bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hard tissue stability after guided bone regeneration: a comparison between digital titanium mesh and resorbable membrane
Authors: Li Songhang , Zhao Junyi , Xie Yu , Tian Taoran , Zhang Tianxu , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2021

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) uses resorbable and non-resorbable membranes as biological barriers. This study compared the differences in hard tissue stability between GBR using evidence-based digital titanium mesh and resorbable collagen membranes during implant placement. A total of 40 patients (65 implant sites) were enrolled and divided into two groups: resorbable membrane and digital titanium mesh groups. The alveolar bone was analyzed at two- and three-dimensional levels using cone-beam computed tomography and by reconstructing and superimposing the hard tissues at four time points: preoperatively, postoperatively, before second-stage surgery, and 1 year after loading. The use of digital titanium mesh showed less alveolar bone resorption in vertical and horizontal directions two-dimensionally before the second-stage surgery and 1 year after loading. Regarding volumetric stability, the percentage of resorption after 6 months of healing with resorbable membrane coverage reached 37.5%. However, it was only 23.4% with titanium mesh. Although postoperative bone volume was greater at all labial sites with resorbable membrane than with digital titanium mesh, after substantial bone resorption within 1 year of loading, the labial bone thickness at the upper part of implants was thinner with resorbable membrane than with digital titanium mesh. Furthermore, digital titanium meshes made according to ideal bone arch contour reduced soft tissue irritation, and the exposure rate was only 10%. Therefore, although both resorbable membrane and digital titanium mesh in GBR were able to successfully reconstruct the bone defect, digital titanium meshes were better at maintaining the hard tissue volume in the osteogenic space.
Strategies to identify candidate repurposable drugs: COVID-19 treatment as a case example
Authors: Imami Ali S. , McCullumsmith Robert E. , O’Donovan Sinead M.
Published: November 2021

Drug repurposing is an invaluable strategy to identify new uses for existing drug therapies that overcome many of the time and financial costs associated with novel drug development. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven an unprecedented surge in the development and use of bioinformatic tools to identify candidate repurposable drugs. Using COVID-19 as a case study, we discuss examples of machine-learning and signature-based approaches that have been adapted to rapidly identify candidate drugs. The Library of Integrated Network-based Signatures (LINCS) and Connectivity Map (CMap) are commonly used repositories and have the advantage of being amenable to use by scientists with limited bioinformatic training. Next, we discuss how these recent advances in bioinformatic drug repurposing approaches might be adapted to identify repurposable drugs for CNS disorders. As the development of novel therapies that successfully target the cause of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders has stalled, there is a pressing need for innovative strategies to treat these complex brain disorders. Bioinformatic approaches to identify repurposable drugs provide an exciting avenue of research that offer promise for improved treatments for CNS disorders.
Optogenetic control of receptors reveals distinct roles for actin- and Cdc42-dependent negative signals in chemotactic signal processing
Authors: Bell George R. R. , Rincón Esther , Akdoğan Emel , Collins Sean R.
Published: November 2021

During chemotaxis, neutrophils use cell surface G Protein Coupled Receptors to detect chemoattractant gradients. The downstream signaling system is wired with multiple feedback loops that amplify weak inputs and promote spatial separation of cell front and rear activities. Positive feedback could promote rapid signal spreading, yet information from the receptors is transmitted with high spatial fidelity, enabling detection of small differences in chemoattractant concentration across the cell. How the signal transduction network achieves signal amplification while preserving spatial information remains unclear. The GTPase Cdc42 is a cell-front polarity coordinator that is predictive of cell turning, suggesting an important role in spatial processing. Here we directly measure information flow from receptors to Cdc42 by pairing zebrafish parapinopsina, an optogenetic G Protein Coupled Receptor with reversible ON/OFF control, with a spectrally compatible red/far red Cdc42 Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer biosensor. Using this toolkit, we show that positive and negative signals downstream of G proteins shape a rapid, dose-dependent Cdc42 response. Furthermore, F-actin and Cdc42 itself provide two distinct negative signals that limit the duration and spatial spread of Cdc42 activation, maintaining output signals local to the originating receptors.
Rare variant analysis in eczema identifies exonic variants in DUSP1, NOTCH4 and SLC9A4
Authors: Grosche Sarah , Marenholz Ingo , Esparza-Gordillo Jorge , Arnau-Soler Aleix , Pairo-Castineira Erola , Rüschendorf Franz , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S. , Almqvist Catarina , Arnold Andreas ,   Australian Asthma Genetics Consortium (AAGC), Baurecht Hansjörg , Bisgaard Hans , Bønnelykke Klaus , Brown Sara J. , Bustamante Mariona , Curtin John A. , Custovic Adnan , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Esplugues Ana , Falchi Mario , Fernandez-Orth Dietmar , Ferreira Manuel A. R. , Franke Andre , Gerdes Sascha , Gieger Christian , Hakonarson Hakon , Holt Patrick G. , Homuth Georg , Hubner Norbert , Hysi Pirro G. , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Karlsson Robert , Koppelman Gerard H. , Lau Susanne , Lutz Manuel , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Marks Guy B. , Müller-Nurasyid Martina , Nöthen Markus M. , Paternoster Lavinia , Pennell Craig E. , Peters Annette , Rawlik Konrad , Robertson Colin F. , Rodriguez Elke , Sebert Sylvain , Simpson Angela , Sleiman Patrick M. A. , Standl Marie , Stölzl Dora , Strauch Konstantin , Szwajda Agnieszka , Tenesa Albert , Thompson Philip J. , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Visconti Alessia , Vonk Judith M. , Wang Carol A. , Weidinger Stephan , Wielscher Matthias , Worth Catherine L. , Xu Chen-Jian , Lee Young-Ae
Published: November 2021

