bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food, Energy, and Water Production Within Watersheds of the United States
Authors: Ao Yufei Zoe , Bakar Siddik Md Abu , Konar Megan , Marston Landon T.
Published: May 2023

The production of food, electricity, and treated water is often tracked and managed along political or infrastructure boundaries. Yet, water resources, a critical input in the production of these goods, are delineated along natural landscape features (i.e., watersheds). The boundary mismatch between water resources and the associated production of economic goods conceals hydrologic dependencies and vulnerabilities in the provisioning of Food‐Energy‐Water (FEW) resources. In this study, we pair economic, infrastructure, and hydrologic data to evaluate the production of food, electricity, and treated water within watersheds of the conterminous United States. The US FEW sectors produced 950 million tonnes of crops, 3,973 million MWh of electricity, and supplied water to 263 million people in 2017. FEW production consumed 128 km3of blue water (18%) and 583 km3of green water (82%). Watersheds in central and southern California, the Midwest, and the Southwest have the largest FEW blue water consumption and the greatest exposure to water stress. Nearly three‐fifths of FEW production occurs in regularly water‐stressed watersheds. FEW production in watersheds in the Great Plains and Midwest relies heavily on groundwater to buffer against intra‐ and inter‐annual streamflow variability, while surface reservoir storage buffers against water shortages in all watersheds. We show where FEW production may be susceptible to curtailments due to ongoing groundwater depletion or known infrastructure deficiencies. This study adds to our understanding of how a nation's water resources and associated infrastructure support economic activity, as well as areas where economic activity is exposed to hydrological and infrastructure risks.
In Situ Rb/Sr Geochronology and Stable Isotope Geochemistry Evidence for Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic Fracture‐Hosted Fluid Flow and Microbial Activity in Paleoproterozoic Basement, SW Sweden
Authors: Drake Henrik , Tillberg Mikael , Reinhardt Manuel , Whitehouse Martin J. , Kooijman Ellen
Published: May 2023

Recent studies have shown that biosignatures of ancient microbial life exist in mineral coatings in deep bedrock fractures of Precambrian cratons, but such surveys have been few and far between. Here, we report results from southwestern Sweden in an area of 1.6–1.5 Ga Paleoproterozoic rocks heavily reworked by the 1.14–0.96 Ga Sveconorwegian orogeny, a terrane previously scarcely explored for ancient microbial biosignatures. Calcite‐pyrite‐adularia‐illite‐coated fractures were analyzed for stable isotopes via Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (δ13C, δ18O, δ34S) and in situ Rb/Sr geochronology via Laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Rb/Sr ages for calcite‐adularia and calcite‐illite show that several fluid flow events can be discerned (797 ± 18–769 ± 7, 391 ± 5–387 ± 6, 356 ± 5–347 ± 4, and 301 ± 7 Ma). The δ13C, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values of different calcite growth zones further confirmed episodic fluid flow. Pyrite δ34S values down to −49.9‰V‐CDT, together with systematically increased δ34S from crystal core to rim, suggest formation following microbial sulfate reduction under semi‐closed conditions. Assemblages involving MSR‐related pyrite generally have Devonian to Permian Rb/Sr ages, indicating an association to extension‐related fracturing and fluid mixing during foreland‐basin formation linked to Caledonian orogeny in the northwest. An assemblage with an age of 301 ± 7 Ma is potentially related to Oslo Rift extension, whereas the Neo‐Proterozoic ages relate to post‐Sveconorwegian extensional tectonics. Remnants of short‐chained fatty acids in the youngest calcite coatings further indicate a biogenic origin, while the absence of organic molecules in older calcite is in line with thermal degradation, potentially related to heating during Caledonian foreland basin burial.
Broadband Strong Ground Motion Modeling Using Planar Dynamic Rupture With Fractal Parameters
Authors: Gallovič F. , Valentová Ľ.
Published: May 2023

Dynamic rupture modeling represents a promising physics‐based approach to strong ground motion simulations. However, its application in a broad frequency range (0–10 Hz), interesting for engineering studies, is challenging. The main reason is that widely used and relatively simple planar fault models with smooth distributions of initial stress and frictional parameters, or even self‐similar initial stress, result in ground motions depleted in high‐frequency content. Here we propose an efficient approach for the linear slip‐weakening friction model on a planar fault based on the Ide and Aochi (2005,https://doi.org/10.1029/2004jb003591) multiscale model with a small‐scale random fractal distribution of the slip‐weakening distanceDc. We propose a way to combine these variations with a large‐scale deterministic dynamic model. We illustrate the approach on an elliptical model and a smooth model of the 2016Mw6.2 Amatrice, Italy, earthquake from low‐frequency dynamic rupture inversion. To intensify the incoherence of the rupture propagation, we also include a variation of the strength and initial stress, both correlated withDc. These additions result in sustained high‐frequency radiation during the whole rupture propagation and omega‐square source time functions. The new model of the Amatrice earthquake generates synthetics that agree with the local ground motion model up to 5 Hz in terms of spectral accelerations while preserving the average and integral dynamic rupture parameters (e.g., stress drop, fracture and radiated energy). The fractal dynamic model can be easily implemented in any dynamic rupture propagation code and is thus readily applicable in broadband physics‐based ground motion predictions for earthquake scenarios in seismic hazard assessment.
UTX inactivation in germinal center B cells promotes the development of multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease
Authors: Rizq Ola , Mimura Naoya , Oshima Motohiko , Momose Shuji , Takayama Naoya , Itokawa Naoki , Koide Shuhei , Shibamiya Asuka , Miyamoto-Nagai Yurie , Rizk Mohamed , Nakajima-Takagi Yaeko , Aoyama Kazumasa , Wang Changshan , Saraya Atsunori , Ito Ryoji , Seimiya Masanori , Watanabe Mariko , Yamasaki Satoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Furukawa Yoichi , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Sakaida Emiko , Nakaseko Chiaki , Tamaru Jun-ichi , Tai Yu-Tzu , Anderson Kenneth C. , Honda Hiroaki , Iwama Atsushi
Published: May 2023

