bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GILDED WREATHS FROM THE LATE CLASSICAL AND HELLENISTIC PERIODS IN THE GREEK WORLD
Authors: Jeffreys Rosemary A.
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses gilded wreaths from the Greek world, which were sometimes buried in graves in the period between the fourth century BC and Roman times. It is based upon a study undertaken by the author for her doctoral thesis. A categorisation into seven types is proposed, based on first-hand study of some 170 wreaths. Some of the wreaths studied are presented here and a detailed description of one representative example of each type with contextual information is set out in the Appendix. It is not clear whether gilded wreaths were worn in life, but their main use seems to have been funerary. Most were intended for the head, and some ideas as to how the various types may have been worn are proposed. Suggestions as to the probable origin of each of the various types are made, with caveats. The author was able to analyse many wreaths, enabling her to draw some conclusions as to the materials used; the results most relevant to the seven specimens described in the Appendix are set out in the two tables. There follows a discussion of the gilding technique used, which in most cases involved an application of a clay coating and adhesive beneath the gold. Some items with similarities to gilded wreaths are then discussed to set them in context: gold wreaths, terracotta jewellery and single leaves. The paper reviews the four main uses with which wreaths are associated in ancient Greece, all connected (religious purposes; on death; at the symposium and banquets; and to honour victorious athletes and other outstanding persons) before offering some explanations as to why gilded wreaths may have been buried in graves.
Historical and social forces in the Iridescent Life Course: key life events and experiences of transgender older adults
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen , Emlet Charles A. , Fabbre Vanessa D. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Lerner Justin , Jung Hailey H. , Harner Vern , Goldsen Jayn
Published: October 2022

The lives of transgender older adults are rarely examined, and little is known about the critical life events and experiences of this population. Informed by the Iridescent Life Course, this study investigates how intersectionality, fluidity, context and power impact the life events and experiences of trans older adults by generation and gender. Utilising 2014 data from the National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study: Aging with Pride (National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging funded), a national sample of LGBTQ+ individuals 50 years and older, living in the United States of America, were analysed to examine life events of 205 transgender older adults, including identity development, work, bias, kin relationships, social and community engagement, health and wellbeing. Ordinary least-squares regressions and logistics regressions are used to compare the life events between the generations then test the interaction effect of gender. Pride Generation more openly disclose their identities and are more likely to be employed and married compared to the Silenced Generation, who have more military service, higher rates of retirement, fewer same-sex marriages and more different-sex marriages. Invisible Generation, the oldest group, are more likely retired, have more children and are more likely engaged in the community compared to the Silenced Generation, who experienced more discrimination. Applying the Iridescent Life Course is instrumental in understanding older trans adults' lives through intersecting identities of both generation and gender. These insights have the potential to create a greater appreciation of how historical events shape differing generations of transgender people, creating an opportunity to link generations together.
Intergenerational family relationships and the impact of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD): a qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: La Fontaine Jenny , Larkin Michael , Oyebode Jan R.
Published: October 2022

