bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of FSP1-CoQ10-NADH and GSH-GPx-4 pathways in retinal pigment epithelium ferroptosis
Authors: Yang Ming , Tsui Michelle Grace , Tsang Jessica Kwan Wun , Goit Rajesh Kumar , Yao Kwok-Ming , So Kwok-Fai , Lam Wai-Ching , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin
Published: May 2022

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration plays an important role in a group of retinal disorders such as retinal degeneration (RD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The mechanism of RPE cell death is not yet fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a novel regulated cell death pathway, participates in cancer and several neurodegenerative diseases. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx-4) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) have been proposed to be two main regulators of ferroptosis in these diseases; yet, their roles in RPE degeneration remain elusive. Here, we report that both FSP1-CoQ10-NADH and GSH-GPx-4 pathways inhibit retinal ferroptosis in sodium iodate (SIO)-induced retinal degeneration pathologies in human primary RPE cells (HRPEpiC), ARPE-19 cell line, and mice. GSH-GPx-4 signaling was compromised after a toxic injury caused by SIO, which was aggravated by silencing GPx-4, and ferroptosis inhibitors robustly protected RPE cells from the challenge. Interestingly, while inhibition of FSP1 caused RPE cell death, which was aggravated by SIO exposure, overexpression of FSP1 effectively protected RPE cells from SIO-induced injury, accompanied by a significant down-regulation of CoQ10/NADH and lipid peroxidation. Most importantly, in vivo results showed that Ferrostatin-1 not only remarkably alleviated SIO-induced RPE cell loss, photoreceptor death, and retinal dysfunction but also significantly ameliorated the compromised GSH-GPx-4 and FSP1-CoQ10-NADH signaling in RPE cells isolated from SIO-induced RPE degeneration. These data describe a distinct role for ferroptosis in controlling RPE cell death in vitro and in vivo and may provide a new avenue for identifying treatment targets for RPE degeneration.
SulfoxFluor-enabled deoxyazidation of alcohols with NaN3
Authors: Guo Junkai , Wang Xiu , Ni Chuanfa , Wan Xiaolong , Hu Jinbo
Published: May 2022

Direct deoxyazidation of alcohols with NaN3 is a straightforward method for the synthesis of widely used alkyl azides in organic chemistry. However, known methods have some limitations such as high reaction temperatures and narrow substrate scope. Herein, a general and practical method for the preparation of alkyl azides from alcohols using NaN3 has been developed. N-tosyl-4-chlorobenzenesulfonimidoyl fluoride (SulfoxFluor) plays an important role in this deoxyazidation process, which converts a broad range of alcohols into alkyl azides at room temperature. The power of this deoxyazidation protocol has been demonstrated by successful late-stage deoxyazidation of natural products and pharmaceutically relevant molecules.
Deubiquitinating enzymes and the proteasome regulate preferential sets of ubiquitin substrates
Authors: Trulsson Fredrik , Akimov Vyacheslav , Robu Mihaela , van Overbeek Nila , Berrocal David Aureliano Pérez , Shah Rashmi G. , Cox Jürgen , Shah Girish M. , Blagoev Blagoy , Vertegaal Alfred C. O.
Published: May 2022

The ubiquitin-proteasome axis has been extensively explored at a system-wide level, but the impact of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) on the ubiquitinome remains largely unknown. Here, we compare the contributions of the proteasome and DUBs on the global ubiquitinome, using UbiSite technology, inhibitors and mass spectrometry. We uncover large dynamic ubiquitin signalling networks with substrates and sites preferentially regulated by DUBs or by the proteasome, highlighting the role of DUBs in degradation-independent ubiquitination. DUBs regulate substrates via at least 40,000 unique sites. Regulated networks of ubiquitin substrates are involved in autophagy, apoptosis, genome integrity, telomere integrity, cell cycle progression, mitochondrial function, vesicle transport, signal transduction, transcription, pre-mRNA splicing and many other cellular processes. Moreover, we show that ubiquitin conjugated to SUMO2/3 forms a strong proteasomal degradation signal. Interestingly, PARP1 is hyper-ubiquitinated in response to DUB inhibition, which increases its enzymatic activity. Our study uncovers key regulatory roles of DUBs and provides a resource of endogenous ubiquitination sites to aid the analysis of substrate specific ubiquitin signalling.
Tempo and drivers of plant diversification in the European mountain system
Authors: Smyčka Jan , Roquet Cristina , Boleda Martí , Alberti Adriana , Boyer Frédéric , Douzet Rolland , Perrier Christophe , Rome Maxime , Valay Jean-Gabriel , Denoeud France , Šemberová Kristýna , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Thuiller Wilfried , Wincker Patrick , Alsos Inger G. , Coissac Eric ,   the PhyloAlps consortium, Roquet Cristina , Boleda Martí , Alberti Adriana , Boyer Frédéric , Douzet Rolland , Perrier Christophe , Rome Maxime , Valay Jean-Gabriel , Denoeud France , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Thuiller Wilfried , Wincker Patrick , Alsos Inger G. , Coissac Eric , Lavergne Sébastien , Lavergne Sébastien
Published: May 2022

