bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant spin ensembles in waveguide magnonics
Authors: Wang Zi-Qi , Wang Yi-Pu , Yao Jiguang , Shen Rui-Chang , Wu Wei-Jiang , Qian Jie , Li Jie , Zhu Shi-Yao , You J. Q.
Published: December 2022

The dipole approximation is usually employed to describe light-matter interactions under ordinary conditions. With the development of artificial atomic systems, ‘giant atom’ physics is possible, where the scale of atoms is comparable to or even greater than the wavelength of the light they interact with, and the dipole approximation is no longer valid. It reveals interesting physics impossible in small atoms and may offer useful applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the giant spin ensemble (GSE), where a ferromagnetic spin ensemble interacts twice with the meandering waveguide, and the coupling strength between them can be continuously tuned from finite (coupled) to zero (decoupled) by varying the frequency. In the nested configuration, we investigate the collective behavior of two GSEs and find extraordinary phenomena that cannot be observed in conventional systems. Our experiment offers a new platform for ‘giant atom’ physics.
Ultrahigh-responsivity waveguide-coupled optical power monitor for Si photonic circuits operating at near-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Ochiai Takaya , Akazawa Tomohiro , Miyatake Yuto , Sumita Kei , Ohno Shuhei , Monfray Stéphane , Boeuf Frederic , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: December 2022

A phototransistor is a promising candidate as an optical power monitor in Si photonic circuits since the internal gain of photocurrent enables high responsivity. However, state-of-the-art waveguide-coupled phototransistors suffer from a responsivity of lower than 103 A/W, which is insufficient for detecting very low power light. Here, we present a waveguide-coupled phototransistor operating at a 1.3 μm wavelength, which consists of an InGaAs ultrathin channel on a Si waveguide working as a gate electrode to increase the responsivity. The Si waveguide gate underneath the InGaAs ultrathin channel enables the effective control of transistor current without optical absorption by the gate metal. As a result, our phototransistor achieved the highest responsivity of approximately 106 A/W among the waveguide-coupled phototransistors, allowing us to detect light of 621 fW propagating in the Si waveguide. The high responsivity and the reasonable response time of approximately 100 μs make our phototransistor promising as an effective optical power monitor in Si photonic circuits.
TBX2 specifies and maintains inner hair and supporting cell fate in the Organ of Corti
Authors: Kaiser Marina , Lüdtke Timo H. , Deuper Lena , Rudat Carsten , Christoffels Vincent M. , Kispert Andreas , Trowe Mark-Oliver
Published: December 2022

The auditory function of the mammalian cochlea relies on two types of mechanosensory hair cells and various non-sensory supporting cells. Recent studies identified the transcription factors INSM1 and IKZF2 as regulators of outer hair cell (OHC) fate. However, the transcriptional regulation of the differentiation of inner hair cells (IHCs) and their associated inner supporting cells (ISCs) has remained enigmatic. Here, we show that the expression of the transcription factor TBX2 is restricted to IHCs and ISCs from the onset of differentiation until adulthood and examine its function using conditional deletion and misexpression approaches in the mouse. We demonstrate that TBX2 acts in prosensory progenitors as a patterning factor by specifying the inner compartment of the sensory epithelium that subsequently gives rise to IHCs and ISCs. Hair cell-specific inactivation or misexpression causes transdifferentiation of hair cells indicating a cell-autonomous function of TBX2 in inducing and maintaining IHC fate.
Theory of optical axion electrodynamics and application to the Kerr effect in topological antiferromagnets
Authors: Ahn Junyeong , Xu Su-Yang , Vishwanath Ashvin
Published: December 2022

Emergent axion electrodynamics in magneto-electric media is expected to provide novel ways to detect and control material properties with electromagnetic fields. However, despite being studied intensively for over a decade, its theoretical understanding remains mostly confined to the static limit. Here, we introduce a theory of axion electrodynamics at general frequencies. We define a proper optical axion magneto-electric coupling through its relation to optical surface Hall conductivity and provide ways to calculate it in lattice systems. By employing our formulas, we show that axion electrodynamics can lead to a significant Kerr effect in thin-film antiferromagnets at wavelengths that are seemingly too long to resolve the spatial modulation of magnetism. We identify the wavelength scale above which the Kerr effect is suppressed. Our theory is particularly relevant to materials like MnBi2Te4, a topological antiferromagnet whose magneto-electric response is shown here to be dominated by the axion contribution even at optical frequencies.
Differential IL18 signaling via IL18 receptor and Na-Cl co-transporter discriminating thermogenesis and glucose metabolism regulation
Authors: Zhang Xian , Luo Songyuan , Wang Minjie , Cao Qiongqiong , Zhang Zhixin , Huang Qin , Li Jie , Deng Zhiyong , Liu Tianxiao , Liu Cong-Lin , Meppen Mathilde , Vromman Amelie , Flavell Richard A. , Hotamışlıgil Gökhan S. , Liu Jian , Libby Peter , Liu Zhangsuo , Shi Guo-Ping
Published: December 2022

