bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Way to Fingerprint Drivers of Water Cycle Change
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: October 2020

Simulations of tropical ocean convection help distinguish climate effects resulting from large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation from those resulting from higher temperatures.
Six Pieces of Evidence Against the Corotation Enforcement Theory to Explain the Main Aurora at Jupiter
Authors: Bonfond Bertrand , Yao Zhonghua , Grodent Denis
Published: October 2020

The most remarkable feature of the ultraviolet auroras at Jupiter is the ever‐present and almost continuous curtain of bright emissions centered on each magnetic pole and called the main emissions. According to the widely accepted theory, it results from an electric current loop transferring momentum from the Jovian ionosphere to the magnetospheric plasma. However, predictions based on this theory have been recently challenged by observations from Juno and the Hubble Space Telescope. Here we review the main contradictory observations, expose their implications for the theory, and discuss promising paths forward.
Statistical Study on Locally Generated High‐Frequency Plasmaspheric Hiss and Its Effect on Suprathermal Electrons: Van Allen Probes Observation and Quasi‐linear Simulation
Authors: He Zhaoguo , Yu Jiang , Chen Lunjin , Xia Zhiyang , Wang Wenrui , Li Kun , Cui Jun
Published: October 2020

The local generation of high‐frequency plasmaspheric hiss has recently been reported by a case study (He et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081578). In this research, we perform statistics of global distributions of the locally generated high‐frequency plasmaspheric hiss (LHFPH) for different levels of substorm activity, using 6‐year observational data from Van Allen Probes. The statistics find that the LHFPH amplitude presents a strong magnetic local time (MLT) asymmetry and highly depends on substorm activity, and intense LHFPHs occur from predawn to dusk side and can penetrate into inner plasmasphere of L ∼ 3 during AE > 300 nT. The statistical LHFPH spectrum shows that its frequency increases with the ambient magnetic field, with peaked wave powers between 0.1 and 0.5 fce. Based on the statistical properties of LHFPH, we evaluate the electron diffusion coefficients using quasi‐linear theory. Those results suggest that electron pitch angle scattering driven by LHFPH could be a potential mechanism for the precipitation loss of suprathermal electrons of 0.1 keV to tens of keV, which can impact the ionization and chemical changes in the upper atmosphere.
Drastic Vegetation Change in the Guajira Peninsula (Colombia) During the Neogene
Authors: Jaramillo Carlos , Sepulchre Pierre , Cardenas Damian , Correa‐Metrio Alexander , Moreno J. Enrique , Trejos Raul , Vallejos Diego , Hoyos Natalia , Martínez Camila , Carvalho Daniella , Escobar Jaime , Oboh‐Ikuenobe Francisca , Prámparo Mercedes B. , Pinzón Diego
Published: October 2020

Dry biomes occupy ~35% of the landscape in the Neotropics, but these are heavily human‐disturbed. In spite of their importance, we still do not fully understand their origins and how they are sustained. The Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia is dominated by dry biomes and has a rich Neogene fossil record. Here, we have analyzed its changes in vegetation and precipitation during the Neogene using a fossil pollen and spore dataset of 20 samples taken from a well and we also dated the stratigraphic sequence using microfossils. In addition, we analyzed the pollen and spore contents of 10 Holocene samples to establish a modern baseline for comparison with the Neogene as well as a study of the modern vegetation to assess both its spatial distribution and anthropic disturbances during the initial stages of European colonization. The section was dated to span from the latest Oligocene to the early Miocene (~24.2 to 17.3 Ma), with the Oligocene/Miocene boundary being in the lower Uitpa Formation. The early Miocene vegetation is dominated by a rainforest biome with a mean annual precipitation of ~2,000 mm/yr, which strongly contrasts with Guajira's modern xerophytic vegetation and a precipitation of ~300 mm/yr. The shift to the dry modern vegetation probably occurred over the past three millions years, but the mechanism that led to this change is still uncertain. Global circulation models that include the vegetation could explain the ancient climate of Guajira, but further work is required to assess the feedbacks of vegetation, precipitation, and CO2.
Piacenzian Environmental Change and the Onset of Cool and Dry Conditions in Tropical South America
Authors: Grimmer Friederike , Dupont Lydie M. , Jung Gerlinde , Wefer Gerold
Published: October 2020

The Piacenzian (3.60–2.58 Ma) covers the last stage of the Neogene just before the Earth's climate turned from relatively stable warm conditions to the cooler climate with high amplitude glacial‐interglacial oscillations of the Pleistocene. Even during this period early fluctuations towards cooler conditions occurred, and sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions show stepwise increasing gradients. The zonal Pacific SST gradient which indicates the strength of the Walker circulation appears to have increased in two steps starting in the Piacenzian. We investigated vegetation and climate change in western equatorial South America under the influence of the Walker circulation and to detect signs for the onset of cooling in the tropics. We studied vegetation changes in western Ecuador using palynological analysis of 88 sediment samples from marine Ocean Drilling Program Site 1239 dated between 3.9 and 2.7 Ma. A general trend towards more open vegetation is observed. The climate changes towards cooler conditions, which is manifested by a lowering of the forest line from 3.3 Ma on. The increase of Amaranthaceae pollen after 3.1 Ma suggests drier conditions along the coast. A comparison with mid‐Piacenzian warm period (mPWP) modeling shows that data and models agree regarding a drier coastal climate during the mPWP. The isochronous occurrence of environmental changes in the presented record, that is, cooling and coastal drying, with the first major pulse of ice‐rafted debris and cooling temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere (between 3.28 and 3.31 Ma) suggests that these changes might have been a precursor of the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation.
The Polar Cap (PC) Index: Invalid Index Series and a Different Approach
Authors: Stauning Peter
Published: October 2020

