bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An H/ACA guide RNA directs U2 pseudouridylation at two different sites in
the branchpoint recognition region in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: ZHAO XINLIANG , LI ZHU-HONG , TERNS REBECCA M. , TERNS MICHAEL P. , YU YI-TAO
Published: July 2022

U2 is the most extensively modified of all spliceosomal snRNAs. We
previously showed that at least some of the internally modified nucleotides
in U2 snRNA are required for snRNP biogenesis and pre-mRNA splicing. Recent
work from several laboratories suggests that nuclear guide RNAs facilitate
U2 snRNA internal modification, including pseudouridylation and
2′-O-methylation. Here, we present a novel
approach to identifying guide RNAs for U2 pseudouridylation. Several
Xenopus oocyte nuclear RNAs were affinity
selected with U2 snRNA substituted with 5-fluorouridine, a pseudouridylation
inhibitor that sequesters pseudouridylases. One of these RNAs was sequenced
and found to be a novel RNA of 134 nt. This small RNA contains an H/ACA
motif and folds into a typical H/ACA RNA structure, and its authenticity as
an H/ACA RNA was confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis. The RNA contains
two guide sequences for pseudouridylation (Ψ) of U2 snRNA at positions 34
and 44 in the branch-site recognition region, and we demonstrate that this
RNA indeed guides the formation of Ψ34 and
Ψ44 in U2 using a
Xenopus oocyte reconstitution system.
Therefore, this novel RNA was designated pugU2-34/44, for
pseudouridylation
guide for
U2 snRNA
U34 and
U44.
Intranuclear localization analyses indicate that pugU2-34/44 resides within
the nucleoplasm rather than nucleoli or Cajal bodies where other guide RNAs
have been localized. Our results clarify the mechanism of U2 snRNA
pseudouridylation in Xenopus oocytes, and have
interesting implications with regard to the intranuclear localization of U2
snRNA pseudouridylation.
Understanding public procurement within the health sector: a priority in a post-COVID-19 world
Authors: García-Altés Anna , McKee Martin , Siciliani Luigi , Barros Pedro Pita , Lehtonen Lasse , Rogers Heather , Kringos Dionne , Zaletel Jelka , De Maeseneer Jan
Published: July 2022

Every year, over 250,000 public authorities in the European Union (EU) spend about 14% of GDP on the purchase of services, works and supplies. Many are in the health sector, a sector in which public authorities are the main buyers in many countries. When these purchases exceed threshold values, EU public procurement rules apply. Public procurement is increasingly being promoted as a tool for improving efficiency and contributing to better health outcomes, and as a policy lever for achieving other government goals, such as innovation, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, sustainable green growth and social objectives like public health and greater inclusiveness. In this paper, we describe the challenges that arise within health care systems with public procurement and identify potential solutions to them. We examined the tendering of pharmaceuticals, health technology, and e-health. In each case we identify a series of challenges relating to the complexity of the procurement process, imbalances in power on either side of transactions and the role of procurement in promoting broader public policy objectives. Finally, we recommend several actions that could stimulate better procurement, and suggest a few areas where further EU cooperation can be pursued.
How will international humanitarian law develop in the future?
Authors: Sassòli Marco
Published: July 2022

This article tries to imagine how the development of international humanitarian law (IHL) could continue despite current difficulties, increasing the ownership and contribution of States and armed groups in this process. After suggesting that some traditional assumptions about IHL may need to be abandoned, it tries to suggest a new way in which IHL rules could be developed, through States adopting together core obligations and principles and each State and armed group then specifying the details internally, but publicly. Finally, it stresses the importance and difficulties of involving non-State armed groups in this process.
Michael Kotutwa Johnson: A Voice for Indigenous Agriculture
Authors: Palmer Jane
Published: July 2022

A farmer draws on Traditional Knowledges to restore the Native American food system.
Less is more: dimensionality reduction as a general strategy for more precise luminescence thermometry
Authors: Ximendes Erving , Marin Riccardo , Carlos Luis Dias , Jaque Daniel
Published: July 2022

Thermal resolution (also referred to as temperature uncertainty) establishes the minimum discernible temperature change sensed by luminescent thermometers and is a key figure of merit to rank them. Much has been done to minimize its value via probe optimization and correction of readout artifacts, but little effort was put into a better exploitation of calibration datasets. In this context, this work aims at providing a new perspective on the definition of luminescence-based thermometric parameters using dimensionality reduction techniques that emerged in the last years. The application of linear (Principal Component Analysis) and non-linear (t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding) transformations to the calibration datasets obtained from rare-earth nanoparticles and semiconductor nanocrystals resulted in an improvement in thermal resolution compared to the more classical intensity-based and ratiometric approaches. This, in turn, enabled precise monitoring of temperature changes smaller than 0.1 °C. The methods here presented allow choosing superior thermometric parameters compared to the more classical ones, pushing the performance of luminescent thermometers close to the experimentally achievable limits.
UV photonic integrated circuits for far-field structured illumination autofluorescence microscopy
Authors: Lin Chupao , Peñaranda Juan Santo Domingo , Dendooven Jolien , Detavernier Christophe , Schaubroeck David , Boon Nico , Baets Roel , Le Thomas Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Ultra-violet (UV) light has still a limited scope in optical microscopy despite its potential advantages over visible light in terms of optical resolution and of interaction with a wide variety of biological molecules. The main challenge is to control in a robust, compact and cost-effective way UV light beams at the level of a single optical spatial mode and concomitantly to minimize the light propagation loss. To tackle this challenge, we present here photonic integrated circuits made of aluminum oxide thin layers that are compatible with both UV light and high-volume manufacturing. These photonic circuits designed at a wavelength of 360 nm enable super-resolved structured illumination microscopy with conventional wide-field microscopes and without modifying the usual protocol for handling the object to be imaged. As a biological application, we show that our UV photonic chips enable to image the autofluorescence of yeast cells and reveal features unresolved with standard wide-field microscopy.
Paeniclostridium sordellii hemorrhagic toxin targets TMPRSS2 to induce colonic epithelial lesions
Authors: Li Xingxing , He Liuqing , Luo Jianhua , Zheng Yangling , Zhou Yao , Li Danyang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Pan Zhenrui , Li Yanyan , Tao Liang
Published: July 2022

