bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Go for Lipids! Food Preferences and Nutrient Composition in Zoo-Housed White-Faced Sakis, Pithecia pithecia
Authors: Martins Vasco Alexandre , Magnusson Natalie , Laska Matthias
Published: December 2022

The role that single nutrients may play for food choices in nonhuman primates is not fully understood. White-faced sakis (Pithecia pithecia) are unusual among frugivorous primates as they do not serve as seed dispersers but rather exploit the seeds they consume, presumably for their high contents of lipids and proteins. Therefore, we assessed the occurrence of spontaneous food preferences in zoo-housed white-faced sakis and analyzed whether these preferences correlate with nutrient composition. Using a two-alternative choice test, we repeatedly presented three female and two male sakis with all possible binary combinations of 15 types of food that are part of their diet under human care, and found them to display the following rank order of preference: peanut > hazelnut > avocado > melon > egg > apple > mealworms > beetroot > carrot > cucumber > cabbage > tomato > sweet potato > broccoli > eggplant. This preference ranking significantly and positively correlated with the total energy content of the food items. However, we found the strongest positive correlation among the three macronutrients providing metabolic energy between the sakis’ food preferences and lipid content. This is remarkable as all other primate species tested so far using this method displayed the strongest correlation with carbohydrates instead. Together with our finding that the sakis significantly preferred foods high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, the building blocks of lipids, these results support the notion that white-faced sakis exploit the lipids contained in seeds to meet their requirements of metabolic energy.
Probiotic BC30 Improves Amino Acid Absorption from Plant Protein Concentrate in Older Women
Authors: Walden Kylie E. , Hagele Anthony M. , Orr Logan S. , Gross Kristen N. , Krieger Joesi M. , Jäger Ralf , Kerksick Chad M.
Published: December 2022

Weizmannia coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30) has previously been shown to increase protein digestion in an in vitro model of the stomach and small intestine and amino acid appearance in healthy men and women after ingestion of milk protein concentrate. The impact of ingesting BC30 with other protein sources or in other demographics is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adding BC30 to a 20-g dose of a blend of rice and pea protein on postprandial changes in blood amino acids concentrations in healthy, older women. Healthy, older females (n = 30, 58.5 ± 5.2 years, 165.4 ± 6.8 cm, 65.6 ± 8.8 kg, 23.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2) completed two separate 14-day supplementation protocols separated by a 3-week washout period. Participants were instructed to ingest a 20-g protein dose of a blend of rice and pea protein concentrates (ProDiem Plant Protein Solutions, Kerry) with (PPCBC30) or without (PPC) the addition of 1 × 109 CFU BC30 (Kerry). Body composition and demographics were assessed upon arrival to the laboratory. Upon ingestion of their final assigned supplemental dose, blood samples were taken at 0 (baseline), 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, 180-, and 240-min post-consumption and analyzed for amino acid concentrations. Alanine (p = 0.018), tryptophan (p = 0.003), cysteine (p = 0.041), essential amino acids (p = 0.050), and total amino acids (p = 0.039) all exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater AUC with PPCBC30 when compared to PPC. In addition, tryptophan (p = 0.003), cysteine (p = 0.021), essential amino acids (p = 0.049), and total amino acids (p = 0.035) displayed significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) concentration maximum (CMax) values in PPCBC30 when compared to PPC. Finally, time to reach CMax (TMax) was similar between conditions with 80% of all measured amino acids and amino acid combinations achieving CMax at a similar time (~ 60 min). Only phenylalanine TMax was found to be different (p = 0.01) between the two conditions with PPC displaying a greater proportion of TMax values after 30 min. Following qualitative (non-inferential) assessment, 88% of all measured outcomes achieved a higher AUC with PPCBC30 and 100% of all outcomes achieved a higher CMax with PPCBC30. In concert with previous findings in a younger mixed gender cohort with milk protein, the addition of BC30 to a daily 20-g dose of plant protein concentrate in healthy older women improved AUC and CMax values in several individual amino acids and amino acid combinations. Retrospectively registered on April 6, 2022, at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05313178.
To Assess the Effect of Trauma on the Temporomandibular Joint in Postoperative Cases of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures
Authors: Sankaran Mridula , Aramanadka Chithra , Kudva Adarsh , Gadicherla Srikanth
Published: December 2022

Aim and Objectives

The study aims to assess the incidence and features of temporomandibular joint(TMJ) dysfunction in post-surgical treatment of unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex(ZMC) fractures.

The objectives are:

To assess severity of TMJ dysfunction in postoperative cases of ZMC fractures.

To create awareness of the same among clinicians.

Methods

Patients presenting with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were evaluated prospectively. Evaluation of TMJ dysfunction was done by different parameters via questionnaire, clinical and radiographic examination preoperatively and a follow-up period of 1 week, 3 months and 6 months. The parameters were, clicking of joint, pain on opening /closing, pain on biting, deviation of mandible, pain in the preauricular region, ringing sound and mouth opening. Statistical analysis was done by the Friedman test and Post Hoc analysis.