The Polar Cap (PC) indices are derived from the magnetic variations generated by the transpolar convection of magnetospheric plasma and embedded magnetic fields driven by the interaction with the solar wind. The PC indices are potentially very useful for space weather monitoring and forecasts and for related research. However, this study suggests that the PC index series in the near‐real‐time and final versions endorsed by the International Association for Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) are invalid and unreliable. Both versions include solar wind sector (SWS) effects in the calculation of the reference levels from which magnetic disturbances are measured. The SWS effects are caused by current systems in the dayside Cusp region related to the Y‐component, BY, of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). However, the IAGA‐endorsed handling of SWS effects may generate unfounded PC index changes of up to 4 mV/m at the nightside away from the Cusp. For the real‐time PCN and PCS indices, the cubic spline‐based reference level construction may cause additional unjustified index excursions of more than 3 mV/m with respect to the corresponding final index values. Noting that PC index values above 2 mV/m indicate geomagnetic storm conditions, such unjustified contributions invalidate the PC index series and prove the IAGA‐endorsed derivation methods erroneous. Alternative derivation methods are shown to provide more consistent index reference levels for both final and real‐time PC indices, to reduce their unfounded excursions, and to significantly increase their reliability.
Early Carboniferous Back‐Arc Rifting‐Related Magmatism in Southern Tibet: Implications for the History of the Lhasa Terrane Separation From Gondwana
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Lang Xinghai , Tang Juxing , Deng Yulin , He Qing , Xie Fuwei , Li Liang , Yin Qing , Li Zhijun , Li Zhuang , Yang Zongyao , Dong Shuyi , Ding Feng , Wang Zizheng , Huang Yong
Published: October 2020

The Lhasa terrane is widely regarded as an integral unit that separated from Gondwana in the Carboniferous or late Triassic, but this terrane may more reasonably consist of two subterranes that separated from Gondwana at different times. Here, we describe newly identified early Carboniferous (355–344 Ma) basic and intermediate intrusive rocks in the Xiongcun area, southern Tibet. The basic rocks that yield negative whole‐rock εNd(t) values (−5.04 to −2.94) and zircon εHf(t) values (−9.2 to −1.7), combined with the chemical compositions, indicate that the magmas were derived by the partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle in a back‐arc extensional setting. The intermediate rocks yield εNd(t) and εHf(t) values of −5.78 to −5.36 and −9.2 to −4.5, respectively, which suggests that they were likely produced via crust‐mantle mixing. By combining our results with those of previous studies on the Lhasa terrane, we consider that a broad back‐arc rift system, including northern and southern branches, developed along the northern margin of Gondwana under the southward subduction of the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere during the early Carboniferous. The northern branch evolved into the Sumdo Paleo‐Tethys Ocean, which led to the separation of the North Lhasa terrane from northern Gondwana during the late Carboniferous. The subsequent northward subduction of the Sumdo Paleo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere beneath the North Lhasa terrane during the early to middle Permian may have triggered the southern branch to further evolve into the Neo‐Tethys Ocean and eventually may have resulted in the South Lhasa terrane separating from Gondwana.
DYRK2 controls a key regulatory network in chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Park Chun Shik , Lacorazza H. Daniel
Published: October 2020

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a hematological cancer driven by the oncoprotein BCR-ABL1, and lifelong treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors extends patient survival to nearly the life expectancy of the general population. Despite advances in the development of more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors to induce a durable deep molecular response, more than half of patients relapse upon treatment discontinuation. This clinical finding supports the paradigm that leukemia stem cells feed the neoplasm, resist tyrosine kinase inhibition, and reactivate upon drug withdrawal depending on the fitness of the patient’s immune surveillance. This concept lends support to the idea that treatment-free remission is not achieved solely with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and that new molecular targets independent of BCR-ABL1 signaling are needed in order to develop adjuvant therapy to more efficiently eradicate the leukemia stem cell population responsible for chemoresistance and relapse. Future efforts must focus on the identification of new targets to support the discovery of potent and safe small molecules able to specifically eradicate the leukemic stem cell population. In this review, we briefly discuss molecular maintenance in leukemia stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia and provide a more in-depth discussion of the dual-specificity kinase DYRK2, which has been identified as a novel actionable checkpoint in a critical leukemic network. DYRK2 controls the activation of p53 and proteasomal degradation of c-MYC, leading to impaired survival and self-renewal of leukemia stem cells; thus, pharmacological activation of DYRK2 as an adjuvant to standard therapy has the potential to induce treatment-free remission.
Resensitizing carbapenem- and colistin-resistant bacteria to antibiotics using auranofin
Authors: Sun Hongzhe , Zhang Qi , Wang Runming , Wang Haibo , Wong Yuen-Ting , Wang Minji , Hao Quan , Yan Aixin , Kao Richard Yi-Tsun , Ho Pak-Leung , Li Hongyan
Published: October 2020

