bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-dependent formation of TMEM106B amyloid filaments in human brains
Authors: Schweighauser Manuel , Arseni Diana , Bacioglu Mehtap , Huang Melissa , Lövestam Sofia , Shi Yang , Yang Yang , Zhang Wenjuan , Kotecha Abhay , Garringer Holly J. , Vidal Ruben , Hallinan Grace I. , Newell Kathy L. , Tarutani Airi , Murayama Shigeo , Miyazaki Masayuki , Saito Yuko , Yoshida Mari , Hasegawa Kazuko , Lashley Tammaryn , Revesz Tamas , Kovacs Gabor G. , van Swieten John , Takao Masaki , Hasegawa Masato , Ghetti Bernardino , Spillantini Maria Grazia , Ryskeldi-Falcon Benjamin , Murzin Alexey G. , Goedert Michel , Scheres Sjors H. W.
Published: March 2022

Many age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are characterized by abundant inclusions of amyloid filaments. Filamentous inclusions of the proteins tau, amyloid-β, α-synuclein and transactive response DNA-binding protein (TARDBP; also known as TDP-43) are the most common1,2. Here we used structure determination by cryogenic electron microscopy to show that residues 120–254 of the lysosomal type II transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) also form amyloid filaments in human brains. We determined the structures of TMEM106B filaments from a number of brain regions of 22 individuals with abundant amyloid deposits, including those resulting from sporadic and inherited tauopathies, amyloid-β amyloidoses, synucleinopathies and TDP-43 proteinopathies, as well as from the frontal cortex of 3 individuals with normal neurology and no or only a few amyloid deposits. We observed three TMEM106B folds, with no clear relationships between folds and diseases. TMEM106B filaments correlated with the presence of a 29-kDa sarkosyl-insoluble fragment and globular cytoplasmic inclusions, as detected by an antibody specific to the carboxy-terminal region of TMEM106B. The identification of TMEM106B filaments in the brains of older, but not younger, individuals with normal neurology indicates that they form in an age-dependent manner.
In vivo topical gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a phase 1 and 2 trial
Authors: Gurevich Irina , Agarwal Pooja , Zhang PeiPei , Dolorito John A. , Oliver Stacie , Liu Henry , Reitze Nicholas , Sarma Nikhil , Bagci Isin Sinem , Sridhar Kunju , Kakarla Visesha , Yenamandra Vamsi K. , O’Malley Mark , Prisco Marco , Tufa Sara F. , Keene Douglas R. , South Andrew P. , Krishnan Suma M. , Marinkovich M. Peter
Published: March 2022

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a lifelong genodermatosis associated with blistering, wounding, and scarring caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene encoding the anchoring fibril component, collagen VII (C7). Here, we evaluated beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC), an engineered, non-replicating COL7A1 containing herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vector, to treat RDEB skin. B-VEC restored C7 expression in RDEB keratinocytes, fibroblasts, RDEB mice and human RDEB xenografts. Subsequently, a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 and 2 clinical trial (NCT03536143) evaluated matched wounds from nine RDEB patients receiving topical B-VEC or placebo repeatedly over 12 weeks. No grade 2 or above B-VEC-related adverse events or vector shedding or tissue-bound skin immunoreactants were noted. HSV-1 and C7 antibodies sometimes presented at baseline or increased after B-VEC treatment without an apparent impact on safety or efficacy. Primary and secondary objectives of C7 expression, anchoring fibril assembly, wound surface area reduction, duration of wound closure, and time to wound closure following B-VEC treatment were met. A patient-reported pain–severity secondary outcome was not assessed given the small proportion of wounds treated. A global assessment secondary endpoint was not pursued due to redundancy with regard to other endpoints. These studies show that B-VEC is an easily administered, safely tolerated, topical molecular corrective therapy promoting wound healing in patients with RDEB.
Causal relationship of excess body weight on cardiovascular events through risk factors
Authors: Limpijankit Thosaphol , Vathesatogkit Prin , Matchariyakul Dujrudee , Wiriyatanakorn Sirichai , Siriyotha Sukanya , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Sritara Piyamitr
Published: March 2022

Excess body weight is associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs) and premature death. This study aimed to find the causal pathways between excess body weight and CVEs through risk factors in a general adult population. A total of 7921 employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand were enrolled during 1997–2009. Baseline characteristics and blood test results were collected. A body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m2, using WHO criteria for Asians was defined as excess body weight. A mediation analysis was applied to assess potential causal pathways. BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 was considered as an independent variable, whereas diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were considered as mediators, and CVEs (i.e., fatal and non-fatal coronary artery disease or stroke) were considered as the outcomes. The prevalence of BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2, DM, HT, and CKD were 62.7%, 7.8%, 28.1% and 11.8% respectively. During an average of 17.2 ± 5.5 years follow-up, subjects with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 compared with those with lower BMIs more frequently developed CVEs (9.4 vs 6.2%, P < 0.001). The effects of BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 on CVEs were mediated indirectly through DM and HT with significant ORs of 1.61 (1.34, 2.09) and 1.57 (1.39, 1.80), respectively. The indirect effect of CKD on CVEs was significantly increased if mediated through DM → HT or HT [ORs of 1.17 (1.09, 1.32) and 1.20 (1.10, 1.32), respectively]. Subjects with excess body weight were prone to develop CVEs which were mediated indirectly through DM and HT. The effect of CKD on CVEs was small but enhanced if it occurred as a complication of DM or HT.
Sex differences in audience effects on anogenital scent marking in the red-fronted lemur
Authors: Peckre Louise R. , Michiels Alexandra , Socias-Martínez Lluís , Kappeler Peter M. , Fichtel Claudia
Published: March 2022

