bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward GIC Forecasting: Statistical Downscaling of the Geomagnetic Field to Improve Geoelectric Field Forecasts
Authors: Haines C. , Owens M. J. , Barnard L. , Lockwood M. , Beggan C. D. , Thomson A. W. P. , Rogers N. C.
Published: November 2021

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) are an impact of space weather that can occur during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity. GICs can enter into electrical power grids through earthed conductors, potentially causing network collapse through voltage instability or damaging transformers. It would be beneficial for power grid operators to have a forecast of GICs that could inform decision making on mitigating action. Long lead‐time GIC forecasting requires magnetospheric models as drivers of geoelectric field models. However, estimation of the geoelectric field is sensitive to high‐frequency geomagnetic field variations, which operational global magneto‐hydrodynamic models do not fully capture. Furthermore, an assessment of GIC forecast uncertainty would require a large ensemble of magnetospheric runs, which is computationally expensive. One solution that is widely used in climate science is “downscaling,” wherein sub‐grid variations are added to model outputs on a statistical basis. We present proof‐of‐concept results for a method that temporally downscales low‐resolution magnetic field data on a 1‐hr timescale to 1‐min resolution, with the hope of improving subsequent geoelectric field magnitude estimates. An analog ensemble (AnEn) approach is used to select similar hourly averages in a historical data set, from which we separate the high‐resolution perturbations to add to the hourly average values. We find that AnEn outperforms the benchmark linear‐interpolation approach in its ability to accurately drive an impacts model, suggesting GIC forecasting would be improved. We evaluated the ability of AnEn to predict extreme events using the FSS, HSS, cost/loss analysis and BSS, finding that AnEn outperforms the “do‐nothing” approach.
One-step ethylene production from a four-component gas mixture by a single physisorbent
Authors: Cao Jian-Wei , Mukherjee Soumya , Pham Tony , Wang Yu , Wang Teng , Zhang Tao , Jiang Xue , Tang Hui-Juan , Forrest Katherine A. , Space Brian , Zaworotko Michael J. , Chen Kai-Jie
Published: November 2021

One-step adsorptive purification of ethylene (C2H4) from four-component gas mixtures comprising acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is an unmet challenge in the area of commodity purification. Herein, we report that the ultramicroporous sorbent Zn-atz-oba (H2oba = 4,4-dicarboxyl diphenyl ether; Hatz = 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) enables selective adsorption of C2H2, C2H6 and CO2 over C2H4 thanks to the binding sites that lie in its undulating pores. Molecular simulations provide insight into the binding sites in Zn-atz-oba that are responsible for coadsorption of C2H2, C2H6 and CO2 over C2H4. Dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrate that the selective binding exhibited by Zn-atz-oba can produce polymer-grade purity (>99.95%) C2H4 from binary (1:1 for C2H4/C2H6), ternary (1:1:1 for C2H2/C2H4/C2H6) and quaternary (1:1:1:1 for C2H2/C2H4/C2H6/CO2) gas mixtures in a single step.
Diverse integrated ecosystem approach overcomes pandemic-related fisheries monitoring challenges
Authors: Santora Jarrod A. , Rogers Tanya L. , Cimino Megan A. , Sakuma Keith M. , Hanson Keith D. , Dick E. J. , Jahncke Jaime , Warzybok Pete , Field John C.
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented cancellations of fisheries and ecosystem-assessment surveys, resulting in a recession of observations needed for management and conservation globally. This unavoidable reduction of survey data poses challenges for informing biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, developing future stock assessments of harvested species, and providing strategic advice for ecosystem-based management. We present a diversified framework involving integration of monitoring data with empirical models and simulations to inform ecosystem status within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. We augment trawl observations collected from a limited fisheries survey with survey effort reduction simulations, use of seabird diets as indicators of fish abundance, and krill species distribution modeling trained on past observations. This diversified approach allows for evaluation of ecosystem status during data-poor situations, especially during the COVID-19 era. The challenges to ecosystem monitoring imposed by the pandemic may be overcome by preparing for unexpected effort reduction, linking disparate ecosystem indicators, and applying new species modeling techniques.
Microcavity-like exciton-polaritons can be the primary photoexcitation in bare organic semiconductors
Authors: Pandya Raj , Chen Richard Y. S. , Gu Qifei , Sung Jooyoung , Schnedermann Christoph , Ojambati Oluwafemi S. , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Gorman Jeffrey , Jacucci Gianni , Onelli Olimpia D. , Willhammar Tom , Johnstone Duncan N. , Collins Sean M. , Midgley Paul A. , Auras Florian , Baikie Tomi , Jayaprakash Rahul , Mathevet Fabrice , Soucek Richard , Du Matthew , Alvertis Antonios M. , Ashoka Arjun , Vignolini Silvia , Lidzey David G. , Baumberg Jeremy J. , Friend Richard H. , Barisien Thierry , Legrand Laurent , Chin Alex W. , Yuen-Zhou Joel , Saikin Semion K. , Kukura Philipp , Musser Andrew J. , Rao Akshay
Published: November 2021