White adipose tissue (WAT) plays a role in storing energy, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) is instrumental in the re-distribution of stored energy when dietary sources are unavailable. Interleukin-18 (IL18) is a cytokine playing a role in T-cell polarization, but also for regulating energy homeostasis via the dimeric IL18 receptor (IL18r) and Na-Cl co-transporter (NCC) on adipocytes. Here we show that IL18 signaling in metabolism is regulated at the level of receptor utilization, with preferential role for NCC in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and dominantly via IL18r in WAT. In Il18r−/−Ncc−/− mice, high-fat diet (HFD) causes more prominent body weight gain and insulin resistance than in wild-type mice. The WAT insulin resistance phenotype of the double-knockout mice is recapitulated in HFD-fed Il18r−/− mice, whereas decreased thermogenesis in BAT upon HFD is dependent on NCC deletion. BAT-selective depletion of either NCC or IL18 reduces thermogenesis and increases BAT and WAT inflammation. IL18r deletion in WAT reduces insulin signaling and increases WAT inflammation. In summary, our study contributes to the mechanistic understanding of IL18 regulation of energy metabolism and shows clearly discernible roles for its two receptors in brown and white adipose tissues.
The protein phosphatase 2A holoenzyme is a key regulator of starch metabolism and bradyzoite differentiation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wang Jin-Lei , Li Ting-Ting , Elsheikha Hany M. , Liang Qin-Li , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Wang Meng , Sibley L. David , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: December 2022

Phenotypic switching between tachyzoite and bradyzoite is the fundamental mechanism underpinning the pathogenicity and adaptability of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although accumulation of cytoplasmic starch granules is a hallmark of the quiescent bradyzoite stage, the regulatory factors and mechanisms contributing to amylopectin storage in bradyzoites are incompletely known. Here, we show that T. gondii protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holoenzyme is composed of a catalytic subunit PP2A-C, a scaffold subunit PP2A-A and a regulatory subunit PP2A-B. Disruption of any of these subunits increased starch accumulation and blocked the tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite differentiation. PP2A contributes to the regulation of amylopectin metabolism via dephosphorylation of calcium-dependent protein kinase 2 at S679. Phosphoproteomics identified several putative PP2A holoenzyme substrates that are involved in bradyzoite differentiation. Our findings provide novel insight into the role of PP2A as a key regulator of starch metabolism and bradyzoite differentiation in T. gondii.
Catalytic direct hydrocarboxylation of styrenes with CO2 and H2
Authors: Jin Yushu , Caner Joaquim , Nishikawa Shintaro , Toriumi Naoyuki , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: December 2022

A three-component hydrocarboxylation of an olefin with CO2 and H2 could be regarded as a dream reaction, since it would provide a straightforward approach for the synthesis of aliphatic carboxylic acids in perfect atom economy. However, this transformation has not been realized in a direct manner under mild conditions, because boosting the carboxylation with thermodynamically stable CO2 while suppressing the rapid hydrogenation of olefin remains a challenging task. Here, we report a rhodium-catalysed reductive hydrocarboxylation of styrene derivatives with CO2 and H2 under mild conditions, in which H2 served as the terminal reductant. In this approach, the carboxylation process was largely accelerated by visible light irradiation, which was proved both experimentally and by computational studies. Hydrocarboxylation of various kinds of styrene derivatives was achieved in good yields without additional base under ambient pressure of CO2/H2 at room temperature. Mechanistic investigations revealed that use of a cationic rhodium complex was critical to achieve high hydrocarboxylation selectivity.
Conserved degronome features governing quality control associated proteolysis
Authors: Mashahreh Bayan , Armony Shir , Johansson Kristoffer Enøe , Chappleboim Alon , Friedman Nir , Gardner Richard G. , Hartmann-Petersen Rasmus , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Ravid Tommer
Published: December 2022

The eukaryotic proteome undergoes constant surveillance by quality control systems that either sequester, refold, or eliminate aberrant proteins by ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms. Ubiquitin-conjugation necessitates the recognition of degradation determinants, termed degrons, by their cognate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases. To learn about the distinctive properties of quality control degrons, we performed an unbiased peptidome stability screen in yeast. The search identify a large cohort of proteome-derived degrons, some of which exhibited broad E3 ligase specificity. Consequent application of a machine-learning algorithm establishes constraints governing degron potency, including the amino acid composition and secondary structure propensities. According to the set criteria, degrons with transmembrane domain-like characteristics are the most probable sequences to act as degrons. Similar quality control degrons are present in viral and human proteins, suggesting conserved degradation mechanisms. Altogether, the emerging data indicate that transmembrane domain-like degron features have been preserved in evolution as key quality control determinants of protein half-life.
Divergent self-association properties of paralogous proteins TRIM2 and TRIM3 regulate their E3 ligase activity
Authors: Esposito Diego , Dudley-Fraser Jane , Garza-Garcia Acely , Rittinger Katrin
Published: December 2022

Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins constitute a large family of RING-type E3 ligases that share a conserved domain architecture. TRIM2 and TRIM3 are paralogous class VII TRIM members that are expressed mainly in the brain and regulate different neuronal functions. Here we present a detailed structure-function analysis of TRIM2 and TRIM3, which despite high sequence identity, exhibit markedly different self-association and activity profiles. We show that the isolated RING domain of human TRIM3 is monomeric and inactive, and that this lack of activity is due to a few placental mammal-specific amino acid changes adjacent to the core RING domain that prevent self-association but not E2 recognition. We demonstrate that the activity of human TRIM3 RING can be restored by substitution with the relevant region of human TRIM2 or by hetero-dimerization with human TRIM2, establishing that subtle amino acid changes can profoundly affect TRIM protein activity. Finally, we show that TRIM2 and TRIM3 interact in a cellular context via their filamin and coiled-coil domains, respectively.
Suicidal chemotaxis in bacteria
Authors: Oliveira Nuno M. , Wheeler James H. R. , Deroy Cyril , Booth Sean C. , Walsh Edmond J. , Durham William M. , Foster Kevin R.
Published: December 2022