How the presence of conspecifics affects scent mark deposition remains an understudied aspect of olfactory communication, even though scent marking occurs in different social contexts. Sex differences in scent-marking behaviour are common, and sex-specific effects of the audience could therefore be expected. We investigated sex differences in intra-group audience effects on anogenital scent marking in four groups of wild red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) by performing focal scent-marking observations. We observed a total of 327 events divided into 223 anogenital scent-marking events and 104 pass-by events (i.e. passage without scent marking). Using a combination of generalised linear mixed models and exponential random graph models, we found that scent marking in red-fronted lemurs is associated with some behavioural flexibility linked to the composition of the audience at the time of scent deposition. In particular, our study revealed sex differences in the audience effects, with males being overall more sensitive to their audience than females. Moreover, we show that these audience effects were dependent on the relative degree of social integration of the focal individual compared to that of individuals in the audience (difference in Composite Sociality Index) as well as the strength of the dyadic affiliative relationship (rank of Dyadic Composite Sociality Index within the group). The audience effects also varied as a function of the audience radius considered. Hence, we showed that scent marking in red-fronted lemurs is associated with some behavioural flexibility linked to the composition of the audience, ascribing red-fronted lemurs’ social competence in this context.
High magnetoelectric coupling of Metglas and P(VDF-TrFE) laminates
Authors: Staaf Henrik , Sawatdee Anurak , Rusu Cristina , Nilsson David , Schäffner Philipp , Johansson Christer
Published: March 2022

Magnetoelectric (magnetic/piezoelectric) heterostructures bring new functionalities to develop novel transducer devices such as (wireless) sensors or energy harvesters and thus have been attracting research interest in the last years. We have studied the magnetoelectric coupling between Metglas films (2826 MB) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) in a laminate structure. The metallic Metglas film itself served as bottom electrode and as top electrode we used an electrically conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Besides a direct electrical wiring via a graphite ink, a novel contactless readout method is presented using a capacitive coupling between the PEDOT:PSS layer and an electrode not in contact with the PEDOT:PSS layer. From the experimental result we determined a magnetoelectric coupling of 1445 V/(cm·Oe) at the magnetoelastic resonance of the structure, which is among the highest reported values for laminate structures of a magnetostrictive and a piezoelectric polymer layer. With the noncontact readout method, a magnetoelectric coupling of about 950 V/(cm·Oe) could be achieved, which surpasses previously reported values for the case of direct sample contacting. 2D laser Doppler vibrometer measurements in combination with FE simulations were applied to reveal the complex vibration pattern resulting in the strong resonant response.
Coating Ti6Al4V implants with nanocrystalline diamond functionalized with BMP-7 promotes extracellular matrix mineralization in vitro and faster osseointegration in vivo
Authors: Nemcakova Ivana , Litvinec Andrej , Mandys Vaclav , Potocky Stepan , Plencner Martin , Doubkova Martina , Nanka Ondrej , Olejnickova Veronika , Sankova Barbora , Bartos Martin , Ukraintsev Egor , Babčenko Oleg , Bacakova Lucie , Kromka Alexander , Rezek Bohuslav , Sedmera David
Published: March 2022

The present study investigates the effect of an oxidized nanocrystalline diamond (O-NCD) coating functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) on human osteoblast maturation and extracellular matrix mineralization in vitro and on new bone formation in vivo. The chemical structure and the morphology of the NCD coating and the adhesion, thickness and morphology of the superimposed BMP-7 layer have also been assessed. The material analysis proved synthesis of a conformal diamond coating with a fine nanostructured morphology on the Ti6Al4V samples. The homogeneous nanostructured layer of BMP-7 on the NCD coating created by a physisorption method was confirmed by AFM. The osteogenic maturation of hFOB 1.19 cells in vitro was only slightly enhanced by the O-NCD coating alone without any increase in the mineralization of the matrix. Functionalization of the coating with BMP-7 resulted in more pronounced cell osteogenic maturation and increased extracellular matrix mineralization. Similar results were obtained in vivo from micro-CT and histological analyses of rabbit distal femurs with screws implanted for 4 or 12 weeks. While the O-NCD-coated implants alone promoted greater thickness of newly-formed bone in direct contact with the implant surface than the bare material, a further increase was induced by BMP-7. It can be therefore concluded that O-NCD coating functionalized with BMP-7 is a promising surface modification of metallic bone implants in order to improve their osseointegration.
Colloidal particles interacting with a polymer brush: a self-consistent field theory
Authors: Laktionov Mikhail Y. , Shavykin Oleg V. , Leermakers Frans A. M. , Zhulina Ekaterina B. , Borisov Oleg V.
Published: March 2022