Previous genome-wide association studies revealed multiple common variants involved in eczema but the role of rare variants remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigate the role of rare variants in eczema susceptibility. We meta-analyze 21 study populations including 20,016 eczema cases and 380,433 controls. Rare variants are imputed with high accuracy using large population-based reference panels. We identify rare exonic variants inDUSP1,NOTCH4, andSLC9A4to be associated with eczema. InDUSP1andNOTCH4missense variants are predicted to impact conserved functional domains. In addition, five novel common variants atSATB1-AS1/KCNH8,TRIB1/LINC00861,ZBTB1,TBX21/OSBPL7, andCSF2RBare discovered. While genes prioritized based on rare variants are significantly up-regulated in the skin, common variants point to immune cell function. Over 20% of the single nucleotide variant-based heritability is attributable to rare and low-frequency variants. The identified rare/low-frequency variants located in functional protein domains point to promising targets for novel therapeutic approaches to eczema.
Revealing nonlinear neural decoding by analyzing choices
Authors: Yang Qianli , Walker Edgar , Cotton R. James , Tolias Andreas S. , Pitkow Xaq
Published: November 2021

Sensory data about most natural task-relevant variables are entangled with task-irrelevant nuisance variables. The neurons that encode these relevant signals typically constitute a nonlinear population code. Here we present a theoretical framework for quantifying how the brain uses or decodes its nonlinear information. Our theory obeys fundamental mathematical limitations on information content inherited from the sensory periphery, describing redundant codes when there are many more cortical neurons than primary sensory neurons. The theory predicts that if the brain uses its nonlinear population codes optimally, then more informative patterns should be more correlated with choices. More specifically, the theory predicts a simple, easily computed quantitative relationship between fluctuating neural activity and behavioral choices that reveals the decoding efficiency. This relationship holds for optimal feedforward networks of modest complexity, when experiments are performed under natural nuisance variation. We analyze recordings from primary visual cortex of monkeys discriminating the distribution from which oriented stimuli were drawn, and find these data are consistent with the hypothesis of near-optimal nonlinear decoding.
Catalytic enantioselective reductive domino alkyl arylation of acrylates via nickel/photoredox catalysis
Authors: Qian Pengcheng , Guan Haixing , Wang Yan-En , Lu Qianqian , Zhang Fan , Xiong Dan , Walsh Patrick J. , Mao Jianyou
Published: November 2021

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug derivatives (NSAIDs) are an important class of medications. Here we show a visible-light-promoted photoredox/nickel catalyzed approach to construct enantioenriched NSAIDs via a three-component alkyl arylation of acrylates. This reductive cross-electrophile coupling avoids preformed organometallic reagents and replaces stoichiometric metal reductants by an organic reductant (Hantzsch ester). A broad range of functional groups are well-tolerated under mild conditions with high enantioselectivities (up to 93% ee) and good yields (up to 90%). A study of the reaction mechanism, as well as literature precedence, enabled a working reaction mechanism to be presented. Key steps include a reduction of the alkyl bromide to the radical, Giese addition of the alkyl radical to the acrylate and capture of the α-carbonyl radical by the enantioenriched nickel catalyst. Reductive elimination from the proposed Ni(III) intermediate generates the product and forms Ni(I).
mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of VAMP8 and SCFD1 regulates autophagosome maturation
Authors: Huang Hong , Ouyang Qinqin , Zhu Min , Yu Haijia , Mei Kunrong , Liu Rong
Published: November 2021

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) has been shown to regulate autophagy at different steps. However, how mTORC1 regulates the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive protein receptor (SNARE) complex remains elusive. Here we show that mTORC1 inhibits formation of the SNARE complex (STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8) by phosphorylating VAMP8, thereby blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion. A VAMP8 phosphorylation mimic mutant is unable to promote autophagosome-lysosome fusion in vitro. Furthermore, we identify SCFD1, a Sec1/Munc18-like protein, that localizes to the autolysosome and is required for SNARE complex formation and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. VAMP8 promotes SCFD1 recruitment to autolysosomes when dephosphorylated. Consistently, phosphorylated VAMP8 or SCFD1 depletion inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and expression of phosphomimic VAMP8 leads to increased lipid droplet accumulation when expressed in mouse liver. Thus, our study supports that mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of VAMP8 blocks SCFD1 recruitment, thereby inhibiting STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 complex formation and autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
Full spectrum fluorescence lifetime imaging with 0.5 nm spectral and 50 ps temporal resolution
Authors: Williams Gareth O. S. , Williams Elvira , Finlayson Neil , Erdogan Ahmet T. , Wang Qiang , Fernandes Susan , Akram Ahsan R. , Dhaliwal Kev , Henderson Robert K. , Girkin John M. , Bradley Mark
Published: November 2021

