bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beam‐Driven Electron Cyclotron Harmonic and Electron Acoustic Waves as Seen in Particle‐In‐Cell Simulations
Authors: Zhang Xu , An Xin , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Artemyev Anton , Zhang Xiao‐Jia , Jia Ying‐Dong
Published: May 2024

Recent study has demonstrated that electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can be excited by a low energy electron beam. Such waves propagate at moderately oblique wave normal angles (∼70°). The potential effects of beam‐driven ECH waves on electron dynamics in Earth's plasma sheet is not known. Using two‐dimensional Darwin particle‐in‐cell simulations with initial electron distributions that represent typical plasma conditions in the plasma sheet, we explore the excitation and saturation of such beam‐driven ECH waves. Both ECH and electron acoustic waves are excited in the simulation and propagate at oblique wave normal angles. Compared with the electron acoustic waves, ECH waves grow much faster and have more intense saturation amplitudes. Cold, stationary electrons are first accelerated by ECH waves through cyclotron resonance and then accelerated in the parallel direction by both the ECH and electron acoustic waves through Landau resonance. Beam electrons, on the other hand, are decelerated in the parallel direction and scattered to larger pitch angles. The relaxation of the electron beam and the continuous heating of the cold electrons contribute to ECH wave saturation and suppress the excitation of electron acoustic waves. When the ratio of plasma to electron cyclotron frequency ωpe/ωce increases, the ECH wave amplitude increases while the electron acoustic wave amplitude decreases. Our work reveals the importance of ECH and electron acoustic waves in reshaping sub‐thermal electron distributions and improves our understanding on the potential effects of wave‐particle interactions in trapping ionospheric electron outflows and forming anisotropic (field‐aligned) electron distributions in the plasma sheet.
Field Line Curvature (FLC) Scattering in the Dayside Off‐Equatorial Minima Regions
Authors: Cai Bin , Zhu Hui
Published: May 2024

Magnetic field line curvature (FLC) scattering is an effective mechanism for collisionless particle scattering. In the terrestrial magnetosphere, the FLC scattering plays an essential role in shaping the outer boundary of protons radiation belt, the rapid decay of ring current, and the formation of proton isotropic boundary (IB). However, previous studies have yet to adequately investigate the influence of FLC scattering on charged particles in the Earth's dayside magnetosphere, particularly in the off‐equatorial magnetic minima regions. This study employs T89 magnetic field model to investigate the impacts of FLC scattering on ring current protons in the dayside magnetosphere, with a specific focus on the off‐equatorial minimum regions. We analyze the spatial distributions of single and dual magnetic minima regions, adiabatic parameter, and pitch angle diffusion coefficients due to FLC scattering as functions of Kp. The results show that the effects of FLC scattering are significant not only on the dusk and dawn sides but also in the off‐equatorial minima regions on the noon. Additionally, we investigate the role of dipole tilt angle in the hemispheric asymmetry of FLC scattering effects. The dipole tilt angle controls the overall displacement of the dayside magnetosphere, resulting in different FLC scattering effects in the two hemispheres. Our study holds significance for understanding the FLC scattering effects in the off‐equatorial region of Earth's dayside magnetosphere and for constructing a more accurate dynamic model of particles.
Estimation of the Contribution of the Ionospheric D Region to the TEC Value During a Series of Solar Flares in September 2017
Authors: Bekker S. Z. , Ryakhovsky I. A.
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the results of a numerical assessment of the contribution of the ionospheric D region to the total electron content during six powerful X‐ray flares that occurred in September 2017. The calculation of the electron concentration in the lower ionosphere was carried out using a plasma‐chemical model of the ionospheric D region. This model was verified using the data of ground‐based radiophysical measurements in the VLF (very low frequency) range and data of the incoherent scattering radar. To calculate the ionization rate at the D region heights, we used real data on the radiation flux measured by the GOES and SDO satellites during the considered flares. The total electron content was estimated using GNSS data. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the contribution of the lower ionosphere to the TEC change varied from 7% to 23% for flares with different spectra. A functional dependency has been obtained that can be used to estimate the contribution of the D region to the TEC increment depending on the spectrum of the flare.
Local and global effects of sedation in resting-state fMRI: a randomized, placebo-controlled comparison between etifoxine and alprazolam
Authors: Wein Simon , Riebel Marco , Seidel Philipp , Brunner Lisa-Marie , Wagner Viola , Nothdurfter Caroline , Rupprecht Rainer , Schwarzbach Jens V.
Published: May 2024