Hemorrhagic toxin (TcsH) is an important exotoxin produced by Paeniclostridium sordellii, but the exact role of TcsH in the pathogenesis remains unclear, partly due to the lack of knowledge of host receptor(s). Here, we carried out two genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens parallelly with TcsH and identified cell surface fucosylation and TMPRSS2 as host factors contributing to the binding and entry of TcsH. Genetic deletion of either fucosylation biosynthesis enzymes or TMPRSS2 in the cells confers resistance to TcsH intoxication. Interestingly, TMPRSS2 and fucosylated glycans can mediate the binding/entry of TcsH independently, thus serving as redundant receptors. Both TMPRSS2 and fucosylation recognize TcsH through its CROPs domain. By using Tmprss2‒/‒ mice, we show that Tmprss2 is important for TcsH-induced systematic toxicity and colonic epithelial lesions. These findings reveal the importance of TMPRSS2 and surface fucosylation in TcsH actions and further provide insights into host recognition mechanisms for large clostridial toxins.
Notch, RORC and IL-23 signals cooperate to promote multi-lineage human innate lymphoid cell differentiation
Authors: Croft Carys A. , Thaller Anna , Marie Solenne , Doisne Jean-Marc , Surace Laura , Yang Rui , Puel Anne , Bustamante Jacinta , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Di Santo James P.
Published: July 2022

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) include cytotoxic natural killer cells and distinct groups of cytokine-producing innate helper cells which participate in immune defense and promote tissue homeostasis. Circulating human ILC precursors (ILCP) able to generate all canonical ILC subsets via multi-potent or uni-potent intermediates according to our previous work. Here we show potential cooperative roles for the Notch and IL-23 signaling pathways for human ILC differentiation from blood ILCP using single cell cloning analyses and validate these findings in patient samples with rare genetic deficiencies in IL12RB1 and RORC. Mechanistically, Notch signaling promotes upregulation of the transcription factor RORC, enabling acquisition of Group 1 (IFN-γ) and Group 3 (IL-17A, IL-22) effector functions in multi-potent and uni-potent ILCP. Interfering with RORC or signaling through its target IL-23R compromises ILC3 effector functions but also generally suppresses ILC production from multi-potent ILCP. Our results identify a Notch->RORC- > IL-23R pathway which operates during human ILC differentiation. These observations may help guide protocols to expand functional ILC subsets in vitro with an aim towards novel ILC therapies for human disease.
Evaporation of microwave-shielded polar molecules to quantum degeneracy
Authors: Schindewolf Andreas , Bause Roman , Chen Xing-Yan , Duda Marcel , Karman Tijs , Bloch Immanuel , Luo Xin-Yu
Published: July 2022

Ultracold polar molecules offer strong electric dipole moments and rich internal structure, which makes them ideal building blocks to explore exotic quantum matter1–9, implement quantum information schemes10–12 and test the fundamental symmetries of nature13. Realizing their full potential requires cooling interacting molecular gases deeply into the quantum-degenerate regime. However, the intrinsically unstable collisions between molecules at short range have so far prevented direct cooling through elastic collisions to quantum degeneracy in three dimensions. Here we demonstrate evaporative cooling of a three-dimensional gas of fermionic sodium–potassium molecules to well below the Fermi temperature using microwave shielding. The molecules are protected from reaching short range with a repulsive barrier engineered by coupling rotational states with a blue-detuned circularly polarized microwave. The microwave dressing induces strong tunable dipolar interactions between the molecules, leading to high elastic collision rates that can exceed the inelastic ones by at least a factor of 460. This large elastic-to-inelastic collision ratio allows us to cool the molecular gas to 21 nanokelvin, corresponding to 0.36 times the Fermi temperature. Such cold and dense samples of polar molecules open the path to the exploration of many-body phenomena with strong dipolar interactions.
Discovery, structure and mechanism of a tetraether lipid synthase
Authors: Lloyd Cody T. , Iwig David F. , Wang Bo , Cossu Matteo , Metcalf William W. , Boal Amie K. , Booker Squire J.
Published: July 2022

