bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal and Illumination Environments of Lunar Pits and Caves: Models and Observations From the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment
Authors: Horvath Tyler , Hayne Paul O. , Paige David A.
Published: July 2022

Lunar collapse pits may provide access to subsurface lava tubes of unknown extent. We present Diviner Lunar Radiometer measurements showing that the Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Ingenii pits exhibit elevated thermal emission during the night, ∼100 K warmer than the surrounding surface. Using these data, along with computational thermophysical models, we characterize the thermal environment inside pits and potential caves. Near the equator, peak day‐time temperatures on regolith‐covered pit floors can potentially reach >420 K, whereas temperatures beyond the opening in permanent shadow would maintain a nearly constant temperature of ∼290 K, similar to that of a blackbody cavity in radiative equilibrium. Thermal IR measurements such as those of Diviner can readily detect pit thermal signatures but would be insensitive to the existence of caves they may host, as the latter would only induce a 0.1 K increase to night‐time temperatures of the overlying surface.
Quasi‐Periodic Whistler Mode Emission in the Plasmasphere as Observed by the DSX Spacecraft
Authors: Farrell W. M. , Lauben D. S. , Miller J. A. , Inan U. S. , Linscott I. R. , Galkin I. , Su Y.‐J. , Johnston W. R. , Starks M. J. , Sanchez J. C. , Ginet G.
Published: July 2022

We describe the quasi‐periodic (QP) whistler‐mode emissions found in the plasmasphere as detected by electric and magnetic instrumentation onboard the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft in medium Earth orbit. Over the course of the nearly 2‐year mission, at least 45 episodes of whistler mode QP emissions were detected by the Broad Band Receiver (BBR) onboard DSX. Episodes of QP emissions were identified by discrete events having a clear unambiguous periodic nature as detected by both the electric antennae and search coil magnetic sensors in the BBR survey data at 30 s temporal resolution. Most of the QP episodes occurred in a frequency range between 1 and 4 kHz, in a band previously identified by Van Allen Probes and Cluster investigators. However, episodes were also detected by DSX at higher frequencies ‐ events in these episodes extending all the way to 15 kHz. We present our findings on these unusual high frequency events in the presentation herein. Specifically, these high frequency QP episodes tended to be observed near dawn/dusk when the spacecraft was at relatively high magnetic latitudes and on magnetic L‐shells between 3 and 5. Another unusual feature of these episodes is that individual up‐drifting events making up the episode were found to sometimes occur concurrently in time: The high frequency portion of one up‐drifting “polliwog‐shaped” event overlapped in time with the low frequency portion of the subsequent event. This behavior of the QP emissions has not been previously emphasized and we consider how this temporal concurrence relates to the source processes.
Diurnal Coastal Trapped Waves and Associated Deep‐Ocean Mixing Near the Head of Suruga Trough
Authors: Nagai Taira , Hibiya Toshiyuki
Published: July 2022

Coastal submarine canyons are expected to be sites of enhanced turbulent mixing which create productive fishing areas in coastal waters. Recent studies suggested the potential role of diurnal coastal trapped waves (CTWs) in inducing significant turbulent mixing in coastal submarine canyons poleward of 30° where the diurnal tide becomes subinertial. Nevertheless, the detailed physical processes responsible for the generation and dissipation of CTWs in such submarine canyons have hardly been investigated so far. In the present study, to investigate the turbulent mixing processes associated with diurnal CTWs in submarine canyons, we carry out high‐resolution (Δx, Δy = 1/240°) non‐hydrostatic three‐dimensional numerical experiments focusing on Suruga Bay located at the north end of Suruga Trough, Japan. The numerical experiments show that diurnal (subinertial) tidal currents over the Izu Ridge generate CTWs which propagate cyclonically along the coast of Suruga Bay. In the middle of Suruga Bay, bottom‐intensified flow due to the diurnal CTWs interacts with rough seafloor topography to excite upward propagating internal lee waves, which create mixing hotspots extending high above the seafloor. The resulting diurnal (subinertial) tidal energy dissipation in Suruga Bay is found to be much larger than that associated with semidiurnal (superinertial) internal tides. Furthermore, it is found that baroclinic energy flux based on a simple barotropic‐baroclinic decomposition severely underestimates the wave energy flux in areas with high CTW activity. These results strongly indicate that the existence of CTWs might be a key factor to clarify the dissipation/mixing processes in submarine canyons.
Methane and Carbon Dioxide Fluxes in a Temperate Tidal Salt Marsh: Comparisons Between Plot and Ecosystem Measurements
Authors: Hill Andrew C. , Vargas Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

