bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small, correlated changes in synaptic connectivity may facilitate rapid motor learning
Authors: Feulner Barbara , Perich Matthew G. , Chowdhury Raeed H. , Miller Lee E. , Gallego Juan A. , Clopath Claudia
Published: September 2022

Animals rapidly adapt their movements to external perturbations, a process paralleled by changes in neural activity in the motor cortex. Experimental studies suggest that these changes originate from altered inputs (Hinput) rather than from changes in local connectivity (Hlocal), as neural covariance is largely preserved during adaptation. Since measuring synaptic changes in vivo remains very challenging, we used a modular recurrent neural network to qualitatively test this interpretation. As expected, Hinput resulted in small activity changes and largely preserved covariance. Surprisingly given the presumed dependence of stable covariance on preserved circuit connectivity, Hlocal led to only slightly larger changes in activity and covariance, still within the range of experimental recordings. This similarity is due to Hlocal only requiring small, correlated connectivity changes for successful adaptation. Simulations of tasks that impose increasingly larger behavioural changes revealed a growing difference between Hinput and Hlocal, which could be exploited when designing future experiments.
Biodiversity, environmental drivers, and sustainability of the global deep-sea sponge microbiome
Authors: Busch Kathrin , Slaby Beate M. , Bach Wolfgang , Boetius Antje , Clefsen Ina , Colaço Ana , Creemers Marie , Cristobo Javier , Federwisch Luisa , Franke Andre , Gavriilidou Asimenia , Hethke Andrea , Kenchington Ellen , Mienis Furu , Mills Sadie , Riesgo Ana , Ríos Pilar , Roberts Emyr Martyn , Sipkema Detmer , Pita Lucía , Schupp Peter J. , Xavier Joana , Rapp Hans Tore , Hentschel Ute
Published: September 2022

In the deep ocean symbioses between microbes and invertebrates are emerging as key drivers of ecosystem health and services. We present a large-scale analysis of microbial diversity in deep-sea sponges (Porifera) from scales of sponge individuals to ocean basins, covering 52 locations, 1077 host individuals translating into 169 sponge species (including understudied glass sponges), and 469 reference samples, collected anew during 21 ship-based expeditions. We demonstrate the impacts of the sponge microbial abundance status, geographic distance, sponge phylogeny, and the physical-biogeochemical environment as drivers of microbiome composition, in descending order of relevance. Our study further discloses that fundamental concepts of sponge microbiology apply robustly to sponges from the deep-sea across distances of >10,000 km. Deep-sea sponge microbiomes are less complex, yet more heterogeneous, than their shallow-water counterparts. Our analysis underscores the uniqueness of each deep-sea sponge ground based on which we provide critical knowledge for conservation of these vulnerable ecosystems.
Early warning signal for a tipping point suggested by a millennial Atlantic Multidecadal Variability reconstruction
Authors: Michel Simon L. L. , Swingedouw Didier , Ortega Pablo , Gastineau Guillaume , Mignot Juliette , McCarthy Gerard , Khodri Myriam
Published: September 2022

Atlantic multidecadal variability is a coherent mode of natural climate variability occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean, with strong impacts on human societies and ecosystems worldwide. However, its periodicity and drivers are widely debated due to the short temporal extent of instrumental observations and competing effects of both internal and external climate factors acting on North Atlantic surface temperature variability. Here, we use a paleoclimate database and an advanced statistical framework to generate, evaluate, and compare 312 reconstructions of the Atlantic multidecadal variability over the past millennium, based on different indices and regression methods. From this process, the best reconstruction is obtained with the random forest method, and its robustness is checked using climate model outputs and independent oceanic paleoclimate data. This reconstruction shows that memory in variations of Atlantic multidecadal variability have strongly increased recently—a potential early warning signal for the approach of a North Atlantic tipping point.
Super-resolution laser probing of integrated circuits using algorithmic methods
Authors: Ravikumar V. K. , Chin Jiann Min , Lua Winson , Linarto Nathan , Ranganathan Gopinath , Trisno Jonathan , Pey K. L. , Yang Joel K. W.
Published: September 2022

Laser probing remains invaluable to the semiconductor industry for isolating and diagnosing defects in silicon transistors in integrated circuits during electrical stress tests. However, continuous device miniaturization below the 20 nm technology node has crammed multiple transistors within the focal spot of the laser beam, resulting in signal crosstalk, poor beam positioning accuracy and degraded fault isolation capabilities. The challenge is analogous to focusing attention to a single speaker in a crowd despite the multiple simultaneous conversations in the background. Through algorithms introduced in this patented work, consisting of cross-correlations, clustering, and our previously developed combinational logic analysis, we achieved beam positioning accuracy to better than 10 nm, extracted electrooptic waveforms from a node of a group of transistors (~18 times beyond the optical resolution limit), and applied this to isolate and identify an actual fault on a defective device. While problems associated with probing with shorter wavelength lasers continue to be addressed, our approach enhances and enables the continued probing of ICs using sub-bandgap photon energies without hardware modification to existing technology at semiconductor technology nodes below 10 nm.
Ultrafine nanoporous intermetallic catalysts by high-temperature liquid metal dealloying for electrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Song Ruirui , Han Jiuhui , Okugawa Masayuki , Belosludov Rodion , Wada Takeshi , Jiang Jing , Wei Daixiu , Kudo Akira , Tian Yuan , Chen Mingwei , Kato Hidemi
Published: September 2022