There is still limited consensus on the evolutionary history of species-rich temperate alpine floras due to a lack of comparable and high-quality phylogenetic data covering multiple plant lineages. Here we reconstructed when and how European alpine plant lineages diversified, i.e., the tempo and drivers of speciation events. We performed full-plastome phylogenomics and used multi-clade comparative models applied to six representative angiosperm lineages that have diversified in European mountains (212 sampled species, 251 ingroup species total). Diversification rates remained surprisingly steady for most clades, even during the Pleistocene, with speciation events being mostly driven by geographic divergence and bedrock shifts. Interestingly, we inferred asymmetrical historical migration rates from siliceous to calcareous bedrocks, and from higher to lower elevations, likely due to repeated shrinkage and expansion of high elevation habitats during the Pleistocene. This may have buffered climate-related extinctions, but prevented speciation along elevation gradients as often documented for tropical alpine floras.
Ultrafast orbital tomography of a pentacene film using time-resolved momentum microscopy at a FEL
Authors: Baumgärtner Kiana , Reuner Marvin , Metzger Christian , Kutnyakhov Dmytro , Heber Michael , Pressacco Federico , Min Chul-Hee , Peixoto Thiago R. F. , Reiser Mario , Kim Chan , Lu Wei , Shayduk Roman , Izquierdo Manuel , Brenner Günter , Roth Friedrich , Schöll Achim , Molodtsov Serguei , Wurth Wilfried , Reinert Friedrich , Madsen Anders , Popova-Gorelova Daria , Scholz Markus
Published: May 2022

Time-resolved momentum microscopy provides insight into the ultrafast interplay between structural and electronic dynamics. Here we extend orbital tomography into the time domain in combination with time-resolved momentum microscopy at a free-electron laser (FEL) to follow transient photoelectron momentum maps of excited states of a bilayer pentacene film on Ag(110). We use optical pump and FEL probe pulses by keeping FEL source conditions to minimize space charge effects and radiation damage. From the momentum microscopy signal, we obtain time-dependent momentum maps of the excited-state dynamics of both pentacene layers separately. In a combined experimental and theoretical study, we interpret the observed signal for the bottom layer as resulting from the charge redistribution between the molecule and the substrate induced by excitation. We identify that the dynamics of the top pentacene layer resembles excited-state molecular dynamics.
The planarian wound epidermis gene equinox is required for blastema formation in regeneration
Authors: Scimone M. Lucila , Cloutier Jennifer K. , Maybrun Chloe L. , Reddien Peter W.
Published: May 2022

Regeneration often involves the formation of a blastema, an outgrowth or regenerative bud formed at the plane of injury where missing tissues are produced. The mechanisms that trigger blastema formation are therefore fundamental for regeneration. Here, we identify a gene, which we named equinox, that is expressed within hours of injury in the planarian wound epidermis. equinox encodes a predicted secreted protein that is conserved in many animal phyla. Following equinox inhibition, amputated planarians fail to maintain wound-induced gene expression and to subsequently undergo blastema outgrowth. Associated with these defects is an inability to reestablish lost positional information needed for missing tissue specification. Our findings link the planarian wound epidermis, through equinox, to regeneration of positional information and blastema formation, indicating a broad regulatory role of the wound epidermis in diverse regenerative contexts.
Extensible and self-recoverable proteinaceous materials derived from scallop byssal thread
Authors: Zhang Xiaokang , Cui Mengkui , Wang Shuoshuo , Han Fei , Xu Pingping , Teng Luyao , Zhao Hang , Wang Ping , Yue Guichu , Zhao Yong , Liu Guangfeng , Li Ke , Zhang Jicong , Liang Xiaoping , Zhang Yingying , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhong Chao , Liu Weizhi
Published: May 2022

Biologically derived and biologically inspired fibers with outstanding mechanical properties have found attractive technical applications across diverse fields. Despite recent advances, few fibers can simultaneously possess high-extensibility and self-recovery properties especially under wet conditions. Here, we report protein-based fibers made from recombinant scallop byssal proteins with outstanding extensibility and self-recovery properties. We initially investigated the mechanical properties of the native byssal thread taken from scallopChlamys farreriand reveal its high extensibility (327 ± 32%) that outperforms most natural biological fibers. Combining transcriptome and proteomics, we select the most abundant scallop byssal protein type 5-2 (Sbp5-2) in the thread region, and produce a recombinant protein consisting of 7 tandem repeat motifs (rTRM7) of the Sbp5-2 protein. Applying an organic solvent-enabled drawing process, we produce bio-inspired extensible rTRM7 fiber with high-extensibility (234 ± 35%) and self-recovery capability in wet condition, recapitulating the hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of the native scallop byssal thread. We further show that the mechanical properties of rTRM7 fiber are highly regulated by hydrogen bonding and intermolecular crosslinking formed through disulfide bond and metal-carboxyl coordination. With its outstanding mechanical properties, rTRM7 fiber can also be seamlessly integrated with graphene to create motion sensors and electrophysiological signal transmission electrode.
Novel role of the synaptic scaffold protein Dlgap4 in ventricular surface integrity and neuronal migration during cortical development
Authors: Romero Delfina M. , Poirier Karine , Belvindrah Richard , Moutkine Imane , Houllier Anne , LeMoing Anne-Gaëlle , Petit Florence , Boland Anne , Collins Stephan C. , Soiza-Reilly Mariano , Yalcin Binnaz , Chelly Jamel , Deleuze Jean-François , Bahi-Buisson Nadia , Francis Fiona
Published: May 2022