Bacteria commonly live in surface-associated communities where steep gradients of antibiotics and other chemical compounds can occur. While many bacterial species move on surfaces, we know surprisingly little about how such antibiotic gradients affect cell motility. Here, we study the behaviour of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in stable spatial gradients of several antibiotics by tracking thousands of cells in microfluidic devices as they form biofilms. Unexpectedly, these experiments reveal that bacteria use pili-based (‘twitching’) motility to navigate towards antibiotics. Our analyses suggest that this behaviour is driven by a general response to the effects of antibiotics on cells. Migrating bacteria reach antibiotic concentrations hundreds of times higher than their minimum inhibitory concentration within hours and remain highly motile. However, isolating cells - using fluid-walled microfluidic devices - reveals that these bacteria are terminal and unable to reproduce. Despite moving towards their death, migrating cells are capable of entering a suicidal program to release bacteriocins that kill other bacteria. This behaviour suggests that the cells are responding to antibiotics as if they come from a competing colony growing nearby, inducing them to invade and attack. As a result, clinical antibiotics have the potential to lure bacteria to their death.
The role of the tryptophan-NAD + pathway in a mouse model of severe malnutrition induced liver dysfunction
Authors: Hu Guanlan , Ling Catriona , Chi Lijun , Thind Mehakpreet K. , Furse Samuel , Koulman Albert , Swann Jonathan R. , Lee Dorothy , Calon Marjolein M. , Bourdon Celine , Versloot Christian J. , Bakker Barbara M. , Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Kim Peter K. , Bandsma Robert H. J.
Published: December 2022

Mortality in children with severe malnutrition is strongly related to signs of metabolic dysfunction, such as hypoglycemia. Lower circulating tryptophan levels in children with severe malnutrition suggest a possible disturbance in the tryptophan-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (TRP-NAD+) pathway and subsequently in NAD+  dependent metabolism regulator sirtuin1 (SIRT1). Here we show that severe malnutrition in weanling mice, induced by 2-weeks of low protein diet feeding from weaning, leads to an impaired TRP-NAD+  pathway with decreased NAD+ levels and affects hepatic mitochondrial turnover and function. We demonstrate that stimulating the TRP-NAD+  pathway with NAD+  precursors improves hepatic mitochondrial and overall metabolic function through SIRT1 modulation. Activating SIRT1 is sufficient to induce improvement in metabolic functions. Our findings indicate that modulating the TRP-NAD+  pathway can improve liver metabolic function in a mouse model of severe malnutrition. These results could lead to the development of new interventions for children with severe malnutrition.
Recent speciation associated with range expansion and a shift to self-fertilization in North American Arabidopsis
Authors: Willi Yvonne , Lucek Kay , Bachmann Olivier , Walden Nora
Published: December 2022

The main processes classically evoked for promoting reproductive isolation and speciation are geographic separation reducing gene flow among populations, divergent selection, and chance genomic change. In a case study, we present evidence that the additional factors of climate change, range expansion and a shift in mating towards inbreeding can initiate the processes leading to parapatric speciation. At the end of the last Pleistocene glaciation cycle, the North American plant Arabidopsis lyrata expanded its range and concomitantly lost its reproductive mode of outcrossing multiple times. We show that in one of the newly colonized areas, the self-fertilizing recolonization lineage of A. lyrata gave rise to selfing A. arenicola, which expanded its range to subarctic and arctic Canada and Greenland, while the parental species remained restricted to temperate North America. Despite the vast range expansion by the new species, mutational load did not increase, probably because of selfing and quasi-clonal selection. We conclude that such peripheral parapatric speciation combined with range expansion and inbreeding may be an important but so far overlooked mode of speciation.
Elastoresistivity in the incommensurate charge density wave phase of BaNi2(As1−xPx)2
Authors: Frachet M. , Wiecki P. , Lacmann T. , Souliou S. M. , Willa K. , Meingast C. , Merz M. , Haghighirad A.-A. , Le Tacon M. , Böhmer A. E.
Published: December 2022