Intermetallic compounds formed from non-precious transition metals are promising cost-effective and robust catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production. However, the development of monolithic nanoporous intermetallics, with ample active sites and sufficient electrocatalytic activity, remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of nanoporous Co7Mo6 and Fe7Mo6 intermetallic compounds via liquid metal dealloying. Along with the development of three-dimensional bicontinuous open porosity, high-temperature dealloying overcomes the kinetic energy barrier, enabling the direct formation of chemically ordered intermetallic phases. Unprecedented small characteristic lengths are observed for the nanoporous intermetallic compounds, resulting from an intermetallic effect whereby the chemical ordering during nanopore formation lowers surface diffusivity and significantly suppresses the thermal coarsening of dealloyed nanostructure. The resulting ultrafine nanoporous Co7Mo6 exhibits high catalytic activity and durability in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions. This study sheds light on the previously unexplored intermetallic effect in dealloying and facilitates the development of advanced intermetallic catalysts for energy applications.
Metamaterial-based real-time communication with high information density by multipath twisting of acoustic wave
Authors: Wu Kai , Liu Jing-Jing , Ding Yu-jiang , Wang Wei , Liang Bin , Cheng Jian-Chun
Published: September 2022

Speeding up the transmission of information carried by waves is of fundamental interest for wave physics, with pivotal significance for underwater communications. To overcome the current limitations in information transfer capacity, here we propose and experimentally validate a mechanism using multipath sound twisting to realize real-time high-capacity communication free of signal-processing or sensor-scanning. The undesired channel crosstalk, conventionally reduced via time-consuming postprocessing, is virtually suppressed by using a metamaterial layer as purely-passive demultiplexer with high spatial selectivity. Furthermore, the compactness of system ensures high information density crucial for acoustics-based applications. A distinct example of complicated image transmission is experimentally demonstrated, showing as many independent channels as the path number multiplied by vortex mode number and an extremely-low bit error rate nearly 1/10 of the forward error correction limit. Our strategy opens an avenue to metamaterial-based high-capacity communication paradigm compatible with the conventional multiplexing mechanisms, with far-reaching impact on acoustics and other domains.
Proximity-magnetized quantum spin Hall insulator: monolayer 1 T’ WTe2/Cr2Ge2Te6
Authors: Li Junxue , Rashetnia Mina , Lohmann Mark , Koo Jahyun , Xu Youming , Zhang Xiao , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Jia Shuang , Chen Xi , Yan Binghai , Cui Yong-Tao , Shi Jing
Published: September 2022

Van der Waals heterostructures offer great versatility to tailor unique interactions at the atomically flat interfaces between dissimilar layered materials and induce novel physical phenomena. By bringing monolayer 1 T’ WTe2, a two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulator, and few-layer Cr2Ge2Te6, an insulating ferromagnet, into close proximity in an heterostructure, we introduce a ferromagnetic order in the former via the interfacial exchange interaction. The ferromagnetism in WTe2 manifests in the anomalous Nernst effect, anomalous Hall effect as well as anisotropic magnetoresistance effect. Using local electrodes, we identify separate transport contributions from the metallic edge and insulating bulk. When driven by an AC current, the second harmonic voltage responses closely resemble the anomalous Nernst responses to AC temperature gradient generated by nonlocal heater, which appear as nonreciprocal signals with respect to the induced magnetization orientation. Our results from different electrodes reveal spin-polarized edge states in the magnetized quantum spin Hall insulator.
Automated model-predictive design of synthetic promoters to control transcriptional profiles in bacteria
Authors: LaFleur Travis L. , Hossain Ayaan , Salis Howard M.
Published: September 2022

Transcription rates are regulated by the interactions between RNA polymerase, sigma factor, and promoter DNA sequences in bacteria. However, it remains unclear how non-canonical sequence motifs collectively control transcription rates. Here, we combine massively parallel assays, biophysics, and machine learning to develop a 346-parameter model that predicts site-specific transcription initiation rates for any σ70 promoter sequence, validated across 22132 bacterial promoters with diverse sequences. We apply the model to predict genetic context effects, design σ70 promoters with desired transcription rates, and identify undesired promoters inside engineered genetic systems. The model provides a biophysical basis for understanding gene regulation in natural genetic systems and precise transcriptional control for engineering synthetic genetic systems.
Step-by-step state-selective tracking of fragmentation dynamics of water dications by momentum imaging
Authors: Severt Travis , Streeter Zachary L. , Iskandar Wael , Larsen Kirk A. , Gatton Averell , Trabert Daniel , Jochim Bethany , Griffin Brandon , Champenois Elio G. , Brister Matthew M. , Reedy Dylan , Call Demitri , Strom Richard , Landers Allen L. , Dörner Reinhard , Williams Joshua B. , Slaughter Daniel S. , Lucchese Robert R. , Weber Thorsten , McCurdy C. William , Ben-Itzhak Itzik
Published: September 2022