The use of optical techniques to interrogate wide ranging samples from semiconductors to biological tissue for rapid analysis and diagnostics has gained wide adoption over the past decades. The desire to collect ever more spatially, spectrally and temporally detailed optical signatures for sample characterization has specifically driven a sharp rise in new optical microscopy technologies. Here we present a high-speed optical scanning microscope capable of capturing time resolved images across 512 spectral and 32 time channels in a single acquisition with the potential for ~0.2 frames per second (256 × 256 image pixels). Each pixel in the resulting images contains a detailed data cube for the study of diverse time resolved light driven phenomena. This is enabled by integration of system control electronics and on-chip processing which overcomes the challenges presented by high data volume and low imaging speed, often bottlenecks in previous systems.
Mechanism of actin-dependent activation of nucleotidyl cyclase toxins from bacterial human pathogens
Authors: Belyy Alexander , Merino Felipe , Mechold Undine , Raunser Stefan
Published: November 2021

Bacterial human pathogens secrete initially inactive nucleotidyl cyclases that become potent enzymes by binding to actin inside eukaryotic host cells. The underlying molecular mechanism of this activation is, however, unclear. Here, we report structures of ExoY from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio vulnificus bound to their corresponding activators F-actin and profilin-G-actin. The structures reveal that in contrast to the apo-state, two flexible regions become ordered and interact strongly with actin. The specific stabilization of these regions results in an allosteric stabilization of the nucleotide binding pocket and thereby to an activation of the enzyme. Differences in the sequence and conformation of the actin-binding regions are responsible for the selective binding to either F- or G-actin. Other nucleotidyl cyclase toxins that bind to calmodulin rather than actin undergo a similar disordered-to-ordered transition during activation, suggesting that the allosteric activation-by-stabilization mechanism of ExoY is conserved in these enzymes, albeit the different activator.
Associations between patterns in comorbid diagnostic trajectories of individuals with schizophrenia and etiological factors
Authors: Krebs Morten Dybdahl , Themudo Gonçalo Espregueira , Benros Michael Eriksen , Mors Ole , Børglum Anders D. , Hougaard David , Mortensen Preben Bo , Nordentoft Merete , Gandal Michael J. , Fan Chun Chieh , Geschwind Daniel H. , Schork Andrew J. , Werge Thomas , Thompson Wesley K.
Published: November 2021

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder, exhibiting variability in presentation and outcomes that complicate treatment and recovery. To explore this heterogeneity, we leverage the comprehensive Danish health registries to conduct a prospective, longitudinal study from birth of 5432 individuals who would ultimately be diagnosed with schizophrenia, building individual trajectories that represent sequences of comorbid diagnoses, and describing patterns in the individual-level variability. We show that psychiatric comorbidity is prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia (82%) and multi-morbidity occur more frequently in specific, time-ordered pairs. Three latent factors capture 79% of variation in longitudinal comorbidity and broadly relate to the number of co-occurring diagnoses, the presence of child versus adult comorbidities and substance abuse. Clustering of the factor scores revealed five stable clusters of individuals, associated with specific risk factors and outcomes. The presentation and course of schizophrenia may be associated with heterogeneity in etiological factors including family history of mental disorders.
A potent and protective human neutralizing antibody targeting a novel vulnerable site of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Zhu Qian-Ying , Shan Sisi , Yu Jinfang , Peng Si-Ying , Sun Cong , Zuo Yanan , Zhong Lan-Yi , Yan Shu-Mei , Zhang Xiao , Yang Ziqing , Peng Yong-Jian , Shi Xuanling , Cao Su-Mei , Wang Xinquan , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Zhang Linqi
Published: November 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a range of epithelial and B cell malignancies as well as autoimmune disorders, for which there are still no specific treatments or effective vaccines. Here, we isolate EBV gH/gL-specific antibodies from an EBV-infected individual. One antibody, 1D8, efficiently neutralizes EBV infection of two major target cell types, B cells and epithelial cells. In humanized mice, 1D8 provides protection against a high-dose EBV challenge by substantially reducing viral loads and associated tumor burden. Crystal structure analysis reveals that 1D8 binds to a key vulnerable interface between the D-I/D-II domains of the viral gH/gL protein, especially the D-II of the gH, thereby interfering with the gH/gL-mediated membrane fusion and binding to target cells. Overall, we identify a potent and protective neutralizing antibody capable of reducing the EBV load. The novel vulnerable site represents an attractive target that is potentially important for antibody and vaccine intervention against EBV infection.
Abemaciclib is a potent inhibitor of DYRK1A and HIP kinases involved in transcriptional regulation
Authors: Kaltheuner Ines H. , Anand Kanchan , Moecking Jonas , Düster Robert , Wang Jinhua , Gray Nathanael S. , Geyer Matthias
Published: November 2021

