bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological variation in the rangeomorph organism Fractofusus misrai from the Ediacaran of Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Taylor Rod S. , Nicholls Robert , Neville Jenna M. , McIlroy Duncan
Published: August 2022

The Ediacaran rangeomorph Fractofusus misrai is the most common and best-preserved of the E Surface fossil assemblage in the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve of southeastern Newfoundland, Canada. Fractofusus has been interpreted as a fusiform epifaunal soft-sediment recliner, and like other rangeomorphs it has a self-similar, fractal-like branching morphology. The rangeomorph branching of Fractofusus has been considered to be identical on the upper and lower surfaces; however, study of specimens with complex biostratinomic histories suggests clear differences between the upper and lower surfaces. The first-order branches grew downwards into the sediment from a high point near the midline but grew above the sediment–water interface at their lateral and distal margins. Our new three-dimensional appreciation of rangeomorph branching in Fractofusus explains many of the taphomorphs of Fractofusus including straight, curved, kinked and tousled forms. The three-dimensional morphology, mode of life, taphonomy and palaeoenvironmental interactions of F. misrai are discussed along with a new three-dimensional reconstruction.
Metacercariae in the brain ofErythrinuscf.erythrinus(Characiformes: Erythrinidae) from Iguazú National Park (Argentina): do they belong toDolichorchis lacombeensis(Digenea, Diplostomidae)?
Authors: Montes M.M. , Croci Y. , Santopolo L. , Barneche J. , Ferrari W. , Reig Cardarella G.F. , Martorelli S.R.
Published: August 2022

In Argentina, the family Diplostomidae is composed of eight genera:AustrodiplostomumSzidat & Nani;Diplostomumvon Nordmann;DolichorchisDubois;HysteromorphaLutz;NeodiplostomumRailliet;PosthodiplostomumDubois;SphincterodiplostomumDubois; andTylodelphysDiesing. During a parasitological survey of fishes from the Iguazú National Park we detected diplostomid metacercariae in the brain ofErythrinuscf.erythrinus. Fish were caught using crab traps, transported alive to the field laboratory, cold-anaesthetized and euthanized by cervical dissection. Some metacercariae were heat-killed in water and fixed in 10% formalin and others were preserved in alcohol 96% for DNA extraction. They were sequenced for the partial segment of the 28S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA genes. Phylogenetic reconstruction was carried out using Bayesian inference and the proportion (p) of absolute nucleotide sites (p-distance) was obtained. In the 28S rDNA tree, the metacercaria sequenced grouped asDolichorchissp. The COI mtDNA p-distance between the metacercariae withDolichorchis lacombeensiswas 0.01. There is a small number of ITS sequences for the Diplostomidae family deposited in the GenBank. The oral sucker, ventral sucker, holdfast organ and the distance between oral and ventral suckers are larger in the adult compared with the metacercariae. Additionally, hind-body length and width are larger in the adult due to the development of the genital complex. Further studies using an integrative approach will help confirm the affiliation of other species to the genusDolichorchis.
How childhood maltreatment alters perception and cognition – the predictive processing account of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Herzog Philipp , Kube Tobias , Fassbinder Eva
Published: August 2022

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder, comprised of heterogeneous psychological and neurobiological pathologies. Here, we propose a predictive processing (PP) account of BPD to integrate these seemingly unrelated pathologies. In particular, we argue that the experience of childhood maltreatment, which is highly prevalent in BPD, leaves a developmental legacy with two facets: first, a coarse-grained, alexithymic model of self and others – leading to a rigidity and inflexibility concerning beliefs about self and others. Second, this developmental legacy leads to a loss of confidence or precision afforded beliefs about the consequences of social behavior. This results in an over reliance on sensory evidence and social feedback, with concomitant lability, impulsivity and hypersensitivity. In terms of PP, people with BPD show a distorted belief updating in response to new information with two opposing manifestations: rapid changes in beliefs and a lack of belief updating despite disconfirmatory evidence. This account of distorted information processing has the potential to explain both the instability (of affect, self-image, and interpersonal relationships) and the rigidity (of beliefs about self and others) which is typical of BPD. At the neurobiological level, we propose that enhanced levels of dopamine are associated with the increased integration of negative social feedback, and we also discuss the hypothesis of an impaired inhibitory control of the prefrontal cortex in the processing of negative social information. Our account may provide a new understanding not only of the clinical aspects of BPD, but also a unifying theory of the corresponding neurobiological pathologies. We conclude by outlining some directions for future research on the behavioral, neurobiological, and computational underpinnings of this model, and point to some clinical implications of it.
Effects of cognitive emotion regulation strategies on mood and cortisol in daily life in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors: Nayman Sibel , Beddig Theresa , Reinhard Iris , Kuehner Christine
Published: August 2022

Background

The psychological risk factors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are not fully understood, but initial evidence points to a potential role of unfavorable cognitive emotion regulation (ER-) strategies. Given the symptom cyclicity of PMDD, ambulatory assessment is ideally suited to capture psychological and physiological processes across the menstrual cycle. Our study examines habitual ER-strategies in women with PMDD and their predictive value for the course of mood and basal cortisol across the cycle in affected women.

