bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversification trajectories and paleobiogeography of Neogene chondrichthyans from Europe
Authors: Villafaña Jaime A. , Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Pimiento Catalina , Kriwet Jürgen
Published: February 2023

Despite the rich fossil record of Neogene chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks, rays, and skates) from Europe, little is known about the macroevolutionary processes that generated their current diversity and geographical distribution. We compiled 4368 Neogene occurrences comprising 102 genera, 41 families, and 12 orders from four European regions (Atlantic, Mediterranean, North Sea, and Paratethys) and evaluated their diversification trajectories and paleobiogeographic patterns. In all regions analyzed, we found that generic richness increased during the early Miocene, then decreased sharply during the middle Miocene in the Paratethys, and moderately during the late Miocene and Pliocene in the Mediterranean and North Seas. Origination rates display the most significant pulses in the early Miocene in all regions. Extinction rate pulses varied across regions, with the Paratethys displaying the most significant pulses during the late Miocene and the Mediterranean and North Seas during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. Overall, up to 27% and 56% of the European Neogene genera are now globally and regionally extinct, respectively. The observed pulses of origination and extinction in the different regions coincide with warming and cooling events that occurred during the Neogene globally and regionally. Our study reveals complex diversity dynamics of Neogene chondrichthyans from Europe and their distinct biogeographic composition despite the multiple marine passages that connected the different marine regions during this time.
Localisation of gamma-ray bursts from the combined SpIRIT+HERMES-TP/SP nano-satellite constellation
Authors: Thomas M. , Trenti M. , Sanna A. , Campana R. , Ghirlanda G. , Řípa J. , Burderi L. , Fiore F. , Evangelista Y. , Amati L. , Barraclough S. , Auchettl K. , del Castillo M. O. , Chapman A. , Citossi M. , Colagrossi A. , Dilillo G. , Deiosso N. , Demenev E. , Longo F. , Marino A. , McRobbie J. , Mearns R. , Melandri A. , Riggio A. , Di Salvo T. , Puccetti S. , Topinka M.
Published: February 2023

Multi-messenger observations of the transient sky to detect cosmic explosions and counterparts of gravitational wave mergers critically rely on orbiting wide-FoV telescopes to cover the wide range of wavelengths where atmospheric absorption and emission limit the use of ground facilities. Thanks to continuing technological improvements, miniaturised space instruments operating as distributed-aperture constellations are offering new capabilities for the study of high-energy transients to complement ageing existing satellites. In this paper we characterise the performance of the upcoming joint SpIRIT and HERMES-TP/SP constellation for the localisation of high-energy transients through triangulation of signal arrival times. SpIRIT is an Australian technology and science demonstrator satellite designed to operate in a low-Earth Sun-synchronous Polar orbit that will augment the science operations for the equatorial HERMES-TP/SP constellation. In this work we simulate the improvement to the localisation capabilities of the HERMES-TP/SP constellation when SpIRIT is included in an orbital plane nearly perpendicular (inclination = 97.6°) to the HERMES-TP/SP orbits. For the fraction of GRBs detected by three of the HERMES satellites plus SpIRIT, we find that the combined constellation is capable of localising 60% of long GRBs to within

${\sim}30\,\textrm{deg}^{2}$

on the sky, and 60% of short GRBs within

${\sim}1850\,\textrm{deg}^{2}$

(

$1\sigma$

confidence regions), though it is beyond the scope of this work to characterise or rule out systematic uncertainty of the same order of magnitude. Based purely on statistical GRB localisation capabilities (i.e., excluding systematic uncertainties and sky coverage), these figures for long GRBs are comparable to those reported by the Fermi Gamma Burst Monitor instrument. These localisation statistics represents a reduction of the uncertainty for the burst localisation region for both long and short GRBs by a factor of

${\sim}5$

compared to the HERMES-TP/SP alone. Further improvements by an additional factor of 2 (or 4) can be achieved by launching an additional 4 (or 6) SpIRIT-like satellites into a Polar orbit, respectively, which would both increase the fraction of sky covered by multiple satellite elements, and also enable localisation of

${\geq} 60\%$

of long GRBs to within a radius of

${\sim}1.5^{\circ}$

(statistical uncertainty) on the sky, clearly demonstrating the value of a distributed all-sky high-energy transient monitor composed of nano-satellites.
Understanding Early Modern Beer: An Interdisciplinary Case-Study
Authors: Flavin Susan , Meltonville Marc , Taverner Charlie , Reid Joshua , Lawrence Stephen , Belloch-Molina Carlos , Morrissey John
Published: February 2023