Strong-coupling between excitons and confined photonic modes can lead to the formation of new quasi-particles termed exciton-polaritons which can display a range of interesting properties such as super-fluidity, ultrafast transport and Bose-Einstein condensation. Strong-coupling typically occurs when an excitonic material is confided in a dielectric or plasmonic microcavity. Here, we show polaritons can form at room temperature in a range of chemically diverse, organic semiconductor thin films, despite the absence of an external cavity. We find evidence of strong light-matter coupling via angle-dependent peak splittings in the reflectivity spectra of the materials and emission from collective polariton states. We additionally show exciton-polaritons are the primary photoexcitation in these organic materials by directly imaging their ultrafast (5 × 106 m s−1), ultralong (~270 nm) transport. These results open-up new fundamental physics and could enable a new generation of organic optoelectronic and light harvesting devices based on cavity-free exciton-polaritons
PharmacoSTORM nanoscale pharmacology reveals cariprazine binding on Islands of Calleja granule cells
Authors: Prokop Susanne , Ábrányi-Balogh Péter , Barti Benjámin , Vámosi Márton , Zöldi Miklós , Barna László , Urbán Gabriella M. , Tóth András Dávid , Dudok Barna , Egyed Attila , Deng Hui , Leggio Gian Marco , Hunyady László , van der Stelt Mario , Keserű György M. , Katona István
Published: November 2021

Immunolabeling and autoradiography have traditionally been applied as the methods-of-choice to visualize and collect molecular information about physiological and pathological processes. Here, we introduce PharmacoSTORM super-resolution imaging that combines the complementary advantages of these approaches and enables cell-type- and compartment-specific nanoscale molecular measurements. We exploited rational chemical design for fluorophore-tagged high-affinity receptor ligands and an enzyme inhibitor; and demonstrated broad PharmacoSTORM applicability for three protein classes and for cariprazine, a clinically approved antipsychotic and antidepressant drug. Because the neurobiological substrate of cariprazine has remained elusive, we took advantage of PharmacoSTORM to provide in vivo evidence that cariprazine predominantly binds to D3 dopamine receptors on Islands of Calleja granule cell axons but avoids dopaminergic terminals. These findings show that PharmacoSTORM helps to quantify drug-target interaction sites at the nanoscale level in a cell-type- and subcellular context-dependent manner and within complex tissue preparations. Moreover, the results highlight the underappreciated neuropsychiatric significance of the Islands of Calleja in the ventral forebrain.
Generation of functional ciliated cholangiocytes from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Ogawa Mina , Jiang Jia-Xin , Xia Sunny , Yang Donghe , Ding Avrilynn , Laselva Onofrio , Hernandez Marcela , Cui Changyi , Higuchi Yuichiro , Suemizu Hiroshi , Dorrell Craig , Grompe Markus , Bear Christine E. , Ogawa Shinichiro
Published: November 2021

The derivation of mature functional cholangiocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides a model for studying the pathogenesis of cholangiopathies and for developing therapies to treat them. Current differentiation protocols are not efficient and give rise to cholangiocytes that are not fully mature, limiting their therapeutic applications. Here, we generate functional hPSC-derived cholangiocytes that display many characteristics of mature bile duct cells including high levels of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the presence of primary cilia capable of sensing flow. With this level of maturation, these cholangiocytes are amenable for testing the efficacy of cystic fibrosis drugs and for studying the role of cilia in cholangiocyte development and function. Transplantation studies show that the mature cholangiocytes generate ductal structures in the liver of immunocompromised mice indicating that it may be possible to develop cell-based therapies to restore bile duct function in patients with biliary disease.
Epigenetic reprogramming of airway macrophages promotes polarization and inflammation in muco-obstructive lung disease
Authors: Hey Joschka , Paulsen Michelle , Toth Reka , Weichenhan Dieter , Butz Simone , Schatterny Jolanthe , Liebers Reinhard , Lutsik Pavlo , Plass Christoph , Mall Marcus A.
Published: November 2021

Lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and COPD, are characterized by mucus obstruction and chronic airway inflammation, but their mechanistic link remains poorly understood. Here, we focus on the function of the mucostatic airway microenvironment on epigenetic reprogramming of airway macrophages (AM) and resulting transcriptomic and phenotypical changes. Using a mouse model of muco-obstructive lung disease (Scnn1b-transgenic), we identify epigenetically controlled, differentially regulated pathways and transcription factors involved in inflammatory responses and macrophage polarization. Functionally, AMs from Scnn1b-transgenic mice have reduced efferocytosis and phagocytosis, and excessive inflammatory responses upon lipopolysaccharide challenge, mediated through enhanced Irf1 function and expression. Ex vivo stimulation of wild-type AMs with native mucus impairs efferocytosis and phagocytosis capacities. In addition, mucus induces gene expression changes, comparable with those observed in AMs from Scnn1b-transgenic mice. Our data show that mucostasis induces epigenetic reprogramming of AMs, leading to changes favoring tissue damage and disease progression. Targeting these altered AMs may support therapeutic approaches in patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases.
Structural dynamics in the water and proton channels of photosystem II during the S2 to S3 transition
Authors: Hussein Rana , Ibrahim Mohamed , Bhowmick Asmit , Simon Philipp S. , Chatterjee Ruchira , Lassalle Louise , Doyle Margaret , Bogacz Isabel , Kim In-Sik , Cheah Mun Hon , Gul Sheraz , de Lichtenberg Casper , Chernev Petko , Pham Cindy C. , Young Iris D. , Carbajo Sergio , Fuller Franklin D. , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Batyuk Alex , Sutherlin Kyle D. , Brewster Aaron S. , Bolotovsky Robert , Mendez Derek , Holton James M. , Moriarty Nigel W. , Adams Paul D. , Bergmann Uwe , Sauter Nicholas K. , Dobbek Holger , Messinger Johannes , Zouni Athina , Kern Jan , Yachandra Vittal K. , Yano Junko
Published: November 2021

