bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auroral Heating of Plasma Patches Due to High‐Latitude Reconnection
Authors: Díaz Peña Joaquín , Semeter Joshua , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Varney Roger , Reimer Ashton , Hairston Marc , Zettergren Matthew , Hirsch Michael , Verkhoglyadova Olga , Hosokawa Keisuke , Shiokawa Kazuo
Published: November 2021

This study exploits the volumetric sampling capabilities of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR‐N) in collaboration with all‐sky imagery and in situ measurements to examine the interplay between cold plasma transport and auroral precipitation during a high‐latitude lobe reconnection event on the dawn side. Solar wind IMF preceding the event was characterized by an impulsive negative excursion in Bz embedded within a period of Bz > 0 and By < 0. The combined effects of transport and magnetic stress release associated with a high‐latitude reconnection pulse drove a co‐mingling between patches and soft electron precipitation, creating common regions of elevated electron density and temperature. Vertical ionospheric profiles extracted in the rest frame of the drifting patch showed a contemporaneous increase in Te above 200 km and Ne below 250 km while at the same time showing only a small impact in Ne near the F‐region peak. The observations suggest a new mechanism for creating a “hot patch” wherein the density enhancement is not generated by the precipitation but is warmed by it. The physics‐based GEMINI model was used to explore the response to the observed precipitation as a function of altitude and time. Model results suggest that a correlated enhancement in Ne and Te at DMSP altitudes (∼800 km), that is, hot patch, can be produced by auroral heating and upward diffusion, irrespective of lower altitude density structure. The study highlights the need for densely distributed observations in space and time for understanding both mesoscale and small‐scale ionospheric dynamics in regions subject to complex forcing.
Ecological memory preserves phage resistance mechanisms in bacteria
Authors: Skanata Antun , Kussell Edo
Published: November 2021

Bacterial defenses against phage, which include CRISPR-mediated immunity and other mechanisms, can carry substantial growth rate costs and can be rapidly lost when pathogens are eliminated. How bacteria preserve their molecular defenses despite their costs, in the face of variable pathogen levels and inter-strain competition, remains a major unsolved problem in evolutionary biology. Here, we present a multilevel model that incorporates biophysics of molecular binding, host-pathogen population dynamics, and ecological dynamics across a large number of independent territories. Using techniques of game theory and non-linear dynamical systems, we show that by maintaining a non-zero failure rate of defenses, hosts sustain sufficient levels of pathogen within an ecology to select against loss of the defense. This resistance switching strategy is evolutionarily stable, and provides a powerful evolutionary mechanism that maintains host-pathogen interactions, selects against cheater strains that avoid the costs of immunity, and enables co-evolutionary dynamics in a wide range of systems.
Unveiling the key factor for the phase reconstruction and exsolved metallic particle distribution in perovskites
Authors: Kim Hyunmin , Lim Chaesung , Kwon Ohhun , Oh Jinkyung , Curnan Matthew T. , Jeong Hu Young , Choi Sihyuk , Han Jeong Woo , Kim Guntae
Published: November 2021

To significantly increase the amount of exsolved particles, the complete phase reconstruction from simple perovskite to Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) perovskite is greatly desirable. However, a comprehensive understanding of key parameters affecting the phase reconstruction to R-P perovskite is still unexplored. Herein, we propose the Gibbs free energy for oxygen vacancy formation in Pr0.5(Ba/Sr)0.5TO3-δ (T = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) as the important factor in determining the type of phase reconstruction. Furthermore, using in-situ temperature & environment-controlled X-ray diffraction measurements, we report the phase diagram and optimum ‘x’ range required for the complete phase reconstruction to R-P perovskite in Pr0.5Ba0.5-xSrxFeO3-δ system. Among the Pr0.5Ba0.5-xSrxFeO3-δ, (Pr0.5Ba0.2Sr0.3)2FeO4+δ – Fe metal demonstrates the smallest size of exsolved Fe metal particles when the phase reconstruction occurs under reducing condition. The exsolved nano-Fe metal particles exhibit high particle density and are well-distributed on the perovskite surface, showing great catalytic activity in fuel cell and syngas production.
Nuclear-capture of endosomes depletes nuclear G-actin to promote SRF/MRTF activation and cancer cell invasion
Authors: Marco Sergi , Neilson Matthew , Moore Madeleine , Perez-Garcia Arantxa , Hall Holly , Mitchell Louise , Lilla Sergio , Blanco Giovani R. , Hedley Ann , Zanivan Sara , Norman Jim C.
Published: November 2021