TSPO ligands are promising alternatives to benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety, as they display less pronounced side effects such as sedation, cognitive impairment, tolerance development and abuse potential. In a randomized double-blind repeated-measures study we compare a benzodiazepine (alprazolam) to a TSPO ligand (etifoxine) by assessing side effects and acquiring resting-state fMRI data from 34 healthy participants after 5 days of taking alprazolam, etifoxine or a placebo. To study the effects of the pharmacological interventions in fMRI in detail and across different scales, we combine in our study complementary analysis strategies related to whole-brain functional network connectivity, local connectivity analysis expressed in regional homogeneity, fluctuations in low-frequency BOLD amplitudes and coherency of independent resting-state networks. Participants reported considerable adverse effects such as fatigue, sleepiness and concentration impairments, related to the administration of alprazolam compared to placebo. In resting-state fMRI we found a significant decrease in functional connection density, network efficiency and a decrease in the networks rich-club coefficient related to alprazolam. While observing a general decrease in regional homogeneity in high-level brain networks in the alprazolam condition, we simultaneously could detect an increase in regional homogeneity and resting-state network coherence in low-level sensory regions. Further we found a general increase in the low-frequency compartment of the BOLD signal. In the etifoxine condition, participants did not report any significant side effects compared to the placebo, and we did not observe any corresponding modulations in our fMRI metrics. Our results are consistent with the idea that sedation globally disconnects low-level functional networks, but simultaneously increases their within-connectivity. Further, our results point towards the potential of TSPO ligands in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Novel biomarkers of preterm brain injury from blood transcriptome in sheep model of intrauterine asphyxia
Authors: Ek C. Joakim , Alkmark Mårten , Baburamani Ana A. , Supramaniam Veena G. , Sood Sanjana , Melchiotti Rossella , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Hagberg Henrik , Mallard Carina
Published: May 2024

Background

Infants born preterm have a higher incidence of neurological deficits. A key step in finding effective treatments is to identify biomarkers that reliably predict outcome.

Methods

Following umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) in pregnant sheep, whole fetal blood RNA was sequenced pre- and post-UCO, brain injury outcome was determined by battery of neuropathology scoring and the transcriptome signature correlated to the degree of brain injury. Additionally, we developed a novel analytical procedure to deduce cell blood composition over time.

Results

Sixty-one genes were identified with significant altered expression after UCO. In pre-UCO blood, the level of three mRNAs (Trex2, Znf280b, novel miRNA) and in post-UCO, four mRNAs (Fam184a, Angptl2, novel lincRNA and an unknown protein-coding gene) were associated to brain injury (FDR < 0.01). Several of these mRNAs are related to inflammation and angiogenesis. Pathway analysis highlighted genes playing a role in perinatal death and growth failure. Results also indicate that several leukocyte populations undergo significant changes after UCO.

Conclusion

We have used a whole transcriptomic approach to uncover novel biomarkers in fetal blood that correlate to neuropathology in the preterm sheep brain. The current data forms a basis for future studies to investigate mechanisms of these mRNAs in the injury progression.

Impact

Trend analysis of genes following asphyxia reveal a group of genes associated with perinatal death and growth failure.

Several pre-asphyxia transcripts were associated to brain injury severity suggesting genomic susceptibility to injury.

Several post-asphyxia transcripts were correlated to brain injury severity, thus, serve as potential novel biomarkers of injury outcome.

Successfully adaptation of cell profiling algorithms suggests significant changes in blood cell composition following asphyxia.
TRIM33 plays a critical role in regulating dendritic cell differentiation and homeostasis by modulating Irf8 and Bcl2l11 transcription
Authors: Shen Xiangyi , Li Xiaoguang , Wu Tao , Guo Tingting , Lv Jiaoyan , He Zhimin , Luo Maocai , Zhu Xinyi , Tian Yujie , Lai Wenlong , Dong Chen , Hu Xiaoyu , Wu Li
Published: May 2024

The development of distinct dendritic cell (DC) subsets, namely, plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conventional DC subsets (cDC1s and cDC2s), is controlled by specific transcription factors. IRF8 is essential for the fate specification of cDC1s. However, how the expression of Irf8 is regulated is not fully understood. In this study, we identified TRIM33 as a critical regulator of DC differentiation and maintenance. TRIM33 deletion in Trim33fl/fl Cre-ERT2 mice significantly impaired DC differentiation from hematopoietic progenitors at different developmental stages. TRIM33 deficiency downregulated the expression of multiple genes associated with DC differentiation in these progenitors. TRIM33 promoted the transcription of Irf8 to facilitate the differentiation of cDC1s by maintaining adequate CDK9 and Ser2 phosphorylated RNA polymerase II (S2 Pol II) levels at Irf8 gene sites. Moreover, TRIM33 prevented the apoptosis of DCs and progenitors by directly suppressing the PU.1-mediated transcription of Bcl2l11, thereby maintaining DC homeostasis. Taken together, our findings identified TRIM33 as a novel and crucial regulator of DC differentiation and maintenance through the modulation of Irf8 and Bcl2l11 expression. The finding that TRIM33 functions as a critical regulator of both DC differentiation and survival provides potential benefits for devising DC-based immune interventions and therapies.
Universal paramyxovirus vaccine design by stabilizing regions involved in structural transformation of the fusion protein
Authors: Langedijk Johannes P. M. , Cox Freek , Johnson Nicole V. , van Overveld Daan , Le Lam , van den Hoogen Ward , Voorzaat Richard , Zahn Roland , van der Fits Leslie , Juraszek Jarek , McLellan Jason S. , Bakkers Mark J. G.
Published: May 2024