Light-driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen is catalyzed by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in Photosystem II (PS II). This multi-electron, multi-proton catalysis requires the transport of two water molecules to and four protons from the OEC. A high-resolution 1.89 Å structure obtained by averaging all the S states and refining the data of various time points during the S2 to S3 transition has provided better visualization of the potential pathways for substrate water insertion and proton release. Our results indicate that the O1 channel is the likely water intake pathway, and the Cl1 channel is the likely proton release pathway based on the structural rearrangements of water molecules and amino acid side chains along these channels. In particular in the Cl1 channel, we suggest that residue D1-E65 serves as a gate for proton transport by minimizing the back reaction. The results show that the water oxidation reaction at the OEC is well coordinated with the amino acid side chains and the H-bonding network over the entire length of the channels, which is essential in shuttling substrate waters and protons.
A general theoretical framework to design base editors with reduced bystander effects
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Jie , Zhong Zhicheng , Vanegas Jeffrey A. , Gao Xue , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: November 2021

Base editors (BEs) hold great potential for medical applications of gene therapy. However, high precision base editing requires BEs that can discriminate between the target base and multiple bystander bases within a narrow active window (4 – 10 nucleotides). Here, to assist in the design of these optimized editors, we propose a discrete-state stochastic approach to build an analytical model that explicitly evaluates the probabilities of editing the target base and bystanders. Combined with all-atom molecular dynamic simulations, our model reproduces the experimental data of A3A-BE3 and its variants for targeting the “TC” motif and bystander editing. Analyzing this approach, we propose several general principles that can guide the design of BEs with a reduced bystander effect. These principles are then applied to design a series of point mutations at T218 position of A3G-BEs to further reduce its bystander editing. We verify experimentally that the new mutations provide different levels of stringency on reducing the bystander editing at different genomic loci, which is consistent with our theoretical model. Thus, our study provides a computational-aided platform to assist in the scientifically-based design of BEs with reduced bystander effects.
Introns control stochastic allele expression bias
Authors: Sands Bryan , Yun Soo , Mendenhall Alexander R.
Published: November 2021

Monoallelic expression (MAE) or extreme allele bias can account for incomplete penetrance, missing heritability and non-Mendelian diseases. In cancer, MAE is associated with shorter patient survival times and higher tumor grade. Prior studies showed that stochastic MAE is caused by stochastic epigenetic silencing, in a gene and tissue-specific manner. Here, we used C. elegans to study stochastic MAE in vivo. We found allele bias/MAE to be widespread within C. elegans tissues, presenting as a continuum from fully biallelic to MAE. We discovered that the presence of introns within alleles robustly decreases MAE. We determined that introns control MAE at distinct loci, in distinct cell types, with distinct promoters, and within distinct coding sequences, using a 5’-intron position-dependent mechanism. Bioinformatic analysis showed human intronless genes are significantly enriched for MAE. Our experimental evidence demonstrates a role for introns in regulating MAE, possibly explaining why some mutations within introns result in disease.
SU(2) hadrons on a quantum computer via a variational approach
Authors: Atas Yasar Y. , Zhang Jinglei , Lewis Randy , Jahanpour Amin , Haase Jan F. , Muschik Christine A.
Published: November 2021

Quantum computers have the potential to create important new opportunities for ongoing essential research on gauge theories. They can provide simulations that are unattainable on classical computers such as sign-problem afflicted models or time evolutions. In this work, we variationally prepare the low-lying eigenstates of a non-Abelian gauge theory with dynamically coupled matter on a quantum computer. This enables the observation of hadrons and the calculation of their associated masses. The SU(2) gauge group considered here represents an important first step towards ultimately studying quantum chromodynamics, the theory that describes the properties of protons, neutrons and other hadrons. Our calculations on an IBM superconducting platform utilize a variational quantum eigensolver to study both meson and baryon states, hadrons which have never been seen in a non-Abelian simulation on a quantum computer. We develop a hybrid resource-efficient approach by combining classical and quantum computing, that not only allows the study of an SU(2) gauge theory with dynamical matter fields on present-day quantum hardware, but further lays out the premises for future quantum simulations that will address currently unanswered questions in particle and nuclear physics.
CENP-V is required for proper chromosome segregation through interaction with spindle microtubules in mouse oocytes
Authors: Nabi Dalileh , Drechsler Hauke , Pschirer Johannes , Korn Franz , Schuler Nadine , Diez Stefan , Jessberger Rolf , Chacón Mariola
Published: November 2021

