bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connections Between Mean North Pacific Circulation and Western US Precipitation Extremes in a Warming Climate
Authors: Huang Xingying , Stevenson Samantha
Published: May 2021

Extreme precipitation has widespread impacts over the western US (WUS), which are expected to be exacerbated in the future given thermodynamically driven increases in atmospheric moisture and shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns. However, internal climate variability complicates how these factors affect future projections of precipitation changes. In this study, we investigate late 21st‐century changes in mean‐state responses over the North Pacific Ocean and associated WUS precipitation extremes using the Multi‐Model Large Ensemble Archive, which is a recent and valuable resource to disentangle the effects of model structural differences from internal variability. We found that inter‐model differences in precipitation extremes over the WUS are large: from south to north (here, from California to Washington), models show different levels of increases for both the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation. In general, the Pacific Northwest sees a more consistent signal than California. We show that wet‐season mean circulation influences extreme precipitation, by using a decomposition of the relative contributions of thermodynamic (atmospheric humidity) and dynamic (large‐scale circulation) driven changes. The thermodynamic contribution dominates, however, the dynamic contribution varies with latitude and differs substantially between model ensembles. Inter‐model differences affect the spread in not only the magnitude, but also the sign of the dynamic contribution. This implies that mean circulation changes contribute to uncertainty in quantifying the regional structure of concentrated moisture flux and future extreme events. This result highlights the need to more accurately constrain projected North Pacific coupled circulation changes to narrow the spread in projections of future precipitation extremes.
Assessment of SCATSat‐1 Scatterometer Winds on the Upper Ocean Simulations in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Pramanik Saikat , Sil Sourav
Published: May 2021

The performance of a new scatterometer SCATSat‐1 winds with TropFlux on simulating the upper oceanic processes is analyzed over the northern Indian Ocean (IO) using Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The nutrient, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus (NPZD) ecosystem model are included for studying the postcyclonic responses on biophysical parameters during three cyclones of different intensities (Maarutha, Mora, and Ockhi) in 2017. The SCATSat‐1 (TropFlux) winds showed that skill scores are higher than 0.85 (0.66), and RMSEs are less than 0.48 (1.96) m s−1 with RAMA and OMNI buoy observations. Two SCATSat‐1 wind experiments, one with 1/4° (SS‐E) and other regridded wind to 1° (SSR‐E), are compared with the simulation by TropFlux air‐sea fluxes available at 1° (TF‐E). Seasonal variability of simulated oceanic parameters in SS‐E and SSR‐E showed marginal improvement than TF‐E as compared with observations. However, SSHA variability associated with downwelling Kelvin waves along the Bay of Bengal coast and southward east India coastal current (EICC) during postmonsoon is better simulated in SCATSat‐1 experiments. All experiments showed observed intraseasonal oscillations (30–90 days) with higher variability in thermocline than upper layers at RAMA locations over the equator. On western (eastern) equatorial IO, the signals are stronger during boreal winter (premonsoon) and summer (monsoon). Drop in temperature up to 2.5°C during cyclonic events is reasonably better captured in SS‐E and SSR‐E than TF‐E due to better accuracy in SCATSat‐1 winds. During cyclones, surface chlorophyll attained a peak after 5–10 days of cyclone passage in SCATSat‐1 winds experiments and satellite observations.
Hydrothermal and Magmatic System of a Volcanic Island Inferred From Magnetotellurics, Seismicity, Self‐potential, and Thermal Image: An Example of Miyakejima (Japan)
Authors: Gresse Marceau , Uyeshima Makoto , Koyama Takao , Hase Hideaki , Aizawa Koki , Yamaya Yusuke , Morita Yuichi , Weller Derek , Rung‐Arunwan Tawat , Kaneko Takayuki , Sasai Yoichi , Zlotnicki Jacques , Ishido Tsuneo , Ueda Hideki , Hata Maki
Published: May 2021

Phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions represent some of the greatest hazards occurring on volcanoes. They result from complex interactions at a depth between rock, water, and magmatic fluids. Understanding and assessing such processes remain a challenging task, notably because a large‐scale characterization of volcanic edifices is often lacking. Here we focused on Miyakejima Island, an inhabited 8‐km‐wide stratovolcano with regular phreatomagmatic activity. We imaged its plumbing system through a combination of four geophysical techniques: magnetotellurics, seismicity, self‐potential, and thermal image. We thus propose the first comprehensive interpretation of the volcanic island in terms of rock properties, temperature, fluid content, and fluid flow. We identify a shallow aquifer lying above a clay cap (<1 km depth) and reveal its relation with magmatic‐tectonic features and past eruptive activity. At greater depths (2–4.5 km), we infer a seismogenic resistive region interpreted as a magmatic gas‐rich reservoir (≥370°C). From this reservoir, gases rise through a fractured conduit before being released in the fumarolic area at ∼180°C. During their ascent, these hot fluids cross a ∼1.2‐km‐long liquid‐dominated zone causing local steam explosions. Such magmatic‐hydrothermal interaction elucidates (i) the origin of the long‐period seismic events and (ii) the mixing mechanism between magmatic and hydrothermal fluids, which was previously observed in the geochemical signature of fumaroles. Our results demonstrate that combining multidisciplinary large‐scale methods is a relevant approach to better understand volcanic systems, with implications for monitoring strategies.
Inverse Modeling of the Net Water Balance of the Black Sea From the Last Glacial Maximum to the Present
Authors: Boudreau Bernard P. , Calvert Stephen , Kienast Markus , Leeman Robert
Published: May 2021