Methods

Women with and without PMDD (n = 61 each) were compared regarding habitual mindfulness, reappraisal, and repetitive negative thinking (RNT). Momentary affect and cortisol output were assessed over two consecutive days per cycle phase (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, late luteal).

Results

Women with PMDD reported lower mindfulness, less use of reappraisal and stronger RNT than controls (ps < 0.035). In women with PMDD, higher mindfulness and reappraisal and lower RNT predicted decreased negative and increased positive affect across the menstrual cycle (ps < 0.027). However, women using more favorable ER-strategies displayed stronger mood cyclicity, resulting in stronger mood deterioration in the late luteal phase, thereby resembling women with more unfavorable ER-strategies toward the end of the cycle. Lower mindfulness predicted lower cortisol in the menstrual phase.

Conclusions

Protective ER-strategies seem to be generally linked to better momentary mood in women with PMDD, but do not appear to protect affected women from premenstrual mood deterioration. Habitual mindfulness, in turn, seems to buffer blunted cortisol activity in women with PMDD, especially in the menstrual phase.
Teaching by Contradictions: Montesquieu's Subversion of Piety in The Spirit of the Laws
Authors: Brennan Timothy
Published: August 2022

Building on studies by Thomas L. Pangle and Robert C. Bartlett, this article contends that Montesquieu's rhetorical moderation with respect to religion in The Spirit of the Laws serves a substantively radical project, that is, the gradual diminution of religious devotion through the spread of liberal-commercial civilization. Taking up the major passages of praise for religion in general and for Christianity in particular, I examine the strategy that allows Montesquieu to claim the mantle of moderation in spite of his radicalism on this crucial issue: allowing his prominently advertised positions to be undercut by his own historical observations and comparisons, and thus teaching by contradictions. I also argue that, notwithstanding his claim to be treating faith merely from a practical point of view, Montesquieu offers a theoretical challenge to revealed religion.
Meaning in Millstones: Phallic Imagery on Romano-British Millstones
Authors: Shaffrey Ruth
Published: August 2022

Phallic imagery occurred throughout the Roman world and is most commonly found on small portable items such as amulets and pendants, and on buildings and structures. This paper details three Romano-British instances of phallic carvings found on millstones and one on a rotary quern. It assesses the style and positioning of the carvings in relation to the functional operation of the stones, reviews their contexts of recovery geographically and chronologically and considers the likely symbolism and meaning of the carvings.
TWO-STEP ESTIMATION OF QUANTILE PANEL DATA MODELS WITH INTERACTIVE FIXED EFFECTS
Authors: Chen Liang
Published: August 2022

This paper considers the estimation of panel data models with interactive fixed effects where the idiosyncratic errors are subject to conditional quantile restrictions. An easy-to-implement two-step estimator is proposed for the coefficients of the observed regressors. In the first step, the principal component analysis is applied to the cross-sectional averages of the regressors to estimate the latent factors. In the second step, the smoothed quantile regression is used to estimate the coefficients of the observed regressors and the factor loadings jointly. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are established under large

$N,T$
asymptotics. It is found that the asymptotic distribution of the estimator suffers from asymptotic biases, and this paper shows how to correct the biases using both analytical and split-panel jackknife bias corrections. Simulation studies confirm that the proposed estimator performs well with moderate sample sizes.
METALWORKING AT MAYAPAN, YUCATAN, MEXICO: DISCOVERIES FROM THE R-183 GROUP
Authors: Paris Elizabeth H. , Baquedano Elizabeth , Peraza Lope Carlos , Masson Marilyn A. , Kennett Douglas J. , Serafin Stanley , Meanwell Jennifer L.
Published: August 2022

This article presents a compositional analysis of metal artifacts from the Postclassic period (a.d. 1100–1450) city of Mayapan, Yucatan, Mexico. We document metallurgical production at R-183, an elite residential group and one of the most significant archaeological contexts associated with metalworking at Mayapan. Salvage excavations in 1998 recovered a small cache containing 282 copper bells, two miniature ceramic vessels filled with metal, and production debris including loose casting sprues and miscast bells. Metallographic analysis of a small copper bell and wire fragments from the cache reveals lost-wax casting production techniques. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) of metal artifacts provides insight into the range of metals used by the R-183 metalworkers, which included copper-lead, copper-tin, and copper-arsenic alloys, and how these alloys compare to assemblages recovered from other contexts at the city. Our findings strongly suggest the use of remelting and casting techniques, likely utilizing remelted metals of both West and central Mexican origin, together with the use of imported goods made from a range of copper alloys.
Moderator Placement in Survey Experiments: Racial Resentment and the “Welfare” versus “Assistance to the Poor” Question Wording Experiment
Authors: Albertson Bethany , Jessee Stephen
Published: August 2022