The double photoionization of a molecule by one photon ejects two electrons and typically creates an unstable dication. Observing the subsequent fragmentation products in coincidence can reveal a surprisingly detailed picture of the dynamics. Determining the time evolution and quantum mechanical states involved leads to deeper understanding of molecular dynamics. Here in a combined experimental and theoretical study, we unambiguously separate the sequential breakup via D+ + OD+ intermediates, from other processes leading to the same D+ + D+ + O final products of double ionization of water by a single photon. Moreover, we experimentally identify, separate, and follow step by step, two pathways involving the b 1Σ+ and a 1Δ electronic states of the intermediate OD+ ion. Our classical trajectory calculations on the relevant potential energy surfaces reproduce well the measured data and, combined with the experiment, enable the determination of the internal energy and angular momentum distribution of the OD+ intermediate.
Rtt105 regulates RPA function by configurationally stapling the flexible domains
Authors: Kuppa Sahiti , Deveryshetty Jaigeeth , Chadda Rahul , Mattice Jenna R. , Pokhrel Nilisha , Kaushik Vikas , Patterson Angela , Dhingra Nalini , Pangeni Sushil , Sadauskas Marisa K. , Shiekh Sajad , Balci Hamza , Ha Taekjip , Zhao Xiaolan , Bothner Brian , Antony Edwin
Published: September 2022

Replication Protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric complex that binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and recruits over three dozen RPA-interacting proteins to coordinate multiple aspects of DNA metabolism including DNA replication, repair, and recombination. Rtt105 is a molecular chaperone that regulates nuclear localization of RPA. Here, we show that Rtt105 binds to multiple DNA binding and protein-interaction domains of RPA and configurationally staples the complex. In the absence of ssDNA, Rtt105 inhibits RPA binding to Rad52, thus preventing spurious binding to RPA-interacting proteins. When ssDNA is available, Rtt105 promotes formation of high-density RPA nucleoprotein filaments and dissociates during this process. Free Rtt105 further stabilizes the RPA-ssDNA filaments by inhibiting the facilitated exchange activity of RPA. Collectively, our data suggest that Rtt105 sequesters free RPA in the nucleus to prevent untimely binding to RPA-interacting proteins, while stabilizing RPA-ssDNA filaments at DNA lesion sites.
Heterogeneity and transcriptome changes of human CD8+ T cells across nine decades of life
Authors: Lu Jian , Ahmad Raheel , Nguyen Thomas , Cifello Jeffrey , Hemani Humza , Li Jiangyuan , Chen Jinguo , Li Siyi , Wang Jing , Achour Achouak , Chen Joseph , Colie Meagan , Lustig Ana , Dunn Christopher , Zukley Linda , Chia Chee W. , Burd Irina , Zhu Jun , Ferrucci Luigi , Weng Nan-ping
Published: September 2022

The decline of CD8+ T cell functions contributes to deteriorating health with aging, but the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon are not well understood. We use single-cell RNA sequencing with both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples to assess how human CD8+ T cell heterogeneity and transcriptomes change over nine decades of life. Eleven subpopulations of CD8+ T cells and their dynamic changes with age are identified. Age-related changes in gene expression result from changes in the percentage of cells expressing a given transcript, quantitative changes in the transcript level, or a combination of these two. We develop a machine learning model capable of predicting the age of individual cells based on their transcriptomic features, which are closely associated with their differentiation and mutation burden. Finally, we validate this model in two separate contexts of CD8+ T cell aging: HIV infection and CAR T cell expansion in vivo.
Optical-Tweezers-integrating-Differential-Dynamic-Microscopy maps the spatiotemporal propagation of nonlinear strains in polymer blends and composites
Authors: Peddireddy Karthik R. , Clairmont Ryan , Neill Philip , McGorty Ryan , Robertson-Anderson Rae M.
Published: September 2022

How local stresses propagate through polymeric fluids, and, more generally, how macromolecular dynamics give rise to viscoelasticity are open questions vital to wide-ranging scientific and industrial fields. Here, to unambiguously connect polymer dynamics to force response, and map the deformation fields that arise in macromolecular materials, we present Optical-Tweezers-integrating-Differential -Dynamic-Microscopy (OpTiDMM) that simultaneously imposes local strains, measures resistive forces, and analyzes the motion of the surrounding polymers. Our measurements with blends of ring and linear polymers (DNA) and their composites with stiff polymers (microtubules) uncover an unexpected resonant response, in which strain alignment, superdiffusivity, and elasticity are maximized when the strain rate is comparable to the entanglement rate. Microtubules suppress this resonance, while substantially increasing elastic storage, due to varying degrees to which the polymers buildup, stretch and flow along the strain path, and configurationally relax induced stress. More broadly, the rich multi-scale coupling of mechanics and dynamics afforded by OpTiDDM, empowers its interdisciplinary use to elucidate non-trivial phenomena that sculpt stress propagation dynamics–critical to commercial applications and cell mechanics alike.
A gene cluster in Ginkgo biloba encodes unique multifunctional cytochrome P450s that initiate ginkgolide biosynthesis
Authors: Forman Victor , Luo Dan , Geu-Flores Fernando , Lemcke René , Nelson David R. , Kampranis Sotirios C. , Staerk Dan , Møller Birger Lindberg , Pateraki Irini
Published: September 2022