Proper chromosome segregation is essential to avoid aneuploidy, yet this process fails with increasing age in mammalian oocytes. Here we report a role for the scarcely described protein CENP-V in oocyte spindle formation and chromosome segregation. We show that depending on the oocyte maturation state, CENP-V localizes to centromeres, to microtubule organizing centers, and to spindle microtubules. We find that Cenp-V−/− oocytes feature severe deficiencies, including metaphase I arrest, strongly reduced polar body extrusion, increased numbers of mis-aligned chromosomes and aneuploidy, multipolar spindles, unfocused spindle poles and loss of kinetochore spindle fibres. We also show that CENP-V protein binds, diffuses along, and bundles microtubules in vitro. The spindle assembly checkpoint arrests about half of metaphase I Cenp-V−/− oocytes from young adults only. This finding suggests checkpoint weakening in ageing oocytes, which mature despite carrying mis-aligned chromosomes. Thus, CENP-V is a microtubule bundling protein crucial to faithful oocyte meiosis, and Cenp-V−/− oocytes reveal age-dependent weakening of the spindle assembly checkpoint.
Mesenchymal stromal cell apoptosis is required for their therapeutic function
Authors: Pang Swee Heng Milon , D’Rozario Joshua , Mendonca Senora , Bhuvan Tejasvini , Payne Natalie L. , Zheng Di , Hisana Assifa , Wallis Georgia , Barugahare Adele , Powell David , Rautela Jai , Huntington Nicholas D. , Dewson Grant , Huang David C. S. , Gray Daniel H. D. , Heng Tracy S. P.
Published: November 2021

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) ameliorate a wide range of diseases in preclinical models, but the lack of clarity around their mechanisms of action has impeded their clinical utility. The therapeutic effects of MSCs are often attributed to bioactive molecules secreted by viable MSCs. However, we found that MSCs underwent apoptosis in the lung after intravenous administration, even in the absence of host cytotoxic or alloreactive cells. Deletion of the apoptotic effectors BAK and BAX prevented MSC death and attenuated their immunosuppressive effects in disease models used to define MSC potency. Mechanistically, apoptosis of MSCs and their efferocytosis induced changes in metabolic and inflammatory pathways in alveolar macrophages to effect immunosuppression and reduce disease severity. Our data reveal a mode of action whereby the host response to dying MSCs is key to their therapeutic effects; findings that have broad implications for the effective translation of cell-based therapies.
Structure of Escherichia coli cytochrome bd-II type oxidase with bound aurachin D
Authors: Grauel Antonia , Kägi Jan , Rasmussen Tim , Makarchuk Iryna , Oppermann Sabrina , Moumbock Aurélien F. A. , Wohlwend Daniel , Müller Rolf , Melin Frederic , Günther Stefan , Hellwig Petra , Böttcher Bettina , Friedrich Thorsten
Published: November 2021

Cytochrome bd quinol:O2 oxidoreductases are respiratory terminal oxidases so far only identified in prokaryotes, including several pathogenic bacteria. Escherichia coli contains two bd oxidases of which only the bd-I type is structurally characterized. Here, we report the structure of the Escherichia coli cytochrome bd-II type oxidase with the bound inhibitor aurachin D as obtained by electron cryo-microscopy at 3 Å resolution. The oxidase consists of subunits AppB, C and X that show an architecture similar to that of bd-I. The three heme cofactors are found in AppC, while AppB is stabilized by a structural ubiquinone-8 at the homologous positions. A fourth subunit present in bd-I is lacking in bd-II. Accordingly, heme b595 is exposed to the membrane but heme d embedded within the protein and showing an unexpectedly high redox potential is the catalytically active centre. The structure of the Q-loop is fully resolved, revealing the specific aurachin binding.
Leveraging machine learning essentiality predictions and chemogenomic interactions to identify antifungal targets
Authors: Fu Ci , Zhang Xiang , Veri Amanda O. , Iyer Kali R. , Lash Emma , Xue Alice , Yan Huijuan , Revie Nicole M. , Wong Cassandra , Lin Zhen-Yuan , Polvi Elizabeth J. , Liston Sean D. , VanderSluis Benjamin , Hou Jing , Yashiroda Yoko , Gingras Anne-Claude , Boone Charles , O’Meara Teresa R. , O’Meara Matthew J. , Noble Suzanne , Robbins Nicole , Myers Chad L. , Cowen Leah E.
Published: November 2021

Fungal pathogens pose a global threat to human health, with Candida albicans among the leading killers. Systematic analysis of essential genes provides a powerful strategy to discover potential antifungal targets. Here, we build a machine learning model to generate genome-wide gene essentiality predictions for C. albicans and expand the largest functional genomics resource in this pathogen (the GRACE collection) by 866 genes. Using this model and chemogenomic analyses, we define the function of three uncharacterized essential genes with roles in kinetochore function, mitochondrial integrity, and translation, and identify the glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase Gln4 as the target of N-pyrimidinyl-β-thiophenylacrylamide (NP-BTA), an antifungal compound.
Coexisting multi-states in catalytic hydrogen oxidation on rhodium
Authors: Winkler P. , Zeininger J. , Raab M. , Suchorski Y. , Steiger-Thirsfeld A. , Stöger-Pollach M. , Amati M. , Gregoratti L. , Grönbeck H. , Rupprechter G.
Published: November 2021

