bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Implementations of the “Pseudo‐Global‐Warming” Methodology for Event‐Based Simulations
Authors: Trapp Robert J. , Woods Matthew J. , Lasher‐Trapp Sonia G. , Grover Maxwell A.
Published: December 2021

The pseudo‐global‐warming (PGW) methodology provides an efficient means to investigate the response of a weather or climate event under an imposed climate change signal. In the traditional PGW implementation, this signal is represented through climate‐change “deltas” constructed using monthly averages of global climate model (GCM) output over decadal or longer periods during the past and future. The implications of alternative formulations of such deltas were explored herein. Diurnally varying (DV) deltas were compared to the time‐constant (TC) deltas used in the traditional PGW implementation; this was done to test the potential effect of future changes in the diurnal cycles of temperature, humidity, and winds. Deltas created using 10‐year averages were compared to those using 30‐year averages, to examine the effects of the time‐averaging period in the delta construction. Finally, the common practice of additionally averaging across multiple GCMs to form a composite delta was also considered. Using simulations of three different historical convective storm events, it was shown that each of these PGW delta formulations results in differences in simulation metrics such as total accumulated rainfall, and convective intensity, but major and/or unambiguous differences were not always found. It is recommended that users of the PGW approach carefully consider all implications of delta formulation on their particular problem.
A New Mechanism for the Generation of Quasi‐6‐Day and Quasi‐10‐Day Waves During the 2019 Antarctic Sudden Stratospheric Warming
Authors: Qin Yusong , Gu Sheng‐Yang , Dou Xiankang
Published: December 2021

Using the Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version 2 reanalysis and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder geopotential height and temperature observations, two unusual planetary waves (PWs) with westward zonal wavenumber 1 (W1) and periods of ∼6.0 and ∼9.6 days are identified during a rare Antarctic sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event in September 2019, which follow a strong W1 PW with period of ∼7.4 days. It is found that the W1 ∼7.4‐day wave is actually the representation of the climatological W1 quasi‐6‐day wave before the September equinox, which peaks on September 10, 2019. Meanwhile, a strong zonally symmetric wave with period of ∼32.2 days occurs in the Southern Hemisphere with a maximum zonal wind amplitude of ∼27 m/s at 65°S and 48 km. Interestingly, the frequencies and zonal wavenumbers of the W1 ∼7.4‐day, ∼6.0‐day, ∼9.6‐day and zonally symmetric ∼32.2‐day waves exactly satisfy the nonlinear interaction theory between PWs. We thus proposed for the first time the occurrence of nonlinear interaction between a W1 ∼7.4‐day wave and a zonally symmetric ∼32.2‐day wave, which generates two W1 PWs with periods of ∼6.0 and ∼9.6 days. The Eliassen‐Palm flux diagnostics suggest that the zonally symmetric ∼32.2‐day wave also contributes to the wind deceleration during this SSW. Moreover, the baroclinic/barotropic instabilities related to the vertical shear in the zonal wind during the SSW considerably enhance the PW activities in the Antarctic stratosphere. The climatological variations of the instabilities and critical layers in the mesosphere can also influence the propagation of these three W1 PWs.
Development of a new risk stratification system for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma using R-ISS and 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Cho Hee Jeong , Jung Sung-Hoon , Jo Jae-Cheol , Lee Yoo Jin , Yoon Sang Eun , Park Sung-Soo , Kim Do Young , Shin Ho-Jin , Mun Yeung-Chul , Yi Jun Ho , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Da Jung , Lee Ho Sup , Bae Sung Hwa , Hong Chae Moon , Jeong Shin Young , Min Jung-Joon , Sohn Sang Kyun , Min Chang-Ki , Kim Kihyun , Lee Je-Jung , Moon Joon Ho ,   The Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party, Cho Hee Jeong , Jung Sung-Hoon , Jo Jae-Cheol , Lee Yoo Jin , Yoon Sang Eun , Park Sung-Soo , Kim Do Young , Shin Ho-Jin , Mun Yeung-Chul , Yi Jun Ho , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Da Jung , Lee Ho Sup , Bae Sung Hwa , Hong Chae Moon , Jeong Shin Young , Min Jung-Joon , Sohn Sang Kyun , Min Chang-Ki , Kim Kihyun , Lee Je-Jung , Moon Joon Ho
Published: December 2021

In multiple myeloma (MM), a high number of focal lesions (FL) detected using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was found to be associated with adverse prognosis. To design a new risk stratification system that combines the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) with FL, we analyzed the data of 380 patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT upon diagnosis. The K-adaptive partitioning algorithm was adopted to define subgroups with homogeneous survival. The combined R-ISS with PET/CT classified NDMM patients into four groups: R-ISS/PET stage I (n = 31; R-ISS I with FL ≤ 3), stage II (n = 156; R-ISS I with FL > 3 and R-ISS II with FL ≤ 3), stage III (n = 162; R-ISS II with FL > 3 and R-ISS III with FL ≤ 3), and stage IV (n = 31; R-ISS III with FL > 3). The 2-year overall survival rates for stages I, II, III, and IV were 96.7%, 89.8%, 74.7%, and 50.3%. The 2-year progression-free survival rates were 84.1%, 64.7%, 40.8%, and 17.1%, respectively. The new R-ISS/PET was successfully validated in an external cohort. This new system had a remarkable prognostic power for estimating the survival outcomes of patients with NDMM. This system helps discriminate patients with a good prognosis from those with a poor prognosis more precisely.
Accuracy mechanism of eukaryotic ribosome translocation
Authors: Djumagulov Muminjon , Demeshkina Natalia , Jenner Lasse , Rozov Alexey , Yusupov Marat , Yusupova Gulnara
Published: December 2021