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinases (HIPKs) belong to the CMGC kinase family and are closely related to dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs). HIPKs are regulators of various signaling pathways and involved in the pathology of cancer, chronic fibrosis, diabetes, and multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report the crystal structure of HIPK3 in its apo form at 2.5 Å resolution. Recombinant HIPKs and DYRK1A are auto-activated and phosphorylate the negative elongation factor SPT5, the transcription factor c-Myc, and the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, suggesting a direct function in transcriptional regulation. Based on a database search, we identified abemaciclib, an FDA-approved Cdk4/Cdk6 inhibitor used for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, as potent inhibitor of HIPK2, HIPK3, and DYRK1A. We determined the crystal structures of HIPK3 and DYRK1A bound to abemaciclib, showing a similar binding mode to the hinge region of the kinase as observed for Cdk6. Remarkably, DYRK1A is inhibited by abemaciclib to the same extent as Cdk4/Cdk6 in vitro, raising the question of whether targeting of DYRK1A contributes to the transcriptional inhibition and therapeutic activity of abemaciclib.
Horizontally arranged zinc platelet electrodeposits modulated by fluorinated covalent organic framework film for high-rate and durable aqueous zinc ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Zedong , Wang Rong , Peng Chengxin , Chen Wuji , Wu Tianqi , Hu Bo , Weng Weijun , Yao Ying , Zeng Jiaxi , Chen Zhihong , Liu Peiying , Liu Yicheng , Li Guisheng , Guo Jia , Lu Hongbin , Guo Zaiping
Published: November 2021

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (RZIBs) provide a promising complementarity to the existing lithium-ion batteries due to their low cost, non-toxicity and intrinsic safety. However, Zn anodes suffer from zinc dendrite growth and electrolyte corrosion, resulting in poor reversibility. Here, we develop an ultrathin, fluorinated two-dimensional porous covalent organic framework (FCOF) film as a protective layer on the Zn surface. The strong interaction between fluorine (F) in FCOF and Zn reduces the surface energy of the Zn (002) crystal plane, enabling the preferred growth of (002) planes during the electrodeposition process. As a result, Zn deposits show horizontally arranged platelet morphology with (002) orientations preferred. Furthermore, F-containing nanochannels facilitate ion transport and prevent electrolyte penetration for improving corrosion resistance. The FCOF@Zn symmetric cells achieve stability for over 750 h at an ultrahigh current density of 40 mA cm−2. The high-areal-capacity full cells demonstrate hundreds of cycles under high Zn utilization conditions.
Rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular enantioselective Alder–ene type reaction of cyclopentenes with silylacetylenes
Authors: Zhang Dongquan , Li Miaomiao , Li Jiajia , Lin Aijun , Yao Hequan
Published: November 2021

The Alder–ene type reaction between alkenes and alkynes provides an efficient and atom-economic method for the construction of C-C bond, which has been widely employed in the synthesis of natural products and other functional molecules. The intramolecular enantioselective Alder-ene cycloisomerization reactions of 1,n-enynes have been extensively investigated. However, the intermolecular asymmetric version has not been reported, and remains a challenging task. Herein, we describe a rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular enantioselective Alder-ene type reaction of cyclopentenes with silylacetylenes. A variety of chiral (E)-vinylsilane tethered cyclopentenes bearing one quaternary carbon and one tertiary carbon stereocenters are achieved in high yields and enantioselectivities. The reaction undergoes carbonyl-directed migratory insertion, β-H elimination and desymmetrization of prochiral cyclopentenes processes.
Low-dimensional non-metal catalysts: principles for regulating p-orbital-dominated reactivity
Authors: Zhou Si , Pei Wei , Zhao Yanyan , Yang Xiaowei , Liu Nanshu , Zhao Jijun
Published: November 2021

Activation ofp-block elements to replace the rare and precious transition metals for renewable energy applications is highly desirable. In this review, we go over recent experimental and theoretical progress on the low-dimensional non-metal materials for clean energy production, including carbon, silicon, oxide, boron, and phosphorus-based nanostructures, with thep-block elements serving as active sites. We aim to elucidate the mechanism for triggering activity in different kinds of non-metal systems, and extract general principles for controlling thep-orbital-mediated reactivity from a theoretical point of view. The perspectives and challenges for developing high-efficiency non-metal catalysts are provided in the end.
Mapping cis-regulatory elements in the midgestation mouse placenta
Authors: Starks Rebekah R. , Kaur Haninder , Tuteja Geetu
Published: November 2021

The placenta is a temporary organ that provides the developing fetus with nutrients, oxygen, and protection in utero. Defects in its development, which may be caused by misregulated gene expression, can lead to devastating outcomes for the mother and fetus. In mouse, placental defects during midgestation commonly lead to embryonic lethality. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of genes during this period have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we generated and analyzed ChIP-seq data for multiple histone modifications known to mark cis-regulatory regions. We annotated active and poised promoters and enhancers, as well as regions generally associated with repressed gene expression. We found that poised promoters were associated with neuronal development genes, while active promoters were largely associated with housekeeping genes. Active and poised enhancers were associated with placental development genes, though only active enhancers were associated with genes that have placenta-specific expression. Motif analysis within active enhancers identified a large network of transcription factors, including those that have not been previously studied in the placenta and are candidates for future studies. The data generated and genomic regions annotated provide researchers with a foundation for future studies, aimed at understanding how specific genes in the midgestation mouse placenta are regulated.
Declining methane emissions and steady, high leakage rates observed over multiple years in a western US oil/gas production basin
Authors: Lin John C. , Bares Ryan , Fasoli Benjamin , Garcia Maria , Crosman Erik , Lyman Seth
Published: November 2021