Signals are relayed from receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) at the cell surface to effector systems in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and coordination of this process is important for the execution of migratory phenotypes, such as cell scattering and invasion. The endosomal system influences how RTK signalling is coded, but the ways in which it transmits these signals to the nucleus to influence gene expression are not yet clear. Here we show that hepatocyte growth factor, an activator of MET (an RTK), promotes Rab17- and clathrin-dependent endocytosis of EphA2, another RTK, followed by centripetal transport of EphA2-positive endosomes. EphA2 then mediates physical capture of endosomes on the outer surface of the nucleus; a process involving interaction between the nuclear import machinery and a nuclear localisation sequence in EphA2’s cytodomain. Nuclear capture of EphA2 promotes RhoG-dependent phosphorylation of the actin-binding protein, cofilin to oppose nuclear import of G-actin. The resulting depletion of nuclear G-actin drives transcription of Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)/serum-response factor (SRF)-target genes to implement cell scattering and the invasive behaviour of cancer cells.
Heterozygous missense variant of the proteasome subunit β-type 9 causes neonatal-onset autoinflammation and immunodeficiency
Authors: Kanazawa Nobuo , Hemmi Hiroaki , Kinjo Noriko , Ohnishi Hidenori , Hamazaki Jun , Mishima Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Akira , Mizushima Tsunehiro , Hamada Satoru , Hamada Kazuya , Kawamoto Norio , Kadowaki Saori , Honda Yoshitaka , Izawa Kazushi , Nishikomori Ryuta , Tsumura Miyuki , Yamashita Yusuke , Tamura Shinobu , Orimo Takashi , Ozasa Toshiya , Kato Takashi , Sasaki Izumi , Fukuda-Ohta Yuri , Wakaki-Nishiyama Naoko , Inaba Yutaka , Kunimoto Kayo , Okada Satoshi , Taketani Takeshi , Nakanishi Koichi , Murata Shigeo , Yoshiura Koh-ichiro , Kaisho Tsuneyasu
Published: November 2021

Impaired proteasome activity due to genetic variants of certain subunits might lead to proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndromes (PRAAS). Here we report a de novo heterozygous missense variant of the PSMB9 proteasome subunit gene in two unrelated Japanese infants resulting in amino acid substitution of the glycine (G) by aspartic acid (D) at position 156 of the encoded protein β1i. In addition to PRAAS-like manifestations, these individuals suffer from pulmonary hypertension and immunodeficiency, which are distinct from typical PRAAS symptoms. The missense variant results in impaired immunoproteasome maturation and activity, yet ubiquitin accumulation is hardly detectable in the patients. A mouse model of the heterozygous human genetic variant (Psmb9G156D/+) recapitulates the proteasome defects and the immunodeficiency phenotype of patients. Structurally, PSMB9 G156D interferes with the β-ring-βring interaction of the wild type protein that is necessary for 20S proteasome formation. We propose the term, proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndrome with immunodeficiency (PRAAS-ID), to indicate a separate category of autoinflammatory diseases, similar to, but distinct from PRAAS, that describes the patients in this study.
Molecular and phenotypic profiling of colorectal cancer patients in West Africa reveals biological insights
Authors: Alatise Olusegun Isaac , Knapp Gregory C. , Sharma Avinash , Chatila Walid K. , Arowolo Olukayode A. , Olasehinde Olalekan , Famurewa Olusola C. , Omisore Adeleye D. , Komolafe Akinwumi O. , Olaofe Olaejinrinde O. , Katung Aba I. , Ibikunle David E. , Egberongbe Adedeji A. , Olatoke Samuel A. , Agodirin Sulaiman O. , Adesiyun Olusola A. , Adeyeye Ademola , Kolawole Oladapo A. , Olakanmi Akinwumi O. , Arora Kanika , Constable Jeremy , Shah Ronak , Basunia Azfar , Sylvester Brooke , Wu Chao , Weiser Martin R. , Seier Ken , Gonen Mithat , Stadler Zsofia K. , Kemel Yelena , Vakiani Efsevia , Berger Michael F. , Chan Timothy A. , Solit David B. , Shia Jinru , Sanchez-Vega Francisco , Schultz Nikolaus , Brennan Murray , Smith J. Joshua , Kingham T. Peter
Published: November 2021

Understanding the molecular and phenotypic profile of colorectal cancer (CRC) in West Africa is vital to addressing the regions rising burden of disease. Tissue from unselected Nigerian patients was analyzed with a multigene, next-generation sequencing assay. The rate of microsatellite instability is significantly higher among Nigerian CRC patients (28.1%) than patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 14.2%) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC, 8.5%,P < 0.001). In microsatellite-stable cases, tumors from Nigerian patients are less likely to haveAPCmutations (39.1% vs. 76.0% MSKCCP < 0.001) and WNT pathway alterations (47.8% vs. 81.9% MSKCC,P < 0.001); whereas RAS pathway alteration is more prevalent (76.1% vs. 59.6%,P = 0.03). Nigerian CRC patients are also younger and more likely to present with rectal disease (50.8% vs. 33.7% MSKCC,P < 0.001). The findings suggest a unique biology of CRC in Nigeria, which emphasizes the need for regional data to guide diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients in West Africa.
Trpm5 channels encode bistability of spinal motoneurons and ensure motor control of hindlimbs in mice
Authors: Bos Rémi , Drouillas Benoît , Bouhadfane Mouloud , Pecchi Emilie , Trouplin Virginie , Korogod Sergiy M. , Brocard Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Bistable motoneurons of the spinal cord exhibit warmth-activated plateau potential driven by Na+ and triggered by a brief excitation. The thermoregulating molecular mechanisms of bistability and their role in motor functions remain unknown. Here, we identify thermosensitive Na+-permeable Trpm5 channels as the main molecular players for bistability in mouse motoneurons. Pharmacological, genetic or computational inhibition of Trpm5 occlude bistable-related properties (slow afterdepolarization, windup, plateau potentials) and reduce spinal locomotor outputs while central pattern generators for locomotion operate normally. At cellular level, Trpm5 is activated by a ryanodine-mediated Ca2+ release and turned off by Ca2+ reuptake through the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump. Mice in which Trpm5 is genetically silenced in most lumbar motoneurons develop hindlimb paresis and show difficulties in executing high-demanding locomotor tasks. Overall, by encoding bistability in motoneurons, Trpm5 appears indispensable for producing a postural tone in hindlimbs and amplifying the locomotor output.
Chromatin network retards nucleoli coalescence
Authors: Qi Yifeng , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2021

