bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of novel charge ordering and spin reorientation in perovskite oxide PbFeO3
Authors: Ye Xubin , Zhao Jianfa , Das Hena , Sheptyakov Denis , Yang Junye , Sakai Yuki , Hojo Hajime , Liu Zhehong , Zhou Long , Cao Lipeng , Nishikubo Takumi , Wakazaki Shogo , Dong Cheng , Wang Xiao , Hu Zhiwei , Lin Hong-Ji , Chen Chien-Te , Sahle Christoph , Efiminko Anna , Cao Huibo , Calder Stuart , Mibu Ko , Kenzelmann Michel , Tjeng Liu Hao , Yu Runze , Azuma Masaki , Jin Changqing , Long Youwen
Published: March 2021

PbMO3 (M = 3d transition metals) family shows systematic variations in charge distribution and intriguing physical properties due to its delicate energy balance between Pb 6s and transition metal 3d orbitals. However, the detailed structure and physical properties of PbFeO3 remain unclear. Herein, we reveal that PbFeO3 crystallizes into an unusual 2ap × 6ap × 2ap orthorhombic perovskite super unit cell with space group Cmcm. The distinctive crystal construction and valence distribution of Pb2+0.5Pb4+0.5FeO3 lead to a long range charge ordering of the -A-B-B- type of the layers with two different oxidation states of Pb (Pb2+ and Pb4+) in them. A weak ferromagnetic transition with canted antiferromagnetic spins along the a-axis is found to occur at 600 K. In addition, decreasing the temperature causes a spin reorientation transition towards a collinear antiferromagnetic structure with spin moments along the b-axis near 418 K. Our theoretical investigations reveal that the peculiar charge ordering of Pb generates two Fe3+ magnetic sublattices with competing anisotropic energies, giving rise to the spin reorientation at such a high critical temperature.
Stochastic sampling effects favor manual over digital contact tracing
Authors: Mancastroppa Marco , Castellano Claudio , Vezzani Alessandro , Burioni Raffaella
Published: March 2021

Isolation of symptomatic individuals, tracing and testing of their nonsymptomatic contacts are fundamental strategies for mitigating the current COVID-19 pandemic. The breaking of contagion chains relies on two complementary strategies: manual reconstruction of contacts based on interviews and a digital (app-based) privacy-preserving contact tracing. We compare their effectiveness using model parameters tailored to describe SARS-CoV-2 diffusion within the activity-driven model, a general empirically validated framework for network dynamics. We show that, even for equal probability of tracing a contact, manual tracing robustly performs better than the digital protocol, also taking into account the intrinsic delay and limited scalability of the manual procedure. This result is explained in terms of the stochastic sampling occurring during the case-by-case manual reconstruction of contacts, contrasted with the intrinsically prearranged nature of digital tracing, determined by the decision to adopt the app or not by each individual. The better performance of manual tracing is enhanced by heterogeneity in agent behavior: superspreaders not adopting the app are completely invisible to digital contact tracing, while they can be easily traced manually, due to their multiple contacts. We show that this intrinsic difference makes the manual procedure dominant in realistic hybrid protocols.
A conserved role for the ALS-linked splicing factor SFPQ in repression of pathogenic cryptic last exons
Authors: Gordon Patricia M. , Hamid Fursham , Makeyev Eugene V. , Houart Corinne
Published: March 2021

The RNA-binding protein SFPQ plays an important role in neuronal development and has been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we report that loss of sfpq leads to premature termination of multiple transcripts due to widespread activation of previously unannotated cryptic last exons (CLEs). These SFPQ-inhibited CLEs appear preferentially in long introns of genes with neuronal functions and can dampen gene expression outputs and/or give rise to short peptides interfering with the normal gene functions. We show that one such peptide encoded by the CLE-containing epha4b mRNA isoform is responsible for neurodevelopmental defects in the sfpq mutant. The uncovered CLE-repressive activity of SFPQ is conserved in mouse and human, and SFPQ-inhibited CLEs are found expressed across ALS iPSC-derived neurons. These results greatly expand our understanding of SFPQ function and uncover a gene regulation mechanism with wide relevance to human neuropathologies.
Oncolytic virotherapy induced CSDE1 neo-antigenesis restricts VSV replication but can be targeted by immunotherapy
Authors: Kottke Timothy , Tonne Jason , Evgin Laura , Driscoll Christopher B. , van Vloten Jacob , Jennings Victoria A. , Huff Amanda L. , Zell Brady , Thompson Jill M. , Wongthida Phonphimon , Pulido Jose , Schuelke Matthew R. , Samson Adel , Selby Peter , Ilett Elizabeth , McNiven Mark , Roberts Lewis R. , Borad Mitesh J. , Pandha Hardev , Harrington Kevin , Melcher Alan , Vile Richard G.
Published: March 2021