Subcortical heterotopias are malformations associated with epilepsy and intellectual disability, characterized by the presence of ectopic neurons in the white matter. Mouse and human heterotopia mutations were identified in the microtubule-binding protein Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1, EML1. Further exploring pathological mechanisms, we identified a patient with an EML1-like phenotype and a novel genetic variation inDLGAP4. The protein belongs to a membrane-associated guanylate kinase family known to function in glutamate synapses. We showed that DLGAP4 is strongly expressed in the mouse ventricular zone (VZ) from early corticogenesis, and interacts with key VZ proteins including EML1.In uteroelectroporation ofDlgap4knockdown (KD) and overexpression constructs revealed a ventricular surface phenotype including changes in progenitor cell dynamics, morphology, proliferation and neuronal migration defects. TheDlgap4KD phenotype was rescued by wild-type but not mutant DLGAP4. Dlgap4 is required for the organization of radial glial cell adherens junction components and actin cytoskeleton dynamics at the apical domain, as well as during neuronal migration. Finally,Dlgap4heterozygous knockout (KO) mice also show developmental defects in the dorsal telencephalon. We hence identify a synapse-related scaffold protein with pleiotropic functions, influencing the integrity of the developing cerebral cortex.
Phase transition and remodeling complex assembly are important for SS18-SSX oncogenic activity in synovial sarcomas
Authors: Cheng Yanli , Shen Zhongtian , Gao Yaqi , Chen Feilong , Xu Huisha , Mo Qinling , Chu Xinlei , Peng Chang-liang , McKenzie Takese T. , Palacios Bridgitte E. , Hu Jian , Zhou Hao , Long Jiafu
Published: May 2022

Oncoprotein SS18-SSX is a hallmark of synovial sarcomas. However, as a part of the SS18-SSX fusion protein, SS18’s function remains unclear. Here, we depict the structures of both human SS18/BRG1 and yeast SNF11/SNF2 subcomplexes. Both subcomplexes assemble into heterodimers that share a similar conformation, suggesting that SNF11 might be a homologue of SS18 in chromatin remodeling complexes. Importantly, our study shows that the self-association of the intrinsically disordered region, QPGY domain, leads to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of SS18 or SS18-SSX and the subsequent recruitment of BRG1 into phase-separated condensates. Moreover, our results show that the tyrosine residues in the QPGY domain play a decisive role in the LLPS of SS18 or SS18-SSX. Perturbations of either SS18-SSX LLPS or SS18-SSX’s binding to BRG1 impair NIH3T3 cell transformation by SS18-SSX. Our data demonstrate that both LLPS and assembling into chromatin remodelers contribute to the oncogenic activity of SS18-SSX in synovial sarcomas.
Highly efficient nonlinear optical emission from a subwavelength crystalline silicon cuboid mediated by supercavity mode
Authors: Panmai Mingcheng , Xiang Jin , Li Shulei , He Xiaobing , Ren Yuhao , Zeng Miaoxuan , She Juncong , Li Juntao , Lan Sheng
Published: May 2022

The low quantum efficiency of silicon (Si) has been a long-standing challenge for scientists. Although improvement of quantum efficiency has been achieved in porous Si or Si quantum dots, highly efficient Si-based light sources prepared by using the current fabrication technooloy of Si chips are still being pursued. Here, we proposed a strategy, which exploits the intrinsic excitation of carriers at high temperatures, to modify the carrier dynamics in Si nanoparticles. We designed a Si/SiO2 cuboid supporting a quasi-bound state in the continuum (quasi-BIC) and demonstrated the injection of dense electron-hole plasma via two-photon-induced absorption by resonantly exciting the quasi-BIC with femtosecond laser pulses. We observed a significant improvement in quantum efficiency by six orders of magnitude to ~13%, which is manifested in the ultra-bright hot electron luminescence emitted from the Si/SiO2 cuboid. We revealed that femtosecond laser light with transverse electric polarization (i.e., the electric field perpendicular to the length of a Si/SiO2 cuboid) is more efficient for generating hot electron luminescence in Si/SiO2 cuboids as compared with that of transverse magnetic polarization (i.e., the magnetic field perpendicular to the length of a Si/SiO2 cuboid). Our findings pave the way for realizing on-chip nanoscale Si light sources for photonic integrated circuits and open a new avenue for manipulating the luminescence properties of semiconductors with indirect bandgaps.
Origins of glycan selectivity in streptococcal Siglec-like adhesins suggest mechanisms of receptor adaptation
Authors: Bensing Barbara A. , Stubbs Haley E. , Agarwal Rupesh , Yamakawa Izumi , Luong Kelvin , Solakyildirim Kemal , Yu Hai , Hadadianpour Azadeh , Castro Manuel A. , Fialkowski Kevin P. , Morrison KeAndreya M. , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Chen Xi , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Baudry Jerome , Smith Jeremy C. , Sullam Paul M. , Iverson T. M.
Published: May 2022

Bacterial binding to host receptors underlies both commensalism and pathogenesis. Many streptococci adhere to protein-attached carbohydrates expressed on cell surfaces using Siglec-like binding regions (SLBRs). The precise glycan repertoire recognized may dictate whether the organism is a strict commensal versus a pathogen. However, it is currently not clear what drives receptor selectivity. Here, we use five representative SLBRs and identify regions of the receptor binding site that are hypervariable in sequence and structure. We show that these regions control the identity of the preferred carbohydrate ligand using chimeragenesis and single amino acid substitutions. We further evaluate how the identity of the preferred ligand affects the interaction with glycoprotein receptors in human saliva and plasma samples. As point mutations can change the preferred human receptor, these studies suggest how streptococci may adapt to changes in the environmental glycan repertoire.
Achieving high molecular alignment and orientation for CH$$_3$$F through manipulation of rotational states with varying optical and THz laser pulse parameters
Authors: Chordiya Kalyani , Simkó Irén , Szidarovszky Tamás , Upadhyay Kahaly Mousumi
Published: May 2022