Translation of the genetic code into proteins is realized through repetitions of synchronous translocation of messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNAs (tRNA) through the ribosome. In eukaryotes translocation is ensured by elongation factor 2 (eEF2), which catalyses the process and actively contributes to its accuracy1. Although numerous studies point to critical roles for both the conserved eukaryotic posttranslational modification diphthamide in eEF2 and tRNA modifications in supporting the accuracy of translocation, detailed molecular mechanisms describing their specific functions are poorly understood. Here we report a high-resolution X-ray structure of the eukaryotic 80S ribosome in a translocation-intermediate state containing mRNA, naturally modified eEF2 and tRNAs. The crystal structure reveals a network of stabilization of codon–anticodon interactions involving diphthamide1 and the hypermodified nucleoside wybutosine at position 37 of phenylalanine tRNA, which is also known to enhance translation accuracy2. The model demonstrates how the decoding centre releases a codon–anticodon duplex, allowing its movement on the ribosome, and emphasizes the function of eEF2 as a ‘pawl’ defining the directionality of translocation3. This model suggests how eukaryote-specific elements of the 80S ribosome, eEF2 and tRNAs undergo large-scale molecular reorganizations to ensure maintenance of the mRNA reading frame during the complex process of translocation.
A point-mutation in the C-domain of CMP-sialic acid synthetase leads to lethality of medaka due to protein insolubility
Authors: Wu Di , Arakawa Hiromu , Fujita Akiko , Hashimoto Hisashi , Hibi Masahiko , Naruse Kiyoshi , Kamei Yasuhiro , Sato Chihiro , Kitajima Ken
Published: December 2021

Vertebrate CMP-sialic acid synthetase (CSS), which catalyzes the synthesis of CMP-sialic acid (CMP-Sia), consists of a 28 kDa-N-domain and a 20 kDa-C-domain. The N-domain is known to be a catalytic domain; however, the significance of the C-domain still remains unknown. To elucidate the function of the C-domain at the organism level, we screened the medaka TILLING library and obtained medaka with non-synonymous mutations (t911a), or single amino acid substitutions of CSS, L304Q, in the C-domain. Prominently, most L304Q medaka was lethal within 19 days post-fertilization (dpf). L304Q young fry displayed free Sia accumulation, and impairment of sialylation, up to 8 dpf. At 8 dpf, a marked abnormality in ventricular contraction and skeletal myogenesis was observed. To gain insight into the mechanism of L304Q-induced abnormalities, L304Q was biochemically characterized. Although bacterially expressed soluble L304Q and WT showed the similar Vmax/Km values, very few soluble L304Q was detected when expressed in CHO cells in sharp contrast to the WT. Additionally, the thermostability of various mutations of L304 greatly decreased, except for WT and L304I. These results suggest that L304 is important for the stability of CSS, and that an appropriate level of expression of soluble CSS is significant for animal survival.
A wearable microwave instrument can detect and monitor traumatic abdominal injuries in a porcine model
Authors: Candefjord Stefan , Nguyen Linh , Buendia Ruben , Oropeza-Moe Marianne , Andersen Nina Gjerde , Fhager Andreas , Persson Mikael , Elam Mikael , Oveland Nils Petter
Published: December 2021

Abdominal injury is a frequent cause of death for trauma patients, and early recognition is essential to limit fatalities. There is a need for a wearable sensor system for prehospital settings that can detect and monitor bleeding in the abdomen (hemoperitoneum). This study evaluates the potential for microwave technology to fill that gap. A simple prototype of a wearable microwave sensor was constructed using eight antennas. A realistic porcine model of hemoperitoneum was developed using anesthetized pigs. Ten animals were measured at healthy state and at two sizes of bleeding. Statistical tests and a machine learning method were used to evaluate blood detection sensitivity. All subjects presented similar changes due to accumulation of blood, which dampened the microwave signal ($$p < 0.05$$

p
<
0.05

). The machine learning analysis yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.93, showing 100% sensitivity at 90% specificity. Large inter-individual variability of the healthy state signal complicated differentiation of bleedings from healthy state. A wearable microwave instrument has potential for accurate detection and monitoring of hemoperitoneum, with automated analysis making the instrument easy-to-use. Future hardware development is necessary to suppress measurement system variability and enable detection of smaller bleedings.
Branching patterns of the afferent branchial arteries and their phylogenetic significance in rays (Batoidea)
Authors: Soares Karla D. A. , Toledo-Piza Mônica
Published: December 2021

Rays of the superorder Batoidea comprise the most diverse group of chondrichthyans in terms of valid species and morphological disparity. Up to the present little agreement is observed in studies based on morphological and molecular data focused on uncovering the interrelationships within Batoidea. Morphology-based phylogenies of batoids have not included characters related to the afferent branchial arteries, and little is known about the variation in this anatomical complex in rays. Herein, representatives of 32 genera from 19 families currently recognized of rays were examined as well as some shark taxa. Seven new characters are proposed and tested in two different analyses, one on their own and in the other they were added to the morphological data matrix of the most recent analysis of interrelationships within Batoidea. The arrangement of afferent branchial arteries differs mainly among orders and families of batoids. The absence of a common trunk from which the three posteriormost afferent arteries branch is interpreted as a synapomorphy for Myliobatiformes and the presence of a coronary cranial artery as an autapomorphy for Mobula hypostoma. A close spatial relationship between the second and third afferent arteries within the common branch from the ventral aorta is proposed as a synapomorphy for Rajiformes with a secondary modification in Sympterygia. Data about patterns in afferent branchial arteries in additional taxa such as Squaliformes and Chimaeriformes are needed to better understand the evolution of this character complex among chondrichthyans.
A message of the majority with scientific evidence encourages young people to show their prosocial nature in COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Nihonsugi Tsuyoshi , Ohtake Fumio , Haruno Masahiko
Published: December 2021