The Paramyxoviridae family encompasses medically significant RNA viruses, including human respiroviruses 1 and 3 (RV1, RV3), and zoonotic pathogens like Nipah virus (NiV). RV3, previously known as parainfluenza type 3, for which no vaccines or antivirals have been approved, causes respiratory tract infections in vulnerable populations. The RV3 fusion (F) protein is inherently metastable and will likely require prefusion (preF) stabilization for vaccine effectiveness. Here we used structure-based design to stabilize regions involved in structural transformation to generate a preF protein vaccine antigen with high expression and stability, and which, by stabilizing the coiled-coil stem region, does not require a heterologous trimerization domain. The preF candidate induces strong neutralizing antibody responses in both female naïve and pre-exposed mice and provides protection in a cotton rat challenge model (female). Despite the evolutionary distance of paramyxovirus F proteins, their structural transformation and local regions of instability are conserved, which allows successful transfer of stabilizing substitutions to the distant preF proteins of RV1 and NiV. This work presents a successful vaccine antigen design for RV3 and provides a toolbox for future paramyxovirus vaccine design and pandemic preparedness.
The thioredoxin system determines CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity via redox-mediated regulation of ribonucleotide reductase activity
Authors: Prasad Chandra Bhushan , Oo Adrian , Liu Yujie , Qiu Zhaojun , Zhong Yaogang , Li Na , Singh Deepika , Xin Xiwen , Cho Young-Jae , Li Zaibo , Zhang Xiaoli , Yan Chunhong , Zheng Qingfei , Wang Qi-En , Guo Deliang , Kim Baek , Zhang Junran
Published: May 2024

Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is critical for cell survival under replication stress (RS). CHK1 inhibitors (CHK1i’s) in combination with chemotherapy have shown promising results in preclinical studies but have displayed minimal efficacy with substantial toxicity in clinical trials. To explore combinatorial strategies that can overcome these limitations, we perform an unbiased high-throughput screen in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line and identify thioredoxin1 (Trx1), a major component of the mammalian antioxidant-system, as a determinant of CHK1i sensitivity. We establish a role for redox recycling of RRM1, the larger subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), and a depletion of the deoxynucleotide pool in this Trx1-mediated CHK1i sensitivity. Further, the TrxR inhibitor auranofin, an approved anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug, shows a synergistic interaction with CHK1i via interruption of the deoxynucleotide pool. Together, we show a pharmacological combination to treat NSCLC that relies on a redox regulatory link between the Trx system and mammalian RNR activity.
Azoles activate type I and type II programmed cell death pathways in crop pathogenic fungi
Authors: Schuster Martin , Kilaru Sreedhar , Steinberg Gero
Published: May 2024

Triazoles are widely used to control pathogenic fungi. They inhibit the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway, but the precise mechanisms leading to fungicidal activities in many fungal pathogens are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the mode of action of epoxiconazole and metconazole in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici and the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. We show that both azoles have fungicidal activity and reduce fluidity, but not integrity, of the plasma membrane. This impairs localisation of Cdc15-like F-BAR proteins, resulting in defective actin ring assembly and incomplete septation. However, mutant studies and pharmacological experiments in vitro and in planta show that azole lethality is due to a combination of reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis and macroautophagy. Simultaneous inhibition of both programmed cell death pathways abolishes azole-induced cell death. Other classes of ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors also induce apoptosis and macroautophagy, suggesting that activation of these two cell death pathways is a hallmark of ergosterol synthesis-targeting fungicides. This knowledge will inform future crop protection strategies.
Non-linear relationships between daily temperature extremes and US agricultural yields uncovered by global gridded meteorological datasets
Authors: Hogan Dylan , Schlenker Wolfram
Published: May 2024

Global agricultural commodity markets are highly integrated among major producers. Prices are driven by aggregate supply rather than what happens in individual countries in isolation. Estimating the effects of weather-induced shocks on production, trade patterns and prices hence requires a globally representative weather data set. Recently, two data sets that provide daily or hourly records, GMFD and ERA5-Land, became available. Starting with the US, a data rich region, we formally test whether these global data sets are as good as more fine-scaled country-specific data in explaining yields and whether they estimate similar response functions. While GMFD and ERA5-Land have lower predictive skill for US corn and soybeans yields than the fine-scaled PRISM data, they still correctly uncover the underlying non-linear temperature relationship. All specifications using daily temperature extremes under any of the weather data sets outperform models that use a quadratic in average temperature. Correctly capturing the effect of daily extremes has a larger effect than the choice of weather data. In a second step, focusing on Sub Saharan Africa, a data sparse region, we confirm that GMFD and ERA5-Land have superior predictive power to CRU, a global weather data set previously employed for modeling climate effects in the region.
Broadband near-infrared emission in silicon waveguides
Authors: Pruessner Marcel W. , Tyndall Nathan F. , Khurgin Jacob B. , Rabinovich William S. , Goetz Peter G. , Stievater Todd H.
Published: May 2024

Silicon photonic integrated circuit foundries enable wafer-level fabrication of entire electro-optic systems-on-a-chip for applications ranging from datacommunication to lidar to chemical sensing. However, silicon’s indirect bandgap has so far prevented its use as an on-chip optical source for these systems. Here, we describe a fullyintegrated broadband silicon waveguide light source fabricated in a state-of-the-art 300-mm foundry. A reverse-biased p-i-n diode in a silicon waveguide emits broadband near-infrared optical radiation directly into the waveguide mode, resulting in nanowatts of guided optical power from a few milliamps of electrical current. We develop a one-dimensional Planck radiation model for intraband emission from hot carriers to theoretically describe the emission. The brightness of this radiation is demonstrated by using it for broadband characterization of photonic components including Mach-Zehnder interferometers and lattice filters, and for waveguide infrared absorption spectroscopy of liquid-phase analytes. This broadband silicon-based source can be directly integrated with waveguides and photodetectors with no change to existing foundry processes and is expected to find immediate application in optical systems-on-a-chip for metrology, spectroscopy, and sensing.
Why •CF2H is nucleophilic but •CF3 is electrophilic in reactions with heterocycles
Authors: Duan Meng , Shao Qianzhen , Zhou Qingyang , Baran Phil S. , Houk K. N.
Published: May 2024