The interaction of colloidal particles with a planar polymer brush immersed in a solvent of variable thermodynamic quality is studied by a numerical self-consistent field method combined with analytical mean-field theory.
Highly efficient and durable solar thermal energy harvesting via scalable hierarchical coatings inspired by stony corals
Authors: Torres Juan F. , Tsuda Kaoru , Murakami Yasushi , Guo Yifan , Hosseini Sahar , Asselineau Charles-Alexis , Taheri Mahdiar , Drewes Kurt , Tricoli Antonio , Lipiński Wojciech , Coventry Joe
Published: March 2022

Stony coral morphology inspires ultra-stable sunlight absorber structure with highest reported absorptance for high-temperature solar thermal applications.
Environmental protection based on the nanobiosensing of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs): material and method overview
Authors: Mobed Ahmad , Hasanzadeh Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin control is critical for environmental and healthcare issues.
Universal dynamical onset in water at distinct material interfaces
Authors: Zheng Lirong , Liu Zhuo , Zhang Qiang , Li Song , Huang Juan , Zhang Lei , Zan Bing , Tyagi Madhusudan , Cheng He , Zuo Taisen , Sakai Victoria García , Yamada Takeshi , Yang Chenxing , Tan Pan , Jiang Fan , Chen Hao , Zhuang Wei , Hong Liang
Published: March 2022

We demonstrated that the dynamical onset of interfacial water is an intrinsic property of water itself, resulting from a surface independent relaxation process in water with an approximately universal energy barrier of ∼35 kJ mol−1.
The back-deposition of dissolved Mn2+ to MnO2 cathodes for stable cycling in aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Yang Xianpeng , Jia Zhongqiu , Wu Wanlong , Shi Hua-Yu , Lin Zirui , Li Cuicui , Liu Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: March 2022

The back-deposition of dissolved Mn2+ is a key factor for stable cycling of MnO2 cathodes in aqueous zinc batteries.
Predicted structures and superconductivity of LiYHn (n = 5–10) under high pressure
Authors: Li Huan , Gao Tao , Ma Shiyin , Ye Xiaoqiu
Published: March 2022

LiYHn (n = 6, 8, 9, 10) exhibits metallic and superconducting behavior under high pressure, and the Tc is 22–109 K when the pressure is greater than 100 GPa.
Silver nanoparticle@carbon quantum dot composite as an antibacterial agent
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Pang Qianyue , Mai Kang , He Xiaoting , Xu Li , Zhou Feiyan , Liu Yi
Published: March 2022

Synthesis of AgNPs@S,N-CQDs active against bacteria.
A review on metal-doped chalcogenide films and their effect on various optoelectronic properties for different applications
Authors: Priyadarshini Priyanka , Das Subhashree , Naik Ramakanta
Published: March 2022

The schematic presentation of some metal-doped chalcogenide thin films.
Understanding immune signaling using advanced imaging techniques
Authors: Brameshuber Mario , Klotzsch Enrico , Ponjavic Aleks , Sezgin Erdinc
Published: March 2022

Advanced imaging is key for visualizing the spatiotemporal regulation of immune signaling which is a complex process involving multiple players tightly regulated in space and time. Imaging techniques vary in their spatial resolution, spanning from nanometers to micrometers, and in their temporal resolution, ranging from microseconds to hours. In this review, we summarize state-of-the-art imaging methodologies and provide recent examples on how they helped to unravel the mysteries of immune signaling. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current technologies and share our insights on how to overcome these limitations to visualize immune signaling with unprecedented fidelity.
Regulation of the antigen presentation machinery in cancer and its implication for immune surveillance
Authors: Balasubramanian Adithya , John Thomas , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse
Published: March 2022

Evading immune destruction is one of the hallmarks of cancer. A key mechanism of immune evasion deployed by tumour cells is to reduce neoantigen presentation through down-regulation of the antigen presentation machinery. MHC-I and MHC-II proteins are key components of the antigen presentation machinery responsible for neoantigen presentation to CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes, respectively. Their expression in tumour cells is modulated by a complex interplay of genomic, transcriptomic and post translational factors involving multiple intracellular antigen processing pathways. Ongoing research investigates mechanisms invoked by cancer cells to abrogate MHC-I expression and attenuate anti-tumour CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response. The discovery of MHC-II on tumour cells has been less characterized. However, this finding has triggered further interest in utilising tumour-specific MHC-II to harness sustained anti-tumour immunity through the activation of CD4+ T helper cells. Tumour-specific expression of MHC-I and MHC-II has been associated with improved patient survival in most clinical studies. Thus, their reactivation represents an attractive way to unleash anti-tumour immunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of physiologically conserved or novel mechanisms utilised by tumour cells to reduce MHC-I or MHC-II expression. It outlines current approaches employed at the preclinical and clinical trial interface towards reversing these processes in order to improve response to immunotherapy and survival outcomes for patients with cancer.
Linear ubiquitination in immune and neurodegenerative diseases, and beyond
Authors: Tokunaga Fuminori , Ikeda Fumiyo
Published: March 2022

Ubiquitin regulates numerous aspects of biology via a complex ubiquitin code. The linear ubiquitin chain is an atypical code that forms a unique structure, with the C-terminal tail of the distal ubiquitin linked to the N-terminal Met1 of the proximal ubiquitin. Thus far, LUBAC is the only known ubiquitin ligase complex that specifically generates linear ubiquitin chains. LUBAC-induced linear ubiquitin chains regulate inflammatory responses, cell death and immunity. Genetically modified mouse models and cellular assays have revealed that LUBAC is also involved in embryonic development in mice. LUBAC dysfunction is associated with autoimmune diseases, myopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the roles of linear ubiquitin chains and LUBAC in immune and neurodegenerative diseases. We further discuss LUBAC inhibitors and their potential as therapeutics for these diseases.
Effects of Early Intervention Frequency on Expressive Vocabulary Growth Rates of Very Young Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: How Much Is Enough?
Authors: Rudge Amanda M. , Brooks Betsy Moog , Grantham Heather
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to explore expressive vocabulary growth rates of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) during critical periods of brain development (birth to 3 years) as well as the factors that influence the trajectories of vocabulary growth in these early years of development. Of primary interest was the effect of intervention frequency on expressive vocabulary growth.