Increasing interest in the fields of high-harmonics generation, laser-induced chemical reactions, and molecular imaging of gaseous targets demands high molecular “alignment” and “orientation” (A&O). In this work, we examine the critical role of different pulse parameters on the field-free A&O dynamics of the CH$$_3$$

3

F molecule, and identify experimentally feasible optical and THz range laser parameters that ensure maximal A&O for such molecules. Herein, apart from rotational temperature, we investigate effects of varying pulse parameters such as, pulse duration, intensity, frequency, and carrier envelop phase (CEP). By analyzing the interplay between laser pulse parameters and the resulting rotational population distribution, the origin of specific A&O dynamics was addressed. We could identify two qualitatively different A&O behaviors and revealed their connection with the pulse parameters and the population of excited rotational states. We report here the highest alignment of $$\langle {\mathrm{cos}^2\theta }\rangle = 0.843$$

⟨

cos

2

θ

⟩
=
0.843

and orientation of $$\langle {\mathrm{cos}(\theta )}\rangle = 0.886$$

⟨

cos
(
θ
)

⟩
=
0.886

for CH$$_3$$

3

F molecule at 2 K using a single pulse. Our study should be useful to understand different aspects of laser-induced unidirectional rotation in heteronuclear molecules, and in understanding routes to tune/enhance A&O in laboratory conditions for advanced applications.
Improved simultaneous LET and dose measurements in proton therapy
Authors: Christensen Jeppe Brage , Togno Michele , Bossin Lily , Pakari Oskari Ville , Safai Sairos , Yukihara Eduardo Gardenali
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to improve the precision of linear energy transfer (LET) measurements using $$\text {Al}_2\text {O}_3\text {:C}$$

Al
2

O
3

:C

optically stimulated luminescence detectors (OSLDs) in proton beams, and, with that, improve OSL dosimetry by correcting the readout for the LET-dependent ionization quenching. The OSLDs were irradiated in spot-scanning proton beams at different doses for fluence-averaged LET values in the (0.4–6.5) $$\hbox {keV}\, \upmu \hbox {m}^{-1}$$

keV

μ

m

-
1

range (in water). A commercial automated OSL reader with a built-in beta source was used for the readouts, which enabled a reference irradiation and readout of each OSLD to establish individual corrections. Pulsed OSL was used to separately measure the blue (F-center) and UV ($$F^+$$

F
+

-center) emission bands of $$\text {Al}_2\text {O}_3\text {:C}$$

Al
2

O
3

:C

and the ratio between them (UV/blue signal) was used for the LET measurements. The average deviation between the simulated and measured LET values along the central beam axis amounts to 5.5% if both the dose and LET are varied, but the average deviation is reduced to 3.5% if the OSLDs are irradiated with the same doses. With the measurement procedure and automated equipment used here, the variation in the signals used for LET estimates and quenching-corrections is reduced from 0.9 to 0.6%. The quenching-corrected OSLD doses are in agreement with ionization chamber measurements within the uncertainties. The automated OSLD corrections are demonstrated to improve the LET estimates and the ionization quenching-corrections in proton dosimetry for a clinically relevant energy range up to 230 MeV. It is also for the first time demonstrated how the LET can be estimated for different doses.
Stretchable nanofibers of polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite to support piezoelectric response via mechanical elasticity
Authors: Shehata Nader , Nair Remya , Boualayan Rabab , Kandas Ishac , Masrani Abdulrzak , Elnabawy Eman , Omran Nada , Gamal Mohammed , Hassanin Ahmed H.
Published: May 2022

Interest in piezoelectric nanocomposites has been vastly growing in the energy harvesting field. They are applied in wearable electronics, mechanical actuators, and electromechanical membranes. In this research work, nanocomposite membranes of different blend ratios from PVDF and TPU have been synthesized. The PVDF is responsible for piezoelectric performance where it is one of the promising polymeric organic materials containing β-sheets, to convert applied mechanical stress into electric voltage. In addition, the TPU is widely used in the plastic industry due to its superior elasticity. Our work investigates the piezoresponse analysis for different blending ratios of PVDF/TPU. It has been found that TPU blending ratios of 15–17.5% give higher output voltage at different stresses conditions along with higher piezosensitivity. Then, TPU addition with its superior mechanical elasticity can partially compensate PVDF to enhance the piezoelectric response of the PVDF/TPU nanocomposite mats. This work can help reducing the amount of added PVDF in piezoelectric membranes with enhanced piezo sensitivity and mechanical elasticity.
Cytogenetic testing by fluorescence in situ hybridization is improved by plasma cell sorting in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ha Jihye , Cho Hyunsoo , Lee Taek Gyu , Shin Saeam , Chung Haerim , Jang Ji Eun , Kim Soo-Jeong , Cheong June-Won , Lee Seung-Tae , Kim Jin Seok , Choi Jong Rak
Published: May 2022