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is considered a living fossil due to its 200 million year’s history under morphological stasis. Its resilience is partly attributed to its unique set of specialized metabolites, in particular, ginkgolides and bilobalide, which are chemically complex terpene trilactones. Here, we use a gene cluster-guided mining approach in combination with co-expression analysis to reveal the primary steps in ginkgolide biosynthesis. We show that five multifunctional cytochrome P450s with atypical catalytic activities generate the tert-butyl group and one of the lactone rings, characteristic of all G. biloba trilactone terpenoids. The reactions include scarless C–C bond cleavage as well as carbon skeleton rearrangement (NIH shift) occurring on a previously unsuspected intermediate. The cytochrome P450s belong to CYP families that diversifies in pre-seed plants and gymnosperms, but are not preserved in angiosperms. Our work uncovers the early ginkgolide pathway and offers a glance into the biosynthesis of terpenoids of the Mesozoic Era.
Fast, efficient, and accurate neuro-imaging denoising via supervised deep learning
Authors: Chaudhary Shivesh , Moon Sihoon , Lu Hang
Published: September 2022

Volumetric functional imaging is widely used for recording neuron activities in vivo, but there exist tradeoffs between the quality of the extracted calcium traces, imaging speed, and laser power. While deep-learning methods have recently been applied to denoise images, their applications to downstream analyses, such as recovering high-SNR calcium traces, have been limited. Further, these methods require temporally-sequential pre-registered data acquired at ultrafast rates. Here, we demonstrate a supervised deep-denoising method to circumvent these tradeoffs for several applications, including whole-brain imaging, large-field-of-view imaging in freely moving animals, and recovering complex neurite structures inC. elegans. Our framework has 30× smaller memory footprint, and is fast in training and inference (50–70 ms); it is highly accurate and generalizable, and further, trained with only small, non-temporally-sequential, independently-acquired training datasets (∼500 pairs of images). We envision that the framework will enable faster and long-term imaging experiments necessary to study neuronal mechanisms of many behaviors.
Collective total synthesis of C4-oxygenated securinine-type alkaloids via stereocontrolled diversifications on the piperidine core
Authors: Park Sangbin , Kang Gyumin , Kim Chansu , Kim Dongwook , Han Sunkyu
Published: September 2022

Securinega alkaloids have fascinated the synthetic chemical community for over six decades. Historically, major research foci in securinega alkaloid synthesis have been on the efficient construction of the fused tetracyclic framework that bears a butenolide moiety and tertiary amine-based heterocycles. These “basic” securinega alkaloids have evolved to undergo biosynthetic oxidative diversifications, especially on the piperidine core. However, a general synthetic solution to access these high-oxidation state securinega alkaloids is lacking. In this study, we have completed the total synthesis of various C4-oxygenated securinine-type alkaloids including securingines A, C, D, securitinine, secu’amamine D, phyllanthine, and 4-epi-phyllanthine. Our synthetic strategy features stereocontrolled oxidation, rearrangement, and epimerization at N1 and C2–C4 positions of the piperidine core within (neo)securinane scaffolds. Our discoveries provide a fundamental synthetic solution to all known securinine-type natural products with various oxidative and stereochemical variations around the central piperidine ring.
Identification of a cross-neutralizing antibody that targets the receptor binding site of H1N1 and H5N1 influenza viruses
Authors: Li Tingting , Chen Junyu , Zheng Qingbing , Xue Wenhui , Zhang Limin , Rong Rui , Zhang Sibo , Wang Qian , Hong Minqing , Zhang Yuyun , Cui Lingyan , He Maozhou , Lu Zhen , Zhang Zhenyong , Chi Xin , Li Jinjin , Huang Yang , Wang Hong , Tang Jixian , Ying Dong , Zhou Lizhi , Wang Yingbin , Yu Hai , Zhang Jun , Gu Ying , Chen Yixin , Li Shaowei , Xia Ningshao
Published: September 2022

Influenza A viruses pose a significant threat globally each year, underscoring the need for a vaccine- or antiviral-based broad-protection strategy. Here, we describe a chimeric monoclonal antibody, C12H5, that offers neutralization against seasonal and pandemic H1N1 viruses, and cross-protection against some H5N1 viruses. Notably, C12H5 mAb offers broad neutralizing activity against H1N1 and H5N1 viruses by controlling virus entry and egress, and offers protection against H1N1 and H5N1 viral challenge in vivo. Through structural analyses, we show that C12H5 engages hemagglutinin (HA), the major surface glycoprotein on influenza, at a distinct epitope overlapping the receptor binding site and covering the 140-loop. We identified eight highly conserved (~90%) residues that are essential for broad H1N1 recognition, with evidence of tolerance for Asp or Glu at position 190; this site is a molecular determinant for human or avian host-specific recognition and this tolerance endows C12H5 with cross-neutralization potential. Our results could benefit the development of antiviral drugs and the design of broad-protection influenza vaccines.
Widespread irreversible changes in surface temperature and precipitation in response to CO2 forcing
Authors: Kim Soong-Ki , Shin Jongsoo , An Soon-Il , Kim Hyo-Jeong , Im Nari , Xie Shang-Ping , Kug Jong-Seong , Yeh Sang-Wook
Published: September 2022

