitudinal gradient affect abundance, diversity and metabolic footprint of soil nematodes in Banihal-Pass of Pir-Panjal mountain range
Authors: Afzal Shahid , Nesar Humira , Imran Zarrin , Ahmad Wasim
Published: August 2021

Despite enormous diversity, abundance and their role in ecosystem processes, little is known about how community structures of soil-inhabiting nematodes differ across elevation gradient. For this, soil nematode communities were investigated along an elevation gradient of 1000–2500 masl across a temperate vegetation in Banihal-Pass of Pir-Panjal mountain range. We aimed to determine how the elevation gradient affect the nematode community structure, diversity and contribution to belowground carbon assimilation in the form of metabolic footprint. Our results showed that total nematode abundance and the abundance of different trophic groups (fungivores, herbivores and omnivores) declined with the increase of elevation. Shannon index, generic richness and evenness index indicated that nematode communities were more diverse at lower elevations and declined significantly with increase in elevation. Nematode community showed a pattern of decline in overall metabolic footprint with the increase of elevation. Nematode abundance and diversity proved to be more sensitive to elevation induced changes as more abundant and diverse nematode assemblage are supported at lower elevations. Overall it appears nematode abundance, diversity and contribution to belowground carbon cycling is stronger at lower elevations and gradually keep declining towards higher elevations under temperate vegetation cover in Banihal-pass of Pir-Panjal mountain range.
Talaromyces marneffei and nontuberculous mycobacteria co-infection in HIV-negative patients
Authors: Qiu Ye , Huang Jie , Li Yu , Zeng Wen , Pan Mianluan , Cen Jiemei , Zhang Hui , Sun Xuejiao , Qu Dongming , Zhang Jianquan
Published: August 2021

To describe the clinical features and the risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Talaromyces marneffei (TM) co-infections in HIV-negative patients. A multicenter retrospective study in 13 hospitals, and a systematic literature review were performed of original articles published in English related to TM/NTM co-infections. HIV-negative patients with TM and NTM co-infections comprised Group 1; TM-only infection Group 2; NTM-only infection Group 3; and healthy volunteers Group 4. Univariate logistic analysis was used to estimate the potential risk factors of TM/NTM co-infections. A total of 22 cases of TM and NTM co-infections were enrolled. Of these, 17 patients (77.3%) had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies (AIGAs) titer, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil counts (N), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), globulin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of Group 1 were higher than those of the other groups, whereas the levels of CD4+T cells was lower than those of other groups. There was a significant negative correlation between the AIGA titers and the number of CD4+T cells (P < 0.05). Factors including the ratio of the actual values to the cut-off values of AIGAs, WBC, N, HGB, CD4+T cells, IgG, IgM, IgA, serum globulin, ESR, and CRP were taken as potential risk factors for TM and NTM co-infection. Most patients with TM and NTM co-infection had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The levels of AIGAs, WBC, N, ESR, and CRP in TM and NTM co-infections were remarkably higher than in mono-infection. High-titer AIGAs may be a potential risk factor and susceptibility factor for co-infection of TM and NTM in HIV-negative hosts.
Dietary cardoon meal modulates rumen biohydrogenation and bacterial community in lambs
Authors: Salami Saheed A. , Valenti Bernardo , Luciano Giuseppe , Lanza Massimiliano , Umezurike-Amahah Ngozi M. , Kerry Joseph P. , O’Grady Michael N. , Newbold Charles J. , Priolo Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Cardoon meal is a by-product of oil extraction from the seeds of Cynara cardunculus and can serve as a novel alternative feedstuff for ruminants. This study examined the rumen fermentation, biohydrogenation of fatty acids (FA) and microbial community in lambs fed a concentrate diet containing 15% dehydrated lucerne (CON, n = 8) or cardoon meal (CMD, n = 7) for 75 days pre-slaughter. Diets did not influence rumen fermentation characteristics and the abundance of bacteria, methanogens, fungi, or protozoa. Rumen digesta in CMD-fed lambs displayed a higher concentration of total saturated FA and lower total odd- and branched-chain FA and monounsaturated FA. Feeding CMD decreased total trans-18:1 isomer and the ratio of trans-10 to trans-11 C18:1, known as the “trans-10 shift”. Amplicon sequencing indicated that the rumen bacterial community in CMD-fed lambs had lower diversity and a higher relative phyla abundance of Proteobacteria at the expense of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres. At the genus level, CMD mediated specific shifts from Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Solobacterium and Fibrobacter to Ruminobacter, suggesting that these genera may play important roles in biohydrogenation. Overall, these results demonstrate that cardoon meal can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants without negatively affecting rumen fermentation and microbiota but its impact on biohydrogenation may influence the FA composition in meat or milk.
Urine peptidome analysis in cardiorenal syndrome reflects molecular processes
Authors: Petra Eleni , He Tianlin , Lygirou Vasiliki , Latosinska Agnieszka , Mischak Harald , Vlahou Antonia , Jankowski Joachim
Published: August 2021

The cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is defined as the confluence of heart-kidney dysfunction. This study investigates the molecular differences at the level of the urinary peptidome between CRS patients and controls and their association to disease pathophysiology. The urinary peptidome of CRS patients (n = 353) was matched for age and sex with controls (n = 356) at a 1:1 ratio. Changes in the CRS peptidome versus controls were identified after applying the Mann–Whitney test, followed by correction for multiple testing. Proteasix tool was applied to investigate predicted proteases involved in CRS-associated peptide generation. Overall, 559 differentially excreted urinary peptides were associated with CRS patients. Of these, 193 peptides were specifically found in CRS when comparing with heart failure and chronic kidney disease urinary peptide profiles. Proteasix predicted 18 proteases involved in > 1% of proteolytic cleavage events including multiple forms of MMPs, proprotein convertases, cathepsins and kallikrein 4. Forty-four percent of the cleavage events were produced by 3 proteases including MMP13, MMP9 and MMP2. Pathway enrichment analysis supported that ECM-related pathways, fibrosis and inflammation were represented. Collectively, our study describes the changes in urinary peptides of CRS patients and potential proteases involved in their generation, laying the basis for further validation.
Generation of Talbot-like fields
Authors: Anaya-Contreras Jorge A. , Zúñiga-Segundo Arturo , Sánchez-de-la-Llave David , Moya-Cessa Héctor M.
Published: August 2021

We present an integral of diffraction based on particular eigenfunctions of the Laplacian in two dimensions. We show how to propagate some fields, in particular a Bessel field, a superposition of Airy beams, both over the square root of the radial coordinate, and show how to construct a field that reproduces itself periodically in propagation, i.e., a field that renders the Talbot effect. Additionally, it is shown that the superposition of Airy beams produces self-focusing.
Geographic source estimation using airborne plant environmental DNA in dust
Authors: Lennartz Chelsea , Kurucar Joel , Coppola Stephen , Crager Janice , Bobrow Johanna , Bortolin Laura , Comolli James
Published: August 2021

Information obtained from the analysis of dust, particularly biological particles such as pollen, plant parts, and fungal spores, has great utility in forensic geolocation. As an alternative to manual microscopic analysis of dust components, we developed a pipeline that utilizes the airborne plant environmental DNA (eDNA) in settled dust to estimate geographic origin. Metabarcoding of settled airborne eDNA was used to identify plant species whose geographic distributions were then derived from occurrence records in the USGS Biodiversity in Service of Our Nation (BISON) database. The distributions for all plant species identified in a sample were used to generate a probabilistic estimate of the sample source. With settled dust collected at four U.S. sites over a 15-month period, we demonstrated positive regional geolocation (within 600 km2 of the collection point) with 47.6% (20 of 42) of the samples analyzed. Attribution accuracy and resolution was dependent on the number of plant species identified in a dust sample, which was greatly affected by the season of collection. In dust samples that yielded a minimum of 20 identified plant species, positive regional attribution was achieved with 66.7% (16 of 24 samples). For broader demonstration, citizen-collected dust samples collected from 31 diverse U.S. sites were analyzed, and trace plant eDNA provided relevant regional attribution information on provenance in 32.2% of samples. This showed that analysis of airborne plant eDNA in settled dust can provide an accurate estimate regional provenance within the U.S., and relevant forensic information, for a substantial fraction of samples analyzed.
Blending oxytocin and dopamine with everyday creativity
Authors: Chong Anne , Tolomeo Serenella , Xiong Yue , Angeles Dario , Cheung Mike , Becker Benjamin , Lai Poh San , Lei Zhen , Malavasi Fabio , Tang Qianzi , Chew Soo Hong , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: August 2021

