bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Alaskan Summer 2019 Extreme Heat Event: The Role of Anthropogenic Forcing, and Projections of the Increasing Risk of Occurrence
Authors: Weidman Sarah K. , Delworth Thomas L. , Kapnick Sarah B. , Cooke William F.
Published: August 2021

Extreme heat occurred over Alaska in June–July 2019, posing risks to infrastructure, ecosystem, and human health. It is vital to improve our understanding of the causes of such events and the extent to which anthropogenic forcing may alter their likelihood and magnitude. Here, we use multiple large ensembles of climate models, comprising thousands of simulated years, to investigate these issues. Our results suggest that the presence of anthropogenic radiative forcing increased the likelihood of the 2019 extreme heat event by as much as 6%. Further we show the rate of occurrence of such an extreme heat event is likely to substantially increase in the future with increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. While uncertainty in projected climate risk from model choice leads to a broad range of future extreme heat event probabilities, some models project that with rapidly increasing levels of greenhouse gases the likelihood of such events would exceed 75% by 2090.
“Distance‐Driven” Versus “Density‐Driven”: Understanding the Role of “Source‐Case” Distance and Gathering Places in the Localized Spatial Clustering of COVID‐19—A Case Study of the Xinfadi Market, Beijing (China)
Authors: Zhang Sui , Yang Zhao , Wang Minghao , Zhang Baolei
Published: August 2021

The frequent occurrence of local COVID‐19 today gives a strong necessity to better understand the effects of "source‐case" distance and gathering places, which are often considered to be the key factors of the localized spatial clustering of an epidemic. In this study, the localized spatial clustering of COVID‐19 cases, which originated in the Xinfadi market in Beijing from June–July 2020, was investigated by exploring the spatiotemporal characteristics of the clustering using descriptive statistics, point pattern analysis, and spatial autocorrelation calculation approaches. Spatial lag zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model and geographically weighted Poisson regression with spatial effects were also introduced to explore the factors which influenced the clustering of COVID‐19 cases at the micro spatial scale. It was found that the local epidemic can be significantly divided into two stages which are asymmetric in time. A significant spatial spillover effect of COVID‐19 was identified in both global and local modeling estimation. The dominant role of the “source‐case” distance effect, which was reflected in both global and local scales, was revealed. Relatively, the role of gathering places is not significant at the initial stage of the epidemic, but the upward trend of the significance of some places is obvious. The trend from "distance‐driven" to "density‐driven" of the localized spatial clustering of COVID‐19 was predicted. The effectiveness of blocking the transformation trend will be a key issue for the global response to the local COVID‐19.
Mercury's Northern Rise Core‐Field Magnetic Anomaly
Authors: Plattner Alain M. , Johnson Catherine L.
Published: August 2021

We use magnetic field data collected in orbit around Mercury by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging satellite, to detect a regional magnetic field anomaly that is spatially associated with Mercury's Northern Rise topographic signature. Regional spectral analysis indicates a source depth at or below the core‐mantle boundary, and hence the anomaly is of core, not crustal, origin. This observation supports previous studies linking the Northern Rise to a deep‐seated gravity anomaly and reveals connections among core, mantle, and crustal dynamics, likely enabled by Mercury's thin mantle.
Real‐Time Characterization of Aerosol Compositions, Sources, and Aging Processes in Guangzhou During PRIDE‐GBA 2018 Campaign
Authors: Chen Wei , Ye Yuqing , Hu Weiwei , Zhou Huaishan , Pan Tianle , Wang Yingkun , Song Wei , Song Qicong , Ye Chenshuo , Wang Chaomin , Wang Baolin , Huang Shan , Yuan Bin , Zhu Ming , Lian Xiufeng , Zhang Guohua , Bi Xinhui , Jiang Fan , Liu Junwen , Canonaco Francesco , Prevot Andre S. H. , Shao Min , Wang Xinming
Published: August 2021

To investigate the chemical compositions, sources, and aging processes of submicron particles (PM1), a comprehensive field campaign was conducted in Guangzhou urban area of China during the autumn (October–November) of 2018. The average mass concentration of PM1 was 35.6 ± 20.8 µg m−3, which was mainly contributed by organic aerosols (OA, 42%), then followed by sulfate (25%) and inorganic nitrate (11%). The inorganic nitrate was found to be the main driving component (up to ∼50%) to account for the fast increase of PM1 during the polluted periods of Guangzhou autumn. The promotion effects of sulfate, aerosol liquid water content, and particles acidity on nitrate formation were systematically discussed. Source apportionment results showed 72% of OA in Guangzhou autumn was contributed by secondary OA (SOA), and 28% of primary OA (POA), including vehicle emission related hydrocarbon‐like OA (HOA, 16%), nitrogen‐containing OA (NOA, 3%) and cooking OA (COA, 8%). To explore the aging processes of OA, the dynamic variations of OA and its oxidation level as a function of ambient photochemical age are shown. Using an in situ field‐deployed oxidation flow reactor, the heterogeneous reaction rate coefficients of ambient POA with OH radicals () were estimated to be 4.0–5.4 × 10−13 cm3 molecules−1 s−1, which is equivalent to a lifetime of POA >2 weeks. The long heterogeneous lifetime of POA supports gas phase oxidation was the major pathway for ambient OA aging. The OH uptake coefficient () was estimated to be 0.76–0.84, underlining that OH radicals can be taken up efficiently on ambient aerosols.
Aberrant super-enhancer-driven oncogene ENC1 promotes the radio-resistance of breast carcinoma
Authors: Li Lin , Wang Nan , Zhu Mingzhi , Xiong Youyi , Wang Fang , Guo Guangcheng , Wang Xinxing , Gu Yuanyan
Published: August 2021