Catalytic hydrogen oxidation on a polycrystalline rhodium foil used as a surface structure library is studied by scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM) in the 10−6 mbar pressure range, yielding spatially resolved X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Here we report an observation of a previously unknown coexistence of four different states on adjacent differently oriented domains of the same Rh sample at the exactly same conditions. A catalytically active steady state, a catalytically inactive steady state and multifrequential oscillating states are simultaneously observed. Our results thus demonstrate the general possibility of multi-states in a catalytic reaction. This highly unusual behaviour is explained on the basis of peculiarities of the formation and depletion of subsurface oxygen on differently structured Rh surfaces. The experimental findings are supported by mean-field micro-kinetic modelling. The present observations raise the interdisciplinary question of how self-organising dynamic processes in a heterogeneous system are influenced by the permeability of the borders confining the adjacent regions.
Structural variants in the Chinese population and their impact on phenotypes, diseases and population adaptation
Authors: Wu Zhikun , Jiang Zehang , Li Tong , Xie Chuanbo , Zhao Liansheng , Yang Jiaqi , Ouyang Shuai , Liu Yizhi , Li Tao , Xie Zhi
Published: November 2021

A complete characterization of genetic variation is a fundamental goal of human genome research. Long-read sequencing has improved the sensitivity of structural variant discovery. Here, we conduct the long-read sequencing-based structural variant analysis for 405 unrelated Chinese individuals, with 68 phenotypic and clinical measurements. We discover a landscape of 132,312 nonredundant structural variants, of which 45.2% are novel. The identified structural variants are of high-quality, with an estimated false discovery rate of 3.2%. The concatenated length of all the structural variants is approximately 13.2% of the human reference genome. We annotate 1,929 loss-of-function structural variants affecting the coding sequence of 1,681 genes. We discover rare deletions inHBA1/HBA2/HBBassociated with anemia. Furthermore, we identify structural variants related to immunity which differentiate the northern and southern Chinese populations. Our study describes the landscape of structural variants in the Chinese population and their contribution to phenotypes and disease.
Photo-induced catalytic halopyridylation of alkenes
Authors: Guo Shi-Yu , Yang Fan , Song Ting-Ting , Guan Yu-Qing , Min Xiang-Ting , Ji Ding-Wei , Hu Yan-Cheng , Chen Qing-An
Published: November 2021

The Mizoroki-Heck reaction and its reductive analogue are staples of organic synthesis, but the ensuing products often lack a chemical handle for further transformation. Here we report an atom-economical cross-coupling of halopyridines and unactivated alkenes under photoredox catalysis to afford a series of alkene halopyridylation products. This protocol with mild and redox neutral conditions contributes broad substrate scope. As a complement to conventional Heck-type reaction, this radical process avoids the involvement of β-H elimination and thus useful pyridyl and halide groups could be simultaneously and regioselectively incorporated onto alkenes. The success depends on TFA-promoted domino photocatalytic oxidative quenching activation and radical-polar crossover pathway. Plausible mechanism is proposed based on mechanistic investigations. Moreover, the reserved C − X bonds of these products are beneficial for performing further synthetic elaborations.
High dielectric barium titanate porous scaffold for efficient Li metal cycling in anode-free cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Ming , Thijs Michel , Ooms Frans G. B. , Ganapathy Swapna , Wagemaker Marnix
Published: November 2021

Li metal batteries are being intensively investigated as a means to achieve higher energy density when compared with standard Li-ion batteries. However, the formation of dendritic and mossy Li metal microstructures at the negative electrode during stripping/plating cycles causes electrolyte decomposition and the formation of electronically disconnected Li metal particles. Here we investigate the use of a Cu current collector coated with a high dielectric BaTiO3 porous scaffold to suppress the electrical field gradients that cause morphological inhomogeneities during Li metal stripping/plating. Applying operando solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, we demonstrate that the high dielectric BaTiO3 porous scaffold promotes dense Li deposition, improves the average plating/stripping efficiency and extends the cycling life of the cell compared to both bare Cu and to a low dielectric scaffold material (i.e., Al2O3). We report electrochemical tests in full anode-free coin cells using a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-based positive electrode and a LiPF6-based electrolyte to demonstrate the cycling efficiency of the BaTiO3-coated Cu electrode.
Impactor material records the ancient lunar magnetic field in antipodal anomalies
Authors: Wakita S. , Johnson B. C. , Garrick-Bethell I. , Kelley M. R. , Maxwell R. E. , Davison T. M.
Published: November 2021

The Moon presently has no dynamo, but magnetic fields have been detected over numerous portions of its crust. Most of these regions are located antipodal to large basins, leading to the hypothesis that lunar rock ejected during basin-forming impacts accumulated at the basin antipode and recorded the ambient magnetic field. However, a major problem with this hypothesis is that lunar materials have low iron content and cannot become strongly magnetized. Here we simulate oblique impacts of 100-km-diameter impactors at high resolution and show that an ~700 m thick deposit of potentially iron-rich impactor material accumulates at the basin antipode. The material is shock-heated above the Curie temperature and therefore may efficiently record the ambient magnetic field after deposition. These results explain a substantial fraction of the Moon’s crustal magnetism, and are consistent with a dynamo field strength of at least several tens of microtesla during the basin-forming epoch.
ZMYND8 mediated liquid condensates spatiotemporally decommission the latent super-enhancers during macrophage polarization
Authors: Jia Pan , Li Xiang , Wang Xuelei , Yao Liangjiao , Xu Yingying , Hu Yu , Xu Wenwen , He Zhe , Zhao Qifan , Deng Yicong , Zang Yi , Zhang Meiyu , Zhang Yan , Qin Jun , Lu Wei
Published: November 2021