Results

On presentation, 69.1% patients diagnosed with ZMC fractures presented with symptoms related to TMJ dysfunction. Post-surgery 1 week majority findings persisted, with 21 patients complained of pain on opening or closing and 2 patients with a persistent opening click. These symptoms, however, decreased over the 3 month and 6 month follow up period. 5 patients presented with decreased mouth opening which was attributed to lack of adequate physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Patients presented with mild symptoms of TMJ dysfunction until 6 months post-surgery, however these symptoms weren’t significant as the pain score assessed was found to decrease in the following post-operative periods. And the symptoms present were’nt exclusive to conclude a TMJ dysfunction. Early treatment and a close follow up are key to prevent progression of symptoms.
Eine figurationstheoretische Einordnung der Narrative zum Islam unter Engagierten, die sich für Geflüchtete einsetzen
Authors: Rommel Inken , Schwenken Helen
Published: December 2022

Der Beitrag geht einer Irritation in Interviews zum Thema „Willkommenskultur“ und Flüchtlingsunterstützung auf den Grund: Obgleich nicht danach gefragt, war die Häufigkeit von Äußerungen zu Religion und insbesondere zum Islam und Gegenüberstellungen zum Christentum auf Seiten derjenigen, die Geflüchtete unterstützen, auffällig. Engagierte teilten ihre Gedanken zu Gefahren durch den Islam, zu stark gelebtem Glauben und eine Abkapselung von der Mehrheitsgesellschaft. Die „eigene“ christliche Religion wurde viel positiver bewertet als der Islam. Negative Narrationen gegenüber dem Islam unter Engagierten können auf individueller Ebene zu paternalistischem Verhalten der Engagierten gegenüber den Geflüchteten führen und auf gesamtgesellschaftlicher Ebene dazu, dass staatliche, wohlfahrtstaatliche sowie zivilgesellschaftliche Institutionen weniger mit muslimischen Vereinen und Institutionen zusammenarbeiten. In diesem Beitrag wird daher der Frage nachgegangen, wie es in einer vermeintlich säkularen deutschen Gesellschaft zu einer so unterschiedlichen Haltung gegenüber beiden Religionen kommen kann. Dazu wird auf historische Konfliktlinien und Diskurse zwischen Christentum und Islam verwiesen, die sich in Zusammenhang mit der jeweiligen Machtbalance zwischen ihren Anhänger:innen entwickelt haben. Die Überzeugungskraft solcher historisch unterfütterten und durch aktuelle, lokale Machtverhältnisse geprägten Überzeugungen – unter Menschen, die Geflüchtete nicht ablehnen, sondern diese unterstützen wollen – werden mit der Etablierten-Außenseiter-Theorie von Norbert Elias und John L. Scotson theoretisch eingeordnet. Demnach bestehen unbewusste Abwehrmechanismen gegenüber Neuankommenden in einer Gesellschaft.
Use of sewage sludge biochar as a catalyst in production of biodiesel through thermally induced transesterification
Authors: Jung Sungyup , Kim Minyoung , Kim Yong-Hyun , Lin Kun-Yi Andrew , Chen Wei-Hsin , Tsang Yiu Fai , Kwon Eilhann E.
Published: December 2022

Sewage sludge (SS) is a residual/semi-solid material produced from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment processes. SS contains a high content of lipids and earth alkaline metals that can be used as catalysts for various chemical applications; however, its valorization has rarely been the focus of research. This study demonstrates that SS could be a promising raw material for biodiesel production and a biochar catalyst to promote the reaction kinetics of alkylation. Thermally induced transesterification of the SS extract (SSE) was performed in comparison with the conventional homogeneous reaction. SS biochar was fabricated via pyrolysis. The highest yield (33.5 wt.% per SSE) of biodiesel production was achieved in 1 min of reaction at 305 °C via thermally induced transesterification in the presence of SS biochar, while the yield of biodiesel from (trans)esterification with 5 wt.% H2SO4 was less than 1% even after 24 h. The reaction kinetics (< 1 min) of thermally induced transesterification was extraordinarily faster than that of conventional transesterification (3–24 h). The porous structure and high content of alkaline species in the SS biochar expedited the reaction kinetics. Consequently, the integrated/hybridized process for thermally induced transesterification and pyrolysis of the solid residue of SS was experimentally proved for the valorization of SS in this study. Considering that SS is being disposed of as a waste material and generates toxic chemicals in the environment, its valorization into value-added biodiesel and a catalyst could be an environmentally benign and sustainable technique.

Graphical Abstract
Concentration behaviour of normalized ground states of the mass critical fractional Schrödinger equations with ring-shaped potentials
Authors: Liu Lintao , Teng Kaimin , Yang Jie , Chen Haibo
Published: December 2022

We consider $L^{2}$-constraint minimizers of the mass critical fractional Schrödinger energy functional with a ring-shaped potential $V(x)=(|x|-M)^{2}$, where $M>0$ and $x\in \mathbb {R}^{2}$. By analysing some new estimates on the least energy of the mass critical fractional Schrödinger energy functional, we obtain the concentration behaviour of each minimizer of the mass critical fractional Schrödinger energy functional when $a\nearrow a^{\ast }=\|Q\|_{2}^{2s}$, where $Q$ is the unique positive radial solution of $(-\Delta )^{s}u+su-|u|^{2s}u=0$ in $\mathbb {R}^{2}$.
International Yield Spillovers
Authors: Kim Don H. , Ochoa Marcelo
Published: December 2022

This article investigates spillovers from foreign economies to the U.S. through changes in long-term Treasury yields. We document a decline in the contribution of U.S. domestic news to the variance of long-term Treasury yields and an increased importance of overnight yield changes, a proxy for foreign shocks’ contribution to U.S. yields. A model that identifies U.S., Euro area, and U.K. shocks that move global yields suggests that foreign shocks account for at least 20% of the daily variation in long-term U.S. yields in recent years. We also document the predictability of long-term U.S. yields by the U.S.–foreign yield spread.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Grofman Bernard
Published: December 2022

This minisymposium brings together excerpts from the expert witness declarations of four political scientists in an important case challenging California's congressional reapportionment as an unconstitutional political gerrymander,Badham v. Eu(D.C. California, 1984). These declarations are merely the “opening gun” inBadham. If the case goes to trial, we can anticipate additional statistical analyses will be performed and, of course, each of these experts would be subject to cross-examination about his testimony. Nonetheless, these four declarations represent an excellent illustration of the potential for political science (and political scientists) to be helpful to (even if not determinative of) judicial decision-making in an important policy arena.