Global emergence of Gram-negative bacteria carrying the plasmid-borne resistance genes, blaMBL and mcr, raises a significant challenge to the treatment of life-threatening infections by the antibiotics, carbapenem and colistin (COL). Here, we identify an antirheumatic drug, auranofin (AUR) as a dual inhibitor of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and mobilized colistin resistance (MCRs), two resistance enzymes that have distinct structures and substrates. We demonstrate that AUR irreversibly abrogates both enzyme activity via the displacement of Zn(II) cofactors from their active sites. We further show that AUR synergizes with antibiotics on killing a broad spectrum of carbapenem and/or COL resistant bacterial strains, and slows down the development of β-lactam and COL resistance. Combination of AUR and COL rescues all mice infected by Escherichia coli co-expressing MCR-1 and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 5 (NDM-5). Our findings provide potential therapeutic strategy to combine AUR with antibiotics for combating superbugs co-producing MBLs and MCRs.
Whole-genome sequencing of acral melanoma reveals genomic complexity and diversity
Authors: Newell Felicity , Wilmott James S. , Johansson Peter A. , Nones Katia , Addala Venkateswar , Mukhopadhyay Pamela , Broit Natasa , Amato Carol M. , Van Gulick Robert , Kazakoff Stephen H. , Patch Ann-Marie , Koufariotis Lambros T. , Lakis Vanessa , Leonard Conrad , Wood Scott , Holmes Oliver , Xu Qinying , Lewis Karl , Medina Theresa , Gonzalez Rene , Saw Robyn P. M. , Spillane Andrew J. , Stretch Jonathan R. , Rawson Robert V. , Ferguson Peter M. , Dodds Tristan J. , Thompson John F. , Long Georgina V. , Levesque Mitchell P. , Robinson William A. , Pearson John V. , Mann Graham J. , Scolyer Richard A. , Waddell Nicola , Hayward Nicholas K.
Published: October 2020

To increase understanding of the genomic landscape of acral melanoma, a rare form of melanoma occurring on palms, soles or nail beds, whole genome sequencing of 87 tumors with matching transcriptome sequencing for 63 tumors was performed. Here we report that mutational signature analysis reveals a subset of tumors, mostly subungual, with an ultraviolet radiation signature. Significantly mutated genes areBRAF, NRAS,NF1,NOTCH2,PTENandTYRP1. Mutations and amplification ofKITare also common. Structural rearrangement and copy number signatures show that whole genome duplication, aneuploidy and complex rearrangements are common. Complex rearrangements occur recurrently and are associated with amplification ofTERT,CDK4,MDM2,CCND1,PAK1andGAB2, indicating potential therapeutic options.
Defining the impact of dietary macronutrient balance on PCOS traits
Authors: Rodriguez Paris Valentina , Solon-Biet Samantha M. , Senior Alistair M. , Edwards Melissa C. , Desai Reena , Tedla Nicodemus , Cox Madeleine J. , Ledger William L. , Gilchrist Robert B. , Simpson Stephen J. , Handelsman David J. , Walters Kirsty A.
Published: October 2020

Lifestyle, mainly dietary, interventions are first-line treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the optimal diet remains undefined. We combined a hyperandrogenized PCOS mouse model with a systematic macronutrient approach, to elucidate the impact of dietary macronutrients on the development of PCOS. We identify that an optimum dietary macronutrient balance of a low protein, medium carbohydrate and fat diet can ameliorate key PCOS reproductive traits. However, PCOS mice display a hindered ability for their metabolic system to respond to diet variations, and varying macronutrient balance did not have a beneficial effect on the development of metabolic PCOS traits. We reveal that PCOS traits in a hyperandrogenic PCOS mouse model are ameliorated selectively by diet, with reproductive traits displaying greater sensitivity than metabolic traits to dietary macronutrient balance. Hence, providing evidence to support the development of evidence-based dietary interventions as a promising strategy for the treatment of PCOS, especially reproductive traits.
Language prediction mechanisms in human auditory cortex
Authors: Forseth K. J. , Hickok G. , Rollo P. S. , Tandon N.
Published: October 2020

Spoken language, both perception and production, is thought to be facilitated by an ensemble of predictive mechanisms. We obtain intracranial recordings in 37 patients using depth probes implanted along the anteroposterior extent of the supratemporal plane during rhythm listening, speech perception, and speech production. These reveal two predictive mechanisms in early auditory cortex with distinct anatomical and functional characteristics. The first, localized to bilateral Heschl’s gyri and indexed by low-frequency phase, predicts the timing of acoustic events. The second, localized to planum temporale only in language-dominant cortex and indexed by high-gamma power, shows a transient response to acoustic stimuli that is uniquely suppressed during speech production. Chronometric stimulation of Heschl’s gyrus selectively disrupts speech perception, while stimulation of planum temporale selectively disrupts speech production. This work illuminates the fundamental acoustic infrastructure—both architecture and function—for spoken language, grounding cognitive models of speech perception and production in human neurobiology.
Structural and functional analysis of protective antibodies targeting the threefold plateau of enterovirus 71
Authors: Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Zhou Daming , Fry Elizabeth E. , Kotecha Abhay , Huang Peng-Nien , Yang Shu-Li , Tsao Kuo-Chien , Huang Yhu-Chering , Lin Tzou-Yien , Ren Jingshan , Stuart David I.
Published: October 2020