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is the main component of natural gas. Previous research has identified considerable methane emissions associated with oil and gas production, but estimates of emission trends have been inconsistent, in part due to limited in-situ methane observations spanning multiple years in oil/gas production regions. Here we present a unique analysis of one of the longest-running datasets of in-situ methane observations from an oil/gas production region in Utah’s Uinta Basin. The observations indicate Uinta methane emissions approximately halved between 2015 and 2020, along with declining gas production. As a percentage of gas production, however, emissions remained steady over the same years, at ~ 6–8%, among the highest in the U.S. Addressing methane leaks and recovering more of the economically valuable natural gas is critical, as the U.S. seeks to address climate change through aggressive greenhouse emission reductions.
The performance of a flapping foil for a self-propelled fishlike body
Authors: Paniccia Damiano , Padovani Luca , Graziani Giorgio , Piva Renzo
Published: November 2021

Several fish species propel by oscillating the tail, while the remaining part of the body essentially contributes to the overall drag. Since in this case thrust and drag are in a way separable, most attention was focused on the study of propulsive efficiency for flapping foils under a prescribed stream. We claim here that the swimming performance should be evaluated, as for undulating fish whose drag and thrust are severely entangled, by turning to self-propelled locomotion to find the proper speed and the cost of transport for a given fishlike body. As a major finding, the minimum value of this quantity corresponds to a locomotion speed in a range markedly different from the one associated with the optimal efficiency of the propulsor. A large value of the feathering parameter characterizes the minimum cost of transport while the optimal efficiency is related to a large effective angle of attack. We adopt here a simple two-dimensional model for both inviscid and viscous flows to proof the above statements in the case of self-propelled axial swimming. We believe that such an easy approach gives a way for a direct extension to fully free swimming and to real-life configurations.
The trajectory of putative astroglial dysfunction in first episode schizophrenia: a longitudinal 7-Tesla MRS study
Authors: Jeon Peter , Mackinley Michael , Théberge Jean , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: November 2021

Myo-inositol is mainly found in astroglia and its levels has been shown to be reduced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of patients with schizophrenia. We investigate the status of astroglial integrity indexed by ACC myo-inositol at the onset and over the first 6 months of treatment of first episode schizophrenia. We employed 7 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and quantified myo-inositol spectra at the dorsal ACC in 31 participants; 21 patients with schizophrenia with median lifetime antipsychotic exposure of less than 3 days, followed up after 6 months of treatment, and 10 healthy subjects scanned twice over the same period. We studied the time by group interaction for myo-inositol after adjusting for gender and age. We report significant reduction in myo-inositol concentration in the ACC in schizophrenia at an early, untreated state of acute illness that becomes insignificant over time, after instituting early intervention. This trajectory indicates that dynamic astroglial changes are likely to operate in the early stages of schizophrenia. MRS myo-inositol may be a critical marker of amelioration of active psychosis in early stages of schizophrenia.
Spatiotemporal endometrial transcriptome analysis revealed the luminal epithelium as key player during initial maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare
Authors: Rudolf Vegas Alba , Podico Giorgia , Canisso Igor F. , Bollwein Heinrich , Almiñana Carmen , Bauersachs Stefan
Published: November 2021

During the period of maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in the mare, the embryo needs to signal its presence to the endometrium to prevent regression of the corpus luteum and prepare for establishment of pregnancy. This is achieved by mechanical stimuli and release of various signaling molecules by the equine embryo while migrating through the uterus. We hypothesized that embryo’s signals induce changes in the endometrial gene expression in a highly cell type-specific manner. A spatiotemporal transcriptomics approach was applied combining laser capture microdissection and low-input-RNA sequencing of luminal and glandular epithelium (LE, GE), and stroma of biopsy samples collected from days 10–13 of pregnancy and the estrous cycle. Two comparisons were performed, samples derived from pregnancies with conceptuses ≥ 8 mm in diameter (comparison 1) and conceptuses ≤ 8 mm (comparison 2) versus samples from cyclic controls. The majority of gene expression changes was identified in LE and much lower numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GE and stroma. While 1253 DEGs were found for LE in comparison 1, only 248 were found in comparison 2. Data mining mainly focused on DEGs in LE and revealed regulation of genes related to prostaglandin transport, metabolism, and signaling, as well as transcription factor families that could be involved in MRP. In comparison to other mammalian species, differences in regulation of genes involved in epithelial barrier formation and conceptus attachment and implantation reflected the unique features of equine reproduction at the time of MRP at the molecular level.
X-ray computed tomography (CT) and ESEM-EDS investigations of unusual subfossilized juniper cones
Authors: Mohamed Wafaa A. , Mansour Maisa M. A. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Ali Hayssam M. , Böhm Martin
Published: November 2021

Recent investigations of a Greco-Roman site at Sais have provided well-preserved archaeobotanical remains within a pile of metal fragments. The remains are compared with comparable modern taxa. The morphology and anatomy are studied using Light microscope (LM), Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and X-ray computed tomography (CT). To investigate the preservation mode, Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and elemental mapping are conducted. Results revealed that the archaeobotanical remains are exhibiting close affinity with modern juniper cones. Although, the studied archaeobotanical remains are buried for more than 2 millenniums, they underwent early stages of silicification and copper mineralization. These results are discussed in relation to other excavated objects in the find and to our knowledge and understanding of daily life in the Greco-Roman period.
Geoelectric field response characteristics analysis of floor roadway surrounding rock fracture caused due to coal seam mining
Authors: Ou Yuanchao , Zhang Pingsong , Fu Maoru , Hu Xiongwu , Wu Rongxin , Liu Chang , Sun Binyang , Xu Shiang , Li Shenglin , Tan Lei
Published: November 2021