Tidal wetlands are comprised of complex interdependent pathways where measurements of carbon exchange are often scale dependent. Common data collection methods (i.e., chambers and eddy covariance) are inherently constrained to different spatial and temporal scales which could generate biased information for applications of carbon accounting, identifying functional relationships and predicting future responses to climate change. Consequently, it is needed to systematically evaluate measurements derived from multiple approaches to identify differences and how techniques complement each other to reconcile interpretations. To accomplish this, we tested ecosystem‐scale eddy covariance with plot‐scale chamber measurements within a temperate salt marsh. We found good agreement (R2 = 0.71–0.95) when comparing measurements of CH4 emissions and CO2 exchange but this agreement was dependent upon canopy phenology with discrepancies mainly arising during senescence and dormancy phenophases. The environmental drivers for CH4 and CO2 fluxes were mostly preserved across different measurement techniques, but the number of drivers increases while their individual strength decreases at the ecosystem scale. Empirical upscaling models parameterized with chamber measurements overestimated annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE; 108%) and gross primary production (GPP; 12%) while underestimating ecosystem respiration (Reco; 14%) and CH4 emissions (69%) compared to eddy covariance measurements. Our results suggest that the environmental complexity of CH4 and CO2 fluxes in salt marshes may be underestimated by chamber‐based measurements, and highlights how different techniques are complementary while considering limitations at each level of measurement.
Clinical use of the mRNA urinary biomarker SelectMDx test for prostate cancer
Authors: Visser Wieke C. H. , de Jong Hans , Steyaert Sandra , Melchers Willem J. G. , Mulders Peter F. A. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Molecular biomarker tests are developed as diagnostic tools for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis. The SelectMDx (MDxHealth, Nijmegen, The Netherlands) test is a urinary-based biomarker test intended to be used to predict presence of high-grade PCa upon biopsy in men with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Previous validation of the SelectMDx test revealed that 53% of the unnecessary biopsies (biopsies indicating no- or GG1 PCa) could be avoided using the SelectMDx test as a decision-tool to select men for prostate biopsy. The objective of this study is to examine the use of the commercially available SelectMDx test under routine, real-life practice.

Methods

Men that underwent a SelectMDx test between May 2019 and December 2020 and that were originating from countries that perform the SelectMDx test on a regular basis were included in this study, resulting in 5157 cases from 10 European countries. Clinical parameters, urinary RNA scores, and test outcomes were compared between PSA groups, age groups, countries, and the validation cohort (described previously [4]) using the Mann–WhitneyUtest, Chi-Square test, Benjamini–Hochberg and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

40.72% of the cases received a negative SelectMDx result. The test is also used in patients outside the intended-use population (PSA < 3 and >10 ng/mL). Clinical parameters (age, PSA density, DRE outcome) varied between patient population from individual countries and the validation cohort, resulting in differences in the potential number of saved biopsies using the test.

Conclusions

The potential number of reduced biopsies in clinical use was 40,72% using the SelectMDx test, assuming a negative SelectMDx test resulted in the decision not to biopsy the patient. This is higher compared to the validation cohort, which is explained by differences in patient population.
Expanding the phylogenetic distribution of cytochrome b-containing methanogenic archaea sheds light on the evolution of methanogenesis
Authors: Ou Ya-Fei , Dong Hong-Po , McIlroy Simon J , Crowe Sean A , Hallam Steven J , Han Ping , Kallmeyer Jens , Simister Rachel L , Vuillemin Aurele , Leu Andy O , Liu Zhanfei , Zheng Yan-Ling , Sun Qian-Li , Liu Min , Tyson Gene W , Hou Li-Jun
Published: July 2022

Methane produced by methanogenic archaea has an important influence on Earth’s changing climate. Methanogenic archaea are phylogenetically diverse and widespread in anoxic environments. These microorganisms can be divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they use b-type cytochromes for energy conservation. Methanogens with b-type cytochromes have a wider substrate range and higher growth yields than those without them. To date, methanogens with b-type cytochromes were found exclusively in the phylum “Ca. Halobacteriota” (formerly part of the phylum Euryarchaeota). Here, we present the discovery of metagenome-assembled genomes harboring methyl-coenzyme M reductase genes reconstructed from mesophilic anoxic sediments, together with the previously reported thermophilic “Ca. Methylarchaeum tengchongensis”, representing a novel archaeal order, designated the “Ca. Methylarchaeales”, of the phylum Thermoproteota (formerly the TACK superphylum). These microorganisms contain genes required for methyl-reducing methanogenesis and the Wood-Ljundahl pathway. Importantly, the genus “Ca. Methanotowutia” of the “Ca. Methylarchaeales” encode a cytochrome b-containing heterodisulfide reductase (HdrDE) and methanophenazine-reducing hydrogenase complex that have similar gene arrangements to those found in methanogenic Methanosarcinales. Our results indicate that members of the “Ca. Methylarchaeales” are methanogens with cytochromes and can conserve energy via membrane-bound electron transport chains. Phylogenetic and amalgamated likelihood estimation analyses indicate that methanogens with cytochrome b-containing electron transfer complexes likely evolved before diversification of Thermoproteota or “Ca. Halobacteriota” in the early Archean Eon. Surveys of public sequence databases suggest that members of the lineage are globally distributed in anoxic sediments and may be important players in the methane cycle.
Drosophila caspases as guardians of host-microbe interactions
Authors: Kietz Christa , Meinander Annika
Published: July 2022