Research concerning the reciprocal influence of relationships and dementia largely focuses on dyadic relationships despite evidence that whole families are affected. Furthermore, such research generally considers more common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Behavioural variant fronto-temporal dementia (bvFTD) primarily although not exclusively affects people below the age of 65 and is distinctly different in its impact from more common forms of dementia, affecting social cognition and therefore relational functioning. We aimed to develop a detailed understanding of intergenerational family experiences of bvFTD over time. We adopted a social constructivist and pluralist approach, using Narrative Thematic Analysis and Grounded Theory. We interviewed seven families in their own homes, including the person with bvFTD, at up to three time-points every six to nine months from 2012 to 2014, resulting in 46 interviews with 19 family members. Three super-ordinate themes were identified: Theme 1: We before bvFTD: cohesive and connected – disconnected and distant; Theme 2: Challenges experienced by us; and Theme 3: Relational outcomes: a changing we – an entrenched we. Results emphasise bvFTD brought early and significant disruption to family relationships. The interplay of prior relational functioning, involving the nature of the relationship for family members, the specific impact of bvFTD on these relationships and family member's understanding of bvFTD was critical to how each family fared over the duration of the research, and the relational outcomes they experienced. These findings suggest health-care practice could enhance its support for families living with bvFTD, through the development of tailored, family-oriented approaches to assessment and practice. Such approaches are necessary to understand how families work together and identify interventions that address the family-specific challenges bvFTD brings. The provision of tailored, relational-focused and specialised information concerning the experience of living with bvFTD is needed to flexibly address families' needs and expectations.
Hospitalisations of children and adults with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in Texas from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Well Andrew , Dawson Catherine , Johnson Gregory , Patt Hanoch , Fraser Charles D. , Mery Carlos M. , Beckerman Ziv
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome accounts for a significant proportion of CHD morbidity and mortality, despite improvements in care and improved survival. This study evaluates number of, reasons for, and trends in discharges of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome over 11 years in Texas.

Methods:

The Texas Inpatient Discharge Dataset Public Use File captures almost all discharges in Texas and was reviewed from 2009 to 2019. Discharges of patients ≥5 years of age and diagnosis codes for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome were included. The admitting and principle diagnoses were categorised and all discharges were evaluated for procedures performed. Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results:

A total of 1024 discharges were identified with a 16.9% annual increase over the study period. Median length of stay was 4 [IQR: 2–8] and there were 17 (1.7%) in-hospital mortalities with no differences across age groups. Seven (17.1%) discharges of patients 25+ years were uninsured, higher than other age groups (p < 0.001). The most common admitting diagnosis was CHD and 224 (21.9%) of discharges included a procedure, including 23 heart transplants. Discharges occurred from 67 different hospitals with 4 (6.0%) representing 71.4% of all discharges.

Conclusions:

Discharges of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome have increased rapidly, particularly in the older age groups and were spread over a large number of hospitals. Further work is needed to understand the interplay between Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and other conditions and care experiences that occur within the general population, which will become more common as this population ages and grows.
Head-mounted digital metamorphopsia suppression as a countermeasure for macular-related visual distortions for prolonged spaceflight missions and terrestrial health
Authors: Ong Joshua , Zaman Nasif , Waisberg Ethan , Kamran Sharif Amit , Lee Andrew G. , Tavakkoli Alireza
Published: October 2022

During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to various risks including spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, which serves as a risk to astronaut vision and a potential physiological barrier to future spaceflight. When considering exploration missions that may expose astronauts to longer periods of microgravity, radiation exposure, and natural aging processes during spaceflight, more severe changes to functional vision may occur. The macula plays a critical role in central vision and disruptions to this key area in the eye may compromise functional vision and mission performance. In this article, we describe the development of a countermeasure technique to digitally suppress monocular central visual distortion with head-mounted display technology. We report early validation studies with this noninvasive countermeasure in individuals with simulated metamorphopsia. When worn by these individuals, this emerging wearable countermeasure technology has demonstrated a suppression of monocular visual distortion. We describe the considerations and further directions of this head-mounted technology for both astronauts and aging individuals on Earth.
Widening Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Individuals Who Self-Harmed
Authors: Lee Sze Chim , DelPozo-Banos Marcos , Friedmann Yasmin , Akbari Ashley , Lyons Ronan A. , John Ann
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Background: Studies on COVID-19 pandemic-associated changes in mortality following self-harm remain scarce and inconclusive. Aims: To compare mortality risks in individuals who had self-harmed to those for individuals who had not, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (Waves 1 and 2) in Wales, the United Kingdom, using population-based routinely collected data. Method: We linked whole population health data to all-cause mortality following an episode of self-harm between April 2016 and March 2021. Propensity score matching, Cox regression, and difference-in-differences were applied to compute changes in excess mortality (as ratios of hazard ratios, RHRs) before and during the pandemic for individuals who self-harmed. Results: The difference in mortality for individuals who self-harmed compared to those who did not widened during Wave 1 (RHR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.04–4.03) and Wave 2 (RHR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.12–4.29) from before the pandemic. Stratification by sex and age group produced no significant subgroup differences although risk for younger than 65 years group were higher. Limitations: Limitations include small sample size and incomplete data on cause-specific deaths during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our results underscore continuous monitoring of mortality of individuals who self-harm and effective interventions to address any increases in mortality.
Spectroscopic Studies on the Puga Hot Spring Deposits, Ladakh, an Astrobiological Martian Analog Site in India
Authors: Sarkar S. , Moitra H. , Bhattacharya S. , Dagar A. , Ray D. , Gupta S. , Chavan A. , Shukla A. D. , Bhandari S.
Published: October 2022