The fracture of rocks surrounding the floor roadway during the mining of the working face of a coal mine is a complicated spatiotemporal process due to the superimposed action of multiple stress fields on the surrounding rock mass. Using the surrounding rock of a floor roadway in the working face of the Huainan Pan’er Mine as the research subject, we conducted real-time monitoring using geoelectric field monitoring technology, and found the spatiotemporal response law of the geoelectric field in the process of regional rupture and damage of engineering rock masses under a complex stress field environment. The results show that (1) the time series response characteristics and spatial distribution of the geoelectric field signal are closely related to the stress distribution and damage evolution of the surrounding rock mass; (2) the rupture and damage degree of the goaf floor significantly increased when the working face was pushed through the monitoring area for 20–40 m. During this process, the excitation current dropped by 4–12 mA, and the self-potential pulse fluctuation amplitude was greater than 400 mV; (3) from the beginning of the monitoring process to the end of the monitoring, the self-potential in the damaged area decreased by 250 mV, and the self-potential in the mudstone layer below the damaged area increased by 140 mV. The electrons released into the environment around the damaged rock mass during the severe impact phase of mining did not flow back to the damaged area, and the positive charge in the damaged rock mass gradually accumulated in the complete rock mass in units of rock strata; (4) when superimposed and supported by anchor rod and cables, the bearing capacity of the shallow bearing circle of the roadway was enhanced, and the excitation current presented a step-like overall increase during mining of the working face with a small drop after every significant increase. This result is of significance in monitoring the evolutionary process of real-time failure of rock masses under complex stress environments using geoelectric field information and in improving the quality of geoelectric field monitoring technology testing applications in the future.
Repulsive guidance molecule acts in axon branching in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tsutsui Kaname , Kim Hon-Song , Yoshikata Chizu , Kimura Kenji , Kubota Yukihiko , Shibata Yukimasa , Tian Chenxi , Liu Jun , Nishiwaki Kiyoji
Published: November 2021

Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins implicated in repulsive axon guidance. Here we report the function of the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog DRAG-1 in axon branching. The axons of hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) extend dorsal branches at the region abutting the vulval muscles. The drag-1 mutants exhibited defects in HSN axon branching in addition to a small body size phenotype. DRAG-1 expression in the hypodermal cells was required for the branching of the axons. Although DRAG-1 is normally expressed in the ventral hypodermis excepting the vulval region, its ectopic expression in vulval precursor cells was sufficient to induce the branching. The C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor of DRAG-1 was important for its function, suggesting that DRAG-1 should be anchored to the cell surface. Genetic analyses suggested that the membrane receptor UNC-40 acts in the same pathway with DRAG-1 in HSN branching. We propose that DRAG-1 expressed in the ventral hypodermis signals via the UNC-40 receptor expressed in HSNs to elicit branching activity of HSN axons.
Nitrogen management under increased atmospheric CO2 concentration in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.): ameliorating environmental impacts of fertilization
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Otálora Ginés , López-Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: November 2021

In the last years, the atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased significantly, and this increase can cause changes in various physiological and biochemical processes of plants. However, the response of plants to elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) will be different depending on the nitrogen form available and the plant species. Therefore, hydroponic trials on cucumber plants, with two CO2 concentrations (400 and 1000 ppm) and two nitrogen sources (NO3−/NH4+; 100/0 and 90/10), were conducted. Physiological parameters—such as gas exchange, GS, GOGAT and GDH activities, cation composition, soluble sugar and starch content- were measured. The results showed that when plants were grown with NH4+ and e[CO2], parameters such as photosynthesis rate (ACO2), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi), the content of NH4+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, and the concentration of starch, were higher than in control plants (irrigated with nitrate as sole nitrogen source and ambient CO2 concentration (a[CO2])). Furthermore, an improvement in N assimilation was observed when the GS/GOGAT pathway was enhanced under these conditions (NH4+ and e[CO2]). Thus, our results contribute to the reduction of the negative environmental impacts of the use of nitrogen fertilizers on this crop, both by reducing nitrogen leakage (eutrophication) and greenhouse gas emissions.
Saccharomyces boulardii alleviates DSS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation in humanized mice
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Haibo , Shi Linlin , Li Rong , Luo Yanan , Deng Yun , Li Shihan , Li Ruizhen , Liu Zhi
Published: November 2021

The probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii relieved intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.
Green-light photocleavable meso-methyl BODIPY building blocks for macromolecular chemistry
Authors: Strasser Paul , Russo Marina , Stadler Pauline , Breiteneder Patrick , Redhammer Günther , Himmelsbach Markus , Brüggemann Oliver , Monkowius Uwe , Klán Petr , Teasdale Ian
Published: November 2021