Method:

Hierarchical linear modeling was used to investigate trajectories of expressive vocabulary growth using multiple measures of longitudinal vocabulary scores. A total of 417 assessments across 105 participants were analyzed to determine the average rate of lexical growth in a young population of children who are DHH receiving early intervention before age 3 years. Expected growth trajectories were constructed based on varying frequencies of intervention during critical periods of brain development.

Results:

Results indicated average growth rates of 5.21 new words expressed per week. Increased intervention hours prior to age 3 years was significantly associated with higher degrees of expressive vocabulary growth.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that greater intervention hours received before age 3 years are associated with higher degrees of expressive vocabulary growth for children who are DHH.
La dyspraxie adolescente, la violence d’un corps qui n’obéit pas au doigt et à l’œil
Authors: Obeji Roland
Published: March 2022

L’adolescence représente un stade que nous pourrions qualifier de crise psychomotrice pour l’enfant, tant les transformations vécues dans le corps (en termes de sensations, mouvements, émotions, représentations...), dans le rapport à l’environnement extérieur, ou dans les liens à l’autre viennent faire rupture dans le processus évolutif.

Cette crise peut alors devenir extrêmement critique chez les jeunes dyspraxiques qui n’ont pu suffisamment prendre appui sur leurs gestes et développer une maîtrise du corps pour se construire une représentation stable et sécurisante de leur environnement.

Nous observons et accueillons alors en psychomotricité bon nombre d’adolescents, qui pour échapper à une forme d’impasse développementale, vont se réfugier dans des mondes virtuels et tenter de répondre à cette nécessité de se réaliser à travers leurs actes.

Le soin en psychomotricité consistera alors à offrir un espace d’expériences réelles et partagées où le corps dans sa globalité, mais aussi dans sa tri-dimensionalité, dans son affectivité et dans sa relation à un autre corps pourra être réinvesti.
Chirurgische Therapie maligner Lungen- und Brustwandtumoren bei
Kindern
Authors: Eichhorn Martin , Behnisch Wolfgang , Winter Hauke , Hoffmann Hans
Published: March 2022

Primäre Lungen- und Brustwandtumoren sowie Lungenmetastasen stellen bei Kindern
äußerst seltene Erkrankungen dar. Eingebunden in multimodale Therapiekonzepte
können thoraxchirurgische Eingriffe bei pädiatrischen onkologischen Erkrankungen
dazu beitragen, die Prognose der erkrankten Kinder signifikant zu verbessern.
Ziel des Übersichtsartikels ist es, die Indikationsstellung und die aktuellen
thoraxchirurgischen Therapieoptionen bei malignen Brustwand- und Lungentumoren
darzustellen sowie den aktuellen Stellenwert der pulmonalen Metastasenchirurgie
bei Kindern zu beleuchten. Die Arbeit stellt darüber hinaus das Diagnosespektrum
und thoraxchirurgische Operationsspektrum im Bereich der onkologischen
pädiatrischen Thoraxchirurgie an einem spezialisierten Zentrum in Deutschland
dar.
Gallenblasenausriss nach mechanischer Reanimation
Authors: Richtering Felix Gunnar , Mogl Martina T. , Nee Jens , Trenkmann Lars
Published: March 2022

Thoraxkompressionsbedingte Verletzungen im Zuge einer kardiopulmonalen Reanimation
umfassen vor allem Läsionen der Haut und des knöchernen Thoraxes. Schwere und
lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen einer Reanimation sind jedoch ebenfalls beschrieben. Wir
berichten von einer 65-jährigen Patientin, die aufgrund eines Myokardinfarkts einen
Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand erlitt und unter dem Einsatz eines externen
Thoraxkompressionsgerätes (Lund University Cardiac Arrest System [LUCAS]) erfolgreich
reanimiert werden konnte. Thoraxkompressionsbedingt kam es zu einem Gallenblasenausriss mit
Leberlazerationen, die im Verlauf zu einem hämorrhagischen Schock führten, was mittels einer
FAST-Ultraschalluntersuchung diagnostiziert und in einer Notfalllaparotomie therapiert werden
konnte. Wir empfehlen ein standardisiertes Prozedere bei der Versorgung von Patienten nach
Erreichen eines ROSC.
Update Systemtherapie des Urothelkarzinoms – Therapie im Wandel
Authors: Tauber Robert , von Amsberg Gunhild , De Santis Maria
Published: March 2022

Die systemische Behandlung des lokal fortgeschrittenen und metastasierten Urothelkarzinoms verändert sich seit wenigen Jahren in einem atemberaubenden Tempo. Zentraler Bestandteil der perioperativen Therapien und der Erstlinienbehandlung im metastasierten Stadium ist aber weiterhin die Platin-basierte Chemotherapie. Immuntherapien mit Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren sind inzwischen fester Bestandteil der Therapiealgorithmen. Neue, zielgerichtete Formen der Chemotherapie stehen kurz vor der Zulassung. Fortschritte beim Verständnis der molekulargenetischen Analyse von Tumorgewebe werden in Kürze personalisierte Therapieoptionen ermöglichen.