In our clinical trials of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus expressing interferon beta (VSV-IFNβ), several patients achieved initial responses followed by aggressive relapse. We show here that VSV-IFNβ-escape tumors predictably express a point-mutated CSDE1P5S form of the RNA-binding Cold Shock Domain-containing E1 protein, which promotes escape as an inhibitor of VSV replication by disrupting viral transcription. Given time, VSV-IFNβ evolves a compensatory mutation in the P/M Inter-Genic Region which rescues replication in CSDE1P5S cells. These data show that CSDE1 is a major cellular co-factor for VSV replication. However, CSDE1P5S also generates a neo-epitope recognized by non-tolerized T cells. We exploit this predictable neo-antigenesis to drive, and trap, tumors into an escape phenotype, which can be ambushed by vaccination against CSDE1P5S, preventing tumor escape. Combining frontline therapy with escape-targeting immunotherapy will be applicable across multiple therapies which drive tumor mutation/evolution and simultaneously generate novel, targetable immunopeptidomes associated with acquired treatment resistance.
Unc13A and Unc13B contribute to the decoding of distinct sensory information in Drosophila
Authors: Pooryasin Atefeh , Maglione Marta , Schubert Marco , Matkovic-Rachid Tanja , Hasheminasab Sayed-mohammad , Pech Ulrike , Fiala André , Mielke Thorsten , Sigrist Stephan J.
Published: March 2021

The physical distance between presynaptic Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+ sensors triggering the release of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles regulates short-term plasticity (STP). While STP is highly diversified across synapse types, the computational and behavioral relevance of this diversity remains unclear. In the Drosophila brain, at nanoscale level, we can distinguish distinct coupling distances between Ca2+ channels and the (m)unc13 family priming factors, Unc13A and Unc13B. Importantly, coupling distance defines release components with distinct STP characteristics. Here, we show that while Unc13A and Unc13B both contribute to synaptic signalling, they play distinct roles in neural decoding of olfactory information at excitatory projection neuron (ePN) output synapses. Unc13A clusters closer to Ca2+ channels than Unc13B, specifically promoting fast phasic signal transfer. Reduction of Unc13A in ePNs attenuates responses to both aversive and appetitive stimuli, while reduction of Unc13B provokes a general shift towards appetitive values. Collectively, we provide direct genetic evidence that release components of distinct nanoscopic coupling distances differentially control STP to play distinct roles in neural decoding of sensory information.
P-selectin axis plays a key role in microglia immunophenotype and glioblastoma progression
Authors: Yeini Eilam , Ofek Paula , Pozzi Sabina , Albeck Nitzan , Ben-Shushan Dikla , Tiram Galia , Golan Sapir , Kleiner Ron , Sheinin Ron , Israeli Dangoor Sahar , Reich-Zeliger Shlomit , Grossman Rachel , Ram Zvi , Brem Henry , Hyde Thomas M. , Magod Prerna , Friedmann-Morvinski Dinorah , Madi Asaf , Satchi-Fainaro Ronit
Published: March 2021

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly invasive type of brain cancer exhibiting poor prognosis. As such, its microenvironment plays a crucial role in its progression. Among the brain stromal cells, the microglia were shown to facilitate GB invasion and immunosuppression. However, the reciprocal mechanisms by which GB cells alter microglia/macrophages behavior are not fully understood. We propose that these mechanisms involve adhesion molecules such as the Selectins family. These proteins are involved in immune modulation and cancer immunity. We show that P-selectin mediates microglia-enhanced GB proliferation and invasion by altering microglia/macrophages activation state. We demonstrate these findings by pharmacological and molecular inhibition of P-selectin which leads to reduced tumor growth and increased survival in GB mouse models. Our work sheds light on tumor-associated microglia/macrophage function and the mechanisms by which GB cells suppress the immune system and invade the brain, paving the way to exploit P-selectin as a target for GB therapy.
Sub-thermionic, ultra-high-gain organic transistors and circuits
Authors: Luo Zhongzhong , Peng Boyu , Zeng Junpeng , Yu Zhihao , Zhao Ying , Xie Jun , Lan Rongfang , Ma Zhong , Pan Lijia , Cao Ke , Lu Yang , He Daowei , Ning Hongkai , Meng Wanqing , Yang Yang , Chen Xiaoqing , Li Weisheng , Wang Jiawei , Pan Danfeng , Tu Xuecou , Huo Wenxing , Huang Xian , Shi Dongquan , Li Ling , Liu Ming , Shi Yi , Feng Xue , Chan Paddy K. L. , Wang Xinran
Published: March 2021

The development of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with low power consumption and high gain will advance many flexible electronics. Here, by combining solution-processed monolayer organic crystal, ferroelectric HfZrOx gating and van der Waals fabrication, we realize flexible OTFTs that simultaneously deliver high transconductance and sub-60 mV/dec switching, under one-volt operating voltage. The overall optimization of transconductance, subthreshold swing and output resistance leads to transistor intrinsic gain and amplifier voltage gain over 5.3 × 104 and 1.1 × 104, respectively, which outperform existing technologies using organics, oxides and low-dimensional nanomaterials. We further demonstrate battery-powered, integrated wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse sensors that can amplify human physiological signal by 900 times with high fidelity. The sensors are capable of detecting weak ECG waves (undetectable even by clinical equipment) and diagnosing arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. Our sub-thermionic OTFT is promising for battery/wireless powered yet performance demanding applications such as electronic skins and radio-frequency identification tags, among many others.
DNA replication origins retain mobile licensing proteins
Authors: Sánchez Humberto , McCluskey Kaley , van Laar Theo , van Veen Edo , Asscher Filip M. , Solano Belén , Diffley John F. X. , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: March 2021