Researchers face difficult decisions about whether to ask potential moderators before or after a survey experiment. Competing concerns exist about priming respondents before the experiment and about introducing post-treatment bias. We replicate the classic “welfare” versus “assistance to the poor” survey experiment, randomly assigning respondents to be asked a battery of racial resentment questions either before or after the question wording experiment. We find little evidence that the question wording effect is different between those who are asked about racial resentment before versus after the experiment. Furthermore, we find little evidence that measured racial resentment is affected by this ordering or by the question wording treatment itself.
A New Method for Determining Fluid Flux at High Pressures Applied to the Dehydration of Serpentinites
Authors: Eberhard L. , Thielmann M. , Eichheimer P. , Néri A. , Suzuki A. , Ohl M. , Fujita W. , Uesugi K. , Nakamura M. , Golabek G. J. , Frost D. J.
Published: August 2022

A new method to determine fluid flux at high pressures and temperatures has been developed and used to study serpentinites at subduction zone conditions. Drill cores of a natural antigorite‐serpentinite with a strong foliation were used in multi‐anvil experiments in the range of 2–5 GPa and 450–800°C. Fluids released upon dehydration are fixed by the formation of brucite in an adjacent fluid sink. The amount and distribution of brucite serves as a proxy for fluid flow. In our specific setup the sample reacted with the surrounding fluid sink to form an additional layer of olivine, which has the potential to limit fluid flux within our experiments. For conditions prior to serpentine dehydration we used Al(OH)3 as fluid source. Fluid in this experiment did not migrate through the serpentinite, indicating that serpentine has a low diffusivity. The experiments also show that small deviatoric stresses have an influence on the fluid flux and can cause an anisotropic fluid flux. Comparison between the time scales of the determined fluid flux with fluid production rates indicates fluid pressure buildup during dehydration reactions. Adjacent less permeable layers can inhibit fluid flux and cause fluid pressure buildup even at conditions when an interconnected pore space formed.
The Hidden History of the South‐Central Cascadia Subduction Zone Recorded on the Juan de Fuca Plate Offshore Southwest Oregon
Authors: Tréhu Anne M. , Tominaga Masako , Lyle Mitch , Davenport Kathy , Phrampus Benjamin J. , Favorito Jules , Zhang Edward , Lenz Brandi L. , Shreedharan Srisharan , Yelisetti Subbarao ,   The RR1718 Science Party
Published: August 2022

New seismic reflection data collected and processed as part of early career scientist training at sea and in classroom projects fill gaps in seismic coverage of the Cascadia subduction zone and provide new insights into anomalous subduction behavior and mass wasting along the south‐central Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) between 42°20’N and 44°15’N. The data reveal at least six distinct buried horizons of folded and faulted sediments similar to strata recently interpreted to result from in situ deformation induced by the load imposed by a large blocky mass transport deposit known as the 44°N slide. Although our results support prior studies indicating that the south‐central CSZ has experienced large slope instabilities, they indicate that the slides were more frequent but volumetrically smaller than previously thought. Similar strata have not been observed elsewhere beneath the abyssal plain adjacent to the Cascadia subduction zone. The structure of the deformation front along this segment is also indistinct, in contrast to the clear frontal faults outboard of folded trench strata observed immediately to the north and south (and generally throughout the rest of Cascadia). We attribute the anomalous nature of this segment of the margin to past subduction of shallow and rough seafloor, which resulted in greater uplift of the forearc than elsewhere along the margin. A consequence of this postulated history would be the shedding of older, more consolidated blocks onto the Juan de Fuca plate, resulting in the observed distinctive stratigraphy offshore southern Oregon.
Simulation of Es Layer Modulated by Nonlinear Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability
Authors: Wu Jinnan , Zhou Chen , Wang Geng , Liu Yi , Jiang Chaowei , Zhao Zhengyu
Published: August 2022

In this study, a two‐dimensional numerical model of the nonlinear Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability is used to investigate the nonlinear evolution processes of the ion layer, which is associated with the middle and low latitude E region irregularities. Based on simulation results, the two‐stage process in the evolution of the nonlinear KH instability is found in KH vortex morphology. The simulated nonlinear KH instability process presents multiple striation structures, including horizontal structures of the primary ion layer vortex with a size of a few kilometers and the secondary KH vortex with a size of 2 km. The polarization electric field is induced in the horizontal structure of the sporadic E (Es) layer associated with the vortex structure of neutral wind. The polarization electric field presents a similar tendency to the quasi‐periodic vortex structure. The horizontal distorted Es layer structure and anomalously large polarization electric field can provide the initial condition and lead to plasma instability, which can further develop to meter‐scale irregularities of QP echoes.
Developing a Laser Induced Liquid Beam Ion Desorption Spectral Database as Reference for Spaceborne Mass Spectrometers
Authors: Klenner Fabian , Umair Muhammad , Walter Sebastian H. G. , Khawaja Nozair , Hillier Jon , Nölle Lenz , Zou Zenghui , Napoleoni Maryse , Sanderink Arnaud , Zuschneid Wilhelm , Abel Bernd , Postberg Frank
Published: August 2022