The basic issues raised byBadhamare as follows:

What is a gerrymander? Are there manageable standards through which political gerrymandering can be detected and measured? Is there (prima facie) evidence giving rise to a (rebuttable) presumption that the California congressional plans in 1981 and 1983 were political gerrymandering? Ought political gerrymandering to be justiciable? If so, did the degree of political manipulation in the California congressional plan(s) rise to the level of constitutional violation? If political gerrymandering is held justiciable, on whom should the burden of proof of gerrymandering rest?
An FSS-based shared-aperture antenna for 5G/Wi-Fi communication and indoor 5G blind compensation
Authors: Fan Yu Lu , Lin Xian Qi , Yang Xinmi
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a frequency selective surface (FSS) based shared-aperture antenna is designed for 5G/Wi-Fi applications. The 5G and Wi-Fi channel are separated to achieve different polarizations and simultaneous work. The proposed antenna is of ±45°-polarization in the 5G N79 band and vertical polarization in the Wi-Fi5.8 GHz band. The antenna is vertically stacked with the N79 band antenna located above the Wi-Fi band antenna. The N79 antenna is composed of FSS units with transmissive characteristics in the Wi-Fi band, and serves as an electromagnetically transparent surface to avoid blocking the Wi-Fi antenna. A prototype of our design is fabricated, assembled and tested, and measured results show that the prototype is able to cover the entire N79 band (4.1–5.2 GHz, 23.7%) and Wi-Fi5.8 GHz band (5.73–5.89 GHz, 2.8%). Measured average gain is 8.2 and 7.8 dBi in the N79 and Wi-Fi band, respectively, and radiation efficiency is over 86 and 80%. The proposed design exhibits separated channels, tri-polarizations, high gain and compact size, which is sufficient for regular 5G/Wi-Fi applications. The antenna also achieves a relatively wide and highly consistent signal coverage in the two bands, making it suitable for 5G/Wi-Fi multi-function communication and indoor 5G blind compensation.
NASA’s Perseverance Rover Records the First Sounds of a Dust Devil on Mars
Authors: Kelvey Jon
Published: December 2022

In a stroke of luck, the SuperCam microphone on Perseverance was turned on the moment a dust devil swept directly over the rover.
Antarctic Ice‐Sheet Meltwater Reduces Transient Warming and Climate Sensitivity Through the Sea‐Surface Temperature Pattern Effect
Authors: Dong Yue , Pauling Andrew G. , Sadai Shaina , Armour Kyle C.
Published: December 2022

Coupled global climate models (GCMs) generally fail to reproduce the observed sea‐surface temperature (SST) trend pattern since the 1980s. The model‐observation discrepancies may arise in part from the lack of realistic Antarctic ice‐sheet meltwater input in GCMs. Here we employ two sets of CESM1‐CAM5 simulations forced by anomalous Antarctic meltwater fluxes over 1980–2013 and through the 21st century. Both show a reduced global warming rate and an SST trend pattern that better resembles observations. The meltwater drives surface cooling in the Southern Ocean and the tropical southeast Pacific, in turn increasing low‐cloud cover and driving radiative feedbacks to become more stabilizing (corresponding to a lower effective climate sensitivity). These feedback changes can contribute as substantially as ocean heat uptake efficiency changes in reducing the global warming rate. Accurately projecting historical and future warming thus requires improved representation of Antarctic meltwater and its impacts.
Close View of the Lightning Attachment Process Unveils the Streamer Zone Fine Structure
Authors: Saba Marcelo M. F. , da Silva Diego Rhamon R. , Pantuso John G. , da Silva Caitano L.
Published: December 2022

A very close high‐speed video observation of lightning attachment to a building revealed novel details regarding the leader streamer zone dynamics. Upward leaders propagate in a steady and unbranched manner, displaying a uniformly luminous corona brush. The exception being the upward connecting leader (UCL) just before connection, when its streamer zone increases in size and develops a more filamentary pattern. Downward negative leaders have 3‐m long multiple streamers emanating from each negative leader tip. On some occasions, plasma formations known as space stems are seen to form in the location previously occupied by negative streamers. Space stems have luminosities comparable to the main leader channel, but are detached from it by 4 m. Some space stems display streamers of their own, including cases where streamers are emanating from both ends. The space stem formation hampered the propagation of the negative leader that was closest to the UCL.
The Weakened Upwelling at the Upstream Kuroshio in the East China Sea Induced Extensive Sea Surface Warming
Authors: Wei Yi , Ding Ruibin , Huang Daji , Xuan Jiliang , Li Hongliang , Zhang Jingjing , Ma Xiao , Zhou Feng , Chen Jianfang
Published: December 2022