Archaea synthesize isoprenoid-based ether-linked membrane lipids, which enable them to withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high salinity, and low or high pH values1–5. In some archaea, such as Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, these lipids are further modified by forming carbon–carbon bonds between the termini of two lipid tails within one glycerophospholipid to generate the macrocyclic archaeol or forming two carbon–carbon bonds between the termini of two lipid tails from two glycerophospholipids to generate the macrocycle glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT)1,2. GDGT contains two 40-carbon lipid chains (biphytanyl chains) that span both leaflets of the membrane, providing enhanced stability to extreme conditions. How these specialized lipids are formed has puzzled scientists for decades. The reaction necessitates the coupling of two completely inert sp3-hybridized carbon centres, which, to our knowledge, has not been observed in nature. Here we show that the gene product of mj0619 from M. jannaschii, which encodes a radical S-adenosylmethionine enzyme, is responsible for biphytanyl chain formation during synthesis of both the macrocyclic archaeol and GDGT membrane lipids6. Structures of the enzyme show the presence of four metallocofactors: three [Fe4S4] clusters and one mononuclear rubredoxin-like iron ion. In vitro mechanistic studies show that Csp3–Csp3 bond formation takes place on fully saturated archaeal lipid substrates and involves an intermediate bond between the substrate carbon and a sulfur of one of the [Fe4S4] clusters. Our results not only establish the biosynthetic route for tetraether formation but also improve the use of GDGT in GDGT-based paleoclimatology indices7–10.
NBBt-test: a versatile method for differential analysis of multiple types of RNA-seq data
Authors: Tan Yuan-De , Guda Chittibabu
Published: July 2022

Rapid development of transcriptome sequencing technologies has resulted in a data revolution and emergence of new approaches to study transcriptomic regulation such as alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, CRISPR knockout screening in addition to the regular gene expression. A full characterization of the transcriptional landscape of different groups of cells or tissues holds enormous potential for both basic science as well as clinical applications. Although many methods have been developed in the realm of differential gene expression analysis, they all geared towards a particular type of sequencing data and failed to perform well when applied in different types of transcriptomic data. To fill this gap, we offer a negative beta binomial t-test (NBBt-test). NBBt-test provides multiple functions to perform differential analyses of alternative splicing, polyadenylation, CRISPR knockout screening, and gene expression datasets. Both real and large-scale simulation data show superior performance of NBBt-test with higher efficiency, and lower type I error rate and FDR to identify differential isoforms and differentially expressed genes and differential CRISPR knockout screening genes with different sample sizes when compared against the current very popular statistical methods. An R-package implementing NBBt-test is available for downloading from CRAN (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=NBBttest).
Magnetic field mapping of inaccessible regions using physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Coskun Umit H. , Sel Bilgehan , Plaster Brad
Published: July 2022

A difficult problem concerns the determination of magnetic field components within an experimentally inaccessible region when direct field measurements are not feasible. In this paper, we propose a new method of accessing magnetic field components using non-disruptive magnetic field measurements on a surface enclosing the experimental region. Magnetic field components in the experimental region are predicted by solving a set of partial differential equations (Ampere’s law and Gauss’ law for magnetism) numerically with the aid of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Prediction errors due to noisy magnetic field measurements and small number of magnetic field measurements are regularized by the physics information term in the loss function. We benchmark our model by comparing it with an older method. The new method we present will be of broad interest to experiments requiring precise determination of magnetic field components, such as searches for the neutron electric dipole moment.
Limited acclimation of early life stages of the coral Seriatopora hystrix from mesophotic depth to shallow reefs
Authors: Prasetia Rian , Sinniger Frederic , Nakamura Takashi , Harii Saki
Published: July 2022

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs, reefs between 30 and 150 m depth) have been hypothesized to contribute to shallow reef recovery through the recruitment of larvae. However, few studies have directly examined this. Here we used mesophotic colonies of Seriatopora hystrix, a depth generalist coral, to investigate the effect of light intensity on larval behavior and settlement through ex situ experiments. We also investigated juvenile survival, growth, and physiological acclimation in situ. Bleached larvae and a significant reduction in settlement rates were found when the mesophotic larvae were exposed to light conditions corresponding to shallow depths (5 and 10 m) ex situ. The in situ experiments showed that mesophotic juveniles survived well at 20 and 40 m, with juveniles in shaded areas surviving longer than three months at 3–5 m during a year of mass bleaching in 2016. Juvenile transplants at 20 m showed a sign of physiological acclimation, which was reflected by a significant decline in maximum quantum yield. These results suggest that light is a significant factor for successful recolonization of depth-generalist corals to shallow reefs. Further, recolonization of shallow reefs may only occur in shaded habitats or potentially through multigenerational recruitments with intermediate depths acting as stepping stones.
Construction of a new automatic grading system for jaw bone mineral density level based on deep learning using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Xiao Yanjun , Liang Qihui , Zhou Lin , He Xuezhi , Lv Lingfeng , Chen Jiang , Endian Su , Jianbin Guo , Wu Dong , Lin Lin
Published: July 2022