Radical substitution is a useful method to functionalize heterocycles, as in the venerable Minisci reaction. Empirically observed regiochemistries indicate that the CF2H radical has a nucleophilic character similar to alkyl radicals, but the CF3 radical is electrophilic. While the difference between •CH3 and •CF3 is well understood, the reason that one and two Fs make little difference but the third has a large effect is puzzling. DFT calculations with M06-2X both reproduce experimental selectivities and also lead to an explanation of this difference. Theoretical methods reveal how the F inductive withdrawal and conjugative donation alter radical properties, but only CF3 becomes decidedly electrophilic toward heterocycles. Here, we show a simple model to explain the radical orbital energy trends and resulting nucleophilicity or electrophilicity of fluorinated radicals.
Nanoscale cellular organization of viral RNA and proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles
Authors: Andronov Leonid , Han Mengting , Zhu Yanyu , Balaji Ashwin , Roy Anish R. , Barentine Andrew E. S. , Patel Puja , Garhyan Jaishree , Qi Lei S. , Moerner W. E.
Published: May 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 viral infection transforms host cells and produces special organelles in many ways, and we focus on the replication organelles, the sites of replication of viral genomic RNA (vgRNA). To date, the precise cellular localization of key RNA molecules and replication intermediates has been elusive in electron microscopy studies. We use super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and specific labeling to reveal the nanoscopic organization of replication organelles that contain numerous vgRNA molecules along with the replication enzymes and clusters of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We show that the replication organelles are organized differently at early and late stages of infection. Surprisingly, vgRNA accumulates into distinct globular clusters in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, which grow and accommodate more vgRNA molecules as infection time increases. The localization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers and nsp3 (a component of the double-membrane vesicle, DMV) at the periphery of the vgRNA clusters suggests that replication organelles are encapsulated into DMVs, which have membranes derived from the host ER. These organelles merge into larger vesicle packets as infection advances. Precise co-imaging of the nanoscale cellular organization of vgRNA, dsRNA, and viral proteins in replication organelles of SARS-CoV-2 may inform therapeutic approaches that target viral replication and associated processes.
Atomically dispersed MoNi alloy catalyst for partial oxidation of methane
Authors: Ding Zheyuan , Chen Sai , Yang Tingting , Sheng Zunrong , Zhang Xianhua , Pei Chunlei , Fu Donglong , Zhao Zhi-Jian , Gong Jinlong
Published: May 2024

The catalytic partial oxidation of methane (POM) presents a promising technology for synthesizing syngas. However, it faces severe over-oxidation over catalyst surface. Attempts to modify metal surfaces by incorporating a secondary metal towards C–H bond activation of CH4 with moderate O* adsorption have remained the subject of intense research yet challenging. Herein, we report that high catalytic performance for POM can be achieved by the regulation of O* occupation in the atomically dispersed (AD) MoNi alloy, with over 95% CH4 conversion and 97% syngas selectivity at 800 °C. The combination of ex-situ/in-situ characterizations, kinetic analysis and DFT (density functional theory) calculations reveal that Mo-Ni dual sites in AD MoNi alloy afford the declined O2 poisoning on Ni sites with rarely weaken CH4 activation for partial oxidation pathway following the combustion reforming reaction (CRR) mechanism. These results underscore the effectiveness of CH4 turnovers by the design of atomically dispersed alloys with tunable O* adsorption.
Glycolysis inhibition induces anti-tumor central memory CD8+T cell differentiation upon combination with microwave ablation therapy
Authors: Tang Xinyu , Mao Xinrui , Ling Peiwen , Yu Muxin , Pan Hua , Wang Jiaming , Liu Mingduo , Pan Hong , Qiu Wen , Che Nan , Zhang Kai , Bao Feifan , Peng Hongwei , Ding Qiang , Wang Shui , Zhou Wenbin
Published: May 2024

Minimally invasive thermal therapy is a successful alternative treatment to surgery in solid tumors with high complete ablation rates, however, tumor recurrence remains a concern. Central memory CD8+ T cells (TCM) play important roles in protection from chronic infection and cancer. Here we find, by single-cell RNA analysis of human breast cancer samples, that although the memory phenotype of peripheral CD8+ T cells increases slightly after microwave ablation (MWA), the metabolism of peripheral CD8+ T cells remains unfavorable for memory phenotype. In mouse models, glycolysis inhibition by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) in combination with MWA results in long-term anti-tumor effect via enhancing differentiation of tumor-specific CD44hiCD62L+CD8+ TCM cells. Enhancement of CD8+ TCM cell differentiation determined by Stat-1, is dependent on the tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) but takes place in peripheral blood, with metabolic remodeling of CD8+ T cells lasting the entire course of the the combination therapy. Importantly, in-vitro glycolysis inhibition in peripheral CD8+ T cells of patients with breast or liver tumors having been treated with MWA thrice leads to their differentiation into CD8+ TCM cells. Our work thus offers a potential strategy to avoid tumor recurrence following MWA therapy and lays down the proof-of-principle for future clinical trials.
Exploring high-quality microbial genomes by assembling short-reads with long-range connectivity
Authors: Zhang Zhenmiao , Xiao Jin , Wang Hongbo , Yang Chao , Huang Yufen , Yue Zhen , Chen Yang , Han Lijuan , Yin Kejing , Lyu Aiping , Fang Xiaodong , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2024