An intact cell death machinery is not only crucial for successful embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, but participates also in the defence against pathogens and contributes to a balanced immune response. Centrally involved in the regulation of both cell death and inflammatory immune responses is the evolutionarily conserved family of cysteine proteases named caspases. The Drosophila melanogaster genome encodes for seven caspases, several of which display dual functions, participating in apoptotic signalling and beyond. Among the Drosophila caspases, the caspase-8 homologue Dredd has a well-characterised role in inflammatory signalling activated by bacterial infections, and functions as a driver of NF-κB-mediated immune responses. Regarding the other Drosophila caspases, studies focusing on tissue-specific immune signalling and host-microbe interactions have recently revealed immunoregulatory functions of the initiator caspase Dronc and the effector caspase Drice. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the signalling cascades involved in the Drosophila humoral innate immune response against pathogens and of their caspase-mediated regulation. Furthermore, the apoptotic role of caspases during antibacterial and antiviral immune activation will be discussed.
Multi-modal molecular programs regulate melanoma cell state
Authors: Andrews Miles C. , Oba Junna , Wu Chang-Jiun , Zhu Haifeng , Karpinets Tatiana , Creasy Caitlin A. , Forget Marie-Andrée , Yu Xiaoxing , Song Xingzhi , Mao Xizeng , Robertson A. Gordon , Romano Gabriele , Li Peng , Burton Elizabeth M. , Lu Yiling , Sloane Robert Szczepaniak , Wani Khalida M. , Rai Kunal , Lazar Alexander J. , Haydu Lauren E. , Bustos Matias A. , Shen Jianjun , Chen Yueping , Morgan Margaret B. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Kwong Lawrence N. , Haymaker Cara L. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Hwu Patrick , Hoon Dave S. B. , Zhang Jianhua , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Davies Michael A. , Futreal P. Andrew , Bernatchez Chantale , Woodman Scott E.
Published: July 2022

Melanoma cells display distinct intrinsic phenotypic states. Here, we seek to characterize the molecular regulation of these states using multi-omic analyses of whole exome, transcriptome, microRNA, long non-coding RNA and DNA methylation data together with reverse-phase protein array data on a panel of 68 highly annotated early passage melanoma cell lines. We demonstrate that clearly defined cancer cell intrinsic transcriptomic programs are maintained in melanoma cells ex vivo and remain highly conserved within melanoma tumors, are associated with distinct immune features within tumors, and differentially correlate with checkpoint inhibitor and adoptive T cell therapy efficacy. Through integrative analyses we demonstrate highly complex multi-omic regulation of melanoma cell intrinsic programs that provide key insights into the molecular maintenance of phenotypic states. These findings have implications for cancer biology and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Further, these deeply characterized cell lines will serve as an invaluable resource for future research in the field.
ADAMTS18+ villus tip telocytes maintain a polarized VEGFA signaling domain and fenestrations in nutrient-absorbing intestinal blood vessels
Authors: Bernier-Latmani Jeremiah , Mauri Cristina , Marcone Rachel , Renevey François , Durot Stephan , He Liqun , Vanlandewijck Michael , Maclachlan Catherine , Davanture Suzel , Zamboni Nicola , Knott Graham W. , Luther Sanjiv A. , Betsholtz Christer , Delorenzi Mauro , Brisken Cathrin , Petrova Tatiana V.
Published: July 2022

The small intestinal villus tip is the first point of contact for lumen-derived substances including nutrients and microbial products. Electron microscopy studies from the early 1970s uncovered unusual spatial organization of small intestinal villus tip blood vessels: their exterior, epithelial-facing side is fenestrated, while the side facing the villus stroma is non-fenestrated, covered by pericytes and harbors endothelial nuclei. Such organization optimizes the absorption process, however the molecular mechanisms maintaining this highly specialized structure remain unclear. Here we report that perivascular LGR5+ villus tip telocytes (VTTs) are necessary for maintenance of villus tip endothelial cell polarization and fenestration by sequestering VEGFA signaling. Mechanistically, unique VTT expression of the protease ADAMTS18 is necessary for VEGFA signaling sequestration through limiting fibronectin accumulation. Therefore, we propose a model in which LGR5+ ADAMTS18+telocytes are necessary to maintain a “just-right” level and location of VEGFA signaling in intestinal villus blood vasculature to ensure on one hand the presence of sufficient endothelial fenestrae, while avoiding excessive leakiness of the vessels and destabilization of villus tip epithelial structures.
Photonic-circuited resonance fluorescence of single molecules with an ultrastable lifetime-limited transition
Authors: Ren Penglong , Wei Shangming , Liu Weixi , Lin Shupei , Tian Zhaohua , Huang Tailin , Tang Jianwei , Shi Yaocheng , Chen Xue-Wen
Published: July 2022

Resonance fluorescence as the emission of a resonantly-excited two-level quantum system promises indistinguishable single photons and coherent high-fidelity quantum-state manipulation of the matter qubit, which underpin many quantum information processing protocols. Real applications of the protocols demand high degrees of scalability and stability of the experimental platform, and thus favor quantum systems integrated on one chip. However, the on-chip solution confronts several formidable challenges compromising the scalability prospect, such as the randomness, spectral wandering and scattering background of the integrated quantum systems near heterogeneous and nanofabricated material interfaces. Here we report an organic-inorganic hybrid integrated quantum photonic platform that circuits background-free resonance fluorescence of single molecules with an ultrastable lifetime-limited transition. Our platform allows a collective alignment of the dipole orientations of many isolated molecules with the photonic waveguide. We demonstrate on-chip generation, beam splitting and routing of resonance-fluorescence single photons with a signal-to-background ratio over 3000 in the waveguide at the weak excitation limit. Crucially, we show the photonic-circuited single molecules possess a lifetime-limited-linewidth transition and exhibit inhomogeneous spectral broadenings of only about 5% over hours’ measurements. These findings and the versatility of our platform pave the way for scalable quantum photonic networks.
Variance-quantitative trait loci enable systematic discovery of gene-environment interactions for cardiometabolic serum biomarkers
Authors: Westerman Kenneth E. , Majarian Timothy D. , Giulianini Franco , Jang Dong-Keun , Miao Jenkai , Florez Jose C. , Chen Han , Chasman Daniel I. , Udler Miriam S. , Manning Alisa K. , Cole Joanne B.
Published: July 2022