The interannual sea surface temperature trend of the Kuroshio in the East China Sea (ECS‐Kuroshio) is significantly different from that of the ECS‐shelf region. Based on 33 years (1982–2014) of observational temperature data in the ECS, the upstream ECS‐Kuroshio, as an upwelling region, shows an opposite temperature trend to the downstream ECS‐Kuroshio, creating a horizontal “dipole” structure. Vertical heat transport modulated by upwelling variability in the upstream ECS‐Kuroshio can be the main factor for the distinct temperature trend in the upstream ECS‐Kuroshio. This upstream trend can expand to downstream areas through horizontal advections. As a result, the weakened upwelling triggered a significant warming trend in the entire upper layer of the ECS‐Kuroshio during the warming period (1999–2014). The weakening trend of upwelling and global rewarming conditions may lead to robust warming in the Kuroshio region in the middle of this century.
An Unsupervised Machine‐Learning Approach to Understanding Seismicity at an Alpine Glacier
Authors: Sawi T. , Holtzman Ben , Walter Fabian , Paisley John
Published: December 2022

It is critical to understand the dynamic conditions of Earth's cryosphere, yet the subglacial and englacial environments that control many aspects of ice behavior are inherently difficult to observe. The study of seismicity in glaciers and ice sheets has provided valuable insights about the cryosphere for decades, more recently aided by tools from machine learning. Here, we present an unsupervised machine‐learning approach to discovering and interpreting cryoseismic patterns using 5 weeks of seismic data recorded at Gornergletscher, Switzerland. Our algorithm utilizes non‐negative matrix factorization and hidden Markov modeling to reduce spectrograms into characteristic, low‐dimensional “fingerprints,” which we reduce further using principal component analysis, then cluster using k‐means clustering. We investigate the timing, locations, and statistical properties of the clusters in relation to temperature, GPS and lake‐level measurements, and find that signals associated with lake flooding tend to occupy one cluster, whereas signals associated with afternoon and evening melt‐water flow reside in others. We suggest that the one cluster contains signals that include the true initiation of the flood's englacial and subglacial drainage components. This work demonstrates an unsupervised machine‐learning approach to exploring both continuous and event‐based glacial seismic data.
High efficiency pure blue perovskite quantum dot light-emitting diodes based on formamidinium manipulating carrier dynamics and electron state filling
Authors: Gao Long , Zhang Yilin , Gou Lijie , Wang Qian , Wang Meng , Zheng Weitao , Wang Yinghui , Yip Hin-Lap , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: December 2022

Achieving high efficiency and stable pure blue colloidal perovskite quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is still an enormous challenge because blue emitters typically exhibit high defect density, low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and easy phase dissociation. Herein, an organic cation composition modification strategy is used to synthesize high-performance pure blue perovskite quantum dots at room temperature. The synthesized FA-CsPb(Cl0.5Br0.5)3 QDs show a bright photoluminescence with a high PLQY (65%), which is 6 times higher than the undoped samples. In addition, the photophysical properties of the FA cation doping was deeply illustrated through carrier dynamics and first principal calculation, which show lower defects, longer lifetime, and more reasonable band gap structure than undoped emitters. Consequently, pure blue FA-CsPb(Cl0.5Br0.5)3 QDs light-emitting devices were fabricated and presented a maximum luminance of 1452 cd m−2, and an external quantum efficiency of 5.01 % with an emission at 474 nm. The excellent photoelectric properties mainly originate from the enhanced blue QDs emitter and effective charge injection and exciton radiation. Our finding underscores this easy and feasible room temperature doping approach as an alternative strategy to blue perovskite QD LED development.
Wafer-level vapor cells filled with laser-actuated hermetic seals for integrated atomic devices
Authors: Maurice Vincent , Carlé Clément , Keshavarzi Shervin , Chutani Ravinder , Queste Samuel , Gauthier-Manuel Ludovic , Cote Jean-Marc , Vicarini Rémy , Abdel Hafiz Moustafa , Boudot Rodolphe , Passilly Nicolas
Published: December 2022

Atomic devices such as atomic clocks and optically-pumped magnetometers rely on the interrogation of atoms contained in a cell whose inner content has to meet high standards of purity and accuracy. Glass-blowing techniques and craftsmanship have evolved over many decades to achieve such standards in macroscopic vapor cells. With the emergence of chip-scale atomic devices, the need for miniaturization and mass fabrication has led to the adoption of microfabrication techniques to make millimeter-scale vapor cells. However, many shortcomings remain and no process has been able to match the quality and versatility of glass-blown cells. Here, we introduce a novel approach to structure, fill and seal microfabricated vapor cells inspired from the century-old approach of glass-blowing, through opening and closing single-use zero-leak microfabricated valves. These valves are actuated exclusively by laser, and operate in the same way as the “make-seals” and “break-seals” found in the filling apparatus of traditional cells. Such structures are employed to fill cesium vapor cells at the wafer-level. The make-seal structure consists of a glass membrane that can be locally heated and deflected to seal a microchannel. The break-seal is obtained by breaching a silicon wall between cavities. This new approach allows adapting processes previously restricted to glass-blown cells. It can also be extended to vacuum microelectronics and vacuum-packaging of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Optimal deep brain stimulation sites and networks for stimulation of the fornix in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ríos Ana Sofía , Oxenford Simón , Neudorfer Clemens , Butenko Konstantin , Li Ningfei , Rajamani Nanditha , Boutet Alexandre , Elias Gavin J. B. , Germann Jurgen , Loh Aaron , Deeb Wissam , Wang Fuyixue , Setsompop Kawin , Salvato Bryan , Almeida Leonardo Brito de , Foote Kelly D. , Amaral Robert , Rosenberg Paul B. , Tang-Wai David F. , Wolk David A. , Burke Anna D. , Salloway Stephen , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Smith Gwenn S. , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Okun Michael S. , Anderson William S. , Mari Zoltan , Ponce Francisco A. , Lozano Andres M. , Horn Andreas
Published: December 2022