Some climate variables do not show the same response to declining atmospheric CO2 concentrations as before the preceding increase. A comprehensive understanding of this hysteresis effect and its regional patterns is, however, lacking. Here we use an Earth system model with an idealized CO2 removal scenario to show that surface temperature and precipitation exhibit globally widespread irreversible changes over a timespan of centuries. To explore the climate hysteresis and reversibility on a regional scale, we develop a quantification method that visualizes their spatial patterns. Our experiments project that 89% and 58% of the global area experiences irreversible changes in surface temperature and precipitation, respectively. Strong irreversible response of surface temperature is found in the Southern Ocean, Arctic and North Atlantic Ocean and of precipitation in the tropical Pacific, global monsoon regions and the Himalayas. These global hotspots of irreversible changes can indicate elevated risks of negative impacts on developing countries.
Weakening of the Atlantic Niño variability under global warming
Authors: Crespo Lander R. , Prigent Arthur , Keenlyside Noel , Koseki Shunya , Svendsen Lea , Richter Ingo , Sánchez-Gómez Emilia
Published: September 2022

The Atlantic Niño is one of the most important patterns of interannual tropical climate variability, but how climate change will influence this pattern is not well known due to large climate model biases. Here we show that state-of-the-art climate models robustly predict a weakening of Atlantic Niños in response to global warming, mainly due to a decoupling of subsurface and surface temperature variations as the upper equatorial Atlantic Ocean warms. This weakening is predicted by most (>80%) models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 5 and 6 under the highest emission scenarios. Our results indicate a reduction in variability by the end of the century by 14%, and as much as 24–48% when accounting for model errors using a simple emergent constraint analysis. Such a weakening of Atlantic Niño variability will potentially impact climate conditions and the skill of seasonal predictions in many regions.
TILES-2019: A longitudinal physiologic and behavioral data set of medical residents in an intensive care unit
Authors: Yau Joanna C. , Girault Benjamin , Feng Tiantian , Mundnich Karel , Nadarajan Amrutha , Booth Brandon M. , Ferrara Emilio , Lerman Kristina , Hsieh Eric , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: September 2022

The TILES-2019 data set consists of behavioral and physiological data gathered from 57 medical residents (i.e., trainees) working in an intensive care unit (ICU) in the United States. The data set allows for the exploration of longitudinal changes in well-being, teamwork, and job performance in a demanding environment, as residents worked in the ICU for three weeks. Residents wore a Fitbit, a Bluetooth-based proximity sensor, and an audio-feature recorder. They completed daily surveys and interviews at the beginning and end of their rotation. In addition, we collected data from environmental sensors (i.e., Internet-of-Things Bluetooth data hubs) and obtained hospital records (e.g., patient census) and residents’ job evaluations. This data set may be may be of interest to researchers interested in workplace stress, group dynamics, social support, the physical and psychological effects of witnessing patient deaths, predicting survey data from sensors, and privacy-aware and privacy-preserving machine learning. Notably, a small subset of the data was collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the redfin culter (Chanodichthys erythropterus)
Authors: Zhao Shihu , Yang Xiufeng , Pang Bo , Zhang Lei , Wang Qi , He Shangbin , Dou Huashan , Zhang Honghai
Published: September 2022

Chanodichthys erythropterus is a fierce carnivorous fish widely found in East Asian waters. It is not only a popular food fish in China, it is also a representative victim of overfishing. Genetic breeding programs launched to meet market demands urgently require high-quality genomes to facilitate genomic selection and genetic research. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level reference genome of C. erythropterus by taking advantage of long-read single-molecule sequencing and de novo assembly by Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) and Hi-C. The 1.085 Gb C. erythropterus genome was assembled from 132 Gb of Nanopore sequence. The assembled genome represents 98.5% completeness (BUSCO) with a contig N50 length of 23.29 Mb. The contigs were clustered and ordered onto 24 chromosomes covering roughly 99.49% of the genome assembly with Hi-C data. Additionally, 33,041 (98.0%) genes were functionally annotated from a total of 33,706 predicted protein-coding sequences by combining transcriptome data from seven tissues. This high-quality assembled genome will be a precious resource for future molecular breeding and functional genomics research of C. erythropterus.
An immune-related microRNA signature prognostic model for pancreatic carcinoma and association with immune microenvironment
Authors: Shen Qian , Li JunChen , Pan Xue , Zhang ChuanLong , Jiang XiaoChen , Li Yi , Chen Yan , Pang Bo
Published: September 2022