Nuclear bodies are membraneless condensates that may form via liquid-liquid phase separation. The viscoelastic chromatin network could impact their stability and may hold the key for understanding experimental observations that defy predictions of classical theories. However, quantitative studies on the role of the chromatin network in phase separation have remained challenging. Using a diploid human genome model parameterized with chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data, we study the thermodynamics and kinetics of nucleoli formation. Dynamical simulations predict the formation of multiple droplets for nucleolar particles that experience specific interactions with nucleolus-associated domains (NADs). Coarsening dynamics, surface tension, and coalescence kinetics of the simulated droplets are all in quantitative agreement with experimental measurements for nucleoli. Free energy calculations further support that a two-droplet state, often observed for nucleoli in somatic cells, is metastable and separated from the single-droplet state with an entropic barrier. Our study suggests that nucleoli-chromatin interactions facilitate droplets’ nucleation but hinder their coarsening due to the coupled motion between droplets and the chromatin network: as droplets coalesce, the chromatin network becomes increasingly constrained. Therefore, the chromatin network supports a nucleation and arrest mechanism to stabilize the multi-droplet state for nucleoli and possibly for other nuclear bodies.
Theory of branching morphogenesis by local interactions and global guidance
Authors: Uçar Mehmet Can , Kamenev Dmitrii , Sunadome Kazunori , Fachet Dominik , Lallemend Francois , Adameyko Igor , Hadjab Saida , Hannezo Edouard
Published: November 2021

Branching morphogenesis governs the formation of many organs such as lung, kidney, and the neurovascular system. Many studies have explored system-specific molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms, as well as self-organizing rules underlying branching morphogenesis. However, in addition to local cues, branched tissue growth can also be influenced by global guidance. Here, we develop a theoretical framework for a stochastic self-organized branching process in the presence of external cues. Combining analytical theory with numerical simulations, we predict differential signatures of global vs. local regulatory mechanisms on the branching pattern, such as angle distributions, domain size, and space-filling efficiency. We find that branch alignment follows a generic scaling law determined by the strength of global guidance, while local interactions influence the tissue density but not its overall territory. Finally, using zebrafish innervation as a model system, we test these key features of the model experimentally. Our work thus provides quantitative predictions to disentangle the role of different types of cues in shaping branched structures across scales.
SARS-CoV-2 virus transfers to skin through contact with contaminated solids
Authors: Behzadinasab Saeed , Chin Alex W. H. , Hosseini Mohsen , Poon Leo L. M. , Ducker William A.
Published: November 2021

Transfer of SARS-CoV-2 from solids to fingers is one step in infection via contaminated solids, and the possibility of infection from this route has driven calls for increased frequency of handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic. To analyze this route of infection, we measured the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 that was transferred from a solid to an artificial finger. A droplet of SARS-CoV-2 suspension (1 µL) was placed on a solid, and then artificial skin was briefly pressed against the solid with a light force (3 N). Transfer from a variety of solids was detected, and transfer from the non-porous solids, glass, stainless steel, and Teflon, was substantial when the droplet was still wet. The viral titer for the finger was 13–16% or 0.8–0.9 log less than for the input droplet. Transfer still occurred after the droplet evaporated, but was smaller, 3–9%. We found a lower level of transfer from porous solids but did not find a significant effect of solid wettability for non-porous solids.
Synthesis of low sidelobe level antenna arrays through only main lobe assumption
Authors: Khalaj-Amirhosseini Mohammad
Published: November 2021

An analytic method is proposed to design uniformly spaced arrays so that have as low as possible sidelobe level and having directivity as close as to that of uniformly excited arrays. The ideal array factor of arrays is assumed to have only one main lobe. The actual synthesized array would have sidelobe levels which can be controlled by a parameter. Some examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the presented method.
General intelligence disentangled via a generality metric for natural and artificial intelligence
Authors: Hernández-Orallo José , Loe Bao Sheng , Cheke Lucy , Martínez-Plumed Fernando , Ó hÉigeartaigh Seán
Published: November 2021

Success in all sorts of situations is the most classical interpretation of general intelligence. Under limited resources, however, the capability of an agent must necessarily be limited too, and generality needs to be understood as comprehensive performance up to a level of difficulty. The degree of generality then refers to the way an agent’s capability is distributed as a function of task difficulty. This dissects the notion of general intelligence into two non-populational measures, generality and capability, which we apply to individuals and groups of humans, other animals and AI systems, on several cognitive and perceptual tests. Our results indicate that generality and capability can decouple at the individual level: very specialised agents can show high capability and vice versa. The metrics also decouple at the population level, and we rarely see diminishing returns in generality for those groups of high capability. We relate the individual measure of generality to traditional notions of general intelligence and cognitive efficiency in humans, collectives, non-human animals and machines. The choice of the difficulty function now plays a prominent role in this new conception of generality, which brings a quantitative tool for shedding light on long-standing questions about the evolution of general intelligence and the evaluation of progress in Artificial General Intelligence.
PERG adaptation for detection of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction in glaucoma: a pilot diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Salgarello T. , Cozzupoli G. M. , Giudiceandrea A. , Fadda A. , Placidi G. , De Siena E. , Amore F. , Rizzo S. , Falsini B.
Published: November 2021