Der vorliegende Artikel soll einen Überblick über die aktuellen systemischen Therapieoptionen und die zugrunde liegende Datenbasis geben. Neue Entwicklungen sollen aufgezeigt werden, indem laufende Phase-III-Studien vorgestellt werden. Nach lesen des Artikels soll der Leser sich über den aktuellen Stand der systemischen Therapie des Urothelkarzinoms informiert fühlen.
Exercise to Lower Postprandial Lipemia: Why, When, What and
How
Authors: Petridou Anatoli , Mougios Vassilis
Published: March 2022

We review recent findings on the ability of exercise to lower postprandial
lipemia (PPL). Specifically, we answer why exercise is important in lowering
PPL, when it is most effective to exercise to achieve this, what the preferred
exercise is and how exercise reduces PPL. Most findings confirm the power of
exercise to lower PPL, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular
disease. Exercise is most effective when performed on the day preceding a high-
or moderate-fat meal. This effect lasts up to approximately two days; therefore,
one should exercise frequently to maintain this benefit. However, the time of
exercise relative to a meal is not that important in real-life conditions, since
one consumes several meals during the day; thus, an exercise bout will
inevitably exert its lowering effect on PPL in one or more of the subsequent
meals. Although moderate-intensity continuous exercise, high-intensity
intermittent exercise, resistance exercise and accumulation of short bouts of
exercise throughout the day are all effective in lowering PPL, submaximal,
high-volume interval exercise seems to be superior, provided it is tolerable.
Finally, exercise reduces PPL by both lowering the rate of appearance and
increasing the clearance of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins from the
circulation.
Super-shear evanescent waves imaged at a solid-liquid interface
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: March 2022

Using a custom imaging setup, researchers observed a super-shear elastic surface wave at a solid-liquid interface for the first time and found strong confirmation of a non-leaky Rayleigh wave.
Materials science and mechanosensitivity of living matter
Authors: Patteson Alison E. , Asp Merrill E. , Janmey Paul A.
Published: March 2022

Living systems are composed of molecules that are synthesized by cells that use energy sources within their surroundings to create fascinating materials that have mechanical properties optimized for their biological function. Their functionality is a ubiquitous aspect of our lives. We use wood to construct furniture, bacterial colonies to modify the texture of dairy products and other foods, intestines as violin strings, bladders in bagpipes, and so on. The mechanical properties of these biological materials differ from those of other simpler synthetic elastomers, glasses, and crystals. Reproducing their mechanical properties synthetically or from first principles is still often unattainable. The challenge is that biomaterials often exist far from equilibrium, either in a kinetically arrested state or in an energy consuming active state that is not yet possible to reproduce de novo. Also, the design principles that form biological materials often result in nonlinear responses of stress to strain, or force to displacement, and theoretical models to explain these nonlinear effects are in relatively early stages of development compared to the predictive models for rubberlike elastomers or metals. In this Review, we summarize some of the most common and striking mechanical features of biological materials and make comparisons among animal, plant, fungal, and bacterial systems. We also summarize some of the mechanisms by which living systems develop forces that shape biological matter and examine newly discovered mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to the forces they generate themselves, which are resisted by their environment, or that are exerted upon them by their environment. Within this framework, we discuss examples of how physical methods are being applied to cell biology and bioengineering.
Exploring the accuracy and usefulness of semi-empirically scaled ADC schemes by blending second and third order terms
Authors: Bauer Marco , Dempwolff Adrian L. , Rehn Dirk R. , Dreuw Andreas
Published: March 2022

Different approaches to mixed-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction (ADC) schemes are investigated. The performance of two different strategies for scaling third-order contributions to the ADC secular matrix is evaluated. Both considered schemes employ a single tuning parameter and conserve general properties inherent to all ADC methods, such as hermiticity and size-consistency. The first approach, scaled-matrix ADC[(2) + x(3)], scales all contributions first occurring in ADC(3) equally and leads to an improvement of the accuracy of excitation energies compared to ADC(3) for x = 0.4–0.5. However, with respect to excited state dipole moments, this method provides lower accuracy than ADC(3). The second scaling approach, MP[(1) + x(2)] − ISR(3), scales the second order contributions of the ground-state wavefunction and derives a rigorous ADC scheme via the intermediate state representation formalism. Although the error in excitation energies is not improved, this method provides insight into the relevance of the individual terms of the ADC(3) matrix and indicates that the MP(2) wavefunction is, indeed, the optimal reference wavefunction for deriving a third-order single-reference ADC scheme.
Blockage of MLKL prevents myelin damage in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Guo Jia , Guo Zehui , Huang Yanju , Ma Suchen , Yan Bo , Pan Chenjie , Jiang Zhaodi , Wang Fengchao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Da Yuwei , Wang Xiaodong , Ying Zhengxin
Published: March 2022