Gene-environment interactions represent the modification of genetic effects by environmental exposures and are critical for understanding disease and informing personalized medicine. These often induce differential phenotypic variance across genotypes; these variance-quantitative trait loci can be prioritized in a two-stage interaction detection strategy to greatly reduce the computational and statistical burden and enable testing of a broader range of exposures. We perform genome-wide variance-quantitative trait locus analysis for 20 serum cardiometabolic biomarkers by multi-ancestry meta-analysis of 350,016 unrelated participants in the UK Biobank, identifying 182 independent locus-biomarker pairs (p < 4.5×10−9). Most are concentrated in a small subset (4%) of loci with genome-wide significant main effects, and 44% replicate (p < 0.05) in the Women’s Genome Health Study (N = 23,294). Next, we test each locus-biomarker pair for interaction across 2380 exposures, identifying 847 significant interactions (p < 2.4×10−7), of which 132 are independent (p < 0.05) after accounting for correlation between exposures. Specific examples demonstrate interaction of triglyceride-associated variants with distinct body mass- versus body fat-related exposures as well as genotype-specific associations between alcohol consumption and liver stress at the ADH1B gene. Our catalog of variance-quantitative trait loci and gene-environment interactions is publicly available in an online portal.
All-fibre heterogeneously-integrated frequency comb generation using silicon core fibre
Authors: Sohanpal Ronit , Ren Haonan , Shen Li , Deakin Callum , Heidt Alexander M. , Hawkins Thomas W. , Ballato John , Gibson Ursula J. , Peacock Anna C. , Liu Zhixin
Published: July 2022

Originally developed for metrology, optical frequency combs are becoming increasingly pervasive in a wider range of research topics including optical communications, spectroscopy, and radio or microwave signal processing. However, application demands in these fields can be more challenging as they require compact sources with a high tolerance to temperature variations that are capable of delivering flat comb spectra, high power per tone, narrow linewidth and high optical signal-to-noise ratio. This work reports the generation of a flat, high power frequency comb in the telecom band using a 17 mm fully-integrated silicon core fibre as a parametric mixer. Our all-fibre, cavity-free source combines the material benefits of planar waveguide structures with the advantageous properties of fibre platforms to achieve a 30 nm bandwidth comb source containing 143 tones with <3 kHz linewidth, 12 dB flatness, and >30 dB OSNR over the entire spectral region.
Low-dimensional assemblies of metal-organic framework particles and mutually coordinated anisotropy
Authors: Lyu Dengping , Xu Wei , Payong Jae Elise L. , Zhang Tianran , Wang Yufeng
Published: July 2022

Assembling metal-organic framework (MOF)-based particles is an emerging approach for creating colloidal superstructures and hierarchical functional materials. However, realization of this goal requires strategies that not only regulate particle interactions but also harness the anisotropic morphologies and functions of various frameworks. Here, by exploiting depletion interaction induced by ionic amphiphiles, we show the assembly of a broad range of low-dimensional MOF colloidal superstructures, including 1D straight chains, alternating or bundled chains, 2D films of hexagonal, square, centered rectangular, and snowflake-like architectures, and quasi-3D supercrystals. With well-defined polyhedral shapes, the MOF particles are mutually oriented upon assembly, producing super-frameworks with hierarchically coordinated crystallinity and micropores. We demonstrate this advantage by creating functional MOF films with optical anisotropy, in our cases, birefringence and anisotropic fluorescence. Given the variety of MOFs available, our technique should allow access to advanced materials for sensing, optics, and photonics.
Probing interlayer shear thermal deformation in atomically-thin van der Waals layered materials
Authors: Zhang Le , Wang Han , Zong Xinrong , Zhou Yongheng , Wang Taihong , Wang Lin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: July 2022

Atomically-thin van der Waals layered materials, with both high in-plane stiffness and bending flexibility, offer a unique platform for thermomechanical engineering. However, the lack of effective characterization techniques hinders the development of this research topic. Here, we develop a direct experimental method and effective theoretical model to study the mechanical, thermal, and interlayer properties of van der Waals materials. This is accomplished by using a carefully designed WSe2-based heterostructure, where monolayer WSe2 serves as an in-situ strain meter. Combining experimental results and theoretical modelling, we are able to resolve the shear deformation and interlayer shear thermal deformation of each individual layer quantitatively in van der Waals materials. Our approach also provides important interlayer coupling information as well as key thermal parameters. The model can be applied to van der Waals materials with different layer numbers and various boundary conditions for both thermally-induced and mechanically-induced deformations.
Clinical characteristics and immune profile alterations in vaccinated individuals with breakthrough Delta SARS-CoV-2 infections
Authors: Fan Qinghong , Shi Jingrong , Yang Yanhong , Tang Guofang , Jiang Mengling , Li Jiaojiao , Tang Jingyan , Li Lu , Wen Xueliang , Zhang Lieguang , Deng Xizi , Wang Yaping , Lan Yun , Li Liya , Peng Ping , Tong Yuwei , Lu Huan , Yan Lili , Liu Ying , Cai Shuijiang , Li Yueping , Mo Xiaoneng , Li Meiyu , Deng Xilong , Hu Zhongwei , Yu Haisheng , Hu Fengyu , Liu Jinxin , Tang Xiaoping , Li Feng
Published: July 2022