Accurate detection of cytogenetic abnormalities has become more important for improving risk-adapted treatment strategies in multiple myeloma (MM). However, precise cytogenetic testing by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is challenged by the dilution effect of bone marrow specimens and poor growth of plasma cells ex vivo. It has been suggested that FISH should be performed in combination with plasma cell enrichment strategies. We examined cytogenetic abnormalities in newly diagnosed MM and compared the efficacy of three different enrichment modalities for FISH: direct FISH (n = 137), fluorescence immunophenotyping and interphase cytogenetics as a tool for the investigation of neoplasms (FICTION) technique (n = 224), and a plasma cell sorting FISH with fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) (n = 132). FISH disclosed cytogenetic abnormalities in 38.0% of samples by direct FISH, 56.3% by FICTION, and 95.5% by FACS-FISH, and the percentage of cells with abnormal signals detected by FISH was significantly higher by FACS-FISH than direct FISH or FICTION. Our results suggest that the efficacy of FISH is dependent on the plasma cell enrichment modalities and reveal that plasma cell sorting FISH with FACS enables better detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in diagnostic MM samples.
ROV observations reveal infection dynamics of gill parasites in midwater cephalopods
Authors: Stenvers Vanessa I. , Sherlock Rob E. , Reisenbichler Kim R. , Robison Bruce H.
Published: May 2022

Gill parasites of coleoid cephalopods are frequently observed during remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives in the Monterey Submarine Canyon. However, little knowledge exists on the identity of the parasite species or their effects on the cephalopod community. With the help of ROV-collected specimens and in situ footage from the past 27 years, we report on their identity, prevalence and potential infection strategy. Gill parasites were genetically and morphologically identified from collected specimens of Chiroteuthis calyx, Vampyroteuthis infernalis and Gonatus spp. In situ prevalence was estimated from video footage for C. calyx, Galiteuthis spp., Taonius spp. and Japetella diaphana, enabled by their transparent mantle tissue. The most common parasite was identified as Hochbergia cf. moroteuthensis, a protist of unresolved taxonomic ranking. We provide the first molecular data for this parasite and show a sister group relationship to the dinoflagellate genus Oodinium. Hochbergia cf. moroteuthensis was most commonly observed in adult individuals of all species and was sighted year round over the analyzed time period. In situ prevalence was highest in C. calyx (75%), followed by Galiteuthis spp. (29%), Taonius spp. (27%) and J. diaphana (7%). A second parasite, not seen on the in situ footage, but occurring within the gills of Gonatus berryi and Vampyroteuthis infernalis, could not be found in the literature or be identified through DNA barcoding. The need for further investigation is highlighted, making this study a starting point for unravelling ecological implications of the cephalopod-gill-parasite system in deep pelagic waters.
Comparing the natural progression and clinical features of keratoconus between pediatric and adult patients
Authors: Lin Ken-Kuo , Chen Yun-Wen , Yeh Chun-Ting , Li Pei-Ru , Lee Jiahn-Shing , Hou Chiun-Ho , Hsiao Ching-Hsi , See Lai-Chu
Published: May 2022

To present the natural course of keratoconus (KC) and compare pediatric and adult patients. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting Hospital-based. Patient Population In total, 152 patients (288 eyes) diagnosed with KC at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, were included. Previously managed patients and those with missing optical data were excluded. Observation Procedures Patients were divided into pediatric (≤ 18 years) and adult (> 18 years) groups. Demographics, clinical data, and optical variables were collected, including corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, and keratometric readings (K). Main Outcome Measure Optical variables at the final follow-up before aggressive treatment. Results In total, 20 pediatric (37 eyes) and 132 adults (251 eyes) patients were eligible for this study. The mean follow-up time was 2.98 years. Male predominance was observed in both groups. Both groups had similar clinical characteristics and optical variables at the initial diagnosis. Pediatric patients progressed significantly more rapidly in refractive errors, including spheres and cylinders, spherical equivalence, steep K, and flat K during the follow-up. However, significant change between the two study groups was only seen in sphere refractive error spherical equivalence. Conclusion Pediatric patients had more rapidly progressive KC than adult patients, so early detection and frequent follow-up for prompt interventions are necessary for these patients.
Distance to public transit predicts spatial distribution of dengue virus incidence in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Shragai Talya , Pérez-Pérez Juliana , del Pilar Quimbayo-Forero Marcela , Rojo Raúl , Harrington Laura C. , Rúa-Uribe Guillermo
Published: May 2022

Dengue is a growing global threat in some of the world’s most rapidly growing landscapes. Research shows that urbanization and human movement affect the spatial dynamics and magnitude of dengue outbreaks; however, precise effects of urban growth on dengue are not well understood because of a lack of sufficiently fine-scaled data. We analyzed nine years of address-level dengue case data in Medellin, Colombia during a period of public transit expansion. We correlate changes in the spread and magnitude of localized outbreaks to changes in accessibility and usage of public transit. Locations closer to and with a greater utilization of public transit had greater dengue incidence. This relationship was modulated by socioeconomic status; lower socioeconomic status locations experienced stronger effects of public transit accessibility and usage on dengue incidence. Public transit is a vital urban resource, particularly among low socioeconomic populations. These results highlight the importance of public health services concurrent with urban growth.
Kendall transformation brings a robust categorical representation of ordinal data
Authors: Kursa Miron Bartosz
Published: May 2022