Poor response of tumors to radiotherapy is a major clinical obstacle. Because of the dynamic characteristics of the epigenome, identification of possible epigenetic modifiers may be beneficial to confer radio-sensitivity. This research was set to examine the modulation of ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) in radio-resistance in breast carcinoma (BC). In silico identification and immunohistochemical staining revealed that overexpression of ENC1 promoted BC metastasis to the bone and brain. Moreover, its overexpression promoted the translocation of YAP1/TAZ into the nucleus and enhanced expression of GLI1, CTGF, and FGF1 through the Hippo pathway. ENC1 expression was controlled by a ~10-kb long SE. ENC1-SEdistal deletion reduced ENC1 expression and inhibited the malignant behavior of BC cells and their resistance to radiotherapy. The binding sites on the ENC1-SE region enriched the shared sequence between TCF4 and ENC1 promoter. Knocking-down TCF4 inhibited luciferase activity and H3K27ac-enriched binding of the ENC1-SE region. Additionally, SE-driven ENC1 overexpression mediated by TCF4 may have clinical implications in radio-resistance in BC patients. Our findings indicated that ENC1 overexpression is mediated by SE and the downstream TCF4 to potentiate the Hippo/YAP1/TAZ pathway. Targeting this axis might be a therapeutic strategy for overcoming BC radio-resistance.
Caspase-8 mutations associated with head and neck cancer differentially retain functional properties related to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and cytokine induction
Authors: Cui Zhibin , Dabas Hadas , Leonard Brandon C. , Shiah Jamie V. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Johnson Daniel E.
Published: August 2021

The cysteine protease, caspase-8, undergoes dimerization, processing, and activation following stimulation of cells with death ligands such as TRAIL, and mediates TRAIL induction of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. In addition, caspase-8 mediates TRAIL-induced activation of NF-κB and upregulation of immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines, via a mechanism independent of caspase-8 catalytic activity. The gene encoding procaspase-8 is mutated in 10% of human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Despite a paucity of experimental evidence, HNSCC-associated caspase-8 mutations are commonly assumed to be loss of function. To investigate their functional properties and phenotypic effects, 18 HNSCC-associated caspase-8 mutants were expressed in doxycycline-inducible fashion in cell line models wherein the endogenous wild-type caspase-8 was deleted. We observed that 5/8 mutants in the amino-terminal prodomain, but 0/10 mutants in the carboxyl-terminal catalytic region, retained an ability to mediate TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Caspase-8 proteins with mutations in the prodomain were defective in dimerization, whereas all ten of the catalytic region mutants efficiently dimerized, revealing an inverse relationship between dimerization and apoptosis induction for the mutant proteins. Roughly half (3/8) of the prodomain mutants and 9/10 of the catalytic region mutants retained the ability to mediate TRAIL induction of immunosuppressive CXCL1, IL-6, or IL-8. Doxycycline-induced expression of wild-type caspase-8 or a representative mutant led to an increased percentage of T and NKT cells in syngeneic HNSCC xenograft tumors. These findings demonstrate that HNSCC-associated caspase-8 mutants retain properties that may influence TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and cytokine induction, as well as the composition of the tumor microenvironment.
Timing the evolution of antioxidant enzymes in cyanobacteria
Authors: Boden Joanne S. , Konhauser Kurt O. , Robbins Leslie J. , Sánchez-Baracaldo Patricia
Published: August 2021

The ancestors of cyanobacteria generated Earth’s first biogenic molecular oxygen, but how they dealt with oxidative stress remains unconstrained. Here we investigate when superoxide dismutase enzymes (SODs) capable of removing superoxide free radicals evolved and estimate when Cyanobacteria originated. Our Bayesian molecular clocks, calibrated with microfossils, predict that stem Cyanobacteria arose 3300–3600 million years ago. Shortly afterwards, we find phylogenetic evidence that ancestral cyanobacteria used SODs with copper and zinc cofactors (CuZnSOD) during the Archaean. By the Paleoproterozoic, they became genetically capable of using iron, nickel, and manganese as cofactors (FeSOD, NiSOD, and MnSOD respectively). The evolution of NiSOD is particularly intriguing because it corresponds with cyanobacteria’s invasion of the open ocean. Our analyses of metalloenzymes dealing with reactive oxygen species (ROS) now demonstrate that marine geochemical records alone may not predict patterns of metal usage by phototrophs from freshwater and terrestrial habitats.
Holistic face recognition is an emergent phenomenon of spatial processing in face-selective regions
Authors: Poltoratski Sonia , Kay Kendrick , Finzi Dawn , Grill-Spector Kalanit
Published: August 2021