UTX/KDM6A, a histone H3K27 demethylase and a key component of the COMPASS complex, is frequently lost or mutated in cancer; however, its tumor suppressor function remains largely uncharacterized in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we show that the conditional deletion of the X-linked Utx in germinal center (GC) derived cells collaborates with the activating BrafV600E mutation and promotes induction of lethal GC/post-GC B cell malignancies with MM-like plasma cell neoplasms being the most frequent. Mice that developed MM-like neoplasms showed expansion of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow and extramedullary organs, serum M proteins, and anemia. Add-back of either wild-type UTX or a series of mutants revealed that cIDR domain, that forms phase-separated liquid condensates, is largely responsible for the catalytic activity-independent tumor suppressor function of UTX in MM cells. Utx loss in concert with BrafV600E only slightly induced MM-like profiles of transcriptome, chromatin accessibility, and H3K27 acetylation, however, it allowed plasma cells to gradually undergo full transformation through activation of transcriptional networks specific to MM that induce high levels of Myc expression. Our results reveal a tumor suppressor function of UTX in MM and implicate its insufficiency in the transcriptional reprogramming of plasma cells in the pathogenesis of MM.
Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1), a novel inhibitor of osteoblast/osteocyte differentiation, regulates bone formation, mass, and strength in young and aged male and female mice
Authors: Deosthale Padmini , Balanta-Melo Julián , Creecy Amy , Liu Chongshan , Marcial Alejandro , Morales Laura , Cridlin Julita , Robertson Sylvia , Okpara Chiebuka , Sanchez David J. , Ayoubi Mahdi , Lugo Joaquín N. , Hernandez Christopher J. , Wallace Joseph M. , Plotkin Lilian I.
Published: May 2023

Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene mutations lead to fragile X syndrome, cognitive disorders, and, in some individuals, scoliosis and craniofacial abnormalities. Four-month-old (mo) male mice with deletion of theFMR1gene exhibit a mild increase in cortical and cancellous femoral bone mass. However, consequences of absence of FMR1 in bone of young/aged male/female mice and the cellular basis of the skeletal phenotype remain unknown. We found that absence of FMR1 results in improved bone properties with higher bone mineral density in both sexes and in 2- and 9-mo mice. The cancellous bone mass is higher only in females, whereas, cortical bone mass is higher in 2- and 9-mo males, but higher in 2- and lower in 9-mo female FMR1-knockout mice. Furthermore, male bones show higher biomechanical properties at 2mo, and females at both ages. Absence of FMR1 increases osteoblast/mineralization/bone formation and osteocyte dendricity/gene expression in vivo/ex vivo/in vitro, without affecting osteoclasts in vivo/ex vivo. Thus, FMR1 is a novel osteoblast/osteocyte differentiation inhibitor, and its absence leads to age-, site- and sex-dependent higher bone mass/strength.
The EZH2–PRC2–H3K27me3 axis governs the endometrial cell cycle and differentiation for blastocyst invasion
Authors: Fukui Yamato , Hirota Yasushi , Aikawa Shizu , Sakashita Akihiko , Shimizu-Hirota Ryoko , Takeda Norihiko , Ishizawa Chihiro , Iida Rei , Kaku Tetsuaki , Hirata Tomoyuki , Hiraoka Takehiro , Akaeda Shun , Matsuo Mitsunori , Osuga Yutaka
Published: May 2023

Infertility occurs in 15% of couples worldwide. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the major problems in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF–ET) programs, and how to manage patients with RIF to achieve successful pregnancy outcomes remains unresolved. Here, a uterine polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-regulated gene network was found to control embryo implantation. Our RNA-seq analyses of the human peri-implantation endometrium obtained from patients with RIF and fertile controls revealed that PRC2 components, including its core enzyme enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-catalyzing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and their target genes are dysregulated in the RIF group. Although fertility of uterine epithelium-specific knockout mice ofEzh2(eKO mice) was normal,Ezh2-deleted mice in the uterine epithelium and stroma (uKO mice) exhibited severe subfertility, suggesting that stromal Ezh2 plays a key role in female fertility. The RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that H3K27me3-related dynamic gene silencing is canceled, and the gene expression of cell-cycle regulators is dysregulated inEzh2-deleted uteri, causing severe epithelial and stromal differentiation defects and failed embryo invasion. Thus, our findings indicate that the EZH2–PRC2–H3K27me3 axis is critical to preparing the endometrium for the blastocyst invasion into the stroma in mice and humans.
Nuclear softening mediated by Sun2 suppression delays mechanical stress-induced cellular senescence
Authors: Yue Xianlin , Cui Jie , Sun Zewei , Liu Lei , Li Ying , Shao Liwei , Feng Qi , Wang Ziyue , Hambright William S. , Cui Yan , Huard Johnny , Mu Yanling , Mu Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Nuclear decoupling and softening are the main cellular mechanisms to resist mechanical stress-induced nuclear/DNA damage, however, its molecular mechanisms remain much unknown. Our recent study of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) disease revealed the role of nuclear membrane protein Sun2 in mediating nuclear damages and cellular senescence in progeria cells. However, the potential role of Sun2 in mechanical stress-induced nuclear damage and its correlation with nuclear decoupling and softening is still not clear. By applying cyclic mechanical stretch to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of WT and Zmpset24−/− mice (Z24−/−, a model for HGPS), we observed much increased nuclear damage in Z24−/− MSCs, which also featured elevated Sun2 expression, RhoA activation, F-actin polymerization and nuclear stiffness, indicating the compromised nuclear decoupling capacity. Suppression of Sun2 with siRNA effectively reduced nuclear/DNA damages caused by mechanical stretch, which was mediated by increased nuclear decoupling and softening, and consequently improved nuclear deformability. Our results reveal that Sun2 is greatly involved in mediating mechanical stress-induced nuclear damage by regulating nuclear mechanical properties, and Sun2 suppression can be a novel therapeutic target for treating progeria aging or aging-related diseases.
Tracing the introduction of the invasive common myna using population genomics
Authors: Atsawawaranunt Kamolphat , Ewart Kyle M. , Major Richard E. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Santure Anna W. , Whibley Annabel
Published: May 2023