Kendall transformation is a conversion of an ordered feature into a vector of pairwise order relations between individual values. This way, it preserves ranking of observations and represents it in a categorical form. Such transformation allows for generalisation of methods requiring strictly categorical input, especially in the limit of small number of observations, when quantisation becomes problematic. In particular, many approaches of information theory can be directly applied to Kendall-transformed continuous data without relying on differential entropy or any additional parameters. Moreover, by filtering information to this contained in ranking, Kendall transformation leads to a better robustness at a reasonable cost of dropping sophisticated interactions which are anyhow unlikely to be correctly estimated. In bivariate analysis, Kendall transformation can be related to popular non-parametric methods, showing the soundness of the approach. The paper also demonstrates its efficiency in multivariate problems, as well as provides an example analysis of a real-world data.
Quantifying local pH changes in carbonate electrolyte during copper-catalysed $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ electroreduction using in operando $$^{13}\hbox {C}$$ NMR
Authors: Schatz Michael , Jovanovic Sven , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Granwehr Josef
Published: May 2022

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction on copper attracted considerable attention within the last decade, since Cu is the only elemental transition metal that catalyses the formation of short-chain hydrocarbons and alcohols. Research in this field is mainly focused on understanding the reaction mechanism in terms of adsorbates and intermediates. Furthermore, dynamic changes in the micro-environment of the catalyst, i.e. local pH and $$\hbox {CO}_2$$

CO
2

concentration values, play an equivalently important role in the selectivity of product formation. In this study, we present an in operando$$^{13}\hbox {C}$$

13

C

nuclear magnetic resonance technique that enables the simultaneous measurement of pH and $$\hbox {CO}_2$$

CO
2

concentration in electrode vicinity during electroreduction. The influence of applied potential and buffer capacity of the electrolyte on the formation of formate is demonstrated. Theoretical considerations are confirmed experimentally and the importance of the interplay between catalyst and electrolyte is emphasised.
Barcoding and species delimitation of Iranian freshwater crabs of the Potamidae family (Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: Rezaei Tavabe Kamran , Tavana Mina , Mirvaghefi Ali Reza , Jouladeh-Roudbar Arash , Rahimi Paniz , Doadrio Ignacio , Ghanavi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2022

Freshwater ecosystems are under multiple threats in modern times such as water extraction for human consumption, industries and agricultural activities, water contamination and habitat destruction for example. At the same time the biodiversity of these ecosystems are often poorly studied, especially in arid countries such as Iran. In this work, we study one of the ecologically important members of Iranian freshwater fauna, freshwater crab species of the genus Potamon. Here, we barcoded the different populations occurring in the country and delimited the species to allow for a better understanding of their distribution and taxonomy. In this study, we evaluated the taxonomical statues of Potamon species in Iran using genetic data. In addition, we created the first barcoding reference for Iranian freshwater crabs, which is an important resource for future environmental and conservation studies.
An air quality index prediction model based on CNN-ILSTM
Authors: Wang Jingyang , Li Xiaolei , Jin Lukai , Li Jiazheng , Sun Qiuhong , Wang Haiyao
Published: May 2022

Air quality index (AQI) is an essential measure of air pollution evaluation, which describes the air pollution degree and its impact on health, so the accurate prediction of AQI is significant. This paper presents an AQI prediction model based on Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) and Improved Long Short-Term Memory (ILSTM), named CNN-ILSTM. ILSTM deletes the output gate in LSTM and improves its input gate and forget gate, and introduces a Conversion Information Module (CIM) to prevent supersaturation in the learning process. ILSTM realizes efficient learning of historical data, improves prediction accuracy, and reduces the training time. CNN extracts the eigenvalues of input data effectively. This paper uses air quality data from 00:00 on January 1, 2017, to 23:00 on June 30, 2021, in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China, as experimental data sets, and compares this model with eight prediction models: SVR, RFR, MLP, LSTM, GRU, ILSTM, CNN-LSTM, and CNN-GRU to prove the validity and accuracy of CNN-ILSTM prediction model. The experimental results show the MAE of CNN-ILSTM is 8.4134, MSE is 202.1923, R2 is 0.9601, and the training time is 85.3 s. In this experiment, the performance of this model performs better than other models.
Preliminary study of reliability of transcutaneous sensors in measuring intraabdominal pressure
Authors: Kušar Maša , Djokić Mihajlo , Djordjević Srdjan , Hribernik Marija , Krašna Simon , Trotovšek Blaž
Published: May 2022