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the fornix is an investigational treatment for patients with mild Alzheimer’s Disease. Outcomes from randomized clinical trials have shown that cognitive function improved in some patients but deteriorated in others. This could be explained by variance in electrode placement leading to differential engagement of neural circuits. To investigate this, we performed a post-hoc analysis on a multi-center cohort of 46 patients with DBS to the fornix (NCT00658125, NCT01608061). Using normative structural and functional connectivity data, we found that stimulation of the circuit of Papez and stria terminalis robustly associated with cognitive improvement (R = 0.53,p < 0.001). On a local level, the optimal stimulation site resided at the direct interface between these structures (R = 0.48,p < 0.001). Finally, modulating specific distributed brain networks related to memory accounted for optimal outcomes (R = 0.48,p < 0.001). Findings were robust to multiple cross-validation designs and may define an optimal network target that could refine DBS surgery and programming.
Biodiversity–stability relationships strengthen over time in a long-term grassland experiment
Authors: Wagg Cameron , Roscher Christiane , Weigelt Alexandra , Vogel Anja , Ebeling Anne , de Luca Enrica , Roeder Anna , Kleinspehn Clemens , Temperton Vicky M. , Meyer Sebastian T. , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Buchmann Nina , Fischer Markus , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Eisenhauer Nico , Schmid Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated that biodiversity drives ecosystem functioning, yet how biodiversity loss alters ecosystems functioning and stability in the long-term lacks experimental evidence. We report temporal effects of species richness on community productivity, stability, species asynchrony, and complementarity, and how the relationships among them change over 17 years in a grassland biodiversity experiment. Productivity declined more rapidly in less diverse communities resulting in temporally strengthening positive effects of richness on productivity, complementarity, and stability. In later years asynchrony played a more important role in increasing community stability as the negative effect of richness on population stability diminished. Only during later years did species complementarity relate to species asynchrony. These results show that species complementarity and asynchrony can take more than a decade to develop strong stabilizing effects on ecosystem functioning in diverse plant communities. Thus, the mechanisms stabilizing ecosystem functioning change with community age.
Exosomal miR-1304-3p promotes breast cancer progression in African Americans by activating cancer-associated adipocytes
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wu Kerui , Sharma Sambad , Xing Fei , Wu Shih-Ying , Tyagi Abhishek , Deshpande Ravindra , Singh Ravi , Wabitsch Martin , Mo Yin-Yuan , Watabe Kounosuke
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer displays disparities in mortality between African Americans and Caucasian Americans. However, the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identify miR-1304-3p as the most upregulated microRNA in African American patients. Importantly, its expression significantly correlates with poor progression-free survival in African American patients. Ectopic expression of miR-1304 promotes tumor progression in vivo. Exosomal miR-1304-3p activates cancer-associated adipocytes that release lipids and enhance cancer cell growth. Moreover, we identify the anti-adipogenic gene GATA2 as the target of miR-1304-3p. Notably, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the miR-1304 stem-loop region shows a significant difference in frequencies of the G allele between African and Caucasian American groups, which promotes the maturation of miR-1304-3p. Therefore, our results reveal a mechanism of the disparity in breast cancer progression and suggest a potential utility of miR-1304-3p and the associated SNP as biomarkers for predicting the outcome of African American patients.
In-depth mapping of protein localizations in whole tissue by micro-scaffold assisted spatial proteomics (MASP)
Authors: Ma Min , Huo Shihan , Zhang Ming , Qian Shuo , Zhu Xiaoyu , Pu Jie , Rasam Sailee , Xue Chao , Shen Shichen , An Bo , Wang Jianmin , Qu Jun
Published: December 2022

Accurate, in-depth mapping of proteins on whole-tissue levels provides comprehensive insights into the spatially-organized regulatory processes/networks in tissues, but is challenging. Here we describe a micro-scaffold assisted spatial proteomics (MASP) strategy, based on spatially-resolved micro-compartmentalization of tissue using a 3D-printed micro-scaffold, capable of mapping thousands of proteins across a whole-tissue slice with excellent quantitative accuracy/precision. The pipeline includes robust tissue micro-compartmentalization with precisely-preserved spatial information, reproducible procurement and preparation of the micro-specimens, followed by sensitive LC-MS analysis and map generation by a MAsP app. The mapping accuracy was validated by comparing the MASP-generated maps of spiked-in peptides and brain-region-specific markers with known patterns, and by correlating the maps of the two protein components of the same heterodimer. The MASP was applied in mapping >5000 cerebral proteins in the mouse brain, encompassing numerous important brain markers, regulators, and transporters, where many of these proteins had not previously been mapped on the whole-tissue level.
Stratospheric impacts on dust transport and air pollution in West Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Dai Ying , Hitchcock Peter , Mahowald Natalie M. , Domeisen Daniela I. V. , Hamilton Douglas S. , Li Longlei , Marticorena Beatrice , Kanakidou Maria , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Aboagye-Okyere Adwoa
Published: December 2022