The most promising way to prevent the explosive spread of COVID-19 infection is to achieve herd immunity through vaccination. It is therefore important to motivate those who are less willing to be vaccinated. To address this issue, we conducted an online survey of 6232 Japanese people to investigate age- and gender-dependent differences in attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the underlying psychological processes. We asked participants to read one of nine different messages about COVID-19 vaccination and rate their willingness to be vaccinated. We also collected their 17 social personality trait scores and demographic information. We found that males 10–20 years old were least willing to be vaccinated. We also found that prosocial traits are the driving force for young people, but the motivation in older people also depends on risk aversion and self-interest. Furthermore, an analysis of 9 different messages demonstrated that for young people (particularly males), the message emphasizing the majority’s intention to vaccinate and scientific evidence for the safety of the vaccination had the strongest positive effect on the willingness to be vaccinated, suggesting that the “majority + scientific evidence” message nudges young people to show their prosocial nature in action.
Vesicular and extravesicular protein analyses from the airspaces of ozone-exposed mice revealed signatures associated with mucoinflammatory lung disease
Authors: Choudhary Ishita , Vo Thao , Paudel Kshitiz , Wen Xue , Gupta Richa , Kesimer Mehmet , Patial Sonika , Saini Yogesh
Published: December 2021

Lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) harbors a variety of proteins that influence homeostatic and stress responses in the airspaces. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles, contain many proteins that vary in abundance and composition based on the prevailing conditions. Ozone causes inflammatory responses in the airspaces of experimental animals and humans. However, the exosomal protein signatures contained within the ELF from ozone-exposed lung airspaces remain poorly characterized. To explore this, we hypothesized that ozone triggers the release of exosome-bound inflammatory proteins from various cells that reflect mucoobstructive lung disease. Accordingly, we repetitively exposed adult male and female C57BL/6 mice to HEPA-filtered air (air) or 0.8 ppm ozone (4 h per day) for 14 days (five consecutive days of exposure, 2 days of rest, five consecutive days of exposure, 2 days of rest, four consecutive days of exposure). Exosome-bound proteomic signatures, as well as the levels of soluble inflammatory mediators in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), were determined 12–16 h after the last exposure. Principal component analyses of the exosome-bound proteome revealed a clear distinction between air-exposed and ozone-exposed mice, as well as between ozone-exposed males and ozone-exposed females. In addition to 575 proteins that were enriched in both sexes upon ozone exposure, 243 and 326 proteins were enriched uniquely in ozone-exposed males and females, respectively. Ingenuity pathway analyses on enriched proteins between ozone- and air-exposed mice revealed enrichment of pro-inflammatory pathways. More specifically, macrophage activation-related proteins were enriched in exosomes from ozone-exposed mice. Cytokine analyses on the BALF revealed elevated levels of G-CSF, KC, IP-10, IL-6, and IL-5 in ozone-exposed mice. Finally, the histopathological assessment revealed significantly enhanced intracellular localization of mucoinflammatory proteins including MUC5B and FIZZ1 in ozone-exposed mice in a cell-specific manner indicating the cellular sources of the proteins that are ferried in the exosomes upon ozone-induced lung injury. Collectively, this study identified exosomal, secretory, and cell-specific proteins and biological pathways following repetitive exposure of mice to ozone.
Counting using deep learning regression gives value to ecological surveys
Authors: Hoekendijk Jeroen P. A. , Kellenberger Benjamin , Aarts Geert , Brasseur Sophie , Poiesz Suzanne S. H. , Tuia Devis
Published: December 2021