Beer was a staple of early modern diets across northern Europe and the Atlantic World. While its profound social, economic, and cultural significance is well established, little is known about the nature and quality of the drink itself, particularly its nutritional characteristics. Until now, attempts to estimate calorie and alcohol content have been monodisciplinary in approach, involving either theoretical calculations based on grain content, or a rough approximation with modern equivalents. Using sixteenth-century Ireland as a case-study, this article describes an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of early modern beer. Exploiting a rich seam of unpublished archival material, the project recreates an early modern beer, using the most appropriate ingredients, equipment, and processes possible. Scientific analysis of the finished drink offers new perspectives on beer as a dietary staple. The project is a model for integrating practical or experimental approaches into mainstream historical study, and the practice of radical interdisciplinarity. It represents the most comprehensive effort to recreate an historic beer in any context to date, bringing together historians, experimental archaeologists, agronomists, microbiologists, brewing scientists, craftworkers, farmers, and maltsters to tackle problematic questions about the past.
Cognitive performance and brain structural connectome alterations in major depressive disorder
Authors: Gruber Marius , Mauritz Marco , Meinert Susanne , Grotegerd Dominik , de Lange Siemon C. , Grumbach Pascal , Goltermann Janik , Winter Nils Ralf , Waltemate Lena , Lemke Hannah , Thiel Katharina , Winter Alexandra , Breuer Fabian , Borgers Tiana , Enneking Verena , Klug Melissa , Brosch Katharina , Meller Tina , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Ringwald Kai Gustav , Stein Frederike , Opel Nils , Redlich Ronny , Hahn Tim , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Bauer Jochen , Nenadić Igor , Kircher Tilo , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Dannlowski Udo , Repple Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Background

Cognitive dysfunction and brain structural connectivity alterations have been observed in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about their interrelation. The present study follows a network approach to evaluate alterations in cognition-related brain structural networks.

Methods

Cognitive performance ofn= 805 healthy andn= 679 acutely depressed or remitted individuals was assessed using 14 cognitive tests aggregated into cognitive factors. The structural connectome was reconstructed from structural and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Associations between global connectivity strength and cognitive factors were established using linear regressions. Network-based statistics were applied to identify subnetworks of connections underlying these global-level associations. In exploratory analyses, effects of depression were assessed by evaluating remission status-related group differences in subnetwork-specific connectivity. Partial correlations were employed to directly test the complete triad of cognitive factors, depressive symptom severity, and subnetwork-specific connectivity strength.

Results

All cognitive factors were associated with global connectivity strength. For each cognitive factor, network-based statistics identified a subnetwork of connections, revealing, for example, a subnetwork positively associated with processing speed. Within that subnetwork, acutely depressed patients showed significantly reduced connectivity strength compared to healthy controls. Moreover, connectivity strength in that subnetwork was associated to current depressive symptom severity independent of the previous disease course.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to identify cognition-related structural brain networks in MDD patients, thereby revealing associations between cognitive deficits, depressive symptoms, and reduced structural connectivity. This supports the hypothesis that structural connectome alterations may mediate the association of cognitive deficits and depression severity.
The Burda: Reweaving the Mantle, Renovating Arab Music Tradition between Egypt and the Arab Levant
Authors: RIJO LOPES DA CUNHA MARIA M.
Published: February 2023

This article critically considers how the musical piece, “Al-Burda,” has introduced ground-breaking formal and rhythmic innovations within Arab contemporary traditional music. I explore the centrality of Mustafa Said’s musical adaptation of Arabic prosody in generating new rhythmic modes whilst highlighting Said’s claims of continuity with an Arab literary and musical tradition through the musical adaptation of the poetics of mu’arada, which means building upon pre-existing models. This article draws upon postcolonial theory as a fundamental tool of analysis for the underpinning socio-political commentary present at every stage of creation and production of “Al-Burda.”
Celtic Music Festivals in Portugal: Europeanisation, Urban Regeneration, and Regional Development
Authors: MORENO-FERNÁNDEZ SUSANA , EL-SHAWAN CASTELO-BRANCO SALWA
Published: February 2023

This article addresses the interceltic festivals of Porto (1986–2008) and Sendim in Terra de Miranda (since 2000), situated in northwestern and northeastern Portugal, respectively, from the perspective of European heritage festivals. It examines how these two festivals were used to promote tourism, urban regeneration, rural development, image-making, and place branding. We argue that the interceltic festivals of Porto and Sendim are entangled with the Europeanisation of Portugal, involving new possibilities for identification with Europe’s Atlantic fringe, a space that is symbolised by the Celtic imaginary.
Heat Flux Estimates From a Synthesis of Satellite Observations and a Hydrodynamic Model (With Application to Long Island Sound)
Authors: McCardell Grant , Horwitz Rachel , Ilia Amin , Howard Strobel M. Kay , Fake Todd , O’Donnell James
Published: February 2023

Estimating surface heat fluxes via direct covariance measurements or bulk formulae is observation‐intensive and costly. We present a methodology whereby we estimate net surface heat fluxes as the difference between the depth‐integrated heat tendencies and the depth‐integrated horizontal heat exchanges in a hydrodynamic model. We calibrate the model to achieve a good representation of mixing and advection and then assimilate satellite sea surface temperature (SST) observations into the model at an 8‐day scale. The SST data assimilation forces a good representation of observed temperatures and heat tendencies both at the surface and throughout the water column. We estimate the horizontal heat exchange directly from the model output and then infer the surface fluxes required to close the budget. When we apply this methodology to a model with prescribed surface heat fluxes and without data assimilation, we can recover the prescribed fluxes with an RMS error of ±10 W m−2 and an r2 of 0.998. When we compare our results to those estimated using Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment bulk formulae with observations in western Long Island Sound, we find similarly good agreement.
MNT suppresses T cell apoptosis via BIM and is critical for T lymphomagenesis
Authors: Nguyen Hai Vu , Vandenberg Cassandra J. , Robati Mikara R. , Ng Ashley P. , Cory Suzanne
Published: February 2023