The net freshwater balance plays a central role in the biological, chemical, geological and physical changes in the Black Sea since the Late Glacial Maximum (LGM), that is, 18–24,000 years BP. Past estimates of this balance vary widely. Here we solve inversely a water balance model coupled to two previously published Bosporus flow models, that is, flow rates controlled either by hydraulics with a critical height or by channel friction. We drive both models with two previously proposed Black Sea water‐level histories, that is, a smooth transition to saltwater entry and the “flood” scenario. First, we find that flow control by channel friction is far more likely than control by critical‐height hydraulics, as the latter does not allow Marmara Sea water to enter the Bosporus at any time in the past and predicts present‐day outflows that are far greater than observed. Prior to intense glacial melting (12–14,000 years BP), all models retrodict net freshwater inflow far less than previously assumed, that is, on the order of −1 to +10 km3 yr−1, rather than +100 s km3 yr−1. Thus, our results explain the ease by which the Black Sea could switch from evaporative to water gain conditions, as implied by water‐level records for that period. In addition, the channel friction model hindcasts glacial meltwater spikes during the transition from the LGM to the Holocene that are much smaller, that is, 100–250 km3 yr−1, than retrodicted by the hydraulic model or reported in the literature, that is, >1,000 km3 yr−1.
Phosphorus stress induces the synthesis of novel glycolipids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that confer protection against a last-resort antibiotic
Authors: Jones Rebekah A , Shropshire Holly , Zhao Caimeng , Murphy Andrew , Lidbury Ian , Wei Tao , Scanlan David J , Chen Yin
Published: May 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nosocomial pathogen with a prevalence in immunocompromised individuals and is particularly abundant in the lung microbiome of cystic fibrosis patients. A clinically important adaptation for bacterial pathogens during infection is their ability to survive and proliferate under phosphorus-limited growth conditions. Here, we demonstrate that P. aeruginosa adapts to P-limitation by substituting membrane glycerophospholipids with sugar-containing glycolipids through a lipid renovation pathway involving a phospholipase and two glycosyltransferases. Combining bacterial genetics and multi-omics (proteomics, lipidomics and metatranscriptomic analyses), we show that the surrogate glycolipids monoglucosyldiacylglycerol and glucuronic acid-diacylglycerol are synthesised through the action of a new phospholipase (PA3219) and two glycosyltransferases (PA3218 and PA0842). Comparative genomic analyses revealed that this pathway is strictly conserved in all P. aeruginosa strains isolated from a range of clinical and environmental settings and actively expressed in the metatranscriptome of cystic fibrosis patients. Importantly, this phospholipid-to-glycolipid transition comes with significant ecophysiological consequence in terms of antibiotic sensitivity. Mutants defective in glycolipid synthesis survive poorly when challenged with polymyxin B, a last-resort antibiotic for treating multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa. Thus, we demonstrate an intriguing link between adaptation to environmental stress (nutrient availability) and antibiotic resistance, mediated through membrane lipid renovation that is an important new facet in our understanding of the ecophysiology of this bacterium in the lung microbiome of cystic fibrosis patients.
Pericentromeric Satellite III transcripts induce etoposide resistance
Authors: Kanne Julian , Hussong Michelle , Isensee Jörg , Muñoz-López Álvaro , Wolffgramm Jan , Heß Felix , Grimm Christina , Bessonov Sergey , Meder Lydia , Wang Jie , Reinhardt H. Christian , Odenthal Margarete , Hucho Tim , Büttner Reinhard , Summerer Daniel , Schweiger Michal R.
Published: May 2021

Non-coding RNA from pericentromeric satellite repeats are involved in stress-dependent splicing processes, maintenance of heterochromatin, and are required to protect genome stability. Here we show that the long non-coding satellite III RNA (SatIII) generates resistance against the topoisomerase IIa (TOP2A) inhibitor etoposide in lung cancer. Because heat shock conditions (HS) protect cells against the toxicity of etoposide, and SatIII is significantly induced under HS, we hypothesized that the protective effect could be traced back to SatIII. Using genome methylation profiles of patient-derived xenograft mouse models we show that the epigenetic modification of the SatIII DNA locus and the resulting SatIII expression predict chemotherapy resistance. In response to stress, SatIII recruits TOP2A to nuclear stress bodies, which protects TOP2A from a complex formation with etoposide and results in decreased DNA damage after treatment. We show that BRD4 inhibitors reduce the expression of SatIII, restoring etoposide sensitivity.
The essential roles of Mps1 in spermatogenesis and fertility in mice
Authors: Fang Qiang , Chen Xue-Lin , Zhang Lei , Li Ya-Bin , Sun Tian-Zeng , Yang Chen-Xin , Chang Jian-Feng , Yang Xiao-Mei , Sun Feng
Published: May 2021