DNA replication in eukaryotes initiates at many origins distributed across each chromosome. Origins are bound by the origin recognition complex (ORC), which, with Cdc6 and Cdt1, recruits and loads the Mcm2-7 (MCM) helicase as an inactive double hexamer during G1 phase. The replisome assembles at the activated helicase in S phase. Although the outline of replisome assembly is understood, little is known about the dynamics of individual proteins on DNA and how these contribute to proper complex formation. Here we show, using single-molecule optical trapping and confocal microscopy, that yeast ORC is a mobile protein that diffuses rapidly along DNA. Origin recognition halts this search process. Recruitment of MCM molecules in an ORC- and Cdc6-dependent fashion results in slow-moving ORC-MCM intermediates and MCMs that rapidly scan the DNA. Following ATP hydrolysis, salt-stable loading of MCM single and double hexamers was seen, both of which exhibit salt-dependent mobility. Our results demonstrate that effective helicase loading relies on an interplay between protein diffusion and origin recognition, and suggest that MCM is stably loaded onto DNA in multiple forms.
Overcoming the inhibitory microenvironment surrounding oligodendrocyte progenitor cells following experimental demyelination
Authors: Saraswat Darpan , Shayya Hani J. , Polanco Jessie J. , Tripathi Ajai , Welliver R. Ross , Pol Suyog U. , Seidman Richard A. , Broome Jacqueline E. , O’Bara Melanie A. , van Kuppervelt Toin H. , Phillips Joanna J. , Dutta Ranjan , Sim Fraser J.
Published: March 2021

Chronic demyelination in the human CNS is characterized by an inhibitory microenvironment that impairs recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) leading to failed remyelination and axonal atrophy. By network-based transcriptomics, we identified sulfatase 2 (Sulf2) mRNA in activated human primary OPCs. Sulf2, an extracellular endosulfatase, modulates the signaling microenvironment by editing the pattern of sulfation on heparan sulfate proteoglycans. We found that Sulf2 was increased in demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis and was actively secreted by human OPCs. In experimental demyelination, elevated OPC Sulf1/2 expression directly impaired progenitor recruitment and subsequent generation of oligodendrocytes thereby limiting remyelination. Sulf1/2 potentiates the inhibitory microenvironment by promoting BMP and WNT signaling in OPCs. Importantly, pharmacological sulfatase inhibition using PI-88 accelerated oligodendrocyte recruitment and remyelination by blocking OPC-expressed sulfatases. Our findings define an important inhibitory role of Sulf1/2 and highlight the potential for modulation of the heparanome in the treatment of chronic demyelinating disease.
Cargo sorting zones in the trans-Golgi network visualized by super-resolution confocal live imaging microscopy in plants
Authors: Shimizu Yutaro , Takagi Junpei , Ito Emi , Ito Yoko , Ebine Kazuo , Komatsu Yamato , Goto Yumi , Sato Mayuko , Toyooka Kiminori , Ueda Takashi , Kurokawa Kazuo , Uemura Tomohiro , Nakano Akihiko
Published: March 2021

The trans-Golgi network (TGN) has been known as a key platform to sort and transport proteins to their final destinations in post-Golgi membrane trafficking. However, how the TGN sorts proteins with different destinies still remains elusive. Here, we examined 3D localization and 4D dynamics of TGN-localized proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana that are involved in either secretory or vacuolar trafficking from the TGN, by a multicolor high-speed and high-resolution spinning-disk confocal microscopy approach that we developed. We demonstrate that TGN-localized proteins exhibit spatially and temporally distinct distribution. VAMP721 (R-SNARE), AP (adaptor protein complex)−1, and clathrin which are involved in secretory trafficking compose an exclusive subregion, whereas VAMP727 (R-SNARE) and AP-4 involved in vacuolar trafficking compose another subregion on the same TGN. Based on these findings, we propose that the single TGN has at least two subregions, or “zones”, responsible for distinct cargo sorting: the secretory-trafficking zone and the vacuolar-trafficking zone.
Enzymatic enhancing of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion by breaking oxygen quenching for background-free biological sensing
Authors: Huang Ling , Le Timmy , Huang Kai , Han Gang
Published: March 2021

Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest due to their promises in organic chemistry, solar energy harvesting and several biological applications. However, triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion in aqueous solutions is challenging due to sensitivity to oxygen, hindering its biological applications under ambient atmosphere. Herein, we report a simple enzymatic strategy to overcome oxygen-induced triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion quenching. This strategy stems from a glucose oxidase catalyzed glucose oxidation reaction, which enables rapid oxygen depletion to turn on upconversion in the aqueous solution. Furthermore, self-standing upconversion biological sensors of such nanoparticles are developed to detect glucose and measure the activity of enzymes related to glucose metabolism in a highly specific, sensitive and background-free manner. This study not only overcomes the key roadblock for applications of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion nanoparticles in aqueous solutions, it also establishes the proof-of-concept to develop triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion nanoparticles as background free self-standing biological sensors.
Publisher Correction: A Sarcina bacterium linked to lethal disease in sanctuary chimpanzees in Sierra Leone
Authors: Owens Leah A. , Colitti Barbara , Hirji Ismail , Pizarro Andrea , Jaffe Jenny E. , Moittié Sophie , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Estrella Luis A. , Voegtly Logan J. , Kuhn Jens H. , Suen Garret , Deblois Courtney L. , Dunn Christopher D. , Juan-Sallés Carles , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22494-5
Long-lasting, monovalent-selective capacitive deionization electrodes
Authors: Guyes Eric N. , Shocron Amit N. , Chen Yinke , Diesendruck Charles E. , Suss Matthew E.
Published: March 2021