Saharan dust intrusions strongly impact Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal regions. Today, most operational dust forecasts extend only 2–5 days. Here we show that on timescales of weeks to months, North African dust emission and transport are impacted by sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs), which establish a negative North Atlantic Oscillation-like surface signal. Chemical transport models show a large-scale dipolar dust response to SSWs, with the burden in the Eastern Mediterranean enhanced up to 30% and a corresponding reduction in West Africa. Observations of inhalable particulate (PM10) concentrations and aerosol optical depth confirm this dipole. On average, a single SSW causes 680–2460 additional premature deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean and prevents 1180–2040 premature deaths in West Africa from exposure to dust-source fine particulate (PM2.5). Currently, SSWs are predictable 1–2 weeks in advance. Altogether, the stratosphere represents an important source of subseasonal predictability for air quality over West Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
A Mycobacterium tuberculosis fingerprint in human breath allows tuberculosis detection
Authors: Mosquera-Restrepo Sergio Fabián , Zuberogoïtia Sophie , Gouxette Lucie , Layre Emilie , Gilleron Martine , Stella Alexandre , Rengel David , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Caro Ana Cecilia , Garcia Luis F. , Segura César , Peláez Jaramillo Carlos Alberto , Rojas Mauricio , Nigou Jérôme
Published: December 2022

An estimated one-third of tuberculosis (TB) cases go undiagnosed or unreported. Sputum samples, widely used for TB diagnosis, are inefficient at detecting infection in children and paucibacillary patients. Indeed, developing point-of-care biomarker-based diagnostics that are not sputum-based is a major priority for the WHO. Here, in a proof-of-concept study, we tested whether pulmonary TB can be detected by analyzing patient exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples. We find that the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific lipids, lipoarabinomannan lipoglycan, and proteins in EBCs can efficiently differentiate baseline TB patients from controls. We used EBCs to track the longitudinal effects of antibiotic treatment in pediatric TB patients. In addition, Mtb lipoarabinomannan and lipids were structurally distinct in EBCs compared to ex vivo cultured bacteria, revealing specific metabolic and biochemical states of Mtb in the human lung. This provides essential information for the rational development or improvement of diagnostic antibodies, vaccines and therapeutic drugs. Our data collectively indicate that EBC analysis can potentially facilitate clinical diagnosis of TB across patient populations and monitor treatment efficacy. This affordable, rapid and non-invasive approach seems superior to sputum assays and has the potential to be implemented at point-of-care.
Direct observation of long-range chirality transfer in a self-assembled supramolecular monolayer at interface in situ
Authors: Zhang Yuening , Qin Xujin , Zhu Xuefeng , Liu Minghua , Guo Yuan , Zhang Zhen
Published: December 2022

Due to the interest in the origin of life and the need to synthesize new functional materials, the study of the origin of chirality has been given significant attention. The mechanism of chirality transfer at molecular and supramolecular levels remains underexplored. Herein, we study the mechanism of chirality transfer ofN, N’-bis (octadecyl)-L-/D-(anthracene-9-carboxamide)-glutamic diamide (L-/D-GAn) supramolecular chiral self-assembled at the air/water interface by chiral sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (chiral SFG) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We observe long-range chirality transfer in the systems. The chirality of Cα-H is transferred first to amide groups and then transferred to the anthracene unit, through intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking to produce an antiparallelβ-sheet-like structure, and finally it is transferred to the end of hydrophobic alkyl chains at the interface. These results are relevant for understanding the chirality origin in supramolecular systems and the rational design of supramolecular chiral materials.
Composition and toxicity of venom produced by araneophagous white-tailed spiders (Lamponidae: Lampona sp.﻿)
Authors: Michálek Ondřej , Walker Andrew A. , Šedo Ondrej , Zdráhal Zbyněk , King Glenn F. , Pekár Stano
Published: December 2022

Prey-specialised spiders are adapted to capture specific prey items, including dangerous prey. The venoms of specialists are often prey-specific and less complex than those of generalists, but their venom composition has not been studied in detail. Here, we investigated the venom of the prey-specialised white-tailed spiders (Lamponidae: Lampona), which utilise specialised morphological and behavioural adaptations to capture spider prey. We analysed the venom composition using proteo-transcriptomics and taxon-specific toxicity using venom bioassays. Our analysis identified 208 putative toxin sequences, comprising 103 peptides < 10 kDa and 105 proteins > 10 kDa. Most peptides belonged to one of two families characterised by scaffolds containing eight or ten cysteine residues. Toxin-like proteins showed similarity to galectins, leucine-rich repeat proteins, trypsins and neprilysins. The venom of Lampona was shown to be more potent against the preferred spider prey than against alternative cricket prey. In contrast, the venom of a related generalist was similarly potent against both prey types. These data provide insights into the molecular adaptations of venoms produced by prey-specialised spiders.
Embodying the avatar of an omnipotent agent modulates the perception of one’s own abilities and enhances feelings of invulnerability
Authors: Frisanco Althea , Schepisi Michael , Tieri Gaetano , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: December 2022