Monopolar spindle 1 (MPS1), which plays a critical role in somatic mitosis, has also been revealed to be essential for meiosis I in oocytes. Spermatogenesis is an important process involving successive mitosis and meiosis, but the function of MPS1 in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here, we generated Mps1 conditional knockout mice and found that Ddx4-cre-driven loss of Mps1 in male mice resulted in depletion of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells and subsequently of differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In addition, Stra8-cre-driven ablation of Mps1 in male mice led to germ cell loss and fertility reduction. Spermatocytes lacking Mps1 have blocked at the zygotene-to-pachytene transition in the prophase of meiosis I, which may be due to decreased H2B ubiquitination level mediated by MDM2. And the expression of many meiotic genes was decreased, while that of apoptotic genes was increased. Moreover, we also detected increased apoptosis in spermatocytes with Mps1 knockout, which may have been the reason why germ cells were lost. Taken together, our findings indicate that MPS1 is required for mitosis of gonocytes and spermatogonia, differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and progression of meiosis I in spermatocytes.
Electric activity at magnetic moment fragmentation in spin ice
Authors: Khomskii D. I.
Published: May 2021

Spin ice systems display a variety of very nontrivial properties, the most striking being the existence in them of magnetic monopoles. Such monopole states can also have nontrivial electric properties: there exist electric dipoles attached to each monopole. A novel situation is encountered in the moment fragmentation (MF) state, in which monopoles and antimonopoles are perfectly ordered, whereas spins themselves remain disordered. We show that such partial ordering strongly modifies the electric activity of such systems: the electric dipoles, which are usually random and dynamic, become paired in the MF state in (d, −d) pairs, thus strongly reducing their electric activity. The electric currents existing in systems with noncoplanar spins are also strongly influenced by MF. We also consider modifications in dipole and current patterns in magnetic textures (domain walls, local defects) and at excitations with nontrivial dynamics in a MF state, which show very rich behaviour and which could in principle allow to control them by electric field.
Coordination of microbe–host homeostasis by crosstalk with plant innate immunity
Authors: Ma Ka-Wai , Niu Yulong , Jia Yong , Ordon Jana , Copeland Charles , Emonet Aurélia , Geldner Niko , Guan Rui , Stolze Sara Christina , Nakagami Hirofumi , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: May 2021

Plants grown in natural soil are colonized by phylogenetically structured communities of microbes known as the microbiota. Individual microbes can activate microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-triggered immunity (MTI), which limits pathogen proliferation but curtails plant growth, a phenomenon known as the growth–defence trade-off. Here, we report that, in monoassociations, 41% (62 out of 151) of taxonomically diverse root bacterial commensals suppress Arabidopsis thaliana root growth inhibition (RGI) triggered by immune-stimulating MAMPs or damage-associated molecular patterns. Amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes reveals that immune activation alters the profile of synthetic communities (SynComs) comprising RGI-non-suppressive strains, whereas the presence of RGI-suppressive strains attenuates this effect. Root colonization by SynComs with different complexities and RGI-suppressive activities alters the expression of 174 core host genes, with functions related to root development and nutrient transport. Furthermore, RGI-suppressive SynComs specifically downregulate a subset of immune-related genes. Precolonization of plants with RGI-suppressive SynComs, or mutation of one commensal-downregulated transcription factor, MYB15, renders the plants more susceptible to opportunistic Pseudomonas pathogens. Our results suggest that RGI-non-suppressive and RGI-suppressive root commensals modulate host susceptibility to pathogens by either eliciting or dampening MTI responses, respectively. This interplay buffers the plant immune system against pathogen perturbation and defence-associated growth inhibition, ultimately leading to commensal–host homeostasis.
Measurement of the QT interval using the Apple Watch
Authors: Spaccarotella Carmen Anna Maria , Migliarino Serena , Mongiardo Annalisa , Sabatino Jolanda , Santarpia Giuseppe , De Rosa Salvatore , Curcio Antonio , Indolfi Ciro
Published: May 2021