Despite timely immunization programs, and efficacious vaccines conveying protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals have been reported. The Delta variant of concern (VOC) outbreak in Guangzhou resulted in local transmission in vaccinated and non-vaccinated residents, providing a unique opportunity to study the protective effects of the inactivated vaccines in breakthrough infection. Here, we find that the 2-dose vaccinated group has similar peak viral titers and comparable speeds of viral RNA clearance to the non-vaccinated group but accelerated viral suppression in the middle course of the disease. We quantitatively demonstrate that peak viral pneumonia is significantly mitigated in the 2-dose vaccine group (median 0.298%) compared with the non-vaccinated (5.77%) and 1-dose vaccine (3.34%) groups. Pneumonia absorbance is approximately 6 days ahead in the 2-dose group (median 10 days) than in the non-vaccinated group (16 days) (p = 0.003). We also observe reduced cytokine inflammation and markedly undisturbed gene transcription profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the 2-dose group. In short, our study demonstrates that prior vaccination substantially restrains pneumonia development, reduces cytokine storms, and facilitates clinical recovery.
Precision digital mapping of endogenous and induced genomic DNA breaks by INDUCE-seq
Authors: Dobbs Felix M. , van Eijk Patrick , Fellows Mick D. , Loiacono Luisa , Nitsch Roberto , Reed Simon H.
Published: July 2022

Understanding how breaks form and are repaired in the genome depends on the accurate measurement of the frequency and position of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). This is crucial for identification of a chemical’s DNA damage potential and for safe development of therapies, including genome editing technologies. Current DSB sequencing methods suffer from high background levels, the inability to accurately measure low frequency endogenous breaks and high sequencing costs. Here we describe INDUCE-seq, which overcomes these problems, detecting simultaneously the presence of low-level endogenous DSBs caused by physiological processes, and higher-level recurrent breaks induced by restriction enzymes or CRISPR-Cas nucleases. INDUCE-seq exploits an innovative NGS flow cell enrichment method, permitting the digital detection of breaks. It can therefore be used to determine the mechanism of DSB repair and to facilitate safe development of therapeutic genome editing. We further discuss how the method can be adapted to detect other genomic features.
Compulsive alcohol drinking in rodents is associated with altered representations of behavioral control and seeking in dorsal medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Timme Nicholas M. , Ma Baofeng , Linsenbardt David , Cornwell Ethan , Galbari Taylor , Lapish Christopher C.
Published: July 2022

A key feature of compulsive alcohol drinking is continuing to drink despite negative consequences. To examine the changes in neural activity that underlie this behavior, compulsive alcohol drinking was assessed in a validated rodent model of heritable risk for excessive drinking (alcohol preferring (P) rats). Neural activity was measured in dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC—a brain region involved in maladaptive decision-making) and assessed via change point analyses and novel principal component analyses. Neural population representations of specific decision-making variables were measured to determine how they were altered in animals that drink alcohol compulsively. Compulsive animals showed weakened representations of behavioral control signals, but strengthened representations of alcohol seeking-related signals. Finally, chemogenetic-based excitation of dmPFC prevented escalation of compulsive alcohol drinking. Collectively, these data indicate that compulsive alcohol drinking in rats is associated with alterations in dmPFC neural activity that underlie diminished behavioral control and enhanced seeking.
Interchromosomal interaction of homologous Stat92E alleles regulates transcriptional switch during stem-cell differentiation
Authors: Antel Matthew , Raj Romir , Masoud Madona Y. G. , Pan Ziwei , Li Sheng , Mellone Barbara G. , Inaba Mayu
Published: July 2022

Pairing of homologous chromosomes in somatic cells provides the opportunity of interchromosomal interaction between homologous gene regions. In the Drosophila male germline, the Stat92E gene is highly expressed in a germline stem cell (GSC) and gradually downregulated during the differentiation. Here we show that the pairing of Stat92E is always tight in GSCs and immediately loosened in differentiating daughter cells, gonialblasts (GBs). Disturbance of Stat92E pairing by relocation of one locus to another chromosome or by knockdown of global pairing/anti-pairing factors both result in a failure of Stat92E downregulation, suggesting that the pairing is required for the decline in transcription. Furthermore, the Stat92E enhancer, but not its transcription, is required for the change in pairing state, indicating that pairing is not a consequence of transcriptional changes. Finally, we show that the change in Stat92E pairing is dependent on asymmetric histone inheritance during the asymmetric division of GSCs. Taken together, we propose that the changes in Stat92E pairing status is an intrinsically programmed mechanism for enabling prompt cell fate switch during the differentiation of stem cells.
Chromatin sequesters pioneer transcription factor Sox2 from exerting force on DNA
Authors: Nguyen Tuan , Li Sai , Chang Jeremy T-H , Watters John W. , Ng Htet , Osunsade Adewola , David Yael , Liu Shixin
Published: July 2022