To establish a prognostic model based on immune-related microRNA (miRNA) for pancreatic carcinoma. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed using the "WGCNA" package to find the key module genes involved in pancreatic carcinoma. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to screen immune-related miRNAs. Uni- and multi-variate COX regression analyses were carried out to identify miRNAs prognostic for overall survival (OS) of pancreatic carcinoma, which were then combined to generate a prognostic model. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, distribution plot of survival status in patients and regression analysis were collectively performed to study the accuracy of the model in prognosis. Target genes of the miRNAs in the model were intersected with the key module genes, and a miRNA–mRNA network was generated and visualized by Cytoscape3.8.0. TIMER analysis was conducted to study the abundance of immune infiltrates in tumor microenvironment of pancreatic carcinoma. Expression levels of immune checkpoint genes in subgroups stratified by the model were compared by Wilcoxon test. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to analyze the enriched signaling pathways between subgroups. Differential analysis revealed 1826 genes differentially up-regulated in pancreatic carcinoma and 1276 genes differentially down-regulated. A total of 700 immune-related miRNAs were obtained, of which 7 miRNAs were significantly associated with OS of patients and used to establish a prognostic model with accurate predictive performance. There were 99 mRNAs overlapped from the 318 target genes of the 7 miRNAs and the key modules genes analyzed by WGCNA. Patient samples were categorized as high or low risk according to the prognostic model, which were significantly associated with dendritic cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint genes (TNFSF9, TNFRSF9, KIR3DL1, HAVCR2, CD276 and CD80). GSEA showed remarkably enriched signaling pathways in the two subgroups. This study identified an immune-related 7-miRNA based prognostic model for pancreatic carcinoma, which could be used as a reliable tool for prognosis.
Importance of frequency and intensity of strength training for work ability among physical therapists
Authors: Calatayud Joaquín , Morera Álvaro , Ezzatvar Yasmín , López-Bueno Rubén , Andersen Lars L. , Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Suso-Martí Luis , Sanchís-Sánchez Enrique , López-Bueno Laura , Casaña José
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between frequency and intensity of strength training participation and work ability among physical therapists (PTs). The Work Ability Index questionnaire (WAI) and a questionnaire about participation in strength training during leisure time were administered to a sample of Spanish PTs. In addition, participants provided information on gender, age, body mass index, education, substance use, working experience and working hours per week. The odds for having excellent WAI (score 44–49) as a function of intensity or frequency of strength training participation were determined using binary logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Data from 981 PTs were analysed. High-intensity strength training (> 80% 1 RM) showed strong associations with excellent WAI (odds ratio = 9.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9–31.6). In addition, performing strength training more than 3 times per week was associated with excellent WAI (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–2.59), however, no significant associations were found with lower levels of frequency and intensities. High-intensity strength training 3 times per week is associated with excellent WAI among PTs. Training programs meeting these features may importantly contribute to maintain or improve WAI.
Self-initialized active contours for microscopic cell image segmentation
Authors: Niaz Asim , Iqbal Ehtesham , Akram Farhan , Kim Jin , Choi Kwang Nam
Published: September 2022

Level set models are suitable for processing topological changes in different regions of images while performing segmentation. Active contour models require an empirical setting for initial parameters, which is tedious for the end-user. This study proposes an incremental level set model with the automatic initialization of contours based on local and global fitting energies that enable it to capture image regions containing intensity corruption or other light artifacts. The region-based area and the region-based length terms use signed pressure force (SPF) to strengthen the balloon force. SPF helps to achieve a smooth version of the gradient descent flow in terms of energy minimization. The proposed model is tested on multiple synthetic and real images. Our model has four advantages: first, there is no need for the end user to initialize the parameters; instead, the model is self-initialized. Second, it is more accurate than other methods. Third, it shows lower computational complexity. Fourth, it does not depend on the starting position of the contour. Finally, we evaluated the performance of our model on microscopic cell images (Coelho et al., in: 2009 IEEE international symposium on biomedical imaging: from nano to macro, IEEE, 2009) to confirm that its performance is superior to that of other state-of-the-art models.
Docking study, molecular dynamic, synthesis, anti-α-glucosidase assessment, and ADMET prediction of new benzimidazole-Schiff base derivatives
Authors: Azizian Homa , Pedrood Keyvan , Moazzam Ali , Valizadeh Yousef , Khavaninzadeh Kimia , Zamani Ali , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Hosseini Samanesadat , Sarrafi Yaghoub , Adibi Hossein , Larijani Bagher , Rastegar Hossein , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: September 2022

The control of postprandial hyperglycemia is an important target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As a result, targeting α-glucosidase as the most important enzyme in the breakdown of carbohydrates to glucose that leads to an increase in postprandial hyperglycemia is one of the treatment processes of T2DM. In the present work, a new class of benzimidazole-Schiff base hybrids 8a–p has been developed based on the potent reported α-glucosidase inhibitors. These compounds were synthesized by sample recantations, characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and CHNS elemental analysis, and evaluated against α-glucosidase. All new compounds, with the exception of inactive compound 8g, showed excellent inhibitory activities (60.1 ± 3.6–287.1 ± 7.4 µM) in comparison to acarbose as the positive control (750.0 ± 10.5). Kinetic study of the most potent compound 8p showed a competitive type of inhibition (Ki value = 60 µM). In silico induced fit docking and molecular dynamics studies were performed to further investigate the interaction, orientation, and conformation of the title new compounds over the active site of α-glucosidase. In silico druglikeness analysis and ADMET prediction of the most potent compounds demonstrated that these compounds were druglikeness and had satisfactory ADMET profile.
Design, development and characterization of resistive arm based planar and conformal metasurfaces for RCS reduction
Authors: Tiwari Priyanka , Pathak Surya Kumar , Siju Varsha
Published: September 2022

This paper reports the design, development and characterization of a broadband, polarization insensitive metasurface absorber in planar, cylindrically bent and 90° dihedral surface geometry. Four metallic patches loaded with eight lumped resistors are used, which has been optimized numerically using CST MICROWAVE STUDIO, as a unit cell of developed metasurface absorber, to achieve 20 dB reflection reduction for 51.21% fractional bandwidth (13.42–22.66 GHz) under normal incidence with 0.12 $${\lambda }_{L}$$