Enterovirus 71 (EV71)-neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection and have potential as therapeutic agents. We isolate and characterize a panel of plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies from an infected child whose antibody response focuses on the plateau epitope near the icosahedral 3-fold axes. Eight of a total of 19 antibodies target this epitope and three of these potently neutralize the virus. Representative neutralizing antibodies 38-1-10A and 38-3-11A both confer effective protection against lethal EV71 challenge in hSCARB2-transgenic mice. The cryo-electron microscopy structures of the EV71 virion in complex with Fab fragments of these potent and protective antibodies reveal the details of a conserved epitope formed by residues in the BC and HI loops of VP2 and the BC and HI loops of VP3 spanning the region around the 3-fold axis. Remarkably, the two antibodies interact with the epitope in quite distinct ways. These plateau-binding antibodies provide templates for promising candidate therapeutics.
Large scale genome reconstructions illuminate Wolbachia evolution
Authors: Scholz Matthias , Albanese Davide , Tuohy Kieran , Donati Claudio , Segata Nicola , Rota-Stabelli Omar
Published: October 2020

Wolbachia is an iconic example of a successful intracellular bacterium. Despite its importance as a manipulator of invertebrate biology, its evolutionary dynamics have been poorly studied from a genomic viewpoint. To expand the number of Wolbachia genomes, we screen over 30,000 publicly available shotgun DNA sequencing samples from 500 hosts. By assembling over 1000 Wolbachia genomes, we provide a substantial increase in host representation. Our phylogenies based on both core-genome and gene content provide a robust reference for future studies, support new strains in model organisms, and reveal recent horizontal transfers amongst distantly related hosts. We find various instances of gene function gains and losses in different super-groups and in cytoplasmic incompatibility inducing strains. Our Wolbachia-host co-phylogenies indicate that horizontal transmission is widespread at the host intraspecific level and that there is no support for a general Wolbachia-mitochondrial synchronous divergence.
A high-stringency blueprint of the human proteome
Authors: Adhikari Subash , Nice Edouard C. , Deutsch Eric W. , Lane Lydie , Omenn Gilbert S. , Pennington Stephen R. , Paik Young-Ki , Overall Christopher M. , Corrales Fernando J. , Cristea Ileana M. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Uhlén Mathias , Lindskog Cecilia , Chan Daniel W. , Bairoch Amos , Waddington James C. , Justice Joshua L. , LaBaer Joshua , Rodriguez Henry , He Fuchu , Kostrzewa Markus , Ping Peipei , Gundry Rebekah L. , Stewart Peter , Srivastava Sanjeeva , Srivastava Sudhir , Nogueira Fabio C. S. , Domont Gilberto B. , Vandenbrouck Yves , Lam Maggie P. Y. , Wennersten Sara , Vizcaino Juan Antonio , Wilkins Marc , Schwenk Jochen M. , Lundberg Emma , Bandeira Nuno , Marko-Varga Gyorgy , Weintraub Susan T. , Pineau Charles , Kusebauch Ulrike , Moritz Robert L. , Ahn Seong Beom , Palmblad Magnus , Snyder Michael P. , Aebersold Ruedi , Baker Mark S.
Published: October 2020

The Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) launched the Human Proteome Project (HPP) in 2010, creating an international framework for global collaboration, data sharing, quality assurance and enhancing accurate annotation of the genome-encoded proteome. During the subsequent decade, the HPP established collaborations, developed guidelines and metrics, and undertook reanalysis of previously deposited community data, continuously increasing the coverage of the human proteome. On the occasion of the HPP’s tenth anniversary, we here report a 90.4% complete high-stringency human proteome blueprint. This knowledge is essential for discerning molecular processes in health and disease, as we demonstrate by highlighting potential roles the human proteome plays in our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cancers, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
16.8% Monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells via a universal two-step solution process
Authors: Wang Junke , Zardetto Valerio , Datta Kunal , Zhang Dong , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: October 2020

Perovskite semiconductors hold a unique promise in developing multijunction solar cells with high-efficiency and low-cost. Besides design constraints to reduce optical and electrical losses, integrating several very different perovskite absorber layers in a multijunction cell imposes a great processing challenge. Here, we report a versatile two-step solution process for high-quality 1.73 eV wide-, 1.57 eV mid-, and 1.23 eV narrow-bandgap perovskite films. Based on the development of robust and low-resistivity interconnecting layers, we achieve power conversion efficiencies of above 19% for monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with limited loss of potential energy and fill factor. In a combination of 1.73 eV, 1.57 eV, and 1.23 eV perovskite sub-cells, we further demonstrate a power conversion efficiency of 16.8% for monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells.
Single-shot stereo-polarimetric compressed ultrafast photography for light-speed observation of high-dimensional optical transients with picosecond resolution
Authors: Liang Jinyang , Wang Peng , Zhu Liren , Wang Lihong V.
Published: October 2020