Emerging water purification applications often require tunable and ion-selective technologies. For example, when treating water for direct use in irrigation, often monovalent Na+must be removed preferentially over divalent minerals, such as Ca2+, to reduce both ionic conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Conventional membrane-based water treatment technologies are either largely non-selective or not dynamically tunable. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging membraneless technology that employs inexpensive and widely available activated carbon electrodes as the active element. We here show that a CDI cell leveraging sulfonated cathodes can deliver long-lasting, tunable monovalent ion selectivity. For feedwaters containing Na+and Ca2+, our cell achieves a Na+/Ca2+separation factor of up to 1.6. To demonstrate the cell longevity, we show that monovalent selectivity is retained over 1000 charge–discharge cycles, the highest cycle life achieved for a membraneless CDI cell with porous carbon electrodes to our knowledge, while requiring an energy consumption of ~0.38 kWh/m3of treated water. Furthermore, we show substantial and simultaneous reductions of ionic conductivity and SAR, such as from 1.75 to 0.69 mS/cm and 19.8 to 13.3, respectively, demonstrating the potential of such a system towards single-step water treatment of brackish and wastewaters for direct use in irrigation.
A comparative study of nano-fillers to improve toughness and modulus of polymer-derived ceramics
Authors: Mirkhalaf Mohammad , Yazdani Sarvestani Hamidreza , Yang Qi , Jakubinek Michael B. , Ashrafi Behnam
Published: March 2021

Brittleness is a major limitation of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs). Different concentrations of three nanofillers (carbon nanotubes, Si3N4and Al2O3nanoparticles) were evaluated to improve both toughness and modulus of a commercial polysilazane (PSZ) PDC. The PSZs were thermally cross-linked and pyrolyzed under isostatic pressure in nitrogen. A combination of mechanical, chemical, density, and microscopy characterizations was used to determine the effects of these fillers. Si3N4and Al2O3nanoparticles (that were found to be active fillers) were more effective than nanotubes and improved the elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness (JIC) of the PDC by ~ 1.5 ×, ~ 3 ×, and ~ 2.5 ×, respectively. Nanotubes were also effective in maintaining the integrity of the samples during pyrolysis. The modulus and hardness of PDCs correlated positively with their apparent density; this can provide a fast way to assess future PDCs. The improvement in fracture toughness was attributed to crack deflection and bridging observed in the micro-indentation cracks in the modified PDCs. The specific toughness of the modified PDCs was 4 × higher than that of high-purity alumina, and its specific modulus reached that of commercially available technical ceramics. These PDCs can also easily take different shapes and therefore are of interest in protective armor, propulsion, thermal protection, device packaging and biomaterial systems.
Machine learning prediction of pathologic myopia using tomographic elevation of the posterior sclera
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Chang Dong Jin , Park So Jin , Choi In Young , Gong Ye Seul , Kim Hyun-Ah , Hwang Hyung Bin , Jung Kyung In , Park Hae-young Lopilly , Park Chan Kee , Kang Kui Dong
Published: March 2021

Qualitative analysis of fundus photographs enables straightforward pattern recognition of advanced pathologic myopia. However, it has limitations in defining the classification of the degree or extent of early disease, such that it may be biased by subjective interpretation. In this study, we used the fovea, optic disc, and deepest point of the eye (DPE) as the three major markers (i.e., key indicators) of the posterior globe to quantify the relative tomographic elevation of the posterior sclera (TEPS). Using this quantitative index from eyes of 860 myopic patients, support vector machine based machine learning classifier predicted pathologic myopia an AUROC of 0.828, with 77.5% sensitivity and 88.07% specificity. Axial length and choroidal thickness, the existing quantitative indicator of pathologic myopia only reached an AUROC of 0.758, with 75.0% sensitivity and 76.61% specificity. When all six indices were applied (four TEPS, AxL, and SCT), the discriminative ability of the SVM model was excellent, demonstrating an AUROC of 0.868, with 80.0% sensitivity and 93.58% specificity. Our model provides an accurate modality for identification of patients with pathologic myopia and may help prioritize these patients for further treatment.
On the use of envelope following responses to estimate peripheral level compression in the auditory system
Authors: Encina-Llamas Gerard , Dau Torsten , Epp Bastian
Published: March 2021

Individual estimates of cochlear compression may provide complementary information to traditional audiometric hearing thresholds in disentangling different types of peripheral cochlear damage. Here we investigated the use of the slope of envelope following response (EFR) magnitude-level functions obtained from four simultaneously presented amplitude modulated tones with modulation frequencies of 80–100 Hz as a proxy of peripheral level compression. Compression estimates in individual normal hearing (NH) listeners were consistent with previously reported group-averaged compression estimates based on psychoacoustical and distortion-product oto-acoustic emission (DPOAE) measures in human listeners. They were also similar to basilar membrane (BM) compression values measured invasively in non-human mammals. EFR-based compression estimates in hearing-impaired listeners were less compressive than those for the NH listeners, consistent with a reduction of BM compression. Cochlear compression was also estimated using DPOAEs in the same NH listeners. DPOAE estimates were larger (less compressive) than EFRs estimates, showing no correlation. Despite the numerical concordance between EFR-based compression estimates and group-averaged estimates from other methods, simulations using an auditory nerve (AN) model revealed that compression estimates based on EFRs might be highly influenced by contributions from off-characteristic frequency (CF) neural populations. This compromises the possibility to estimate on-CF (i.e., frequency-specific or “local”) peripheral level compression with EFRs.
Mass mortality events of autochthonous faunas in a Lower Cretaceous Gondwanan Lagerstätte
Authors: Storari Arianny P. , Rodrigues Taissa , Bantim Renan A. M. , Lima Flaviana J. , Saraiva Antonio A. F.
Published: March 2021