The common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is one of the most invasive bird species in the world, yet its colonisation history is only partly understood. We identified the introduction history and population structure, and quantified the genetic diversity of myna populations from the native range in India and introduced populations in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and South Africa, based on thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 814 individuals. We were able to identify the source population of mynas in several invasive locations: mynas from Fiji and Melbourne, Australia, were likely founded by individuals from a subpopulation in Maharashtra, India, while mynas in Hawaii and South Africa were likely independently founded by individuals from other localities in India. Our findings suggest that New Zealand mynas were founded by individuals from Melbourne, which, in turn, were founded by individuals from Maharashtra. We identified two genetic clusters among New Zealand mynas, divided by New Zealand’s North Island’s axial mountain ranges, confirming previous observations that mountains and thick forests may form barriers to myna dispersal. Our study provides a foundation for other population and invasion genomic studies and provides useful information for the management of this invasive species.
High-affinity peptides developed against calprotectin and their application as synthetic ligands in diagnostic assays
Authors: Díaz-Perlas Cristina , Ricken Benjamin , Farrera-Soler Lluc , Guschin Dmitrii , Pojer Florence , Lau Kelvin , Gerhold Christian-Benedikt , Heinis Christian
Published: May 2023

Common inflammatory disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are non-invasively diagnosed or monitored by the biomarker calprotectin. However, current quantitative tests for calprotectin are antibody-based and vary depending on the type of antibody and assay used. Additionally, the binding epitopes of applied antibodies are not characterized by structures and for most antibodies it is unclear if they detect calprotectin dimer, tetramer, or both. Herein, we develop calprotectin ligands based on peptides, that offer advantages such as homogenous chemical composition, heat-stability, site-directed immobilization, and chemical synthesis at high purity and at low cost. By screening a 100-billion peptide phage display library against calprotectin, we identified a high-affinity peptide (Kd = 26 ± 3 nM) that binds to a large surface region (951 Å2) as shown by X-ray structure analysis. The peptide uniquely binds the calprotectin tetramer, which enabled robust and sensitive quantification of a defined species of calprotectin by ELISA and lateral flow assays in patient samples, and thus offers an ideal affinity reagent for next-generation inflammatory disease diagnostic assays.
Wood xerogel for fabrication of high-performance transparent wood
Authors: Wang Shennan , Li Lengwan , Zha Li , Koskela Salla , Berglund Lars A. , Zhou Qi
Published: May 2023

Optically transparent wood has been fabricated by structure-retaining delignification of wood and subsequent infiltration of thermo- or photocurable polymer resins but still limited by the intrinsic low mesopore volume of the delignified wood. Here we report a facile approach to fabricate strong transparent wood composites using the wood xerogel which allows solvent-free infiltration of resin monomers into the wood cell wall under ambient conditions. The wood xerogel with high specific surface area (260 m2 g–1) and high mesopore volume (0.37 cm3 g–1) is prepared by evaporative drying of delignified wood comprising fibrillated cell walls at ambient pressure. The mesoporous wood xerogel is compressible in the transverse direction and provides precise control of the microstructure, wood volume fraction, and mechanical properties for the transparent wood composites without compromising the optical transmittance. Transparent wood composites of large size and high wood volume fraction (50%) are successfully prepared, demonstrating potential scalability of the method.
Ancient gene linkages support ctenophores as sister to other animals
Authors: Schultz Darrin T. , Haddock Steven H. D. , Bredeson Jessen V. , Green Richard E. , Simakov Oleg , Rokhsar Daniel S.
Published: May 2023