Spatial processing by receptive fields is a core property of the visual system. However, it is unknown how spatial processing in high-level regions contributes to recognition behavior. As face inversion is thought to disrupt typical holistic processing of information in faces, we mapped population receptive fields (pRFs) with upright and inverted faces in the human visual system. Here we show that in face-selective regions, but not primary visual cortex, pRFs and overall visual field coverage are smaller and shifted downward in response to face inversion. From these measurements, we successfully predict the relative behavioral detriment of face inversion at different positions in the visual field. This correspondence between neural measurements and behavior demonstrates how spatial processing in face-selective regions may enable holistic perception. These results not only show that spatial processing in high-level visual regions is dynamically used towards recognition, but also suggest a powerful approach for bridging neural computations by receptive fields to behavior.
Intestinal-derived FGF15 protects against deleterious effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy in mice
Authors: Bozadjieva-Kramer Nadejda , Shin Jae Hoon , Shao Yikai , Gutierrez-Aguilar Ruth , Li Ziru , Heppner Kristy M. , Chiang Samuel , Vargo Sara G. , Granger Katrina , Sandoval Darleen A. , MacDougald Ormond A. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: August 2021

Bariatric surgeries such as the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) are invasive but provide the most effective improvements in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized a potential role for the gut hormone Fibroblast-Growth Factor 15/19 which is increased after VSG and pharmacologically can improve energy homeostasis and glucose handling. We generated intestinal-specific FGF15 knockout (FGF15INT-KO) mice which were maintained on high-fat diet. FGF15INT-KO mice lost more weight after VSG as a result of increased lean tissue loss. FGF15INT-KO mice also lost more bone density and bone marrow adipose tissue after VSG. The effect of VSG to improve glucose tolerance was also absent in FGF15INT-KO. VSG resulted in increased plasma bile acid levels but were considerably higher in VSG-FGF15INT-KO mice. These data point to an important role after VSG for intestinal FGF15 to protect the organism from deleterious effects of VSG potentially by limiting the increase in circulating bile acids.
The intervening domain is required for DNA-binding and functional identity of plant MADS transcription factors
Authors: Lai Xuelei , Vega-Léon Rosario , Hugouvieux Veronique , Blanc-Mathieu Romain , van der Wal Froukje , Lucas Jérémy , Silva Catarina S. , Jourdain Agnès , Muino Jose M. , Nanao Max H. , Immink Richard , Kaufmann Kerstin , Parcy François , Smaczniak Cezary , Zubieta Chloe
Published: August 2021

The MADS transcription factors (TF) are an ancient eukaryotic protein family. In plants, the family is divided into two main lineages. Here, we demonstrate that DNA binding in both lineages absolutely requires a short amino acid sequence C-terminal to the MADS domain (M domain) called the Intervening domain (I domain) that was previously defined only in type II lineage MADS. Structural elucidation of the MI domains from the floral regulator, SEPALLATA3 (SEP3), shows a conserved fold with the I domain acting to stabilise the M domain. Using the floral organ identity MADS TFs, SEP3, APETALA1 (AP1) and AGAMOUS (AG), domain swapping demonstrate that the I domain alters genome-wide DNA-binding specificity and dimerisation specificity. Introducing AG carrying the I domain of AP1 in the Arabidopsis ap1 mutant resulted in strong complementation and restoration of first and second whorl organs. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the I domain acts as an integral part of the DNA-binding domain and significantly contributes to the functional identity of the MADS TF.
Responsive core-shell DNA particles trigger lipid-membrane disruption and bacteria entrapment
Authors: Walczak Michal , Brady Ryan A. , Mancini Leonardo , Contini Claudia , Rubio-Sánchez Roger , Kaufhold William T. , Cicuta Pietro , Di Michele Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Biology has evolved a variety of agents capable of permeabilizing and disrupting lipid membranes, from amyloid aggregates, to antimicrobial peptides, to venom compounds. While often associated with disease or toxicity, these agents are also central to many biosensing and therapeutic technologies. Here, we introduce a class of synthetic, DNA-based particles capable of disrupting lipid membranes. The particles have finely programmable size, and self-assemble from all-DNA and cholesterol-DNA nanostructures, the latter forming a membrane-adhesive core and the former a protective hydrophilic corona. We show that the corona can be selectively displaced with a molecular cue, exposing the ‘sticky’ core. Unprotected particles adhere to synthetic lipid vesicles, which in turn enhances membrane permeability and leads to vesicle collapse. Furthermore, particle-particle coalescence leads to the formation of gel-like DNA aggregates that envelop surviving vesicles. This response is reminiscent of pathogen immobilisation through immune cells secretion of DNA networks, as we demonstrate by trappingE. colibacteria.
Dpb4 promotes resection of DNA double-strand breaks and checkpoint activation by acting in two different protein complexes
Authors: Casari Erika , Gobbini Elisa , Gnugnoli Marco , Mangiagalli Marco , Clerici Michela , Longhese Maria Pia
Published: August 2021