Biomolecular condensation constitutes an emerging mechanism for transcriptional regulation. Recent studies suggest that the co-condensation between transcription factors (TFs) and DNA can generate mechanical forces driving genome rearrangements. However, the reported forces generated by protein-DNA co-condensation are typically below one piconewton (pN), questioning its physiological significance. Moreover, the force-generating capacity of these condensates in the chromatin context remains unknown. Here, we show that Sox2, a nucleosome-binding pioneer TF, forms co-condensates with DNA and generates forces up to 7 pN, exerting considerable mechanical tension on DNA strands. We find that the disordered domains of Sox2 are required for maximum force generation but not for condensate formation. Furthermore, we show that nucleosomes dramatically attenuate the mechanical stress exerted by Sox2 by sequestering it from coalescing on bare DNA. Our findings reveal that TF-mediated DNA condensation can exert significant mechanical stress on the genome which can nonetheless be attenuated by the chromatin architecture.
Programmable CRISPR-Cas9 microneedle patch for long-term capture and real-time monitoring of universal cell-free DNA
Authors: Yang Bin , Kong Jilie , Fang Xueen
Published: July 2022

Recent advances in biointerfaces have led to the development of wearable devices that can provide insights into personal health. As wearable modules, microneedles can extract analytes of interest from interstitial fluid in a minimally invasive fashion. However, some microneedles are limited by their ability to perform highly effective extraction and real-time monitoring for macromolecule biomarkers simultaneously. Here we show the synergetic effect of CRISPR-activated graphene biointerfaces, and report an on-line wearable microneedle patch for extraction and in vivo long-term monitoring of universal cell-free DNA. In this study, this wearable system enables real-time monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus, sepsis, and kidney transplantation cell-free DNA, with anti-interference ability of 60% fetal bovine serum, and has satisfactory stable sensitivity for 10 days in vivo. The experimental results of immunodeficient mouse models shows the feasibility and practicability of this proposed method. This wearable patch holds great promise for long-term in vivo monitoring of cell-free DNA and could potentially be used for early disease screening and prognosis.
Ciliary transition zone proteins coordinate ciliary protein composition and ectosome shedding
Authors: Wang Liang , Wen Xin , Wang Zhengmao , Lin Zaisheng , Li Chunhong , Zhou Huilin , Yu Huimin , Li Yuhan , Cheng Yifei , Chen Yuling , Lou Geer , Pan Junmin , Cao Muqing
Published: July 2022

The transition zone (TZ) of the cilium/flagellum serves as a diffusion barrier that controls the entry/exit of ciliary proteins. Mutations of the TZ proteins disrupt barrier function and lead to multiple human diseases. However, the systematic regulation of ciliary composition and signaling-related processes by different TZ proteins is not completely understood. Here, we reveal that loss of TCTN1 inChlamydomonas reinhardtiidisrupts the assembly of wedge-shaped structures in the TZ. Proteomic analysis of cilia from WT and three TZ mutants,tctn1,cep290, andnphp4, shows a unique role of each TZ subunit in the regulation of ciliary composition, explaining the phenotypic diversity of different TZ mutants. Interestingly, we find that defects in the TZ impair the formation and biological activity of ciliary ectosomes. Collectively, our findings provide systematic insights into the regulation of ciliary composition by TZ proteins and reveal a link between the TZ and ciliary ectosomes.
Influence of flow regime on the decomposition of diluted methane in a nitrogen rotating gliding arc
Authors: J Ananthanarasimhan , Rao Lakshminarayana
Published: July 2022

This work reports the operation of rotating gliding arc (RGA) reactor at a high flow rate and the effect of flow regimes on its chemical performance, which is not explored much. When the flow regime was changed from transitional to turbulent flow ($$5\rightarrow 50~\hbox {SLPM}$$

5
→
50

SLPM

), operation mode transitioned from glow to spark type; the average electric field, gas temperature, and electron temperature raised ($$106\rightarrow 156~\hbox {V}\cdot \hbox {mm}^{-1}$$

106
→
156

V
·

mm

-
1

, $$3681\rightarrow 3911~\hbox {K}$$

3681
→
3911

K

, and $$1.62\rightarrow 2.12~\hbox {eV}$$

1.62
→
2.12

eV

). The decomposition’s energy efficiency ($$\eta _E$$

η
E

) increased by a factor of 3.9 ($$16.1\rightarrow 61.9~\hbox {g}_{{\text{CH}}_{4}}\cdot \hbox {kWh}^{-1}$$

16.1
→
61.9

g

CH
4

·

kWh

-
1

). The first three dominant methane consumption reactions (MCR) for both the flow regimes were induced by $$\text {H}$$
H
, CH, and $$\text {CH}_3$$

CH
3

(key-species), yet differed by their contribution values. The MCR rate increased by 80–148% [induced by e and singlet—$$\text {N}_2$$

N
2

], and decreased by 34–93% [CH, $$\text {CH}_3$$

CH
3

, triplet—$$\text {N}_2$$

N
2

], due to turbulence. The electron-impact processes generated atleast 50% more of key-species and metastables for every 100 eV of input energy, explaining the increased $$\eta _E$$