λ
L

thickness (where $${\lambda }_{L}$$

λ
L

corresponds to lower operating frequency). The numerical findings are also verified analytically using equivalent circuit analysis, which exhibits very good agreement. Polarization-insensitive characteristics are achieved using fourfold rotation symmetry of the designed structure. The fabricated prototype of the designed absorber is experimentally characterized, using free space measurement method and ABmm vector network analyzer (VNA) system, and fairly good agreement with numerical-analytical findings are reported. The major novelty of this study is the design and development of a broadband (13.42–22.66 GHz), polarization insensitive metasurface absorber that provides 20 dB reflection reduction numerically as well as experimentally in the whole band, which to the author’s knowledge has not been observed till now. Also, keeping in mind the radar stealth applications, first time we have demonstrated both numerically and experimentally, different geometrical shapes of conformal metasurfaces that can be practically used in actual scenario.
On the optimal texture shape with the consideration of surface roughness
Authors: Bei Guangyao , Ma Chenbo , Wang Xilong , Sun Jianjun , Ni Xingya
Published: September 2022

The optimal texture shape considering surface roughness is determined by solving the average Reynolds equation, selecting Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson boundary conditions, and using a genetic algorithm. The effects of surface roughness as indicated by the combined root-mean-square (RMS), surface pattern parameter, and operating parameters on the friction coefficient, area ratio, and depth of the optimal self-defined shape and optimal dimple were studied. Results show that the friction coefficient will be significantly reduced during the shape optimization considering the effect of surface roughness. The variation laws of the optimal dimple area ratio with the combined RMS, surface pattern parameter, minimum film thickness, sliding speed and the variation law of the optimal depth of the optimal self-defined shape with surface roughness and working parameters are obtained. Finally, this study concludes that the influence of roughness parameters on the optimal dimple shape is greater than that on the optimal self-defined shape under different sliding speeds.
Recovery of virus-free Almond (Prunus dulcis) cultivars by somatic embryogenesis from meristem undergone thermotherapy
Authors: Ebrahimi Maryam , Habashi Ali Akbar , Emadpour Masoumeh , Kazemi Nooshin
Published: September 2022

One of the world's main horticulture problems is the contamination of fruit trees with a variety of plant diseases, especially viral and pseudo-viral diseases. Due to the non-sexual propagation of the trees, these diseases have been transmitted to different parts of the world. The main aim of this study was to obtain a new effective method for virus elimination from almond cultivars, which was performed in two phases. In the first phase, we tested various almond cultivars with ELISA and RT-PCR. The results showed the infection of mother plantlets. So, three types of in vitro thermotherapy treatments were performed on infected plants to make them virus-free. The plantlets obtained from 0.5 mm meristem treated with the first type of thermotherapy (TH1: 8 h at 27 °C and 16 h at 38 °C for 18 days) showed the highest percentage of elimination of ApM, ACLS and TRS viruses. In the second phase, meristems were cultured on MS medium containing 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L 2,4-D with 1 mg/L TDZ and after two weeks, thermotherapy treatments were performed. The results showed, combining three methods of thermotherapy (TH1), meristem culture and somatic embryogenesis induction from meristem on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L TDZ is the most effective and safe technique for virus eradication without meristem size challenges. The samples that were diagnosed as virus-free were proliferated in temporary immersion bioreactor systems, and rooted to be used for later propagation and establishment of mother healthy orchards.
Clinical, laboratory characteristics and growth outcomes of children with growing pains
Authors: Liao Chung-Yuan , Wang Li-Chieh , Lee Jyh-Hong , Wu Kuan-Wen , Lin Yu-Tsan , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chiang Bor-Luen , Yu Hsin-Hui
Published: September 2022

Growing pains (GP), a common and benign pain syndrome of unknown etiology, is characterized by bilateral recurrent leg pain in childhood. There are no standardized diagnostic criteria for GP, and the diagnosis is often made by exclusion. To identify clinical and laboratory features, we included patients < 12 years with GP at National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital between April 2006 and April 2019 in a retrospective study. We also compared body weight and body height z-scores between diagnosis and up to 2 years post-diagnosis to determine if rapid growth was associated with GP. This cohort study included 268 patients with a mean age of 4.7 ± 2.2 years. The most common features of GP were bilateral leg pain, no limitation of activity, intermittent pain, normal physical examination, and being well physically. The average number of Walters' criteria fulfilled by the patients with GP was 6.7 ± 0.9. Elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed in 37.5% and 15.6% of patients, respectively. Symptomatic medications were used in 33% of patients. Our study indicates that ALP and LDH may be biomarkers associated with GP. There was no significant association between GP and rapid growth within 2 years of diagnosis.
Evolution of high-order Tamm plasmon modes with a metal-PhC cavity
Authors: Li Liang , Hao Haoyue
Published: September 2022

We put forward the concept of high-order Tamm plasmon (TP) modes which are illustrated with a simple metal-Bragg mirror cavity. Results show series orders of TP modes are gradually generated through adjusting the thickness of the cavity, for which traditional TP modes only corresponds to the zero-order modes. The reflectance spectra and electric field distributions are compared to demonstrate the consistency of these series of TP modes. Meanwhile, the excitation intensity of different order TP modes are studied. Results show that the excitation intensity is related directly to the TP mode wavelength, and has no relation to the order number. These results might provide new ideas to the study of TP modes and guide the design and optimization of TP based devices.
Selective oxidation of CH4 to valuable HCHO over a defective rTiO2/GO metal-free photocatalyst
Authors: Hao Yingdong , Mao Fang , Zhao Yonghui , Sun Nannan , Wei Wei
Published: September 2022