Budding yeast Dpb4 (POLE3/CHRAC17 in mammals) is a highly conserved histone fold protein that is shared by two protein complexes: the chromatin remodeler ISW2/hCHRAC and the DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε) holoenzyme. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dpb4 forms histone-like dimers with Dls1 in the ISW2 complex and with Dpb3 in the Pol ε complex. Here, we show that Dpb4 plays two functions in sensing and processing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Dpb4 promotes histone removal and DSB resection by interacting with Dls1 to facilitate the association of the Isw2 ATPase to DSBs. Furthermore, it promotes checkpoint activation by interacting with Dpb3 to facilitate the association of the checkpoint protein Rad9 to DSBs. Persistence of both Isw2 and Rad9 at DSBs is enhanced by the A62S mutation that is located in the Dpb4 histone fold domain and increases Dpb4 association at DSBs. Thus, Dpb4 exerts two distinct functions at DSBs depending on its interactors.
An omics-based framework for assessing the health risk of antimicrobial resistance genes
Authors: Zhang An-Ni , Gaston Jeffry M. , Dai Chengzhen L. , Zhao Shijie , Poyet Mathilde , Groussin Mathieu , Yin Xiaole , Li Li-Guan , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Topp Edward , Gillings Michael R. , Hanage William P. , Tiedje James M. , Moniz Katya , Alm Eric J. , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2021

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are widespread among bacteria. However, not all ARGs pose serious threats to public health, highlighting the importance of identifying those that are high-risk. Here, we developed an ‘omics-based’ framework to evaluate ARG risk considering human-associated-enrichment, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity. Our framework classifies human-associated, mobile ARGs (3.6% of all ARGs) as the highest risk, which we further differentiate as ‘current threats’ (Rank I; 3%) - already present among pathogens - and ‘future threats’ (Rank II; 0.6%) - novel resistance emerging from non-pathogens. Our framework identified 73 ‘current threat’ ARG families. Of these, 35 were among the 37 high-risk ARGs proposed by the World Health Organization and other literature; the remaining 38 were significantly enriched in hospital plasmids. By evaluating all pathogen genomes released since framework construction, we confirmed that ARGs that recently transferred into pathogens were significantly enriched in Rank II (‘future threats’). Lastly, we applied the framework to gut microbiome genomes from fecal microbiota transplantation donors. We found that although ARGs were widespread (73% of genomes), only 8.9% of genomes contained high-risk ARGs. Our framework provides an easy-to-implement approach to identify current and future antimicrobial resistance threats, with potential clinical applications including reducing risk of microbiome-based interventions.
CryoEM reveals the stochastic nature of individual ATP binding events in a group II chaperonin
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Schmid Michael F. , Frydman Judith , Chiu Wah
Published: August 2021

Chaperonins are homo- or hetero-oligomeric complexes that use ATP binding and hydrolysis to facilitate protein folding. ATP hydrolysis exhibits both positive and negative cooperativity. The mechanism by which chaperonins coordinate ATP utilization in their multiple subunits remains unclear. Here we use cryoEM to study ATP binding in the homo-oligomeric archaeal chaperonin from Methanococcus maripaludis (MmCpn), consisting of two stacked rings composed of eight identical subunits each. Using a series of image classification steps, we obtained different structural snapshots of individual chaperonins undergoing the nucleotide binding process. We identified nucleotide-bound and free states of individual subunits in each chaperonin, allowing us to determine the ATP occupancy state of each MmCpn particle. We observe distinctive tertiary and quaternary structures reflecting variations in nucleotide occupancy and subunit conformations in each chaperonin complex. Detailed analysis of the nucleotide distribution in each MmCpn complex indicates that individual ATP binding events occur in a statistically random manner for MmCpn, both within and across the rings. Our findings illustrate the power of cryoEM to characterize a biochemical property of multi-subunit ligand binding cooperativity at the individual particle level.
Reconfigurable artificial microswimmers with internal feedback
Authors: Alvarez L. , Fernandez-Rodriguez M. A. , Alegria A. , Arrese-Igor S. , Zhao K. , Kröger M. , Isa Lucio
Published: August 2021

Self-propelling microparticles are often proposed as synthetic models for biological microswimmers, yet they lack the internally regulated adaptation of their biological counterparts. Conversely, adaptation can be encoded in larger-scale soft-robotic devices but remains elusive to transfer to the colloidal scale. Here, we create responsive microswimmers, powered by electro-hydrodynamic flows, which can adapt their motility via internal reconfiguration. Using sequential capillary assembly, we fabricate deterministic colloidal clusters comprising soft thermo-responsive microgels and light-absorbing particles. Light absorption induces preferential local heating and triggers the volume phase transition of the microgels, leading to an adaptation of the clusters’ motility, which is orthogonal to their propulsion scheme. We rationalize this response via the coupling between self-propulsion and variations of particle shape and dielectric properties upon heating. Harnessing such coupling allows for strategies to achieve local dynamical control with simple illumination patterns, revealing exciting opportunities for developing tactic active materials.
The inherent community structure of hyperbolic networks
Authors: Kovács Bianka , Palla Gergely
Published: August 2021

A remarkable approach for grasping the relevant statistical features of real networks with the help of random graphs is offered by hyperbolic models, centred around the idea of placing nodes in a low-dimensional hyperbolic space, and connecting node pairs with a probability depending on the hyperbolic distance. It is widely appreciated that these models can generate random graphs that are small-world, highly clustered and scale-free at the same time; thus, reproducing the most fundamental common features of real networks. In the present work, we focus on a less well-known property of the popularity-similarity optimisation model and the $${\mathbb {S}}^1/{\mathbb {H}}^2$$