Mass mortality events are unusual in the Crato Formation. Although mayflies’ accumulations have been previously reported from that unit, they lacked crucial stratigraphic data. Here we provide the first taphonomic analysis of a mayfly mass mortality event, from a layer 285 cm from the top of the Formation, with 40 larvae, and an overview of the general biological community structure of a three meters deep excavated profile. The only other autochthonous taxon observed in the mayfly mortality layer was the gonorynchiform fish Dastilbe. The larvae and fishes were smaller than usual in the layer 285 cm, suggesting that they lived in a shallow water column. Their excellent preservation and a lack of preferential orientation in the samples suggest an absence of significant transport. All mayflies belong to the Hexagenitidae, whose larvae lived in quiet waters. We also recovered allochthonous taxa in that layer indicative of drier weather conditions. Adjacent layers presented crystals and pseudomorphs of halite, suggesting drought and high salinity. In other layers, Dastilbe juveniles were often found in mass mortality events, associated with a richer biota. Our findings support the hypothesis that the Crato Formation’s palaeolake probably experienced seasonal high evaporation, caused by the hot climate tending to aridity, affecting the few autochthonous fauna that managed to live in this setting.
Natural recovery of a marine foundation species emerges decades after landscape-scale mortality
Authors: Hall Margaret O. , Bell Susan S. , Furman Bradley T. , Durako Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Globally, the conditions and time scales underlying coastal ecosystem recovery following disturbance remain poorly understood, and post-disturbance examples of resilience based on long-term studies are particularly rare. Here, we documented the recovery of a marine foundation species (turtlegrass) following a hypersalinity-associated die-off in Florida Bay, USA, one of the most spatially extensive mortality events for seagrass ecosystems on record. Based upon annual sampling over two decades, foundation species recovery across the landscape was demonstrated by two ecosystem responses: the range of turtlegrass biomass met or exceeded levels present prior to the die-off, and turtlegrass regained dominance of seagrass community structure. Unlike reports for most marine taxa, recovery followed without human intervention or reduction to anthropogenic impacts. Our long-term study revealed previously uncharted resilience in subtropical seagrass landscapes but warns that future persistence of the foundation species in this iconic ecosystem will depend upon the frequency and severity of drought-associated perturbation.
Identification of coral spawn source areas around Sekisei Lagoon for recovery and poleward habitat migration by using a particle-tracking model
Authors: Takeda Naoya , Kashima Motohiko , Odani Sachika , Uchiyama Yusuke , Kamidaira Yuki , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: March 2021

A massive coral bleaching event occurred in 2016 in the interior of Japan’s largest coral lagoon, the Sekisei Lagoon, located in the Kuroshio upstream region in southwestern Japan. Recovery of the coral lagoon will require the influx of coral spawn and larvae; therefore, it is important to identify and conserve source sites. A surface-particle-tracking simulation of coral spawn and larvae was used to identify source areas of coral spawn outside of the Sekisei Lagoon for potential recovery of the interior lagoon. The northern coastal zone of Iriomote Island, including Hatoma Island, was identified as a major source area. Hatoma Island was also identified as a key source for the Kuroshio downstream region and for aiding the poleward migration of coral habitat under ongoing global climate change, making it one of the most important source areas in the Nansei Archipelago.
Bacteremic sepsis leads to higher mortality when adjusting for confounders with propensity score matching
Authors: Mellhammar Lisa , Kahn Fredrik , Whitlow Caroline , Kander Thomas , Christensson Bertil , Linder Adam
Published: March 2021

One can falsely assume that it is well known that bacteremia is associated with higher mortality in sepsis. Only a handful of studies specifically focus on the comparison of culture-negative and culture-positive sepsis with different conclusions depending on study design. The aim of this study was to describe outcome for critically ill patients with either culture-positive or -negative sepsis in a clinical review. We also aimed to identify subphenotypes of sepsis with culture status included as candidate clinical variables. Out of 784 patients treated in intensive care with a sepsis diagnosis, blood cultures were missing in 140 excluded patients and 95 excluded patients did not fulfill a sepsis diagnosis. Of 549 included patients, 295 (54%) had bacteremia, 90 (16%) were non-bacteremic but with relevant pathogens detected and in 164 (30%) no relevant pathogen was detected. After adjusting for confounders, 90-day mortality was higher in bacteremic patients, 47%, than in non-bacteremic patients, 36%, p = 0.04. We identified 8 subphenotypes, with different mortality rates, where pathogen detection in microbial samples were important for subphenotype distinction and outcome. In conclusion, bacteremic patients had higher mortality than their non-bacteremic counter-parts and bacteremia is more common in sepsis when studied in a clinical review. For reducing population heterogeneity and improve the outcome of trials and treatment for sepsis, distinction of subphenotypes might be useful and pathogen detection an important factor.
Microstructure and properties of additively manufactured Al–Ce–Mg alloys
Authors: Sisco K. , Plotkowski A. , Yang Y. , Leonard D. , Stump B. , Nandwana P. , Dehoff R. R. , Babu S. S.
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys is largely dominated by a near-eutectic Al-Si compositions, which are highly weldable, but have mechanical properties that are not competitive with conventional wrought Al alloys. In addition, there is a need for new Al alloys with improved high temperature properties and thermal stability for applications in the automotive and aerospace fields. In this work, we considered laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of two alloys in the Al–Ce–Mg system, designed as near-eutectic (Al–11Ce–7Mg) and hyper-eutectic (Al–15Ce–9Mg) compositions with respect to the binary L → Al + Al11Ce eutectic reaction. The addition of magnesium is used to promote solid solution strengthening. A custom laser scan pattern was used to reduce the formation of keyhole porosity, which was caused by excessive vaporization due to the high vapor pressure of magnesium. The microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of the alloys were characterized in the as-fabricated condition and following hot isostatic pressing. The two alloys exhibit significant variations in solidification structure morphology. These variations in non-equilibrium solidification structure were rationalized using a combination of thermodynamic and thermal modeling. Both alloys showed higher yield strength than AM Al-10Si-Mg for temperatures up to 350 °C and better strength retention at elevated temperatures than additively manufactured Scalmaloy.
Association of erectile dysfunction with tinnitus: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cheng Yen-Fu , Xirasagar Sudha , Kuo Nai-Wen , Chung Shiu-Dong , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: March 2021

With many previous studies indicating a higher prevalence of sexual problems in patients with tinnitus, the association between tinnitus and erectile dysfunction (ED) has become an interesting topic that warrants further research. In our study, we hypothesized that tinnitus may be associated with ED and aimed to further explore the relationship between these two medical conditions using a nationwide population-based database. After retrieving data of 19,329 patients with ED and 19,329 propensity score-matched patients without ED (controls) from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Dataset, we defined the diagnosis date (the date of the first ED claim) for patients with ED as the index date for cases, and the date of the first utilization of ambulatory care by patients without ED during the index year of their matched case as the index date for controls. We found that 1247 out of 38,658 sampled patients (3.23%) had received a tinnitus diagnosis within the year before the index date, with 792 (4.10%) from cases and 455 (2.35%) from controls. We then utilized multiple logistic regression analysis and observed that cases were more likely to have had a prior tinnitus diagnosis compared to controls (OR 1.772; 95% CI 1.577–1.992; p < 0.001). Lastly, we adjusted the data for co-morbid medical disorders and social economic factors, with the end results showing that cases were more likely than controls to have a prior diagnosis of tinnitus (OR 1.779, 95% CI 1.582–2.001, p < 0.001). Through our investigation, we have ultimately detected a novel association between ED and tinnitus and urge physicians to be alert to the possibility of the development of ED in patients treated for tinnitus.
Correlation of dynamic membrane fluctuations in red blood cells with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risks
Authors: Sohn Minji , Lee Ji Eun , Ahn MinGeun , Park YongKeun , Lim Soo
Published: March 2021

The rheological and physiological properties of red blood cells (RBCs) are affected by many factors in the vascular environment. Among them, membrane fluctuations (MFs), particularly dynamic fluctuations in RBC cell membrane thickness (RBC-MFs), are likely to be altered by the level of glycation of haemoglobin in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated the associations of RBC-MFs with physiological variables associated with DM and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Forty-one healthy control subjects and 59 patients with DM were enrolled. Five-microliter samples of blood were collected and diluted 400 times. To measure the RBC-MFs, holotomography was used, which non-invasively and precisely analyses the optical characteristics of RBCs. Associations between the RBC-MFs and biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles were investigated. Independent associations of the RBC-MFs with the presence of CVDs were also analysed. RBC-MFs were lower in patients with DM than in healthy participants (61.64 ± 7.49 nm vs 70.65 ± 6.65 nm, P = 1.4 × 10−8). RBC-MFs correlated modestly with glycated haemoglobin level (ρ = − 0.47) and weakly with age (ρ = − 0.36), duration of diabetes (ρ = − 0.36), fasting plasma glucose level (ρ = − 0.37), and the 10-year Framingham risk score (ρ = − 0.38) (all P < 0.05). Low RBC-MFs were independently associated with the presence of CVDs after adjusting for CVD risk factors. The weak but significant associations of RBC-MFs with cardiometabolic risk factors and CVDs suggest that such deformity of circulating RBCs may be a useful marker of vascular complications of DM.
Clinical application of patient-specific 3D printing brain tumor model production system for neurosurgery
Authors: Dho Yun-Sik , Lee Doohee , Ha Teahyun , Ji So Young , Kim Kyung Min , Kang Ho , Kim Min-Sung , Kim Jin Wook , Cho Won-Sang , Kim Yong Hwy , Kim Young Gyu , Park Sang Joon , Park Chul-Kee
Published: March 2021

The usefulness of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed disease models has been recognized in various medical fields. This study aims to introduce a production platform for patient-specific 3D-printed brain tumor model in clinical practice and evaluate its effectiveness. A full-cycle platform was created for the clinical application of a 3D-printed brain tumor model (3D-printed model) production system. Essential elements included automated segmentation software, cloud-based interactive communication tools, customized brain models with exquisite expression of brain anatomy in transparent material, adjunctive devices for surgical simulation, and swift process cycles to meet practical needs. A simulated clinical usefulness validation was conducted in which neurosurgeons assessed the usefulness of the 3D-printed models in 10 cases. We successfully produced clinically applicable patient-specific models within 4 days using the established platform. The simulated clinical usefulness validation results revealed the significant superiority of the 3D-printed models in surgical planning regarding surgical posture (p = 0.0147) and craniotomy design (p = 0.0072) compared to conventional magnetic resonance images. The benefit was more noticeable for neurosurgeons with less experience. We established a 3D-printed brain tumor model production system that is ready to use in daily clinical practice for neurosurgery.
Dynamic bacterial community response to Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) bloom in indoor marine microcosms
Authors: Jung Seung Won , Kang Junsu , Park Joon Sang , Joo Hyoung Min , Suh Sung-Suk , Kang Donhyug , Lee Taek-Kyun , Kim Hyun-Jung
Published: March 2021

We investigated the dynamics of the bacterial composition and metabolic function within Akashiwo sanguinea bloom using a 100-L indoor microcosm and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We found that the bacterial community was classified into three groups at 54% similarity. Group I was associated with “during the A. sanguinea bloom stage” and mainly consisted of Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia and Gammaproteobacteria. Meanwhile, groups II and III were associated with the “late bloom/decline stage to post-bloom stage” with decreased Flavobacteriia and Gammaproteobacteria in these stages. Upon the termination of the A. sanguinea bloom, the concentrations of inorganic nutrients (particularly PO43−, NH4+ and dissolved organic carbon) increased rapidly and then decreased. From the network analysis, we found that the A. sanguinea node is associated with certain bacteria. After the bloom, the specific increases in NH4+ and PO43− nodes are associated with other bacterial taxa. The changes in the functional groups of the bacterial community from chemoheterotrophy to nitrogen association metabolisms were consistent with the environmental impacts during and after A. sanguinea bloom. Consequently, certain bacterial communities and the environments dynamically changed during and after harmful algal blooms and a rapid turnover within the bacterial community and their function can respond to ecological interactions.
Author Correction: Portable device for presbyopia correction with optoelectronic lenses driven by pupil response
Authors: Mompeán Juan , Aragón Juan L. , Artal Pablo
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Vitamin B6 deficiency disrupts serotonin signaling in pancreatic islets and induces gestational diabetes in mice
Authors: Fields Ashley M. , Welle Kevin , Ho Elaine S. , Mesaros Clementina , Susiarjo Martha
Published: March 2021

In pancreatic islets, catabolism of tryptophan into serotonin and serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) activation is crucial for β-cell proliferation and maternal glucose regulation during pregnancy. Factors that reduce serotonin synthesis and perturb HTR2B signaling are associated with decreased β-cell number, impaired insulin secretion, and gestational glucose intolerance in mice. Albeit the tryptophan-serotonin pathway is dependent on vitamin B6 bioavailability, how vitamin B6 deficiency impacts β-cell proliferation during pregnancy has not been investigated. In this study, we created a vitamin B6 deficient mouse model and investigated how gestational deficiency influences maternal glucose tolerance. Our studies show that gestational vitamin B6 deficiency decreases serotonin levels in maternal pancreatic islets and reduces β-cell proliferation in an HTR2B-dependent manner. These changes were associated with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, however insulin secretion remained intact. Our findings suggest that vitamin B6 deficiency-induced gestational glucose intolerance involves additional mechanisms that are complex and insulin independent.
Analysis of human total antibody repertoires in TIF1γ autoantibody positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Megremis Spyridon , Walker Thomas D. J. , He Xiaotong , O’Sullivan James , Ollier William E. R. , Chinoy Hector , Pendleton Neil , Payton Antony , Hampson Lynne , Hampson Ian , Lamb Janine A.
Published: March 2021

We investigate the accumulated microbial and autoantigen antibody repertoire in adult-onset dermatomyositis patients sero-positive for TIF1γ (TRIM33) autoantibodies. We use an untargeted high-throughput approach which combines immunoglobulin disease-specific epitope-enrichment and identification of microbial and human antigens. We observe antibodies recognizing a wider repertoire of microbial antigens in dermatomyositis. Antibodies recognizing viruses and Poxviridae family species are significantly enriched. The identified autoantibodies recognise a large portion of the human proteome, including interferon regulated proteins; these proteins cluster in specific biological processes. In addition to TRIM33, we identify autoantibodies against eleven further TRIM proteins, including TRIM21. Some of these TRIM proteins share epitope homology with specific viral species including poxviruses. Our data suggest antibody accumulation in dermatomyositis against an expanded diversity of microbial and human proteins and evidence of non-random targeting of specific signalling pathways. Our findings indicate that molecular mimicry and epitope spreading events may play a role in dermatomyositis pathogenesis.
Persistence of birth mode-dependent effects on gut microbiome composition, immune system stimulation and antimicrobial resistance during the first year of life
Authors: Busi Susheel Bhanu , de Nies Laura , Habier Janine , Wampach Linda , Fritz Joëlle V , Heintz-Buschart Anna , May Patrick , Halder Rashi , de Beaufort Carine , Wilmes Paul
Published: March 2021

Caesarean section delivery (CSD) disrupts mother-to-neonate transmission of specific microbial strains and functional repertoires as well as linked immune system priming. Here we investigate whether differences in microbiome composition and impacts on host physiology persist at 1 year of age. We perform high-resolution, quantitative metagenomic analyses of the gut microbiomes of infants born by vaginal delivery (VD) or by CSD, from immediately after birth through to 1 year of life. Several microbial populations show distinct enrichments in CSD-born infants at 1 year of age including strains of Bacteroides caccae, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Ruminococcus gnavus, whereas others are present at higher levels in the VD group including Faecalibacterium prausnitizii, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense. The stimulation of healthy donor-derived primary human immune cells with LPS isolated from neonatal stool samples results in higher levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the case of CSD extracts over time, compared to extracts from VD infants for which no such changes were observed during the first year of life. Functional analyses of the VD metagenomes at 1 year of age demonstrate a significant increase in the biosynthesis of the natural antibiotics, carbapenem and phenazine. Concurrently, we find antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes against several classes of antibiotics in both VD and CSD. The abundance of AMR genes against synthetic (including semi-synthetic) agents such as phenicol, pleuromutilin and diaminopyrimidine are increased in CSD children at day 5 after birth. In addition, we find that mobile genetic elements, including phages, encode AMR genes such as glycopeptide, diaminopyrimidine and multidrug resistance genes. Our results demonstrate persistent effects at 1 year of life resulting from birth mode-dependent differences in earliest gut microbiome colonisation.
Enrichment effects of ionic liquid mixtures at polarized electrode interfaces monitored by potential screening
Authors: Shin Sunghwan , Greco Francesco , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans-Peter
Published: March 2021

The interface of electrodes and IL mixtures has been studied by in situ XPS. We found that the concentration of counterions at the interface can strongly deviate from the bulk composition due to interactions between electrode and IL.
A re-evaluation of diffraction from Si(111) 7 × 7: decoding the encoded phase information in the 7 × 7 diffraction pattern
Authors: Demuth J. E.
Published: March 2021

The diffraction features of Si(111) 7 × 7 are analyzed using new X-ray data (top) and found to provide improved agreement for a particularC3vstructure (bottom) over earlier measurements and their structural models.
Boosting HMF oxidation performance via decorating ultrathin nickel hydroxide nanosheets with amorphous copper hydroxide islands
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Yu Penglin , Zeng Gangming , Bao Feixiang , Yuan Yuliang , Huang Hongwen
Published: March 2021

Structure-performance relationship of ultrathin NixCu1−x(OH)2 nanosheets towards HMF oxidation was established, and the Ni0.9Cu0.1(OH)2 nanosheets were demonstrated to be efficient for the selective electrooxidation of HMF with FDCA selectivity up to 91.2%.
Fluorine as a robust balancer for tuning the reactivity of topo-photoreactions of chalcones and the photomechanical effects of molecular crystals
Authors: Shu Yuanhong , Ye Kaiqi , Yue Yuan , Sun Jingbo , Wang Haoran , Zhong Jiangbin , Yang Xiqiao , Gao Hongqiang , Lu Ran
Published: March 2021

The higher the number of fluorine atoms, the higher the topological photo-induced [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactivity of chalcones.
Luminescence properties of Gd2MoO6:Eu3+ nanophosphors for WLEDs
Authors: Chen Yan , Lan Yuemei , wang Dong , Zhang Guoxing , Peng Wenlong , Chen Yeqing , He Xin , Zeng Qingguang , Wang Jing
Published: March 2021

Red nanophosphors Gd2MoO6:Eu3+ which were synthesized by the solvothermal method have a strong excitation band in NUV region and emits red light with high color purity by efficient energy transfer from MoO66− group to Eu3+ ions.
Eco-friendly construction of spiroquinazolin-2-(thi)ones and quinolin-(thio)ureas via Fe(iii)-catalyzed multi-component domino double [4 + 2] annulations
Authors: Pan Zhentao , Shi Shuaijun , Yang Xuancheng , Xiao Xuqiong , Zhang Wangqin , Wang Shiliang , Ma Yongmin
Published: March 2021

An unprecedented eco-friendly multi-component domino approach for the synthesis of spiroquinazolin-2-(thi)ones and quinolin-(thio)ureas via Fe(iii)-catalyzed domino double [4 + 2] cycloadditions is described.
Assessment of dihydropyrimidinone-based nanocomposites as multifunctional anti-cancer drug
Authors: S. Thangamani , Mahendran Hema Priya , Bhattacharjee Rama Ranjan , Jeyaraj Sankarganesh , Mohanta Kallol
Published: March 2021

Carbon quantum dots have been conjugated with medicinal dihydropyrimidinone molecules to formulate a multifunctional anticancer drug. Benign CQDs impart fluorescence properties, which enable the composite to be used for bioimaging.
Elucidating zinc-ion battery mechanisms in freestanding carbon electrode architectures decorated with nanocrystalline ZnMn2O4
Authors: Sassin Megan B. , Helms Maya E. , Parker Joseph F. , Chervin Christopher N. , DeBlock Ryan H. , Ko Jesse S. , Rolison Debra R. , Long Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2021

H+ insertion/Zn4(OH)6SO4 precipitation is the dominant charge-storage mechanism of crystalline ZnMn2O4@CNF in ZnSO4 (aq), despite specific Zn2+ lattice sites.
Fabrication of metallic and non-metallic top electrodes for large-area molecular junctions
Authors: Gorenskaia Elena , Turner Kelly L. , Martín Santiago , Cea Pilar , Low Paul J.
Published: March 2021

This Review presents an overview of methods used to deposit top-contact electrodes on electrode-supported monolayers to create ‘large area’ molecular junctions, highlighting the challenges and solutions identified to date.
Construction and mechanistic understanding of high-performance all-air-processed perovskite solar cells via mixed-cation engineering
Authors: Zhang Wenyuan , He Lang , Li Yuanchao , Tang Dongyan , Li Xin , Chang Limin
Published: March 2021

This study employs mixed formamidinium/methylammonium (FA/MA) organic cations as an efficient perovskite layer, resulting in a champion PCE of up to 19.50%, one of the highest efficiencies yet reported for ambient air-processed PSCs.