Hot spring localities on continents may represent the most probable locales for the formation of early life constituents on Earth. Apart from liquid water and carbohydrates, these components also include elements like boron that are crucial for stabilization of the complex organic molecules that constitute life. Many of these life sustaining ingredients are commonly found in the vicinity of terrestrial hot springs. Analogously, similar existing or extinct hot spring localities on other planets may constitute prospective astrobiological sites. In the present study, we have characterized the complete mineralogical assemblage of the Puga hot spring deposit, Ladakh, India, using detailed spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction studies. The spectroscopic characterization was done using both field as well as lab based visible/near‐infrared (400–2,500 nm) and lab measured mid‐infrared (4,000–400 cm−1) hyperspectral data. The identified mineral phases include Na‐borates, such as borax and tincalconite, and hydrous sulfates such as jarosite, alunite, copiapite, tamarugite, and gypsum, in conjunction with native sulfur, halite, and opaline silica. Borate minerals have been identified from the valley‐fill material along with halite and opaline silica, whereas sulfates occur alongside crystalline sulfur deposits. We have compared mineral assemblages found in Puga with other hot spring/hydrothermal deposits on Earth identified as Martian analog sites, and also with mineral assemblages identified in situ on Mars. We argue that the spectral characterization of hydrated borates in natural association with hydrous sulfates can be used for identification of fossil/paleo hydrothermal settings on Mars that are prospective in the search for extinct/extant extra‐terrestrial life.
Transcriptional regulation and chromatin dynamics at DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Min Sunwoo , Ji Jae-Hoon , Heo Yungyeong , Cho Hyeseong
Published: October 2022

In eukaryotic cells, DNA damage can occur at any time and at any chromatin locus, including loci at which active transcription is taking place. DNA double-strand breaks affect chromatin integrity and elicit a DNA damage response to facilitate repair of the DNA lesion. Actively transcribed genes near DNA lesions are transiently suppressed by crosstalk between DNA damage response factors and polycomb repressive complexes. Epigenetic modulation of the chromatin environment also contributes to efficient DNA damage response signaling and transcriptional repression. On the other hand, RNA transcripts produced in the G1 phase, as well as the active chromatin context of the lesion, appear to drive homologous recombination repair. Here, we discuss how the ISWI family of chromatin remodeling factors coordinates the DNA damage response and transcriptional repression, especially in transcriptionally active regions, highlighting the direct modulation of the epigenetic environment.
Formation and fluorescent mechanism of red emissive carbon dots from o-phenylenediamine and catechol system
Authors: Li Pengfei , Xue Shanshan , Sun Lu , Zong Xupeng , An Li , Qu Dan , Wang Xiayan , Sun Zaicheng
Published: October 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) as the advancing fluorescent carbon nanomaterial have superior potential and prospective. However, the ambiguous photoluminescence (PL) mechanism and intricate structure-function relationship become the greatest hindrances in the development and applications of CDs. Herein, red emissive CDs were synthesized in high yield from o-phenylenediamine (oPD) and catechol (CAT). The PL mechanism of the CDs is considered as the molecular state fluorophores because 5,14-dihydroquinoxalino[2,3-b] phenazine (DHQP) is separated and exhibits the same PL properties and behavior as the CDs. These include the peak position and shape of the PL emission and PL excitation and the emission dependence on pH and solvent polarity. Both of them display close PL lifetime decays. Based on these, we deduce that DHQP is the fluorophore of the red emissive CDs and the PL mechanism of CDs is similar to DHQP. During the PL emission of CDs, the electron of the molecule state can transfer to CDs. The formation process of DHQP is further confirmed by the reaction intermediates (phthalazine, dimers) and oPD. These findings provide insights into the PL mechanism of this type of CDs and may guide the further development of tunable CDs for tailored properties.
Addictive and other mental disorders: a call for a standardized definition of dual disorders
Authors: Szerman Nestor , Torrens Marta , Maldonado Rafael , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Salom Caroline , Maremmani Icro , Sher Leo , Didia-Attas Javier , Chen Jun , Baler Ruben ,   World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD)
Published: October 2022