To develop and verify an automatic classification method using artificial intelligence deep learning to determine the bone mineral density level of the implant site in oral implant surgery from radiographic data obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Seventy patients with mandibular dentition defects were scanned using CBCT. These Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data were cut into 605 training sets, and then the data were processed with data standardization, and the Hounsfiled Unit (HU) value level was determined as follows: Type 1, 1000–2000; type 2, 700–1000; type 3, 400–700; type 4, 100–400; and type 5, − 200–100. Four trained dental implant physicians manually identified and classified the area of the jaw bone density level in the image using the software LabelMe. Then, with the assistance of the HU value generated by LabelMe, a physician with 20 years of clinical experience confirmed the labeling level. Finally, the HU mean values of various categories marked by dental implant physicians were compared to the mean values detected by the artificial intelligence model to assess the accuracy of artificial intelligence classification. After the model was trained on 605 training sets, the statistical results of the HU mean values of various categories in the dataset detected by the model were almost the same as the HU grading interval on the data annotation. This new classification provides a more detailed solution to guide surgeons to adjust the drilling rate and tool selection during preoperative decision-making and intraoperative hole preparation for oral implant surgery.
Best practices for instrumenting honey bees
Authors: Koenig Phoebe A. , Petersen Kirstin H.
Published: July 2022

Honey bees are vital pollinators and can be used to monitor the landscape. Consequently, interest in mounting technologies onto bees to track foraging behaviors is increasing. The barrier to entry is steep, in part because the methodology for fastening tags to bees, and the success rates, are often missing from publications. We tested six factors suspected to influence the presence and tag retention rates of nurse honey bees after their introduction to hives, and followed bees until foraging age. We also compared reintroducing foragers to their maternal colony using the best method for nurse bees to releasing them in front of their maternal hive and allowing them to fly back unaided. Nurses were most likely to be present in the hive with their tag still attached when introduced using an introduction cage at night. Glue type was important, but may further be influenced by tag material. Foragers were most likely to be present with a tag attached if released in front of their colony. Preparation and introduction techniques influence the likelihood of tagged honey bee survival and of the tags remaining attached, which should be considered when executing honey bee tagging and tracking experiments.
Understanding the spatial distribution and hot spots of collared Bornean elephants in a multi-use landscape
Authors: Abram N. K. , Skara B. , Othman N. , Ancrenaz M. , Mengersen K. , Goossens B.
Published: July 2022

In the Kinabatangan floodplain, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, oil palm and settlements have reduced and fragmented lowland tropical forests, home to around 200 endangered Bornean elephants (Elephas maximus borneensis). In this region, elephants range within forests, oil palm and community areas. The degree to which elephants are using these areas remains unclear. We used GPS telemetry data from 2010 to 2020 for 14 collared elephants to map their entire known ranges and highly used areas (hot spots) across four land use categories and estimate time spent within these. The use of land use types across elephants varied significantly. Typically, females had strong fidelity to forests, yet many of these forests are threatened with conversion. For the three males, and several females, they heavily used oil palm estates, and this may be due to decreased landscape permeability or foraging opportunities. At the pooled level, the entire range and hot spot extents, constituted 37% and 34% for protected areas, respectively, 8% and 11% for unprotected forests, 53% and 51% for oil palm estates, and 2% for community areas. Protecting all forested habitats and effectively managing areas outside of protected areas is necessary for the long-term survival of this population.
Physical activity and sleep behaviour in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations
Authors: Galasso Letizia , Castelli Lucia , Roveda Eliana , Oliverio Andreina , Baldassari Ivan , Esposito Fabio , Mulè Antonino , Montaruli Angela , Pasanisi Patrizia , Bruno Eleonora
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present study is to explore the potential association between sleep quality and physical activity (PA) in women carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations. 63 women completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Godin Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSL-TPAQ) and were included in the present cross-sectional analysis. Globally, women showed a PSQI score of 7.0 ± 3.6 and a GSL-TPAQ score of 22.8 ± 18.3. Good sleepers (PSQI score ≤ 5) showed significantly higher PA levels compared to bad sleepers (PSQI score > 5). Women in the higher tertile of GSL-TPAQ total score (≥ 27 METs/week) have a prevalence ratio (PR) of being a good sleeper of 2.85 (1.25–6.52, 95% confidence intervals) compared to women in the lower tertile (≤ 11 METs/week). These results were consistent in BRCA1 and BRCA2 women. Considering each single question of PA intensity, the PR of being a good sleeper by unit of increase of MET/week was higher and significant in women engaged in strenuous and moderate intensity PA. These results suggests a direct association between PA and sleep quality in women carriers of BRCA mutations.
Learning based PTSD symptoms in persons with specific learning disabilities
Authors: Grossman Ephraim S. , Hoffman Yaakov S. G. , Shrira Amit
Published: July 2022