Simultaneous and efficient ultrafast recording of multiple photon tags contributes to high-dimensional optical imaging and characterization in numerous fields. Existing high-dimensional optical imaging techniques that record space and polarization cannot detect the photon’s time of arrival owing to the limited speeds of the state-of-the-art electronic sensors. Here, we overcome this long-standing limitation by implementing stereo-polarimetric compressed ultrafast photography (SP-CUP) to record light-speed high-dimensional events in a single exposure. Synergizing compressed sensing and streak imaging with stereoscopy and polarimetry, SP-CUP enables video-recording of five photon tags (x, y, z: space; t: time of arrival; and ψ: angle of linear polarization) at 100 billion frames per second with a picosecond temporal resolution. We applied SP-CUP to the spatiotemporal characterization of linear polarization dynamics in early-stage plasma emission from laser-induced breakdown. This system also allowed three-dimensional ultrafast imaging of the linear polarization properties of a single ultrashort laser pulse propagating in a scattering medium.
Detection of haplotype-dependent allele-specific DNA methylation in WGBS data
Authors: Abante J. , Fang Y. , Feinberg A. P. , Goutsias J.
Published: October 2020

In heterozygous genomes, allele-specific measurements can reveal biologically significant differences in DNA methylation between homologous alleles associated with local changes in genetic sequence. Current approaches for detecting such events from whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data perform statistically independent marginal analysis at individual cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites, thus ignoring correlations in the methylation state, or carry-out a joint statistical analysis of methylation patterns at four CpG sites producing unreliable statistical evidence. Here, we employ the one-dimensional Ising model of statistical physics and develop a method for detecting allele-specific methylation (ASM) events within segments of DNA containing clusters of linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), called haplotypes. Comparisons with existing approaches using simulated and real WGBS data show that our method provides an improved fit to data, especially when considering large haplotypes. Importantly, the method employs robust hypothesis testing for detecting statistically significant imbalances in mean methylation level and methylation entropy, as well as for identifying haplotypes for which the genetic variant carries significant information about the methylation state. As such, our ASM analysis approach can potentially lead to biological discoveries with important implications for the genetics of complex human diseases.
Metal chalcogenide hollow polar bipyramid prisms as efficient sulfur hosts for Na-S batteries
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Seymour Ieuan D. , Katyal Naman , Li Sha , Yang Tingting , Bao Shu-juan , Henkelman Graeme , Xu Maowen
Published: October 2020

Sodium sulfur batteries require efficient sulfur hosts that can capture soluble polysulfides and enable fast reduction kinetics. Herein, we design hollow, polar and catalytic bipyramid prisms of cobalt sulfide as efficient sulfur host for sodium sulfur batteries. Cobalt sulfide has interwoven surfaces with wide internal spaces that can accommodate sodium polysulfides and withstand volumetric expansion. Furthermore, results from in/ex-situ characterization techniques and density functional theory calculations support the significance of the polar and catalytic properties of cobalt sulfide as hosts for soluble sodium polysulfides that reduce the shuttle effect and display excellent electrochemical performance. The polar catalytic bipyramid prisms sulfur@cobalt sulfide composite exhibits a high capacity of 755 mAh g−1 in the second discharge and 675 mAh g−1 after 800 charge/discharge cycles, with an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.0126 % at a high current density of 0.5 C. Additionally, at a high mass loading of 9.1 mg cm−2, sulfur@cobalt sulfide shows high capacity of 545 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 C. This study demonstrates a hollow, polar, and catalytic sulfur host with a unique structure that can capture sodium polysulfides and speed up the reduction reaction of long chain sodium polysulfides to solid small chain polysulfides, which results in excellent electrochemical performance for sodium-sulfur batteries.
Cryopreservation impairs 3-D migration and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells
Authors: Mark Christoph , Czerwinski Tina , Roessner Susanne , Mainka Astrid , Hörsch Franziska , Heublein Lucas , Winterl Alexander , Sanokowski Sebastian , Richter Sebastian , Bauer Nina , Angelini Thomas E. , Schuler Gerold , Fabry Ben , Voskens Caroline J.
Published: October 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector cells in the immune response to cancer. Clinical trials on adoptively transferred NK cells in patients with solid tumors, however, have thus far been unsuccessful. As NK cells need to pass stringent safety evaluation tests before clinical use, the cells are cryopreserved to bridge the necessary evaluation time. Standard degranulation and chromium release cytotoxicity assays confirm the ability of cryopreserved NK cells to kill target cells. Here, we report that tumor cells embedded in a 3-dimensional collagen gel, however, are killed by cryopreserved NK cells at a 5.6-fold lower rate compared to fresh NK cells. This difference is mainly caused by a 6-fold decrease in the fraction of motile NK cells after cryopreservation. These findings may explain the persistent failure of NK cell therapy in patients with solid tumors and highlight the crucial role of a 3-D environment for testing NK cell function.
GPAHex-A synthetic biology platform for Type IV–V glycopeptide antibiotic production and discovery
Authors: Xu Min , Wang Wenliang , Waglechner Nicholas , Culp Elizabeth J. , Guitor Allison K. , Wright Gerard D.
Published: October 2020