Although long-read sequencing enables the generation of complete genomes for unculturable microbes, its high cost limits the widespread adoption of long-read sequencing in large-scale metagenomic studies. An alternative method is to assemble short-reads with long-range connectivity, which can be a cost-effective way to generate high-quality microbial genomes. Here, we develop Pangaea, a bioinformatic approach designed to enhance metagenome assembly using short-reads with long-range connectivity. Pangaea leverages connectivity derived from physical barcodes of linked-reads or virtual barcodes by aligning short-reads to long-reads. Pangaea utilizes a deep learning-based read binning algorithm to assemble co-barcoded reads exhibiting similar sequence contexts and abundances, thereby improving the assembly of high- and medium-abundance microbial genomes. Pangaea also leverages a multi-thresholding algorithm strategy to refine assembly for low-abundance microbes. We benchmark Pangaea on linked-reads and a combination of short- and long-reads from simulation data, mock communities and human gut metagenomes. Pangaea achieves significantly higher contig continuity as well as more near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (NCMAGs) than the existing assemblers. Pangaea also generates three complete and circular NCMAGs on the human gut microbiomes.
In-situ observation of silk nanofibril assembly via graphene plasmonic infrared sensor
Authors: Wu Chenchen , Duan Yu , Yu Lintao , Hu Yao , Zhao Chenxi , Ji Chunwang , Guo Xiangdong , Zhang Shu , Dai Xiaokang , Ma Puyi , Wang Qian , Ling Shengjie , Yang Xiaoxia , Dai Qing
Published: May 2024

Silk nanofibrils (SNFs), the fundamental building blocks of silk fibers, endow them with exceptional properties. However, the intricate mechanism governing SNF assembly, a process involving both protein conformational transitions and protein molecule conjunctions, remains elusive. This lack of understanding has hindered the development of artificial silk spinning techniques. In this study, we address this challenge by employing a graphene plasmonic infrared sensor in conjunction with multi-scale molecular dynamics (MD). This unique approach allows us to probe the secondary structure of nanoscale assembly intermediates (0.8–6.2 nm) and their morphological evolution. It also provides insights into the dynamics of silk fibroin (SF) over extended molecular timeframes. Our novel findings reveal that amorphous SFs undergo a conformational transition towards β-sheet-rich oligomers on graphene. These oligomers then connect to evolve into SNFs. These insights provide a comprehensive picture of SNF assembly, paving the way for advancements in biomimetic silk spinning.
ZDHHC20-mediated S-palmitoylation of YTHDF3 stabilizes MYC mRNA to promote pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Huan , Sun Yan , Wang Zhaokai , Huang Xiaoju , Tang Lu , Jiang Ke , Jin Xin
Published: May 2024

Post-translational modifications of proteins in malignant transformation and tumor maintenance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the context of KRAS signaling remain poorly understood. Here, we use the KPC mouse model to examine the effect of palmitoylation on pancreatic cancer progression. ZDHHC20, upregulated by KRAS, is abnormally overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of ZDHHC20 promotes pancreatic cancer progression in a palmitoylation-dependent manner. ZDHHC20 inhibits the chaperone-mediated autophagic degradation of YTHDF3 through S-palmitoylation of Cys474, which can result in abnormal accumulation of the oncogenic product MYC and thereby promote the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. Further, we design a biologically active YTHDF3-derived peptide to competitively inhibit YTHDF3 palmitoylation mediated by ZDHHC20, which in turn downregulates MYC expression and inhibits the progression of KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. Thus, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the ZDHHC20–YTHDF3–MYC signaling axis in pancreatic cancer.
Structural conversion of the spidroin C-terminal domain during assembly of spider silk fibers
Authors: De Oliveira Danilo Hirabae , Gowda Vasantha , Sparrman Tobias , Gustafsson Linnea , Sanches Pires Rodrigo , Riekel Christian , Barth Andreas , Lendel Christofer , Hedhammar My
Published: May 2024

The major ampullate Spidroin 1 (MaSp1) is the main protein of the dragline spider silk. The C-terminal (CT) domain of MaSp1 is crucial for the self-assembly into fibers but the details of how it contributes to the fiber formation remain unsolved. Here we exploit the fact that the CT domain can form silk-like fibers by itself to gain knowledge about this transition. Structural investigations of fibers from recombinantly produced CT domain from E. australis MaSp1 reveal an α-helix to β-sheet transition upon fiber formation and highlight the helix No4 segment as most likely to initiate the structural conversion. This prediction is corroborated by the finding that a peptide corresponding to helix No4 has the ability of pH-induced conversion into β-sheets and self-assembly into nanofibrils. Our results provide structural information about the CT domain in fiber form and clues about its role in triggering the structural conversion of spidroins during fiber assembly.
A labelled dataset to classify direct deforestation drivers from Earth Observation imagery in Cameroon
Authors: Debus Amandine , Beauchamp Emilie , Acworth James , Ewolo Achille , Kamga Justin , Verhegghen Astrid , Zébazé Christiane , Lines Emily R.
Published: May 2024

