bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Atlantic major hurricane frequency since the late-19th century
Authors: Vecchi Gabriel A. , Landsea Christopher , Zhang Wei , Villarini Gabriele , Knutson Thomas
Published: July 2021

Atlantic hurricanes are a major hazard to life and property, and a topic of intense scientific interest. Historical changes in observing practices limit the utility of century-scale records of Atlantic major hurricane frequency. To evaluate past changes in frequency, we have here developed a homogenization method for Atlantic hurricane and major hurricane frequency over 1851–2019. We find that recorded century-scale increases in Atlantic hurricane and major hurricane frequency, and associated decrease in USA hurricanes strike fraction, are consistent with changes in observing practices and not likely a true climate trend. After homogenization, increases in basin-wide hurricane and major hurricane activity since the 1970s are not part of a century-scale increase, but a recovery from a deep minimum in the 1960s–1980s. We suggest internal (e.g., Atlantic multidecadal) climate variability and aerosol-induced mid-to-late-20th century major hurricane frequency reductions have probably masked century-scale greenhouse-gas warming contributions to North Atlantic major hurricane frequency.
Targeting KRAS4A splicing through the RBM39/DCAF15 pathway inhibits cancer stem cells
Authors: Chen Wei-Ching , To Minh D. , Westcott Peter M. K. , Delrosario Reyno , Kim Il-Jin , Philips Mark , Tran Quan , Bollam Saumya R. , Goodarzi Hani , Bayani Nora , Mirzoeva Olga , Balmain Allan
Published: July 2021

The commonly mutated human KRAS oncogene encodes two distinct KRAS4A and KRAS4B proteins generated by differential splicing. We demonstrate here that coordinated regulation of both isoforms through control of splicing is essential for development of Kras mutant tumors. The minor KRAS4A isoform is enriched in cancer stem-like cells, where it responds to hypoxia, while the major KRAS4B is induced by ER stress. KRAS4A splicing is controlled by the DCAF15/RBM39 pathway, and deletion of KRAS4A or pharmacological inhibition of RBM39 using Indisulam leads to inhibition of cancer stem cells. Our data identify existing clinical drugs that target KRAS4A splicing, and suggest that levels of the minor KRAS4A isoform in human tumors can be a biomarker of sensitivity to some existing cancer therapeutics.
Sphingolipids mediate polar sorting of PIN2 through phosphoinositide consumption at the trans-Golgi network
Authors: Ito Yoko , Esnay Nicolas , Platre Matthieu Pierre , Wattelet-Boyer Valérie , Noack Lise C. , Fougère Louise , Menzel Wilhelm , Claverol Stéphane , Fouillen Laetitia , Moreau Patrick , Jaillais Yvon , Boutté Yohann
Published: July 2021

The lipid composition of organelles acts as a landmark to define membrane identity and specify subcellular function. Phosphoinositides are anionic lipids acting in protein sorting and trafficking at thetrans-Golgi network (TGN). In animal cells, sphingolipids control the turnover of phosphoinositides through lipid exchange mechanisms at endoplasmic reticulum/TGN contact sites. In this study, we discover a mechanism for how sphingolipids mediate phosphoinositide homeostasis at the TGN in plant cells. Using multiple approaches, we show that a reduction of the acyl-chain length of sphingolipids results in an increased level of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P or PI4P) at the TGN but not of other lipids usually coupled to PI4P during exchange mechanisms. We show that sphingolipids mediate Phospholipase C (PLC)-driven consumption of PI4P at the TGN rather than local PI4P synthesis and that this mechanism is involved in the polar sorting of the auxin efflux carrier PIN2 at the TGN. Together, our data identify a mode of action of sphingolipids in lipid interplay at the TGN during protein sorting.
Phonon-assisted up-conversion photoluminescence of quantum dots
Authors: Ye Zikang , Lin Xing , Wang Na , Zhou Jianhai , Zhu Meiyi , Qin Haiyan , Peng Xiaogang
Published: July 2021

Phonon-assisted up-conversion photoluminescence can boost energy of an emission photon to be higher than that of the excitation photon by absorbing vibration energy (or phonons) of the emitter. Here, up-conversion photoluminescence power-conversion efficiency (power ratio between the emission and excitation photons) for CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots is observed to be beyond unity. Instead of commonly known defect-assisted up-conversion photoluminescence for colloidal quantum dots, temperature-dependent measurements and single-dot spectroscopy reveal the up-conversion photoluminescence and conventional down-conversion photoluminescence share the same electron-phonon coupled electronic states. Ultrafast spectroscopy results imply the thermalized excitons for up-conversion photoluminescence form within 200 fs, which is 100,000 times faster than the radiative recombination rate of the exciton. Results suggest that colloidal quantum dots can be exploited as efficient, stable, and cost-effective emitters for up-conversion photoluminescence in various applications.
Large-area synthesis of nanoscopic catalyst-decorated conductive MOF film using microfluidic-based solution shearing
Authors: Kim Jin-Oh , Koo Won-Tae , Kim Hanul , Park Chungseong , Lee Taehoon , Hutomo Calvin Andreas , Choi Siyoung Q. , Kim Dong Soo , Kim Il-Doo , Park Steve
Published: July 2021