The persistent difficulty in conceptualizing the relationship between addictive and other mental disorders stands out among the many challenges faced by the field of Psychiatry. The different philosophies and schools of thought about, and the sheer complexity of these highly prevalent clinical conditions make progress inherently difficult, not to mention the profusion of competing and sometimes contradictory terms that unnecessarily exacerbate the challenge. The lack of a standardized term adds confusion, fuels stigma, and contributes to a “wrong door syndrome” that captures the difficulty of not only diagnosing but also treating addictive and other mental disorders in an integrated manner. The World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD) proposes the adoption of the term “Dual Disorder” which, while still arbitrary, would help harmonize various clinical and research efforts by rallying around a single, more accurate, and less stigmatizing designation.
c-Mpl-del, a c-Mpl alternative splicing isoform, promotes AMKL progression and chemoresistance
Authors: Li Fei , Xiong Yuanyan , Yang Mo , Chen Peiling , Zhang Jingkai , Wang Qiong , Xu Miao , Wang Yiming , He Zuyong , Zhao Xin , Huang Junyu , Gu Xiaoqiong , Zhang Li , Sun Rui , Sun Xunsha , Li Jingyao , Ou Jinxin , Xu Ting , Huang Xueying , Cao Yange , Xu Xiaohong Ruby , Karakas Danielle , Li June , Ni Heyu , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2022

Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) is a clinically heterogeneous subtype of acute myeloid leukemia characterized by unrestricted megakaryoblast proliferation and poor prognosis. Thrombopoietin receptor c-Mpl is a primary regulator of megakaryopoeisis and a potent mitogenic receptor. Aberrant c-Mpl signaling has been implicated in a myriad of myeloid proliferative disorders, some of which can lead to AMKL, however, the role of c-Mpl in AMKL progression remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified increased expression of a c-Mpl alternative splicing isoform, c-Mpl-del, in AMKL patients. We found that c-Mpl-del expression was associated with enhanced AMKL cell proliferation and chemoresistance, and decreased survival in xenografted mice, while c-Mpl-del knockdown attenuated proliferation and restored apoptosis. Interestingly, we observed that c-Mpl-del exhibits preferential utilization of phosphorylated c-Mpl-del C-terminus Y607 and biased activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, which culminated in upregulation of GATA1 and downregulation of DDIT3-related apoptotic responses conducive to AMKL chemoresistance and proliferation. Thus, this study elucidates the critical roles of c-Mpl alternative splicing in AMKL progression and drug resistance, which may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications for leukemia accelerated by c-Mpl-del overexpression.
Conserved signalling components coordinate epidermal patterning and cuticle deposition in barley
Authors: Liu Linsan , Jose Sarah B. , Campoli Chiara , Bayer Micha M. , Sánchez-Diaz Miguel A. , McAllister Trisha , Zhou Yichun , Eskan Mhmoud , Milne Linda , Schreiber Miriam , Batstone Thomas , Bull Ian D. , Ramsay Luke , von Wettstein-Knowles Penny , Waugh Robbie , Hetherington Alistair M. , McKim Sarah M.
Published: October 2022