η
E

at turbulent flow. So, flow regime influences the plasma chemistry and characteristics through flow rate. The reported RGA reactor is promising to mitigate the fugitive hydrocarbon emissions energy efficiently at a large scale, requiring some optimization to improve conversion.
Evaluation of water quality index and geochemical characteristics of surfacewater from Tawang India
Authors: Gaur Nisha , Sarkar Arpan , Dutta Dhiraj , Gogoi B. J. , Dubey Rama , Dwivedi Sanjai Kumar
Published: July 2022

In this study,the water samples were collected from 31 sites of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India (North-Eastern Himalaya), during the winter season to check the suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes.The study scientifically demonstrates the estimation of Water quality index (WQI) andhydrogeochemical characteristics of surface water samples by utilizing multivariate statistical methods. The main water quality parameters considered for this study were TDS, conductivity, salinity, pH, hardness, cations and anions. WQI was calculated in order to find out the deviation in the water quality parameters particularly with respect to BIS permissible limits.The major influencing factors responsible for the variation in these parameters were derived by using Principal component analysis (PCA) and Correlation matrix.To check the suitability of water for drinking purpose, hydrogeochemical facies and rock water interaction was derived by using well established methods such as Piper Plot (determine water type), WQI (Quality monitoring), and saturation index (for mineral dissolution). The results revealed that the silicate weathering was the main ionic source in comparison to carbonate weathering which is due to the higher dissolution capacity of silicate minerals.The results of the scattered plot between (Ca2+ + Mg2+)–(HCO3ˉ + SO42ˉ) versus (Na+ + K+)–Clˉ (meq/L) highlighted thation exchange occurs between Mg2+ and Ca2+ofsurface water with Na+ and K+of rock /soil. This means that calcium ion was getting adsorbed, and sodium ion was getting released. The Ca2+–Mg2+–HCO3ˉ, Na+–HCO3ˉand Na+–Clˉ type of surface water suggested permanent and temporary hardness respectively in the studied region. The dominant cations of this study were Na+ and Ca2+ while the dominant anions were HCO3ˉ and SO42ˉ. In order to check the suitability of water sources for irrigation, parameters like, Magnesium hazard (MH), Total hardness (TH), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly Index (KI), Sodium adsorption rate (SAR), Sodium percentage (Na%), and Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were determined. The results showed that 93% of the samples had PI score < 75, which indicates the suitability of the water for irrigation. Also the WQI calculation showed an average WQI value of 82.49, amongst which 61% samples were in the range of 0–50 being considered as good for drinking, while 39% were catageorised as unsuitable for drinking showing a value of > 50. Hence the above findings reveal that geogenic activities play a major role in influencing the water quality of Tawang region. Hence suitable water treatment technologies or methods might be used to eliminate thenon desirable elements and minerals present in surface water.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine effectiveness and barriers to vaccination in Germany
Authors: Nygren Teresa M. , Pilic Antonia , Böhmer Merle M. , Wagner-Wiening Christiane , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas , Hellenbrand Wiebke
Published: July 2022