Spaceborne impact ionization mass spectrometers, such as the Cosmic Dust Analyzer on board the past Cassini spacecraft or the SUrface Dust Analyzer being built for NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission, are of crucial importance for the exploration of icy moons in the Solar System, such as Saturn's moon Enceladus or Jupiter's moon Europa. For the interpretation of data produced by these instruments, analogue experiments on Earth are essential. To date, thousands of laboratory mass spectra have been recorded with an analogue experiment for impact ionization mass spectrometers. Simulation of mass spectra of ice grains in space is achieved by a Laser Induced Liquid Beam Ion Desorption (LILBID) approach. The desorbed cations or anions are analyzed in a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. The amount of unstructured raw data is increasingly challenging to sort, process, interpret and compare with data from space. Thus far this has been achieved manually for individual mass spectra because no database containing the recorded reference spectra was available. Here we describe the development of a comprehensive, extendable database containing cation and anion mass spectra from the laboratory LILBID facility. The database is based on a Relational Database Management System with a web server interface and enables filtering of the laboratory data using a wide range of parameters. The mass spectra can be compared not only with data from past and future space missions but also mass spectral data generated by other, terrestrial, techniques. The validated and approved subset of the database is available for general public (https://lilbid-db.planet.fu-berlin.de).
Showcasing MESMER‐X: Spatially Resolved Emulation of Annual Maximum Temperatures of Earth System Models
Authors: Quilcaille Y. , Gudmundsson L. , Beusch L. , Hauser M. , Seneviratne S. I.
Published: August 2022

Emulators of Earth System Models (ESMs) are complementary to ESMs by providing climate information at lower computational costs. Thus far, the emulation of spatially resolved climate extremes has only received limited attention, even though extreme events are one of the most impactful aspects of climate change. Here, we propose a method for the emulation of local annual maximum temperatures, with a focus on reproducing essential statistical properties such as correlations in space and time. We test different emulator configurations and find that driving the emulations with global mean surface temperature offers an optimal compromise between model complexity and performance. We show that the emulations can mimic the temporal evolution and spatial patterns of the underlying climate model simulations and are able to reproduce their natural variability. The general design and the good performance for annual maximum temperatures suggest that the proposed methodology can be applied to other climate extremes.
Excitation of Two Types of Storm‐Time Pc5 ULF Waves by Ring Current Ions Based on the Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Coupled Model
Authors: Yamakawa T. , Seki K. , Amano T. , Miyoshi Y. , Takahashi N. , Nakamizo A. , Yamamoto K.
Published: August 2022

Two types of storm‐time Pc5 waves are excited in the magnetosphere–ionosphere coupled model. We conduct magnetosphere–ionosphere (M–I) coupling between geospace environment modeling system for integrated studies‐ring current (GEMSIS‐RC) and GEMSIS‐POTential solver (GEMSIS‐POT) models in order to investigate the excitation of storm‐time Pc5 waves under more realistic conditions. The coupled model enables us to simulate ion transport from the plasma sheet by the convection electric field. First, we find the excitation of fundamental mode Pc5 waves on the dayside. These waves are generated by the drift resonance and driven by positive energy gradient of ion phase space density (PSD). The wave excitation is similar with the case without M–I coupling. Second, we detect second harmonic mode Pc5 waves with high azimuthal wave number in the dusk and premidnight region. The PSD oscillates associated with the waves, and the drift‐bounce resonance occurs at 50–80 keV ions. We find that these ions drift around the Earth and reach the nightside again at t ∼ 4,500 s, whose time scale is comparable to the drift period of these ions. At that time, inward gradient of the PSD is created, which contributes to the wave growth. This effect does not happen in the case without dawn‐to‐dusk convection electric field driven by Region 1 field aligned current (FAC). We find that the shielding by Region 2 FAC suppresses the flux of newly injected ions at the nightside, inward gradient of the PSD, and power spectra of second harmonic mode waves.
Ecosystem size-induced environmental fluctuations affect the temporal dynamics of community assembly mechanisms
Authors: Bier Raven L , Vass Máté , Székely Anna J , Langenheder Silke
Published: August 2022

Understanding processes that determine community membership and abundance is important for many fields from theoretical community ecology to conservation. However, spatial community studies are often conducted only at a single timepoint despite the known influence of temporal variability on community assembly processes. Here we used a spatiotemporal study to determine how environmental fluctuation differences induced by mesocosm volumes (larger volumes were more stable) influence assembly processes of aquatic bacterial metacommunities along a press disturbance gradient. By combining path analysis and network approaches, we found mesocosm size categories had distinct relative influences of assembly process and environmental factors that determined spatiotemporal bacterial community composition, including dispersal and species sorting by conductivity. These processes depended on, but were not affected proportionately by, mesocosm size. Low fluctuation, large mesocosms primarily developed through the interplay of species sorting that became more important over time and transient priority effects as evidenced by more time-delayed associations. High fluctuation, small mesocosms had regular disruptions to species sorting and greater importance of ecological drift and dispersal limitation indicated by lower richness and higher taxa replacement. Together, these results emphasize that environmental fluctuations influence ecosystems over time and its impacts are modified by biotic properties intrinsic to ecosystem size.
The weight loss grading system as a predictor of cancer cachexia in oesophageal cancer survivors
Authors: Anandavadivelan Poorna , Johar Asif , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: August 2022

Background

Oesophageal cancer survivorship is afflicted by cancer cachexia related weight loss and nutrition impact symptoms. Identifying the factors which predict cancer cachexia specifically is warranted in order to identify those at risk and render the right kind of support. We aimed to assess if preoperative and postoperative body mass index (BMI) adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS) is predictive of cancer cachexia at one year after surgery for oesophageal cancer.