Specific learning disorders (SLD) persist into adulthood. Persons with SLD frequently experience emotional and social difficulties. Following qualitative descriptions of individuals with SLD who experienced learning, as traumatic, we hypothesized that individuals reporting SLD would report higher levels of learning-based post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In Study 1 (N = 216), participants responded to questionnaires concerning SLD and learning-based PTSD. A separate sample (N = 43) was queried about adjustment disorder symptoms. Study 2 (N = 176) examined if current psychological distress was predicted by levels of learning-based PTSD at each developmental stage (elementary/high-school/post-high-school) and whether SLD links to current psychological distress. Finally, we assessed if SLD-psychological distress associations are mediated by cumulative levels of learning-based PTSD across these school periods. In Study 1 individuals reporting SLD displayed higher learning-based PTSD levels than those without SLD. SLD-PTSD associations held beyond adjustment disorder symptom levels. In Study 2, SLD was linked with psychological distress, mediated by accumulated learning-based PTSD symptom levels across school periods. These results suggest that in individuals with SLD, learning experiences may be associated with learning-based PTSD symptoms. Further, persons with SLD may be scarred by their traumatic learning experiences linking with current psychological distress, a link mediated by cumulative difficulties experienced over school years.
Microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from grape pomace
Authors: Spinei Mariana , Oroian Mircea
Published: July 2022

The utilization of microwave technique for the pectin extraction from grape pomace (Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră), its influence on yield, galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification and molecular weight of pectin were analyzed. The optimal conditions of the extraction process were microwave power of 560 W, pH of 1.8 for 120 s. The pectin samples extracted by MAE in optimal conditions were analyzed by comparing with commercial apple and citrus pectin based on FT-IR analysis, thermal behavior, rheological characteristics and microstructure. The FT-IR analysis established the presence of different functional groups which are attributed to the finger print region of extracted pectin, while the rheological behavior presented a good viscoelasticity of pectin solutions. The obtained data assumes that grape pomace has a great potential to be a valuable source of pectin which can be extracted by simple and quick techniques, while maintaining analogous quality to conventional sources of pectin.
Lung cancer CT image generation from a free-form sketch using style-based pix2pix for data augmentation
Authors: Toda Ryo , Teramoto Atsushi , Kondo Masashi , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Saito Kuniaki , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in medical imaging continue facing the difficulty in collecting and using large datasets. One method proposed for solving this problem is data augmentation using fictitious images generated by generative adversarial networks (GANs). However, applying a GAN as a data augmentation technique has not been explored, owing to the quality and diversity of the generated images. To promote such applications by generating diverse images, this study aims to generate free-form lesion images from tumor sketches using a pix2pix-based model, which is an image-to-image translation model derived from GAN. As pix2pix, which assumes one-to-one image generation, is unsuitable for data augmentation, we propose StylePix2pix, which is independently improved to allow one-to-many image generation. The proposed model introduces a mapping network and style blocks from StyleGAN. Image generation results based on 20 tumor sketches created by a physician demonstrated that the proposed method can reproduce tumors with complex shapes. Additionally, the one-to-many image generation of StylePix2pix suggests effectiveness in data-augmentation applications.
Integral effects of brassinosteroids and timber waste biochar enhances the drought tolerance capacity of wheat plant
Authors: Lalarukh Irfana , Amjad Syeda F. , Mansoora Nida , Al-Dhumri Sami A. , Alshahri Abdullah H. , Almutari Mohammad M. , Alhusayni ‏Fatimah S. , Al-Shammari Wasimah B. , Poczai Peter , Abbas Mohamed H. H. , Elghareeb Doaa , Kubra Khadija tul , Abdelhafez Ahmed A.
Published: July 2022

Drought stress is among the major threats that affect negatively crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Probably, application of some additives such as biochar and/or brassinosteroids could mitigate this stress; however, the mechanism beyond the interaction of these two applications is not well inspected. Accordingly, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on wheat (a strategic crop) grown under deficit irrigation levels (factor A) i.e., 35% of the water holding capacity (WHC) versus 75% of WHC for 35 days while considering the following additives, i.e., (1) biochar [BC, factor B, 0, 2%] and (2) the foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide [BR, factor C, 0 (control treatment, C), 1 (BR1) or 3 (BR2) μmol)]. All treatments were replicated trice and the obtained results were statistically analyzed via the analyses of variance. Also, heat-map conceits between measured variables were calculated using the Python software. Key results indicate that drought stress led to significant reductions in all studied vegetative growth parameters (root and shoot biomasses) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total contents) while raised the levels of oxidative stress indicators. However, with the application of BC and/or BR, significance increases occurred in the growth attributes of wheat plants, its photosynthetic pigments, especially the combined additions. They also upraised the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants while decreased stress indicators. Furthermore, they increased calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content within plants. It can therefore be deduced that the integral application of BR and BC is essential to mitigate drought stress in plants.
Cytokine changes in cerebrospinal fluid following vascular surgery on the thoracic aorta
Authors: Pereira Christopher , Perera Anisha H. , Rudarakanchana Nung , Harris Benjamin H. L. , Di Giovannantonio Matteo , Taylor-Robinson Simon D. , Dani Melanie , Fertleman Michael
Published: July 2022