Significance

Diabetic neuropathy is a commonly occurring complication of diabetes that affects hundreds of millions of patients worldwide. Patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy experience abnormal sensations and have damage in their peripheral nerve axons as well as myelin, a tightly packed Schwann cell sheath that wraps around axons to provide insulation and increases electrical conductivity along the nerve fibers. The molecular events underlying myelin damage in diabetic neuropathy are largely unknown, and there is no efficacious treatment for the disease. The current study, using a diabetic mouse model and human patient nerve samples, uncovered a molecular mechanism underlying myelin sheath damage in diabetic neuropathy and provides a potential treatment strategy for the disease.
West African Pidgin as a tool for socio-economic development
Authors: Ajagbe Samsondeen , Fonkeu Bridget , Edegbe Uyi
Published: March 2022

This paper highlights the important role of Pidgin in economic development in West Africa. We use a unificationist model of dependence relations to explain the nexus between West African Pidgin (WAP) and the region’s socio-economic development. The study draws on the formidable role that Pidgin plays as the language of communication in the thriving informal cross-border markets along the Nigerian-Cameroonian border. The use of Pidgin is a special case of the general phenomenon of indigenous languages that serve as vehicular languages of the informal economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper argues that the existence of WAP as a language of informal economic activities in this region fosters cooperation and social cohesion that plays a role in the expansion of informal cross-border trade, which is a primary source of household income for the people. The research reveals a sociolinguistic dimension to the expansion of informal economic activities that are a prerequisite to wealth creation and poverty elimination. This finding also suggests that Pidgin can be harnessed for an efficient transition from the informal to the formal economy. Therefore, the paper advocates a region-wide language policy that recognizes Pidgin as a factor in the region’s economic growth and development.
Pay attention! The influence of coach‐, content‐, and player‐related factors on focus of attention statements during tennis training
Authors: Keller Martin , Schweizer Jonas , Gerber Markus
Published: March 2022

It is well established that adopting an external focus of attention (EF) enhances motor learning when contrasted to an internal focus (IF) or a neutral condition. Despite consistent evidence for this performance‐enhancing effect of an EF, recent studies show that coaches predominantly induce an IF in the communication with athletes. It remains, however, unknown whether and to what degree coach‐, content‐ or player‐related factors have an impact on the focus of attention during youth tennis training. Therefore, we recorded all statements from 10 tennis coaches during six training sessions with a total of 87 youth athletes aged 18 years or younger. All statements were categorized according to the focus they induced (IF, EF, neutral, best place to hit the ball, mix, no focus) and the form of communication (instruction, feedback). Of the relevant statements (n = 3049), 45.1% promoted an EF, whereas 33.1% induced an IF. Evaluation of coaches‐, player‐ and content‐specific features (education, age of coach/player, training content, skill level) showed that more statements with an IF were given when training beginners. The data also show more statements with an EF for instructions (59.0%) compared to feedback (43.0%). Our results contrast with other sports where instructions with an IF predominate. Thus, instrumented sports with external targets (e.g. tennis) might be better suited for inducing an EF. The data also show that coaches are more likely to use IF when communicating with beginners. Consequently, an EF should not be induced in every possible situation, even if this is often communicated so far.

Highlights

This study shows for the first time that statements that induce an external focus of attention predominate in tennis. This result contrasts with results from other sports and suggests that racquet sports may be better suited for inducing an external attentional focus.

This study shows that coaches adapt their communication to the performance level of their athletes. The use of an external focus of attentions predominates when working with tennis players. However, the likelihood of inducing an EF is even higher when working with skilled tennis players when compared to beginners.

The way of communication (feedback vs. instruction) influences how coaches phrase their statements to athletes. The analysis revealed that coaches use more statements with an external focus of attentions for instructions compared to feedback.
Real spectra, Anderson localization, and topological phases in one-dimensional quasireciprocal systems
Authors: Zeng Qi-Bo , Lü Rong
Published: March 2022

We introduce the one-dimensional quasireciprocal lattices where the forward hopping amplitudes between nearest neighboring sites {t + t

jR
} are chosen to be a random permutation of the backward hopping {t + t

jL
} or vice versa. The values of {t

jL
} (or {t

jR
}) can be periodic, quasiperiodic, or randomly distributed. We show that the Hamiltonian matrices are pseudo-Hermitian and the energy spectra are real as long as {t

jL
} (or {t

jR
}) are smaller than the threshold value. While the non-Hermitian skin effect is always absent in the eigenstates due to the global cancellation of local nonreciprocity, the competition between the nonreciprocity and the accompanying disorders in hopping amplitudes gives rise to energy-dependent localization transitions. Moreover, in the quasireciprocal Su–Schrieffer–Heeger models with staggered hopping t

jL
(or t

jR
), topologically nontrivial phases are found in the real-spectra regimes characterized by nonzero winding numbers. Finally, we propose an experimental scheme to realize the quasireciprocal models in electrical circuits. Our findings shed new light on the subtle interplay among nonreciprocity, disorder, and topology.
Calculating the Green’s function of two-site fermionic Hubbard model in a photonic system
Authors: Zhu Jie , Nakagawa Yuya O , Zhang Yong-Sheng , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: March 2022