Methods

Data were used from a prospective nationwide cohort study on patients operated on for oesophageal cancer in Sweden between 2013 and 2018 included at one year after surgery. The study exposure is BMI adjusted weight loss graded into one of five distinct weight loss grades (grades 0–4), defined in accordance with the WLGS by combining BMI and percentage weight loss, assessed at two clinical time points: preoperative and at 6 months post-surgery for oesophageal cancer. The study outcome is subjective measures of cancer cachexia one year after surgery, assessed using the cancer-cachexia specific questionnaire EORTC QLQ-CAX24. Multivariable linear regression models calculated mean score differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for predefined confounders. Statistical significance at p < 0.05 together with a clinically relevant difference of 10-points in mean scores was considered as a significant difference.

Results

Among a total of 232 patients, the highest grade of preoperative WLGS 4 was associated with significantly worse physical decline than lower grades of WLGS 1 (MD -10, 95% CI: −20 to −1) and WLGS 2 (MD −11, 95% CI: −20 to −2). Those with preoperative WLGS 2, 3 and 4 reported lower scores on the adequacy of information on weight loss provided to them than those with preoperative WLGS 0. Those with the highest postoperative WLGS 4 had greater eating and weight loss worry than WLGS 2 (MD −17, 95% CI: −32 to −3) and WLGS 3 (MD −11, 95% CI: −21 to −2) and worse physical decline than WLGS 0 (MD −14, 95% CI: −25 to −2).

Conclusions

Higher grades of both preoperative and postoperative WLGS are predictive of cancer cachexia related physical decline one year after surgery for oesophageal cancer. Additionally, preoperative and postoperative WLGS were also predictive of inadequate information concerning weight loss and more worry regarding eating and weight loss, respectively. The WLGS may be an effective risk prediction tool for postoperative cachexia related physical decline in patients undergoing treatment for oesophageal cancer emphasizing its usability in the clinical setting.
High-performance piezoelectric composites via β phase programming
Authors: Su Yuanjie , Li Weixiong , Cheng Xiaoxing , Zhou Yihao , Yang Shuai , Zhang Xu , Chen Chunxu , Yang Tiannan , Pan Hong , Xie Guangzhong , Chen Guorui , Zhao Xun , Xiao Xiao , Li Bei , Tai Huiling , Jiang Yadong , Chen Long-Qing , Li Fei , Chen Jun
Published: August 2022

Polymer-ceramic piezoelectric composites, combining high piezoelectricity and mechanical flexibility, have attracted increasing interest in both academia and industry. However, their piezoelectric activity is largely limited by intrinsically low crystallinity and weak spontaneous polarization. Here, we propose a Ti3C2Tx MXene anchoring method to manipulate the intermolecular interactions within the all-trans conformation of a polymer matrix. Employing phase-field simulation and molecular dynamics calculations, we show that OH surface terminations on the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets offer hydrogen bonding with the fluoropolymer matrix, leading to dipole alignment and enhanced net spontaneous polarization of the polymer-ceramic composites. We then translated this interfacial bonding strategy into electrospinning to boost the piezoelectric response of samarium doped Pb (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride composite nanofibers by 160% via Ti3C2Tx nanosheets inclusion. With excellent piezoelectric and mechanical attributes, the as-electrospun piezoelectric nanofibers can be easily integrated into the conventional shoe insoles to form a foot sensor network for all-around gait patterns monitoring, walking habits identification and Metatarsalgi prognosis. This work utilizes the interfacial coupling mechanism of intermolecular anchoring as a strategy to develop high-performance piezoelectric composites for wearable electronics.
BNT162b2-boosted immune responses six months after heterologous or homologous ChAdOx1nCoV-19/BNT162b2 vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Behrens Georg M. N. , Barros-Martins Joana , Cossmann Anne , Ramos Gema Morillas , Stankov Metodi V. , Odak Ivan , Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Hetzel Laura , Köhler Miriam , Patzer Gwendolyn , Binz Christoph , Ritter Christiane , Friedrichsen Michaela , Schultze-Florey Christian , Ravens Inga , Willenzon Stefanie , Bubke Anja , Ristenpart Jasmin , Janssen Anika , Ssebyatika George , Krähling Verena , Bernhardt Günter , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlmann Stefan , Krey Thomas , Bošnjak Berislav , Hammerschmidt Swantje I. , Förster Reinhold
Published: August 2022