Many ecological studies rely on count data and involve manual counting of objects of interest, which is time-consuming and especially disadvantageous when time in the field or lab is limited. However, an increasing number of works uses digital imagery, which opens opportunities to automatise counting tasks. In this study, we use machine learning to automate counting objects of interest without the need to label individual objects. By leveraging already existing image-level annotations, this approach can also give value to historical data that were collected and annotated over longer time series (typical for many ecological studies), without the aim of deep learning applications. We demonstrate deep learning regression on two fundamentally different counting tasks: (i) daily growth rings from microscopic images of fish otolith (i.e., hearing stone) and (ii) hauled out seals from highly variable aerial imagery. In the otolith images, our deep learning-based regressor yields anRMSEof 3.40 day-rings and an$$R^2$$R2of 0.92. Initial performance in the seal images is lower (RMSEof 23.46 seals and$$R^2$$R2of 0.72), which can be attributed to a lack of images with a high number of seals in the initial training set, compared to the test set. We then show how to improve performance substantially (RMSEof 19.03 seals and$$R^2$$R2of 0.77) by carefully selecting and relabelling just 100 additional training images based on initial model prediction discrepancy. The regression-based approach used here returns accurate counts ($$R^2$$R2of 0.92 and 0.77 for the rings and seals, respectively), directly usable in ecological research.
Persistent pulmonary pathology after COVID-19 is associated with high viral load, weak antibody response, and high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Lerum Tøri Vigeland , Maltzahn Niklas Nyboe , Aukrust Pål , Trøseid Marius , Henriksen Katerina Nezvalova , Kåsine Trine , Dyrhol-Riise Anne-Ma , Stiksrud Birgitte , Haugli Mette , Blomberg Bjørn , Kittang Bård Reiakvam , Johannessen Asgeir , Hannula Raisa , Aballi Saad , Kildal Anders Benjamin , Eiken Ragnhild , Dahl Tuva Børresdatter , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Müller Fredrik , Rodriguez Jezabel Rivero , Meltzer Carin , Einvik Gunnar , Ueland Thor , Olsen Inge Christoffer ,   NOR-SOLIDARITY Consortium, Pettersen Frank Olav , Holten Aleksander Rygh , Tonby Kristian , Reikvam Dag Henrik , Røstad Kjerstin , Jenum Synne , Hesstvedt Liv , Vaage Eline Brenno , Kolderup Anette , Tran Trung , Andersen Jan Terje , Holberg-Petersen Mona , Johal Simreen Kaur , Berg Åse , Tveita Anders , Ernst Gernot , Heggelund Lars , Thoresen Lars , Müller Karl Erik , Hoff Dag Arne Lihaug , Olsen Roy Bjørkholt , Finbråten Ane-Krisitne , Hoel Hedda , Mathiessen Alexander , Vinge Leif Erik , Nordberg Lena Bugge , Manotheepan Ravinea , Stenvik Grethe-Elisabeth , Rasmussen Hans Schmidt , Thorkildsen Ruth Foseide , Mielnik Pawel , Le Lan Ai Kieu , Ystrøm Carl Magnus , Molvik Richard Alexander , Skei Nina Vibeche , Dalgard Olav , Åsheim-Hansen Bjørn , Halstensen Anne Marie , Brynhildsen Jorunn , Ghanima Waleed , Skogen Vegard , Mohn Krisine Greve Isdahl , Kvåle Reidar , Langeland Nina , Gustad Lise Tuset , Saxhaug Lars Mølgaard , Fladeby Cathrine , Dudman Susanne , Steffensen Anne , Barratt-Due Andreas , Aaløkken Trond Mogens , Skjønsberg Ole Henning
Published: December 2021

The association between pulmonary sequelae and markers of disease severity, as well as pro-fibrotic mediators, were studied in 108 patients 3 months after hospital admission for COVID-19. The COPD assessment test (CAT-score), spirometry, diffusion capacity of the lungs (DLCO), and chest-CT were performed at 23 Norwegian hospitals included in the NOR-SOLIDARITY trial, an open-labelled, randomised clinical trial, investigating the efficacy of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Thirty-eight percent had a CAT-score ≥ 10. DLCO was below the lower limit of normal in 29.6%. Ground-glass opacities were present in 39.8% on chest-CT, parenchymal bands were found in 41.7%. At admission, low pO2/FiO2 ratio, ICU treatment, high viral load, and low antibody levels, were predictors of a poorer pulmonary outcome after 3 months. High levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 during hospitalisation and at 3 months were associated with persistent CT-findings. Except for a negative effect of remdesivir on CAT-score, we found no effect of remdesivir or HCQ on long-term pulmonary outcomes. Three months after hospital admission for COVID-19, a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, reduced DLCO, and persistent CT-findings was observed. Low pO2/FiO2 ratio, ICU-admission, high viral load, low antibody levels, and high levels of MMP-9 were associated with a worse pulmonary outcome.
Metabolite and thymocyte development defects in ADA-SCID mice receiving enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Moretti Federico A. , Giardino Giuliana , Attenborough Teresa C. H. , Gkazi Athina Soragia , Margetts Ben K. , la Marca Giancarlo , Fairbanks Lynette , Crompton Tessa , Gaspar H. Bobby
Published: December 2021

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase (ADA, EC3.5.4.4), a housekeeping enzyme intrinsic to the purine salvage pathway, leads to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) both in humans and mice. Lack of ADA results in the intracellular accumulation of toxic metabolites which have effects on T cell development and function. While untreated ADA-SCID is a fatal disorder, there are different therapeutic options available to restore ADA activity and reconstitute a functioning immune system, including enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Administration of ERT in the form of pegylated bovine ADA (PEG-ADA) has proved a life-saving though non-curative treatment for ADA-SCID patients. However, in many patients treated with PEG-ADA, there is suboptimal immune recovery with low T and B cell numbers. Here, we show reduced thymus cellularity in ADA-SCID mice despite weekly PEG-ADA treatment. This was associated with lack of effective adenosine (Ado) detoxification in the thymus. We also show that thymocyte development in ADA-deficient thymi is arrested at the DN3-to-DN4 stage transition with thymocytes undergoing dATP-induced apoptosis rather than defective TCRβ rearrangement or β-selection. Our studies demonstrate at a detailed level that exogenous once-a-week enzyme replacement does not fully correct intra-thymic metabolic or immunological abnormalities associated with ADA deficiency.
Portable on-chip colorimetric biosensing platform integrated with a smartphone for label/PCR-free detection of Cryptosporidium RNA
Authors: Luka George S. , Nowak Ephraim , Toyata Quin Robert , Tasnim Nishat , Najjaran Homayoun , Hoorfar Mina
Published: December 2021