It has been previously demonstrated that the adaptive phase changes of steady-state pattern electroretinogram (SS-PERG), recorded during 4-min presentation of patterned stimuli, are reduced in glaucoma suspects and patients compared to normal subjects. Our study aims at testing the hypothesis that adaptive changes of SS-PERG, recorded using the novel optimized Next Generation PERG (PERGx) protocol, differ between glaucoma patients and controls. In this pilot cross-sectional study, we included 28 glaucoma patients and 17 age-matched normal subjects. Both patients and controls underwent a full ophthalmologic examination, visual field testing, OCT and PERGx. The PERGx signal was sampled over 2 min (providing 1 noise and 9 signal packets) in response to alternating gratings generated on an OLED display. PERGx amplitude and phase were analyzed to quantify adaptive changes over recording time. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to study the diagnostic accuracy of PERGx parameters in distinguishing glaucoma patients from normal subjects. PERGx amplitude and phase data showed declining trends in both groups. PERGx amplitude slope and grand-average vector amplitude and phase were significantly different in patients compared to controls (p < 0.01), whereas phase angular dispersion was greater in patients but not significantly different between the two groups. The area under the ROC curves were 0.87 and 0.76 for PERGx amplitude slope and grand-average vector amplitude, and 0.62 and 0.87 for PERGx angular dispersion and grand-average vector phase, respectively. The PERGx paradigm resulted highly accurate in detecting the reduction of amplitude adaptive changes in glaucoma patients, presumably due to the loss of functional retinal ganglion cell autoregulation. Thus, PERG adaptation, recorded by this new protocol, might be helpful in the identification and diagnosis of early glaucomatous dysfunction.
Breeding for higher yield, early maturity, wider adaptability and waterlogging tolerance in soybean (Glycine max L.): A case study
Authors: Maranna Shivakumar , Nataraj Vennampally , Kumawat Giriraj , Chandra Subhash , Rajesh Vangala , Ramteke Rajkumar , Patel Ram Manohar , Ratnaparkhe Milind B. , Husain S. M. , Gupta Sanjay , Khandekar Nita
Published: November 2021

Breeding for higher yield and wider adaptability are major objectives of soybean crop improvement. In the present study, 68 advanced breeding lines along with seven best checks were evaluated for yield and attributing traits by following group balanced block design. Three blocks were constituted based on the maturity duration of the breeding lines. High genetic variability for the twelve quantitative traits was found within and across the three blocks. Several genotypes were found to outperform check varieties for yield and attributing traits. During the same crop season, one of the promising entries, NRC 128,was evaluated across seven locations for its wider adaptability and it has shown stable performance in Northern plain Zone with > 20% higher yield superiority over best check PS 1347. However, it produced 9.8% yield superiority over best check in Eastern Zone. Screening for waterlogging tolerance under artificial conditions revealed that NRC 128 was on par with the tolerant variety JS 97–52. Based on the yield superiority, wider adaptability and waterlogging tolerance, NRC 128 was released and notified by Central Varietal Release Committee (CVRC) of India, for its cultivation across Eastern and Northern Plain Zones of India.
Pleistocene allopatric differentiation followed by recent range expansion explains the distribution and molecular diversity of two congeneric crustacean species in the Palaearctic
Authors: Lukić Dunja , Pinceel Tom , Marrone Federico , Mioduchowska Monika , Vad Csaba F. , Brendonck Luc , Ptacnik Robert , Horváth Zsófia
Published: November 2021

Pleistocene glaciations had a tremendous impact on the biota across the Palaearctic, resulting in strong phylogeographic signals of range contraction and rapid postglacial recolonization of the deglaciated areas. Here, we explore the diversity patterns and history of two sibling species of passively dispersing taxa typical of temporary ponds, fairy shrimps (Anostraca). We combine mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS2 and 18S) markers to conduct a range-wide phylogeographic study including 56 populations ofBranchinecta feroxandBranchinecta orientalisin the Palaearctic. Specifically, we investigate whether their largely overlapping ranges in Europe resulted from allopatric differentiation in separate glacial refugia followed by a secondary contact and reconstruct their postglacial recolonization from the inhabited refugia. Our results suggest the existence of distinct refugia for the two species, with genetic divergence among intraspecific lineages consistent with late Pleistocene glacial cycles. WhileB. feroxlineages originated from Mediterranean refugia, the origin ofB. orientalislineages was possibly located on the Pannonian Plain. We showed that most dispersal events predominantly happened within 100 km, coupled with several recent long-distance events (> 1000 km). Hence the regional habitat density of suitable habitats in Central Europe is possibly a key to the co-existence of the two species. Overall, our study illustrates how isolation in combination with stochastic effects linked to glacial periods are important drivers of the allopatric differentiation of Palaearctic taxa.
Diagnostic performance of rapid antigen tests (RATs) for SARS-CoV-2 and their efficacy in monitoring the infectiousness of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Routsias John G. , Mavrouli Maria , Tsoplou Panagiota , Dioikitopoulou Kyriaki , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: November 2021