There is growing evidence that surgery can drive an inflammatory response in the brain. However, the mechanisms behind this response are incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the hypotheses that 1. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines increase after vascular surgery and 2. That these changes in CSF cytokines are interrelated. Patients undergoing either open or endovascular elective surgery of the thoracic aorta were invited to participate in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were taken before surgery and on the first post-operative day. These were analysed for the presence of ten cytokines by immunoassay to examine for post-operative changes in cytokine levels. After surgery, there were significant increases in six out of the ten measured CSF cytokines (IL-1β, 2, 6, 8, 10 and 13). This included changes in both putative pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, 6 and 8) and putative anti-inflammatory (IL-2, 10 and 13) cytokines. The greatest increases occurred in IL-6 and IL-8, which showed a 63-fold and a 31-fold increase respectively. There was strong intercorrelation between CSF cytokines after the operation. Following surgery on the thoracic aorta, there was a marked increase in CSF cytokines, consistent with a potential role in neuroinflammation. The ten measured cytokines showed intercorrelation after the operation, indicating that a balance between multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be present.
Identifying pathways to increased volunteering in older US adults
Authors: Nakamura Julia S. , Lee Matthew T. , Chen Frances S. , Archer Lee Yeeun , Fried Linda P. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Kim Eric S.
Published: July 2022

While growing evidence documents strong associations between volunteering and improved health and well-being outcomes, less is known about the health and well-being factors that lead to increased volunteering. Using data from 13,771 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)—a diverse, longitudinal, and national sample of older adults in the United States—we evaluated a large range of candidate predictors of volunteering. Specifically, using generalized linear regression models with a lagged exposure-wide approach, we evaluated if changes in 61 predictors spanning physical health, health behaviors, and psychosocial well-being (over a 4-year follow-up between t0; 2006/2008 and t1; 2010/2012) were associated with volunteer activity four years later (t2; 2014/2016). After adjusting for a rich set of covariates, certain changes in some health behaviors (e.g., physical activity ≥ 1x/week), physical health conditions (e.g., physical functioning limitations, cognitive impairment), and psychosocial factors (e.g., purpose in life, constraints, contact with friends, etc.) were associated with increased volunteering four years later. However, there was little evidence that other factors were associated with subsequent volunteering. Changes in several indicators of physical health, health behaviors, and psychosocial well-being may predict increased volunteering, and these factors may be novel targets for interventions and policies aiming to increase volunteering in older adults.
Characterization of binding interactions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and DNA-peptide nanostructures
Authors: Kruse Marlen , Altattan Basma , Laux Eva-Maria , Grasse Nico , Heinig Lars , Möser Christin , Smith David M. , Hölzel Ralph
Published: July 2022

Binding interactions of the spike proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to a peptide fragment derived from the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor are investigated. The peptide is employed as capture moiety in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and quantitative binding interaction measurements that are based on fluorescence proximity sensing (switchSENSE). In both techniques, the peptide is presented on an oligovalent DNA nanostructure, in order to assess the impact of mono- versus trivalent binding modes. As the analyte, the spike protein and several of its subunits are tested as well as inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and pseudo viruses. While binding of the peptide to the full-length spike protein can be observed, the subunits RBD and S1 do not exhibit binding in the employed concentrations. Variations of the amino acid sequence of the recombinant full-length spike proteins furthermore influence binding behavior. The peptide was coupled to DNA nanostructures that form a geometric complement to the trimeric structure of the spike protein binding sites. An increase in binding strength for trimeric peptide presentation compared to single peptide presentation could be generally observed in ELISA and was quantified in switchSENSE measurements. Binding to inactivated wild type viruses could be shown as well as qualitatively different binding behavior of the Alpha and Beta variants compared to the wild type virus strain in pseudo virus models.
Impact of dopant-induced band tails on optical spectra, charge carrier transport, and dynamics in single-crystal CdTe
Authors: Ščajev Patrik , Mekys Algirdas , Subačius Liudvikas , Stanionytė Sandra , Kuciauskas Darius , Lynn Kelvin G. , Swain Santosh K.
Published: July 2022

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductors are used in thin-film photovoltaics, detectors, and other optoelectronic applications. For all technologies, higher efficiency and sensitivity are achieved with reduced charge carrier recombination. In this study, we use state-of-the-art CdTe single crystals and electro-optical measurements to develop a detailed understanding of recombination rate dependence on excitation and temperature in CdTe. We study recombination and carrier dynamics in high-resistivity (undoped) and arsenic (As)-doped CdTe by employing absorption, the Hall effect, time-resolved photoluminescence, and pump-probe in the 80–600 K temperature range. We report extraordinarily long lifetimes (30 µs) at low temperatures in bulk undoped CdTe. Temperature dependencies of carrier density and mobility reveal ionization of the main acceptors and donors as well as dominant scattering by ionized impurities. We also distinguish different recombination defects. In particular, shallow AsTeand deep VCd−AsCdacceptors were responsible for p-type conductivity. AX donors were responsible for electron capture, while nonradiative recombination centers (VCd−AsTe, As2precipitates), and native defects (VCd−TeCd) were found to be dominant in p-type and n-type CdTe, respectively. Bimolecular and surface recombination rate temperature dependencies were also revealed, with bimolecular coefficient T−3/2temperature dependence and 170 meV effective surface barrier, leading to an increase in surface recombination velocity at high temperatures and excitations. The results of this study allowed us to conclude that enhanced crucible rotation growth of As-doped CdTe is advantageous to As activation, leading to longer lifetimes and larger mobilities and open-circuit voltages due to lower absorption and trapping.
Nepotistic colony fission in dense colony aggregations of an Australian paper wasp
Authors: Tsuchida Koji , Ishiguro Norio , Saito-Morooka Fuki , Kojima Jun-ichi , Spradbery Philip
Published: July 2022