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan pathogen, is a leading threat to public health and the economy. Herein, we report the development of a portable, colorimetric biosensing platform for the sensitive, selective and label/PCR-free detection of Cryptosporidium RNA using oligonucleotides modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A pair of specific thiolated oligonucleotides, complementary to adjacent sequences on Cryptosporidium RNA, were attached to AuNPs. The need for expensive laboratory-based equipment was eliminated by performing the colorimetric assay on a micro-fabricated chip in a 3D-printed holder assembly. A smartphone camera was used to capture an image of the color change for quantitative analysis. The detection was based on the aggregation of the gold nanoparticles due to the hybridization between the complementary Cryptosporidium RNA and the oligonucleotides immobilized on the AuNPs surface. In the complementary RNA’s presence, a distinctive color change of the AuNPs (from red to blue) was observed by the naked eye. However, in the presence of non-complementary RNA, no color change was observed. The sensing platform showed wide linear responses between 5 and 100 µM with a low detection limit of 5 µM of Cryptosporidium RNA. Additionally, the sensor developed here can provide information about different Cryptosporidium species present in water resources. This cost-effective, easy-to-use, portable and smartphone integrated on-chip colorimetric biosensor has great potential to be used for real-time and portable POC pathogen monitoring and molecular diagnostics.
A clinical, aetiological, and public health perspective on central nervous system infections in Bolivia, 2017–2018
Authors: Saba Villarroel Paola Mariela , Castro Soto María del Rosario , Melendres Flores Oriana , Peralta Landívar Alejandro , Calderón María E. , Loayza Roxana , Boucraut José , Thirion Laurence , Dubot-Pérès Audrey , Ninove Laetitia , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: December 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Bolivia, aetiologies, case fatality, and determinants of outcome are poorly characterised. We attempted to investigate such parameters to guide diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and health policy. From Nov-2017 to Oct-2018, we prospectively enrolled 257 inpatients (20.2% HIV-positive patients) of all ages from healthcare centers of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia with a suspected CNS infection and a lumbar puncture performed. Biological diagnosis included classical microbiology, molecular, serological and immunohistochemical tests. An infectious aetiology was confirmed in 128/257 (49.8%) inpatients, including, notably among confirmed single and co-infections, Cryptococcus spp. (41.7%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (27.8%) in HIV-positive patients, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (26.1%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.5%) in HIV-negative patients. The total mortality rate was high (94/223, 42.1%), including six rabies cases. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mortality was associated with thrombocytopenia (Odds ratio (OR) 5.40, 95%-CI 2.40–11.83) and hydrocephalus (OR 4.07, 95%-CI 1.35–12.23). The proportion of untreated HIV patients, late presentations of neurotuberculosis, the rate of pneumococcal cases, and rabies patients who did not benefit from a post-exposure prophylaxis, suggest that decreasing the burden of CNS infections requires reinforcing health policy regarding tuberculosis, rabies, S. pneumoniae vaccination, and HIV-infections.
Lightweight mediated semi-quantum key distribution protocol with a dishonest third party based on Bell states
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wei , Yang Chun-Wei
Published: December 2021

The mediated semi-quantum key distribution (MSQKD) protocol is an important research issue that lets two classical participants share secret keys securely between each other with the help of a third party (TP). However, in the existing MSQKD protocols, there are two improvable issues, namely (1) the classical participants must be equipped with expensive detectors to avoid Trojan horse attacks and (2) the trustworthiness level of TP must be honest. To the best of our knowledge, none of the existing MSQKD protocols can resolve both these issues. Therefore, this study takes Bell states as the quantum resource to propose a MSQKD protocol, in which the classical participants do not need a Trojan horse detector and the TP is dishonest. Furthermore, the proposed protocol is shown to be secure against well-known attacks and the classical participants only need two quantum capabilities. Therefore, in comparison to the existing MSQKD protocols, the proposed protocol is better practical.
Age-related exacerbation of hematopoietic organ damage induced by systemic hyper-inflammation in senescence-accelerated mice
Authors: Harada Tomonori , Tsuboi Isao , Hino Hirotsugu , Yuda Miyuki , Hirabayashi Yoko , Hirai Shuichi , Aizawa Shin
Published: December 2021

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening systemic hyper-inflammatory disorder. The mortality of HLH is higher in the elderly than in young adults. Senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP1/TA-1) exhibit characteristic accelerated aging after 30 weeks of age, and HLH-like features, including hematopoietic organ damage, are seen after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Thus, SAMP1/TA-1 is a useful model of hematological pathophysiology in the elderly with HLH. In this study, dosing of SAMP1/TA-1 mice with LPS revealed that the suppression of myelopoiesis and B-lymphopoiesis was more severe in aged mice than in young mice. The bone marrow (BM) expression of genes encoding positive regulators of myelopoiesis (G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-6) and of those encoding negative regulators of B cell lymphopoiesis (TNF-α) increased in both groups, while the expression of genes encoding positive-regulators of B cell lymphopoiesis (IL-7, SDF-1, and SCF) decreased. The expression of the GM-CSF-encoding transcript was lower in aged mice than in young animals. The production of GM-CSF by cultured stromal cells after LPS treatment was also lower in aged mice than in young mice. The accumulation of the TNF-α-encoding transcript and the depletion of the IL-7-encoding transcript were prolonged in aged mice compared to young animals. LPS dosing led to a prolonged increase in the proportion of BM M1 macrophages in aged mice compared to young animals. The expression of the gene encoding p16INK4a and the proportion of β-galactosidase- and phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6-positive cells were increased in cultured stromal cells from aged mice compared to those from young animals, while the proportion of Ki67-positive cells was decreased in stromal cells from aged mice. Thus, age-related deterioration of stromal cells probably causes the suppression of hematopoiesis in aged mice. This age-related latent organ dysfunction may be exacerbated in elderly people with HLH, resulting in poor prognosis.
Macular thickness varies with age-related macular degeneration genetic risk variants in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Kaye Rebecca A. , Patasova Karina , Patel Praveen J. , Hysi Pirro , Lotery Andrew J. ,   The UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium, Patel Praveen J. , Hysi Pirro , Lotery Andrew J.
Published: December 2021