Immersive virtual reality can give people the illusion of owning artificial bodies (i.e., avatars) and controlling their actions. Tellingly, people appear to adhere to the newly embodied entities not just on the basis of physical traits but also behaving accordingly with the hallmarks of the represented characters. In two studies we pushed the limits of this process by testing if one’s own sense of power could be affected by embodying the anthropomorphic representation of the Christian God, that is considered an omnipotent entity. A human Muscled and a Normotype avatar were used as controls. Results showed that participants embodying the God-avatar: (i) reacted to a threatening event compromising their physical safety by exhibiting a lower skin conductance response and heart rate deceleration compared to the Normotype-control avatar (Study 1); (ii) estimated they had more physical abilities compared to both the Normotype-control and the Muscled-control avatars (Study 2). Taken together, our findings suggest that embodying an omnipotent agent may exert an influence on people’s perception of their own limits and capabilities, nourishing feelings of physical invulnerability and strength. Our study indicates that effectively embodying virtual role models may boost achievements and have translational implications in the field of empowerment.
Identification and characterization of learning weakness from drawing analysis at the pre-literacy stage
Authors: Dui Linda Greta , Lomurno Eugenio , Lunardini Francesca , Termine Cristiano , Campi Alessandro , Matteucci Matteo , Ferrante Simona
Published: December 2022

Handwriting learning delays should be addressed early to prevent their exacerbation and long-lasting consequences on whole children’s lives. Ideally, proper training should start even before learning how to write. This work presents a novel method to disclose potential handwriting problems, from a pre-literacy stage, based on drawings instead of words production analysis. Two hundred forty-one kindergartners drew on a tablet, and we computed features known to be distinctive of poor handwriting from symbols drawings. We verified that abnormal features patterns reflected abnormal drawings, and found correspondence in experts’ evaluation of the potential risk of developing a learning delay in the graphical sphere. A machine learning model was able to discriminate with 0.75 sensitivity and 0.76 specificity children at risk. Finally, we explained why children were considered at risk by the algorithms to inform teachers on the specific weaknesses that need training. Thanks to this system, early intervention to train specific learning delays will be finally possible.
Utilizing MALDI-TOF MS and LC-MS/MS to access serum peptidome-based biomarkers in canine oral tumors
Authors: Ploypetch Sekkarin , Jaresitthikunchai Janthima , Phaonakrop Narumon , Sakcamduang Walasinee , Manee-in Sukanya , Suriyaphol Prapat , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Suriyaphol Gunnaporn
Published: December 2022

Tumors frequently found in dogs include canine oral tumors, either cancerous or noncancerous. The bloodstream is an important route for tumor metastasis, particularly for late-stage oral melanoma (LOM) and late-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (LOSCC). The present study aimed to investigate serum peptidome-based biomarkers of dogs with early-stage oral melanoma, LOM, LOSCC, benign oral tumors, chronic periodontitis and healthy controls, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A principal component analysis plot showed distinct clusters among all groups. Four peptides were identified, including peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase FKBP4 isoform X2 (FKBP4), steroid hormone receptor ERR1 (ESRRA or ERRA), immunoglobulin superfamily member 10 (IGSF10) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 5 (ABCB5). FKBP4, ESRRA and ABCB5 were found to be overexpressed in both LOM and LOSCC, whereas IGSF10 expression was markedly increased in LOSCC only. These four proteins also played a crucial role in numerous pathways of cancer metastasis and showed a strong relationship with chemotherapy drugs. In conclusion, this study showed rapid screening of canine oral tumors using serum and MALDI-TOF MS. In addition, potential serum peptidome-based biomarker candidates for LOM and LOSCC were identified.
Adaptations by the coral Acropora tenuis confer resilience to future thermal stress
Authors: Hazraty-Kari Sanaz , Tavakoli-Kolour Parviz , Kitanobo Seiya , Nakamura Takashi , Morita Masaya
Published: December 2022

Elevated temperatures cause coral bleaching and reef degradation. However, coral may have strategies to survive by reproducing more heat-tolerable larvae. We examine the direct and carryover effects of thermal stress on fecundity and fitness in the reef-building coral Acropora tenuis. Fragments from the same colony are subjected to control temperature (~27.5 °C) or heat stress (~31 °C) for ten days. We then examine the fecundity of adults (egg number and size) and the thermal tolerance of larvae and recruits (survival rates, growth, and size). The stressed fragments show a trade-off in egg production, an increase in egg number but a decrease in size. In addition, larvae and recruits from the stressed colony show marginally higher survival rates in the higher water temperature but do not differ in the control condition. Therefore, corals produce more heat-resistant larvae and recruits after they experience heat stress, which may improve coral reef resilience.
Single cell RNA sequencing of the adult Drosophila eye reveals distinct clusters and novel marker genes for all major cell types
Authors: Yeung Kelvin , Bollepogu Raja Komal Kumar , Shim Yoon-Kyung , Li Yumei , Chen Rui , Mardon Graeme
Published: December 2022

The adult Drosophila eye is a powerful model system for phototransduction and neurodegeneration research. However, single cell resolution transcriptomic data are lacking for this tissue. We present single cell RNA-seq data on 1-day male and female, 3-day and 7-day old male adult eyes, covering early to mature adult eyes. All major cell types, including photoreceptors, cone and pigment cells in the adult eye were captured and identified. Our data sets identified novel cell type specific marker genes, some of which were validated in vivo. R7 and R8 photoreceptors form clusters that reflect their specific Rhodopsin expression and the specific Rhodopsin expression by each R7 and R8 cluster is the major determinant to their clustering. The transcriptomic data presented in this report will facilitate a deeper mechanistic understanding of the adult fly eye as a model system.
Deep learning models for predicting RNA degradation via dual crowdsourcing
Authors: Wayment-Steele Hannah K. , Kladwang Wipapat , Watkins Andrew M. , Kim Do Soon , Tunguz Bojan , Reade Walter , Demkin Maggie , Romano Jonathan , Wellington-Oguri Roger , Nicol John J. , Gao Jiayang , Onodera Kazuki , Fujikawa Kazuki , Mao Hanfei , Vandewiele Gilles , Tinti Michele , Steenwinckel Bram , Ito Takuya , Noumi Taiga , He Shujun , Ishi Keiichiro , Lee Youhan , Öztürk Fatih , Chiu King Yuen , Öztürk Emin , Amer Karim , Fares Mohamed ,   Eterna Participants, Das Rhiju
Published: December 2022