A specially designed metal-free rTiO2/GO catalyst retarded the recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes and improved photocatalytic CH4 conversion performance.
Mononuclear, hexanuclear and polymeric indium(iii) pyrazolido complexes; structural characterization, dynamic solution studies and luminescent properties
Authors: Herrera Susana , Rivero Kennett I. , Guzmán Alexis , Cedeño Jonathan , Miksovska Jaroslava , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: September 2022

Mononuclear In(iii)-pyrazole complexes with dynamic solution behaviour, were used as starting materials for the synthesis of hexanuclear oxo/hydroxo and clusters and luminescent polymeric pyrazolides.
Photocapacitor integrating voltage-adjustable hybrid supercapacitor and silicon solar cell generating a Joule efficiency of 86%
Authors: Song Zeyu , Wu Jihuai , Tu Yongguang , Sun Liuxue , Zhu Tingting , Li Guodong , Wang Xiaobing , Du Yitian , Deng Chunyan , Chen Qi , Sun Weihai , Huang Miaoliang , Fan Leqing , Huang Yunfang , Wei Yuelin , Xie Yiming , Lin Yu , Chen Hongwei , Lin Jianming , Zhan Lan , Gao Peng , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Huang Wei
Published: September 2022

Photocapacitor integrating both energy harvest and storage functions into a single device is a frontier research orientation, which facilitates the efficient and sustainable utilization of green energy.
Alternative methods of monitoring emerging contaminants in water: a review
Authors: Manivannan Bhuvaneshwari , Nallathambi Gobi , Devasena Thiyagarajan
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic activities have steadily increased the release of emerging contaminants (ECs) in aquatic bodies, and these ECs may have adverse effects on humans even at their trace (μg L−1) levels.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protective effects of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) milt hydrolysates on human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and dextran sodium sulphate-induced mouse colitis in vivo
Authors: Li Shiyang , Yuan Ning , Guo Wei , Chai Yuan , Song Yi , Zhao Yuanhui , Zeng Mingyong , Wu Haohao
Published: September 2022

Yellowtail milt hydrolysates have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies to maintain gut health.
Natural polyphenols: a potential prevention and treatment strategy for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Du Qinyun , Meng Xianli , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2022

Natural polyphenols from different plants (including vegetables, fruits, cocoa beans, teas and herbs) can be used to reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MS).
Impact of emulsifiers for the nanoencapsulation with maltodextrin of cannabis oil by spray drying on the physicochemical properties and bioaccessibility of cannabinoids
Authors: Lajoie Camille , Doyen Alain , Feutry Perrine , Gagnon Diane , Brisson Guillaume
Published: September 2022

Our study aimed to investigate the impact of various emulsifiers, namely whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), and Tween 80 (Tw), on their ability to encapsulate cannabis oil with maltodextrin as the wall material.
Hypouricemic effect of gallic acid, a bioactive compound fromSonneratia apetalaleaves and branches, on hyperuricemic mice
Authors: Jiang Linyun , Wu Yulin , Qu Chang , Lin Yinsi , Yi Xiaoqing , Gao Changjun , Cai Jian , Su Ziren , Zeng Huifang
Published: September 2022

A working model showing the effects of different fractions of SAL and its isolated active compound GA on PO/HX-induced renal injury.
Polarity-dependent emission from hydroxyl-free carbon nanodots
Authors: Kanwal Shamsa , Mansoor Farukh , Tu Datao , Li Renfu , Zheng Wei , Lu Shan , Chen Xueyuan
Published: September 2022

Hydroxyl free CNDs are synthesized and separated as polar (P) and non-polar (NP) CNDs according to their degree of polarity. NP-CNDs exhibit excitation wavelength-independent emissions while P-CNDs exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent emissions.
A dual gate-controlled intelligent nanoreactor enables collaborative precise treatment for cancer nanotherapy
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Tang Weina , Gong Qi , Yang Xinyi , Sun Yunqiang , Dai Zhichao , Hu Zunfu , Zheng Xiuwen
Published: September 2022

We have constructed a dual gate-controlled intelligent nanoreactor (HA-DSF@HCuS@FePtMn, HDHF) by the ingenious combination of hollow copper sulfide nanoparticles (HCuS), DSF and FePtMn nanocrystals.
In situTEM observations of growth mechanisms of PbO nanoparticles from a Sm-doped PMN-PT matrix
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Tian Xue , Zheng Ying , Zhang Yongcheng , Ye Wanneng
Published: September 2022

The evolution behavior and growth mechanism of PbO nanoparticles (NPs) from a Sm-PMN-PT matrix werein situobserved using TEM. It was found that the merging behaviors of PbO NPs were rapid and the crystal planes matched with adjacent NPs.
A two-site reactive platform in the synthesis of amino-functionalized amphiphilic molecules via sulfenic acids
Authors: Bonaccorsi Paola , Gangemi Chiara Maria Antonietta , Greco Valentina , Gattuso Giuseppe , Barattucci Anna
Published: September 2022

The synthesis of some bolaamphiphiles is described.
Directmetasubstitution of calix[4]arenes
Authors: Lhoták Pavel
Published: September 2022

This review deals with basic strategies formetasubstitution of calixarenes, with a special focus on directmetasubstitutionviaorganomercury chemistry.