Social insects are highly diverse in their social structures, aside from the consistent presence of reproductive castes. Among social insects, the Australian paper waspRopalidia plebeianaconstructs extremely dense colony aggregations consisting of hundreds of colonies within a few square meters; however, little is known about the aggregation structures. We genetically analyzed the colony and population structure ofR. plebeiana, and concomitant variations in colony sex ratios. In spring, the foundress (candidate queen) group started their colonies on a single old comb from the previous season, subsequently dividing these old combs via relatedness-based comb-cutting. Female philopatry, a prerequisite condition of Local Resource Competition (LRC), was confirmed. The colony sex ratio of reproductive individuals (male and female offspring for the next generation) became slightly male-biased in larger colonies, as predicted under LRC. However, the number of foundresses was positively associated with the number of reproductive individuals, suggesting that Local Resource Enhancement (LRE) also operates. Although the population structure appears to meet the prerequisites of LRC, the sex ratio appears to be modulated by factors other than LRC. Rather, through LRE, the availability of female helpers at the founding stage is likely to mitigate the sex ratios predicted under LRC.
Identification of robust deep neural network models of longitudinal clinical measurements
Authors: Javidi Hamed , Mariam Arshiya , Khademi Gholamreza , Zabor Emily C. , Zhao Ran , Radivoyevitch Tomas , Rotroff Daniel M.
Published: July 2022

Deep learning (DL) from electronic health records holds promise for disease prediction, but systematic methods for learning from simulated longitudinal clinical measurements have yet to be reported. We compared nine DL frameworks using simulated body mass index (BMI), glucose, and systolic blood pressure trajectories, independently isolated shape and magnitude changes, and evaluated model performance across various parameters (e.g., irregularity, missingness). Overall, discrimination based on variation in shape was more challenging than magnitude. Time-series forest-convolutional neural networks (TSF-CNN) and Gramian angular field(GAF)-CNN outperformed other approaches (P < 0.05) with overall area-under-the-curve (AUCs) of 0.93 for both models, and 0.92 and 0.89 for variation in magnitude and shape with up to 50% missing data. Furthermore, in a real-world assessment, the TSF-CNN model predicted T2D with AUCs reaching 0.72 using only BMI trajectories. In conclusion, we performed an extensive evaluation of DL approaches and identified robust modeling frameworks for disease prediction based on longitudinal clinical measurements.
Influence of conduit and topography complexity on spine extrusion at Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka
Authors: Walter Thomas R. , Zorn Edgar U. , Harnett Claire E. , Shevchenko Alina V. , Belousov Alexander , Belousova Marina , Vassileva Magdalena S.
Published: July 2022

Most volcanic eruptions occur through magma pathways that resemble tube-like conduits fed from magma sources at depth. Here we combine remote sensing observations with both analog and numerical experiments to describe the extrusion of a spine at the Shiveluch lava dome, Kamchatka (Russian Far East) in April-October 2020. We show that spine growth is preceded by bulging of the dome surface, followed by extrusion in an asymmetric manner. The spine then elongates along a previously identified fracture line and bends toward the north. By repeated morphology analysis and feature tracking, we constrain a spine diameter of ~300 m, extruding at a velocity of 1.7 m/day and discharge rate of 0.3–0.7 m³/s. Particle modeling of an extruding conduit plug highlights that the spine may have inclined to the north due to the topography and hidden architecture of the subsurface. We suggest that such complexities are rather common, where mechanical heterogeneities in the conduit material, mechanical erosion of the hidden spine buried by the co-evolving dome, as well as topographic (un-)buttressing controls directionality of spine growth and spine instability. The results presented here are relevant for understanding the growth and collapse hazards of spines and provide unique insights into the hidden magma-conduit architecture.
The response of wheat and its microbiome to contemporary and historical water stress in a field experiment
Authors: Azarbad Hamed , Bainard Luke D , Agoussar Asmaâ , Tremblay Julien , Yergeau Etienne
Published: July 2022

In a field experiment, we evaluated the impact of 37 years of contrasting water stress history on the microbial response in various plant compartments at two distinct developmental stages when four wheat genotypes were exposed to contemporary water stress. Seeds were collected and sampled at the end of the experiment to characterize endophytic and epiphytic microbial communities. Amplicon sequencing data revealed that plant development stage and water stress history were the main factors shaping the microbiome of the major plant parts in response to contemporary water limitation. Our results indicate that seeds can become colonized by divergent microbial communities within a single generation based on the initial pool of microbes as determined by historical contingencies, which was modulated by the contemporary environmental conditions and the plant genotype. Such information is essential to incorporate microbial-based strategies into conventional plant breeding to enhance plant resistance to stress.
Nanobiocatalysis: a materials science road to biocatalysis
Authors: Wu Yu , Xu Weiqing , Jiao Lei , Gu Wenling , Du Dan , Hu Liuyong , Lin Yuehe , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: July 2022