We report the design of easily accessible, meso-methyl BODIPY monomers and their incorporation into photoclippable macromolecules.
Oxygen vacancy distributions and electron localization in a CeO2(100) nanocube
Authors: Ji Weihua , Wang Na , Li Qiang , Zhu He , Lin Kun , Deng Jinxia , Chen Jun , Zhang Hongjie , Xing Xianran
Published: November 2021

Oxygen vacancy distributions in a 5 nm CeO2 nanocube were determined using the Reverse Monte Carlo method. The oxygen vacancies tend to be located on the surface of the CeO2 nanocube, with far fewer in subsurface and internal regions.
Regulating the lattice strain of platinum–copper catalysts for enhancing collaborative electrocatalysis
Authors: Chang Fangfang , Liu Yongpeng , Zhang Qing , Jia Zhichao , Wang Xiaolei , Yang Lin , Bai Zhengyu
Published: November 2021

PtnCu100−n alloy nanostellates showed the high catalytic activity for both the oxygen reduction and alcohol oxidation reactions.
Sulfate assisted synthesis of α-type nickel hydroxide nanowires with 3D reticulation for energy storage in hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Li Wei , Huang Zhongzheng , Jia Yaduo , Cui Yunlong , Shi Peng , Li Tingting , Yue Hongwei , Wang Jinxiao , He Weiwei , Lou Xiaojie
Published: November 2021

α-Type NSOH NWs with 3D reticulation were synthesized by a sulfate assisted hydrothermal reaction and exhibited a high capacity of 246.3 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1. The energy density of the NSOH NWs//AC HSCs is up to 59.8 W h kg−1 at 830.3 W kg−1.
Transition-metal-free hydroamination/defluorination/cyclization of perfluoroalkyl alkynes with amidines
Authors: Sun Li-Wen , Yu Zi-Lun , Luo Xin-Long , Ma Mengtao , Shen Zhi-Liang , Chu Xue-Qiang
Published: November 2021

An efficient defluorinative cyclization strategy for the construction of perfluoroalkyl-substituted pyrimidines by using perfluoroalkyl alkynes and amidines as substrates was developed.
Characterization of single-phase flow hydrodynamics in a Berty reactor using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Ountaksinkul Khunnawat , Sripinun Sirada , Bumphenkiattikul Panut , Bubphacharoen Surapon , Vongachariya Arthit , Jantharasuk Amnart , Praserthdam Piyasan , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: November 2021

This work studies the flow characteristics in a Berty reactor, a gradientless reactor for kinetic studies, using three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and a non-ideal continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model.
Solvothermal depolymerization and recrystallization of imine-linked two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Ji Woojung , Hamachi Leslie S. , Natraj Anusree , Flanders Nathan C. , Li Rebecca L. , Chen Lin X. , Dichtel William R.
Published: November 2021

Conditions for which imine-linked 2D COF polymerizations are temperature-sensitive are identified that enable a dissolution/repolymerization process akin to molecular recrystallization.
On-surface cyclodehydrogenation reaction pathway determined by selective molecular deuterations
Authors: Ma Chuanxu , Xiao Zhongcan , Bonnesen Peter V. , Liang Liangbo , Puretzky Alexander A. , Huang Jingsong , Kolmer Marek , Sumpter Bobby G. , Lu Wenchang , Hong Kunlun , Bernholc Jerzy , Li An-Ping
Published: November 2021

Selective deuterations were exploited to synthesize graphene nanoribbons on Au(111) surface with a specific H/D pattern on edges, allowing the determination of cyclodehydrogenation reaction pathway within the framework of pericyclic reactions.
The role of nitrogen and sulfur dual coordination of cobalt in Co-N4−xSx/C single atom catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Haile Asnake Sahele , Hansen Heine Anton , Yohannes Weldegebriel , Mekonnen Yedilfana Setarge
Published: November 2021

Single-atom catalysts have been considered as potential candidates for fuel cell applications due to their good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. In this study, Co-N3S/C revealed a lower overpotential pathway for ORR activity in acidic solution in a fuel cell.
Mixed metal–antimony oxide nanocomposites: low pH water oxidation electrocatalysts with outstanding durability at ambient and elevated temperatures
Authors: Luke Sibimol , Chatti Manjunath , Yadav Asha , Kerr Brittany V. , Kangsabanik Jiban , Williams Tim , Cherepanov Pavel V. , Johannessen Bernt , Tanksale Akshat , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Hocking Rosalie K. , Alam Aftab , Yella Aswani , Simonov Alexandr N.
Published: November 2021

Stability of the anode catalysts for PEM water electrolysers can be substantially improved by combining the catalytic component with antimony oxides. However, the mechanisms of the catalyst stabilisation differ depending on the active element used.
Theoretical investigation on hydrogenation of dinitrogen triggered by singly dispersed bimetallic sites
Authors: Ma Xue-Lu , Yang Yue , Xu Le-Min , Xiao Hai , Yao Wen-Zhi , Li Jun
Published: November 2021

By first-principles calculations, the singly dispersed bimetallic site, Pd1Co4/CoOx SCC, is proposed to exhibit superior charge buffer capacity towards thermal dinitrogen hydrogenation based on a superimposed evaluation strategy.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon fiber/vertical graphene as an efficient polysulfide conversion catalyst for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Lin Junsheng , Mo Yangcheng , Li Shiwen , Yu Jie
Published: November 2021