The inherited and acquired long QT is a risk marker for potential serious cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Smartwatches are becoming more popular and are increasingly used for monitoring human health. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility and reliability of evaluating the QT interval in lead I, lead II, and V2 lead using a commercially available Apple Watch. One hundred nineteen patients admitted to our Cardiology Division were studied. I, II, and V2 leads were obtained after recording a standard 12-lead ECG. Lead I was recorded with the smartwatch on the left wrist and the right index finger on the crown. Lead II was obtained with the smartwatch on the left lower abdomen and the right index finger on the crown. The V2 lead was recorded with the smartwatch in the fourth intercostal space left parasternal with the right index finger on the crown. There was agreement among the QT intervals of I, II, and V2 leads and the QT mean using the smartwatch and the standard ECG with Spearman’s correlations of 0.886; 0.881; 0.793; and 0.914 (p < 0.001), respectively. The reliability of the QTc measurements between standard and smartwatch ECG was also demonstrated with a Bland–Altman analysis using different formulas. These data show that a smartwatch can feasibly and reliably assess QT interval. These results could have an important clinical impact when frequent QT interval monitoring is required.
A novel application of bubble-eye strain of Carassius auratus for ex vivo fish immunological studies
Authors: Nakajima Hiroto , Miyashita Atsushi , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigated a new application of bubble-eye goldfish (commercially available strain with large bubble-shaped eye sacs) for immunological studies in fishes utilizing the technical advantage of examining immune cells in the eye sac fluid ex vivo without sacrificing animals. As known in many aquatic species, the common goldfish strain showed an increased infection sensitivity at elevated temperature, which we demonstrate may be due to an immune impairment using the bubble-eye goldfish model. Injection of heat-killed bacterial cells into the eye sac resulted in an inflammatory symptom (surface reddening) and increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in vivo, and elevated rearing temperature suppressed the induction of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. We further conducted ex vivo experiments using the immune cells harvested from the eye sac and found that the induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was suppressed when we increased the temperature of ex vivo culture, suggesting that the temperature response of the eye-sac immune cells is a cell autonomous function. These results indicate that the bubble-eye goldfish is a suitable model for ex vivo investigation of fish immune cells and that the temperature-induced infection susceptibility in the goldfish may be due to functional impairments of immune cells.
Genome-wide identification of the tea plant bHLH transcription factor family and discovery of candidate regulators of trichome formation
Authors: Liu Renjian , Wang Yuyuan , Tang Song , Cai Jiarong , Liu Shaoqun , Zheng Peng , Sun Binmei
Published: May 2021

Leaf trichomes play vital roles in plant resistance and the quality of tea. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in regulating plant development and growth. In this study, a total of 134 CsbHLH proteins were identified in the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (CSS) genome. They were divided into 17 subgroups according to the Arabidopsis thaliana classification. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that members of subgroups IIIc-I and IIIc-II might be associated with trichome formation. The expression patterns of CsbHLH116, CsbHLH133, CsbHLH060, CsbHLH028, CsbHLH024, CsbHLH112 and CsbHLH053 from clusters 1, 3 and 5 were similar to the trichome distribution in tea plants. CsbHLH024 and CsbHLH133 were located in the cell nucleus and possessed transcriptional activation ability. They could interact with CsTTG1, which is a regulator of tea trichome formation. This study provides useful information for further research on the function of CsbHLHs in trichome formation.
Niche specificity and functional diversity of the bacterial communities associated with Ginkgo biloba and Panax quinquefolius
Authors: Shehata Hanan R. , Ragupathy Subramanyam , Henry Thomas A. , Newmaster Steven G.
Published: May 2021

Plant-associated bacteria can establish mutualistic relationships with plants to support plant health. Plant tissues represent heterogeneous niches with distinct characteristics and may thus host distinct microbial populations. The objectives of this study are to investigate the bacterial communities associated with two medicinally and commercially important plant species; Ginkgo biloba and Panax quinquefolius using high Throughput Sequencing (HTS) of 16S rRNA gene, and to evaluate the extent of heterogeneity in bacterial communities associated with different plant niches. Alpha diversity showed that number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) varied significantly by tissue type. Beta diversity revealed that the composition of bacterial communities varied between tissue types. In Ginkgo biloba and Panax quinquefolius, 13% and 49% of OTUs, respectively, were ubiquitous in leaf, stem and root. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria were the most abundant phyla in Ginkgo biloba while Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Plantomycetes and Acidobacteria were the most abundant phyla in Panax quinquefolius. Functional prediction of these bacterial communities using MicrobiomeAnalyst revealed 5843 and 6251 KEGG orthologs in Ginkgo biloba and Panax quinquefolius, respectively. A number of these KEGG pathways were predicted at significantly different levels between tissues. These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity, niche specificity and functional diversity of plant-associated bacteria.
Plant-expressed virus-like particles reveal the intricate maturation process of a eukaryotic virus
Authors: Castells-Graells Roger , Ribeiro Jonas R. S. , Domitrovic Tatiana , Hesketh Emma L. , Scarff Charlotte A. , Johnson John E. , Ranson Neil A. , Lawson David M. , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: May 2021