Super-enhancers (SEs) govern macrophage polarization and function. However, the mechanism underlying the signal-dependent latent SEs remodeling in macrophages remains largely undefined. Here we show that the epigenetic reader ZMYND8 forms liquid compartments with NF-κB/p65 to silence latent SEs and restrict macrophage-mediated inflammation. Mechanistically, the fusion of ZMYND8 and p65 liquid condensates is reinforced by signal-induced acetylation of p65. Then acetylated p65 guides the ZMYND8 redistribution onto latent SEs de novo generated in polarized macrophages, and consequently, recruit LSD1 to decommission latent SEs. The liquidity characteristic of ZMYND8 is critical for its regulatory effect since mutations coagulating ZMYND8 into solid compartments disable the translocation of ZMYND8 and its suppressive function. Thereby, ZMYND8 serves as a molecular rheostat to switch off latent SEs and control the magnitude of the immune response. Meanwhile, we propose a phase separation model by which the latent SEs are fine-tuned in a spatiotemporal manner.
Intrinsic and induced quantum quenches for enhancing qubit-based quantum noise spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yu-Xin , Clerk Aashish A.
Published: November 2021

Quantum sensing protocols that exploit the dephasing of a probe qubit are powerful and ubiquitous methods for interrogating an unknown environment. They have a variety of applications, ranging from noise mitigation in quantum processors, to the study of correlated electron states. Here, we discuss a simple strategy for enhancing these methods, based on the fact that they often give rise to an inadvertent quench of the probed system: there is an effective sudden change in the environmental Hamiltonian at the start of the sensing protocol. These quenches are extremely sensitive to the initial environmental state, and lead to observable changes in the sensor qubit evolution. We show how these new features give access to environmental response properties. This enables methods for direct measurement of bath temperature, and for detecting non-thermal equilibrium states. We also discuss how to deliberately control and modulate this quench physics, which enables reconstruction of the bath spectral function. Extensions to non-Gaussian quantum baths are also discussed, as is the application of our ideas to a range of sensing platforms (e.g., nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, semiconductor quantum dots, and superconducting circuits).
Readout of an antiferromagnetic spintronics system by strong exchange coupling of Mn2Au and Permalloy
Authors: Bommanaboyena S. P. , Backes D. , Veiga L. S. I. , Dhesi S. S. , Niu Y. R. , Sarpi B. , Denneulin T. , Kovács A. , Mashoff T. , Gomonay O. , Sinova J. , Everschor-Sitte K. , Schönke D. , Reeve R. M. , Kläui M. , Elmers H.-J. , Jourdan M.
Published: November 2021

In antiferromagnetic spintronics, the read-out of the staggered magnetization or Néel vector is the key obstacle to harnessing the ultra-fast dynamics and stability of antiferromagnets for novel devices. Here, we demonstrate strong exchange coupling of Mn2Au, a unique metallic antiferromagnet that exhibits Néel spin-orbit torques, with thin ferromagnetic Permalloy layers. This allows us to benefit from the well-established read-out methods of ferromagnets, while the essential advantages of antiferromagnetic spintronics are only slightly diminished. We show one-to-one imprinting of the antiferromagnetic on the ferromagnetic domain pattern. Conversely, alignment of the Permalloy magnetization reorients the Mn2Au Néel vector, an effect, which can be restricted to large magnetic fields by tuning the ferromagnetic layer thickness. To understand the origin of the strong coupling, we carry out high resolution electron microscopy imaging and we find that our growth yields an interface with a well-defined morphology that leads to the strong exchange coupling.
Insulin-activated store-operated Ca2+ entry via Orai1 induces podocyte actin remodeling and causes proteinuria
Authors: Kim Ji-Hee , Hwang Kyu-Hee , Dang Bao T. N. , Eom Minseob , Kong In Deok , Gwack Yousang , Yu Seyoung , Gee Heon Yung , Birnbaumer Lutz , Park Kyu-Sang , Cha Seung-Kuy
Published: November 2021

Podocyte, the gatekeeper of the glomerular filtration barrier, is a primary target for growth factor and Ca2+ signaling whose perturbation leads to proteinuria. However, the effects of insulin action on store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in podocytes remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that insulin stimulates SOCE by VAMP2-dependent Orai1 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Insulin-activated SOCE triggers actin remodeling and transepithelial albumin leakage via the Ca2+-calcineurin pathway in podocytes. Transgenic Orai1 overexpression in mice causes podocyte fusion and impaired glomerular filtration barrier. Conversely, podocyte-specific Orai1 deletion prevents insulin-stimulated SOCE, synaptopodin depletion, and proteinuria. Podocyte injury and albuminuria coincide with Orai1 upregulation at the hyperinsulinemic stage in diabetic (db/db) mice, which can be ameliorated by the suppression of Orai1-calcineurin signaling. Our results suggest that tightly balanced insulin action targeting podocyte Orai1 is critical for maintaining filter integrity, which provides novel perspectives on therapeutic strategies for proteinuric diseases, including diabetic nephropathy.
Slow light nanocoatings for ultrashort pulse compression
Authors: Ossiander M. , Huang Y.-W. , Chen W. T. , Wang Z. , Yin X. , Ibrahim Y. A. , Schultze M. , Capasso F.
Published: November 2021