The most widely used test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is a PCR test. PCR has very high sensitivity and is able to detect very low amounts of RNA. However, many individuals receiving a positive test result in a context of a PCR-based surveillance might be infected with SARS-CoV-2, but they are not contagious at the time of the test. The question arises regards if the cost effective, portable rapid antigen tests (RATs) have a better performance than PCR in identification of infectious individuals. In this direction, we examined the diagnostic performance of RATs from 14 different manufacturers in 400 clinical samples with known rRT-PCR cycles threshold (cT) and 50 control samples. Substantial variability was observed in the limit of detection (LOD) of different RATs (cT = 26.8–34.7). The fluorescence-based RAT exhibited a LOD of cT = 34.7. The use of the most effective RATs leads to true positive rates (sensitivities) of 99.1% and 90.9% for samples with cT ≤ 30 and cT ≤ 33, respectively, percentages that can guarantee a sensitivity high enough to identify contagious patients. RAT testing may also substantially reduce the quarantine period for infected individuals without compromising personal or public safety.
The network limits of infectious disease control via occupation-based targeting
Authors: Avraam Demetris , Obradovich Nick , Pescetelli Niccolò , Cebrian Manuel , Rutherford Alex
Published: November 2021

Policymakers commonly employ non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the scale and severity of pandemics. Of non-pharmaceutical interventions, physical distancing policies—designed to reduce person-to-person pathogenic spread – have risen to recent prominence. In particular, stay-at-home policies of the sort widely implemented around the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have proven to be markedly effective at slowing pandemic growth. However, such blunt policy instruments, while effective, produce numerous unintended consequences, including potentially dramatic reductions in economic productivity. In this study, we develop methods to investigate the potential to simultaneously contain pandemic spread while also minimizing economic disruptions. We do so by incorporating both occupational and contact network information contained within an urban environment, information that is commonly excluded from typical pandemic control policy design. The results of our methods suggest that large gains in both economic productivity and pandemic control might be had by the incorporation and consideration of simple-to-measure characteristics of the occupational contact network. We find evidence that more sophisticated, and more privacy invasive, measures of this network do not drastically increase performance.
Efficacy of shear wave elasticity for evaluating myocardial hypertrophy in hypertensive rats
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Nakayama Rie , Ohtsuka Hiroaki , Amioka Naofumi , Kondo Megumi , Akazawa Kaoru , Ohno Yuko , Ichikawa Keishi , Saito Yukihiro , Akagi Satoshi , Yoshida Masashi , Miyoshi Toru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

Shear wave (SW) imaging is a novel ultrasound-based technique for assessing tissue characteristics. SW elasticity may be useful to assess the severity of hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SW elasticity for assessing the degree of myocardial hypertrophy using hypertensive rats. Rats were divided into hypertension group and control group. SW elasticity was measured on the excised heart. Myocardial hypertrophy was assessed histologically. LV weight was greater in hypertension group. An increase in interventricular septum and LV free wall thicknesses was observed in hypertension group. SW elasticity was significantly higher in hypertension group than in control group (14.6 ± 4.3 kPa vs. 6.5 ± 1.1 kPa, P < 0.01). The cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes was larger in hypertension group than in control group (397 ± 50 μm2 vs. 243 ± 14 μm2, P < 0.01), and SW elasticity was positively correlated with the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes (R = 0.96, P < 0.01). This study showed that SW elasticity was higher in hypertensive rats and was closely correlated with the degree of myocardial hypertrophy, suggesting the efficacy of SW elasticity for estimating the severity of hypertensive LV hypertrophy.
Camel milk ameliorates inflammatory mechanisms in an alcohol-induced liver injury mouse model
Authors: Ming Liang , Qi Bule , Hao Shiqi , Ji Rimutu
Published: November 2021

Camel milk (CM) is considered to protect the liver in the practice of traditional medicine in nomadic areas. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of CM on the hepatic biochemical and multiple omics alterations induced by chronic alcoholic liver disease (ALD). An intragastric gavage mice Lieber DeCarli + Gao binge model (NIAAA model) was employed to investigate the inflammatory mechanism of camel milk on the liver tissue of mice. A gut microbiota of the feces of mice and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the liver of mice were performed. Analysis of serum and liver biochemical indexes revealed that camel milk not only prevents alcohol-induced colonic dysfunction and lipid accumulation, but also regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production to protect against chronic ALD in mouse. The gut microbial community of mice treated with camel milk was more similar to the untreated control group than to the model group, indicating that the intake of camel milk pre- and post-alcohol gavage effectively prevents and alleviates the intestinal microbial disorder caused by chronic alcoholism in mice. Furthermore, the results of the transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the liver tissue showed that camel milk can improve alcoholic liver injury in mice by regulating inflammatory factors and immune system disruptions. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism by which camel milk can be developed as a potential functional food with no side effects and against liver injury.
Incorporation of next-generation sequencing in clinical practice using solid and liquid biopsy for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Bastos-Oreiro Mariana , Suárez-González Julia , Andrés-Zayas Cristina , Carrión Natalia Carolina , Moreno Solsiré , Carbonell Diego , Chicano María , Muñiz Paula , Sanz Laura , Diaz-Crespo Francisco Javier , Menarguez Javier , Diez-Martín José Luis , Buño Ismael , Martínez-Laperche Carolina
Published: November 2021

Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on lymphomas require further validation before being implemented in daily practice, the clinical application of NGS can be considered right around the corner. The aim of our study was to validate an NGS lymphoid panel for tissue and liquid biopsy with the most common types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma [follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)]. In this series, 372 somatic alterations were detected in 93.6% (44/47) of the patients through tissue biopsy. In FL, we identified 93 somatic alterations, with a median of 7.4 mutations per sample. In DLBCL, we detected 279 somatic variants with a median of 8.6 mutations (range 0–35). In 92% (24/26) of the cases, we were able to detect some variant in the circulating tumor DNA. We detected a total of 386 variants; 63.7% were detected in both types of samples, 13.2% were detected only in the circulating tumor DNA, and 23% were detected only in the tissue biopsy. We found a correlation between the number of circulating tumor DNA mutations, advanced stage, and bulky disease. The genetic alterations detected in this panel were consistent with those previously described at diagnosis. The liquid biopsy sample is therefore a complementary tool that can provide new genetic information, even in cases where a solid biopsy cannot be performed or an insufficient sample was obtained. In summary, we describe and analyze in this study the findings and difficulties encountered when incorporating liquid biopsy into clinical practice in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at diagnosis.
Effects of temperature and humidity on acute myocardial infarction hospitalization in a super-aging society
Authors: Higuma Takumi , Yoneyama Kihei , Nakai Michikazu , Kaihara Toshiki , Sumita Yoko , Watanabe Mika , Doi Shunichi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Ishibashi Yuki , Izumo Masaki , Tanabe Yasuhiro , Harada Tomoo , Ogawa Hisao , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: November 2021

Weather conditions affect the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known on the association of weather temperature and humidity with AMI hospitalizations in a super-aging society. This study sought to examine this association. We included 87,911 consecutive patients with AMI admitted to Japanese acute-care hospitals between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2015. The primary outcome was the number of AMI hospitalizations per day. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models were used to estimate the association of the average temperature and humidity, 1 day before hospital admission, with AMI hospitalizations, after adjusting for weather, hospital, and patient demographics.Lower temperature and humidity were associated with an increased number of AMI hospitalizations (coefficient − 0.500 [− 0.524 to − 0.474] per °C change, p < 0.001 and coefficient − 0.012 [− 0.023 to − 0.001] per % change, p = 0.039, respectively). The effects of temperature and humidity on AMI hospitalization did not differ by age and sex (all interaction p > 0.05), but differed by season. However, higher temperatures in spring (coefficient 0.089 [0.025 to 0.152] per °C change, p = 0.010) and higher humidity in autumn (coefficient 0.144 [0.121 to 0.166] per % change, p < 0.001) were risk factors for AMI hospitalization. Increased average temperatures and humidity, 1 day before hospitalization, are associated with a decreased number of AMI hospitalizations.
2D perovskite-based high spatial resolution X-ray detectors
Authors: Datta Amlan , Fiala John , Motakef Shariar
Published: November 2021

X-ray radiography is the most widely used imaging technique with applications encompassing medical and industrial imaging, homeland security, and materials research. Although a significant amount of research and development has gone into improving the spatial resolution of the current state-of-the-art indirect X-ray detectors, it is still limited by the detector thickness and microcolumnar structure quality. This paper demonstrates high spatial resolution X-ray imaging with solution-processable two-dimensional hybrid perovskite single-crystal scintillators grown inside microcapillary channels as small as 20 µm. These highly scalable non-hygroscopic detectors demonstrate excellent spatial resolution similar to the direct X-ray detectors. X-ray imaging results of a camera constructed using this scintillator show Modulation Transfer Function values significantly better than the current state-of-the-art X-ray detectors. These structured detectors open up a new era of low-cost large-area ultrahigh spatial resolution high frame rate X-ray imaging with numerous applications.
The emergence of high room temperature in-plane and out-of-plane magnetostriction in polycrystalline CoFe2O4 film
Authors: Guchhait Suman , Aireddy H. , Das A. K.
Published: November 2021

The polycrystalline CoFe2O4 (CFO) film on cantilever substrate of silicon was grown using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method and investigated its in-plane and out-of-plane magnetostrictive strain at room temperature (300 K) using the indigenous optical Cantilever Beam Magnetometer (CBM). The film shows a high compressive magnetostrictive strain of ‒ 387 ppm and ‒ 708 ppm for in-plane and out-of-plane configurations, respectively. Considerably, the magnetostrictive strain loops (λ‒H) possess a certain degree of hysteresis with a symmetric butterfly shape. The origin of large compressive magnetostriction of CFO film is attributed to the non-180° domain wall motion followed by 90° domain rotation. The large values of saturation magnetostrictive strain make CFO film a suitable candidate in sensor design for different purposes.
An integrated host-microbiome response to atrazine exposure mediates toxicity in Drosophila
Authors: Brown James B. , Langley Sasha A. , Snijders Antoine M. , Wan Kenneth H. , Morris Siti Nur Sarah , Booth Benjamin W. , Fisher William W. , Hammonds Ann S. , Park Soo , Weiszmann Richard , Yu Charles , Kirwan Jennifer A. , Weber Ralf J. M. , Viant Mark R. , Mao Jian-Hua , Celniker Susan E.
Published: November 2021