Many virus capsids undergo exquisitely choreographed maturation processes in their host cells to produce infectious virions, and these remain poorly understood. As a tool for studying virus maturation, we transiently expressed the capsid protein of the insect virus Nudaurelia capensis omega virus (NωV) in Nicotiana benthamiana and were able to purify both immature procapsids and mature capsids from infiltrated leaves by varying the expression time. Cryo-EM analysis of the plant-produced procapsids and mature capsids to 6.6 Å and 2.7 Å resolution, respectively, reveals that in addition to large scale rigid body motions, internal regions of the subunits are extensively remodelled during maturation, creating the active site required for autocatalytic cleavage and infectivity. The mature particles are biologically active in terms of their ability to lyse membranes and have a structure that is essentially identical to authentic virus. The ability to faithfully recapitulate and visualize a complex maturation process in plants, including the autocatalytic cleavage of the capsid protein, has revealed a ~30 Å translation-rotation of the subunits during maturation as well as conformational rearrangements in the N and C-terminal helical regions of each subunit.
Tryptophan metabolism drives dynamic immunosuppressive myeloid states in IDH-mutant gliomas
Authors: Friedrich Mirco , Sankowski Roman , Bunse Lukas , Kilian Michael , Green Edward , Ramallo Guevara Carina , Pusch Stefan , Poschet Gernot , Sanghvi Khwab , Hahn Markus , Bunse Theresa , Münch Philipp , Gegner Hagen M. , Sonner Jana K. , von Landenberg Anna , Cichon Frederik , Aslan Katrin , Trobisch Tim , Schirmer Lucas , Abu-Sammour Denis , Kessler Tobias , Ratliff Miriam , Schrimpf Daniel , Sahm Felix , Hopf Carsten , Heiland Dieter H. , Schnell Oliver , Beck Jürgen , Böttcher Chotima , Fernandez-Zapata Camila , Priller Josef , Heiland Sabine , Gutcher Ilona , Quintana Francisco J. , von Deimling Andreas , Wick Wolfgang , Prinz Marco , Platten Michael
Published: May 2021

The dynamics and phenotypes of intratumoral myeloid cells during tumor progression are poorly understood. Here we define myeloid cellular states in gliomas by longitudinal single-cell profiling and demonstrate their strict control by the tumor genotype: in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant tumors, differentiation of infiltrating myeloid cells is blocked, resulting in an immature phenotype. In late-stage gliomas, monocyte-derived macrophages drive tolerogenic alignment of the microenvironment, thus preventing T cell response. We define the IDH-dependent tumor education of infiltrating macrophages to be causally related to a complex re-orchestration of tryptophan metabolism, resulting in activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. We further show that the altered metabolism of IDH-mutant gliomas maintains this axis in bystander cells and that pharmacological inhibition of tryptophan metabolism can reverse immunosuppression. In conclusion, we provide evidence of a glioma genotype-dependent intratumoral network of resident and recruited myeloid cells and identify tryptophan metabolism as a target for immunotherapy of IDH-mutant tumors.
Two three-dimensional polyanionic clusters [M(P4Mo6)2] (M = Co, Zn) exhibiting excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance
Authors: Li Jia-Nian , Du Ze-Yu , Li Ning-Fang , Han Ye-Min , Zang Ting-Ting , Yang Mu-Xiu , Liu Xiao-Mei , Wang Ji-Lei , Mei Hua , Xu Yan
Published: May 2021

Two captivating molybdophosphate hybrids [M(P4Mo6O31)2]n− (M = Co, Zn) have been successfully synthesized. Compound 1 shows good catalytic activity and the mechanism of its catalysis of the photoreduction of CO2 to CO has been investigated.
Redox-induced target-dependent ratiometric fluorescence sensing strategy and logic gate operation for detection of α-glucosidase activity and its inhibitor
Authors: Yuan Xucan , Sun Yi , Zhao Pengfei , Zhao Longshan , Xiong Zhili
Published: May 2021

A redox-induced target-dependent ratiometric fluorescence sensing strategy for sensitive and accurate detection of α-glucosidase activity and its inhibitor.
Topographically designed hybrid nanostructuresviananotransfer printing and block copolymer self-assembly
Authors: Park Tae Wan , Jung Hyunsung , Park Jinyoung , Ahn Yong-Sik , Hong Suck Won , Lee Junghoon , Lee Jong-Heun , Park Woon Ik
Published: May 2021

Combined nanopatterning of nanotransfer printing and block copolymer self-assembly can generate topographically designed hybrid 3D metal/oxide nanostructures.
Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters
Authors: Pramanik Goutam , Kvakova Klaudia , Thottappali Muhammed Arshad , Rais David , Pfleger Jiri , Greben Michael , El-Zoka Ayman , Bals Sara , Dracinsky Martin , Valenta Jan , Cigler Petr
Published: May 2021

Gold nanoclusters functionalized with heavy atoms show enhanced excited triplet lifetime due to suppression of non-radiative deactivation in favour of radiative decay.
The key role of the latent N–H group in Milstein's catalyst for ester hydrogenation
Authors: Pham John , Jarczyk Cole E. , Reynolds Eamon F. , Kelly Sophie. E. , Kim Thao , He Tianyi , Keith Jason M. , Chianese Anthony R.
Published: May 2021

We report a detailed mechanistic study of ester hydrogenation catalyzed by the activated form of Milstein’s catalyst. Catalyst activation leads to the replacement of a dialkylamino side group with an NHEt group, which has a key role in catalysis.
FOXD1 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with macrophages infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liang Huazhen , Zhang Chunning , Li Chaoming , Li Changguo , Wang Yanli , Lin Huaming
Published: May 2021

Background: Forkhead Box D1 (FOXD1) is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, its role and correlation with immune cell infiltration remains uncertain in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC).