Heterologous prime/boost vaccination with a vector-based approach (ChAdOx-1nCov-19, ChAd) followed by an mRNA vaccine (e.g. BNT162b2, BNT) has been reported to be superior in inducing protective immunity compared to repeated application of the same vaccine. However, data comparing immunity decline after homologous and heterologous vaccination as well as effects of a third vaccine application after heterologous ChAd/BNT vaccination are lacking. Here we show longitudinal monitoring of ChAd/ChAd (n = 41) and ChAd/BNT (n = 88) vaccinated individuals and the impact of a third vaccination with BNT. The third vaccination greatly augments waning anti-spike IgG but results in only moderate increase in spike-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell numbers in both groups, compared to cell frequencies already present after the second vaccination in the ChAd/BNT group. More importantly, the third vaccination efficiently restores neutralizing antibody responses against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of the virus, but neutralizing activity against the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant remains severely impaired. In summary, inferior SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses following homologous ChAd/ChAd vaccination can be compensated by heterologous BNT vaccination, which might influence the choice of vaccine type for subsequent vaccination boosts.
On maternity and the stronger immune response in women
Authors: Mitchell Evan , Graham Andrea L. , Úbeda Francisco , Wild Geoff
Published: August 2022

Medical research reports that women often exhibit stronger immune responses than men, while pathogens tend to be more virulent in men. Current explanations cannot account for this pattern, creating an obstacle for our understanding of infectious-disease outcomes and the incidence of autoimmune diseases. We offer an alternative explanation that relies on a fundamental difference between the sexes: maternity and the opportunities it creates for transmission of pathogens from mother to child (vertical transmission). Our explanation relies on a mathematical model of the co-evolution of host immunocompetence and pathogen virulence. Here, we show that when there is sufficient vertical transmission co-evolution leads women to defend strongly against temperate pathogens and men to defend weakly against aggressive pathogens, in keeping with medical observations. From a more applied perspective, we argue that limiting vertical transmission of infections would alleviate the disproportionate incidence of autoimmune diseases in women over evolutionary time.
Structural evolution and strain generation of derived-Cu catalysts during CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Lei Qiong , Huang Liang , Yin Jun , Davaasuren Bambar , Yuan Youyou , Dong Xinglong , Wu Zhi-Peng , Wang Xiaoqian , Yao Ke Xin , Lu Xu , Han Yu
Published: August 2022

Copper (Cu)-based catalysts generally exhibit high C2+selectivity during the electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the origin of this selectivity and the influence of catalyst precursors on it are not fully understood. We combineoperandoX-ray diffraction andoperandoRaman spectroscopy to monitor the structural and compositional evolution of three Cu precursors during the CO2RR. The results indicate that despite different kinetics, all three precursors are completely reduced to Cu(0) with similar grain sizes (~11 nm), and that oxidized Cu species are not involved in the CO2RR. Furthermore, Cu(OH)2- and Cu2(OH)2CO3-derived Cu exhibit considerable tensile strain (0.43%~0.55%), whereas CuO-derived Cu does not. Theoretical calculations suggest that the tensile strain in Cu lattice is conducive to promoting CO2RR, which is consistent with experimental observations. The high CO2RR performance of some derived Cu catalysts is attributed to the combined effect of the small grain size and lattice strain, both originating from the in situ electroreduction of precursors. These findings establish correlations between Cu precursors, lattice strains, and catalytic behaviors, demonstrating the unique ability ofoperandocharacterization in studying electrochemical processes.
Chemical zymogens for the protein cysteinome
Authors: Montasell Mireia Casanovas , Monge Pere , Carmali Sheiliza , Dias Loiola Livia Mesquita , Andersen Dante Guldbrandsen , Løvschall Kaja Borup , Søgaard Ane Bretschneider , Kristensen Maria Merrild , Pütz Jean Maurice , Zelikin Alexander N.
Published: August 2022

We present three classes of chemical zymogens established around the protein cysteinome. In each case, the cysteine thiol group was converted into a mixed disulfide: with a small molecule, a non-degradable polymer, or with a fast-depolymerizing fuse polymer (ZLA). The latter was a polydisulfide based on naturally occurring molecule, lipoic acid. Zymogen designs were applied to cysteine proteases and a kinase. In each case, enzymatic activity was successfully masked in full and reactivated by small molecule reducing agents. However, only ZLA could be reactivated by protein activators, demonstrating that the macromolecular fuse escapes the steric bulk created by the protein globule, collects activation signal in solution, and relays it to the active site of the enzyme. This afforded first-in-class chemical zymogens that are activated via protein-protein interactions. We also document zymogen exchange reactions whereby the polydisulfide is transferred between the interacting proteins via the “chain transfer” bioconjugation mechanism.
Doping-driven topological polaritons in graphene/α-MoO3 heterostructures
Authors: Hu Hai , Chen Na , Teng Hanchao , Yu Renwen , Qu Yunpeng , Sun Jianzhe , Xue Mengfei , Hu Debo , Wu Bin , Li Chi , Chen Jianing , Liu Mengkun , Sun Zhipei , Liu Yunqi , Li Peining , Fan Shanhui , García de Abajo F. Javier , Dai Qing
Published: August 2022