The Green’s function has been an indispensable tool to study many-body systems that remain one of the biggest challenges in modern quantum physics for decades. The complicated calculation of the Green’s function impedes the research of many-body systems. The appearance of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices and quantum–classical hybrid algorithm inspire a new method to calculate the Green’s function. Here we design a programmable quantum circuit for photons with utilizing the polarization and the path degrees of freedom to construct a highly-precise variational quantum state of a photon, and first report the experimental realization for calculating the Green’s function of the two-site fermionic Hubbard model, a prototypical model for strongly-correlated materials, in photonic systems. We run the variational quantum eigensolver to obtain the ground state and excited states of the model, and then evaluate the transition amplitudes among the eigenstates. The experimental results present the spectral function of the Green’s function, which agrees well with exact results. Our demonstration provides the further possibility of the photonic system in quantum simulation and applications in solving complicated problems in many-body systems, biological science and so on.
Study on corrosion characteristics of Q235 steel in seawater, soil and dry-wet alternating environments focusing on Shengli oilfield
Authors: Yang Chao , Wang Zeng-lin , Wang Guan-jun , Han Qing , Liu Jin
Published: March 2022

The coastal pipelines are the key link between the offshore and the onshore pipelines, which are located in the soil dry-wet alternating environment. Even though higher corrosion risk of metals in coastal soil dry-wet alternating environment, few papers focused on this condition, while much research about ocean and atmospheric dry-wet alternating environment was paid attention to. In this paper, a self-designed soil dry-wet alternating experimental device was used to investigate the corrosion characteristics of Q235 steel in seawater, soil and dry-wet alternating environment based on mass loss experiments, corrosion morphology analysis and electrochemical experiments. The results showed that the general corrosion rate of Q235 steel in soil and seawater environments basically remained unchanged, and in dry-wet alternating environment increased with time, while the pitting rates were 0.280 mm/a (soil), 0.420 mm/a (seawater) and 0.567 mm/a (dry-wet alternation), respectively, which was caused by the oxygen concentration cell and salt concentration cell. Meanwhile, the growth rate of pitting size in dry-wet alternating environment was much higher than that in the other two environments with different corrosion characteristics of pitting corrosion (seawater and dry-wet alternation) and a changed from general corrosion to pitting corrosion (soil). In three environments, the corrosion current density (I
corr) increased, in which on the 30th day of experiment, I
corr = 79.72 μA cm−2 in dry-wet alternating environment, which was much higher than I
corr = 47.89 μA cm−2 in seawater environment. In dry-wet alternating environment, the mass diffusion impedance at 10–2 Hz and the maximum phase angle changed significantly, while the logf-log∣Z∣ curve in low-middle frequency decreased significantly, and charge transfer resistance at 105 Hz reduced from 10.4 Ω to 4.3 Ω, illustrating an increasing corrosion rate.
A Fitting-Attitude Approach to Aesthetic Value?
Authors: Kriegel Uriah
Published: March 2022

It is a noteworthy disanalogy between contemporary ethics and aesthetics that the fitting-attitude account of value, so prominent in contemporary ethics, sees comparatively little play in aesthetics. The aim of this paper is to articulate what a systematic fitting-attitude-style framework for understanding aesthetic value might look like. In the bulk of the paper, I sketch possible fitting-attitude-style accounts of three central aesthetic values—the beautiful, the sublime, and the powerful—so that the general form of the framework comes through.
Use of a Doubly Robust Machine-Learning–Based Approach to Evaluate Body Mass Index as a Modifier of the Association Between Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Preeclampsia
Authors: Bodnar Lisa M , Cartus Abigail R , Kennedy Edward H , Kirkpatrick Sharon I , Parisi Sara M , Himes Katherine P , Parker Corette B , Grobman William A , Simhan Hyagriv N , Silver Robert M , Wing Deborah A , Perry Samuel , Naimi Ashley I
Published: March 2022

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on summaries of the effect of dietary pattern on disease risk, independent of other population characteristics. We explored the modifying effect of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2) on the relationship between fruit and vegetable density (cup-equivalents/1,000 kcal) and preeclampsia using data from a pregnancy cohort study conducted at 8 US medical centers (n = 9,412; 2010–2013). Usual daily periconceptional intake of total fruits and total vegetables was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. We quantified the effects of diets with a high density of fruits (≥1.2 cups/1,000 kcal/day vs. <1.2 cups/1,000 kcal/day) and vegetables (≥1.3 cups/1,000 kcal/day vs. <1.3 cups/1,000 kcal/day) on preeclampsia risk, conditional on BMI, using a doubly robust estimator implemented in 2 stages. We found that the protective association of higher fruit density declined approximately linearly from a BMI of 20 to a BMI of 32, by 0.25 cases per 100 women per each BMI unit, and then flattened. The protective association of higher vegetable density strengthened in a linear fashion, by 0.3 cases per 100 women for every unit increase in BMI, up to a BMI of 30, where it plateaued. Dietary patterns with a high periconceptional density of fruits and vegetables appear more protective against preeclampsia for women with higher BMI than for leaner women.
The relative role of plasticity and demographic history in Capsella bursa-pastoris: a common garden experiment in Asia and Europe
Authors: Cornille Amandine , Tiret Mathieu , Salcedo Adriana , Huang Huirun R , Orsucci Marion , Milesi Pascal , Kryvokhyzha Dmytro , Holm Karl , Ge Xue-Jun , Stinchcombe John R , Glémin Sylvain , Wright Stephen I , Lascoux Martin
Published: March 2022