Methods: FOXD1 expression was analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data. The clinical prognosis influence of FOXD1 was evaluated by clinical survival data of TCGA. Enrichment analysis of FOXD1 was performed using R packages ‘clusterProfiler’. We downloaded the immune cell infiltration score of TCGA samples from published articles, and analyzed the correlation between immune cell infiltration level and FOXD1 expression.

Results: FOXD1 was highly expressed and associated with poorer overall survival (OS, P<0.0001), disease-specific survival (DSS, P=0.00011), and progression-free interval (PFI, P<0.0001) in HNSC and some other tumors. In addition, FOXD1 expression was significantly correlated with infiltration of immune cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration increased in tissues with high FOXD1 expression in HNSC. Immunosuppressive genes such as PD-L1, IL-10, TGFB1, and TGFBR1 were significantly positively correlated with FOXD1.

Conclusions: Our study suggests FOXD1 to be an oncogene and act as an indicator of poor prognosis in HNSC. FOXD1 might contribute to the TAM infiltration in HNSC. High FOXD1 may be associated with tumor immunosuppression status.
Identification of m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNA signature for predicting immunotherapy and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Lili , Xie Rongrong , Lu Guangrong
Published: May 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase has been shown to be an oncogene in a variety of cancers. Nevertheless, the relationship between the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. We integrated the gene expression data of 371 HCC and 50 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DE-PCGs)/lncRNAs (DE-lncRs) analysis and univariate regression and Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analysis were performed to identify m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs. Three prognostic lncRNAs were selected by univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses to construct the m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNA signature. Multivariate Cox regression analyses illustrated that this signature was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) prediction. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that the m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs were involved in the immune-related biological processes (BPs) and pathways. Besides, we discovered that the lncRNAs signature was correlated with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the expression of critical immune checkpoints. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis revealed that the lncRNAs could predict the clinical response to immunotherapy. Our study had originated a prognostic signature for HCC based on the potential prognostic m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs. The present study had deepened the understanding of the TME status of HCC patients and laid a theoretical foundation for the choice of immunotherapy.
Handheld bioprinting strategies for in situ wound dressing
Authors: Li Hongbin , Cheng Feng , Orgill Dennis P. , Yao Junjie , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: May 2021

Handheld bioprinting has recently attracted considerable attention as a technology to deliver biomaterials and/or cells to injury sites by using freeform, user-instructed deposition approaches, specifically targeted towards in situ wound dressing and healing. In this review, we present a concise introduction of handheld bioprinting, and a thorough discussion on design and manufacture of handheld bioprinters and choice over bioinks. Finally, the advantages, challenges, and prospective of the said technologies are elaborated. It is believed that handheld bioprinting will play an essential role in the field of in situ wound healing mainly due to its excellent portability, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and amenability to various wound needs.
The physiological role of estrogen receptor functional domains
Authors: Arao Yukitomo , Korach Kenneth S.
Published: May 2021

Estrogen receptor (ER) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily whose members share conserved domain structures, including a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD). Estrogenic chemicals work as ligands for activation or repression of ER-mediated transcriptional activity derived from two transactivation domains: AF-1 and AF-2. AF-2 is localized in the LBD, and helix 12 of the LBD is essential for controlling AF-2 functionality. The positioning of helix 12 defines the ER alpha (ERα) ligand properties as agonists or antagonists. In contrast, it is still less well defined as to the ligand-dependent regulation of N-terminal AF-1 activity. It has been thought that the action of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is mediated by the regulation of a tissue specific AF-1 activity rather than AF-2 activity. However, it is still unclear how SERMs regulate AF-1 activity in a tissue-selective manner. This review presents some recent observations toward information of ERα mediated SERM actions related to the ERα domain functionality, focusing on the following topics. (1) The F-domain, which is connected to helix 12, controls 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) mediated AF-1 activation associated with the receptor dimerization activity. (2) The zinc-finger property of the DBD for genomic sequence recognition. (3) The novel estrogen responsive genomic DNA element, which contains multiple long-spaced direct-repeats without a palindromic ERE sequence, is differentially recognized by 4OHT and E2 ligand bound ERα transactivation complexes.
What role for cysteamine in the defence against infection?
Authors: Fraser-Pitt Douglas , Mercer Derry
Published: May 2021

The aminothiol cysteamine has many potential therapeutic applications and is also an endogenous molecule, produced in the body via the activity of pantetheinase enzymes such as vanin-1. This simple small molecule is highly reactive in biological settings and much is yet unknown about its endogenous role in innate immunity to infection, including the impact of cysteamine on bacterial pathogens. We discuss the literature surrounding its biochemistry and challenges to its development as well as the multiple beneficial properties which have been uncovered that support research into its development as novel antimicrobial therapy.
Repetition Priming in Treatment of Anomia
Authors: Tabrizi Rana , Walton Logan , Simon Emily , Silkes JoAnn P.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Repetition priming has been suggested as a method for targeting implicit processes in anomia treatment. Prior studies have used masked priming for this purpose. This study extends that work with visible primes, a more clinically feasible approach.

Method:

This study used a single-subject design across three participants with aphasia. Treatment involved repeated exposure to identity primes (trained condition) or sham primes (untrained condition) paired with pictures. Analyses assessed acquisition effects for trained items and untrained items that were seen during the training period, generalization to untrained items that had not been seen, and generalization to broader language skills, immediately and 3 months post-treatment.