Glycopeptide antibiotics (GPAs) are essential for the treatment of severe infectious diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The emergence and spread of GPA resistance have propelled the search for more effective GPAs. Given their structural complexity, genetic intractability, and low titer, expansion of GPA chemical diversity using synthetic or medicinal chemistry remains challenging. Here we describe a synthetic biology platform, GPAHex (GPA Heterologous expression), which exploits the genes required for the specialized GPA building blocks, regulation, antibiotic transport, and resistance for the heterologous production of GPAs. Application of the GPAHex platform results in: (1) a 19-fold increase of corbomycin titer compared to the parental strain, (2) the discovery of a teicoplanin-class GPA from an Amycolatopsis isolate, and (3) the overproduction and characterization of a cryptic nonapeptide GPA. GPAHex provides a platform for GPA production and mining of uncharacterized GPAs and provides a blueprint for chassis design for other natural product classes.
Author Correction: Benchmarking materials property prediction methods: the Matbench test set and Automatminer reference algorithm
Authors: Dunn Alexander , Wang Qi , Ganose Alex , Dopp Daniel , Jain Anubhav
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Monitoring of inhaler use at home with a smartphone video application in a pilot study
Authors: Dhadge Nagesh , Shevade Madhuragauri , Kale Nisha , Narke Govinda , Pathak Dhananjay , Barne Monica , Madas Sapna , Salvi Sundeep
Published: October 2020

Inhalation therapy is the basis of the pharmacological management of asthma and COPD. Most patients are trained on the correct use of inhalers by health professionals but after that do patients continue to take them correctly at home remains largely unknown. Video recording of the inhalation technique using a smartphone can be used to evaluate the inhaler technique at home. Through this pilot study, we aimed to understand whether inhaler training given to patients in the outpatient clinic translates into good inhalation practices at home by a video application platform using a smartphone. We recruited 70 newly diagnosed asthma and COPD patients and a pulmonologist trained them to use their inhaler until they were able to use it correctly. Videos of inhaler use were captured by a relative or a friend at home and then sent to an independent reviewer via WhatsApp on Days 1, 7, 14 and 28 (±2). Each step of the inhaler technique was evaluated based on a predetermined checklist with a rating scale of 0 to 10 (10 for all steps done correctly). Out of 70 patients recruited, 30 (42%) sent all videos. We found that, although all patients performed all the steps correctly in the clinic, none of them performed all steps correctly at home even on Day 1 itself of the inhaler use. On Day 1, the steps score reduced from 10 to 6.9 with a downward trend until Day 28. The most common mistakes from Day 1 onwards were incorrect inspiratory flow rates and not gargling after the inhaler use. Also, most patients showed partially effective inhalation as per our scoring method. Remote video monitoring of inhaler use in the home environment is possible with a mobile video application that gives us a better insight into the most common inhaler mistakes performed by patients at home. Inhaler errors start appearing immediately on Day 1 after the training, and incorrect inspiratory flow rates and forgetting to do gargles are common errors. Early detection of inhaler errors at home may be possible through this method.
Rabies virus-based COVID-19 vaccine CORAVAX™ induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kurup Drishya , Wirblich Christoph , Ramage Holly , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: October 2020

The recently emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is rapidly spreading in the world. The exponentially expanding threat of SARS-CoV-2 to global health highlights the urgent need for a vaccine. Herein we show the rapid development of a novel, highly efficient, and safe COVID-19 vaccine using a rabies virus-based vector that has proven to be an efficient vaccine against several emerging infectious diseases. This study reports that both a live and an inactivated rabies virus containing the SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein induces potent virus-neutralizing antibodies at much higher levels than seen in the sera of convalescent patients. In summary, the results provided here warrant further development of this safe and established vaccine platform against COVID-19.
TILES-2018, a longitudinal physiologic and behavioral data set of hospital workers
Authors: Mundnich Karel , Booth Brandon M. , L’Hommedieu Michelle , Feng Tiantian , Girault Benjamin , L’Hommedieu Justin , Wildman Mackenzie , Skaaden Sophia , Nadarajan Amrutha , Villatte Jennifer L. , Falk Tiago H. , Lerman Kristina , Ferrara Emilio , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: October 2020