To evaluate the influence AMD risk genomic variants have on macular thickness in the normal population. UK Biobank participants with no significant ocular history were included using the UK Biobank Resource (project 2112). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images were taken and segmented to define retinal layers. The influence of AMD risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on retinal layer thickness was analysed. AMD risk associated SNPs were strongly associated with outer-retinal layer thickness. The inner-segment outer segment (ISOS)-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness measurement, representing photoreceptor outer segments was most significantly associated with the cumulative polygenic risk score, composed of 33 AMD-associated variants, resulting in a decreased thickness (p = 1.37 × 10–67). Gene–gene interactions involving the NPLOC4-TSPAN10 SNP rs6565597 were associated with significant changes in outer retinal thickness. Thickness of outer retinal layers is highly associated with the presence of risk AMD SNPs. Specifically, the ISOS-RPE measurement. Changes to ISOS-RPE thickness are seen in clinically normal individuals with AMD risk SNPs suggesting structural changes occur at the macula prior to the onset of disease symptoms or overt clinical signs.
Global similarity, and some key differences, in the metagenomes of Swedish varroa-surviving and varroa-susceptible honeybees
Authors: Thaduri Srinivas , Marupakula Srisailam , Terenius Olle , Onorati Piero , Tellgren-Roth Christian , Locke Barbara , de Miranda Joachim R.
Published: December 2021

There is increasing evidence that honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) can adapt naturally to survive Varroa destructor, the primary cause of colony mortality world-wide. Most of the adaptive traits of naturally varroa-surviving honeybees concern varroa reproduction. Here we investigate whether factors in the honeybee metagenome also contribute to this survival. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the bacterial and viral metagenome fluctuated greatly during the active season, but with little overall difference between varroa-surviving and varroa-susceptible colonies. The main exceptions were Bartonella apis and sacbrood virus, particularly during early spring and autumn. Bombella apis was also strongly associated with early and late season, though equally for all colonies. All three affect colony protein management and metabolism. Lake Sinai virus was more abundant in varroa-surviving colonies during the summer. Lake Sinai virus and deformed wing virus also showed a tendency towards seasonal genetic change, but without any distinction between varroa-surviving and varroa-susceptible colonies. Whether the changes in these taxa contribute to survival or reflect demographic differences between the colonies (or both) remains unclear.
Topographic patterns of retinal edema in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion and their association with macular edema recurrence
Authors: Park Hae Min , Kim Young Hwan , Lee Byung Ro , Ahn Seong Joon
Published: December 2021

In this study, we evaluated the topographic pattern of retinal edema in eyes with macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using a widefield retinal thickness map of optical coherence tomography and its association with ME recurrence. In 87 eyes with ME secondary to BRVO who were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and followed up for ≥ 1 years, 12 × 9 mm macular volume scans of swept-source optical coherence tomography (DRI-OCT Triton; Topcon Inc, Japan) were performed and retinal thickness maps were automatically generated at baseline and follow-up visits. Topographic patterns of retinal edema on the maps at baseline and 1 month after the first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment were classified as extramacular (outside the ETDRS grid), macular (within the grid), and combined pattern and correlated with ME recurrences. Seventy-five of 87 (86.2%) eyes with BRVO ME showed combined edema at baseline. There were 4 topographic patterns of edema at 1 month following anti-VEGF injection as follows: no residual edema, extramacular only, macular only, and combined edema. In contrast to the baseline pattern, the pattern of retinal edema 1 month following anti-VEGF therapy showed significant association with 6-month recurrence, number of ME recurrences during a 1-year period, and time to first recurrence. (all P < 0.05) An automatically generated widefield retinal thickness map could be used to effectively visualize the topographic patterns of retinal edema in eyes with BRVO. The map can be used as a valuable tool for detection of retinal edema on widefield retinal areas and prediction of ME recurrence in eyes with BRVO.
A study on the detection of free and bound biotin based on TR-FRET technology
Authors: Chen Heng , Feng Yongtong , Cao Yang , Tang Yuguo , Liu Tao
Published: December 2021

It's for the first time that a systematic study is conducted on the difference between free and bound biotin detection based on TR-FRET technology.
NIR-emitting benzene-fused oligo-BODIPYs for bioimaging
Authors: Selvaggio Gabriele , Nißler Robert , Nietmann Peter , Patra Atanu , Patalag Lukas J. , Janshoff Andreas , Werz Daniel B. , Kruss Sebastian
Published: December 2021

The hexameric and octameric variants of benzene-fused oligo-BODIPYs emit fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR). Their potential for biophotonics and imaging is reported.
Layer-by-layer assembly of multi-layered droplet interface bilayers (multi-DIBs)
Authors: Allen Matthew E. , Albon James , Elani Yuval
Published: December 2021

We report a new easily customisable droplet-based method to produce droplet interface bilayers with multiple layers.
Structure and hydration of polyvinylpyrrolidone–hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Chambers Luke I. , Yufit Dmitry S. , Fox Mark A. , Musa Osama M. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen peroxide–PVP used in tooth whitening involves a chain of hydrogen bonded H2O2 molecules that can be selectively substituted by water molecules.
C,C′-Ru to C,B′-Ru isomerisation in bis(phosphine)Ru complexes of [1,1′-bis(ortho-carborane)]
Authors: Jeans Rebekah J. , Rosair Georgina M. , Welch Alan J.
Published: December 2021