Results:

All participants improved in naming trained items immediately after treatment, with greater improvements for trained than for untrained items. All participants maintained some degree of improvement on trained items 3 months post-treatment, although the degree differed across participants. Inconsistent generalization occurred to unexposed items. Improvements were noted in some areas of broader language ability, although these varied.

Conclusions:

These data suggest a repetition priming treatment paradigm may increase naming accuracy for individuals with anomia and may benefit other aspects of language. Participant factors may have influenced response to treatment. Directions for future investigation are discussed.
The X-CLASS survey: A catalogue of 1646 X-ray-selected galaxy clusters up to z ∼ 1.5
Authors: Koulouridis E. , Clerc N. , Sadibekova T. , Chira M. , Drigga E. , Faccioli L. , Le Fèvre J. P. , Garrel C. , Gaynullina E. , Gkini A. , Kosiba M. , Pacaud F. , Pierre M. , Ridl J. , Tazhenova K. , Adami C. , Altieri B. , Baguley J.-C. , Cabanac R. , Cucchetti E. , Khalikova A. , Lieu M. , Melin J.-B. , Molham M. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Soucail G. , Takey A. , Valtchanov I.
Published: May 2021

Context. Cosmological probes based on galaxy clusters rely on cluster number counts and large-scale structure information. X-ray cluster surveys are well suited for this purpose because they are far less affected by projection effects than optical surveys, and cluster properties can be predicted with good accuracy.

Aims. The XMM Cluster Archive Super Survey, X-CLASS, is a serendipitous search of X-ray-detected galaxy clusters in 4176 XMM-Newton archival observations until August 2015. All observations are clipped to exposure times of 10 and 20 ks to obtain uniformity, and they span ∼269 deg2 across the high-Galactic latitude sky (|b| > 20°). The main goal of the survey is the compilation of a well-selected cluster sample suitable for cosmological analyses.

Methods. We describe the detection algorithm, the visual inspection, the verification process, and the redshift validation of the cluster sample, as well as the cluster selection function computed by simulations. We also present the various metadata that are released with the catalogue, along with two different count-rate measurements, an automatic one provided by the pipeline, and a more detailed and accurate interactive measurement. Furthermore, we provide the redshifts of 124 clusters obtained with a dedicated multi-object spectroscopic follow-up programme.

Results. With this publication, we release the new X-CLASS catalogue of 1646 well-selected X-ray-detected clusters over a wide sky area, along with their selection function. The sample spans a wide redshift range, from the local Universe up to z ∼ 1.5, with 982 spectroscopically confirmed clusters, and over 70 clusters above z = 0.8. The redshift distribution peaks at z ∼ 0.1, while if we remove the pointed observations it peaks at z ∼ 0.3. Because of its homogeneous selection and thorough verification, the cluster sample can be used for cosmological analyses, but also as a test-bed for the upcoming eROSITA observations and other current and future large-area cluster surveys. It is the first time that such a catalogue is made available to the community via an interactive database which gives access to a wealth of supplementary information, images, and data.
The role of innovations in the development of agriculture in Russia
Authors: Kharitonov Evgeniy , Krikun Karina , Nesmyslenov Alexander
Published: May 2021

This article is intended to substantiate the role of innovations in the development of agriculture in Russia. The authors of the article focused on identifying the importance of innovative techniques and technologies in the modern development of the agricultural industry. The current directions of innovative developments in the agricultural sector in Russia have been identified and investigated. The conditions for achieving effective implementation of digital land use projects are presented; “Smart field”; “Smart garden; Smart farm. The experience and level of development of innovative techniques and technologies in foreign countries are considered. An up-to-date list of both Russian and foreign manufacturers of innovative developments, the buyers of which are domestic agricultural organizations, is presented. The factors that hinder the active implementation of innovations in the activities of agricultural entities in Russia have been identified. A diagram of the relationship between the components of the process of creating and applying innovative technologies has been developed. Also the author’s schematic position of the role and place of innovations in the process of creating and applying innovative technologies is presented. As a result of the research, there were given recommendations for eliminating the identified problems in the field of introducing innovative techniques and technologies in agricultural production.
New perspectives of biogas use
Authors: Zazykina Lyubov , Gusev Valentin
Published: May 2021

The article is a comparison of existing facilities for processing poultry waste into bio energy. Currently, poultry farms have difficulties selling their secondary production, because only some of them have land plots. Thus, according to the statistics, the use of organic fertilizers in Russia decreased by seven times over the past 20 years, and now only 0.9–1.3 tons of waste are used per 1 ha of sowing. Meanwhile, poultry population has not decreased, so this waste is not disposed properly. The most crucial task for modern managers is to neutralize and rational use waste, making recycling at the poultry farms. This problem can be solved only by taking into account social and economical consequences, when making economic decisions. Consequently, such a method of decision-making could improve the farms’ competitiveness will be enhanced by using secondary production (particularly poultry waste) as biogas.
Digitalization as a key factor in the development of the regional agricultural sector
Authors: Karaeva Fatima , Shokumova Rameta , Zhufan Pavel , Temrokova Asiyat
Published: May 2021