The gut microbiome produces vitamins, nutrients, and neurotransmitters, and helps to modulate the host immune system—and also plays a major role in the metabolism of many exogenous compounds, including drugs and chemical toxicants. However, the extent to which specific microbial species or communities modulate hazard upon exposure to chemicals remains largely opaque. Focusing on the effects of collateral dietary exposure to the widely used herbicide atrazine, we applied integrated omics and phenotypic screening to assess the role of the gut microbiome in modulating host resilience in Drosophila melanogaster. Transcriptional and metabolic responses to these compounds are sex-specific and depend strongly on the presence of the commensal microbiome. Sequencing the genomes of all abundant microbes in the fly gut revealed an enzymatic pathway responsible for atrazine detoxification unique to Acetobacter tropicalis. We find that Acetobacter tropicalis alone, in gnotobiotic animals, is sufficient to rescue increased atrazine toxicity to wild-type, conventionally reared levels. This work points toward the derivation of biotic strategies to improve host resilience to environmental chemical exposures, and illustrates the power of integrative omics to identify pathways responsible for adverse health outcomes.
3D imaging of single bacterial cells using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with a multivariate curve resolution model
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Jing Chuanbo , Liu Xiaowei , Du Jingjing
Published: November 2021

We proposed a SERS single bacterial cell imaging strategy and integrated use of intracellular biosynthesized Ag NPs and the MCR model.
Dihydroxybenzene isomers electrochemical sensor based on activated carbon sensitive material activated by mechanochemistry and low-dosage phosphoric acid
Authors: Yang Xuan , He Chenlu , Lin Yu , Qiu Yijuan , Li Pengfei , Chen Yandan , Huang Biao , Zheng Xinyu
Published: November 2021

Bamboo activated carbon (MCPBAC) was prepared by mechanochemistry and low-dosage phosphoric acid activation.
Cancer diagnosis and analysis devices based on multimolecular crowding
Authors: Onoshima Daisuke , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: November 2021

The study of multimolecular crowding has opened up the possibility of developing new devices for cancer diagnosis and analysis.
One-pot synthesis of core@shell PdAuPt nanodendrite@Pd nanosheets for boosted visible light-driven methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yangping , You Huaming , Li Zhuolin , Zou Bin , Du Yukou
Published: November 2021

We developed a simple method to obtain the PdPtAu@Pd core@shell catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction. The PdPtAu@Pd exhibited superior photo-electrocatalytic behaviors, whose mass activity is 2.3 and 6.7 times higher than Pt/C and Pd/C.
Janus bifunctional periodic mesoporous organosilica
Authors: Vafaeezadeh Majid , Weber Kristin , Demchenko Anna , Lösch Philipp , Breuninger Paul , Lösch Andrea , Kopnarski Michael , Antonyuk Sergiy , Kleist Wolfgang , Thiel Werner R.
Published: November 2021

A Janus strategy was employed for the synthesis of a novel and multidisciplinary organic–inorganic hybrid periodic mesoporous organosilica with the ability for formation of Pickering emulsion.
Red-light-activatable ruthenium phthalocyanine catalysts
Authors: Ishikawa Yuta , Kameyama Tatsuya , Torimoto Tsukasa , Maeda Hajime , Segi Masahito , Furuyama Taniyuki
Published: November 2021

Phthalocyanine ruthenium complexes were identified as red-light activatable catalysts for trifluoromethylation reactions.
Sulfoglycolysis: catabolic pathways for metabolism of sulfoquinovose
Authors: Snow Alexander J. D. , Burchill Laura , Sharma Mahima , Davies Gideon J. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: November 2021

A biochemical, structural and mechanistic perspective on the pathways of sulfoglycolysis for catabolism of the sulfosugar sulfoquinovose.
Cisplatin−cyclooxygenase inhibitor conjugates, free and immobilised in mesoporous silica SBA-15, prove highly potent against triple-negative MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Predarska Ivana , Saoud Mohamad , Morgan Ibrahim , Eichhorn Thomas , Kaluđerović Goran N. , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: November 2021

Mesoporous silica nanomaterials loaded with cisplatin-based platinum(iv) conjugates exhibit superior antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines.
Thermal atomic layer deposition of rhenium nitride and rhenium metal thin films using methyltrioxorhenium
Authors: Cwik Stefan , Woods Keenan N. , Perera S. Sameera , Saly Mark J. , Knisley Thomas J. , Winter Charles H.
Published: November 2021

The thermal atomic layer deposition of rhenium nitride and rhenium metal thin films is presented using methyltrioxorhenium and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine. Methyltrioxorhenium is halogen-free and rhenium films are obtained after a thermal annealing step.
Electric-field-based control of molecular magnetism in TMPc/Sc2CO2 van der Waals systems
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Lu Yan
Published: November 2021

The magnetic state and the magnetic moment of TMPc can be controlled through changing the electric field and the polarization of Sc2CO2; the electric field can control heterostructure-state inversion, allowing magnetism to be controlled.
Design of two-dimensional halide perovskite composites for optoelectronic applications and beyond
Authors: Song Tao , Ma Qing-Xiu , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: November 2021