A central question in evolutionary biology is whether sponges or ctenophores (comb jellies) are the sister group to all other animals. These alternative phylogenetic hypotheses imply different scenarios for the evolution of complex neural systems and other animal-specific traits1–6. Conventional phylogenetic approaches based on morphological characters and increasingly extensive gene sequence collections have not been able to definitively answer this question7–11. Here we develop chromosome-scale gene linkage, also known as synteny, as a phylogenetic character for resolving this question12. We report new chromosome-scale genomes for a ctenophore and two marine sponges, and for three unicellular relatives of animals (a choanoflagellate, a filasterean amoeba and an ichthyosporean) that serve as outgroups for phylogenetic analysis. We find ancient syntenies that are conserved between animals and their close unicellular relatives. Ctenophores and unicellular eukaryotes share ancestral metazoan patterns, whereas sponges, bilaterians, and cnidarians share derived chromosomal rearrangements. Conserved syntenic characters unite sponges with bilaterians, cnidarians, and placozoans in a monophyletic clade to the exclusion of ctenophores, placing ctenophores as the sister group to all other animals. The patterns of synteny shared by sponges, bilaterians, and cnidarians are the result of rare and irreversible chromosome fusion-and-mixing events that provide robust and unambiguous phylogenetic support for the ctenophore-sister hypothesis. These findings provide a new framework for resolving deep, recalcitrant phylogenetic problems and have implications for our understanding of animal evolution.
Structural basis of NINJ1-mediated plasma membrane rupture in cell death
Authors: Degen Morris , Santos José Carlos , Pluhackova Kristyna , Cebrero Gonzalo , Ramos Saray , Jankevicius Gytis , Hartenian Ella , Guillerm Undina , Mari Stefania A. , Kohl Bastian , Müller Daniel J. , Schanda Paul , Maier Timm , Perez Camilo , Sieben Christian , Broz Petr , Hiller Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Eukaryotic cells can undergo different forms of programmed cell death, many of which culminate in plasma membrane rupture as the defining terminal event1–7. Plasma membrane rupture was long thought to be driven by osmotic pressure, but it has recently been shown to be in many cases an active process, mediated by the protein ninjurin-18 (NINJ1). Here we resolve the structure of NINJ1 and the mechanism by which it ruptures membranes. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that NINJ1 clusters into structurally diverse assemblies in the membranes of dying cells, in particular large, filamentous assemblies with branched morphology. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of NINJ1 filaments shows a tightly packed fence-like array of transmembrane α-helices. Filament directionality and stability is defined by two amphipathic α-helices that interlink adjacent filament subunits. The NINJ1 filament features a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and molecular dynamics simulations show that it can stably cap membrane edges. The function of the resulting supramolecular arrangement was validated by site-directed mutagenesis. Our data thus suggest that, during lytic cell death, the extracellular α-helices of NINJ1 insert into the plasma membrane to polymerize NINJ1 monomers into amphipathic filaments that rupture the plasma membrane. The membrane protein NINJ1 is therefore an interactive component of the eukaryotic cell membrane that functions as an in-built breaking point in response to activation of cell death.
Polygenic scoring accuracy varies across the genetic ancestry continuum
Authors: Ding Yi , Hou Kangcheng , Xu Ziqi , Pimplaskar Aditya , Petter Ella , Boulier Kristin , Privé Florian , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni J. , Olde Loohuis Loes M. , Pasaniuc Bogdan
Published: May 2023

Polygenic scores (PGSs) have limited portability across different groupings of individuals (for example, by genetic ancestries and/or social determinants of health), preventing their equitable use1–3. PGS portability has typically been assessed using a single aggregate population-level statistic (for example, R2)4, ignoring inter-individual variation within the population. Here, using a large and diverse Los Angeles biobank5 (ATLAS, n = 36,778) along with the UK Biobank6 (UKBB, n = 487,409), we show that PGS accuracy decreases individual-to-individual along the continuum of genetic ancestries7 in all considered populations, even within traditionally labelled ‘homogeneous’ genetic ancestries. The decreasing trend is well captured by a continuous measure of genetic distance (GD) from the PGS training data: Pearson correlation of −0.95 between GD and PGS accuracy averaged across 84 traits. When applying PGS models trained on individuals labelled as white British in the UKBB to individuals with European ancestries in ATLAS, individuals in the furthest GD decile have 14% lower accuracy relative to the closest decile; notably, the closest GD decile of individuals with Hispanic Latino American ancestries show similar PGS performance to the furthest GD decile of individuals with European ancestries. GD is significantly correlated with PGS estimates themselves for 82 of 84 traits, further emphasizing the importance of incorporating the continuum of genetic ancestries in PGS interpretation. Our results highlight the need to move away from discrete genetic ancestry clusters towards the continuum of genetic ancestries when considering PGSs.
MSHF: A Multi-Source Heterogeneous Fundus (MSHF) Dataset for Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Jin Kai , Gao Zhiyuan , Jiang Xiaoyu , Wang Yaqi , Ma Xiaoyu , Li Yunxiang , Ye Juan
Published: May 2023

Image quality assessment (IQA) is significant for current techniques of image-based computer-aided diagnosis, and fundus imaging is the chief modality for screening and diagnosing ophthalmic diseases. However, most of the existing IQA datasets are single-center datasets, disregarding the type of imaging device, eye condition, and imaging environment. In this paper, we collected a multi-source heterogeneous fundus (MSHF) database. The MSHF dataset consisted of 1302 high-resolution normal and pathologic images from color fundus photography (CFP), images of healthy volunteers taken with a portable camera, and ultrawide-field (UWF) images of diabetic retinopathy patients. Dataset diversity was visualized with a spatial scatter plot. Image quality was determined by three ophthalmologists according to its illumination, clarity, contrast and overall quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest fundus IQA datasets and we believe this work will be beneficial to the construction of a standardized medical image database.
SIRT6-PAI-1 axis is a promising therapeutic target in aging-related bone metabolic disruption
Authors: Aobulikasimu Alkebaier , Liu Tao , Piao Jinying , Sato Shingo , Ochi Hiroki , Okawa Atsushi , Tsuji Kunikazu , Asou Yoshinori
Published: May 2023