Control over charge carrier density provides an efficient way to trigger phase transitions and modulate the optoelectronic properties of materials. This approach can also be used to induce topological transitions in the optical response of photonic systems. Here we report a topological transition in the isofrequency dispersion contours of hybrid polaritons supported by a two-dimensional heterostructure consisting of graphene and α-phase molybdenum trioxide. By chemically changing the doping level of graphene, we observed that the topology of polariton isofrequency surfaces transforms from open to closed shapes as a result of doping-dependent polariton hybridization. Moreover, when the substrate was changed, the dispersion contour became dominated by flat profiles at the topological transition, thus supporting tunable diffractionless polariton propagation and providing local control over the optical contour topology. We achieved subwavelength focusing of polaritons down to 4.8% of the free-space light wavelength by using a 1.5-μm-wide silica substrate as an in-plane lens. Our findings could lead to on-chip applications in nanoimaging, optical sensing and manipulation of energy transfer at the nanoscale.
Saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 serology using at-home collection kits returned via mail
Authors: Campbell Christopher , Roblin Douglas , Padmanabhan Nikhil , Romero Daniel , Joe Jessica , Fathi Lily , Whiting Thomas , Williamson Jared , Goodwin Paul , Mckie Charmaine , Deneal Adrienne , Greenberg Leslie , Sigal George
Published: August 2022

Serology provides tools for epidemiologic studies, and may have a role in vaccine prioritization and selection. Automated serologic testing of saliva, especially specimens that are self-collected at home and sent to a laboratory via the mail without refrigeration, could be a highly-scalable strategy for population-wide testing. In this prospective study, non-vaccinated patients were recruited after PCR testing to self-collect saliva and return their specimens via mail. Longitudinal specimens were analyzed in order to monitor seroconversion in the weeks after a diagnostic PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Diverse users self-collected saliva and returned specimens via mail in compliance with shipping regulations. At our pre-established threshold (0.963 AU/mL), salivary IgG reactivity to full-length spike protein achieved 95.8% sensitivity and 92.4% specificity at 2–4 weeks after diagnostic testing, which is comparable to the typical sensitivity and specificity achieved for serum testing. Reactivity to N antigen also was detected with 92.6% sensitivity and 90.7% specificity at 4–8 weeks after diagnostic testing. Moreover, serologic testing for endemic coronaviruses performed in multiplex with SARS-CoV-2 antigens has the potential to identify samples that may require retesting due to effects of pre-analytical factors. The easy-to-use saliva collection kit, coupled with thresholds for positivity and methods of flagging samples for retest, provides a framework for large-scale serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
Phase-based fast 3D high-resolution quantitative T2 MRI in 7 T human brain imaging
Authors: Seginer Amir , Schmidt Rita
Published: August 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful and versatile technique that offers a range of physiological, diagnostic, structural, and functional measurements. One of the most widely used basic contrasts in MRI diagnostics is transverse relaxation time (T2)-weighted imaging, but it provides only qualitative information. Realizing quantitative high-resolution T2 mapping is imperative for the development of personalized medicine, as it can enable the characterization of diseases progression. While ultra-high-field (≥ 7 T) MRI offers the means to gain new insights by increasing the spatial resolution, implementing fast quantitative T2 mapping cannot be achieved without overcoming the increased power deposition and radio frequency (RF) field inhomogeneity at ultra-high-fields. A recent study has demonstrated a new phase-based T2 mapping approach based on fast steady-state acquisitions. We extend this new approach to ultra-high field MRI, achieving quantitative high-resolution 3D T2 mapping at 7 T while addressing RF field inhomogeneity and utilizing low flip angle pulses; overcoming two main ultra-high field challenges. The method is based on controlling the coherent transverse magnetization in a steady-state gradient echo acquisition; achieved by utilizing low flip angles, a specific phase increment for the RF pulses, and short repetition times. This approach simultaneously extracts both T2 and RF field maps from the phase of the signal. Prior to in vivo experiments, the method was assessed using a 3D head-shaped phantom that was designed to model the RF field distribution in the brain. Our approach delivers fast 3D whole brain images with submillimeter resolution without requiring special hardware, such as multi-channel transmit coil, thus promoting high usability of the ultra-high field MRI in clinical practice.
Stimulated emission depletion microscopy with a single depletion laser using five fluorochromes and fluorescence lifetime phasor separation
Authors: Gonzalez Pisfil Mariano , Nadelson Iliya , Bergner Brigitte , Rottmeier Sonja , Thomae Andreas W. , Dietzel Steffen
Published: August 2022