We present a novel longitudinal multimodal corpus of physiological and behavioral data collected from direct clinical providers in a hospital workplace. We designed the study to investigate the use of off-the-shelf wearable and environmental sensors to understand individual-specific constructs such as job performance, interpersonal interaction, and well-being of hospital workers over time in their natural day-to-day job settings. We collected behavioral and physiological data fromn = 212 participants through Internet-of-Things Bluetooth data hubs, wearable sensors (including a wristband, a biometrics-tracking garment, a smartphone, and an audio-feature recorder), together with a battery of surveys to assess personality traits, behavioral states, job performance, and well-being over time. Besides the default use of the data set, we envision several novel research opportunities and potential applications, including multi-modal and multi-task behavioral modeling, authentication through biometrics, and privacy-aware and privacy-preserving machine learning.
Individual Brain Charting dataset extension, second release of high-resolution fMRI data for cognitive mapping
Authors: Pinho Ana Luísa , Amadon Alexis , Gauthier Baptiste , Clairis Nicolas , Knops André , Genon Sarah , Dohmatob Elvis , Torre Juan Jesús , Ginisty Chantal , Becuwe-Desmidt Séverine , Roger Séverine , Lecomte Yann , Berland Valérie , Laurier Laurence , Joly-Testault Véronique , Médiouni-Cloarec Gaëlle , Doublé Christine , Martins Bernadette , Salmon Eric , Piazza Manuela , Melcher David , Pessiglione Mathias , van Wassenhove Virginie , Eger Evelyn , Varoquaux Gaël , Dehaene Stanislas , Hertz-Pannier Lucie , Thirion Bertrand
Published: October 2020

We present an extension of the Individual Brain Charting dataset –a high spatial-resolution, multi-task, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging dataset, intended to support the investigation on the functional principles governing cognition in the human brain. The concomitant data acquisition from the same 12 participants, in the same environment, allows to obtain in the long run finer cognitive topographies, free from inter-subject and inter-site variability. This second release provides more data from psychological domains present in the first release, and also yields data featuring new ones. It includes tasks on e.g. mental time travel, reward, theory-of-mind, pain, numerosity, self-reference effect and speech recognition. In total, 13 tasks with 86 contrasts were added to the dataset and 63 new components were included in the cognitive description of the ensuing contrasts. As the dataset becomes larger, the collection of the corresponding topographies becomes more comprehensive, leading to better brain-atlasing frameworks. This dataset is an open-access facility; raw data and derivatives are publicly available in neuroimaging repositories.
A disposable, ultra-fine endoscope for non-invasive, close examination of the intraluminal surface of the peritoneal dialysis catheter and peritoneal cavity
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki , Hamada Chieko , Yokoyama Keitaro , Tanno Yudo , Matsuo Nanae , Nakata Junichiro , Ishibashi Yoshio , Okuzawa Atsushi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Nara Tamaki , Kakuta Takatoshi , Nangaku Masaomi , Yokoo Takashi , Suzuki Yusuke , Miyata Toshio
Published: October 2020

The ability to visualize intraluminal surface of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and peritoneal cavity could allow elucidation of the cases of outflow problems, and provide information on changes to the peritoneal membrane leading to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. A non-invasive examination that allows those monitoring in need is desirable. We have developed a disposable ultra-fine endoscope that can be inserted into the lumen of the existing PD catheter, allowing observation of the luminal side of the catheter and peritoneal cavity from the tip of the PD catheter, with minimum invasion in practice. In a pre-clinical study in pigs and a clinical study in 10 PD patients, the device provided detailed images, enabling safe, easy observation of the intraluminal side of the entire catheter, and of the morphology and status of the peritoneal surface in the abdominal cavity under dwelling PD solution. Since this device can be used repeatedly during PD therapy, clinical application of this device could contribute to improved management of clinical issues in current PD therapy, positioning PD as a safer, more reliable treatment modality for end-stage renal disease.
The role of kinship and demography in shaping cooperation amongst male lions
Authors: Chakrabarti Stotra , Kolipakam Vishnupriya , Bump Joseph K. , Jhala Yadvendradev V.
Published: October 2020

The influence of kinship on animal cooperation is often unclear. Cooperating Asiatic lion coalitions are linearly hierarchical; male partners appropriate resources disproportionately. To investigate how kinship affect coalitionary dynamics, we combined microsatellite based genetic inferences with long-term genealogical records to measure relatedness between coalition partners of free-ranging lions in Gir, India. Large coalitions had higher likelihood of having sibling partners, while pairs were primarily unrelated. Fitness computations incorporating genetic relatedness revealed that low-ranking males in large coalitions were typically related to the dominant males and had fitness indices higher than single males, contrary to the previous understanding of this system based on indices derived from behavioural metrics alone. This demonstrates the indirect benefits to (related) males in large coalitions. Dominant males were found to ‘lose less’ if they lost mating opportunities to related partners versus unrelated males. From observations on territorial conflicts we show that while unrelated males cooperate, kin-selected benefits are ultimately essential for the maintenance of large coalitions. Although large coalitions maximised fitness as a group, demographic parameters limited their prevalence by restricting kin availability. Such demographic and behavioural constraints condition two-male coalitions to be the most attainable compromise for Gir lions.
A nonlinear rotation-free shell formulation with prestressing for vascular biomechanics
Authors: Nama Nitesh , Aguirre Miquel , Humphrey Jay D. , Figueroa C. Alberto
Published: October 2020