Conductive metal-organic framework (C-MOF) thin-films have a wide variety of potential applications in the field of electronics, sensors, and energy devices. The immobilization of various functional species within the pores of C-MOFs can further improve the performance and extend the potential applications of C-MOFs thin films. However, developing facile and scalable synthesis of high quality ultra-thin C-MOFs while simultaneously immobilizing functional species within the MOF pores remains challenging. Here, we develop microfluidic channel-embedded solution-shearing (MiCS) for ultra-fast (≤5 mm/s) and large-area synthesis of high quality nanocatalyst-embedded C-MOF thin films with thickness controllability down to tens of nanometers. The MiCS method synthesizes nanoscopic catalyst-embedded C-MOF particles within the microfluidic channels, and simultaneously grows catalyst-embedded C-MOF thin-film uniformly over a large area using solution shearing. The thin film displays high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensing properties at room temperature in air amongst two-dimensional materials, owing to the high surface area and porosity of the ultra-thin C-MOFs, and the catalytic activity of the nanoscopic catalysts embedded in the C-MOFs. Therefore, our method, i.e. MiCS, can provide an efficient way to fabricate highly active and conductive porous materials for various applications.
Germanium-lead perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Dexin , Zhang Guoling , Lai Runchen , Cheng Yao , Lian Yaxiao , Rao Min , Huo Dexuan , Lan Dongchen , Zhao Baodan , Di Dawei
Published: July 2021

Reducing environmental impact is a key challenge for perovskite optoelectronics, as most high-performance devices are based on potentially toxic lead-halide perovskites. For photovoltaic solar cells, tin-lead (Sn–Pb) perovskite materials provide a promising solution for reducing toxicity. However, Sn–Pb perovskites typically exhibit low luminescence efficiencies, and are not ideal for light-emitting applications. Here we demonstrate highly luminescent germanium-lead (Ge–Pb) perovskite films with photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (PLQEs) of up to ~71%, showing a considerable relative improvement of ~34% over similarly prepared Ge-free, Pb-based perovskite films. In our initial demonstration of Ge–Pb perovskite LEDs, we achieve external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to ~13.1% at high brightness (~1900 cd m−2), a step forward for reduced-toxicity perovskite LEDs. Our findings offer a new solution for developing eco-friendly light-emitting technologies based on perovskite semiconductors.
Rapid electron transfer via dynamic coordinative interaction boosts quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Jiang Long , Huang Hai-Hua , Han Zhiji , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: July 2021

The fulfillment of a high quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction presents a key challenge, which can be overcome by developing strategies for dynamic attachment between photosensitizer and catalyst. In this context, we exploit the use of coordinate bond to connect a pyridine-appended iridium photosensitizer and molecular catalysts for CO2 reduction, which is systematically demonstrated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance titration, theoretical calculations, and spectroscopic measurements. The mechanistic investigations reveal that the coordinative interaction between the photosensitizer and an unmodified cobalt phthalocyanine significantly accelerates the electron transfer and thus realizes a remarkable quantum efficiency of 10.2% ± 0.5% at 450 nm for photocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion with a turn-over number of 391 ± 7 and nearly complete selectivity, over 4 times higher than a comparative system with no additional interaction (2.4%±0.2%). Moreover, the decoration of electron-donating amino groups on cobalt phthalocyanine can optimize the quantum efficiency up to 27.9% ± 0.8% at 425 nm, which is more attributable to the enhanced coordinative interaction rather than the intrinsic activity. The control experiments demonstrate that the dynamic feature of coordinative interaction is important to prevent the coordination occupancy of labile sites, also enabling the wide applicability on diverse non-noble-metal catalysts.
Artificial generation of representative single Li-ion electrode particle architectures from microscopy data
Authors: Furat Orkun , Petrich Lukas , Finegan Donal P. , Diercks David , Usseglio-Viretta Francois , Smith Kandler , Schmidt Volker
Published: July 2021

Accurately capturing the architecture of single lithium-ion electrode particles is necessary for understanding their performance limitations and degradation mechanisms through multi-physics modeling. Information is drawn from multimodal microscopy techniques to artificially generate LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 particles with full sub-particle grain detail. Statistical representations of particle architectures are derived from X-ray nano-computed tomography data supporting an ‘outer shell’ model, and sub-particle grain representations are derived from focused-ion beam electron backscatter diffraction data supporting a ‘grain’ model. A random field model used to characterize and generate the outer shells, and a random tessellation model used to characterize and generate grain architectures, are combined to form a multi-scale model for the generation of virtual electrode particles with full-grain detail. This work demonstrates the possibility of generating representative single electrode particle architectures for modeling and characterization that can guide synthesis approaches of particle architectures with enhanced performance.
Malian adults maintain serologic responses to virulent PfEMP1s amid seasonal patterns of fluctuation
Authors: Ventimiglia Noah T. , Stucke Emily M. , Coulibaly Drissa , Berry Andrea A. , Lyke Kirsten E. , Laurens Matthew B. , Bailey Jason A. , Adams Matthew , Niangaly Amadou , Kone Abdoulaye K. , Takala-Harrison Shannon , Kouriba Bourema , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Felgner Phillip L. , Plowe Christopher V. , Thera Mahamadou A. , Travassos Mark A.
Published: July 2021