Early recognition of elevated intraabdominal pressure (IAP) in critically ill patients is essential, since it can result in abdominal compartment syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition. The measurement of intravesical pressure is currently considered the gold standard for IAP assessment. Alternative methods have been proposed, where IAP assessment is based on measuring abdominal wall tension, which reflects the pressure in the abdominal cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using patch-like transcutaneous sensors to estimate changes in IAP, which could facilitate the monitoring of IAP in clinical practice. This study was performed with 30 patients during early postoperative care. All patients still had an indwelling urinary catheter postoperatively. Four wearable sensors were attached to the outer surface of the abdominal region to detect the changes in abdominal wall tension. Additionally, surface EMG was used to monitor the activity of the abdominal muscles. The thickness of the subcutaneous tissue was measured with ultrasound. Patients performed 4 cycles of the Valsalva manoeuvre, with a resting period in between (the minimal resting period was 30 s, with a prolongation as necessary to ensure that the fluid level in the measuring system had equilibrated). The IAP was estimated with intravesical pressure measurements during all resting periods and all Valsalva manoeuvres, while the sensors continuously measured changes in abdominal wall tension. The association between the subcutaneous thickness and tension changes on the surface and the intraabdominal pressure was statistically significant, but a large part of the variability was explained by individual patient factors. As a consequence, the predictions of IAP using transcutaneous sensors were not biased, but they were quite variable. The specificity of detecting intraabdominal pressure of 20 mmHg and above is 88%, with an NPV of 96%, while its sensitivity and PPV are currently far lower. There are inherent limitations of the chosen preliminary study design that directly caused the low sensitivity of our method as well as the poor agreement with the gold standard method; in spite of that, we have shown that these sensors have the potential to be used to monitor intraabdominal pressure. We are planning a study that would more closely resemble the intended clinical use and expect it to show more consistent results with a far smaller error.
In vitro anti-tuberculosis effect of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus PMC203 isolated from vaginal microbiota
Authors: Rahim Md Abdur , Seo Hoonhee , Kim Sukyung , Tajdozian Hanieh , Barman Indrajeet , Lee Youngkyoung , Lee Saebim , Song Ho-Yeon
Published: May 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), poses a severe challenge for public health and remains the number one cause of death as a single infectious agent. There are 10 million active cases of TB per year with 1.5 million deaths, and 2–3 billion people are estimated to harbor latent M. tb infection. Moreover, the emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR), extremely-drug-resistant (XDR), and the recent totally drug-resistant (TDR) M. tb is becoming a global issue that has fueled the need to find new drugs different from existing regimens. In these circumstances, probiotics can be a potential choice, so we focused on developing them as an anti-tuberculosis drug candidate. Here, we report the anti-tubercular activities of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus PMC203 isolated from the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. PMC203 exhibited a promising intracellular killing effect against both drug-sensitive and resistant M. tb infected murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 without showing any cytotoxicity. Additionally, it also inhibited the growth of M. tb under broth culture medium. PMC203 did not cause weight change or specific clinical symptoms in a 2-week repeated oral administration toxicity test in a guinea pig model. Here, we also found that PMC203 induces autophagy in a dose dependent manner by increasing the signal of well-known autophagy gene markers, suggesting a possible intracellular killing mechanism.
NMR-based metabolomic profiling can differentiate follicular lymphoma from benign lymph node tissues and may be predictive of outcome
Authors: Banoei Mohammad Mehdi , Mahé Etienne , Mansoor Adnan , Stewart Douglas , Winston Brent W. , Habibi Hamid R. , Shabani-Rad Meer-Taher
Published: May 2022

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a cancer of B-cells, representing the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and typically diagnosed at advanced stage in older adults. In contrast to the wide range of available molecular genetic data, limited data relating the metabolomic features of follicular lymphoma are known. Metabolomics is a promising analytical approach employing metabolites (molecules < 1 kDa in size) as potential biomarkers in cancer research. In this pilot study, we performed proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) on 29 cases of FL and 11 control patient specimens. The resulting spectra were assessed by both unsupervised and supervised statistical methods. We report significantly discriminant metabolomic models of common metabolites distinguishing FL from control tissues. Within our FL case series, we also report discriminant metabolomic signatures predictive of progression-free survival.
Atmospheric rivers impacting western North America in a world with climate intervention
Authors: Shields Christine A. , Richter Jadwiga H. , Pendergrass Angeline , Tilmes Simone
Published: May 2022

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) impacting western North America are analyzed under climate intervention applying stratospheric aerosol injections (SAI) using simulations produced by the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model. Sulfur dioxide injections are strategically placed to maintain present-day global, interhemispheric, and equator-to-pole surface temperatures between 2020 and 2100 using a high forcing climate scenario. Three science questions are addressed: (1) How will western North American ARs change by the end of the century with SAI applied, (2) How is this different from 2020 conditions, and (3) How will the results differ with no future climate intervention. Under SAI, ARs are projected to increase by the end of the 21st century for southern California and decrease in the Pacific Northwest and coastal British Columbia, following changes to the low-level wind. Compared to 2020 conditions, the increase in ARs is not significant. The character of AR precipitation changes under geoengineering results in fewer extreme rainfall events and more moderate ones.
Subpolar Atlantic Ocean mixed layer heat content variability is increasingly driven by an active ocean
Authors: Josey Simon A. , Sinha Bablu
Published: May 2022

Cold conditions in the upper layer of the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean, at a time of pervasive warming elsewhere, have provoked significant debate. Uncertainty arises both from potential causes (surface heat loss and ocean circulation changes) and characteristic timescales (interannual to multidecadal). Resolution of these uncertainties is important as cold conditions have been linked to recent European weather extremes and a decline in the Atlantic overturning circulation. Using observations, supported by high resolution climate model analysis, we show that a surprisingly active ocean regularly generates both cold and warm interannual anomalies in addition to those generated by surface heat exchange. Furthermore, we identify distinct sea surface temperature patterns that characterise whether the ocean or atmosphere has the strongest influence in a particular year. Applying these new insights to observations, we find an increasing role for the ocean in setting North Atlantic mixed layer heat content variability since 1960.
Effects of active compounds from Cassia fistula on quorum sensing mediated virulence and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Peerzada Zoya , Kanhed Ashish M. , Desai Krutika B.
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are attributed to its ability to form biofilms and are difficult to eliminate with antibiotic treatment.
A new method for simultaneous determination of 14 phenolic acids in agricultural soils by multiwavelength HPLC-PDA analysis
Authors: Cheng Jia , Zhou Chunfu , Xie Yue , Wang Min , Zhou Cheng , Li XiaoShuang , Du YaDong , Lu Fan
Published: May 2022