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy achieves super-resolution by exciting a diffraction-limited volume and then suppressing fluorescence in its outer parts by depletion. Multiple depletion lasers may introduce misalignment and bleaching. Hence, a single depletion wavelength is preferable for multi-color analyses. However, this limits the number of usable spectral channels. Using cultured cells, common staining protocols, and commercially available fluorochromes and microscopes we exploit that the number of fluorochromes in STED or confocal microscopy can be increased by phasor based fluorescence lifetime separation of two dyes with similar emission spectra but different fluorescent lifetimes. In our multi-color FLIM-STED approach two fluorochromes in the near red (exc. 594 nm, em. 600–630) and two in the far red channel (633/641–680), supplemented by a single further redshifted fluorochrome (670/701–750) were all depleted with a single laser at 775 nm thus avoiding potential alignment issues. Generally, this approach doubles the number of fully distinguishable colors in laser scanning microscopy. We provide evidence that eight color FLIM-STED with a single depletion laser would be possible if suitable fluorochromes were identified and we confirm that a fluorochrome may have different lifetimes depending on the molecules to which it is coupled.
Individual differences in white matter microstructure of the face processing brain network are more differentiated from global fibers with increasing ability
Authors: Liu Xinyang , Geiger Mattis , Zhou Changsong , Hildebrandt Andrea
Published: August 2022

Face processing—a crucial social ability—is known to be carried out in multiple dedicated brain regions which form a distinguishable network. Previous studies on face processing mainly targeted the functionality of face-selective grey matter regions. Thus, it is still partly unknown how white matter structures within the face network underpins abilities in this domain. Furthermore, how relevant abilities modulate the relationship between face-selective and global fibers remains to be discovered. Here, we aimed to fill these gaps by exploring linear and non-linear associations between microstructural properties of brain fibers (namely fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial and radial diffusivity) and face processing ability. Using structural equation modeling, we found significant linear associations between specific properties of fibers in the face network and face processing ability in a young adult sample (N = 1025) of the Human Connectome Project. Furthermore, individual differences in the microstructural properties of the face processing brain system tended toward stronger differentiation from global brain fibers with increasing ability. This is especially the case in the low or high ability range. Overall, our study provides novel evidence for ability-dependent specialization of brain structure in the face network, which promotes a comprehensive understanding of face selectivity.
Unusual behaviour of the spin-phonon coupling in the quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet RbCoCl3
Authors: Cottam M. G. , Lockwood D. J.
Published: August 2022

We present an experimental and theoretical study for the lattice vibrational (phonon) modes in the quasi-one-dimensional (or chain-like) antiferromagnet RbCoCl3 at low temperatures both above and below the two different magnetic phase transitions. Clear evidence is found for the role of spin-phonon interactions in providing a temperature-dependent contribution for the frequencies of the E1g and E2g symmetry phonons that occur with frequencies comparable to those of the spin wave excitations (magnons) in this compound. The behaviour in RbCoCl3, as studied here by Raman scattering experiments, is quite different from that typically observed in rutile-structure antiferromagnets where the spin-phonon coupling has been well characterized. The theory is modified to take account of the strong Ising-like component in the spin Hamiltonian. This enables the spin-phonon coupling parameters to be deduced, with the analysis also revealing the onset of an extra frequency shift for the phonons below the transition temperature TN1 = 28 K associated with magnetic ordering along the Co chains.
Safety and feasibility of radiofrequency ablation using bipolar electrodes for aldosterone-producing adenoma: a multicentric prospective clinical study
Authors: Oguro Sota , Morimoto Ryo , Seiji Kazumasa , Ota Hideki , Kinoshita Tomo , Kawabata Masahiro , Ono Yoshikiyo , Omata Kei , Tezuka Yuta , Satoh Fumitoshi , Ito Sadayoshi , Moriya Nobukazu , Matsui Seishi , Nishikawa Tetsuo , Omura Masao , Nakai Kazuki , Nakatsuka Seishi , Kurihara Isao , Miyashita Kazutoshi , Koda Wataru , Minami Tetsuya , Takeda Yoshiyu , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Oki Yutaka , Oishi Toshihiro , Ushio Takasuke , Goshima Satoshi , Takase Kei
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of feasibility and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using bipolar radiofrequency devices in a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with benign aldosterone-producing adenoma. A total of five institutions participated. CT-guided percutaneous RFA was performed for patients diagnosed as APA. The safety of the procedure was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. During the 84-day follow-up period, serial changes in plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were measured. The percentage of patients with normalized hormonal activity after the procedure, was calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Forty patients were enrolled, and two patients were excluded for cerebral hemorrhage and no safe puncture root. In another patients, RFA was tried, but an intraprocedural intercostal arterial injury occurred. Consequently, RFA was completed in thirty-seven patients (20 men, 17 women; mean age, 50.4 ± 10.0 year). The tumor size was 14.8 ± 3.8 mm. The treatment success rate of the ablation was 94.6% (35/37), and a 2nd session was performed in 2.7% (1/37) patients. Grade 4 adverse events were observed in 4 out of 38 sessions (10.5%). The normalization of plasma aldosterone concentration or aldosterone-renin ratio was 86.5% (72.0–94.1: 95% confidence interval) on day 84. Percutaneous CT-guided RFA for APA using a bipolar radiofrequency system was safe and feasible with clinical success rate of 86.5% on day 84.