Understanding direct deforestation drivers at a fine spatial and temporal scale is needed to design appropriate measures for forest management and monitoring. To achieve this, reference datasets with which to design Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to classify direct deforestation drivers within areas experiencing forest loss in a detailed, comprehensive and locally-adapted way are needed. This is the case for Cameroon, in the Congo Basin, which has known increasing deforestation rates in recent years. Here, we created an Earth Observation dataset with associated labels to classify detailed direct deforestation drivers in Cameroon, which includes satellite imagery (Landsat and PlanetScope) and auxiliary data on infrastructure and biophysical properties. The dataset provides the following fifteen labels: oil palm, timber, fruit, rubber and other-large scale plantations; grassland/shrubland; small-scale oil palm or maize plantations and other small-scale agriculture; mining; selective logging; infrastructure; wildfires; hunting; and other.
No effect of tattoos on local sweat concentrations of select cytokines, cortisol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, or lactate during exercise
Authors: Merritt James R. , Ozga Michal , De Chavez Peter John D. , Boolani Ali , Baker Lindsay B.
Published: May 2024

Due to growing interest in the investigation of exercise induced sweat biomarkers to assess an individual’s health and the increasing prevalence of tattoos in the world’s population, investigators sought to determine whether local sweat concentrations and excretion rates of epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin (IL) -1α, IL-6, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and lactate differ between tattooed and contralateral non-tattooed skin during exercise. Sixteen recreational exercisers [female (50%)] (age = 25–48 years) with ≥ 1 unilateral permanent tattoo [median tattoo age = 6 years, IQR = 5] on the arm/torso completed an outdoor group fitness session. There were no significant differences between tattooed and non-tattooed skin for sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, or lactate concentrations. There were no significant differences between tattooed and non-tattooed skin for sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, or lactate excretion rate. Findings suggest that permanent tattoos older than 1 year may not impact local sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, and lactate concentrations or excretion rates during exercise.

Clinical trial identifier NCT04920266 was registered on June 9, 2021.
Polyphenols in edible plant leaves: an overview of their occurrence and health properties
Authors: Masiala Anthony , Vingadassalon Audrey , Aurore Guylène
Published: May 2024

Edible plant leaves (EPLs) constitute a major renewable functional plant biomass available all year round, providing an essential source of polyphenols in the global diet.
Dietary sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) consumption did not attenuate atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice
Authors: Jang Hyungryun , Woo Hayoung , Corvino Olivia , Kang Hyunju , Kim Mi-Bo , Lee Ji-Young , Park Young-Ki
Published: May 2024

Consumption of sugar kelp did not elicit hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice.
Core–shell niobium(v) oxide@molecularly imprinted polythiophene nanoreceptors for transformative, real-time creatinine analysis
Authors: Saddique Zohaib , Saeed Maleeha , Faheem Muhammad , Bajwa Sadia Z. , Mujahid Adnan , Afzal Adeel
Published: May 2024

A disposable electrochemical sensor using inverted core–shell Nb2O5@MIP (molecularly imprinted polythiophene) nanoreceptors for monitoring salivary creatinine level as an indicator of kidney function.
Insights into the roles of superficial lattice oxygen in formaldehyde oxidation on birnessite
Authors: Ma Zhaoxia , Li Yongqi , Sun Kongyuan , Ahmed Jahangeer , Tian Wei , Xu Jinjia
Published: May 2024

Superficial lattice oxygen serves as the predominant active center for catalyzing the oxidation of HCHO. The transformation from formate species into carbonate species is the rate limiting step, which could be accelerated by temperature increments.
Electrosynthesized fluorinated polybithiophenes for ammonia sensing
Authors: Bečvář Petr , Krystianiak Anna , Ganesh Moorthy Sujithkumar , Jansová Barbora , Kohout Michal , Meunier-Prest Rita , Bouvet Marcel
Published: May 2024

The dependence of the nature of majority charge carriers on the fluorination degree of polymers in double lateral heterojunction devices.
Correction: Optimized Cu-doping in ZnO electro-spun nanofibers for enhanced photovoltaic performance in perovskite solar cells and photocatalytic dye degradation
Authors: Lee Kang Hoon , Farheen Rabeea , Arshad Zafar , Ali Mumtaz , Hassan Hamza , Alshareef Mubark , Dahshan A. , Khalid Usama
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Optimized Cu-doping in ZnO electro-spun nanofibers for enhanced photovoltaic performance in perovskite solar cells and photocatalytic dye degradation’ by Kang Hoon Lee et al., RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 15391–15407, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA01544D.
Electrolyte selection toward efficient photoelectrochemical glycerol oxidation on BiVO4
Authors: Kong Heejung , Gupta Siddharth , Pérez-Torres Andrés F. , Höhn Christian , Bogdanoff Peter , Mayer Matthew T. , van de Krol Roel , Favaro Marco , Abdi Fatwa F.
Published: May 2024