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination coverage remains low in Germany. Our case–control study (2018–2020) aimed to examine reasons for low vaccine uptake, vaccine effectiveness (VE), and vaccine breakthrough infections (VBIs). Telephone interviews (581 cases, 975 matched controls) covered vaccinations, vaccination barriers, and confounders identified with directed acyclic graphs. Multivariable logistic regression determined VE as 1—odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We additionally calculated VE with the Screening method using routine surveillance and vaccination coverage data. Main vaccination barriers were poor risk perception and fear of adverse events. VE was 96.6% (95% CI 93.7–98.2) for ≥ 3 doses and manufacturer-recommended dosing intervals. Without boosters, VE after ≥ 3 doses at ≤ 10 years was 91.2% (95% CI 82.7–95.6). VE was similar for homologous/heterologous vaccination. Utilising routine surveillance data, VE was comparable (≥ 3 doses: 92.8%). VBIs (n = 17, 2.9% of cases) were older, had more comorbidities and higher severity than unvaccinated cases. However, only few VBIs were diagnostically confirmed; 57% of re-tested vaccinated cases (≥ 1 dose, n = 54) proved false positive. To increase TBE vaccine uptake, communication efforts should address complacency and increase confidence in the vaccines’ safety. The observed duration of high VE may inform decision-makers to consider extending booster intervals to 10 years.
Gravitational perturbations correlated with the asteroid kinetic impact deflection technique
Authors: Chagas B. S. , Prado A. F. B. A. , Winter O. C.
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the use of the kinetic impact technique to deflect asteroids that may present some risk of collision with Earth. Within the work to be developed here, we intend to evaluate in more detail the possibility to deflect the orbit of the asteroid 101955 Bennu by applying variations in its velocity ($$\Delta$$Δv) at different positions along its orbital period and measuring effects of close encounters with planet Earth. We will see that, in a relatively long period of time, the asteroid has several close encounters with the planet, thus suffering a natural gravitational perturbation. With the application of the impulses, the relative distances change, causing variations in the energy of the asteroid and a large variation in the relative distance between the asteroid and Earth over a long period after the impulse. We present results related to the magnitude of the impulse applied, which is important because its defines the mass and velocity of the impactor to be considered. Then, we mapped the positions of the impulses along a period of the orbit of the asteroid. We finish by explaining what happens to the orbit of the asteroid during the periods of gravitational perturbation, since the close encounters amount to “Swing Bys” that intensify the variations of the relative distances between the bodies after the impulse is applied.
Age group prediction with panoramic radiomorphometric parameters using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Won Jong Hyun , Auh Q.-Schick , Noh Yung-Kyun
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of 18 radiomorphometric parameters of panoramic radiographs based on age, and to estimate the age group of people with permanent dentition in a non-invasive, comprehensive, and accurate manner using five machine learning algorithms. For the study population (209 men and 262 women; mean age, 32.12 ± 18.71 years), 471 digital panoramic radiographs of Korean individuals were applied. The participants were divided into three groups (with a 20-year age gap) and six groups (with a 10-year age gap), and each age group was estimated using the following five machine learning models: a linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression, kernelized support vector machines, multilayer perceptron, and extreme gradient boosting. Finally, a Fisher discriminant analysis was used to visualize the data configuration. In the prediction of the three age-group classification, the areas under the curve (AUCs) obtained for classifying young ages (10–19 years) ranged from 0.85 to 0.88 for five different machine learning models. The AUC values of the older age group (50–69 years) ranged from 0.82 to 0.88, and those of adults (20–49 years) were approximately 0.73. In the six age-group classification, the best scores were also found in age groups 1 (10–19 years) and 6 (60–69 years), with mean AUCs ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 and 80 to 0.90, respectively. A feature analysis based on LDA weights showed that the L-Pulp Area was important for discriminating young ages (10–49 years), and L-Crown, U-Crown, L-Implant, U-Implant, and Periodontitis were used as predictors for discriminating older ages (50–69 years). We established acceptable linear and nonlinear machine learning models for a dental age group estimation using multiple maxillary and mandibular radiomorphometric parameters. Since certain radiomorphological characteristics of young and the elderly were linearly related to age, young and old groups could be easily distinguished from other age groups with automated machine learning models.
Vascular injury of immature epiphyses impair stem cell engraftment in cartilage defects
Authors: Rashidi Ali , Theruvath Ashok J. , Huang Ching-Hsin , Wu Wei , Mahmoud Elhussein E. , Jesu Raj Joe Gerald , Marycz Krzysztof , Daldrup-Link Heike E.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of our study was to investigate if vascular injury in immature epiphyses affects cartilage repair outcomes of matrix-associated stem cell implants (MASI). Porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal stem cells (BMSCs) suspended in a fibrin glue scaffold were implanted into 24 full-thickness cartilage defects (5 mm ø) of the bilateral distal femur of six Göttingen minipigs (n = 12 defects in 6 knee joints of 3 immature pigs; age 3.5–4 months; n = 12 defects in 6 knee joints of 3 mature control pigs; age, 21–28 months). All pigs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2, 4, 12 (n = 24 defects), and 24 weeks (n = 12 defects). After the last imaging study, pigs were sacrificed, joints explanted and evaluated with VEGF, H&E, van Gieson, Mallory, and Safranin O stains. Results of mature and immature cartilage groups were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Quantitative scores for subchondral edema at 2 weeks were correlated with quantitative scores for cartilage repair (MOCART score and ICRS score) at 12 weeks as well as Pineda scores at end of the study, using linear regression analysis. On serial MRIs, mature joints demonstrated progressive healing of cartilage defects while immature joints demonstrated incomplete healing and damage of the subchondral bone. The MOCART score at 12 weeks was significantly higher for mature joints (79.583 ± 7.216) compared to immature joints (30.416 ± 10.543, p = 0.002). Immature cartilage demonstrated abundant microvessels while mature cartilage did not contain microvessels. Accordingly, cartilage defects in immature joints showed a significantly higher number of disrupted microvessels, subchondral edema, and angiogenesis compared to mature cartilage. Quantitative scores for subchondral edema at 2 weeks were negatively correlated with MOCART scores (r =  − 0.861) and ICRS scores (r =  − 0.901) at 12 weeks and positively correlated with Pineda scores at the end of the study (r = 0.782). Injury of epiphyseal blood vessels in immature joints leads to subchondral bone defects and limits cartilage repair after MASI.
Comparative estimation of nitrogen in urea and its derivative products using TKN, CHNS and hand-held refractometer
Authors: Bhati Vijendra Singh , Raliya Ramesh
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a comparative analysis between the hand-held refractometer and other methods (TKN and CHNS) was accomplished for the estimation of nitrogen percentage (N%) in urea, nano urea fertilizer, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) solution. In order to compare the performance of all methods/devices, the detection of N% in different concentrations of urea, nano urea, and DEF were evaluated in terms of their linearity. The most important finding of this study was that the refractometer-based device revealed a good linear coefficient up to 40% urea solution (R2 = 0.99918) among other approaches, which means the estimation of N% is more close to the theoretical value. Moreover, the refractometer has detected the urea, nano urea, and DEF samples within 3 s which were quite fast as compared to other tested methods and no requirement of any chemicals during the sample preparation and analyses. Thus, the finding of this study suggests that a hand-held urea refractometer-based portable device can be used for onsite N% determination by the fertilizer and DEF manufacturing industries and their customers due to its low cost, low power requirement, reliable estimation, rapid N% detection, and its environmental suitability.