Electronic nematicity, the breaking of the crystal lattice rotational symmetry by the electronic fluid, is a fascinating quantum state of matter. In this work, using electronic transport under strain we investigate the electronic nematicity of BaNi2(As1−xPx)2, a candidate system for charge-induced nematicity. We report a large B1g elastoresistance coefficient that is maximized at the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transition temperature, that slightly precedes the first-order triclinic transition. An hysteretic behavior is observed in the resistance versus strain sweeps and interpreted as the pinning of orthorhombic domains. Remarkably, the elastoresistance only onsets together with a strong enhancement of the incommensurate charge density wave of the material, strongly suggesting that this electronic instability is uniaxial in nature and drive the orthorhombic transition. The absence of sizeable elastoresistance above this electronic phase clearly contrasts dynamic and static electronic nematicity. Finally, the elastoresistance temperature dependence that strongly differs from the Curie-Weiss form of iron-based superconductors reveals major differences for the respective coupling of electronic nematicity to the lattice. Our results uncover an extremely strain-sensitive platform to study electronic anisotropy induced by a charge-density-wave instability.
Multibody analysis and soft tissue strength refute supersonic dinosaur tail
Authors: Conti Simone , Tschopp Emanuel , Mateus Octávio , Zanoni Andrea , Masarati Pierangelo , Sala Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Sauropod dinosaurs are well known for their massive sizes and long necks and tails. Among sauropods, flagellicaudatan dinosaurs are characterized by extreme tail elongation, which has led to hypotheses regarding tail function, often compared to a whip. Here, we analyse the dynamics of motion of a 3D model of an apatosaurine flagellicaudatan tail using multibody simulation and quantify the stress-bearing capabilities of the associated soft tissues. Such an elongated and slender structure would allow achieving tip velocities in the order of 30 m/s, or 100 km/h, far slower than the speed of sound, due to the combined effect of friction of the musculature and articulations, as well as aerodynamic drag. The material properties of the skin, tendons, and ligaments also support such evidence, proving that in life, the tail would not have withstood the stresses imposed by travelling at the speed of sound, irrespective of the conjectural ‘popper’, a hypothetical soft tissue structure analogue to the terminal portion of a bullwhip able to surpass the speed of sound.
Differential microRNA profiles in elderly males with seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Kim Hyejun , Yun Jae Won , Baek Gayun , Kim Sungchul , Jue Mihn-Sook
Published: December 2022

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is one of the most common skin diseases characterized by inflammatory symptoms and cell proliferation, which has increased incidence in patients older than 50 years. Although the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been investigated in several diseases, miRNA profiles of patients with SD remain unknown. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in lesions of elderly male patients with SD. We used a microarray-based approach to identify DEMs in lesions compared to those in non-lesions of patients with SD. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using bioinformatics tools to elucidate the functional significance of the target mRNAs of DEMs in lesions of patients with SD. Expression levels of two miRNAs—hsa-miR-6831-5p and hsa-miR-7107-5p—were downregulated, whereas those of six miRNAs—hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-127-3p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-342-3p, and hsa-miR-6824-5p—were upregulated. Functions of the SD-related miRNAs were predicted to be significantly associated with typical dermatological pathogenesis, such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and immune regulation. In summary, SD alters the miRNA profile, and target mRNAs of the DEMs are related to immune responses and cell proliferation, which are the two main processes in SD pathogenesis.
Commercial toilets emit energetic and rapidly spreading aerosol plumes
Authors: Crimaldi John P. , True Aaron C. , Linden Karl G. , Hernandez Mark T. , Larson Lars T. , Pauls Anna K.
Published: December 2022

Aerosols can transmit infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-2, influenza and norovirus. Flushed toilets emit aerosols that spread pathogens contained in feces, but little is known about the spatiotemporal evolution of these plumes or the velocity fields that transport them. Using laser light to illuminate ejected aerosols we quantify the kinematics of plumes emanating from a commercial flushometer-type toilet, and use the motion of aerosol particles to compute velocity fields of the associated flow. The toilet flush produces a strong chaotic jet with velocities exceeding 2 m/s; this jet transports aerosols to heights reaching 1.5 m within 8 seconds of initiating a flush. Quantifying toilet plumes and associated flow velocities provides a foundation for future design strategies to mitigate plume formation or to disinfect pathogens within it.
Warmth and competence perceptions of key protagonists are associated with containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from 35 countries
Authors: Friehs Maria-Therese , Kotzur Patrick F. , Kraus Christine , Schemmerling Moritz , Herzig Jessica A. , Stanciu Adrian , Dilly Sebastian , Hellert Lisa , Hübner Doreen , Rückwardt Anja , Ulizcay Veruschka , Christ Oliver , Brambilla Marco , De keersmaecker Jonas , Durante Federica , Gale Jessica , Grigoryev Dmitry , Igou Eric R. , Javakhishvili Nino , Kienmoser Doris , Nicolas Gandalf , Oldmeadow Julian , Rohmer Odile , Sætrevik Bjørn , Barbedor Julien , Bastias Franco , Bjørkheim Sebastian B. , Bolatov Aidos , Duran Nazire , Findor Andrej , Götz Friedrich , Graf Sylvie , Hakobjanyan Anna , Halkias Georgios , Hancheva Camellia , Hřebíčková Martina , Hruška Matej , Husnu Shenel , Kadirov Kamoliddin , Khachatryan Narine , Macedo Francisco G. , Makashvili Ana , Martínez-Muñoz Maylin , Mercadante Eric , Mesesan Schmitz Luiza , Michael Andreas , Mullabaeva Nozima , Neto Félix , Neto Joana , Ozturk Merve , Paschenko Svitlana , Pietraszkiewicz Agnieszka , Psaltis Charis , Qiu Yuting , Rupar Mirjana , Samekin Adil , Schmid Katharina , Sczesny Sabine , Sun Yiwen , Svedholm-Häkkinen Annika M. , Szymkow Aleksandra , Teye-Kwadjo Enoch , Torres Claudio V. , Vieira Luc , Yahiiaiev Illia , Yzerbyt Vincent
Published: December 2022