Glycerol, a primary by-product of biodiesel production, can be oxidized into various value-added chemicals, significantly enhancing the techno-economic value of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells.
Magneto-plasmonic bionanocomposites for on-site SERS detection of water contaminants
Authors: Soares Sofia F. , Silva Nuno M. A. S. , Brenheiro João , Fateixa Sara , Daniel-da-Silva Ana L. , Trindade Tito
Published: May 2024

Bionanocomposites based on chitosan have been explored as magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents for the SERS detection of organic molecules in spiked water.
Cu-mediated broadening of the absorption band of quaternary Cu–Ag–In–S/CdSe type-II core/shell quantum dot-sensitized solar cells with an efficiency of 12.51% under 0.25 sun
Authors: Rahayu Siti Utari , Candra Andy , Shi Jen-Bin , Lee Ming-Way
Published: May 2024

We report the effects of Cu substitution on the photovoltaic performance of (a) single-layered Cu–Ag–In–S and (b) core/shell Cu–Ag–In–S/CdSe quantum-dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).
Hindered phenolic antioxidant grafting on tailoring the DC electrical characteristics of polypropylene cable insulation
Authors: Du Boxue , Sun Guoning , Wang Heyu , Li Zhonglei
Published: May 2024

The authors focus on the impact of melt‐free radical grafting with hindered phenolic antioxidants (AO3052) on the electrical properties of polypropylene (PP) for DC cable insulation. The DC conductivity, space charge distribution and breakdown characteristic tests of grafting‐modified PP are performed by comparing unmodified PP. The results demonstrate that the grafting of antioxidants can effectively suppress space charge injection, owing to the deeper trap sites at the grafting molecule. The breakdown strength of the grafted PP is significantly enhanced from 30°C to 90°C and especially achieves a 5.3%–6.7% increase after the same DC‐prestressed time at 90°C. The surface electrostatic potential and molecular orbitals of the grafted PP are calculated. Simulation shows that the antioxidant introduces multi‐level local state traps that can effectively trap the injected space charge, thus decreasing the destruction of molecular chains by electrons and increasing the breakdown strength level. In conclusion, antioxidant grafting modification can improve the breakdown characteristics with or without DC prestress, and thus it appears to be promising in the application of PP‐insulated cables.
The application and outlook of proteomics in Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Colon Cancer
Authors: Xie Yiru
Published: May 2024

Cancer, a pervasive challenge of global health, necessitates advanced technologies for diagnosticsand therapies. Ovarian, breast, and colon cancers, notable for their complexity, have made significantdiscoveries with the help of proteomics. Ovarian cancer, diagnosed late, benefits from proteomicsbiomarkers like CA-125 and plasma CRP, offering early detection and insights into sub-types. Breast cancerleverages proteomics for sub-type classification, treatment prediction, and liquid biopsy development.Markers like uPA and PAI-1 guide therapies, while phosphorous proteomics unveils crucial signalingpathways. Colon cancer, marked by its prevalence, sees proteomics aiding biomarker discovery, sub-typeclassification, and predicting treatment responses, fostering personalized treatments. Liquid biopsydevelopment holds promise for real-time monitoring. Propelled by advanced technologies like LC-MS/MSand iTRAQ, proteomics provides a holistic view of cancer biology. Integrating with genomics refinesprecision medicine. Insights from proteomics in ovarian, breast, and colon cancers mark a era oftransformation, offering personalized cancer care and improved clinical outcomes.
La philanthropie médicale aux États-Unis
Authors: Chelle Élisa
Published: May 2024

Les fondations philanthropiques ont pris une part décisive dans la rationalisation et l’organisation de la médecine dans la société américaine des débuts du xxe siècle, période pendant laquelle la promotion de la science a donné lieu à l’avènement d’une véritable recherche médicale spécialisée dans le cadre des nouvelles facultés hospitalo-universitaires. Avec les deux guerres mondiales, l’État fédéral s’est fortement engagé dans le champ de la santé. Au point qu’après 1945, il est devenu la principale source de financement de l’innovation biomédicale. La philanthropie ne disparaît pas pour autant du paysage institutionnel. Elle continue de fonctionner en tandem avec les pouvoirs publics. Son rôle est aujourd’hui minoritaire en termes de volume de financement, mais stratégique dans l’avènement de projets visant à faire avancer les connaissances sur des processus fondamentaux ainsi que sur de nombreuses maladies.
Optimisation de l’efficacité et de la sécurité d’utilisation des lymphocytes CAR-T
Authors: Lew-Derivry Lucille , Lamrani Lamia , Alcantara Marion , Alanio Cécile
Published: May 2024

Le système immunitaire joue un rôle déterminant dans le contrôle et l’éradication des tumeurs. Une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes en jeu a permis le développement des immunothérapies, et notamment des thérapies par lymphocytes CAR-T. Ces thérapies ont montré une grande efficacité dans les maladies hématologiques, mais leur application aux tumeurs solides nécessite des optimisations pour améliorer leur efficacité et leur sécurité. Ces ajustements permettront une plus grande applicabilité des lymphocytes CAR-T, non seulement pour les traitements anti-tumoraux mais aussi pour le traitement de maladies auto-immunes ou fibreuses.
Editorial
Authors: Apel Marcel
Published: May 2024

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

es ist wieder an der Zeit für eine neue Ausgabe von Radiopraxis, und ich freue mich,
Sie durch die interessanten Inhalte des Juni-Hefts zu führen. Unsere Autorinnen und
Autoren haben sich mit aktuellen Themen auseinandergesetzt, die die Radiologie und
Radiologietechnologie prägen.
Construct validity and test-retest reliability of the Modified Agility T-Test in healthy adults
Authors: Zürcher John , Liechti Seraina , Degenfellner Jürgen , Pfeiffer Fabian , Bauer Christoph
Published: May 2024

Background After a lower limb injury, adequate agility is decisive for safe direction changes and reduces the risk of re-injury upon return to sports. Experts recommend that patients should pass standardized return to sports testing which involves agility tests such as the Modified Agility T-Test.