Transparent materials do not absorb light but have profound influence on the phase evolution of transmitted radiation. One consequence is chromatic dispersion, i.e., light of different frequencies travels at different velocities, causing ultrashort laser pulses to elongate in time while propagating. Here we experimentally demonstrate ultrathin nanostructured coatings that resolve this challenge: we tailor the dispersion of silicon nanopillar arrays such that they temporally reshape pulses upon transmission using slow light effects and act as ultrashort laser pulse compressors. The coatings induce anomalous group delay dispersion in the visible to near-infrared spectral region around 800 nm wavelength over an 80 nm bandwidth. We characterize the arrays’ performance in the spectral domain via white light interferometry and directly demonstrate the temporal compression of femtosecond laser pulses. Applying these coatings to conventional optics renders them ultrashort pulse compatible and suitable for a wide range of applications.
Charging and ultralong phosphorescence of lanthanide facilitated organic complex
Authors: Thor Waygen , Wu Yue , Wang Lei , Zhang Yonghong , Tanner Peter A. , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: November 2021

Emission from the triplet state of an organo-lanthanide complex is observed only when the energy transfer to the lanthanide ion is absent. The triplet state lifetime under cryogenic conditions for organo-lanthanide compounds usually ranges up to tens of milliseconds. The compoundLaL1(TTA)3reported herein exhibits 77 K phosphorescence observable by the naked eye for up to 30 s. Optical spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT techniques have been applied to investigate the photophysical processes of this compound. In particular, on-off continuous irradiation cycles reveal a charging behaviour of the emission which is associated with triplet-triplet absorption because it shows a shorter rise lifetime than the corresponding decay lifetime and it varies with illumination intensity. The discovery of the behaviour of this compound provides insight into important photophysical processes of the triplet state of organo-lanthanide systems and may open new fields of application such as data encryption, anti-counterfeiting and temperature switching.
Dietary valine improved growth, immunity, enzymatic activities and expression of TOR signaling cascade genes in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss fingerlings
Authors: Ahmad Ishtiyaq , Ahmed Imtiaz , Dar Nazir A.
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary valine (Val) on growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, immunity, enzymatic activities, antioxidant status and expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) and 4E-BP genes in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss(1.57 ± 0.03 g; 5.10 ± 0.34 cm).Six isonitrogenous (450 g kg−1) and isoenergetic (20.90 kJ 100 g−1,gross energy) diets were designed to represent varied Val levels (10.5, 13.0, 15.5, 18.0, 20.5 and 23.0 g kg−1dry diet basis). Growth parameters improved significantly (P < 0.05) with the amelioration of dietary Val level up to 18.0 g kg−1. Highest (P < 0.05) body protein content was noted at 18.0 g kg−1dietary Val. Significant differences in hematological, intestinal enzymatic activities and antioxidant parameters were noted. However, plasma variables did not show any significant differences except aspartate transaminase and uric acid. Total protein content increased significantly, while the albumin and globulin content did not show any significant (P > 0.05) difference. Moreover expression of TOR mRNA and elF4E-binding protein (4E-BP) was observed higher (P < 0.05) at 18.0 g kg−1Val. On the basis of results, optimum dietary Val requirement for maximal growth of rainbow trout was determined to be 18.19 g kg−1of dry diet, corresponding to 40.42 g kg−1of dietary protein.
Comparison of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging sequences with laboratory parameters for prognosticating renal function in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Inoue Tsutomu , Kozawa Eito , Ishikawa Masahiro , Fukaya Daichi , Amano Hiroaki , Watanabe Yusuke , Tomori Koji , Kobayashi Naoki , Niitsu Mamoru , Okada Hirokazu
Published: November 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is playing an increasingly important role in evaluating chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has the potential to be used not only for evaluation of physiological and pathological states, but also for prediction of disease course. Although different MRI sequences have been employed in renal disease, there are few studies that have compared the different sequences. We compared several multiparametric MRI sequences, and compared their results with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Principal component analysis showed a similarity between T1 values and tissue perfusion (arterial spin labelling), and between fractional anisotropy (diffusion tensor imaging) and apparent diffusion coefficient values (diffusion-weighted imaging). In multiple regression analysis, only T2* values, derived from the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI sequence, were associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate slope after adjusting for degree of proteinuria, a classic prognostic factor for CKD. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, T2* values were a good predictor of rapid deterioration, regardless of the degree of proteinuria. This suggests further study of the use of BOLD-derived T2* values in the workup of CKD, especially to predict the disease course.
High surface area micro-mesoporous graphene for electrochemical applications
Authors: Kamedulski Piotr , Skorupska Malgorzata , Binkowski Pawel , Arendarska Weronika , Ilnicka Anna , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: November 2021

The manuscript presents results on the influence of external pressure on graphene exfoliation and subsequent 3D structuring by means of liquid-phase exfoliation. In contrast to known and applied exfoliation methods, the current study exploits the enhancement of splitting forces caused by the application of high pressure. The manufacturing pathway allowed to increase the surface area from 750 m2/g (nanoplatelets) to ca. 1100 m2/g (after 3D structuring). Electrochemical studies revealed that the 3D graphene materials were active in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The outstanding ORR activity of 3D structured graphene materials should not be ascribed to heteroatom catalytic centers since such heteroatoms were successively removed upon increasing the carbonization temperature. XPS data showed that the presence of transition metals and nitrogen (usually regarded as catalytic centers) in G-materials was marginal. The results highlight the importance of structural factors of electrodes in the case of graphene-based materials for Zn–air batteries and ORR.
The impact of weather on COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ganslmeier Michael , Furceri Davide , Ostry Jonathan D.
Published: November 2021