We implement a nonlinear rotation-free shell formulation capable of handling large deformations for applications in vascular biomechanics. The formulation employs a previously reported shell element that calculates both the membrane and bending behavior via displacement degrees of freedom for a triangular element. The thickness stretch is statically condensed to enforce vessel wall incompressibility via a plane stress condition. Consequently, the formulation allows incorporation of appropriate 3D constitutive material models. We also incorporate external tissue support conditions to model the effect of surrounding tissue. We present theoretical and variational details of the formulation and verify our implementation against axisymmetric results and literature data. We also adapt a previously reported prestress methodology to identify the unloaded configuration corresponding to the medically imaged in vivo vessel geometry. We verify the prestress methodology in an idealized bifurcation model and demonstrate the significance of including prestress. Lastly, we demonstrate the robustness of our formulation via its application to mouse-specific models of arterial mechanics using an experimentally informed four-fiber constitutive model.
Thermal insulation property of graphene/polymer coated textile based multi-layer fabric heating element with aramid fabric
Authors: Kim Hyelim , Kim Han Seong , Lee Sunhee
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the thermal insulation properties based on electrical heating test of graphene-based multi-layer fabric heating elements to confirm the possibility of application for fabric heating element for protective clothing. Four layers were designed as layers of outer, filler, electrical heating textile, and lining. The outer fabrics used two different densities of aramid woven fabrics (LD_ARW and HD_ARW), an aramid knit (AR_KT), and nonwoven (AR_NW). Fabricated graphene/polymer coated electrical heating textile (GR) exhibits a surface temperature of about 85 °C, a current of 0.12 A, and a power of 3 W when 30 V is applied. As composed with 4-layer, the surface temperature of LD_ARW and HD_ARW used as the outer for sample indicated less than 50 °C, due to their excellent heat resistance property; whereas, when AR_KT and AR_NW were used, the temperature was about 50 °C. This is because their fine fibers form high porosity that can entrap air. As a result of the thermal insulation properties, the temperature difference of each layer was in the order ΔT(GR-N3) < ΔT(GR-Lining) < ΔT(GR-Outer). In particular, when AR_NW was used as the outer fabric, ΔT(GR-Outer)was decreased by about 10 °C, compared with that of the other outer fabric. By the effect of relative humidity under dry 25% RH and comfortable 55% RH, the temperature difference was decreased under 55% RH; thus, the thermal insulation property was improved under comfortable humidity condition. Therefore, the best thermal insulation performance was exhibited when AR_NW was used as outer under 55% RH, and it is expected to expand its application to fabric heating element for protective clothing.
Reducing central vein catheterization complications with a focused educational program: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hanauer Laryssa P. T. , Comerlato Pedro H. , Papke Afonso , Butzke Marina , Daga Andressa , Hoffmeister Mariana C. , Boniatti Marcio M. , John Josiane F. , Schaan Beatriz D. , Rados Dimitris V.
Published: October 2020

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used, but the rate of complications is high. This study evaluates the effects of a short training program for CVC insertion in a university-based teaching hospital. A sample of adults with CVCs inserted outside the intensive care unit was selected from two academic years: 2015, year without structured training, and 2016, year with structured training. Clinical and laboratory information, as well as the procedure’s characteristics and complications (mechanical and infectious) were collected. The incidence of complications before and after the training was compared. A total of 1502 punctures were evaluated. Comparing the pre- and post-training period, there was an increase in the choice for jugular veins and the use of ultrasound. A numerical reduction in the rate of complications was identified (RR 0.732; 95% CI 0.48–1.12; P = 0.166). This difference was driven by a statistically significant lower rate of catheter-related infections (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.95; P = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis, aspects regarding technique (ultrasound use, multiple punctures) and year of training were associated with outcomes. Structured training reduces the rate of complications related to CVC insertion, especially regarding infections.
Clinical characteristics and survival analysis in critical and non-critical patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a single-center retrospective case control study
Authors: Tian Ran , Wu Wei , Wang Chunyao , Pang Haiyu , Zhang Zhiyu , Xu Haopeng , Luo Qingfeng , Gao Peng , Shi Jihua , Li Wenbin , Qian Hao , Guo Fan , Li Taisheng , Liu Zhengyin , Wang Jinglan , Zhou Xiang , Qin Yan , Yan Xiaowei , Zhang Shuyang
Published: October 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China at the end of 2019, the world has experienced a large-scale epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The epidemiological and clinical course of COVID-19 patients has been reported, but there have been few analyses about the characteristics, predictive risk factors, and outcomes of critical patients. In this single-center retrospective case–control study, 90 adult inpatients hospitalized at Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China) were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory tests, and treatment data were obtained and compared between critical and non-critical patients. We found that compared with non-critical patients, the critical patients had higher SOFA score and qSOFA scores. Critical patients had lower lymphocyte and platelet count, elevated D-dimer, decreased fibrinogen, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and interleukin-6(IL-6). More critical patients received treatment including antibiotics, anticoagulation, corticosteroid, and oxygen therapy than non-critical ones. Multivariable regression showed higher qSOFA score and elevation of IL-6 were related to critical patients. Antibiotic usage and anticoagulation were associated with decreased in-hospital mortality. And critical grouping contributed greatly to in-hospital death. Critical COVID-19 patients have a more severe clinical course. qSOFA score and elevation of IL-6 are risk factors for critical condition. Non-critical grouping, positive antibiotic application, and anticoagulation may be beneficial for patient survival.