Medicines based on messenger RNA (mRNA) hold immense potential, as evidenced by their rapid deployment as COVID-19 vaccines. However, worldwide distribution of mRNA molecules has been limited by their thermostability, which is fundamentally limited by the intrinsic instability of RNA molecules to a chemical degradation reaction called in-line hydrolysis. Predicting the degradation of an RNA molecule is a key task in designing more stable RNA-based therapeutics. Here, we describe a crowdsourced machine learning competition (‘Stanford OpenVaccine’) on Kaggle, involving single-nucleotide resolution measurements on 6,043 diverse 102–130-nucleotide RNA constructs that were themselves solicited through crowdsourcing on the RNA design platform Eterna. The entire experiment was completed in less than 6 months, and 41% of nucleotide-level predictions from the winning model were within experimental error of the ground truth measurement. Furthermore, these models generalized to blindly predicting orthogonal degradation data on much longer mRNA molecules (504–1,588 nucleotides) with improved accuracy compared with previously published models. These results indicate that such models can represent in-line hydrolysis with excellent accuracy, supporting their use for designing stabilized messenger RNAs. The integration of two crowdsourcing platforms, one for dataset creation and another for machine learning, may be fruitful for other urgent problems that demand scientific discovery on rapid timescales.
Operando monitoring of a room temperature nanocomposite methanol sensor
Authors: Maqbool Qaisar , Yigit Nevzat , Stöger-Pollach Michael , Ruello Maria Letizia , Tittarelli Francesca , Rupprechter Günther
Published: December 2022

A cross-disciplinary approach is employed to study working nanocomposite room temperature methanol sensors via a combination of operando and in situ spectroscopy techniques, paralleled by resistance measurements.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the usage of benzalkonium chloride and other disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Jahn Leif G. , Tang Mengjia , Blomdahl Daniel , Bhattacharyya Nirvan , Abue Pearl , Novoselac Atila , Ruiz Lea Hildebrandt , Misztal Pawel K.
Published: December 2022

Commonly used disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) can emit a variety of VOCs during application with some of the VOCs derived from the QACs and their synthetic process.
Mechanical tough and multicolor aggregation-induced emissive polymeric hydrogels for fluorescent patterning
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Ruijia , Lu Wei , Li Wanning , Chen Si , Chen Tao
Published: December 2022

Multicolor hydrogels that can sustain a high stress of 1 MPa were obtained by chemically introducing methyl picolinate moieties into dually cross-linked alginate networks with metal (Ca2+/Tb3+/Eu3+) coordination and hydrogen bonding crosslinks.
Porous carbon-based metal-free monolayers towards highly stable and flexible wearable thermoelectrics and microelectronics
Authors: Shi Xiaoran , Liu Hongsheng , Hu Ziyu , Zhao Jijun , Gao Junfeng
Published: December 2022

Two graphene-like macrocyclic monolayers are proposed with high strength and ultrahigh carrier mobilities and ZT values, having promising applications in mechanical enhancement, microelectronics, wearable electronics and thermoelectric devices.
Favorable nucleation and continuous regulation direct uniform and oblate Li deposition
Authors: Liu Chen , Sun Shuting , Jin Shan , Lin Tianning , Ding Fei , Li Ruhong , Dai Changsong
Published: December 2022

This work reports a more uniform and oblate Li plating morphology assisted by ZnS-rich matrix and proposes the dynamic bi-phasic regulation mechanism.
An assembled ternary photocatalyst CoPh/CdSe@TiO2 for simultaneous photocatalytic CO2and proton reduction
Authors: Hu Jun-Chao , Wu Jin , Deng Bo-Yi , Wang Feng
Published: December 2022

The utilization of solar energy to produce solar fuels, namely hydrogen (H2) and carbon-based fuels, represents a sustainable and clean method for fuel production.
Cyclocondensation reactions of racemic diastereomers of dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexanepropionic acids with (R)-phenylglycinol: access to both enantiomers of dimethylcis-decahydroquinolines
Authors: Calbó Arnau , Griera Rosa , Bosch Joan , Amat Mercedes
Published: December 2022

The procedure has been applied to the synthesis of 5,8-, 6,8-, and 7,8-dimethyl-cis-decahydroquinolines in both enantiomeric series.
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1–T2 dual-modal magnetic resonance contrast-enhanced imaging for rat liver fibrosis stage
Authors: Lu Fulin , Du Liang , Chen Wei , Jiang Hai , Yang Chenwu , Pu Yu , Wu Jun , Zhu Jiang , Chen Tianwu , Zhang Xiaoming , Wu Changqiang
Published: December 2022

The T1–T2 dual-modal image fusion based on PEGylated ultrafine superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystal (SPIO@PEG) contrast-enhanced MRI has great potential for the evaluation and diagnosis of liver fibrosis.
An off–on fluorescence aptasensor for trace thrombin detection based on FRET between CdS QDs and AuNPs
Authors: Li Pu , Luo Chen , Chen Xiaoxiao , Huang Chaobiao
Published: December 2022

The sensing mechanism of a proposed CdS QDs-apt/cDNA-AuNPs FRET switch for thrombin detection.