The importance of c-MYC in regulating lymphopoiesis and promoting lymphomagenesis is well-established. Far less appreciated is the vital supporting role of MYC’s relative MNT. Using Rag1Cre-mediated Mnt deletion in lymphoid progenitor cells, we show here that, during normal T cell development, MNT loss enhances apoptosis, at least in part by elevating expression of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein BIM. Moreover, using T lymphoma-prone VavP-MYC transgenic mice, we show that Mnt deletion reduces the pool of pre-malignant MYC-driven T lymphoid cells and abrogates thymic T lymphomagenesis. In addition, we establish that Mnt deletion prevents T lymphoma development in γ-irradiated mice, most likely by enhancing apoptosis of T lymphoid cells repopulating the depleted thymus. Taken together with our recent demonstration that MNT is vital for the survival of MYC-driven pre-malignant and malignant B lymphoid cells, these results suggest that MNT represents an important new drug target for both T and B lymphoid malignancies.
Severe COVID-19 patients have impaired plasmacytoid dendritic cell-mediated control of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Venet Manon , Ribeiro Margarida Sa , Décembre Elodie , Bellomo Alicia , Joshi Garima , Nuovo Célia , Villard Marine , Cluet David , Perret Magali , Pescamona Rémi , Paidassi Helena , Walzer Thierry , Allatif Omran , Belot Alexandre , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Ricci Emiliano P. , Dreux Marlène
Published: February 2023

Type I and III interferons (IFN-I/λ) are important antiviral mediators against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we demonstrate that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are the predominant IFN-I/λ source following their sensing of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Mechanistically, this short-range sensing by pDCs requires sustained integrin-mediated cell adhesion with infected cells. In turn, pDCs restrict viral spread by an IFN-I/λ response directed toward SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. This specialized function enables pDCs to efficiently turn-off viral replication, likely via a local response at the contact site with infected cells. By exploring the pDC response in SARS-CoV-2 patients, we further demonstrate that pDC responsiveness inversely correlates with the severity of the disease. The pDC response is particularly impaired in severe COVID-19 patients. Overall, we propose that pDC activation is essential to control SARS-CoV-2-infection. Failure to develop this response could be important to understand severe cases of COVID-19.
VGLL3 is a mechanosensitive protein that promotes cardiac fibrosis through liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Horii Yuma , Matsuda Shoichi , Toyota Chikashi , Morinaga Takumi , Nakaya Takeo , Tsuchiya Soken , Ohmuraya Masaki , Hironaka Takanori , Yoshiki Ryo , Kasai Kotaro , Yamauchi Yuto , Takizawa Noburo , Nagasaka Akiomi , Tanaka Akira , Kosako Hidetaka , Nakaya Michio
Published: February 2023

Myofibroblasts cause tissue fibrosis by producing extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens. Humoral factors like TGF-β, and matrix stiffness are important for collagen production by myofibroblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating their ability to produce collagen remain poorly characterised. Here, we show that vestigial-like family member 3 (VGLL3) is specifically expressed in myofibroblasts from mouse and human fibrotic hearts and promotes collagen production. Further, substrate stiffness triggers VGLL3 translocation into the nucleus through the integrin β1-Rho-actin pathway. In the nucleus, VGLL3 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation via its low-complexity domain and is incorporated into non-paraspeckle NONO condensates containing EWS RNA-binding protein 1 (EWSR1). VGLL3 binds EWSR1 and suppresses miR-29b, which targets collagen mRNA. Consistently, cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction is significantly attenuated inVgll3-deficient mice, with increased miR-29b expression. Overall, our results reveal an unrecognised VGLL3-mediated pathway that controls myofibroblasts’ collagen production, representing a novel therapeutic target for tissue fibrosis.
Accelerating inhibitor discovery for deubiquitinating enzymes
Authors: Chan Wai Cheung , Liu Xiaoxi , Magin Robert S. , Girardi Nicholas M. , Ficarro Scott B. , Hu Wanyi , Tarazona Guzman Maria I. , Starnbach Cara A. , Felix Alejandra , Adelmant Guillaume , Varca Anthony C. , Hu Bin , Bratt Ariana S. , DaSilva Ethan , Schauer Nathan J. , Jaen Maisonet Isabella , Dolen Emma K. , Ayala Anthony X. , Marto Jarrod A. , Buhrlage Sara J.
Published: February 2023

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are an emerging drug target class of ~100 proteases that cleave ubiquitin from protein substrates to regulate many cellular processes. A lack of selective chemical probes impedes pharmacologic interrogation of this important gene family. DUBs engage their cognate ligands through a myriad of interactions. We embrace this structural complexity to tailor a chemical diversification strategy for a DUB-focused covalent library. Pairing our library with activity-based protein profiling as a high-density primary screen, we identify selective hits against 23 endogenous DUBs spanning four subfamilies. Optimization of an azetidine hit yields a probe for the understudied DUB VCPIP1 with nanomolar potency and in-family selectivity. Our success in identifying good chemical starting points as well as structure-activity relationships across the gene family from a modest but purpose-build library challenges current paradigms that emphasize ultrahigh throughput in vitro or virtual screens against an ever-increasing scope of chemical space.
Coherent consolidation of trillions of nucleations for mono-atom step-level flat surfaces
Authors: Ha Taewoo , Seo Yu-Seong , Kim Teun-Teun , Lamichhane Bipin , Kim Young-Hoon , Kim Su Jae , Lee Yousil , Kim Jong Chan , Park Sang Eon , Sim Kyung Ik , Kim Jae Hoon , Kim Yong In , Kim Seon Je , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Young Hee , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Young-Min , Hwang Jungseek , Jeong Se-Young
Published: February 2023