The transformation of C,C′-bound bis(ortho-carborane) to C,B′-bound is reported for the first time.
Theoretical insights into TM@PHEs as single-atom catalysts for water splitting based on density functional theory
Authors: Jiang Yongzhen , Zou Wenxu , Li Yadong , Cai Yingxiang
Published: December 2021

Single-atom catalysis is the new frontier of heterogeneous catalysis and has attracted considerable attention as it exhibits great potential in hydrogen evolution to mitigate energy crisis and environmental issues.
Microsecond molecular dynamics studies of cholesterol-mediated myelin sheath degeneration in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gupta Mayuri , Weaver Donald F.
Published: December 2021

Extensive microsecond MD simulations were performed for heterogeneous reference membranes and physiologically relevant model myelin sheath membrane with systematically varied cholesterol composition to understand early Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Outer-sphere electron transfer does not underpin B12-dependent olefinic reductive dehalogenation in anaerobes
Authors: Zhang Shangwei , Adrian Lorenz , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: December 2021

Outer-sphere electron transfer does not underpin microbial B12-dependent olefinic reductive dehalogenation.
Investigations into the structure, reactivity, and AACVD of aluminium and gallium amidoenoate complexes
Authors: Mears Kristian L. , Bhide Malavika A. , Knapp Caroline E. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: December 2021

Amidoenoate complexes of Al and Ga have been synthesised and their coordination chemistry studied in relation to precursor stability. A selection of the complexes were used in aerosol assisted CVD to deposit thin films of Al2O3 and Ga2O3.
Thermal and photoinduced spin-crossover of mononuclear FeII complexes based on bppCHO ligand
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Meng Yin-Shan , Liu Tao , Tang Jinkui
Published: December 2021

The magnetic properties of [Fe(bppCHO)2]X2 (X = ClO4 and BF4) are modulated by changing the counteranions, in which 1·ClO4 exhibits LIESST up to 53 K and a two-step SCO with a 26 K thermal hysteresis, while 1·BF4 exhibits only gradual SCO.
Selective methane electrosynthesis enabled by a hydrophobic carbon coated copper core–shell architecture
Authors: Zhang Xin Yu , Li Wen Jing , Wu Xue Feng , Liu Yuan Wei , Chen Jiacheng , Zhu Minhui , Yuan Hai Yang , Dai Sheng , Wang Hai Feng , Jiang Zheng , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: December 2021

A hydrophobic core–shell architecture was constructed to control local H2O availability on the surface of the copper-based materials, which could provide a maximum generation rate of −434 mA cm−2 towards CH4.
Identification of mitochondria-related hub genes in sarcopenia and functional regulation of MFG-E8 on ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Li He , Guan Kaifang , Liu DanDan , Liu Min
Published: December 2021

Sarcopenia has high prevalence in the elderly population, but the genes and pathways related to aging in elderly patients with sarcopenia are poorly understood.
Removal of anti-nutritional factors of rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) and toxicity assessment of RPI
Authors: Xiong Zheng , Fu Yaoyao , Yao Jun , Zhang Nan , He Rong , Ju Xingrong , Wang Zhigao
Published: December 2021

We prepared a detoxified rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) by phytase/ethanol treatment based on alkaline extraction and acidic precipitation.
Recent advances in polymer membranes employing non-toxic solvents and materials
Authors: Zou Dong , Nunes Suzana P. , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Figoli Alberto , Lee Young Moo
Published: December 2021

Critical review for the recent developments of polymer membranes using non-toxic solvents and materials based on the green chemistry principle.
Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of lignin monomer to methoxy-cyclohexanes with high faradaic efficiency
Authors: Wang Miao , Peng Tao , Yang Chenxin , Liang Baiyao , Chen Henan , Kumar Mohan , Zhang Yun , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2021

A ternary RhPtRu electrocatalyst enables a record faradaic efficiency (FE) of 62.8% and selectivity of 91.2% towards high-value methoxy-cyclohexanes.
“Non-invasive” portable laser ablation sampling for lead isotope analysis of archaeological silver: a comparison with bulk and in situ laser ablation techniques
Authors: Merkel S. W. , D'Imporzano P. , van Zuilen K. , Kershaw J. , Davies G. R.
Published: December 2021

Portable laser ablation is tested for Pb isotope analysis of silver, yielding results comparable to bulk analyses. This low impact method removes the need for invasive sampling, opening the way for analysis of archaeological silver worldwide.
Hydroborative reduction of amides to amines mediated by La(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)3
Authors: Zhang Fangcao , Guo Chenjun , Gong Mingliang , Xie Hongzhen , Luo Yunjie
Published: December 2021

La(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)3/HBpin is an efficient catalytic system for the deoxygenative reduction of primary, secondary and tertiary amides to amines.
Harnessing intercellular signals to engineer the soil microbiome
Authors: Connolly Jack A. , Harcombe William R. , Smanski Michael J. , Kinkel Linda L. , Takano Eriko , Breitling Rainer
Published: December 2021

This review covers intercellular signalling in the soil microbiome and its importance in regulating key beneficial functions. We consider the possibilities for how we can engineer soil microbiome signalling to unlock tangible benefits to crops.
A double-triggered self-immolative spacer for increased selectivity of molecular release
Authors: Huvelle Steve , Le Saux Thomas , Jullien Ludovic , Schmidt Frédéric
Published: December 2021

A new family of spacers for the selective release of caged compounds under two stimuli conditions was obtained and validated.
Photo-redox catalyzed dehydrazinative acylation of N-heterocycles via Minisci reaction
Authors: Hafeez Saira , Saeed Aamer
Published: December 2021