It is crucial to understand why people comply with measures to contain viruses and their effects during pandemics. We provide evidence from 35 countries (Ntotal = 12,553) from 6 continents during the COVID-19 pandemic (between 2021 and 2022) obtained via cross-sectional surveys that the social perception of key protagonists on two basic dimensions—warmth and competence—plays a crucial role in shaping pandemic-related behaviors. Firstly, when asked in an open question format, heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were universally identified as key protagonists across countries. Secondly, multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses revealed that warmth and competence perceptions of these and other protagonists differed significantly within and between countries. Thirdly, internal meta-analyses showed that warmth and competence perceptions of heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were associated with support and opposition intentions, containment and prevention behaviors, as well as vaccination uptake. Our results have important implications for designing effective interventions to motivate desirable health outcomes and coping with future health crises and other global challenges.
Physical but not virtual presence of others potentiates implicit and explicit learning
Authors: Sarasso Pietro , Ronga Irene , Del Fante Elena , Barbieri Paolo , Lozzi Irene , Rosaia Nicola , Cicerale Alessandro , Neppi-Modona Marco , Sacco Katiuscia
Published: December 2022

E-learning activities are becoming more and more common. Whilst it is well known that the physical presence of others motivates individuals to engage in perceptual and learning tasks, systematic investigations comparing the effects of physical and virtual co-presence of others on knowledge acquisition are still scarce. Here we investigate the effects of physical and virtual co-presence of others on explicit and implicit learning. In Experiment 1 (discovery sample), retrieval accuracy in a spatial memory task and EEG indexes (mismatch negativity-MMN) of implicit perceptual learning were recorded when participants were alone or in presence of another individual. In Experiment 2 (replicating sample), we added a “virtual” condition, where the same tasks were performed during a video-conference call. In both experiments, MMN was demonstrated to encode for perceptual learning as revealed by the significant correlation with Bayesian Surprise (a consolidated information-theoretic index of Bayesian learning). Furthermore, In Experiments 1 and 2 physical co-presence systematically ameliorated memorization performances and increased MMN indexes related to implicit learning. These positive effects were absent in the virtual condition, thus suggesting that only physical, but not virtual co-presence is effective in potentiating learning dynamics.
Investigation on optical, structural and electrical properties of solid-state polymer nanocomposites electrolyte incorporated with Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Salim E. , Hany Wessam , Elshahawy A. G. , Oraby A. H.
Published: December 2022

A solid polymer electrolyte based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyethylene 3,4-dioxythiophene: sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has been prepared with various concentrations of incorporated silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) by using solution cast approach. The FTIR spectroscopic study revealed the complexation between the polymeric nanocomposite (PNC) and the Ag NPs. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results infer that the semicrystalline phase of PNC decreases as the amount of incorporated Ag NPs increases. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) image revealed that Ag NPs have diameters ranging from 22 to 43 nm. Complex dielectric permittivity and alternating current (AC) electrical conductivity of nanocomposite films have been investigated in the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz at 30 °C. Dc conductivity ($${\upsigma }_{\mathrm{dc}}$$

σ
dc

) values for the nanocomposite films are estimated from AC conductivity plots. The $${\upsigma }_{\mathrm{dc}}$$

σ
dc

value was observed to increase from 1.98 × 10−9 to 2.29 × 10−7 S.cm−1 for the PNC system incorporated with optimal Ag NPs. From complex impedance (Z*) analysis, it has been found that the bulk electrical resistance (Rb) of the PNC films decreases with increasing the Ag NPs content. Therefore, these obtained PNC films have promising applications in energy storage devices.
Effects of minimalist shoes on pelvic floor activity in nulliparous women during running at different velocities: a randomized cross-over clinical trial
Authors: García-Arrabe María , García-Fernández Pablo , Ruiz-Ruiz Beatriz , del Prado-Álvarez Rebeca , Romero-Morales Carlos , Díaz-Arribas María José
Published: December 2022

In the last decade, minimalist shoes have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional shoes. The aim of the present study was to determine the short-term effects of minimalist shoes in femur range of motion (ROM) and cadence. The secondary objectives were the assessment of the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in nulliparous women. A randomized, prospective cross-over clinical trial design was used for the study. A total of 51 participants were randomly allocated into a two-sequence crossover design (AB/BA crossover design). Femur ROM, cadence and PFM activity were recorded. The femur ROM at 6 km/h was greater with the minimalist shoes by 1.62 degrees than with the traditional ones (p = 0.001). There was a main effect of the type of shoe (p = 0.015) systematically observing a higher running cadence with the minimalist shoe compared to the traditional one. Electromyographic activity of the PFM revealed significant differences for 11 km/h for the total average (p = 0.027) and the minimum peaks at 9 km/h (p = 0.011) and 11 km/h (p = 0.048) for the minimalist shoe with respect to the traditional shoes. Minimalist shoes produce immediate effects on the biomechanical variables of running. An increase was observed in the femur ROM at 6 km/h and in the cadence at 11 km/h with the use of minimalist shoes. The use of minimalist shoes increased the electromyographic activation of the PFM in the minimum peaks at speeds of 9 and 11 km/h and in the total average at speeds of 11 km/h compared to the traditional shoe.
Low-frequency electrical stimulation of bilateral hind legs by belt electrodes is effective for preventing denervation-induced atrophies in multiple skeletal muscle groups in rats
Authors: Uno Hiroyuki , Kamiya Shohei , Akimoto Ryuji , Hosoki Katsu , Tadano Shunta , Kouzaki Karina , Tamura Yuki , Kotani Takaya , Isemura Mako , Nakazato Koichi
Published: December 2022

Belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) can simultaneously contract multiple muscle groups. Although the beneficial effects of B-SES in clinical situations have been elucidated, its molecular mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we developed a novel rodent B-SES ankle stimulation system to test whether low-frequency stimulation prevents denervation-induced muscle atrophy. Electrical stimulations (7‒8 Hz, 30 min) with ankle belt electrodes were applied to Sprague–Dawley rats daily for one week. All animals were assigned to the control (CONT), denervation-induced atrophy (DEN), and DEN + electrical stimulation (ES) groups. The tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles were used to examine the effect of ES treatment. After seven daily sessions of continuous stimulation, muscle wet weight (n = 8–11), and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA, n = 4–6) of TA and GAS muscles were lower in DEN and DEN + ES than in CON. However, it was significantly higher in DEN than DEN + ES, showing that ES partially prevented muscle atrophy. PGC-1α, COX-IV, and citrate synthase activities (n = 6) were significantly higher in DEN + ES than in DEN. The mRNA levels of muscle proteolytic molecules, Atrogin-1 and Murf1, were significantly higher in DEN than in CONT, while B-SES significantly suppressed their expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, low-frequency electrical stimulation of the bilateral ankles using belt electrodes (but not the pad electrodes) is effective in preventing denervation-induced atrophy in multiple muscles, which has not been observed with pad electrodes. Maintaining the mitochondrial quantity and enzyme activity by low-frequency electrical stimulation is key to suppressing muscle protein degradation.
Integrated mechanical environment of pre- and post-rupture fault and asperity origin of the 2011 giant Tohoku-Oki earthquake
Authors: Xie Zhoumin , Cai Yongen
Published: December 2022

It is a key to know mechanical environment (ME) of pre- and post-rupture fault of giant earthquakes at subduction zones for predicting earthquake and tsunami disaster. However, we know little about its details till now. In this paper, using the inverted stress change three hours before and three hours after the mainshock in the rupture zone of the 2011 Tohoku-OkiMw9.0 earthquake, we show a quantitative integrated ME in the rupture zone, including principal stress, pore-fluid pressure and friction strength. We discover from this environment a large asperity composed of two asperities induced by relatively high friction coefficients and relatively lower pore-fluid pressures. The integrate ME quantitatively explained the reasons of the overshoot and relatively lower shear strength of the trench, which caused huge displacement and tsunami at the trench. We suggest that the asperities favor the horst and graben structure system which provides a geology environment for interseismic stress accumulation and thus for breeding the megathrust tsunami earthquake.
Calcineurin inhibitors’ impact on cardiovascular and renal function, a descriptive study in lung transplant recipients from the North of Spain
Authors: Nogueiras-Álvarez Rita , Mora-Cuesta Víctor Manuel , Cifrián-Martínez José Manuel , de Cos-Cossío María Ángeles , García-Sáiz María del Mar
Published: December 2022

Patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx) need administration of immunosuppressive therapy following the procedure to prevent graft rejection. However, these drugs are not exempt from potential risks. The development of cardiovascular risk factors and impaired renal function in the post-transplantation period are conditions that may be favoured by the use of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) drugs which could have repercussions on the quality of life and the post-transplantation evolution. To evaluate the cardiovascular and renal toxicity following the administration of CNI as maintenance immunosuppression in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) we reviewed a total number of 165 patients undergoing LTx between 01/01/2015 and 08/12/2018. They were divided into two groups according to the CNI drug administrated: cyclosporine (CsA-group) with 11 patients or tacrolimus (Tac-group), with 154 patients. We evaluated the de novo occurrence of arterial hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia and impaired renal function after initiation of CNI administration. In addition to that, the time until each of these events was assessed. A higher rate for developing HTN (p < 0.001) and impaired renal function (p = 0.047) was observed within the CsA-group. The new onset of hyperlipidemia was similar between both CNI groups and de novo appearance of DM was only documented in those LTRs receiving tacrolimus. In this LTRs retrospective study, it was observed that having ≥ 4 tacrolimus trough levels above the upper limit of the proposed interval for each specific post-LTx period was associated with an increased risk for developing renal impairment. No other statistically significant association was found between supratherapeutic CNIs blood levels and the evaluated toxicities.
Deceptive and open-label placebo effects in experimentally induced guilt: a randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects
Authors: Sezer Dilan , Locher Cosima , Gaab Jens
Published: December 2022