Constructing a mono-atom step-level ultra-flat material surface is challenging, especially for thin films, because it is prohibitively difficult for trillions of clusters to coherently merge. Even though a rough metal surface, as well as the scattering of carriers at grain boundaries, limits electron transport and obscures their intrinsic properties, the importance of the flat surface has not been emphasised sufficiently. In this study, we describe in detail the initial growth of copper thin films required for mono-atom step-level flat surfaces (MSFSs). Deposition using atomic sputtering epitaxy leads to the coherent merging of trillions of islands into a coplanar layer, eventually forming an MSFS, for which the key factor is suggested to be the individual deposition of single atoms. Theoretical calculations support that single sputtered atoms ensure the formation of highly aligned nanodroplets and help them to merge into a coplanar layer. The realisation of the ultra-flat surfaces is expected to greatly assist efforts to improve quantum behaviour by increasing the coherency of electrons.
Monolithically printed all-organic flexible photosensor active matrix
Authors: Ruiz‐Preciado Luis Arturo , Baek Sanghoon , Strobel Noah , Xia Kai , Seiberlich Mervin , Park Sung-min , Lemmer Uli , Jung Sungjune , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo
Published: February 2023

Upcoming technologies in the fields of flexible electronics require the cost-efficient fabrication of complex circuitry in a streamlined process. Digital printing techniques such as inkjet printing can enable such applications thanks to their inherent freedom of design permitting the mask-free deposition of multilayer optoelectronic devices without the need for subtracting techniques. Here we present an active matrix sensor array comprised of 100 inkjet-printed organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs) monolithically integrated onto the same ultrathin substrate. Both the OTFTs and OPDs exhibited high-fabrication yield and state-of-the-art performance after the integration process. By scaling of the OPDs, we achieved integrated pixels with power consumptions down to 50 nW at one of the highest sensitivities reported to date for an all-organic integrated sensor. Finally, we demonstrated the application potential of the active matrix by static and dynamic spatial sensing of optical signals.
Triphenylphosphonium conjugated gold nanotriangles impact Pi3K/AKT pathway in breast cancer cells: a photodynamic therapy approach
Authors: Vinita Nadar Manimaran , Devan Umapathy , Durgadevi Sabapathi , Anitha Selvaraj , Prabhu Dhamodharan , Rajamanikandan Sundarraj , Govarthanan Muthusamy , Yuvaraj Ananthanarayanan , Biruntha Muniyandi , Antony Joseph Velanganni Arockiam , Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman , Prakash Pitchan Arul , Mohamed Jaabir Mohamed Sultan , Kumar Ponnuchamy
Published: February 2023

Although gold nanoparticles based photodynamic therapy (PDT) were reported to improve efficacy and specificity, the impact of surface charge in targeting cancer is still a challenge. Herein, we report gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) tuned with anionic and cationic surface charge conjugating triphenylphosphonium (TPP) targeting breast cancer cells with 5-aminoleuvinic acid (5-ALA) based PDT, in vitro. Optimized surface charge of AuNTs with and without TPP kill breast cancer cells. By combining, 5-ALA and PDT, the surface charge augmented AuNTs deliver improved cellular toxicity as revealed by MTT, fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. Further, the 5-ALA and PDT treatment in the presence of AuNTs impairs cell survival Pi3K/AKT signaling pathway causing mitochondrial dependent apoptosis. The cumulative findings demonstrate that, cationic AuNTs with TPP excel selective targeting of breast cancer cells in the presence of 5-ALA and PDT.
Effects of cottonseed hull on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites and ingestive behaviour of rams
Authors: Zanine Anderson M. , Castro Wanderson J. R. , Ferreira Daniele J. , Souza Alexandre L. , Ribeiro Marinaldo D. , Parente Henrique N. , Parente Michelle O. M. , Santos Edson M. , Oliveira Juliana S. , Lima Anny Graycy V. O. , Nascimento Thiago V. C. , S. Santos Francisco Naysson , Negrão Fagton M. , Sá Cledson G.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cottonseed hull (CH) in the diets of rams on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behaviour, and blood metabolites. Twenty males, uncastrated with an average body weight of 29.08 ± 4.18 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatment diets and five replicates. The diet contained a forage to concentrate ratio of 50 : 50 (ground corn, soybean meal, corn silage, and CH), and the experimental treatments were inclusion of 0, 10, 20, and 30% CH (dry matter basis). Inclusion of CH linearly increased water intake, effective intake of ethereal extract and non-fibrous carbohydrates, and crude protein digestibility. Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, nitrogen faecal losses, and nitrogen balance reduced linearly with CH inclusion in the diet. Inclusion of CH in rams’ diet reduces intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake and rumination efficiencies. Thus, it is not recommended to add this by-product to the diet of high-performance rams, but for nurture that does not aim at high performance, inclusion of up to 5% of this by-product is recommended.
Diffusion MRI approaches for investigating microstructural complexity in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chary Karthik , Manninen Eppu , Claessens Jade , Ramirez-Manzanares Alonso , Gröhn Olli , Sierra Alejandra
Published: February 2023