A freestanding sulfur cathode based on nitrogen-doped porous carbon fiber/vertical graphene (NF@VG) composites is proposed to effectively boosts the catalytic conversion kinetics of polysulfides and inhibit the shuttle effect of polysulfides.
Assessment of Risk Levels of Mangrove Forest Due to Oil Spill in Muara Gembong, Bekasi Regency
Authors: Indriawan Dena , Taofiqurrohman Ankiq , Riyantini Indah , Faizal Ibnu
Published: November 2021

Habitat risk assessment is critical to assess the state of an environment. This research was conducted with the aim to assessand map the risk value of Mangrove Forest due to the oil spill incident in the Muara Gembong Regency, Bekasi District, which previously polluted coastal areas, especially in the mangrove ecosystem. Risk assessment is carried out as an effort to mitigate disaster to have a better prevention strategy, especially in areas that have a higher risk. The method for assessing risk in the mangrove ecosystem in Muara Gembong uses Habitat Risk Assessment using the Euclidean Distance formula, which is divided into three risk classes: low, medium, high. The risk value in coastal areas prone to oil spills has a moderate risk value with a total area of 3.7 km2 because the mangrove ecosystem has good resilience, and low risk for the inner mangrove area of the coastal area has a low chance with an area of 2.85 km2. The risk value in the medium class is 1.02, and the risk value in the low rank is 0.11.
Antioxidant Activity Saripati Beruwas Laut Fruit (Scaevola taccada)
Authors: Fatmawati Kiki , Apriandi Azwin , Amrizal Sri Novalina , Rezeki Zubaidah Anjar
Published: November 2021

Scaevola taccada is a coastal plant. This plant lives in gravel sandy soil and can prevent erosion that occurs on the beach. In the Riau Islands, it is still very rare, not even a few do not know the benefits of this plant, especially the fruit. The study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of young, old, and mixed fruit extracts of S. taccada using the DPPH method which was stated to be IC50. The research methods include extraction, phytochemical test, antioxidant test and vitamin C test. The yield of pulp and water extract of young fruit was 55% and 41.4%, pulp and water extract of old fruit was 33.33% and 42.9%, respectively. Phytochemical bioactive analysis was found to be positive for saponin parameters, indicated by the presence of stable foam for 30 minutes. Antioxidant activity using DPPH method obtained IC50 19,524 young fruit extract, IC50 50,664 old fruit extract, and IC50 35.518 mixed fruit. Analysis of Vitamin C in old S. taccada fruit yielded 5.28 mg, young fruit yielded 20.24 mg, and mixed fruit yielded 35.20 mg. The conclusion of this study is the presence of antioxidants and vitamin C in Scaevola taccada fruit.
The Sedimentation Impact for the Lagoon and Mangrove Stabilization
Authors: Hilmi Endang , Sari Lilik Kartika , Cahyo Tri Nur , Amron Amron , Siregar Asrul Sahri
Published: November 2021

Sedimentation causes land accretion, silting river water, lagoon, and mangrove degradation. The current study aims to analyze the potential and the impact of sedimentation toward the potential of the lagoon and mangrove ecosystem in Segara Anakan Lagoon. The research methods used mapping analysis, total suspended solid analysis (TSS), sedimentation rate analysis, biodiversity analysis, and mangrove covering. The result showed that (1) the value of TSS between 0.25-1,16 g L-1 (2) sediment flux between 6,8 - 257,7 g m-2s-1 (3) annual rate of sedimentation in West Segara Anakan Lagoon (W-SAL) between 13.82 – 15.49 m yr-1. (4) The effects of sedimentation were (a) the remaining lagoon of West Segara Anakan Lagoon (W-SAL) which was 1.200 ha, (b) land accretion in W-SAL between 27.24 – 160.18 m (1994 – 2003) and 20.91 – 107.55 m (2003 2014), (c) the remaining mangrove of SAL less than 2594 ha (d) the mangrove diversity ranged between 0.48 – 1.71 (low – moderate), (e) the mangrove density of trees were 46 - 205 trees ha-1 (degraded) (5) mangrove landscape was developed to reduce the impact of sedimentation, especially the first zone of mangrove landscaping was dominated by Aegiceras Floridum, Avicennia Alba, Avicennia Marina, Sonneratia Caseolaris, and Sonneratia alba.
Status of Coral Reefs in the Water of Spermonde, Makassar, South Sulawesi
Authors: Purnama Sari Ni Wayan , Siringoringo Rikoh Manogar , Abrar Muhammad , Putra Risandi Dwirama , Sutiadi Raden , Yusuf Syafyudin
Published: November 2021

Observations of the condition of coral reefs have been carried out in Spermonde waters from 2015 to 2018. The method used in this observation uses Underwater Photo Transect (UPT), and the data obtained is analyzed using CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel Extensions) software. The results show that the percentage of coral cover has increased from year to year. The percentage of live coral cover in 2015 was 19.64%, 23.60 in 2016, 23.72% in 2017, and 27.83% in 2018. The increase in live coral cover from year to year is thought to occur due to the availability of nutrients. or increasing public awareness, considering this location is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Makassar. Coral reef health index values can be used to classify coral reef health. Through the analysis of the coral reef health index, an index value of 4 was obtained, which means that the condition of the coral reefs is in the “moderate” category.