The mechanistic regulation of bone mass in aged animals is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the role of SIRT6, a longevity-associated factor, in osteocytes, using mice lacking Sirt6 in Dmp-1-expressing cells (cKO mice) and the MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cell line. cKO mice exhibited increased osteocytic expression of Sost, Fgf23 and senescence inducing gene Pai-1 and the senescence markers p16 and Il-6, decreased serum phosphate levels, and low-turnover osteopenia. The cKO phenotype was reversed in mice that were a cross of PAI-1-null mice with cKO mice. Furthermore, senescence induction in MLO-Y4 cells increased the Fgf23 and Sost mRNA expression. Sirt6 knockout and senescence induction increased HIF-1α binding to the Fgf23 enhancer sequence. Bone mass and serum phosphate levels were higher in PAI-1-null aged mice than in wild-type mice. Therefore, SIRT6 agonists or PAI-1 inhibitors may be promising therapeutic options for aging-related bone metabolism disruptions.
Development and validation of a prediction equation for body fat percentage from measured BMI: a supervised machine learning approach
Authors: Xu Shiming , Nianogo Roch A. , Jaga Seema , Arah Onyebuchi A.
Published: May 2023

Body mass index is a widely used but poor predictor of adiposity in populations with excessive fat-free mass. Rigorous predictive models validated specifically in a nationally representative sample of the US population and that could be used for calibration purposes are needed. The objective of this study was to develop and validate prediction equations of body fat percentage obtained from Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry using body mass index (BMI) and socio-demographics. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 5931 and 2340 adults aged 20 to 69 in 1999–2002 and 2003–2006, respectively. A supervised machine learning using ordinary least squares and a validation set approach were used to develop and select best models based on R2 and root mean square error. We compared our findings with other published models and utilized our best models to assess the amount of bias in the association between predicted body fat and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Three models included BMI, BMI2, age, gender, education, income, and interaction terms and produced R-squared values of 0.87 and yielded the smallest standard errors of estimation. The amount of bias in the association between predicted BF% and elevated LDL from our best model was −0.005. Our models provided strong predictive abilities and low bias compared to most published models. Its strengths rely on its simplicity and its ease of use in low-resource settings.
Apoptotic gene loss in Cnidaria is associated with transition to parasitism
Authors: Neverov Alexander M. , Panchin Alexander Y. , Mikhailov Kirill V. , Batueva Marina D. , Aleoshin Vladimir V. , Panchin Yuri V.
Published: May 2023

The phylum Cnidaria consists of several morphologically diverse classes including Anthozoa, Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, Polypodiozoa, Scyphozoa, Staurozoa, and Myxozoa. Myxozoa comprises two subclasses of obligate parasites—Myxosporea and Malacosporea, which demonstrate various degrees of simplification. Myxosporea were previously reported to lack the majority of core protein domains of apoptotic proteins including caspases, Bcl-2, and APAF-1 homologs. Other sequenced Cnidaria, including the parasite Polypodium hydriforme from Polypodiozoa do not share this genetic feature. Whether this loss of core apoptotic proteins is unique to Myxosporea or also present in its sister subclass Malacosporea was not previously investigated. We show that the presence of core apoptotic proteins gradually diminishes from free-living Cnidaria to Polypodium to Malacosporea to Myxosporea. This observation does not favor the hypothesis of catastrophic simplification of Myxosporea at the genetic level, but rather supports a stepwise adaptation to parasitism that likely started from early parasitic ancestors that gave rise to Myxozoa.
Blink-To-Live eye-based communication system for users with speech impairments
Authors: Ezzat Mohamed , Maged Mohamed , Gamal Youssef , Adel Mustafa , Alrahmawy Mohammed , El-Metwally Sara
Published: May 2023

Eye-based communication languages such as Blink-To-Speak play a key role in expressing the needs and emotions of patients with motor neuron disorders. Most invented eye-based tracking systems are complex and not affordable in low-income countries. Blink-To-Live is an eye-tracking system based on a modified Blink-To-Speak language and computer vision for patients with speech impairments. A mobile phone camera tracks the patient’s eyes by sending real-time video frames to computer vision modules for facial landmarks detection, eye identification and tracking. There are four defined key alphabets in the Blink-To-Live eye-based communication language: Left, Right, Up, and Blink. These eye gestures encode more than 60 daily life commands expressed by a sequence of three eye movement states. Once the eye gestures encoded sentences are generated, the translation module will display the phrases in the patient’s native speech on the phone screen, and the synthesized voice can be heard. A prototype of the Blink-To-Live system is evaluated using normal cases with different demographic characteristics. Unlike the other sensor-based eye-tracking systems, Blink-To-Live is simple, flexible, and cost-efficient, with no dependency on specific software or hardware requirements. The software and its source are available from the GitHub repository (https://github.com/ZW01f/Blink-To-Live).
Wavelet clustering analysis as a tool for characterizing community structure in the human microbiome
Authors: Benincà Elisa , Pinto Susanne , Cazelles Bernard , Fuentes Susana , Shetty Sudarshan , Bogaards Johannes A.
Published: May 2023