Our study explores the potential of conventional and advanced diffusion MRI techniques including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and single-shell 3-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution (SS3T-CSD) to investigate complex microstructural changes following severe traumatic brain injury in rats at a chronic phase. Rat brains after sham-operation or lateral fluid percussion (LFP) injury were scanned ex vivo in a 9.4 T scanner. Our region-of-interest-based approach of tensor-, and SS3T-CSD derived fixel-, 3-tissue signal fraction maps were sensitive to changes in both white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) areas. Tensor-based measures, such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD), detected more changes in WM and GM areas as compared to fixel-based measures including apparent fiber density (AFD), peak FOD amplitude and primary fiber bundle density, while 3-tissue signal fraction maps revealed distinct changes in WM, GM, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) fractions highlighting the complex tissue microstructural alterations post-trauma. Track-weighted imaging demonstrated changes in track morphology including reduced curvature and average pathlength distal from the primary lesion in severe TBI rats. In histological analysis, changes in the diffusion MRI measures could be associated to decreased myelin density, loss of myelinated axons, and increased cellularity, revealing progressive microstructural alterations in these brain areas five months after injury. Overall, this study highlights the use of combined conventional and advanced diffusion MRI measures to obtain more precise insights into the complex tissue microstructural alterations in chronic phase of severe brain injury.
Using a global diversity panel of Cannabis sativa L. to develop a near InfraRed-based chemometric application for cannabinoid quantification
Authors: Gloerfelt-Tarp Francine , Hewavitharana Amitha K. , Mieog Jos , Palmer William M. , Fraser Felicity , Ansari Omid , Kretzschmar Tobias
Published: February 2023

C. sativa has gained renewed interest as a cash crop for food, fibre and medicinal markets. Irrespective of the final product, rigorous quantitative testing for cannabinoids, the regulated biologically active constituents of C. sativa, is a legal prerequisite across the supply chains. Currently, the medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp industries depend on costly chromatographic analysis for cannabinoid quantification, limiting production, research and development. Combined with chemometrics, Near-InfraRed spectroscopy (NIRS) has potential as a rapid, accurate and economical alternative method for cannabinoid analysis. Using chromatographic data on 12 therapeutically relevant cannabinoids together with spectral output from a diffuse reflectance NIRS device, predictive chemometric models were built for major and minor cannabinoids using dried, homogenised C. sativa inflorescences from a diverse panel of 84 accessions. Coefficients of determination (r2) of the validation models for 10 of the 12 cannabinoids ranged from 0.8 to 0.95, with models for major cannabinoids showing best performance. NIRS was able to discriminate between neutral and acidic forms of cannabinoids as well as between C3-alkyl and C5-alkyl cannabinoids. The results show that NIRS, when used in conjunction with chemometrics, is a promising method to quantify cannabinoids in raw materials with good predictive results.
Consistency of frontal cortex metabolites quantified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy within overlapping small and large voxels
Authors: DeMayo Marilena M. , McGirr Alexander , Selby Ben , MacMaster Frank P. , Debert Chantel T. , Harris Ashley D.
Published: February 2023

Single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) quantifies metabolites within a specified volume of interest. MRS voxels are constrained to rectangular prism shapes. Therefore, they must define a small voxel contained within the anatomy of interest or include not of interest neighbouring tissue. When studying cortical regions without clearly demarcated boundaries, e.g. the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), it is unclear how representative a larger voxel is of a smaller volume within it. To determine if a large voxel is representative of a small voxel placed within it, this study quantified total N-Acetylaspartate (tNAA), choline, glutamate, Glx (glutamate and glutamine combined),myo-inositol, and creatine in two overlapping MRS voxels in the DLPFC, a large (30×30x30 mm) and small (15×15x15 mm) voxel. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and tissue type factors were specifically investigated. With water-referencing, onlymyo-inositol was significantly correlated between the two voxels, while all metabolites showed significant correlations with creatine-referencing. SNR had a minimal effect on the correspondence between voxels, while tissue type showed substantial influence. This study demonstrates substantial variability of metabolite estimates within the DLPFC. It suggests that when small anatomical structures are of interest, it may be valuable to spend additional acquisition time to obtain specific, localized data.
Single-shot electron radiography using a laser–plasma accelerator
Authors: Bruhaug G. , Freeman M. S. , Rinderknecht H. G. , Neukirch L. P. , Wilde C. H. , Merrill F. E. , Rygg J. R. , Wei M. S. , Collins G. W. , Shaw J. L.
Published: February 2023

Contact and projection electron radiography of static targets was demonstrated using a laser–plasma accelerator driven by a kilojoule, picosecond-class laser as a source of relativistic electrons with an average energy of 20 MeV. Objects with areal densities as high as 7.7 g/cm2 were probed in materials ranging from plastic to tungsten, and radiographs with resolution as good as 90 μm were produced. The effects of electric fields produced by the laser ablation of the radiography objects were observed and are well described by an analytic expression relating imaging magnification change to electric-field strength.
Geographic and longitudinal variations of anatomical characteristics and mechanical properties in three bamboo species naturally grown in Lombok Island, Indonesia
Authors: Rini Dwi Sukma , Ishiguri Futoshi , Nezu Ikumi , Ngadianto Agus , Irawati Denny , Otani Naoki , Ohshima Jyunichi , Yokota Shinso
Published: February 2023

The anatomical characteristics (fiber length and fiber area) and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, compressive strength, tensile Young’s modulus, and tensile strength) of Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa maculata, and Gigantochloa atter, naturally growing at four different sites in Lombok Island, Indonesia, were examined for evaluating geographic and longitudinal variations by mixed-effects modeling to effectively utilize bamboo culm resources for structural materials. We found geographic and longitudinal variations of bamboo culm properties in these three species. Based on the results, we concluded that, for utilization of bamboo culm as a structural material, variation of individual culm rather than site, and longitudinal variations should be considered for Bambusa species and G. atter, respectively.
A simple soil mass correction for a more accurate determination of soil carbon stock changes
Authors: Fowler Ames F. , Basso Bruno , Millar Neville , Brinton William F.
Published: February 2023

Agricultural soils can act as a sink for large quantities of soil organic carbon (SOC) but can also be sources of carbon to the atmosphere. The international standard for assessing SOC stock and measuring stock change stipulates fixed depth sampling to at least 30 cm. The tendency of bulk density (BD) to decrease with decreasing disturbance and increasing SOC concentration and the assumption of constant SOC and BD within this depth profile promotes error in the estimates of SOC stock. A hypothetical but realistic change in BD from 1.5 to 1.1 g cm−3 from successive fixed depth sampling to 30 cm underestimates SOC stock change by 17%. Significant effort has been made to evaluate and reduce this fixed depth error by using the equivalent soil mass (ESM) approach, but with limited adoption. We evaluate the error in SOC stock assessment and change generated from fixed depth measurements over time relative to the ESM approach and propose a correction that can be readily adopted under current sampling and analytical methods. Our approach provides a more accurate estimate of SOC stock accumulation or loss that will help incentivize management practice changes that reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture and further legitimize the accounting practices used by the emerging carbon market and organizations that have pledged to reduce their supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints.
Pediatric age estimation from thoracic and abdominal CT scout views using deep learning
Authors: Demircioğlu Aydin , Nassenstein Kai , Umutlu Lale
Published: February 2023

Age assessment is regularly used in clinical routine by pediatric endocrinologists to determine the physical development or maturity of children and adolescents. Our study investigates whether age assessment can be performed using CT scout views from thoracic and abdominal CT scans using a deep neural network. Hence, we retrospectively collected 1949 CT scout views from pediatric patients (acquired between January 2013 and December 2018) to train a deep neural network to predict the chronological age from CT scout views. The network was then evaluated on an independent test set of 502 CT scout views (acquired between January 2019 and July 2020). The trained model showed a mean absolute error of 1.18 ± 1.14 years on the test data set. A one-sided t-test to determine whether the difference between the predicted and actual chronological age was less than 2.0 years was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). In addition, the correlation coefficient was very high (R = 0.97). In conclusion, the chronological age of pediatric patients can be assessed with high accuracy from CT scout views using a deep neural network.
A novel technique for large-fragment knock-in animal production without ex vivo handling of zygotes
Authors: Abe Manabu , Nakatsukasa Ena , Natsume Rie , Hamada Shun , Sakimura Kenji , Watabe Ayako M. , Ohtsuka Toshihisa
Published: February 2023

CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing has dramatically improved genetic modification technology. In situ electroporation called genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery (GONAD), which eliminates the need for ex vivo embryo handling, is technically the simplest method for gene transfer and can be performed in laboratories without developmental engineering expertise including micromanipulation techniques. However, the use of this method remains challenging in the case of large-fragment knock-in, such as gene expression cassettes. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) act as donor DNA for homologous recombination in infected cells, including rodent embryos. In this study, we demonstrated simultaneous electroporation of AAV donors and CRISPR/Cas9 components into embryos to create knock-in animals, and successfully generated knock-in rats carrying a gene cassette with a length of 3.0 kb using a small number of animals and in situ electroporation. These findings indicate that this technique is an efficient high-throughput strategy for producing genetically modified rodents and may be applicable to other animal species.
Establishment of a repertoire of fertility associated sperm proteins and their differential abundance in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) with contrasting fertility
Authors: Kumaresan Arumugam , Sinha Manish Kumar , Paul Nilendu , Nag Pradeep , Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter , Kumar Rakesh , Datta Tirtha Kumar
Published: February 2023

Sperm harbours a wide range of proteins regulating their functions and fertility. In the present study, we made an effort to characterize and quantify the proteome of buffalo bull spermatozoa, and to identify fertility associated sperm proteins through comparative proteomics. Using high-throughput mass spectrometry platform, we identified 1305 proteins from buffalo spermatozoa and found that these proteins were mostly enriched in glycolytic process, mitochondrial respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein folding, spermatogenesis, sperm motility and sperm binding to zona pellucida (p < 7.74E−08) besides metabolic (p = 4.42E−31) and reactive oxygen species (p = 1.81E−30) pathways. Differential proteomic analysis revealed that 844 proteins were commonly expressed in spermatozoa from both the groups while 77 and 52 proteins were exclusively expressed in high- and low-fertile bulls, respectively. In low-fertile bulls, 75 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated and 176 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated; these proteins were highly enriched in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly (p = 2.63E−07) and flagellated sperm motility (p = 7.02E−05) processes besides oxidative phosphorylation pathway (p = 6.61E−15). The down regulated proteins in low-fertile bulls were involved in sperm motility, metabolism, sperm-egg recognition and fertilization. These variations in the sperm proteome could be used as potential markers for the selection of buffalo bulls for fertility.
Whole-body adipose tissue multi-omic analyses in sheep reveal molecular mechanisms underlying local adaptation to extreme environments
Authors: Xu Ya-Xi , Wang Bo , Jing Jia-Nan , Ma Rui , Luo Yan-Hui , Li Xin , Yan Ze , Liu Ya-Jing , Gao Lei , Ren Yan-Ling , Li Meng-Hua , Lv Feng-Hua
Published: February 2023