Two-dimensional halide perovskite composites exhibit enhanced performances not observed in their individual components for versatile optoelectronic applications and beyond, manifesting the positive “1 + 1 > 2” effect.
Tuning crystal structure and luminescence of Eu2+-activated LiSr1–xBaxPO4 solid solution for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liao Shuzhen , Zhang Yao , Li Ying , Zhang Jilin , Chen Zhen , Yi Bing
Published: November 2021

Solid solution is achieved in LiSr0.995–xBaxPO4:0.005Eu2+ from x = 0 to 0.9. Emission band exhibits discontinuous shift through structural variation with only one Sr/Ba crystallographic site.
Polymer brush growth by oxygen-initiated RAFT polymerization on various substrates
Authors: Cho Min Ki , Seo Hyun Ji , Lee Ji Hoon , Cho Woo Kyung , Son Kyung-sun
Published: November 2021

We developed a user-friendly method for growing polymer brushes on various substrates in the presence of air by O2-SI-RAFT polymerization and mussel-inspired surface chemistry. In particular, PHEMA brushes grew to 856 nm on the titanium substrate.
Plasma-fixated nitrogen as fertilizer for turf grass
Authors: Sze Christina , Wang Benjamin , Xu Jiale , Rivas-Davila Juan , Cappelli Mark A.
Published: November 2021

Plasma-fixated nitrogen is a sustainably produced nitrogen fertilizer with applications in recreational turf grass such as rye grass and bent grass.
Vinylazaarenes as dienophiles in Lewis acid-promoted Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Davis Anna E. , Lowe Jared M. , Hilinski Michael K.
Published: November 2021

Vinyl-substituted azaarenes are rare and challenging substrates as dienophiles in Diels–Alder reactions; by employing Lewis acid activation, high yielding and highly selective cycloadditions with unactivated dienes are enabled.
Asymmetric synthesis of N–N axially chiral compounds via organocatalytic atroposelective N-acylation
Authors: Lin Wei , Zhao Qun , Li Yao , Pan Ming , Yang Chen , Yang Guo-Hui , Li Xin
Published: November 2021

A highly efficient atroposelective N-acylation reaction of quinazolinone type benzamides with cinnamic anhydrides for the direct catalytic synthesis of optically active atropisomeric quinazolinone derivatives was developed.
Theoretical investigation of energy levels and transition for Ce IV
Authors: Rynkun P. , Banerjee S. , Gaigalas G. , Tanaka M. , Radžiūtė L. , Kato D.
Published: November 2021

Aims. We present extensive energy level and transition data for the Ce IV spectrum. By providing accurate atomic data, we evaluate the impact of atomic data on the opacity in the neutron star merger ejecta.

Methods. We performed energy spectra and transition data calculations using the GRASP2018 package, which is based on the multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock and relativistic configuration interaction methods, and the HULLAC code, which is based on a parametric potential method.

Results. We present energy spectra calculated for the 225 levels for the Ce3+ ion. Energy levels are compared with recommended values from the NIST Atomic Spectra Database and other available works. The root-mean-square (rms) deviations obtained for the GRASP2018 energy levels of the 5p6nl configurations from the NIST data are 1270 cm−1. The rms deviations for the HULLAC results from the NIST data are 5780 cm−1. Furthermore, electric dipole (E1) transition data, line strengths, weighted oscillator strengths, and transition rates are computed between the above levels. The computed transition rates are compared with other theoretical computations. We also evaluate the accuracy of the wave functions and transition parameters by analyzing the dependencies of the line strength S on the gauge parameter G. The gauge dependency method also allows us to determine the transitions for which the ratio between the Babushkin and Coulomb gauges shows real agreement between forms and the transitions for which the agreement between both gauges is random. Using the GRASP2018 and HULLAC data, the opacities in the neutron star merger ejecta are also calculated. We find that the opacity of Ce IV is higher than that presented by previous works, which is because of the higher completeness of our atomic data. Although the differences in the energy levels and transition probabilities cause different features in the opacity spectrum, the Planck mean opacities of both data sets agree within 20%.
The role of NGOs and associations in health care for migrants in North West Morocco
Authors: Koubri Hayate , Hami Hinde , Coulibaly Sanou Khô , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , El Kouartey Nazih , Essolbi Amina
Published: November 2021

Associations working in the field of migrant health are currently an important link to meet the health needs of the migrant population. Draw up their inventory, in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, has been identified as an essential tool to analyze the roles of this category of partners, their experiences and modes of operation with a zoom on their constraints in the realization of their mission. A descriptive study, based on the literature review, interviews and focus groups with migrants, was conducted in 2018, with 25 associations active in the field of health and migration, selected by reasoned sampling; 72% of associations surveyed were created in the 2000s. Mostly between 18 and 60 years, migrants receiving NGO’s services are frequently in a situation of vulnerability and precariousness; 68% are unemployed. There are many reasons for using associations’ health services, mostly by women (56%). In a context of strong competition between the associations themselves, marked by the limits of coordination, the implementation of their health interventions for the benefit of migrants is becoming increasingly difficult. Better coordination between public authorities and associations will help to put in place efficient health interventions that meet the real needs of migrants in Morocco.