This tutorial review highlights the recent achievements made in the field of nanobiocatalysis with emphasis on nano-integrated biocatalysis and bio-inspired nanocatalysis.
Simultaneous detection of positively and negatively charged microparticles by ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Özdemir Abdil , Lin Jung-Lee , Gülfen Mustafa , Chen Chung-Hsuan
Published: July 2022

A homemade ion trap-mass spectrometer (IT-MS) simultaneously measures positively and negatively charged microparticles. The same IT-MS can be used to measure the mass of different sizes of particles, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Last-step 18F-fluorination of supported 2-(aryl-di-tert-butylsilyl)-N-methyl-imidazole conjugates for applications in positron emission tomography
Authors: Steffann Marine , Tisseraud Marion , Bluet Guillaume , Roy Sebastien , Aubert Catherine , Fouquet Eric , Hermange Philippe
Published: July 2022

Resin-supported imidazole-di-tert-butyl-arylsilanes are versatile precursors for the automated “in batch” or “in flow” production of 18F-labelled bioconjugates.
Unprecedented {dz2-CuIIO4}⋯π-hole interactions: the case of a cocrystal of a Cu(ii) bis-β-diketonate complex with 1,4-diiodotetrafluoro-benzene
Authors: Blasi Delia , Nicolai Valentina , Gomila Rosa M. , Mercandelli Pierluigi , Frontera Antonio , Carlucci Lucia
Published: July 2022

In this work, unprecedented {dz2-CuIIO4}⋯π-hole interactions are described in the case of a cocrystal of a Cu(ii) bis-β-diketonate complex and 1,4-diiodotetrafluoro-benzene.
Effects of alkyl chain length on the cold crystallization of Schiff-base nickel(ii) complexes
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Honda Akinori , Miyamura Kazuo
Published: July 2022

Thermal behavior including the cold crystallization of a Schiff base complex bearing two methyl groups was investigated. Additionally, the effect of alkoxy chain length was studied.
Heterogeneous ZnS–zinc carbonate hydroxide micro-belts for Cr(vi) reduction under simulated sunlight
Authors: Bai Lei , Kan Chun , Li Xuejie , Zhou Yuanxin , Liang Guoao , Li Zirong
Published: July 2022

ZnS–zinc carbonate hydroxide micro-belts were facilely synthesized and displayed a robust activity and stability for Cr(vi) reduction under simulated sunlight, due to the structure and composition advantage.
Geometry of tellurene adsorbed on the Si(111)-R30°-Sb surface from first principles calculations
Authors: Isceri Stefania , Dragoni Daniele , Campi Davide , Cecchi Stefano , Bernasconi Marco
Published: July 2022

The 2D form of tellurium, named tellurene, is one of the latest discoveries in the family of 2D mono-elemental materials.
Perovskite solar cells from the viewpoint of innovation and sustainability
Authors: Alberti Alessandra , Smecca Emanuele , Valastro Salvatore , Deretzis Ioannis , Mannino Giovanni , Bongiorno Corrado , Fisicaro Giuseppe , La Magna Antonino
Published: July 2022

Representation of innovative and/or sustainable choices for PSC schemes: perovskites with simple stoichiometry, including all-inorganic single-cation perovskites for mass preservation; physical vapour methods for perovskite deposition at zero waste and for high production throughput; HTL-free architectures for low-cost devices and recyclability.
Synergism between few-layer black phosphorus and graphitic carbon nitride enhances the photoredox C–H arylation under visible light irradiation
Authors: Eroglu Zafer , Ozer Melek Sermin , Kubanaliev Temirlan , Kilic Haydar , Metin Önder
Published: July 2022

A volcano-shaped relation between the amount of FLBP in the FLBP/g-CN heterojunctions in the photoredox C–H arylation was exhibited. To understand the activity of 35 wt% FLBP/g-CN, band alignments of heterojunction was studied in detailed.
Influence of microorganisms on uranium release from mining-impacted lake sediments under various oxygenation conditions
Authors: Seder-Colomina Marina , Mangeret Arnaud , Bauda Pascale , Brest Jessica , Stetten Lucie , Merrot Pauline , Julien Anthony , Diez Olivier , Barker Evelyne , Billoir Elise , Poupin Pascal , Thouvenot Antoine , Cazala Charlotte , Morin Guillaume
Published: July 2022

Microbial processes can be involved in the remobilization of uranium (U) from reduced sediments under O2 reoxidation events such as water table fluctuations.
Vapor generation of mercury and methylmercury in aqueous microdroplets produced by pneumatic nebulization
Authors: He Qian , Zhang Ningxin , Qiao Yifan , Li Chenchen , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2022

The vapor generation process of Hg2+ and MeHg+ to form volatile Hg0 was found in aqueous microdroplets produced by pneumatic nebulization without any added redox agent, electricity or radiation.
In situmeasurement of Sm–Nd isotopic ratios in geological materials with Nd < 100 μg g−1by LA-MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Zhang Le , Yang Fan , Hong Lu-Bing , Zhang Yan , Soldner Jérémie , Zhang Yan-Qiang , Ren Zhong-Yuan
Published: July 2022

In this study, we developed a method for measuring Sm–Nd isotopic ratios in samples with low Nd contents (<100 μg g−1) by LA-MC-ICP-MS.