Human microbiome research is helped by the characterization of microbial networks, as these may reveal key microbes that can be targeted for beneficial health effects. Prevailing methods of microbial network characterization are based on measures of association, often applied to limited sampling points in time. Here, we demonstrate the potential of wavelet clustering, a technique that clusters time series based on similarities in their spectral characteristics. We illustrate this technique with synthetic time series and apply wavelet clustering to densely sampled human gut microbiome time series. We compare our results with hierarchical clustering based on temporal correlations in abundance, within and across individuals, and show that the cluster trees obtained by using either method are significantly different in terms of elements clustered together, branching structure and total branch length. By capitalizing on the dynamic nature of the human microbiome, wavelet clustering reveals community structures that remain obscured in correlation-based methods.
Detection of dengue virus infection in children presenting with fever in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Shimelis Techalew , Mulu Andargachew , Mengesha Mesfin , Alemu Aynalem , Mihret Adane , Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun , Bartlett Adam W. , Belay Fitsum W/Gebriel , Schierhout Gill , Dittrich Sabine , Crump John A. , Vaz Nery Susana , Kaldor John M.
Published: May 2023

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection, with rising incidence globally. Eastern Ethiopia has had dengue fever outbreaks in recent years. However, the extent to which the infection contributes to hospital presentation among children with fever in southern Ethiopia is unknown. We examined 407 stored plasma samples collected to investigate the aetiology of fever in children aged at least 2 months and under 13 years presenting to the outpatient of the largest tertiary hospital in southern Ethiopia. We analyzed samples for dengue virus non-structural 1 antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The median (interquartile range) age of the 407 children examined was 20 (10–48) months, and 166 (40.8%) of the children were females. Of 407 samples analyzed, 9 (2.2%) were positive for dengue virus non-structural 1 antigen, of whom 2 were initially treated with antimalarial drugs despite having negative malaria microscopy, and 1 of the 8 patients had a persistent fever at the seventh day of follow-up time. The presence of active dengue virus infection in the study area highlights the need for studies at the community level as well as the integration of dengue diagnostics into fever-management strategies. Further research to characterize circulating strains is warranted.
Antimicrobial activity of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains isolated from the human oral cavity against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Park Do-Young , Hwang Jiyoung , Kim Yunji , Lee Dahye , Kim Young-Youn , Kim Hye-Sung , Hwang Inseong
Published: May 2023

Oral probiotics have been recently gaining much attention owing to their potential to inhibit the progression of dental caries by controlling the cariogenic effects of Streptococcus mutans. We isolated and genotypically identified 77 lactic acid bacteria including 12 Limosilactobacillus fermentum probiotic candidates from the oral cavity of healthy volunteers. Among the 12 L. fermentum isolates, nine isolates effectively inhibited the growth of S. mutans via hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. The others neither suppressed the growth of S. mutans nor produced H2O2. Eight out of the nine H2O2-producing L. fermentum isolates exhibited strong adherence to oral epithelial KB cells while inhibiting the adherence of S. mutans to KB cells. The eight H2O2-producing isolates were neither haemolytic based on a blood-agar test, cytotoxic according to lactate dehydrogenase assay, nor resistant to eight antibiotics represented by the European Food Safety Authority guideline, indicating that the isolates have potential to suppress the cariogenesis driven by S. mutans while providing general probiotic benefits.
A multi-analytical approach to studying the chemical composition of typical carbon sink samples
Authors: Astolfi Maria Luisa , Massimi Lorenzo , Rapa Mattia , Plà Rita Rosa , Jasan Raquel Clara , Tudino Mabel Beatriz , Canepari Silvia , Conti Marcelo Enrique
Published: May 2023

Peatlands in southern South America (Tierra del Fuego region, TdF) play a key role in the ecological dynamics of Patagonia. It is, therefore, necessary to increase our knowledge and awareness of their scientific and ecological value to ensure their conservation. This study aimed to assess the differences in the distribution and accumulation of elements in peat deposits and Sphagnum moss from the TdF. Chemical and morphological characterization of the samples was carried out using various analytical techniques, and total levels of 53 elements were determined. Furthermore, a chemometric differentiation based on the elemental content of peat and moss samples was performed. Some elements (Cs, Hf, K, Li, Mn, Na, Pb, Rb, Si, Sn, Ti and Zn) showed significantly higher contents in moss samples than in peat samples. In contrast, only Mo, S and Zr were significantly higher in peat samples than in moss samples. The results obtained highlight the ability of moss to accumulate elements and to act as a means to facilitate the entry of elements into peat samples. The valuable data obtained in this multi-methodological baseline survey can be used for more effective conservation of biodiversity and preservation of the ecosystem services of the TdF.
Functional and structural responses of plankton communities toward consecutive experimental heatwaves in Mediterranean coastal waters
Authors: Soulié Tanguy , Vidussi Francesca , Mas Sébastien , Mostajir Behzad
Published: May 2023