S

1

/

H

2

model from this model family, namely that the networks generated by these approaches also contain communities for a wide range of the parameters, which was certainly not an intention at the design of the models. We extracted the communities from the studied networks using well-established community finding methods such as Louvain, Infomap and label propagation. The observed high modularity values indicate that the community structure can become very pronounced under certain conditions. In addition, the modules found by the different algorithms show good consistency, implying that these are indeed relevant and apparent structural units. Since the appearance of communities is rather common in networks representing real systems as well, this feature of hyperbolic models makes them even more suitable for describing real networks than thought before.
Interpretable deep recommender system model for prediction of kinase inhibitor efficacy across cancer cell lines
Authors: Koras Krzysztof , Kizling Ewa , Juraeva Dilafruz , Staub Eike , Szczurek Ewa
Published: August 2021

Computational models for drug sensitivity prediction have the potential to significantly improve personalized cancer medicine. Drug sensitivity assays, combined with profiling of cancer cell lines and drugs become increasingly available for training such models. Multiple methods were proposed for predicting drug sensitivity from cancer cell line features, some in a multi-task fashion. So far, no such model leveraged drug inhibition profiles. Importantly, multi-task models require a tailored approach to model interpretability. In this work, we develop DEERS, a neural network recommender system for kinase inhibitor sensitivity prediction. The model utilizes molecular features of the cancer cell lines and kinase inhibition profiles of the drugs. DEERS incorporates two autoencoders to project cell line and drug features into 10-dimensional hidden representations and a feed-forward neural network to combine them into response prediction. We propose a novel interpretability approach, which in addition to the set of modeled features considers also the genes and processes outside of this set. Our approach outperforms simpler matrix factorization models, achieving R $$=$$
=
 0.82 correlation between true and predicted response for the unseen cell lines. The interpretability analysis identifies 67 biological processes that drive the cell line sensitivity to particular compounds. Detailed case studies are shown for PHA-793887, XMD14-99 and Dabrafenib.
Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis for non-B subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in Busan, Korea
Authors: Lee Jeong Eun , Lee Soon Ok , Lee Shinwon , Park Sohee , Kim Hyung-Hoi , Shin Kyung-Hwa , Kang Jin Suk , Lee Sun Hee
Published: August 2021

Recent data on non-B subtypes’ epidemiology among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in Korea are lacking. We aimed to assess the changing trends in the epidemiology of non-B subtypes of HIV-1 in Korea using phyloepidemiological analyses. We analyzed the demographic records and sequencing data obtained from genotypic drug resistance tests between 2005 and 2019 from 517 patients infected with HIV attending a tertiary care hospital in Busan, Korea. Subtyping and phylogenetic analyses with reference sequences were performed. Additionally, transmission clusters were identified via maximum-likelihood trees. Non-B subtypes accounted for 21.3% of the 517 sequences. CRF01_AE (52.7%) was the most common non-B subtype, followed by CRF02_AG (16.4%), A1 (11.8%), and C (5.5%). The prevalence of non-B subtypes decreased from 36.4 to 13.4% by 2009, while it increased to 27.4% between 2015 and 2019. Among patients with non-B subtypes, the proportion of overseas sailors decreased from 66.7 to 7.5%; contrarily, the proportion of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) increased from 0 to 46.9% over the study period. We identified 8 transmission clusters involving non-B subtypes, with sizes ranging from 2 to 4 patients, including 3 clusters containing MSM. Our results highlight the changes in the epidemiological trends of non-B subtypes of HIV-1 in Korea.
Identification of genes encoding a novel ABC transporter in Lactobacillus delbrueckii for inulin polymers uptake
Authors: Tsujikawa Yuji , Ishikawa Shu , Sakane Iwao , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Osawa Ro
Published: August 2021

Lactobacillus delbrueckii JCM 1002T grows on highly polymerized inulin-type fructans as its sole carbon source. When it was grown on inulin, a > 10 kb long gene cluster inuABCDEF (Ldb1381-1386) encoding a plausible ABC transporter was suggested to be induced, since a transcriptome analysis revealed that the fourth gene inuD (Ldb1384) was up-regulated most prominently. Although Bacillus subtilis 168 is originally unable to utilize inulin, it became to grow on inulin upon heterologous expression of inuABCDEF. When freshly cultured cells of the recombinant B. subtilis were then densely suspended in buffer containing inulin polymers and incubated, inulin gradually disappeared from the buffer and accumulated in the cells without being degraded, whereas levan-type fructans did not disappear. The results imply that inuABCDEF might encode a novel ABC transporter in L. delbrueckii to “monopolize” inulin polymers selectively, thereby, providing a possible advantage in competition with other concomitant inulin-utilizing bacteria.
Design and validation of fiber optic localized surface plasmon resonance sensor for thyroglobulin immunoassay with high sensitivity and rapid detection
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Min , Jeong Dae Hong , Lee Ho-Young , Park Jae-Hyoung , Lee Seung-Ki
Published: August 2021