Plasmodium falciparumerythrocyte membrane protein-1s (PfEMP1s), diverse malaria proteins expressed on the infected erythrocyte surface, play an important role in pathogenesis, mediating adhesion to host vascular endothelium. Antibodies to particular non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s are associated with protection against severe disease. We hypothesized that given lifelongP. falciparumexposure, Malian adults would have broad PfEMP1 serorecognition and high seroreactivity levels during follow-up, particularly to non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s such as those that attach to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Using a protein microarray, we determined serologic responses to 166 reference PfEMP1 fragments during a dry and subsequent malaria transmission season in Malian adults. Malian adult sera had PfEMP1 serologic responses throughout the year, with decreased reactivity to a small subset of PfEMP1 fragments during the dry season and increases in reactivity to a different subset of PfEMP1 fragments during the subsequent peak malaria transmission season, especially for intracellular PfEMP1 domains. For some individuals, PfEMP1 serologic responses increased after the dry season, suggesting antigenic switching during asymptomatic infection. Adults were more likely to experience variable serorecognition of CD36-binding PfEMP1s than non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s that bind EPCR or ICAM-1, which remained serorecognized throughout the year. Sustained seroreactivity to non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s throughout adulthood amid seasonal fluctuation patterns may reflect underlying protective severe malaria immunity and merits further investigation.
The foggy effect of egocentric distance in a nonverbal paradigm
Authors: Dong Bo , Chen Airui , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Ming , Zhang Tianyang
Published: July 2021

Inaccurate egocentric distance and speed perception are two main explanations for the high accident rate associated with driving in foggy weather. The effect of foggy weather on speed has been well studied. However, its effect on egocentric distance perception is poorly understood. The paradigm for measuring perceived egocentric distance in previous studies was verbal estimation instead of a nonverbal paradigm. In the current research, a nonverbal paradigm, the visual matching task, was used. Our results from the nonverbal task revealed a robust foggy effect on egocentric distance. Observers overestimated the egocentric distance in foggy weather compared to in clear weather. The higher the concentration of fog, the more serious the overestimation. This effect of fog on egocentric distance was not limited to a certain distance range but was maintained in action space and vista space. Our findings confirm the foggy effect with a nonverbal paradigm and reveal that people may perceive egocentric distance more "accurately" in foggy weather than when it is measured with a verbal estimation task.
Implication of metabolic and dopamine transporter PET in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Kang Sung Woo , Jeon Seun , Lee Young-gun , Park Mincheol , Baik Kyoungwon , Jung Jin Ho , Chung Seok Jong , Yoo Han Soo , Jeong Seong Ho , Yun Mijin , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young H. , Evans Alan C. , Ye Byoung Seok
Published: July 2021

To evaluate the implication of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)- and dopamine transporter (DAT)-positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis and clinical symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 55 DLB patients and 49 controls underwent neuropsychological evaluation and FDG-, DAT-, and 18F-Florbetaben (FBB) PET. DAT- and FDG-uptake and FDG/DAT ratio were measured in the anterior and posterior striatum. The first principal component (PC1) of FDG subject residual profiles was identified for each subject. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for the diagnosis of DLB were performed using FDG- and DAT-PET biomarkers as predictors, and general linear models for motor severity and cognitive scores were performed adding FBB standardized uptake value ratio as a predictor. Increased metabolism in the bilateral putamen, vermis, and somato-motor cortices, which characterized PC1, was observed in the DLB group, compared to the control group. A combination of posterior putamen FDG/DAT ratio and PC1 showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (91.8% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity), which was significantly greater than that obtained by DAT uptake alone. Striatal DAT uptake and PC1 independently contributed to motor severity and language, memory, frontal/executive, and general cognitive dysfunction in DLB patients, while only PC1 contributed to attention and visuospatial dysfunction.
Ectoparasitic fungi Rickia wasmannii infection is associated with smaller body size in Myrmica ants
Authors: Csősz Sándor , Rádai Zoltán , Tartally András , Ballai Lilla Erika , Báthori Ferenc
Published: July 2021

Parasitism-generated negative effects on ant societies are multifaceted, implying individual and colony-level responses. Though laboratory based evidence shows that the sublethal fungus Rickia wasmannii is responsible for physiological and behavioral responses that may negatively affect individual workers’ resilience and life expectancy in Myrmica ant workers, colony-level stress response to this parasite is largely unknown. Here, we focus on understanding of a long-term, colony-level effect of Rickia infection on Myrmica scabrinodis ant populations by tracking trait size-based changes. We collected worker specimens from infected and uninfected colonies from the same population in order to: (1) compare body size in response to parasitism, (2) assess the extent to which possible changes in size are associated with the severity of infection, and (3) investigate shifts in body size in response to infection over time by testing correlation of workers’ ages and sizes. We found that workers from infected colonies were significantly smaller than their healthy congeners, but neither infection level nor the age of the workers showed significant correlation with the size in infected colonies. Decreasing body sizes in infected colonies can be ascribed to workers’ mediated effect toward developing larvae, which are unable to attain the average body size before they pupate.
Fluctuation and extinction of laminar diffusion flame induced by external acoustic wave and source
Authors: Xiong Caiyi , Liu Yanhui , Fan Haoran , Huang Xinyan , Nakamura Yuji
Published: July 2021