Visible light-induced acylation of heteroaromatic compounds have been achieved using benzoyl hydrazides as an efficient acyl source under mild reaction conditions.
Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma as a powerful tool for the synthesis of rhenium-based nanostructures for the catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Cyganowski Piotr , Terefinko Dominik , Jamroz Piotr , Pohl Pawel , Dzimitrowicz Anna
Published: December 2021

A unique reaction-discharge system was used for the production of Re-based nanoparticles (NPs) revealing enhanced catalytic activity.
Rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus using magnetic nanobead-based immunoseparation and quantum dot-based immunofluorescence
Authors: Zhai Yue , Meng Xiangjun , Li Li , Liu Yushen , Xu Kun , Zhao Chao , Wang Juan , Song Xiuling , Li Juan , Jin Minghua
Published: December 2021

IMB probe and QD probe were used as separation and fluorescent label to measure the content of V. parahaemolyticus. The detection method with a detection limit of 102 cfu mL−1 has been shown to work satisfactorily in real food samples.
Chemical synthesis, inhibitory activity and molecular mechanism of 1-deoxynojirimycin–chrysin as a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor
Authors: Zhang Ran , Zhang Yueyue , Huang Gaiqun , Xin Xiangdong , Tang Liumei , Li Hao , Lee Kwang Sik , Jin Byung Rae , Gui Zhongzheng
Published: December 2021

Hyperglycemia can be efficaciously regulated by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity and this is regarded as an effective strategy to treat type 2 diabetes.
Construction and photocatalytic performance of fluorinated ZnO–TiO2heterostructure composites
Authors: Zhang Li-Yuan , Yang Jin-Ju , You Yao-Hui
Published: December 2021

Fluorinated ZnO-TiO2composites (F-ZTO) were prepared by a simple coprecipitation method, the method used could effectively improve the photocatalytic property of titanium dioxide, and 6% F-ZTO showed an excellent activity and recycling performance.
Active interaction switching controls the dynamic heterogeneity of soft colloidal dispersions
Authors: Bley Michael , Hurtado Pablo I. , Dzubiella Joachim , Moncho-Jordá Arturo
Published: December 2021

We employ Reactive Dynamical Density Functional Theory, Reactive Brownian Dynamics simulations and a Continuous Time Random Walk model to study the heterogeneous dynamics of active soft colloids that switch between two states with different mobility.
Energetic alkylnitramine-functionalized pentanitro hexaazaisowurtzitanes: towards advanced less sensitive CL-20 analogues
Authors: Parakhin Vladimir V. , Pokhvisneva Galina V. , Ternikova Tatyana V. , Nikitin Sergei V. , Smirnov Gennady A. , Kon'kova Tat'yana S. , Lempert David B. , Pivkina Alla N.
Published: December 2021

Novel highly energetic components for rocket propellants based on polycyclic cage alkylnitramine compounds. Polynitro hexaazaisowurtzitanes with high performance and significantly lower sensitivity than CL-20.
FeCoNi nanoalloys embedded in hierarchical N-rich carbon matrix with enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Luo Ziyu , Zhang Xinxin , Zheng Hailong , Peng Lei , Qian Dong , Jia Chuankun , Sun-Waterhouse Dongxiao , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N.
Published: December 2021

FeCoNi nanoalloys encapsulated by a N-rich hierarchical carbon matrix were fabricated as a highly improved oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn–air batteries, due to the unique core–shell structure with favorable electron penetration effect.
Dinaphtho[2,1-b:1′,2′-d]thiophenes as high refractive index materials exploiting the potential characteristics of “dynamic thiahelicenes”
Authors: Nambu Yoko , Yoshitake Yoko , Yanagi Shohan , Mineyama Kenji , Tsurui Keisuke , Kuwata Shigeki , Takata Toshikazu , Nishikubo Tadatomi , Ishikawa Ken
Published: December 2021

A dynamic thiahelicene DNT was found to show extra-high refractivity. Derivatization of DNT yielded new vinyl monomers and polymers with excellent properties, indicating DNT as a novel unit structure for halogen-free high refractive index materials.
The smallest anions, induced porosity and graphene interfaces in C12A7:e−electrides: a paradigm shift in electromagnetic absorbers and shielding materials
Authors: Lalan Vidhya , Ganesanpotti Subodh
Published: December 2021

Advanced conducting ceramics with desirable high-frequency electromagnetic responses are essential to function as fifth-generation (5G) microwave absorbing and shielding materials.
Commentary on: Screening of immunosuppressive cells from colorectal adenocarcinoma and identification of prognostic markers
Authors: Chen Kexin , Zeng Zhen , Ma Chunxiang , Dang Yuan , Zhang Hu
Published: December 2021

Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one subtype of colorectal carcinoma (CRC), whose development is associated with genetics, inappropriate immune response, and environmental factors. Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of COAD, the mortality rate remains high. It is a pressing need to explore novel therapeutic targets of COAD. Available evidence indicated that immune cell infiltration was correlated with cancer prognosis. To reveal the roles of immune cells in the COAD prognosis, a study published in Bioscience Reports by Li et al. (Bioscience Reports (2021) 41, https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20203496) analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. It demonstrated a beneficial effect of Th17 cells in COAD prognosis. In addition, six hub genes (KRT23, ULBP2, ASRGL1, SERPINA1, SCIN, and SLC28A2) were identified to correlate with Th17 cells and COAD prognosis, suggesting one new therapy strategy and some predictive biomarkers of COAD. These findings reported by Li et al. may pave one way to explore the molecular mechanism of COAD further.