The colonization success of a species depends on the interplay between its phenotypic plasticity, adaptive potential and demographic history. Assessing their relative contributions during the different phases of a species range expansion is challenging, and requires large-scale experiments. Here, we investigated the relative contributions of plasticity, performance and demographic history to the worldwide expansion of the shepherd’s purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris. We installed two large common gardens of the shepherd’s purse, a young, self-fertilizing, allopolyploid weed with a worldwide distribution. One common garden was located in Europe, the other in Asia. We used accessions from three distinct genetic clusters (Middle East, Europe and Asia) that reflect the demographic history of the species. Several life-history traits were measured. To explain the phenotypic variation between and within genetic clusters, we analysed the effects of (i) the genetic clusters, (ii) the phenotypic plasticity and its association to fitness and (iii) the distance in terms of bioclimatic variables between the sampling site of an accession and the common garden, i.e. the environmental distance. Our experiment showed that (i) the performance of C. bursa-pastoris is closely related to its high phenotypic plasticity; (ii) within a common garden, genetic cluster was a main determinant of phenotypic differences; and (iii) at the scale of the experiment, the effect of environmental distance to the common garden could not be distinguished from that of genetic clusters. Phenotypic plasticity and demographic history both play important role at different stages of range expansion. The success of the worldwide expansion of C. bursa-pastoris was undoubtedly influenced by its strong phenotypic plasticity.
How chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum) ‘Palisade White’ deals with long-term salt stress
Authors: Bandurska Hanna , Breś Włodzimierz , Tomczyk Agnieszka , Zielezińska Małgorzata , Borowiak Klaudia
Published: March 2022

Salinity is a serious problem in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum) ‘Palisade White’ was evaluated in order to examine its responses to long-term salt stress. Plants were grown in substrate supplemented with NaCl doses (g dm−3 of substrate) 0, 0.44, 0.96, 1.47, 1.98, 2.48 and 2.99. The initial electrical conductivity (EC) of the substrates was 0.3, 0.9, 1.4, 1.9, 2.6, 3.1 and 3.9 dS m−1, respectively. Plant growth, relative water content (RWC), Na, Cl, K, N and P concentrations, membrane injury (MI), chlorophyll and proline levels, as well as gas exchange parameters in leaves of chrysanthemum were determined. A dose-dependent significant reduction of growth and minor decrease of leaf RWC were observed. Foliar Na and Cl concentrations increased with the highest NaCl dose up to 6-fold. However, the concentration of K increased by about 14 %, N by about 5 % but P decreased by about 23 %. Membrane injury was rather low (11 %) even at the highest NaCl dose. Statistically significant decreases of stomatal conductance (20 %), transpiration rate (32 %) and photosynthesis (25 %) were already observed at the lowest NaCl dose and about 40 % decrease of all these parameters with the highest dose. A significant reduction in the intercellular CO2 concentration occurred at the lower NaCl doses and no changes with the highest dose. These results show that in plants grown with the highest NaCl dose, non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis may occur. According to Maas and Hoffman tolerance assessment (1977) chrysanthemum ‘Palisade White’ may be considered as moderately sensitive to salt stress in terms of growth inhibition. However, it is able to cope with long-term salt stress without any signs of damage, such as chlorophyll depletion, leaf browning or necrotic spots probably due to maintenance of K homeostasis and proline accumulation, which alleviate the toxic effect of chloride.
Suppressing the activation of protein kinase A as a DNA damage-independent mechanistic lead for dihydromethysticin prophylaxis of NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Bian Tengfei , Ding Haocheng , Wang Yuzhi , Hu Qi , Chen Sixue , Fujioka Naomi , Aly F Zahra , Lu Junxuan , Huo Zhiguang , Xing Chengguo
Published: March 2022

Our earlier work demonstrated varying potency of dihydromethysticin (DHM) as the active kava phytochemical for prophylaxis of tobacco carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK)-induced mouse lung carcinogenesis. Efficacy was dependent on timing of DHM gavage ahead of NNK insult. In addition to DNA adducts in the lung tissues mitigated by DHM in a time-dependent manner, our in vivo data strongly implicated the existence of DNA damage-independent mechanism(s) in NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis targeted by DHM to fully exert its anti-initiation efficacy. In the present work, RNA seq transcriptomic profiling of NNK-exposed (2 h) lung tissues with/without a DHM (8 h) pretreatment revealed a snap shot of canonical acute phase tissue damage and stress response signaling pathways as well as an activation of protein kinase A (PKA) pathway induced by NNK and the restraining effects of DHM. The activation of the PKA pathway by NNK active metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) at a concentration incapable of promoting DNA adduct was confirmed in a lung cancer cell culture model, potentially through NNAL binding to and activation of the β-adrenergic receptor. Our in vitro and in vivo data overall support the hypothesis that DHM suppresses PKA activation as a key DNA damage-independent mechanistic lead, contributing to its effective prophylaxis of NNK-induced lung carcinogenesis. Systems biology approaches with a detailed temporal dissection of timing of DHM intake versus NNK exposure are warranted to fill the knowledge gaps concerning the DNA damage-driven mechanisms and DNA damage-independent mechanisms to optimize the implementation strategy for DHM to achieve maximal lung cancer chemoprevention.