Rising temperature levels during spring and summer are often argued to enable lifting of strict containment measures even in the absence of herd immunity. Despite broad scholarly interest in the relationship between weather and coronavirus spread, previous studies come to very mixed results. To contribute to this puzzle, the paper examines the impact of weather on the COVID-19 pandemic using a unique granular dataset of over 1.2 million daily observations covering over 3700 counties in nine countries for all seasons of 2020. Our results show that temperature and wind speed have a robust negative effect on virus spread after controlling for a range of potential confounding factors. These effects, however, are substantially larger during mealtimes, as well as in periods of high mobility and low containment, suggesting an important role for social behaviour.
Two component quantum walk in one-dimensional lattice with hopping imbalance
Authors: Giri Mrinal Kanti , Mondal Suman , Das Bhanu Pratap , Mishra Tapan
Published: November 2021

We investigate the two-component quantum walk in one-dimensional lattice. We show that the inter-component interaction strength together with the hopping imbalance between the components exhibit distinct features in the quantum walk for different initial states. When the walkers are initially on the same site, both the slow and fast particles perform independent particle quantum walks when the interaction between them is weak. However, stronger inter-particle interactions result in quantum walks by the repulsively bound pair formed between the two particles. For different initial states when the walkers are on different sites initially, the quantum walk performed by the slow particle is almost independent of that of the fast particle, which exhibits reflected and transmitted components across the particle with large hopping strength for weak interactions. Beyond a critical value of the interaction strength, the wave function of the fast particle ceases to penetrate through the slow particle signalling a spatial phase separation. However, when the two particles are initially at the two opposite edges of the lattice, then the interaction facilitates the complete reflection of both of them from each other. We analyze the above mentioned features by examining various physical quantities such as the on-site density evolution, two-particle correlation functions and transmission coefficients.
Genesis of the Dawadi potassium nitrate deposit in Lop Nor, China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ma Lichun , Wang Kai
Published: November 2021

Nitrate deposits are rare worldwide, especially potassium nitrate deposits; furthermore, their genesis remains disputed. There is a rare salt-lake type potassium nitrate deposit in the Dawadi area of Lop Nor at the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin, and the ore bodies show coexisting solid and liquid phases. Additionally, there are large sulphate-type potash deposits in the adjoining Luobei Depression, south of the Dawadi area. To determine why there are two different types of potash deposits in adjacent depressions with similar climates, field geological surveys were conducted and samples collected. It was found that the Tertiary clastic layer at the periphery of the Dawadi deposit was rich in high-salinity brine, with nitrate contents of up to 495–16,719 mg/L, much higher than those in the Luobei Depression, 1–35 mg/L. Additionally, a type of deep hydrothermal (Ca–Cl) brine was found in the fault zones, with nitrate contents of up to 8044 mg/L, dozens of times greater than that of ordinary groundwater. Using comprehensive analysis and research, we concluded that the Dawadi and Luobei depressions belong to different hydrological systems with no connection between them; thus, the two deposits belong to different metallogenic systems. Furthermore, groundwater played an important role in the mineralization of the potassium nitrate deposit, and a deep source may have been an important source of the ore-forming materials. The fault system widely developed in Lop Nor provides favorable channels for deep hydrothermal recharge, and the groundwater and deep hydrothermal brine could provide the source for the nitrate mineralization in the Dawadi Depression through water–rock reactions.
Reliable evaluation method of heating power of magnetic nanofluids to directly predict the tumor temperature during hyperthermia
Authors: Kim Ji-wook , Bae Seongtae
Published: November 2021

Reliable measurement of heating power of magnetic nanofluids (MNs) to accurately predict the AC heat-induction performance in tumors is highly desirable for clinical magnetic nanofluids hyperthermia (MNFH) application because it can save time for screening the performance of newly developed MNFH agent and minimize the over-use of animals dramatically. Here, a bio-mimicking phantom model, called Pseudo-Tumor Environment System (P-TES), biochemically designed by considering the external and internal critical factors related to the complex biological environments is proposed to provide a highly reliable evaluation method of heating performance of MNs for in-vivo MNFH applications. According to the experimentally analyzed results, the heating power of MNs measured using the P-TES is well accorded with the heating temperature measured in the tumors during in-vivo MNFH. This result strongly demonstrates that the proposed P-TES can be recommended as a standardized measurement method of heating performance of MNs for clinical MNFH application.
Proposal for a destructive controlled phase gate using linear optics
Authors: Shringarpure S. U. , Franson J. D.
Published: November 2021

Knill, Laflamme, and Milburn showed that linear optics techniques could be used to implement a nonlinear sign gate. They also showed that two of their nonlinear sign gates could be combined to implement a controlled-phase gate, which has a number of practical applications. Here we describe an alternative implementation of a controlled-phase gate for a single-rail target qubit that only requires the use of a single nonlinear sign gate. This gives a much higher average probability of success when the required ancilla photons are generated using heralding techniques. This implementation of a controlled-phase gate destroys the control qubit, which is acceptable in a number of applications where the control qubit would have been destroyed in any event, such as in a postselection process.