Acoustic wave can destabilize the flame and has a potential in firefighting, but the influences of the sound source and its frequency are still poorly understood. This work applies a loudspeaker to extinguish a laminar diffusion propane flame of 5–25 mm high, where the local sound frequency is 50–70 Hz and sound pressure is 0.8–3.2 Pa (92.0–104.1 dB). Results reveal a constant flame pulsating displacement at the extinction limit, independent of the sound environment used. Such a flame pulsating displacement is found to be caused by the motion of the speaker membrane (or diaphragm) and its induced wind, which could be two orders of magnitude larger than the displacement of the air that transmits acoustic wave. Thus, under the influence of sound source, a critical flame strain rate, stretched by the pulsating airflow, can be formulated to characterize the blow-off limit better than the local sound pressure. The sound source with a lower frequency can produce larger pulsating displacements of both membrane and flame, and thus promoting extinction. This work improves the understanding of flame dynamics under the external sound field and source, and it helps establish a scientific framework for acoustic-based fire suppression technologies.
Compact spectroscopy of keV to MeV X-rays from a laser wakefield accelerator
Authors: Hannasch A. , Laso Garcia A. , LaBerge M. , Zgadzaj R. , Köhler A. , Couperus Cabadağ J. P. , Zarini O. , Kurz T. , Ferrari A. , Molodtsova M. , Naumann L. , Cowan T. E. , Schramm U. , Irman A. , Downer M. C.
Published: July 2021

We reconstruct spectra of secondary X-rays from a tunable 250–350 MeV laser wakefield electron accelerator from single-shot X-ray depth-energy measurements in a compact (7.5 × 7.5 × 15 cm), modular X-ray calorimeter made of alternating layers of absorbing materials and imaging plates. X-rays range from few-keV betatron to few-MeV inverse Compton to > 100 MeV bremsstrahlung emission, and are characterized both individually and in mixtures. Geant4 simulations of energy deposition of single-energy X-rays in the stack generate an energy-vs-depth response matrix for a given stack configuration. An iterative reconstruction algorithm based on analytic models of betatron, inverse Compton and bremsstrahlung photon energy distributions then unfolds X-ray spectra, typically within a minute. We discuss uncertainties, limitations and extensions of both measurement and reconstruction methods.
Emotion knowledge, social behaviour and locomotor activity predict the mathematic performance in 706 preschool children
Authors: Cavadini Thalia , Richard Sylvie , Dalla-Libera Nathalie , Gentaz Edouard
Published: July 2021

What are the foundational abilities that young children must develop at the beginning of school for their future academic success? Little is known about how emotion knowledge, social behaviour, and locomotor activity are associated and how these abilities may be predictors of academic-mathematic performance (less correlated with the children’s SES than pre-reading and linguistic achievement) in a large cohort of preschool children. Here we show that emotion knowledge, locomotor activity, social behaviour, and academic-mathematic performance are interrelated in 706 French preschool children aged 3 to 6. Mediation analyses reveal that the increase in academic-mathematic performance is explained by the increases in emotion knowledge and social behaviour and, in turn, children with a greater comprehension of emotions tend to have better locomotor skills and higher academic-mathematic scores. Additionally, sequential mediation analysis reveals that the increase in emotion knowledge, locomotor activity and social behaviour partially explains the increase in academic-mathematic performance. These results are discussed in relation to three possible mechanisms. Our findings are consistent with the political and scientific consensus on the importance of social-emotional abilities in the academic world at the beginning of school and suggest adding locomotor activity to these foundational abilities.
Dentate granule cells encode auditory decisions after reinforcement learning in rats
Authors: Shen Jia , Yao Pan-Tong , Ge Shaoyu , Xiong Qiaojie
Published: July 2021

Auditory-cued goal-oriented behaviors requires the participation of cortical and subcortical brain areas, but how neural circuits associate sensory-based decisions with goal locations through learning remains poorly understood. The hippocampus is critical for spatial coding, suggesting its possible involvement in transforming sensory inputs to the goal-oriented decisions. Here, we developed an auditory discrimination task in which rats learned to navigate to goal locations based on the frequencies of auditory stimuli. Using in vivo calcium imaging in freely behaving rats over the course of learning, we found that dentate granule cells became more active, spatially tuned, and responsive to task-related variables as learning progressed. Furthermore, only after task learning, the activity of dentate granule cell ensembles represented the navigation path and predicts auditory decisions as early as when rats began to approach the goals. Finally, chemogenetic silencing of dentate gyrus suppressed task learning. Our results demonstrate that dentate granule cells gain task-relevant firing pattern through reinforcement learning and could be a potential link of sensory decisions to spatial navigation.
Resistance to permethrin alters the gut microbiota of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Muturi Ephantus J. , Dunlap Christopher , Smartt Chelsea T. , Shin Dongyoung
Published: July 2021