A method for multiple phenolic acids in soil based on HPLC-PDA multi-wavelength analysis was established. The method is high sensitivity, high accuracy and stable sample, and can be used for quantitative analysis of phenolic acids in soil.
A dual-channel “on–off–on” fluorescent probe for the detection and discrimination of Fe3+ and Hg2+ in piggery feed and swine wastewater
Authors: Fan Qing , Bao Guang-Ming , Li Si-Han , Liu Si-Yi , Cai Xin-Ru , Xia Yi-Fan , Li Wei , Wang Xiao-Ying , Deng Ke , Yuan Hou-Qun
Published: May 2022

A dual-channel “on–off–on” fluorescent carbon dot was developed for specific detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+, which can be distinguished by F− and Al3+. The probe was practically applied in quantification of Fe3+ and Hg2+ in livestock feed and wastewater.
A heteroditopic NHC and phosphine ligand supported ruthenium(ii)-complex: an effective catalyst for the N-alkylation of amides using alcohols
Authors: Donthireddy S. N. R. , Singh Vivek Kumar , Rit Arnab
Published: May 2022

A heteroditopic Ru(ii)-bis-NHC complex in combination with dppe was developed as an effective catalyst system (0.2 mol% loading) for the N-alkylation of amides and selective mono-/di-alkylation of 4-aminobenzamide derivatives in excellent yields.
Coupled nickel–cobalt nanoparticles/N,P,S-co-doped carbon hybrid nanocages with high performance for catalysis and protein adsorption
Authors: Xie Yanchun , Zheng Jing , Han Suping , Xu Jingli , Yin Xue-Bo , Zhang Min
Published: May 2022

Hollow structured NiCo@NPSC nanocages have been synthesized by a facile ultrasonication assisted nickel ion etching method and PZS coating along with a subsequent carbonization process.
Strong magnetic exchange coupling in a radical-bridged trinuclear nickel complex
Authors: Yang Luming , Oppenheim Julius J. , Dincă Mircea
Published: May 2022

In its monoradical state, the tritopic bridging ligand of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene (HITP) supports strong metal–ligand magnetic exchange coupling persistent at room temperature in the trinuclear nickel complex built from such moiety.
An [FeIII8] molecular oxyhydroxide
Authors: Cutler Daniel J. , Coletta Marco , Singh Mukesh K. , Canaj Angelos B. , McCormick Laura J. , Coles Simon J. , Schnack Jürgen , Brechin Euan K.
Published: May 2022

An [FeIII8] hexagonal bipyramid displays antiferromagnetic exchange between the two capping tetrahedral ions and the six ring octahedral ions resulting in a spin ground state,S= 10.
Soybean phytochemicals responsible for bacterial neuraminidase inhibition and their characterization by UPLC-ESI-TOF/MS
Authors: Baiseitova Aizhamal , Ban Yeong Jun , Kim Jeong Yoon , Lee Gihwan , Shah Abdul Bari , Kim Jeong Ho , Lee Yong Hyun , Park Ki Hun
Published: May 2022

Ethanol extract of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) showed good inhibitory activity against bacterial neuraminidase (BNA), which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of a number of microbial diseases.
Dietary vitamin K3 activates mitophagy, improves antioxidant capacity, immunity and affects glucose metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Dai Tianmeng , Zhang Xin , Li Ming , Tao Xinyue , Jin Min , Sun Peng , Zhou Qicun , Jiao Lefei
Published: May 2022

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to appraise the influence of dietary vitamin K3 on the growth performance, antioxidant capacities, immune responses, mitophagy and glucose metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei.
Amine-functionalized stable Nb2CTx MXene toward room temperature ultrasensitive NO2 gas sensor
Authors: Kumar Arkoti Naveen , Pal Kaushik
Published: May 2022

Nb2CTx MXene oxidation is stopped using APTES functionalization. Amino groups help in sensing acidic NO2 gas.
Exploration of charge transport materials to improve the radiation tolerance of lead halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Murakami Yoshiyuki , Nishikubo Ryosuke , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Okamoto Kazumasa , Kozawa Takahiro , Saeki Akinori
Published: May 2022

Towards the application of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in space, we extensively investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on binary-mixed PSCs with various hole- and electron-transport materials.
Current-controlled ‘plug-and-play’ electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization of acrylamides in water
Authors: Mohammed Mahir , Jones Bryn A. , Wilson Paul
Published: May 2022

Poly(acrylamides) are synthesised by seATRP using an accessible ‘plug-and-play’ device in the constant-current regime, with high conversion (up to 96%), controlled molecular weight and low dispersity (Đm ≤ 1.31).
High performance enhancement-mode thin-film transistor with graphene quantum dot-decorated In2O3 channel layers
Authors: Xu Xiaofen , He Gang , Jiang Shanshan , Wang Leini , Wang Wenhao , Liu Yanmei , Gao Qian
Published: May 2022

Due to the quantum confinement and edge effects, there has been ongoing enthusiasm to provide deep insight into graphene quantum dots (GQDs), serving as attractive semiconductor materials.
Hydrothermal synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanosheets by using gallic acid as a reductant
Authors: Huo Di , Lin Gongge , Lv Mengfan
Published: May 2022

We report an environmentally friendly hydrothermal approach to the synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanosheets by using gallic acid as a reductant in a controllable manner.
Facile one-pot method of AuNPs/PEDOT/CNT composites for simultaneous detection of dopamine with a high concentration of ascorbic acid and uric acid
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Chen Wenliang , Wang Yihua , Wang Xiufang , Ding Yi , Zhao Donglin , Liu Jiyu
Published: May 2022

A facile one-pot method was used to synthesize ternary composite material. This modified electrode exhibited good ability of detecting dopamine. It also exhibited excellent anti-interference ability and stability.