Aim Since the quality criteria of the Modified Agility T-Test have not been conclusively clarified, the objective of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the Modified Agility T-Test.

Methods The study was conducted as a single-center study in a cross-sectional design comparing the performance of the Modified Agility T-Test with the Illinois Agility Test to evaluate the construct validity of the Modified Agility T-Test. The construct validity was calculated with the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Absolute and relative reliability were calculated based on the test-retest results. Each participant performed two counting trials of both agility tests. To determine the absolute test-retest reliability, the standard error of measurement, 95 % limits of agreement and the smallest detectable change were calculated. To determine the relative test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient 2.1 was calculated.

Results A total of 30 participants were recruited, with equal sex distribution and a mean age of 25.7 years. Our results showed a high construct validity of the Modified Agility T-Test (r = 0.89). The absolute test-retest reliability of the Modified Agility T-Test was 0.18 (-0.38–0.62) seconds, whereas the smallest detectable change was calculated to be 0.71 seconds. The relative test-retest reliability amounted to 0.84 (ICC 2.1).

Conclusions Our findings support the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the Modified Agility T-Test as an agility test. Thus, it could be used as an alternative to the Illinois Agility Test, particularly in sports which require sideways or backwards movements and for sports with short or rapid displacements.
Unemployment, hustling, and waithood: exploring Zimbabwean urban male youth’s utilisation of ICT in soccer betting
Authors: Magidi Martin , Gwekwerere Tavengwa
Published: May 2024

This article explores how urban male youth in Zimbabwe have created economies of hustle and waithood through soccer betting to ensure alternative means of survival in a country facing rapid urban growth and endless economic challenges. Data were collected using a combination of ethnographic methods, including participant and non-participant observations, betting experimentation, and informal conversations. The findings show that urban male youth in Zimbabwean cities use a variety of skills in soccer betting to increase their chances of winning and earning a living through informal economic activities while waiting for employment opportunities. The findings also demonstrate the intellectual genius and streetwise resourcefulness of young people, as they incorporate research, digital, and networking competencies to decide and place their bets. The article concludes that soccer betting is not only part of Zimbabwe’s economies of hustle, leisure, and waithood but also central in influencing the adoption of ICT products and digital skills among male youths in Zimbabwe.
When music becomes noise
Authors: Lange Katherine De
Published: May 2024

In acoustic environments where individuals have limited choice, music can be perceived as noise, leading to elevated stress and adverse health outcomes
A useful formula for periodic Jacobi matrices on trees
Authors: Banks Jess , Breuer Jonathan , Garza-Vargas Jorge , Seelig Eyal , Simon Barry
Published: May 2024

We introduce a function of the density of states for periodic Jacobi matrices on trees and prove a useful formula for it in terms of entries of the resolvent of the matrix and its “half-tree” restrictions. This formula is closely related to the one-dimensional Thouless formula and associates a natural phase with points in the bands. This allows streamlined proofs of the gap labeling and Aomoto index theorems. We give a complete proof of gap labeling and sketch the proof of the Aomoto index theorem. We also prove a version of this formula for the Anderson model on trees.
Design and Application of an S-band Fast Radio Bursts Search Pipeline for the Nanshan 26 m Radio Telescope
Authors: Liu Yan-Ling , Chen Mao-Zheng , Li Jian , Yuan Jian-Ping , Yuen Rai , Liu Zhi-Yong , Yan Hao , Du Wen-Long , Zhai Nan-Nan
Published: May 2024

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are among the most studied radio transients in astrophysics, but their origin and radiation mechanism are still unknown. It is a challenge to search for FRB events in a huge amount of observational data with high speed and high accuracy. With the rapid advancement of the FRB research process, FRB searching has changed from archive data mining to either long-term monitoring of the repeating FRBs or all-sky surveys with specialized equipments. Therefore, establishing a highly efficient and high quality FRB search pipeline is the primary task in FRB research. Deep learning techniques provide new ideas for FRB search processing. We have detected radio bursts from FRB 20201124A in the L-band observational data of the Nanshan 26 m radio telescope (NSRT-26m) using the constructed deep learning based search pipeline named dispersed dynamic spectra search (DDSS). Afterwards, we further retrained the deep learning model and applied the DDSS framework to S-band observations. In this paper, we present the FRB observation system and search pipeline using the S-band receiver. We carried out search experiments, and successfully detected the radio bursts from the magnetar SGR J1935+2145 and FRB 20220912A. The experimental results show that the search pipeline can complete the search efficiently and output the search results with high accuracy.