Converging evidence suggests that oxytocin (OT) is associated with creative thinking (CT) and that release of OT depends on ADP ribosyl-cyclases (CD38andCD157). Neural mechanisms of CT and OT show a strong association with dopaminergic (DA) pathways, yet the link between CT andCD38,CD157, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) peripheral gene expression remain inconclusive, thus limiting our understanding of the neurobiology of CT. To address this issue, two principal domains of CT, divergent thinking (AUT), were assessed. In men, both AUT is associated with gene expression ofCD38,CD157, and their interactionCD38 × CD157. There were no significant associations for DA expression (DRD2,COMT,DRD2 × COMT) on both CT measures. However, analysis of the interactions of OT and DA systems reveal significant interactions for AUT in men. The full model explained a sizable 39% of the variance in females for the total CT score. The current findings suggest that OT and DA gene expression contributed significantly to cognition and CT phenotype. This provides the first empirical foundation of a more refined understanding of the molecular landscape of CT.
Tsunami generation potential of a strike-slip fault tip in the westernmost Mediterranean
Authors: Estrada F. , González-Vida J. M. , Peláez J. A. , Galindo-Zaldívar J. , Ortega S. , Macías J. , Vázquez J. T. , Ercilla G.
Published: August 2021

Tsunamis are triggered by sudden seafloor displacements, and usually originate from seismic activity at faults. Nevertheless, strike-slip faults are usually disregarded as major triggers, as they are thought to be capable of generating only moderate seafloor deformation; accordingly, the tsunamigenic potential of the vertical throw at the tips of strike-slip faults is not thought to be significant. We found the active dextral NW–SE Averroes Fault in the central Alboran Sea (westernmost Mediterranean) has a historical vertical throw of up to 5.4 m at its northwestern tip corresponding to an earthquake of Mw 7.0. We modelled the tsunamigenic potential of this seafloor deformation by Tsunami-HySEA software using the Coulomb 3.3 code. Waves propagating on two main branches reach highly populated sectors of the Iberian coast with maximum arrival heights of 6 m within 21 and 35 min, which is too quick for current early-warning systems to operate successfully. These findings suggest that the tsunamigenic potential of strike-slip faults is more important than previously thought, and should be taken into account for the re-evaluation of tsunami early-warning systems.
Glioblastoma invasion factor ODZ1 is induced by microenvironmental signals through activation of a Stat3-dependent transcriptional pathway
Authors: Vidal Veronica , Gutierrez Olga , Talamillo Ana , Velasquez Carlos , Fernandez-Luna Jose L.
Published: August 2021

We have previously shown that the transmembrane protein ODZ1 serves for glioblastoma (GBM) cells to invade the surrounding tissue through activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway. However, the transcriptional machinery used by GBM cells to regulate the expression of ODZ1 is unknown. Here we show that interaction with tumor microenvironment elements, mainly activated monocytes through IL-6 secretion, and the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, induces the Stat3 transcriptional pathway and upregulates ODZ1 which results in GBM cell migration. This signaling route is abrogated by blocking the IL-6 receptor, inhibiting Jak kinases or knocking down Stat3. Furthermore, we have identified a Stat3 responsive element in the ODZ1 gene promoter, about 1 kb from the transcription start site. Luciferase-reporter assays confirmed that the promoter responds to the presence of monocytic cells and this activation is greatly reduced when the Stat3 site is mutated or following treatment with a neutralizing anti-IL-6 receptor antibody or transfecting GBM cells with a dominant negative variant of Stat3. Overall, we show that monocyte-secreted IL-6 and the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin activate the axis Stat3-ODZ1 and promote migration of GBM cells. This is the first described transcriptional mechanism used by tumor cells to promote the expression of the invasion factor ODZ1.
Discrimination methods for diesel origin by analyzing fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition in diesel-contaminated soil
Authors: Ko Myoung-Soo , Lee Seunghak
Published: August 2021

The biodiesel containing fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are blended with refined diesel products. Here, we evaluate relative FAME composition ratio as a potential index to discriminate the pollution origin in diesel-contaminated soil. Artificially contaminated soil was prepared to mimic the release of petroleum products using four different refined diesels; in addition, the contaminated soil was put under natural weathering conditions. The variations in the relative FAME composition ratio was compared with those of the corresponding diesel origin using principal component analysis (PCA) for 60 days. All soil samples could be classified into four groups according to diesel origin using two principal components. The proposed method can be used to discriminate the specific diesel pollution origin in contaminated soils.
Bovine endometrium-derived cultured cells are suitable for lipofection
Authors: Shiokawa Mai , Miura Ryotaro , Okubo Aki , Hagita Yujiro , Yoshimura Itaru , Aoki Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Bovine-derived cultured cells, including Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, are used worldwide; however, lipofection tend to result in low transfection efficiency, which has impeded the progress of veterinary research. We performed experiments to confirm the lipofection efficiency of bovine-derived cultured cells, to identify cells that suitable for lipofection. Several bovine tissues (endometrium, testis, ear tissue and foetal muscle) were collected, and primary cultured cells were prepared. Lipofection assay showed that only bovine endometrium (BE)-derived cells could be transfected efficiently (50‒70%). BE cells can be divided into at least two types of cell populations (BE-1 and BE-2). The BE-1 cells, which were suitable for lipofection, were obtained by passages at short intervals and were negative for cytokeratin- and positive for vimentin-expression; the BE-2 cells did not have these characteristics and were not suitable for lipofection. Furthermore, the BE-1 cells and artificially immortalised cells of BE-1, iBE-1 cells, were utilised in a reporter assay requiring the introduction of multiple DNAs. Endometrial tissues can be collected from living cows, and BE-1 cells can be obtained easily by controlling passaging timing. The production of BE-1 cells and sharing the methods required to prepare them will contribute to the development of veterinary research.
Self-assembly on Crystalline Surfaces: From Phthalocyanines to Porphyrins
Authors: Hietschold M.
Published: August 2021

Self-assembled two-dimensional periodic structures of ordered monolayers are presented and discussed. These can be obtained experimentally after moderate annealing of in situ evaporated thin films of organic molecules on crystalline substrates in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). The systems focused here are various derivatives of phthalocyanines and porphyrins on substrates such as graphite [HOPG(0001)] and face-centered cubic (fcc) noble metals [Ag(111), Au(111), and Ag(110)]. The method of investigation is scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) performed in situ, which allows direct imaging in real space with submolecular resolution. The variety of structures observed is discussed comparatively where the experience collected with phthalocyanines helps in better understanding the situation encountered at porphyrins. In most cases, the concepts of direct and indirect intermolecular (i.e., adsorbate–adsorbate) interaction in competition with adsorbate–substrate interaction based on the electronic structure of these components allow interpretation of the results. Furthermore, approaches to single-molecule manipulation, heat-induced surface reactions, and possible self-healing effects in such systems are demonstrated, possibly offering new basic insights as well as promising applications.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Porphyrins
Authors: Boscher N. D. , Bengasi G. , Heinze K.
Published: August 2021

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides a versatile solution for the preparation and integration of high-quality thin films for a broad range of applications. CVD has only recently been combined with the richness of porphyrin chemistry to create a new generation of porphyrin-based thin films for sensing, catalysis, and optoelectronics. This chapter reports the recent progress made in the plasma-polymerization, free-radical polymerization and dehydrogenative coupling of porphyrins via CVD. The influences of the CVD conditions and porphyrin features on the chemical, morphological, and functional properties of the resulting thin films are discussed.
Porphyrinoids in Association with Nanomaterials for Water Purification
Authors: Singh Gita , Chandra Sudeshna
Published: August 2021

The existence of porphyrinoids makes the world of supramolecular chemistry a bigger and better place. With unique properties and extraordinary stability, porphyrinoids have emerged as a class of smart molecules. This chapter focuses on chemical structural aspects of porphyrinoids, with a special focus on their rich physico- and electrochemical properties. Porphyrinoids (namely porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and chlorins), which in conjugation with metal nanoparticles exhibiting antimicrobial properties, will also be highlighted. In addition, various modifications and working mechanisms of porphyrinoids as photocatalytic agents, which help in decontamination and photocatalytic disinfection of wastewater, will be summarized.
A microfluidic system for precisely reproducing physiological blood pressure and wall shear stress to endothelial cells
Authors: Na Jing-Tong , Hu Si-Yu , Xue Chun-Dong , Wang Yan-Xia , Chen Ke-Jie , Li Yong-Jiang , Wang Yu , Qin Kai-Rong
Published: August 2021

This paper reports a novel microfluidic system containing a microfluidic chip with a feedback control system to precisely and stably reproduce the physiologically relevant BP and WSS signals in the human common carotid artery.
Hydrogen bonding-catalysed alcoholysis of propylene oxide at room temperature
Authors: Xu Yueting , Zhao Yanfei , Zhang Fengtao , Wang Yuepeng , Li Ruipeng , Xiang Junfeng , Liu Zhimin
Published: August 2021

Alcoholysis of propylene oxide is achieved over azolate ionic liquids at room temperature by hydrogen-bonding catalysis, accessing glycol ethers in moderate to high yields with selectivity of >99%.
Molecular dynamics study on the diffusion process of AuAgCuNiPd high-entropy alloy metallurgy induced by pulsed laser heating
Authors: Lin Gen , Guo Jianwu , Ji Pengfei
Published: August 2021

AuAgCuNiPd high-entropy alloy metallurgy is triggered by pulsed laser irradiation with an absorbed energy density of 7 kJ cm−3.
Sulfur-doped Fe–Cu–La trimetallic oxides as a novel magnetic adsorbent for efficient removal of As(iii) and As(v) from aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Baoxia , Liu Haiyan , Li Wei , Li Yuxin , Lan Yeqing , Li Ying
Published: August 2021

The magnetic material S-FeCuLaO not only can effectively remove As(iii) and As(v) but also possesses good stability and high reusability. It has a potential application for arsenic removal from contaminated waters.
Ultra-small FeS2 nanoparticles for highly efficient chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Southouse Jamie P. , Lazzarini Laura , Ibhadon Alex O. , Francesconi M. Grazia
Published: August 2021

Ultra-small FeS2 nanoparticles are shown to give superior catalytic performance in hydrogen transfer reactions for the synthesis of substituted anilines.
Preparation and applications of freestanding Janus nanosheets
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Liang Yan , Wang Li , Guan Mengdan , Zhu Yameng , Yue Xiaoping , Huang Xiao , Lu Gang
Published: August 2021

In the family of Janus nanomaterials, Janus nanosheets possess not only the advantages of Janus nanomaterials, but also the advantages of two-dimensional nanosheets, endowing them with many extraordinary properties.
The effect of salt and particle concentration on the dynamic self-assembly of detonation nanodiamonds in water
Authors: El-Demrdash Samir A. , Nixon-Luke Reece , Thomsen Lars , Tadich Anton , Lau Desmond W. M. , Chang Shery L. Y. , Greaves Tamar L. , Bryant Gary , Reineck Philipp
Published: August 2021

Detonation nanodiamonds self-assemble into fractal-like structures in aqueous suspensions. Our work shows that the size and shape of these structures strongly depend on the particle concentration but not on the ionic strength of the suspension.
High-conductivity 1T-MoS2 catalysts anchored on a carbon fiber cloth for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Chen Dongli , Zhan Wenwei , Fu Xue , Zhu Ming , Lan Jinle , Sui Gang , Yang Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high theoretical capacity and low cost are challenged by the polysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics.
Outlook for ammonia as a sustainable transportation fuel
Authors: Dolan Rachael H. , Anderson James E. , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: August 2021

We consider energy density, toxicity, emissions, ease of handling, and flammability and find that with a possible exception in marine applications the outlook for future use of ammonia as a transportation fuel is poor.
Tunable ultra-uniform Cs4PbBr6 perovskites with efficient photoluminescence and excellent stability for high-performance white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Yao , Du Kaimin , Zhang Manli , Gao Xuan , Lu Yu , Yao Shuang , Li Chengyu , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: August 2021

Tunable Cs4PbBr6 perovskites with uniform morphology, a high PLQY, and excellent stability could serve as green-emitting phosphors for high-performance WLEDs.
Tunable optical property and zero-field splitting of transition metal adatom-graphene quantum dot systems
Authors: Kim Do Hyeon , Kulahlioglu Adem H. , Han Haewook , Kong Byoung Don
Published: August 2021

The optical properties of the systems that constitute graphene quantum dots with a size of 0.4–1.1 nm and five transition metals (Cr, Mo, Pd, Pt, and W) are investigated by time-dependent density functional theory towards novel optical materials.
Ultra-stable CsPbBr3nanocrystals with lead-carboxylate/SiO2encapsulation for LED applications
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Zhang Lulu , Long Xuemi , Jiang PanPan , Geng Chong , Xu Shu
Published: August 2021

CsPbBr3nanocrystals with lead-carboxylate/SiO2encapsulation that are synthesized with ethanol show excellent long-term photostability in LED applications.
Structural and molecular bases to IRE1 activity modulation
Authors: Langlais Timothy , Pelizzari-Raymundo Diana , Mahdizadeh Sayyed Jalil , Gouault Nicolas , Carreaux Francois , Chevet Eric , Eriksson Leif A. , Guillory Xavier
Published: August 2021

The Unfolded Protein response is an adaptive pathway triggered upon alteration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. It is transduced by three major ER stress sensors, among which the Inositol Requiring Enzyme 1 (IRE1) is the most evolutionarily conserved. IRE1 is an ER-resident type I transmembrane protein exhibiting an ER luminal domain that senses the protein folding status and a catalytic kinase and RNase cytosolic domain. In recent years, IRE1 has emerged as a relevant therapeutic target in various diseases including degenerative, inflammatory and metabolic pathologies and cancer. As such several drugs altering IRE1 activity were developed that target either catalytic activity and showed some efficacy in preclinical pathological mouse models. In this review, we describe the different drugs identified to target IRE1 activity as well as their mode of action from a structural perspective, thereby identifying common and different modes of action. Based on this information we discuss on how new IRE1-targeting drugs could be developed that outperform the currently available molecules.
Construction and analysis of the abnormal lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Liu Jie , Deng Yishu , Fan Zeqin , Xu Shuanglan , Wei Li , Huang Xiaoxian , Xing Xiqian , Yang Jiao
Published: August 2021

The incidence of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is increasing. Accumulating evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in HPH, but the functions and mechanism have yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we established a HPH rat model with 8 h of hypoxia exposure (10% O2) per day for 21 days. High-throughput sequencing identified 60 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, 20 DE miRNAs and 695 DE mRNAs in rat lung tissue. qRT-PCR verified the accuracy of the results. The DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in immune response, inflammatory response, leukocyte migration, cell cycle, cellular response to interleukin-1, IL-17 signalling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and Toll-like receptor signalling pathway. According to the theory of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network was constructed by Cytoscape software, 16 miRNAs and 144 mRNAs. The results suggested that seven DE lncRNAs (Ly6l, AABR07038849.2, AABR07069008.2, AABR07064873.1, AABR07001382.1, AABR07068161.1 and AABR07060341.2) may serve as molecular sponges of the corresponding miRNAs and play a major role in HPH.