Modern realities of sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex require new trends and tools. The article considers digital technologies as one of the key parameters for the development of the agricultural sector of the economy in increasing production efficiency. The greatest emphasis is placed on the formation of territorial - innovative models of the agrarian sector of the republic’s economy, considering the growth of the gross domestic product, but at this time, the agrarian sector is not technologically modernized enough for the development of these platforms. First of all, it is necessary to resolve the issues of staffing with highly qualified specialists, which will allow to deploy digital technologies and reduce costs by 23%, since the average cost savings in land use using GPS navigation technologies is 11-14%, with differentiated fertilization - 8-12%. In addition to the growth of economic components, this development path ensures the environmental safety of agricultural production.
One the issue of the energy and resource saving
Authors: Kudaev Zalimkhan , Kumakhov Aslan , Fiapshev Amur , Anikina Irina , Oskin Sergey
Published: May 2021

The issues of energy and resource saving are now especially relevant. In recent years, energy costs have skyrocketed, becoming a national issue. Considering all the factors of heat loss during design, it is possible to plan the required amount of energy. This will allow to achieve the so-called “heat balance”. Currently, there are a huge number of energy audit companies in the country that work without budget funds, without implementing the tasks assigned to them. However, the law requires them to comply with the deadlines during which the owners of the objects must obtain passports. Under such conditions, auditor companies began to use approximate data, which identify the energy potential of enterprises. When identifying the potential, data are used that were given under different conditions and circumstances. At the regional level, auditors themselves find individuals capable of financing their activities, and implement the energy saving programs. All of the above omissions lead to the fact that the analysis is not accurate, which causes mistrust.
Forecasting the impact on the environment of generating sources in agricultural production
Authors: Timofeev E. , Erk A.
Published: May 2021

The development of rural electrification is aimed at distributed energy, i.e. availability of autonomous sources of electricity and heat generation. Generation sources can use coal, fuel oil, gas, local and alternative energy sources as fuel and energy resources. This causes additional emissions of pollutants. Prediction of negative impact on the environment depends on the quantity and quality of emissions during the operation of various types of installations that generate electric and thermal energy. The purpose of the study is to select and substantiate the most attractive method for predicting the impact on the environment of generating sources in agricultural production. The widespread introduction of distributed energy using local and renewable energy sources will significantly reduce emissions of pollutants due to a decrease in energy intensity, matching the required load with the capacity of generation sources, using the most energy efficient sources, and widespread introduction of renewable energy sources. In this regard, it is advisable to forecast the impacts by the scenario method considering the implementation of the proposed distributed power supply system. The implementation of measures developed considering the analysis of the forecast of the negative impact on the environment of generating plants in agricultural enterprises will reduce the negative impact on the environment by introducing energy-efficient technologies into the energy balance of the enterprise, as well as increase production by up to 20% and increase sustainability. rural areas.
Management of changes in companies of the agro-industrial complex: implementation of high technologies
Authors: Vinogradova Ekaterina , Galimova Anna
Published: May 2021

Digitalization is the most powerful tool for increasing the efficiency of agricultural enterprises. A computerized microclimate control system, the use of chip tags for animals and scanners to read information from these tags and enter data into the system, the use of flow meters, equipping machines with GPS sensors, the implementation of precision farming, space survey can improve the quality of production and monitoring, as well as neutralize the negative influence of the external environment on production efficiency. The ability to digitize agro-technological processes based on the creation of expert systems carrying out multiple factor analysis based on complex mathematical models. Monitoring and accounting of certain factors influence is performed on these platforms based on machine learning and a neural network. The introduction of high technologies should be carried out in close connection with the business processes reengineering, management of ongoing changes to achieve the maximum effect from the high technologies implementation.
Evaluation of selenium status and effectiveness of selenolin in the treatment of selenium-dependent hepatopathies
Authors: Grin Vladimir A. , Rogaleva Eugenia V. , Semenenko Marina P. , Semenenko Ksenia A. , Kuzminova Elena V.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the assessment of selenium status in the pathogenesis of liver diseases and the effectiveness of the use of a selenium-containing drug. In the course of studies in animals with clinical signs and high rates of hepatopathies markers – transaminases, in 100% of cases a low level of selenium was revealed – 0.026 ±0.01 μg / ml, because of the increased consumption of this microelement on the background of increased free radical oxidation processes in the liver tissue. It was found that intramuscular administration of the drug selenolin at a dose of 20 mg / 100 kg four times with an interval of 15 days significantly improved the clinical status of the experimental animals; the effectiveness of therapy was 93.3%. Parenteral administration of selenolin favorably corrected the processes of lipid peroxidation and contributed to a significant (p <0.01) decrease in the level of liver indicator enzymes in comparison with the control by 34.5% (aspartate aminotransferase) and by 45.8% (alanine aminotransferase), and also contributed to an increase in the level of selenium to the level of the physiological norm (0.068 ± 0.03 μg / ml).