The fat tail of sheep is an important organ that has evolved to adapt to extreme environments. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the fat tail phenotype remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize transcriptome and lipidome profiles and morphological changes in 250 adipose tissues from two thin-tailed and three fat-tailed sheep populations in summer and winter. We implement whole-genome selective sweep tests to identify genetic variants related to fat-tails. We identify a set of functional genes that show differential expression in the tail fat of fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep in summer and winter. These genes are significantly enriched in pathways, such as lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, molecular transport, and inflammatory response. In contrast to thin-tailed sheep, tail fat from fat-tailed sheep show slighter changes in adipocyte size, ECM remodeling, and lipid metabolism, and had less inflammation in response to seasonal changes, indicating improved homeostasis. Whole-genome selective sweep tests identify genes involved in preadipocyte commitment (e.g., BMP2, PDGFD) and terminal adipogenic differentiation (e.g., VEGFA), which could contribute to enhanced adipocyte hyperplasia. Altogether, we establish a model of regulatory networks regulating adipose homeostasis in sheep tails. These findings improve our understanding of how adipose homeostasis is maintained, in response to extreme environments in animals.
European tree-ring isotopes indicate unusual recent hydroclimate
Authors: Freund Mandy B. , Helle Gerhard , Balting Daniel F. , Ballis Natasha , Schleser Gerhard H. , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, Europe has experienced more frequent flood and drought events. However, little is known about the long-term, spatiotemporal hydroclimatic changes across Europe. Here we present a climate field reconstruction spanning the entire European continent based on tree-ring stable isotopes. A pronounced seasonal consistency in climate response across Europe leads to a unique, well-verified spatial field reconstruction of European summer hydroclimate back to AD 1600. We find three distinct phases of European hydroclimate variability as possible fingerprints of solar activity (coinciding with the Maunder Minimum and the end of the Little Ice Age) and pronounced decadal variability superimposed by a long-term drying trend from the mid-20th century. We show that the recent European summer drought (2015–2018) is highly unusual in a multi-century context and unprecedented for large parts of central and western Europe. The reconstruction provides further evidence of European summer droughts potentially being influenced by anthropogenic warming and draws attention to regional differences.
Strategies to quench quantum tunneling of magnetization in lanthanide single molecule magnets
Authors: Swain Abinash , Sharma Tanu , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: February 2023

Various strategies to quell QTM effects in Lanthanide SMMs were discussed. These include the role of (i) symmetry, (ii) super-exchange coupling, (iii) direct exchange coupling, (iv) external stimuli, and (v) toroidal moments.
Multiresonant TADF materials: triggering the reverse intersystem crossing to alleviate the efficiency roll-off in OLEDs
Authors: Naveen Kenkera Rayappa , Palanisamy Paramasivam , Chae Mi Young , Kwon Jang Hyuk
Published: February 2023

Multi-resonant thermally activated delayed fluorescent (MR-TADF) materials with boosting rate of Reverse Intersystem Crossing, subsequently alleviating External Quantum Efficiency roll off in OLEDs were discussed.
Modeling the effect of chirality on thermal transport in a pillared-graphene structure
Authors: Panneerselvam Vivekkumar , Anandakrishnan Abhijith , Sathian Sarith P
Published: February 2023

The anisotropic heat transport in pillared-graphene systems exhibits a strong dependence on the atomic arrangement and spatial orientation at the graphene–CNT interface.
NaBiF4:Yb3+,Tm3+submicron particles as luminescent probes forin vitroimaging of cells
Authors: Bungla Manisha , Chowdhari Shruti , Shanu Mohd , Pragya Pragya , Perumal Vivekanandan , Prakash G. Vijaya , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: February 2023

Lanthanide based upconversion materials have gained interest due to narrow band emissions, large anti-stokes shift, excellent photostability and low cytotoxicity.
The application of QM/MM simulations in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Bramley Gabriel Adrian , Beynon Owain Tomos , Stishenko Pavel Viktorovich , Logsdail Andrew James
Published: February 2023

The QM/MM simulation method is applied to a range processes and systems relevant to heterogeneous catalysis, where an interplay of an extensive environment and local reactive interactions drives a process of interest through a funnel on a complex energy landscape.
A theoretical study on the line defects in β12-borophene: enhanced direct-current and alternating-current conductances
Authors: Liang Jianxin , Wang Yue , Yang Zhi , Xu Li-Chun , Xue Lin , Liu Ruiping , Liu Xuguang
Published: February 2023

Both the direct-current and alternating-current conductances can be enhanced by the line defects in β12-borophene, but the mechanisms are different.
Experimental and computational insights into luminescence in atomically precise bimetallic Au6−nCun(MPA)5 (n = 0–2) clusters
Authors: Devi Aarti , Seksaria Harshita , Bain Dipankar , Kolay Sarita , Rashi  , De Sarkar Abir , Patra Amitava
Published: February 2023

Bimetallic nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a new class of luminescent materials for potential applications in sensing, bio-imaging, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Modification of In2O3 by electronic promoters to regulate electron transfer behavior of CO2/H2O adsorption and the selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Hong , Wang Zhongming , Xiao Mingquan , Zhang Zizhong , Fu Xianzhi , Dai Wenxin
Published: February 2023

Based on the electron transfer behavior of H2O adsorption, H2O participates in the CO2 reduction in the form of *H species and H+ ions over F–In2O3(B) and NH2–In2O3(B) samples, respectively.
Dysregulation of gut health in zebrafish by differentially charged nanoplastic exposure: an integrated analysis of histopathology, immunology, and microbial informatics
Authors: Xu Zhimin , Zhang Yuxue , Xu Zhihao , Zhong Yuming , Wang Lei , Liu Chunguang , Chen Ailing , Jiang Shanyu , Sun Weimin , Yu Guohui , Li Yanling , Li Chengzhang , Wang Yifan , Yu Renqiang , Zhang Le
Published: February 2023

The gut damage and microflora disturbance caused by NP intake significantly depended on their surface functional groups.
Recent developments of MXene-based catalysts for hydrogen production by water splitting
Authors: Shuai Ting-Yu , Zhan Qi-Ni , Xu Hui-Min , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Li Gao-Ren
Published: February 2023

In the application of electrolytic water splitting, MXenes can achieve performance optimization by doping, surface functional group regulation, construction of defect/vacancy, 3D/porous structure, or compounding with other materials.
Defluorophosphorylation of fluoroalkyl peroxides for the synthesis of highly substituted furans
Authors: Chu Xue-Qiang , Cai Song-Zhou , Chen Jia-Wei , Yu Zi-Lun , Ma Mengtao , Walsh Patrick J. , Shen Zhi-Liang
Published: February 2023

A highly tunable defluorophosphorylation of fluorinated peroxides for the preparation of C3,4-diphosphoryl furans and C4-monophosphoryl furans under conditions with no added transition metals is disclosed.
Compartmentalization of a synergistic fungal-bacterial consortium to boost lactic acid conversion from lignocellulose via consolidated bioprocessing
Authors: Jiang Yujia , Liu Yansong , Yang Xinyi , Pan Runze , Mou Lu , Jiang Wankui , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Min
Published: February 2023

A simplified aerobic fungal and facultative bacterial consortium can co-exist owing to the different oxygen spatial niches created by the biofilm system, achieving efficient lactic acid production from cellulose via CBP.
Efficient synthesis of 5-methyl-2-furancarboxylic acid via selective hydrogenolysis of bio-renewable 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid on Pd/C catalysts at ambient temperature
Authors: Xu Xuechen , Hong Cheng-Bin , Liu Haichao
Published: February 2023

5-Methyl-2-furancarboxylic acid has been efficiently synthesized by a novel approach via the selective hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid on Pd/C at ambient temperature.
Spectral library transfer between distinct laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy systems trained on simultaneous measurements
Authors: Vrábel J. , Képeš E. , Nedělník P. , Buday J. , Cempírek J. , Pořízka P. , Kaiser J.
Published: February 2023

Artificial neural networks-based methodology to transfer spectra between distinct LIBS systems, trained on simultaneous measurements.
Advances in droplet digital polymerase chain reaction on microfluidic chips
Authors: Xu Danfeng , Zhang Weifei , Li Hongmei , Li Nan , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: February 2023

This graphic includes droplet generation methods, thermal cycle strategies, signal counting approaches, and the applications in the fields of single-cell analysis, disease diagnosis, bacteria detection, and virus detection.
Biofabrication of vascularized adipose tissues and their biomedical applications
Authors: Karanfil Aslı Sena , Louis Fiona , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: February 2023

Perspective possibilities for a perfect model for vascularized adipose tissue including cells and vascular structure as significant components for vascularized and functional adipose tissue. This model can then be implanted or used for drug discovery and disease screening.
Gelation-induced enhanced emission active stimuli-responsive low-molecular-weight organogelator: dual-channel recognition of cyanide from water and food samples with superhydrophobic surface formation
Authors: Debsharma Kingshuk , Dey Sunanda , Arya Jyothibabu Sajila , Das Krishna Sundar , Sinha Chittaranjan , Prasad Edamana
Published: February 2023

A mechano–thermo-responsive and superhydrophobic GIEEgen for dual-channel cyanide sensing from real-world water and food samples is reported.
Imaging of Al3+in plant roots by the interaction with a bisphenol A-based chemosensor
Authors: Bari Sibshankar , Mridha Deepanjan , Ghosh Sneha , Ghosh Pritam , Roychowdhury Tarit , Roy Partha
Published: February 2023

A Schiff-base molecule (H4L) derived from bisphenol A is a selective and sensitive chemosensor for Al3+and is used in the imaging of the cations in plant roots.
Site-selective functionalization of in-plane nanoelectrode-antennas
Authors: Ochs Maximilian , Jucker Laurent , Rödel Maximilian , Emmerling Monika , Kullock René , Pflaum Jens , Mayor Marcel , Hecht Bert
Published: February 2023

Site-selective functionalization of nanoscale metal electrodes with different self-assembled monolayers is paving the road for laterally arranged optoelectronic devices based on selectively engineered nanoscale interfaces.