The frequency of marine heatwaves (HWs) is projected to increase in the Mediterranean Sea over the next decades. An in situ mesocosm experiment was performed in a Mediterranean lagoon for 33 days. Three mesocosms were used as controls following the natural temperature of the lagoon. In three others, two HWs of + 5 °C compared to the controls were applied from experimental day (d) 1 to d5 (HW1) and from d11 to d15 (HW2). High-frequency data of oxygen, chlorophyll-a (chl-a), temperature, salinity and light from sensors immersed in all mesocosms were used to calculate gross primary production (GPP), respiration (R) and phytoplankton growth (µ) and loss (L) rates. Nutrients and phytoplankton community structure from pigments were also analyzed. HW1 significantly increased GPP, R, chl-a, µ and L by 7 to 38%. HW2 shifted the system toward heterotrophy by only enhancing R. Thus, the effects of the first HW resulted in the attenuation of those of a second HW on phytoplankton processes, but not on community respiration, which was strongly regulated by temperature. In addition, natural phytoplankton succession from diatoms to haptophytes was altered by both HWs as cyanobacteria and chlorophytes were favored at the expense of haptophytes. These results indicate that HWs have pronounced effects on Mediterranean plankton communities.
Saline dry fixation for improved cell composition analysis using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rangan Shreyas , Wong Riley , Schulze H. Georg , Vardaki Martha Z. , Blades Michael W. , Turner Robin F. B. , Piret James M.
Published: May 2023

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of primary human T-cell spectra showed clear separation of different fixatives. Saline dry-fixed cell spectra showed better preservation of donor-to donor variability and improved retention of Raman band shapes.
Strategies for the discovery of potential anticancer agents from plants collected from Southeast Asian tropical rainforests as a case study
Authors: Carcache de Blanco Esperanza J. , Addo Ermias Mekuria , Rakotondraibe H. Liva , Soejarto Djaja D. , Kinghorn A. Douglas
Published: May 2023

The present review summarizes recent accomplishments made as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional anticancer drug discovery project, wherein higher plant samples were collected primarily from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia.
Reservoir computing using networks of memristors: effects of topology and heterogeneity
Authors: Mallinson J. B. , Heywood Z. E. , Daniels R. K. , Arnold M. D. , Bones P. J. , Brown S. A.
Published: May 2023

Networks of nanoscale memristive elements are promising systems for brain-like computing. Here we demonstrate the effects of network topology and heterogeneity of memristor properties on reservour computing performance.
An aptamer triple helix molecular switch for sensitive electrochemical assay of lipocalin 1 biomarkerviadual signal amplifications
Authors: Yao Jianglong , Liu Yujie , Jiang Bingying , Yuan Ruo , Xiang Yun
Published: May 2023

The coupling of an aptamer triplex switch probe with dual CHA and HCR signal amplifications leads to sensitive electrochemical sensing of lipocalin 1.
Circularly polarized luminescence enlargement from crystals to oriented films of enantiopure 2D hybrid perovskites
Authors: Zhao Xuan-Hui , Li Na-Na , Peng Jing , Xu Jun , Luo Peng , Dong Xi-Yan , Hu Xiaozong
Published: May 2023

The oriented films of a new enantiomeric pair of 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites demonstrated bright circularly polarized luminescence and a 5-fold enlargedglumof up to 1.0 × 10−2, relative to the solid-state powders.
Metal-coordinated distibene and dibismuthene dications – isoelectronic analogues of butadiene dications
Authors: Weinert Hanns M. , Schulte Yannick , Gehlhaar Alexander , Wölper Christoph , Haberhauer Gebhard , Schulz Stephan
Published: May 2023

Salt metathesis of L(TfO)Ga-substituted dipnictenes allowed for the synthesis of heavy dipnictene dications, which can be considered as isoelectronic analogues of the butadiene dication.
New hybrid: [H-β-(4-pyridyl)-Ala-OH] tetrafluoroborate – crystal structure and strong piezoelectricity
Authors: Wojtaś Maciej , Bednarchuk Tamara J. , Bdikin Igor
Published: May 2023

A new amino acid based crystal exhibiting strong piezoresponse – 2 times greater than that of lithium niobate.
Adsorption dynamics of O2 on Cu(111): a supersonic molecular beam study
Authors: Zhang Diyu , Jansen Charlotte , Kleyn Aart W. , Juurlink Ludo B. F.
Published: May 2023

Schematic diagram of the O2 molecular collide onto the intrinsic sites and extrinsic sites.
Ultra-stable Pd ions at Al T1/T2 sites on a dealuminated Pd/beta passive NOxadsorber
Authors: Zhu Yi , Wang Jun , Wang Chen , Wang Jianqiang , Shen Gurong , Shen Meiqing
Published: May 2023

The oxalic-acid modified Pd/beta shows a more stable performance of NOxstorage due to its more stable Pd ions and more stable Al T1/T2 species when exposed to reducing agents or treated under hydrothermal conditions.
Lithium metal atoms fill vacancies in the germanium network of a type-I clathrate: synthesis and structural characterization of Ba8Li5Ge41
Authors: Ghosh Kowsik , Ovchinnikov Alexander , Baitinger Michael , Krnel Mitja , Burkhardt Ulrich , Grin Yuri , Bobev Svilen
Published: May 2023

New clathrate type phases where Li atoms fill vacancies in the Ge-framework have been identified.
Emerging investigator series: impacts of aeration flow rates and bubble sizes on PFOA/PFOS removal in electrocoagulation
Authors: Mu Tianhong , Kim Kyoung-Yeol
Published: May 2023

The impacts of aeration (in terms of bubble sizes and airflow rates) on PFOA/PFOS removal as well as electrocoagulation performance were examined in this study.
Microbial electrosynthesis with Clostridium ljungdahlii benefits from hydrogen electron mediation and permits a greater variety of products
Authors: Boto Santiago T. , Bardl Bettina , Harnisch Falk , Rosenbaum Miriam A.
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen-mediated microbial electrosynthesis with Clostridium ljungdahlii enabled the metabolic flux diversification from acetate to glycine and ethanolamine.
Highly parallel, wash-free, and ultrasensitive centrifugal droplet digital protein detection in sub-microliter blood
Authors: Tang Zhengmin , Lv Feifei , Reynolds David Eun , Zhang Shunji , Zheng Shufa , Ko Jina , Chen Yu , Wang Yongcheng
Published: May 2023