A simple optical fiber sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance was constructed for direct and rapid measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg). Specific tests for Tg in patients that have undergone thyroidectomy are limited because of insufficient sensitivity, complicated procedures, and in some cases, a long time to yield a result. A sensitive, fast, and simple method is necessary to relieve the psychological and physical burden of the patient. Various concentrations of Tg were measured in a microfluidic channel using an optical fiber sensor with gold nanoparticles. The sensor chip has a detection limit of 93.11 fg/mL with no specificity for other antigens. The potential applicability of the Tg sensing system was evaluated using arbitrary samples containing specific concentrations of Tg. Finally, the sensor can be employed to detect Tg in the patient’s serum, with a good correlation when compared with the commercial kit.
Design of industrial wastewater demulsifier by HLD-NAC model
Authors: Ghasemi Hassan , Eslami Fatemeh
Published: August 2021

The chemical method is one of the treatment techniques for the separation of oil–water emulsion systems. The selection of appropriate demulsifiers for each emulsion system is the most challenging issue. Hydrophilic-lipophilic-deviation (HLD) is a powerful semi-empirical model, providing predictive tools to formulate the emulsion and microemulsion systems. This work aims to apply HLD to obtain an optimal condition for demulsification of oil-in-water emulsion system—real industrial wastewater—with different water in oil ratios (WOR). Therefore, the oil parameter of the contaminant oil and surfactant parameter for three types of commercial surfactants were calculated by performing salinity scans. Furthermore, the net-average-curvature (NAC) framework coupled with HLD was used to predict the phase behavior of the synthetic microemulsion systems, incorporating solubilization properties, the shape of droplets, and quality of optimum formulation. The geometrical sizes of non-spherical droplets (Ld, Rd)—as an indicator of how droplet sizes are changing with HLD—were consistent with the separation results. Correlating Ld/Rd at phase transition points with bottle test results validates the hypothesis that NAC-predicted geometries and demulsification behavior are interconnected. Finally, the effect of sec-butanol was examined on both synthetic and real systems, providing reliable insights in terms of the effect of alcohol for WOR ≠ 1.
On the interpretation of annual oscillations in 32Si and 36Cl decay rate measurements
Authors: Pommé S. , Pelczar K. , Kossert K. , Kajan I.
Published: August 2021

The 32Si decay rate measurement data of Alburger et al. obtained in 1982–1986 at Brookhaven National Laboratory have been presented repeatedly as evidence for solar neutrino-induced beta decay. The count rates show an annual sinusoidal oscillation of about 0.1% amplitude and maximum at February–March. Several authors have claimed that the annual oscillations could not be explained by environmental influences on the set-up, and they questioned the invariability of the decay constant. They hypothesised a correlation with changes in the solar neutrino flux due to annual variations in the Earth-Sun distance, in spite of an obvious mismatch in amplitude and phase. In this work, environmental conditions at the time of the experiment are presented. The 32Si decay rate measurements appear to be inversely correlated with the dew point in a nearby weather station. Susceptibility of the detection set-up to local temperature and humidity conditions is a likely cause of the observed instabilities in the measured decay rates. Similar conclusions apply to 36Cl decay rates measured at Ohio State University in 2005–2012.
Securing genetic integrity in freshwater pearl mussel propagation and captive breeding
Authors: Geist Juergen , Bayerl Helmut , Stoeckle Bernhard C. , Kuehn Ralph
Published: August 2021

Securing genetic integrity is of key importance in conservation-oriented captive breeding programs releasing juveniles into the wild. This is particularly true for species such as the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) for which a number of captive breeding facilities has been established in Europe. The core objective of this study was to compare the genetic constitution of 29 cohorts of captive-bred freshwater pearl mussels from five different breeding facilities in Austria, France, Luxembourg and Germany, with their original 14 source populations from nine major European drainages, based on microsatellite markers. Captive-bred mussels represented 11 different genetic clusters, suggesting an important contribution of the breeding stations to securing the genetic diversity of the species. In almost all cases, the cultured offspring closely resembled the genetic constitution of the source mussels as revealed from the STRUCTURE analysis and the generally high assignment of offspring to the original source populations. The majority of captive-bred cohorts had an increased inbreeding coefficient and decreased genetic variability compared to their source populations as measured by AR and HO. Highest numbers of deformed juveniles coincided with very low levels of HO < 0.05. Since erosion of genetic diversity in captive breeding was mostly evident in individual year-cohorts, long-term breeding over multiple years can minimize such effects. The systematic selection of priority populations for conservation, effective breeding strategies avoiding effects of in- and outbreeding by genetically informed selection of parent individuals, and a network of collaboration among the different breeding facilities would be very useful to increase resilience and effectiveness.
Impact of peripheral muscle strength on prognosis after extubation and functional outcomes in critically ill patients: a feasibility study
Authors: Wang Tsung-Hsien , Wu Chin-Pyng , Wang Li-Ying
Published: August 2021

The influence of peripheral muscle strength on prognosis after extubation and subsequent functional outcomes is not evident. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether peripheral muscle strength can be used as a predictor for patients’ prognoses after extubation, and (2) whether the peripheral muscle strength before extubation is correlated with patients’ subsequent ambulation ability and in-hospital mortality. This study was a prospective observational cohort study. A hand-held dynamometer was used for evaluated the muscle strength of the biceps and quadriceps right before extubation. Besides, after the patients had been transferred from the ICU to the general ward, a 2-minute walk test was performed. A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this study, and the rate of extubation failure was 15%. The muscle strength of the quadriceps was significantly correlated with the prognosis after extubation, 48% of the patients were able to ambulate after being transferred to the general ward. The overall mortality rate was 11%, and there was a significant correlation between the biceps muscle strength and in-hospital mortality. Peripheral muscle strength may serve as an important predictor of a patients’ prognoses after extubation. Poor peripheral muscle strength is indicative of not only a higher risk of re-intubation but also higher in-hospital mortality and poorer functional outcomes.

Trial registration: ISRCTN16370134. Registered 30 May 2019, prospectively registered.https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16370134.
Cd1−xMgxS CQD thin films for high performance and highly selective NIR photodetection
Authors: Kalsi Tania , Kumar Pragati
Published: August 2021

Highly selective prototype NIR PDs are developed using Cd1−xMgxS CQDs thin films. Besides simple and cost-effective fabrication, these PDs demonstrate high FOMs like fast response (∼110 ms) with a maximum specific detectivity of ∼3.45 × 1013 Jones.
A nanoparticle-containing polycaprolactone implant for combating post-resection breast cancer recurrence
Authors: Gao Yu , Wang Jiahui , Han Hao , Xiao Huaxin , Jin Wei-kui , Wang Siyu , Shao Shengpei , Wang Zhixuan , Yang Wenjing , Wang Lianhui , Weng Lixing
Published: August 2021

A local delivery strategy provides an alternative adjuvant chemotherapy for post-surgical breast cancer, not only preventing the local recurrence but also offering necessary mechanical support for breast tissue reconstruction.
Constructing NiSe2@MoS2 nano-heterostructures on a carbon fiber paper for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Huang Yazhou , Huang Jiacai , Xu Kunshan , Geng Ranran
Published: August 2021

Although MoS2 has shown its potential as an electro-catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), its research is still insufficient.
Theoretically probing the possible degradation mechanisms of an FeNC catalyst during the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yang Na , Peng Lanlan , Li Li , Li Jing , Liao Qiang , Shao Minhua , Wei Zidong
Published: August 2021

We summarize possible catalyst degradation mechanisms during the ORR. Protonation on an N atom of bare FeNC catalysts is difficult, leaching of the Fe site is also likely to happen, due to successive N protonation that destroys the FeN4 moiety releasing Fe(OH)2 species.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal synthesis of a pseudostarch via topochemical azide–alkyne cycloaddition polymerization
Authors: Ravi Arthi , Shijad Amina , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: August 2021

Prudent crystal engineering allows head-to-tail arrangement of inositol monomer molecules pre-organizing azide and alkyne units of adjacent monomers in a ready-to-react manner. On heating regiospecific SCSC polymerization yields a starch-like polymer.
Effect of Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli decoction on withdrawal symptoms in rats with methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference
Authors: Li Zifa , Qi Yuchen , Liu Kun , Cao Yiming , Zhang Hao , Song Chunhong , Deng Hualiang
Published: August 2021

Traditional Chinese medicine detoxification prescription Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli decoction (CLMD) relieves depressive symptoms in patients withdrawing from methamphetamine. In the present study, we assessed the effects of CLMD on methamphetamine withdrawal in rats. A methamphetamine-intoxicated rat model was established. Rats were randomly divided into the control, model, high-dosage, medium-dosage, and low-dosage groups, receiving high, medium, and low doses of CLMD, respectively. Weekly body weight measurements revealed that rats treated with methamphetamine had the lowest body weight. The conditioned place preference (CPP) experiment revealed that methamphetamine-intoxicated rats stayed significantly longer in the drug-paired chamber than the control rats. However, after administering high-dosage CLMD, the amount of time the rats spent in the drug-paired chamber was significantly less than that of the model rats. Our open-field test revealed that the model group had lower crossing and rearing scores than the control group. Additionally, rats that received CLMD treatment exhibited higher crossing and rearing scores than the model rats. Striatal dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and endorphins (β-EP) and serum interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-2 concentrations were estimated. Rats in the model group had lower striatal DA, 5-HT, and β-EP and higher serum IL-1α and IL-2 concentrations than those in the control group. High-dosage CLMD administration significantly changed the concentrations of these molecules, such that they approached normal concentrations. In general, CLMD could prevent the development of methamphetamine-induced withdrawal symptoms in rats by increasing the DA, 5-HT, and β-EP and lowering the IL-1α and IL-2 concentrations.
Morphology and mechanical performance between the skin surface of Rana dybowskii and Bufo gargarizans
Authors: Li Mo , Du Chunyu , Wang Jili , Gao Zibo , Yang Xiao , Chen Donghui , Tong Jin , Ren Lili
Published: August 2021

Anuran skin is a typical natural biomaterial with multifunctional features. A specific comparison of mechanical performance and morphology related to them was performed in the skin of Rana dybowskii and Bufo gargarizans using the tensile testing technique and morphological equipment. Rana dybowskii's skin has soft smooth surface covered by polygonal epidermal cells, while the Bufo gargarizans species has tough and uneven skin surface due to numerous verrucae structures. The collagen fibre bundles in lower dermis of Bufo gargarizans have wavelike organisation while the bundles of Rana dybowskii show a parallel arrangement. The mean elastic modulus of Rana dybowskii was nine times higher than that of Bufo gargarizans. This study clarified that the arrangement of collagen fibres play an important role in the strength and elasticity of skin material.
Ocean wave power forecasting using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bento Pedro , Pombo José , Calado Maria do Rosário , Mariano Sílvio
Published: August 2021

Climate change “fuelled” by anthropogenic causes has been identified as the greatest threat faced by societies. In this respect, the roadmap to a “greener” generation mix certainly includes a greater heterogeneity in terms of renewable energy sources. In this regard, one of the leading candidates is ocean wave energy. One of the issues with renewables in general is their unpredictably and variability, as it is crucial to address the subject of wave power forecasting, to facilitate a future market integration. Hence, to tackle this prediction problem, a new approach to short‐term wave power forecasting is proposed, based on deep learning capabilities. These highly popular networks were traditionally developed to deal with images (2D data), so the authors discuss all the necessary implementation and design details to employ these networks with 1D input data, to solve a regression‐based problem. These case‐studies include wave data from three different locations. The proposed approach was tested across all seasons of the year, revealing the suitability to extract the relevant input data dependencies from the time‐series. As such, especially for horizons up to 6 h, the proposed approach outperforms other conventional methods.
Incorporating blockchain and internet of thing: The context of renewable energy certificate on smart grid
Authors: Chen Guang , He Mingda , Liu Chang , Gao Jianbin
Published: August 2021

Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) complements each other within the space of decentralization, real time monitoring, and data sharing and security. In this paper we explored the integration of blockchain and IoT within the context of smart grid. Current REC system lacks visibility and transparency which are very critical to the success of smart grids. Conventional smart grid system makes it difficult to proof whether a buyer has truly received an energy certificate or not. Therefore, we proposed a blockchain and IoT based system for autonomous monitoring of energy sources and tracking of RECs on smart grid. Our system provides the visibility and transparency on smart grid networks that is imperative to safeguarding RECs market. Results based on extensive experiments illustrate the efficiency and scalability of our system.
Lithium battery parameter identification and SOC estimation based on dual-polarized model
Authors: Xia Hui , Li Changlei , Xu Yusang , Liu Xuehong
Published: August 2021

An equivalent circuit model of dual polarization (DP) of lithium battery was established according to the application characteristics of lithium battery under the standby condition of 5G base station. On the basis of the model, recursive least square method with forgetting factor (RLS) was used to identify the model parameters. Finally, the Unscented Kalman filtering (UKF) was used to estimate the SOC of lithium battery in real time with the identified model parameters. The simulation and experimental results showed that the combined estimation using recursive least square method with forgetting factor (RLS) and UKF could greatly improve the estimation accuracy of lithium battery SOC, reduce the estimation error, and further verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the whole modeling.
Discussion on operation flexibility of Zhonggui natural gas pipeline
Authors: Song Ying , Feng Liang , Cao Wenchen
Published: August 2021

Zhongwei station of West to east natural gas pipeline is connected to the north of Zhonggui line, and Guiyang station of China-Myanmar natural gas pipeline is connected to the south, which has important strategic significance in Southwest China. At present, the tie line mainly carries out gas transmission from Zhongwei to Guiyang. Only some pipeline sections and offload stations have reverse transmission function, while all compressor stations have no reverse transmission and pressurization function. In order to evaluate the flexibility of the operation of the Zhonggui line and give some suggestions for the preliminary reconstruction, this paper uses the SPS software to establish the pipeline model and simulate the specific working conditions, focusing on the two working conditions of the intermediate station injection forward transmission and the whole line reverse transmission. Through the simulation, we can get the following conclusions: 1. When the intermediate station injects forward gas transmission, which compressor station, gas transmission range and joint operation condition with China-Myanmar line need to be started for Zhonggui line; 2. When the whole tie line is reversed, it is necessary to change the location of the compressor station with the function of reverse transmission and pressurization. Through this study, we can give some reference and evaluation opinions on the lack of flexibility of the current tie line, and also give some reference opinions on the specific implementation of the improvement of the tie line operation flexibility in the future.
Study on the fluorescence properties of the interaction between felodipine and bovine serum protein
Authors: Li Shuxian , Bu Jialuo , Liu Wenbin , Liu Cuijuan , Lv Yuguang
Published: August 2021

The interaction between felodipine and bovine serum protein was studied, the optimal experimental conditions were selected, and the fluorescence quenching mechanism was discussed. The interaction between filodipine and bovine serum protein was determined by UV spectrophotometry, and the optimal experimental conditions were selected by control variable method. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching in the system was explored by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The fluorescence intensity of the system between felodipine and bovine serum protein was the most obvious under the experimental conditions of buffer solution pH 7.4, felodipine concentration 8.0*10-4mol/L, reaction time 30min and 25°C. Static fluorescence quenching caused by the formation of complex compounds.