Placebos are known to yield significant effects in many conditions. We examined deceptive and open-label placebo effects on guilt, which is important for self-regulation and a symptom of mental disorders. Following an experimental induction of guilt, healthy subjects were randomized to deceptive placebo (DP; n = 35), open-label placebo (OLP; n = 35), or no treatment (NT; n = 39). The primary outcome was guilt responses assessed in area under the curve (AUC). Secondary outcomes were shame, guilt, and affect. We hypothesized that DP and OLP would reduce guilt compared to NT. Guilt responses were higher in the NT group than in the placebo groups (estimate = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.24–3.82, d = 0.53), whereas AUC guilt did not differ significantly between the placebo groups (estimate = −0.38, 95% CI = −2.52–1.76, d = −0.09). Placebos are efficacious in reducing acute guilt responses, regardless of the placebo administration (i.e., open vs. deceptive). Furthermore, we observed narrative-specific effects with significant changes of guilt but not shame, pride, or affect. These results indicate not only that guilt is amenable to placebos but also that placebos can be administered in an ethical and potentially emotion-specific manner.
Challenges in selecting admixture models and marker sets to infer genetic ancestry in a Brazilian admixed population
Authors: Escher Luciana Maia , Naslavsky Michel S. , Scliar Marília O. , Duarte Yeda A. O. , Zatz Mayana , Nunes Kelly , Oliveira Silviene F.
Published: December 2022

The inference of genetic ancestry plays an increasingly prominent role in clinical, population, and forensic genetics studies. Several genotyping strategies and analytical methodologies have been developed over the last few decades to assign individuals to specific biogeographic regions. However, despite these efforts, ancestry inference in populations with a recent history of admixture, such as those in Brazil, remains a challenge. In admixed populations, proportion and components of genetic ancestry vary on different levels: (i) between populations; (ii) between individuals of the same population, and (iii) throughout the individual's genome. The present study evaluated 1171 admixed Brazilian samples to compare the genetic ancestry inferred by tri-/tetra-hybrid admixture models and evaluated different marker sets from those with small numbers of ancestry informative markers panels (AIMs), to high-density SNPs (HDSNP) and whole-genome-sequence (WGS) data. Analyses revealed greater variation in the correlation coefficient of ancestry components within and between admixed populations, especially for minority ancestral components. We also observed positive correlation between the number of markers in the AIMs panel and HDSNP/WGS. Furthermore, the greater the number of markers, the more accurate the tri-/tetra-hybrid admixture models.
Fast algorithm and new potential formula represented by Chebyshev polynomials for an $$m\times n$$ globe network
Authors: Zhou Yufan , Zheng Yanpeng , Jiang Xiaoyu , Jiang Zhaolin
Published: December 2022

Resistor network is widely used. Many potential formulae of resistor networks have been solved accurately, but the scale of data is limited by manual calculation, and numerical simulation has become the trend of large-scale operation. This paper improves the general solution of potential formula for an $$m\times n$$

m
×
n

globe network. Chebyshev polynomials are introduced to represent new potential formula of a globe network. Compared with the original potential formula, it saves time to calculate the potential. In addition, an algorithm for computing potential by the famous second type of discrete cosine transform (DCT-II) is also proposed. It is the first time to be used for machine calculation. Moreover, it greatly increases the efficiency of computing potential. In the application of this new potential formula, the equivalent resistance formulae in special cases are given and displayed by three-dimensional dynamic view. The new potential formulae and the proposed fast algorithm realize large-scale operation for resistor networks.
Nrf2 and Parkin-Hsc70 regulate the expression and protein stability of p62/SQSTM1 under hypoxia
Authors: Siswanto Ferbian Milas , Mitsuoka Yumi , Nakamura Misato , Oguro Ami , Imaoka Susumu
Published: December 2022

Solid tumors often contain regions with very low oxygen concentrations or hypoxia resulting from altered metabolism, uncontrolled proliferation, and abnormal tumor blood vessels. Hypoxia leads to resistance to both radio- and chemotherapy and a predisposition to tumor metastases. Under hypoxia, sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62), a multifunctional stress-inducible protein involved in various cellular processes, such as autophagy, is down-regulated. The hypoxic depletion of p62 is mediated by autophagic degradation. We herein demonstrated that hypoxia down-regulated p62 in the hepatoma cell line Hep3B at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. At the transcriptional level, hypoxia down-regulated p62 mRNA by inhibiting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The overexpression of Nrf2 and knockdown of Siah2, a negative regulator of Nrf2 under hypoxia, diminished the effects of hypoxia on p62 mRNA. At the post-translational level, the proteasome inhibitor MG132, but not the lysosomal inhibitors ammonium chloride and bafilomycin, prevented the hypoxic depletion of p62, suggesting the involvement of the proteasome pathway. Under hypoxia, the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin was up-regulated in a hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-dependent manner. Parkin ubiquitinated p62 and led to its proteasomal degradation, ensuring low levels of p62 under hypoxia. We demonstrated that the effects of Parkin on p62 required heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (Hsc70). We also showed that the overexpression of Nrf2 and knockdown of Parkin or Hsc70 induced the accumulation of p62 and reduced the viability of cells under hypoxia. We concluded that a decrease in p62, which involves regulation at the transcriptional and post-translational levels, is critical for cell survival under hypoxia. The present results show the potential of targeting Nrf2/Parkin-Hsc70-p62 as a novel strategy to eradicate hypoxic solid tumors.
Bayesian model and selection signature analyses reveal risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tengvall Katarina , Sundström Elisabeth , Wang Chao , Bergvall Kerstin , Wallerman Ola , Pederson Eric , Karlsson Åsa , Harvey Naomi D. , Blott Sarah C. , Olby Natasha , Olivry Thierry , Brander Gustaf , Meadows Jennifer R. S. , Roosje Petra , Leeb Tosso , Hedhammar Åke , Andersson Göran , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin
Published: December 2022

Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease with clinical similarities to human atopic dermatitis. Several dog breeds are at increased risk for developing this disease but previous genetic associations are poorly defined. To identify additional genetic risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis, we here apply a Bayesian mixture model adapted for mapping complex traits and a cross-population extended haplotype test to search for disease-associated loci and selective sweeps in four dog breeds at risk for atopic dermatitis. We define 15 associated loci and eight candidate regions under selection by comparing cases with controls. One associated locus is syntenic to the major genetic risk locus (Filaggrinlocus) in human atopic dermatitis. One selection signal in common type Labrador retriever cases positions across theTBC1D1gene (body weight) and one signal of selection in working type German shepherd controls overlaps theLRP1Bgene (brain), near theKYNUgene (psoriasis). In conclusion, we identify candidate genes, including genes belonging to the same biological pathways across multiple loci, with potential relevance to the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. The results show genetic similarities between dog and human atopic dermatitis, and future across-species genetic comparisons are hereby further motivated.
Controlled release of growth factors using synthetic glycosaminoglycans in a modular macroporous scaffold for tissue regeneration
Authors: Söderlund Z. , Ibáñez-Fonseca A. , Hajizadeh S. , Rodríguez-Cabello J. C. , Liu J. , Ye L. , Tykesson E. , Elowsson L. , Westergren-Thorsson G.
Published: December 2022

Healthy regeneration of tissue relies on a well-orchestrated release of growth factors. Herein, we show the use of synthetic glycosaminoglycans for controlled binding and release of growth factors to induce a desired cellular response. First, we screened glycosaminoglycans with growth factors of interest to determine kon (association rate constant), koff (dissociation rate constant), and Kd (equilibrium rate constant). As proof-of-concept, we functionalized an elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) hydrogel with a synthetic glycosaminoglycan and immobilized fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), demonstrating that human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on top of ELR hydrogel differentiated into tube-like structures. Taking this concept further, we developed a tunable macroporous ELR cryogel material, containing a synthetic glycosaminoglycan and FGF2 that showed increased blood vessel formation and reduced immune response compared to control when implanted in a subcutaneous mouse model. These results demonstrated the possibility for specific release of desired growth factors in/from a modular 3D scaffold in vitro and in vivo.
Supporting COVID-19 policy-making with a predictive epidemiological multi-model warning system
Authors: Bicher Martin , Zuba Martin , Rainer Lukas , Bachner Florian , Rippinger Claire , Ostermann Herwig , Popper Nikolas , Thurner Stefan , Klimek Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

In response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the Austrian governmental crisis unit commissioned a forecast consortium with regularly projections of case numbers and demand for hospital beds. The goal was to assess how likely Austrian ICUs would become overburdened with COVID-19 patients in the upcoming weeks.

Methods

We consolidated the output of three epidemiological models (ranging from agent-based micro simulation to parsimonious compartmental models) and published weekly short-term forecasts for the number of confirmed cases as well as estimates and upper bounds for the required hospital beds.

Results

We report on three key contributions by which our forecasting and reporting system has helped shaping Austria’s policy to navigate the crisis, namely (i) when and where case numbers and bed occupancy are expected to peak during multiple waves, (ii) whether to ease or strengthen non-pharmaceutical intervention in response to changing incidences, and (iii) how to provide hospital managers guidance to plan health-care capacities.

Conclusions

Complex mathematical epidemiological models play an important role in guiding governmental responses during pandemic crises, in particular when they are used as a monitoring system to detect epidemiological change points.
Predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant impacts accuracy when screening for infection using exhaled breath vapor
Authors: McCartney Mitchell M. , Borras Eva , Rojas Dante E. , Hicks Tristan L. , Hamera Katherine L. , Tran Nam K. , Tham Tina , Juarez Maya M. , Lopez Enrique , Kenyon Nicholas J. , Davis Cristina E.
Published: December 2022

Background

New technologies with novel and ambitious approaches are being developed to diagnose or screen for SARS-CoV-2, including breath tests. The US FDA approved the first breath test for COVID-19 under emergency use authorization in April 2022. Most breath-based assays measure volatile metabolites exhaled by persons to identify a host response to infection. We hypothesized that the breathprint of COVID-19 fluctuated after Omicron became the primary variant of transmission over the Delta variant.

Methods

We collected breath samples from 142 persons with and without a confirmed COVID-19 infection during the Delta and Omicron waves. Breath samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Here we show that based on 63 exhaled compounds, a general COVID-19 model had an accuracy of 0.73 ± 0.06, which improved to 0.82 ± 0.12 when modeling only the Delta wave, and 0.84 ± 0.06 for the Omicron wave. The specificity improved for the Delta and Omicron models (0.79 ± 0.21 and 0.74 ± 0.12, respectively) relative to the general model (0.61 ± 0.13).

Conclusions

We report that the volatile signature of COVID-19 in breath differs between the Delta-predominant and Omicron-predominant variant waves, and accuracies improve when samples from these waves are modeled separately rather than as one universal approach. Our findings have important implications for groups developing breath-based assays for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens, as the host response to infection may significantly differ depending on variants or subtypes.