A centrifugal droplet digital protein detection technology that combines miniaturized centrifugal droplet generation devices with digital immuno-PCR assays, achieving a femtomolar limit of detection of target proteins in sub-microliters of plasma.
Dissecting the biosynthesis of the polyketide alkaloid lydicamycin using a complex metabolic network
Authors: Zhang Heqian , Li Xiaojie , Pan Shiyu , Huang Jiaquan , Qin Zhiwei
Published: May 2023

Using a combination of molecular networking and genetics, we preliminarily demonstrate the biosynthesis of type I polyketide alkaloid lydicamycins.
High performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries based on a phenothiazine-based covalent triazine framework
Authors: Lv Shaoyu , He Qimin , Zhang Ying , Guo Jingying , Peng Xiangling , Du Ya , Yang Haishen
Published: May 2023

A novel phenothiazine-based covalent triazine material (MPT-CTF) was successfully achieved from phenothiazine as a sustainable superior organic cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Electrochemically mediated fluoroalkylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes: synthesis of polycyclic benzimidazoles containing a CF3 group
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Li Ziwei , Li Shuo , Qian Guosong , Sun Yanyu
Published: May 2023

Herein, an electrochemical trifluoromethylation/cyclization reaction of unactivated alkenes within benzimidazole molecules by direct cascade with C2–H has been developed.
Star-shaped poly(l-lysine) with polyester bis-MPA dendritic core as potential degradable nano vectors for gene delivery
Authors: Stefanovic Smiljana , McCormick Katie , Fattah Sarinj , Brannigan Ruiari , Cryan Sally-Ann , Heise Andreas
Published: May 2023

Efficient initiation from ammonium trifluoroacetate salts (TFA) dendritic end-groups yields well-defined poly(l-lysine) star polypeptides with 8, 16 and 32 arms. Hydrolytic core degradation and plasmid DNA complexation is demonstrated.
A PN(Pz)P ligand protected Au2Cu2complex for photoluminescent ultra-low humidity detection with reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations
Authors: Hu Shengnan , Yan Sisi , Hu Yuanyuan , Young David James , Li Hong-Xi , Lu Chengrong , He Jing-Hui , Ren Zhi-Gang
Published: May 2023

Au/Cu/PN(Pz)P complexes underwent a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation accompanied by a luminescence change from red to orange and green, and were able to detect ultralow humidity as low as 0.21 ppm.
Versatile π-bridges in nonfullerene electron acceptors of organic solar cells
Authors: Feng Fan , Wang Pengchao , Li Yonghai , Bao Xichang
Published: May 2023

The development of nonfullerene electron acceptors (NFEAs) is a landmark advance in the field of organic solar cells (OSCs).
Modeling and analysis of ammonia oxidation and nitrous oxide formation on a dual-layer ammonia slip catalyst for diesel after-treatment
Authors: Yao Dongwei , Li Yuxi , Wu Feng , Jin Weiyang , Zhang Ziyan , Hu Xiaohan , Hu Jiadong
Published: May 2023

A comprehensive one-dimensional kinetic model was developed to detail ammonia oxidation and nitrous oxide (N2O) formation on a dual-layer ammonia slip catalyst (ASC).
Enhanced electrochemical performance of iron-doped (NH4)2V12O27·xH2O as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Song Jiajia , Kou Lingjiang , Wang Yong , Pang Yong , Ai Taotao , Kajiyoshi Koji , Liu Mengting , Bao Weiwei , Li Wenhu , Wattanapaphawong Panya
Published: May 2023

Schematic illustration of the mechanism of the fast and stable zinc ion storage. The Fe doping introduces interstices that facilitate electrolyte permeation and increase the contact area between the active material and the electrolyte, promoting the kinetics of Zn2+.
Targeted proximity-labelling of protein tyrosines via flavin-dependent photoredox catalysis with mechanistic evidence for a radical–radical recombination pathway
Authors: Hope Taylor O. , Reyes-Robles Tamara , Ryu Keun Ah , Mauries Steven , Removski Nicole , Maisonneuve Jacinthe , Oslund Rob C. , Fadeyi Olugbeminiyi O. , Frenette Mathieu
Published: May 2023

Labelling of protein tyrosines with phenol-containing tags is shown using riboflavin based-photocatalysts with a smaller labelling radius than peroxidase-based methods. Mechanistic insight also suggests a radical recombination mechanism.
Atomic-level insights into the first cycle irreversible capacity loss of Ni-rich layered cathodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Paidi Anil K. , Lee Alex Taekyung , Paidi Vinod K. , Ahn Hyungju , Lim Jinsub , Lee Kug-Seung , Lee Sangsul , Ahn Docheon
Published: May 2023

Our study identifies that the first cycle IRC loss is strongly related to the irreversibility of the Ni charge state, which limits the capacity and energy density.
Aspect ratio control of TaS2nanosheets: a methodology for room temperature formaldehyde gas sensing performance optimization
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Min , Xu Jiangang , Zeng Zhiyuan , Ho Derek
Published: May 2023

This work presents a gas sensor optimization strategy based on aspect ratio control of transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets.