bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary selection of metabolically distinct microorganisms drives hydrogen metabolism in ruminants
Authors: Li Qiu Shuang , Wang Rong , Ma Zhi Yuan , Zhang Xiu Min , Jiao Jin Zhen , Zhang Zhi Gang , Ungerfeld Emilio M , Le Yi Kang , Zhang Bai Zhong , Long Liang , Long Yun , Tao Ye , Huang Tao , Greening Chris , Tan Zhi Liang , Wang Min
Published: August 2022

Ruminants are important for global food security but emit the greenhouse gas methane. Rumen microorganisms break down complex carbohydrates to produce volatile fatty acids and molecular hydrogen. This hydrogen is mainly converted into methane by archaea, but can also be used by hydrogenotrophic acetogenic and respiratory bacteria to produce useful metabolites. A better mechanistic understanding is needed on how dietary carbohydrates influence hydrogen metabolism and methanogenesis. We profiled the composition, metabolic pathways, and activities of rumen microbiota in 24 beef cattle adapted to either fiber-rich or starch-rich diets. The fiber-rich diet selected for fibrolytic bacteria and methanogens resulting in increased fiber utilization, while the starch-rich diet selected for amylolytic bacteria and lactate utilizers, allowing the maintenance of a healthy rumen and decreasing methane production (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the fiber-rich diet enriched for hydrogenotrophic methanogens and acetogens leading to increased electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenases, methanogenic [NiFe]- and [Fe]-hydrogenases and acetyl-CoA synthase, with lower dissolved hydrogen (42%, p < 0.001). In contrast, the starch-rich diet enriched for respiratory hydrogenotrophs with greater hydrogen-producing group B [FeFe]-hydrogenases and respiratory group 1d [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Parallel in vitro experiments showed that the fiber-rich selected microbiome enhanced acetate and butyrate production while decreasing methane production (p < 0.05), suggesting that the enriched hydrogenotrophic acetogens converted some hydrogen that would otherwise be used by methanogenesis. These insights into hydrogen metabolism and methanogenesis improve understanding of energy harvesting strategies, healthy rumen maintenance, and methane mitigation in ruminants.
Olfactory impairment in psychiatric disorders: Does nasal inflammation impact disease psychophysiology?
Authors: Hasegawa Yuto , Ma Minghong , Sawa Akira , Lane Andrew P. , Kamiya Atsushi
Published: August 2022

Olfactory impairments contribute to the psychopathology of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. Recent neuroscience research has shed light on the previously underappreciated olfactory neural circuits involved in regulation of higher brain functions. Although environmental factors such as air pollutants and respiratory viral infections are known to contribute to the risk for psychiatric disorders, the role of nasal inflammation in neurobehavioral outcomes and disease pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Here, we will first provide an overview of published findings on the impact of nasal inflammation in the olfactory system. We will then summarize clinical studies on olfactory impairments in schizophrenia and depression, followed by preclinical evidence on the neurobehavioral outcomes produced by olfactory dysfunction. Lastly, we will discuss the potential impact of nasal inflammation on brain development and function, as well as how we can address the role of nasal inflammation in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. Considering the current outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which often causes nasal inflammation and serious adverse effects for olfactory function that might result in long-lasting neuropsychiatric sequelae, this line of research is particularly critical to understanding of the potential significance of nasal inflammation in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.
AL101, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, has potent antitumor activity against adenoid cystic carcinoma with activated NOTCH signaling
Authors: Ferrarotto Renata , Mishra Vasudha , Herz Elad , Yaacov Adar , Solomon Oz , Rauch Rami , Mondshine Adi , Motin Maria , Leibovich-Rivkin Tal , Davis Matti , Kaye Joel , Weber Christopher R. , Shen Le , Pearson Alexander T. , Rosenberg Ari J. , Chen Xiangying , Singh Alka , Aster Jon C. , Agrawal Nishant , Izumchenko Evgeny
Published: August 2022

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive salivary gland malignancy with limited treatment options for recurrent or metastatic disease. Due to chemotherapy resistance and lack of targeted therapeutic approaches, current treatment options for the localized disease are limited to surgery and radiation, which fails to prevent locoregional recurrences and distant metastases in over 50% of patients. Approximately 20% of patients with ACC carry NOTCH-activating mutations that are associated with a distinct phenotype, aggressive disease, and poor prognosis. Given the role of NOTCH signaling in regulating tumor cell behavior, NOTCH inhibitors represent an attractive potential therapeutic strategy for this subset of ACC. AL101 (osugacestat) is a potent γ-secretase inhibitor that prevents activation of all four NOTCH receptors. While this investigational new drug has demonstrated antineoplastic activity in several preclinical cancer models and in patients with advanced solid malignancies, we are the first to study the therapeutic benefit of AL101 in ACC. Here, we describe the antitumor activity of AL101 using ACC cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived xenograft models. Specifically, we find that AL101 has potent antitumor effects in in vitro and in vivo models of ACC with activatingNOTCH1mutations and constitutively upregulated NOTCH signaling pathway, providing a strong rationale for evaluation of AL101 in clinical trials for patients with NOTCH-driven relapsed/refractory ACC.
Tough, anti-freezing and conductive ionic hydrogels
Authors: Wu Shuwang , Wang Ta-Wei , Du Yingjie , Yao Bowen , Duan Sidi , Yan Yichen , Hua Mutian , Alsaid Yousif , Zhu Xinyuan , He Ximin
Published: August 2022

With rapid advances in soft electronic devices, the demand for soft conductive materials, including hydrogels, with superior mechanical properties, high conductivity and functionality under extreme environmental conditions are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Although hydrogels have favorable properties such as softness and broad tunability ranges, they freeze at subzero temperatures, leading to materials failure and device malfunctions, and the introduction of antifreezing agents into hydrogels often severely compromises their conductive or mechanical properties. The tradeoff between simultaneously endowing antifreezing hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties and high conductivity severely limits their practical applicability over a broad range of conditions. Herein, we discovered that potassium acetate (KAc) induces a salting-out effect on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), promoting aggregation of the polymer chains and significantly improving the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Moreover, concentrated KAc exhibits excellent anti-freezing capacity and high conductivity. The hydrogels produced by soaking frozen PVA in KAc solutions show superior mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 8.2 MPa, conductivity of 8.0 S/m and outstanding freeze tolerance to a temperature of −60 °C. This strategy also works for other polymers, such as poly(acrylamide) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate). Additionally, the as-prepared hydrogels possess excellent anti-dehydration capacity, which is another important feature that is desirable for further enhancing the applicability and durability of hydrogel-based devices.
Efficient TADF-based blue OLEDs with 100% stretchability using titanium particle-embedded indium zinc oxide mesh electrodes
Authors: Park Tae Hoon , Ren Wanqi , Lee Ho Jin , Kim Nahyun , Son Kyung Rock , Rani Adila , Kim Tae Geun
Published: August 2022

A highly stretchable and transparent electrode is a key element for realizing stretchable organic light-emitting diodes (SOLEDs). To date, several reports have been made on this issue; however, a sufficiently high mechanical stability (i.e., 100% stretchability) has not yet been demonstrated. Herein, we propose a titanium particle-embedded indium zinc oxide (Ti/IZO) mesh electrode fabricated on a Norland optical adhesive (NOA) substrate for the realization of mechanically robust and efficient SOLEDs. Initially, the geometry of the Ti/IZO mesh electrode is optimized based on the simulation and experimental results, which provides a high transmittance (92.5% at 480 nm), low sheet resistance (22.1 Ω/sq), and excellent mechanical stability (no substantial loss under 100% strain; only a 20% resistance change after 1000 stretching cycles), along with a work function of approximately 5.0 eV. Next, Ti/IZO mesh-based thermally activated delayed-fluorescence blue SOLEDs fabricated on NOA substrate are transferred onto prestretched 3 M VHB tape for mechanical testing. Interestingly, the devices stably operate under 100% tensile strain and exhibit an external quantum efficiency of 13.2%, which is 30 and 29% higher than those of devices with IZO and indium tin oxide planar electrodes, respectively. The reduced waveguide mode at the interface and increased outcoupling via corrugated metal islands are attributed to the observed improvement in performance.
Selective skeletal editing of polycyclic arenes using organophotoredox dearomative functionalization
Authors: Ji Peng , Davies Cassondra C. , Gao Feng , Chen Jing , Meng Xiang , Houk Kendall N. , Chen Shuming , Wang Wei
Published: August 2022

Reactions that lead to destruction of aromatic ring systems often require harsh conditions and, thus, take place with poor selectivities. Selective partial dearomatization of fused arenes is even more challenging but can be a strategic approach to creating versatile, complex polycyclic frameworks. Herein we describe a general organophotoredox approach for the chemo- and regioselective dearomatization of structurally diverse polycyclic aromatics, including quinolines, isoquinolines, quinoxalines, naphthalenes, anthracenes and phenanthrenes. The success of the method for chemoselective oxidative rupture of aromatic moieties relies on precise manipulation of the electronic nature of the fused polycyclic arenes. Mechanistic studies show that the addition of a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent helps favor the dearomatization pathway over the more thermodynamically downhill aromatization pathway. We show that this strategy can be applied to rapid synthesis of biologically valued targets and late-stage skeletal remodeling en route to complex structures.
Multi-cohort and longitudinal Bayesian clustering study of stage and subtype in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Poulakis Konstantinos , Pereira Joana B. , Muehlboeck J.-Sebastian , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Smedby Örjan , Volpe Giovanni , Masters Colin L. , Ames David , Niimi Yoshiki , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Ferreira Daniel , Westman Eric ,   Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study
Published: August 2022

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) heterogeneity is important for understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AD. However, AD atrophy subtypes may reflect different disease stages or biologically distinct subtypes. Here we use longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging data (891 participants with AD dementia, 305 healthy control participants) from four international cohorts, and longitudinal clustering to estimate differential atrophy trajectories from the age of clinical disease onset. Our findings (in amyloid-β positive AD patients) show five distinct longitudinal patterns of atrophy with different demographical and cognitive characteristics. Some previously reported atrophy subtypes may reflect disease stages rather than distinct subtypes. The heterogeneity in atrophy rates and cognitive decline within the five longitudinal atrophy patterns, potentially expresses a complex combination of protective/risk factors and concomitant non-AD pathologies. By alternating between the cross-sectional and longitudinal understanding of AD subtypes these analyses may allow better understanding of disease heterogeneity.
Pregnancy-induced maternal microchimerism shapes neurodevelopment and behavior in mice
Authors: Schepanski Steven , Chini Mattia , Sternemann Veronika , Urbschat Christopher , Thiele Kristin , Sun Ting , Zhao Yu , Poburski Mareike , Woestemeier Anna , Thieme Marie-Theres , Zazara Dimitra E. , Alawi Malik , Fischer Nicole , Heeren Joerg , Vladimirov Nikita , Woehler Andrew , Puelles Victor G. , Bonn Stefan , Gagliani Nicola , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Arck Petra C.
Published: August 2022

Life-long brain function and mental health are critically determined by developmental processes occurring before birth. During mammalian pregnancy, maternal cells are transferred to the fetus. They are referred to as maternal microchimeric cells (MMc). Among other organs, MMc seed into the fetal brain, where their function is unknown. Here, we show that, in the offspring’s developing brain in mice, MMc express a unique signature of sensome markers, control microglia homeostasis and prevent excessive presynaptic elimination. Further, MMc facilitate the oscillatory entrainment of developing prefrontal-hippocampal circuits and support the maturation of behavioral abilities. Our findings highlight that MMc are not a mere placental leak out, but rather a functional mechanism that shapes optimal conditions for healthy brain function later in life.
Space-time wave packets localized in all dimensions
Authors: Yessenov Murat , Free Justin , Chen Zhaozhong , Johnson Eric G. , Lavery Martin P. J. , Alonso Miguel A. , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: August 2022

Optical wave packets that are localized in space and time, but nevertheless overcome diffraction and travel rigidly in free space, are a long sought-after field structure with applications ranging from microscopy and remote sensing, to nonlinear and quantum optics. However, synthesizing such wave packets requires introducing non-differentiable angular dispersion with high spectral precision in two transverse dimensions, a capability that has eluded optics to date. Here, we describe an experimental strategy capable of sculpting the spatio-temporal spectrum of a generic pulsed beam by introducing arbitrary radial chirp via two-dimensional conformal coordinate transformations of the spectrally resolved field. This procedure yields propagation-invariant ‘space-time’ wave packets localized in all dimensions, with tunable group velocity in the range from 0.7c to 1.8c in free space, and endowed with prescribed orbital angular momentum. By providing unprecedented flexibility in sculpting the three-dimensional structure of pulsed optical fields, our experimental strategy promises to be a versatile platform for the emerging enterprise of space-time optics.
Multifunctional synthetic nano-chaperone for peptide folding and intracellular delivery
Authors: Park Il-Soo , Kim Seongchan , Yim Yeajee , Park Ginam , Choi Jinahn , Won Cheolhee , Min Dal-Hee
Published: August 2022

Artificial, synthetic chaperones have attracted much attention in biomedical research due to their ability to control the folding of proteins and peptides. Here, we report bio-inspired multifunctional porous nanoparticles to modulate proper folding and intracellular delivery of therapeutic α-helical peptide. The Synthetic Nano-Chaperone for Peptide (SNCP) based on porous nanoparticles provides an internal hydrophobic environment which contributes in stabilizing secondary structure of encapsulated α-helical peptides due to the hydrophobic internal environments. In addition, SNCP with optimized inner surface modification not only improves thermal stability for α-helical peptide but also supports the peptide stapling methods in situ, serving as a nanoreactor. Then, SNCP subsequently delivers the stabilized therapeutic α-helical peptides into cancer cells, resulting in high therapeutic efficacy. SNCP improves cellular uptake and bioavailability of the anti-cancer peptide, so the cancer growth is effectively inhibited in vivo. These data indicate that the bio-inspired SNCP system combining nanoreactor and delivery carrier could provide a strategy to expedite the development of peptide therapeutics by overcoming existing drawbacks of α-helical peptides as drug candidates.
Regulatory mechanisms of lipopolysaccharide synthesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shu Sheng , Mi Wei
Published: August 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an essential glycolipid and forms a protective permeability barrier for most Gram-negative bacteria. In E. coli, LPS levels are under feedback control, achieved by FtsH-mediated degradation of LpxC, which catalyzes the first committed step in LPS synthesis. FtsH is a membrane-bound AAA+ protease, and its protease activity toward LpxC is regulated by essential membrane proteins LapB and YejM. However, the regulatory mechanisms are elusive. We establish an in vitro assay to analyze the kinetics of LpxC degradation and demonstrate that LapB is an adaptor protein that utilizes its transmembrane helix to interact with FtsH and its cytoplasmic domains to recruit LpxC. Our YejM/LapB complex structure reveals that YejM is an anti-adaptor protein, competing with FtsH for LapB to inhibit LpxC degradation. Structural analysis unravels that LapB and LPS have overlapping binding sites in YejM. Thus, LPS levels control formation of the YejM/LapB complex to determine LpxC protein levels.
On-chip mid-infrared photothermoelectric detectors for full-Stokes detection
Authors: Dai Mingjin , Wang Chongwu , Qiang Bo , Wang Fakun , Ye Ming , Han Song , Luo Yu , Wang Qi Jie
Published: August 2022

On-chip polarimeters are highly desirable for the next-generation ultra-compact optical and optoelectronic systems. Polarization-sensitive photodetectors relying on anisotropic absorption of natural/artificial materials have emerged as a promising candidate for on-chip polarimeters owing to their filterless configurations. However, these photodetectors can only be applied for detection of either linearly or circularly polarized light, not applicable for full-Stokes detection. Here, we propose and demonstrate three-ports polarimeters comprising on-chip chiral plasmonic metamaterial-mediated mid-infrared photodetectors for full-Stokes detection. By manipulating the spatial distribution of chiral metamaterials, we could convert polarization-resolved absorptions to corresponding polarization-resolved photovoltages of three ports through the photothermoelectric effect. We utilize the developed polarimeter in an imaging demonstration showing reliable ability for polarization reconstruction. Our work provides an alternative strategy for developing polarization-resolved photodetectors with a bandgap-independent operation range in the mid-infrared.
Large breathing effect in ZIF-65(Zn) with expansion and contraction of the SOD cage
Authors: Gao Meizhen , Huang Rui-Kang , Zheng Bin , Wang Pengfei , Shi Qi , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Dong Jinxiang
Published: August 2022

The flexibility and guest-responsive behavior of some metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) indicate their potential in the fields of sensors and molecular recognition. As a subfamily of MOFs, the flexible zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) typically feature a small displacive transition due to the rigid zeolite topology. Herein, an atypical reversible displacive transition (6.4 Å) is observed for the sodalite (SOD) cage in flexible ZIF-65(Zn), which represents an unusually large breathing effect compared to other ZIFs. ZIF-65(Zn) exhibits a stepwise II → III → I expansion between an unusual ellipsoidal SOD cage (8.6 Å × 15.9 Å for II) and a spherical SOD cage (15.0 Å for I). The breathing behavior of ZIF-65(Zn) varies depending on the nature of the guest molecules (polarity and shape). Computational simulations are employed to rationalize the differences in the breathing behavior depending on the structure of the ZIF-65(Zn) cage and the nature of the guest-associated host–guest and guest–guest interactions.
Afadin couples RAS GTPases to the polarity rheostat Scribble
Authors: Goudreault Marilyn , Gagné Valérie , Jo Chang Hwa , Singh Swati , Killoran Ryan C. , Gingras Anne-Claude , Smith Matthew J.
Published: August 2022

AFDN/Afadin is required for establishment and maintenance of cell-cell contacts and is a unique effector of RAS GTPases. The biological consequences of RAS complex with AFDN are unknown. We used proximity-based proteomics to generate an interaction map for two isoforms of AFDN, identifying the polarity protein SCRIB/Scribble as the top hit. We reveal that the first PDZ domain of SCRIB and the AFDN FHA domain mediate a direct but non-canonical interaction between these important adhesion and polarity proteins. Further, the dual RA domains of AFDN have broad specificity for RAS and RAP GTPases, and KRAS co-localizes with AFDN and promotes AFDN-SCRIB complex formation. Knockout ofAFDNorSCRIBin epithelial cells disrupts MAPK and PI3K activation kinetics and inhibits motility in a growth factor-dependent manner. These data have important implications for understanding why cells with activated RAS have reduced cell contacts and polarity defects and implicate AFDN as a genuine RAS effector.
Biomimetic material degradation for synergistic enhanced therapy by regulating endogenous energy metabolism imaging under hypothermia
Authors: Cheng Kai , Liu Bo , Zhang Xiao-Shuai , Zhang Ruo-Yun , Zhang Fang , Ashraf Ghazal , Fan Guo-Qing , Tian Ming-Yu , Sun Xing , Yuan Jing , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: August 2022

Inefficient tumour treatment approaches often cause fatal tumour metastases. Here, we report a biomimetic multifunctional nanoplatform explicitly engineered with a Co-based metal organic framework polydopamine heterostructure (MOF-PDA), anethole trithione (ADT), and a macrophage membrane. Co-MOF degradation in the tumour microenvironment releases Co2+, which results in the downregulation of HSP90 expression and the inhibition of cellular heat resistance, thereby improving the photothermal therapy effect of PDA. H2S secretion after the enzymatic hydrolysis of ADT leads to high-concentration gas therapy. Moreover, ADT changes the balance between nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/flavin adenine dinucleotide (NADH/FAD) during tumour glycolysis. ATP synthesis is limited by NADH consumption, which triggers a certain degree of tumour growth inhibition and results in starvation therapy. Potentiated 2D/3D autofluorescence imaging of NADH/FAD is also achieved in liquid nitrogen and employed to efficiently monitor tumour therapy. The developed biomimetic nanoplatform provides an approach to treat orthotopic tumours and inhibit metastasis.
Precise electrical gating of the single-molecule Mizoroki-Heck reaction
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Chen , Lu Chenxi , Li Xingxing , Guo Yilin , Zhang Jianning , Lin Jinglong , Li Zhizhou , Jia Chuancheng , Yang Jinlong , Houk K. N. , Mo Fanyang , Guo Xuefeng
Published: August 2022

Precise tuning of chemical reactions with predictable and controllable manners, an ultimate goal chemists desire to achieve, is valuable in the scientific community. This tunability is necessary to understand and regulate chemical transformations at both macroscopic and single-molecule levels to meet demands in potential application scenarios. Herein, we realise accurate tuning of a single-molecule Mizoroki-Heck reaction via applying gate voltages as well as complete deciphering of its detailed intrinsic mechanism by employing an in-situ electrical single-molecule detection, which possesses the capability of single-event tracking. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction can be regulated in different dimensions with a constant catalyst molecule, including the molecular orbital gating of Pd(0) catalyst, the on/off switching of the Mizoroki-Heck reaction, the promotion of its turnover frequency, and the regulation of each elementary reaction within the Mizoroki-Heck catalytic cycle. These results extend the tuning scope of chemical reactions from the macroscopic view to the single-molecule approach, inspiring new insights into designing different strategies or devices to unveil reaction mechanisms and discover novel phenomena.
Ultra-compact MXene fibers by continuous and controllable synergy of interfacial interactions and thermal drawing-induced stresses
Authors: Zhou Tianzhu , Yu Yangzhe , He Bing , Wang Zhe , Xiong Ting , Wang Zhixun , Liu Yanting , Xin Jiwu , Qi Miao , Zhang Haozhe , Zhou Xuhui , Gao Liheng , Cheng Qunfeng , Wei Lei
Published: August 2022

Recent advances in MXene (Ti3C2Tx) fibers, prepared from electrically conductive and mechanically strong MXene nanosheets, address the increasing demand of emerging yet promising electrode materials for the development of textile-based devices and beyond. However, to reveal the full potential of MXene fibers, reaching a balance between electrical conductivity and mechanical property is still the fundamental challenge, mainly due to the difficulties to further compact the loose MXene nanosheets. In this work, we demonstrate a continuous and controllable route to fabricate ultra-compact MXene fibers with an in-situ generated protective layer via the synergy of interfacial interactions and thermal drawing-induced stresses. The resulting ultra-compact MXene fibers with high orientation and low porosity exhibit not only excellent tensile strength and ultra-high toughness, but also high electrical conductivity. Then, we construct meter-scale MXene textiles using these ultra-compact fibers to achieve high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding and personal thermal management, accompanied by the high mechanical durability and stability even after multiple washing cycles. The demonstrated generic strategy can be applied to a broad range of nanostructured materials to construct functional fibers for large-scale applications in both space and daily lives.
The role of solid solutions in iron phosphate-based electrodes for selective electrochemical lithium extraction
Authors: Yan Gangbin , Kim George , Yuan Renliang , Hoenig Eli , Shi Fengyuan , Chen Wenxiang , Han Yu , Chen Qian , Zuo Jian-Min , Chen Wei , Liu Chong
Published: August 2022

Electrochemical intercalation can enable lithium extraction from dilute water sources. However, during extraction, co-intercalation of lithium and sodium ions occurs, and the response of host materials to this process is not fully understood. This aspect limits the rational materials designs for improving lithium extraction. Here, to address this knowledge gap, we report one-dimensional (1D) olivine iron phosphate (FePO4) as a model host to investigate the co-intercalation behavior and demonstrate the control of lithium selectivity through intercalation kinetic manipulations. Via computational and experimental investigations, we show that lithium and sodium tend to phase separate in the host. Exploiting this mechanism, we increase the sodium-ion intercalation energy barrier by using partially filled 1D lithium channels via non-equilibrium solid-solution lithium seeding or remnant lithium in the solid-solution phases. The lithium selectivity enhancement after seeding shows a strong correlation with the fractions of solid-solution phases with high lithium content (i.e., LixFePO4 with 0.5 ≤ x < 1). Finally, we also demonstrate that the solid-solution formation pathway depends on the host material’s particle morphology, size and defect content.
Epidermal piezoresistive structure with deep learning-assisted data translation
Authors: So Changrok , Kim Jong Uk , Luan Haiwen , Park Sang Uk , Kim Hyochan , Han Seungyong , Kim Doyoung , Shin Changhwan , Kim Tae-il , Lee Wi Hyoung , Park Yoonseok , Heo Keun , Baac Hyoung Won , Ko Jong Hwan , Won Sang Min
Published: August 2022

Continued research on the epidermal electronic sensor aims to develop sophisticated platforms that reproduce key multimodal responses in human skin, with the ability to sense various external stimuli, such as pressure, shear, torsion, and touch. The development of such applications utilizes algorithmic interpretations to analyze the complex stimulus shape, magnitude, and various moduli of the epidermis, requiring multiple complex equations for the attached sensor. In this experiment, we integrate silicon piezoresistors with a customized deep learning data process to facilitate in the precise evaluation and assessment of various stimuli without the need for such complexities. With the ability to surpass conventional vanilla deep regression models, the customized regression and classification model is capable of predicting the magnitude of the external force, epidermal hardness and object shape with an average mean absolute percentage error and accuracy of <15 and 96.9%, respectively. The technical ability of the deep learning-aided sensor and the consequent accurate data process provide important foundations for the future sensory electronic system.
Weave-pattern-dependent fabric piezoelectric pressure sensors based on polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers electrospun with 50 nozzles
Authors: Kim Da Bin , Han Ju , Sung Sun Min , Kim Min Seong , Choi Bo Kyoung , Park Sung Jun , Hong Hyae Rim , Choi Hong Je , Kim Byeong Kon , Park Chung Hee , Paik Jong Hoo , Lee Joon-Seok , Cho Yong Soo
Published: August 2022

Wearable pressure sensors having versatile device structures have been extensively investigated to achieve high sensitivity under mechanical stimuli. Here, we introduce piezoelectric pressure sensors based on fabrics woven using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) weft and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) warp yarns with different weave structures: 1/1 (plain), 2/2, and 3/3 weft rib patterns. The dependence of the pressure-sensing performance on the weave pattern is demonstrated with an actual large-scale fabric up to the ~2 m scale. An optimized pressure sensor with a 2/2 weft rib pattern produced a high sensitivity of 83 mV N−1, which was 245% higher than that of the 1/1 pattern. The detection performance of the optimal fabric was extensively evaluated with a variety of ambient input sources, such as pressing, bending, twisting, and crumpling, as well as various human motions. Further, a large all-fabric pressure sensor with arrayed touch pixel units demonstrated highly sensitive and stable sensing performance.
Maps of cropping patterns in China during 2015–2021
Authors: Qiu Bingwen , Hu Xiang , Chen Chongcheng , Tang Zhenghong , Yang Peng , Zhu Xiaolin , Yan Chao , Jian Zeyu
Published: August 2022

Multiple cropping is a widespread approach for intensifying crop production through rotations of diverse crops. Maps of cropping intensity with crop descriptions are important for supporting sustainable agricultural management. As the most populated country, China ranked first in global cereal production and the percentages of multiple-cropped land are twice of the global average. However, there are no reliable updated national-scale maps of cropping patterns in China. Here we present the first recent annual 500-m MODIS-based national maps of multiple cropping systems in China using phenology-based mapping algorithms with pixel purity-based thresholds, which provide information on cropping intensity with descriptions of three staple crops (maize, paddy rice, and wheat). The produced cropping patterns maps achieved an overall accuracy of 89% based on ground truth data, and a good agreement with the statistical data (R2 ≥ 0.89). The China Cropping Pattern maps (ChinaCP) are available for public download online. Cropping patterns maps in China and other countries with finer resolutions can be produced based on Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) images using the shared code.
Carpenter bee thorax vibration and force generation inform pollen release mechanisms during floral buzzing
Authors: Jankauski Mark , Casey Cailin , Heveran Chelsea , Busby M. Kathryn , Buchmann Stephen
Published: August 2022

Approximately 10% of flowering plant species conceal their pollen within tube-like poricidal anthers. Bees extract pollen from poricidal anthers via floral buzzing, a behavior during which they apply cyclic forces by biting the anther and rapidly contracting their flight muscles. The success of pollen extraction during floral buzzing relies on the direction and magnitude of the forces applied by the bees, yet these forces and forcing directions have not been previously quantified. In this work, we developed an experiment to simultaneously measure the directional forces and thorax kinematics produced by carpenter bees (Xylocopa californica) during defensive buzzing, a behavior regulated by similar physiological mechanisms as floral buzzing. We found that the buzzing frequencies averaged about 130 Hz and were highly variable within individuals. Force amplitudes were on average 170 mN, but at times reached nearly 500 mN. These forces were 30–80 times greater than the weight of the bees tested. The two largest forces occurred within a plane formed by the bees’ flight muscles. Force amplitudes were moderately correlated with thorax displacement, velocity and acceleration amplitudes but only weakly correlated with buzzing frequency. Linear models developed through this work provide a mechanism to estimate forces produced during non-flight behaviors based on thorax kinematic measurements in carpenter bees. Based on the buzzing frequencies, individual bee’s capacity to vary buzz frequency and predominant forcing directions, we hypothesize that carpenter bees leverage vibration amplification to increase the deformation of poricidal anthers, and hence the amount of pollen ejected.
Comprehensive application of bio-char and nitrogen fertilizer in dry-land maize cultivation
Authors: Sun Chen , Sun Jiying , Gao Julin , Liu Jian , Yu Xiaofang , Wang Zhigang , Yang Xiujuan , Ji Nan
Published: August 2022

Drought stress and the scarcity of nitrogen fertilizer are two of the important abiotic factors affecting maize growth. Bio-char can enhance the maize yield. Therefore, two field experiments were carried out in the 2 years (2019–2020) to study the effects of nitrogen fertilizer at three levels and four levels of bio-char on endogenous protective enzymes, dry matter accumulation, and yield of the maize ‘Xianyu 335’ under two different irrigation methods. A split-plot system in three replications was established to conduct the field trials. Two irrigation methods (Regular irrigation and Irregular irrigation) were in the main plots, three nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 150, 300 kg h−1 m2) were in sub-plots, and four bio-char levels (0, 8, 16, 24 t h−1 m−2) were in the sub-sub plots. Each sub-plot consisted of 9 rows with 5 m length and 0.6 m width, and each sub-plot area was 30 m2 in the 2 years. The results indicated that the irrigation methods, the nitrogen, and bio-char supply significantly affected the maize endogenous protective enzymes, dry matter accumulation, and yield in the 2 years. Under the same irrigation method, nitrogen fertilizer and bio-char significantly improved the endogenous protective enzyme activity, dry matter accumulation, and yield of maize compared to the treatment without nitrogen fertilizer and bio-char. The above characteristics improved with increased bio-char supply and nitrogen fertilization at 150 kg h−1 m−2. The treatment of C24N150 recorded the highest values for the parameters of maize endogenous protective enzymes activity, dry matter accumulation, and yield under different irrigation methods during the two harvest seasons.
Kinetics of tick infection by the relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia hermsii acquired through artificial membrane feeding chambers
Authors: Stewart Philip E. , Raffel Sandra J. , Gherardini Frank C. , Bloom Marshall E.
Published: August 2022

The relapsing fever agent Borrelia hermsii is transmitted by the tick Ornithodoros hermsi. To study the B. hermsii-tick interactions required for pathogen acquisition and transmission we developed an artificial membrane feeding system for O. hermsi nymphs and adults that results in a high percentage of engorgement. This system provides the nutritional requirements necessary for the tick to develop, mate, and produce viable eggs. By inoculating the blood with B. hermsii, we were able to obtain infected ticks for quantitative studies on pathogen acquisition and persistence. These ticks subsequently transmitted the spirochetes to mice, validating this system for both acquisition and transmission studies. Using this feeding method, a mutant of the antigenic variation locus of B. hermsii (Vmp–) that is incapable of persisting in mice was acquired by ticks at equivalent densities as the wild-type. Furthermore, Vmp is not required for persistence in the tick, as the mutant and wild-type strains are maintained at similar numbers after ecdysis and subsequent feeding. These results support the theory that Vmp is an adaptation for mammalian infection but unnecessary for survival within the tick. Interestingly, B. hermsii numbers severely declined after acquisition, though these ticks still transmitted the infection to mice. This procedure reduces animal use and provides a safe, highly controlled and well-contained alternative method for feeding and maintaining O. hermsi colonies. Importantly, this system permits quantitative studies with B. hermsii strains through ingestion during the blood meal, and thus more closely recapitulates pathogen acquisition in nature than other artificial systems.
Identification of misdiagnosis by deep neural networks on a histopathologic review of breast cancer lymph node metastases
Authors: Chen Cancan , Zheng Shan , Guo Lei , Yang Xuebing , Song Yan , Li Zhuo , Zhu Yanwu , Liu Xiaoqi , Li Qingzhuang , Zhang Huijuan , Feng Ning , Zhao Zuxuan , Qiu Tinglin , Du Jun , Guo Qiang , Zhang Wensheng , Shi Wenzhao , Ma Jianhui , Sun Fenglong
Published: August 2022

The frozen section (FS) diagnoses of pathology experts are used in China to determine whether sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer have metastasis during operation. Direct implementation of a deep neural network (DNN) in clinical practice may be hindered by misdiagnosis of the algorithm, which affects a patient's treatment decision. In this study, we first obtained the prediction result of the commonly used patch-DNN, then we present a relative risk classification and regression tree (RRCART) to identify the misdiagnosed whole-slide images (WSIs) and recommend them to be reviewed by pathologists. Applying this framework to 2362 WSIs of breast cancer lymph node metastasis, test on frozen section results in the mean area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.9851. However, the mean misdiagnosis rate (0.0248), was significantly higher than the pathologists’ misdiagnosis rate (p < 0.01). The RRCART distinguished more than 80% of the WSIs as a high-accuracy group with an average accuracy reached to 0.995, but the difference with the pathologists’ performance was not significant (p > 0.01). However, the other low-accuracy group included most of the misdiagnoses of DNN models. Our research shows that the misdiagnosis from deep learning model can be further enriched by our method, and that the low-accuracy WSIs must be selected for pathologists to review and the high-accuracy ones may be ready for pathologists to give diagnostic reports.
Intervention strategies with 2D cellular automata for testing SARS-CoV-2 and reopening the economy
Authors: Lugo Igor , Alatriste-Contreras Martha G.
Published: August 2022

During the period of time between a new disease outbreaks and its vaccine is deployed, the health and the economic systems have to find a testing strategy for reopening activities. In particular, asymptomatic individuals, who transmit locally the COVID-19 indoors, have to be identified and isolated. We proposed a 2D cellular automaton based on the SI epidemic model for selecting the most desirable testing frequency and identifying the best fitting size of random trails on local urban environments to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 and isolate infected people. We used the complex systems approach to face the challenge of a large-scale test strategy based on urban interventions, starting with first responders and essential workers. We used the case of Mexico to exemplify a credible and intelligent intervention that reduces the virus transmission and detects economic and health costs. Findings suggest that controlling and stopping the virus transmission in a short period of time are possible if the frequency of testing is daily and the percentage of random samples to be tested is at least 90%. This combination of model parameters represents the least expensive intervention compared to others. Therefore, the key for a national testing-isolating strategy is local interventions.
Transcriptomes reveal the involved genes in the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus exposed to high flow velocities
Authors: Tian Ruihuan , Shi Dongtao , Yin Donghong , Hu Fangyuan , Ding Jun , Chang Yaqing , Zhao Chong
Published: August 2022

Despite the importance of flow velocity in marine ecosystems, molecular mechanisms of the water flow induced behavioral and growth changes remain largely unknown in sea urchins. The present study compared the gene expressions of the sea urchin Mesocentrotusnudus at high flow velocities (10 cm/s and 20 cm/s) and low flow velocity (2 cm/s) using transcriptomes. A total of 490 and 470 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered at 10 cm/s and 20 cm/s, respectively. There were 235 up-regulated and 255 down-regulated genes at 10 cm/s, 213 up-regulated and 257 down-regulated genes at 20 cm/s, compared with sea urchins at 2 cm/s. Further, there were 72 overlapped DEGs involved in regulation at both 10 cm/s and 20 cm/s. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation showed that DEGs were mainly enriched to cellular process, cell part, binding, and metabolism process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis found that DEGs were enriched in three pathways related to amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. A number of genes related to growth and metabolism of sea urchins were mobilized in high flow velocity environment. We further highlighted a muscle-associated gene ankyrin-1, which is correlated with the movement of tube feet at different flow velocities. The present study provides valuable information on the molecular mechanisms of changed behaviors and growth when sea urchins are exposed to high flow velocity.
Dominant controls of cold-season precipitation variability over the high mountains of Asia
Authors: Mehmood Shahid , Ashfaq Moetasim , Kapnick Sarah , Gosh Subimal , Abid Muhammad Adnan , Kucharski Fred , Batibeniz Fulden , Saha Anamitra , Evans Katherine , Hsu Huang-Hsiung
Published: August 2022

A robust understanding of the sub-seasonal cold season (November–March) precipitation variability over the High Mountains of Asia (HMA) is lacking. Here, we identify dynamic and thermodynamic pathways through which natural modes of climate variability establish their teleconnections over the HMA. First, we identify evaporative sources that contribute to the cold season precipitation over the HMA and surrounding areas. The predominant moisture contribution comes from the mid-latitude regions, including the Mediterranean/Caspian Seas and Mediterranean land. Second, we establish that several tropical and extratropical forcings display a sub-seasonally fluctuating influence on precipitation distribution over the region during the cold season. Many of them varyingly interact, so their impacts cannot be explained independently or at seasonal timescales. Lastly, a single set of evaporative sources is not identifiable as the key determinant in propagating a remote teleconnection because the sources of moisture anomalies depend on the pattern of sub-seasonally varying dynamical forcing in the atmosphere.
Highly congested spiro-compounds via photoredox-mediated dearomative annulation cascade
Authors: Zhou Chao , Shatskiy Andrey , Temerdashev Azamat Z. , Kärkäs Markus D. , Dinér Peter
Published: August 2022

Photo-mediated radical dearomatization involving 5-exo-trig cyclizations has proven to be an important route to accessing spirocyclic compounds, whereas 6-exo-trig spirocyclization has been much less explored. In this work, a dearomative annulation cascade is realized through photoredox-mediated C–O bond activation of aromatic carboxylic acids to produce two kinds of spirocyclic frameworks. Mechanistically, the acyl radical is formed through oxidation of triphenylphosphine and subsequent C–O bond cleavage, followed by a 6-exo-trig cyclization/SET/protonation sequence to generate the spiro-chromanone products in an intramolecular manner. Furthermore, the protocol was extended to more challenging intermolecular tandem sequences consisting of C–O bond cleavage, radical addition to an alkene substrate, and 5-exo-trig cyclization to yield complex spirocyclic lactams.
Morphine and high-fat diet differentially alter the gut microbiota composition and metabolic function in lean versus obese mice
Authors: Blakeley-Ruiz J Alfredo , McClintock Carlee S , Shrestha Him K , Poudel Suresh , Yang Zamin K , Giannone Richard J , Choo James J , Podar Mircea , Baghdoyan Helen A , Lydic Ralph , Hettich Robert L
Published: August 2022

There are known associations between opioids, obesity, and the gut microbiome, but the molecular connection/mediation of these relationships is not understood. To better clarify the interplay of physiological, genetic, and microbial factors, this study investigated the microbiome and host inflammatory responses to chronic opioid administration in genetically obese, diet-induced obese, and lean mice. Samples of feces, urine, colon tissue, and plasma were analyzed using targeted LC-MS/MS quantification of metabolites, immunoassays of inflammatory cytokine levels, genome-resolved metagenomics, and metaproteomics. Genetic obesity, diet-induced obesity, and morphine treatment in lean mice each showed increases in distinct inflammatory cytokines. Metagenomic assembly and binning uncovered over 400 novel gut bacterial genomes and species. Morphine administration impacted the microbiome’s composition and function, with the strongest effect observed in lean mice. This microbiome effect was less pronounced than either diet or genetically driven obesity. Based on inferred microbial physiology from the metaproteome datasets, a high-fat diet transitioned constituent microbes away from harvesting diet-derived nutrients and towards nutrients present in the host mucosal layer. Considered together, these results identified novel host-dependent phenotypes, differentiated the effects of genetic obesity versus diet induced obesity on gut microbiome composition and function, and showed that chronic morphine administration altered the gut microbiome.