Insecticide resistance has emerged as a persistent threat to the fight against vector-borne diseases. We compared the gut microbiota of permethrin-selected (PS) strain of Aedes aegypti relative to the parent (KW) strain from Key West, Florida. Bacterial richness but not diversity was significantly higher in PS strain compared to KW strain. The two mosquito strains also differed in their gut microbial composition. Cutibacterium spp., Corynebacterium spp., Citricoccus spp., Leucobacter spp., Acinetobacter spp., Dietzia spp., and Anaerococcus spp. were more abundant in PS strain than in KW strain. In contrast, Sphingomonas spp., Aquabacterium spp., Methylobacterium spp., Flavobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Burkholderiaceae and unclassified Nostocaceae were more abundant in KW strain compared to PS strain. PS strain was enriched with propionate metabolizers, selenate reducers, and xylan, chitin, and chlorophenol degraders while KW strain was enriched with sulfur oxidizers, sulfur metabolizers, sulfate reducers and naphthalene and aromatic hydrocarbons degraders. These findings demonstrate an association between the gut microbiota and insecticide resistance in an important vector species and sets the foundation for future studies to investigate the contribution of gut microbiota to evolution of insecticide resistance in disease vectors.
Facile one-pot synthesis of CuCN by pulsed laser ablation in nitrile solvents and mechanistic studies using quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Begildayeva Talshyn , Ahn Ahreum , Naik Shreyanka Shankar , Lee Seung Jun , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Kim Tae Ho , Choi Myong Yong
Published: July 2021

Binding energies of different nitrile solvents and their utilization for CuCN formation were investigated through quantum chemical calculations. A pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) method for CuCN synthesis was developed herein. Initially, the interaction between the pulsed laser and the Cu-target generated Cu-ions and electrons at the point of contact. The laser beam also exhibited sufficient energy to dissociate the bonds of the respective solvents. In the case of acetonitrile, the oxidized Cu-ions bonded with CN− to produce CuCN with a cube-like surface structure. Other nitrile solvents generated spherically-shaped Cu@graphitic carbon (Cu@GC) nanoparticles. Thus, the production of CuCN was favorable only in acetonitrile due to the availability of the cyano group immediately after the fragmentation of acetonitrile (CH3+ and CN−) under PLAL. Conversely, propionitrile and butyronitrile released large amounts of hydrocarbons, which deposited on Cu NPs surface to form GC layers. Following the encapsulation of Cu NPs with carbon shells, further interaction with the cyano group was not possible. Subsequently, theoretical study on the binding energies of nitrile solvents was confirmed by highly correlated basic sets of B3LYP and MP2 which results were consistent with the experimental outcomes. The findings obtained herein could be utilized for the development of novel metal–polymer materials.
Transurethral versus suprapubic catheterization to test urethral function in rats
Authors: Janssen Kristine , Deng Kangli , Majerus Steve J. A. , Lin Dan Li , Hanzlicek Brett , Butler Robert S. , van der Vaart Carl H. , Damaser Margot S.
Published: July 2021

Transurethral and suprapubic catheterization have both been used to test urethral function in rats; however, it is unknown whether these methods affect urethral function or if the order of catheterization affects the results. The aim of this cross-over designed experiment was to compare the effects of catheterization methods and order on leak point pressure (LPP) testing. LPP and simultaneous external urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS EMG) were recorded in anesthetized female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats in a cross-over design to test the effects of transurethral and suprapubic catheterization. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure during LPP testing whether measured with a transurethral or suprapubic catheter. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure between the first and second catheter insertions. However, peak EMG firing rate, as well as peak EMG amplitude and EMG amplitude difference between peak and baseline were significantly higher after the first catheter insertion compared to the second insertion, regardless of the catheter method. Our results suggest that route of catheterization does not alter urethral function, e.g. create a functional partial outlet obstruction. Either catheterization method could be used for LPP and/or EUS EMG testing in rats.
The role of spatial frequencies for facial pain categorization
Authors: Charbonneau Isabelle , Guérette Joël , Cormier Stéphanie , Blais Caroline , Lalonde-Beaudoin Guillaume , Smith Fraser W. , Fiset Daniel
Published: July 2021

Studies on low-level visual information underlying pain categorization have led to inconsistent findings. Some show an advantage for low spatial frequency information (SFs) and others a preponderance of mid SFs. This study aims to clarify this gap in knowledge since these results have different theoretical and practical implications, such as how far away an observer can be in order to categorize pain. This study addresses this question by using two complementary methods: a data-driven method without a priori expectations about the most useful SFs for pain recognition and a more ecological method that simulates the distance of stimuli presentation. We reveal a broad range of important SFs for pain recognition starting from low to relatively high SFs and showed that performance is optimal in a short to medium distance (1.2–4.8 m) but declines significantly when mid SFs are no longer available. This study reconciles previous results that show an advantage of LSFs over HSFs when using arbitrary cutoffs, but above all reveal the prominent role of mid-SFs for pain recognition across two complementary experimental tasks.
Identification and characterization of a novel Epstein-Barr Virus-encoded circular RNA from LMP-2 Gene
Authors: Tan Ke-En , Ng Wei Lun , Marinov Georgi K. , Yu Ken Hung-On , Tan Lu Ping , Liau Ee Shan , Goh Sook Yan , Yeo Kok Siong , Yip Kevin Y. , Lo Kwok-Wai , Khoo Alan Soo-Beng , Yap Lee-Fah , Ea Chee-Kwee , Lim Yat-Yuen
Published: July 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been recently found to generate novel circular RNAs (circRNAs) through backsplicing. However, comprehensive catalogs of EBV circRNAs in other cell lines and their functional characterization are still lacking. In this study, we have identified a list of putative EBV circRNAs in GM12878, an EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line, with a significant majority encoded from the EBV latent genes. A novel EBV circRNA derived from the exon 5 of LMP-2 gene which exhibited highest prevalence, was further validated using RNase R assay and Sanger sequencing. This circRNA, which we term circLMP-2_e5, can be universally detected in a panel of EBV-positive cell lines modelling different latency programs. It ranges from lower expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells to higher expression in B cells, and is localized to both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. We provide evidence that circLMP-2_e5 is expressed concomitantly with its cognate linear LMP-2 RNA upon EBV lytic reactivation, and may be produced as a result of exon skipping, with its circularization possibly occurring without the involvement of cis elements in the short flanking introns. Furthermore, we show that circLMP-2_e5 is not involved in regulating cell proliferation, host innate immune response, its linear parental transcripts, or EBV lytic reactivation. Taken together, our study expands the current repertoire of putative EBV circRNAs, broadens our understanding of the biology of EBV circRNAs, and lays the foundation for further investigation of their function in the EBV life cycle and disease development.
Biological scaling in green algae: the role of cell size and geometry
Authors: Bestová Helena , Segrestin Jules , von Schwartzenberg Klaus , Škaloud Pavel , Lenormand Thomas , Violle Cyrille
Published: July 2021

The Metabolic Scaling Theory (MST), hypothesizes limitations of resource-transport networks in organisms and predicts their optimization into fractal-like structures. As a result, the relationship between population growth rate and body size should follow a cross-species universal quarter-power scaling. However, the universality of metabolic scaling has been challenged, particularly across transitions from bacteria to protists to multicellulars. The population growth rate of unicellulars should be constrained by external diffusion, ruling nutrient uptake, and internal diffusion, operating nutrient distribution. Both constraints intensify with increasing size possibly leading to shifting in the scaling exponent. We focused on unicellular algae Micrasterias. Large size and fractal-like morphology make this species a transitional group between unicellular and multicellular organisms in the evolution of allometry. We tested MST predictions using measurements of growth rate, size, and morphology-related traits. We showed that growth scaling of Micrasterias follows MST predictions, reflecting constraints by internal diffusion transport. Cell fractality and density decrease led to a proportional increase in surface area with body mass relaxing external constraints. Complex allometric optimization enables to maintain quarter-power scaling of population growth rate even with a large unicellular plan. Overall, our findings support fractality as a key factor in the evolution of biological scaling.
The immunoregulatory function of peripheral blood CD71+ erythroid cells in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Kanemasa Hikaru , Ishimura Masataka , Eguchi Katsuhide , Tanaka Tamami , Nanishi Etsuro , Shiraishi Akira , Goto Motohiro , Motomura Yoshitomo , Ohga Shouichi
Published: July 2021

CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) are recognized to have an immunoregulatory function via direct cell–cell interaction and soluble mediators. Circulating CECs appear in newborns or patients with hemolytic and cardiopulmonary disorders. To assess the biological role of CECs in systemic inflammation, we studied the gene expression and function in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SoJIA patients expressed upregulated erythropoiesis-related genes. It represented the largest expansion of CECs during active phase SoJIA among other inflammatory diseases. Despite the opposing roles of erythropoietin and hepcidin in erythropoiesis, both serum levels were in concert with the amounts of SoJIA-driven CECs. Circulating CECs counts in inflammatory diseases were positively correlated with the levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-18, or soluble TNF receptors. Co-culture with active SoJIA-driven CECs suppressed secretions of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 from healthy donor monocytes. The top upregulated gene in SoJIA-driven CECs was ARG2 compared with CECs from cord blood controls, although cytokine production from monocytes was suppressed by co-culture, even with an arginase inhibitor. CECs are driven to the periphery during the acute phase of SoJIA at higher levels than other inflammatory diseases. Circulating CECs may control excessive inflammation via the immunoregulatory pathways, partly involving arginase-2.
Benchmarking germline CNV calling tools from exome sequencing data
Authors: Gordeeva Veronika , Sharova Elena , Babalyan Konstantin , Sultanov Rinat , Govorun Vadim M. , Arapidi Georgij
Published: July 2021

Whole-exome sequencing is an attractive alternative to microarray analysis because of the low cost and potential ability to detect copy number variations (CNV) of various sizes (from 1–2 exons to several Mb). Previous comparison of the most popular CNV calling tools showed a high portion of false-positive calls. Moreover, due to a lack of a gold standard CNV set, the results are limited and incomparable. Here, we aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of tools capable of germline CNV calling available at the moment using a single CNV standard and reference sample set. Compiling variants from previous studies with Bayesian estimation approach, we constructed an internal standard for NA12878 sample (pilot National Institute of Standards and Technology Reference Material) including 110,050 CNV or non-CNV exons. The standard was used to evaluate the performance of 16 germline CNV calling tools on the NA12878 sample and 10 correlated exomes as a reference set with respect to length distribution, concordance, and efficiency. Each algorithm had a certain range of detected lengths and showed low concordance with other tools. Most tools are focused on detection of a limited number of CNVs one to seven exons long with a false-positive rate below 50%. EXCAVATOR2, exomeCopy, and FishingCNV focused on detection of a wide range of variations but showed low precision. Upon unified comparison, the tools were not equivalent. The analysis performed allows choosing algorithms or ensembles of algorithms most suitable for a specific goal, e.g. population studies or medical genetics.
Optimization of the flow conditions in the spawning ground of the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) through Gezhouba Dam generating units
Authors: Huang Anyang , Yao Jinzhong , Zhu Jiazhi , Gao Xingchen , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2021

Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered species, and waters downstream from Gezhouba Dam are the only known spawning ground. To optimize the velocity conditions in the spawning ground by controlling the opening mode of Gezhouba Dam generator units, a mathematical model of Chinese sturgeon spawning ground was established in FLOW-3D. The model was evaluated with velocity measurements, and the results were determined to be in good agreement. By inverting the 2016–2019 field monitoring results, the model shows that the preferred velocity range for Chinese sturgeon spawning is 0.6–1.5 m/s. Velocity fields of different opening modes of the generator units were simulated with identical discharge. The suitable-velocity area was maximal when all units of Dajiang Plant of Gezhouba Dam were open. For discharges below 12,000 m3/s, most of the area was suitable; for discharges above 12,000 m3/s, the suitable area rapidly decreased with increasing discharge. A comparison of suitable areas under high-flow showed that at discharges of 12,000–15,000 m3/s, opening 11–13 units on the left side was optimal. For discharges above 15,000 m3/s, all units should be open. We used these results to recommend a new operation scheme to support the conservation of Chinese sturgeon.
Single cell RNA-seq reveals genes vital to in vitro fertilized embryos and parthenotes in pigs
Authors: Du Zhi-Qiang , Liang Hao , Liu Xiao-Man , Liu Yun-Hua , Wang Chonglong , Yang Cai-Xia
Published: July 2021

Successful early embryo development requires the correct reprogramming and configuration of gene networks by the timely and faithful execution of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). However, the regulatory principle of molecular elements and circuits fundamental to embryo development remains largely obscure. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of single zygotes and blastomeres, obtained from in vitro fertilized (IVF) or parthenogenetically activated (PA) porcine early embryos (1- to 8-cell), focusing on the gene expression dynamics and regulatory networks associated with maternal-to-zygote transition (MZT) (mainly maternal RNA clearance and ZGA). We found that minor and major ZGAs occur at 1-cell and 4-cell stages for both IVF and PA embryos, respectively. Maternal RNAs gradually decay from 1- to 8-cell embryos. Top abundantly expressed genes (CDV3, PCNA, CDR1, YWHAE, DNMT1, IGF2BP3, ARMC1, BTG4, UHRF2 and gametocyte-specific factor 1-like) in both IVF and PA early embryos identified are of vital roles for embryo development. Differentially expressed genes within IVF groups are different from that within PA groups, indicating bi-parental and maternal-only embryos have specific sets of mRNAs distinctly decayed and activated. Pathways enriched from DEGs showed that RNA associated pathways (RNA binding, processing, transport and degradation) could be important. Moreover, mitochondrial RNAs are found to be actively transcribed, showing dynamic expression patterns, and for DNA/H3K4 methylation and transcription factors as well. Taken together, our findings provide an important resource to investigate further the epigenetic and genome regulation of MZT events in early embryos of pigs.
Studying dynamic stress effects on the behaviour of THP-1 cells by microfluidic channels
Authors: Birol Semra Zuhal , Fucucuoglu Rana , Cadirci Sertac , Sayi-Yazgan Ayca , Trabzon Levent
Published: July 2021

Atherosclerosis is a long-term disease process of the vascular system that is characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which are inflammatory regions on medium and large-sized arteries. There are many factors contributing to plaque formation, such as changes in shear stress levels, rupture of endothelial cells, accumulation of lipids, and recruitment of leukocytes. Shear stress is one of the main factors that regulates the homeostasis of the circulatory system; therefore, sudden and chronic changes in shear stress may cause severe pathological conditions. In this study, microfluidic channels with cavitations were designed to mimic the shape of the atherosclerotic blood vessel, where the shear stress and pressure difference depend on design of the microchannels. Changes in the inflammatory-related molecules ICAM-1 and IL-8 were investigated in THP-1 cells in response to applied shear stresses in an continuous cycling system through microfluidic channels with periodic cavitations. ICAM-1 mRNA expression and IL-8 release were analyzed by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Additionally, the adhesion behavior of sheared THP-1 cells to endothelial cells was examined by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that 15 Pa shear stress significantly increases expression of ICAM-1 gene and IL-8 release in THP-1 cells, whereas it decreases the adhesion between THP-1 cells and endothelial cells.
A randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a Nurse Home Visiting Program for Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Fatori Daniel , Fonseca Zuccolo Pedro , Shephard Elizabeth , Brentani Helena , Matijasevich Alicia , Archanjo Ferraro Alexandre , Aparecida Fracolli Lislaine , Chiesa Anna Maria , Leckman James , Constantino Miguel Euripedes , V. Polanczyk Guilherme
Published: July 2021

To test the efficacy of a nurse home visiting program (HVP) on child development, maternal and environmental outcomes in the first years of life. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of Primeiros Laços, a nurse HVP for adolescent mothers living in a poor urban area of São Paulo, Brazil. Eighty adolescent mothers were included and randomized to receive either Primeiros Laços (intervention group, n = 40) or healthcare as usual (control group, n = 40). Primeiros Laços is a home visiting intervention delivered by trained nurses that starts during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy and continues to the child’s age of 24 months. Participants were assessed by blind interviewers at 8–16 weeks of pregnancy (baseline), 30 weeks of pregnancy, and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of child’s age. We assessed oscillatory power in the mid-range alpha frequency via electroencephalography when the children were aged 6 months. Child development was measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Third Edition (BSID-III). Weight and length were measured by trained professionals and anthropometric indexes were calculated. The home environment and maternal interaction with the child was measured by the Home Observation and Measurement of the Environment. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine intervention effects on the trajectories of outcomes. Standardized effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated using marginal means from endpoint assessments of all outcomes. The trial was registered at clinicaltrial.gov: NCT02807818. Our analyses showed significant positive effects of the intervention on child expressive language development (coefficient = 0.89, 95% CI [0.18, 1.61], p = 0.014), maternal emotional/verbal responsivity (coefficient = 0.97, 95% CI [0.37, 1.58], p = 0.002), and opportunities for variety in daily stimulation (coefficient = 0.37, 95% CI [0.09, 0.66], p = 0.009). Standardized effect sizes of the intervention were small to moderate. Primeiros Laços is a promising intervention to promote child development and to improve the home environment of low-income adolescent mothers. However, considering the limitations of our study, future studies should be conducted to assess Primeiros Laços potential to benefit this population.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered at clinicaltrial.gov (Registration date: 21/06/2016 and Registration number: NCT02807818).
Prognostic impact of hepatorenal function in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Tanaka Tetsu , Kavsur Refik , Sugiura Atsushi , Vogelhuber Johanna , Öztürk Can , Weber Marcel , Tiyerili Vedat , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Becher Marc Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Hepatorenal dysfunction is a strong risk factor in patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated the prognostic significance of hepatorenal dysfunction in 172 consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR). The model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score was calculated as 5.11 × ln(serum total bilirubin [mg/dl]) + 11.76 × ln(serum creatinine [mg/dl]) + 9.44. Patients were stratified into two groups: high (≥ 14) or low (< 14) MELD-XI score, according to the best cut-off value to predict a one-year composite outcome consisting of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization. Compared to patients with low MELD-XI score (n = 121), patients with high MELD-XI score (n = 51) had a higher incidence of the composite outcome (47.1% vs. 17.4%; p < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, the MELD-XI score was an independent predictor of the composite outcome (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.19; p = 0.0003). In addition, post-procedural TR < 3 + after TTVR was independently associated with a reduction in MELD-XI score six months after TTVR (adjusted odds ratio: 3.37; 95% CI 1.09–10.40; p = 0.03). Thus, the MELD-XI score was associated with the risk of one-year composite outcome, consisting of mortality and HF hospitalization, after TTVR and may help the risk stratification in patients undergoing TTVR.
Neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species promote tumor colonization
Authors: Zhong Jianghong , Li Qijing , Luo Huqiao , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: July 2021

A single-nucleotide polymorphism of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (Ncf1), leading to an impaired generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a causative genetic factor for autoimmune disease. To study a possible tumor protection effect by the Ncf1 mutation in a manner dependent on cell types, we used experimental mouse models of lung colonization assay by B16F10 melanoma cells. We observed fewer tumor foci in Ncf1 mutant mice, irrespective of αβT, γδT, B-cell deficiencies, or of a functional Ncf1 expression in CD68-positive monocytes/macrophages. The susceptibility to tumor colonization was restored by the human S100A8 (MRP8) promoter directing a functional Ncf1 expression to granulocytes. This effect was associated with an increase of both ROS and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) production from lung neutrophils. Moreover, neutrophil depletion by anti-Ly6G antibodies increased tumor colonization in wild type but failed in the Ncf1 mutant mice. In conclusion, tumor colonization is counteracted by ROS-activated and IL-1β-secreting tissue neutrophils.
Organic photostimulated luminescence associated with persistent spin-correlated radical pairs
Authors: Sakurai Manabu , Kabe Ryota , Fuki Masaaki , Lin Zesen , Jinnai Kazuya , Kobori Yasuhiro , Adachi Chihaya , Tachikawa Takashi
Published: July 2021

Photostimulated luminescence allows energy or data to be stored and released using electromagnetic waves as both the input and output, and has attracted considerable interest in the fields of biomedical and information technologies. However, this phenomenon is mostly limited to solid inorganic materials. Here, we report photostimulated luminescence from purely organic blend films, composed of electron donor, acceptor, and trap/emitter molecules. Charges in the films are accumulated as radical ions by ultraviolet light irradiation and then extracted by near-infrared light irradiation. Even after storage in the dark for one week they produce visible light with good repeatability, color tunability, and are responsive to weak external magnetic fields. These findings might broadly impact existing applications and provide new prospects for innovative flexible devices.