Faced with terrestrial threats, land plants seal their aerial surfaces with a lipid-rich cuticle. To breathe, plants interrupt their cuticles with adjustable epidermal pores, called stomata, that regulate gas exchange, and develop other specialised epidermal cells such as defensive hairs. Mechanisms coordinating epidermal features remain poorly understood. Addressing this, we studied two loci whose allelic variation causes both cuticular wax-deficiency and misarranged stomata in barley, identifying the underlying genes,Cer-g/HvYDA1, encoding a YODA-like (YDA) MAPKKK, andCer-s/HvBRX-Solo, encoding a single BREVIS-RADIX (BRX) domain protein. Both genes control cuticular integrity, the spacing and identity of epidermal cells, and barley’s distinctive epicuticular wax blooms, as well as stomatal patterning in elevated CO2conditions. Genetic analyses revealed epistatic and modifying relationships betweenHvYDA1andHvBRX-Solo, intimating that their products participate in interacting pathway(s) linking epidermal patterning with cuticular properties in barley. This may represent a mechanism for coordinating multiple adaptive features of the land plant epidermis in a cultivated cereal.
Continuous biomarker monitoring with single molecule resolution by measuring free particle motion
Authors: Buskermolen Alissa D. , Lin Yu-Ting , van Smeden Laura , van Haaften Rik B. , Yan Junhong , Sergelen Khulan , de Jong Arthur M. , Prins Menno W. J.
Published: October 2022

There is a need for sensing technologies that can continuously monitor concentration levels of critical biomolecules in applications such as patient care, fundamental biological research, biotechnology and food industry, as well as the environment. However, it is fundamentally difficult to develop measurement technologies that are not only sensitive and specific, but also allow monitoring over a broad concentration range and over long timespans. Here we describe a continuous biomolecular sensing methodology based on the free diffusion of biofunctionalized particles hovering over a sensor surface. The method records digital events due to single-molecule interactions and enables biomarker monitoring at picomolar to micromolar concentrations without consuming any reagents. We demonstrate the affinity-based sensing methodology for DNA-based sandwich and competition assays, and for an antibody-based cortisol assay. Additionally, the sensor can be dried, facilitating storage over weeks while maintaining its sensitivity. We foresee that this will enable the development of continuous monitoring sensors for applications in fundamental research, for studies on organs on a chip, for the monitoring of patients in critical care, and for the monitoring of industrial processes and bioreactors as well as ecological systems.
Solvent-free protic liquid enabling batteries operation at an ultra-wide temperature range
Authors: Liao Mochou , Ji Xiao , Cao Yongjie , Xu Jie , Qiu Xuan , Xie Yihua , Wang Fei , Wang Chunsheng , Xia Yongyao
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, electrolytes for commercial batteries are mostly liquid solutions composed of solvent and salt to migrate the ions. However, solvents of the electrolyte bring several inherent limitations, either the electrochemical window, working temperature, volatility or flammability. Herein, we report polyphosphoric acid as a solvent-free protic liquid electrolyte, which excludes the demerits of solvent and exhibits unprecedented superiorities, including nonflammability, wider electrochemical stability window (>2.5 V) than aqueous electrolyte, low volatility and wide working temperature range (>400 °C). The proton conductive electrolyte enables MoO3/LiVPO4F rocking-chair battery to operate well in a wide temperature range from 0 °C to 250 °C and deliver a high power density of 4975 W kg−1 at a high temperature of 100 °C. The solvent-free electrolyte could provide a viable route for the stable and safe batteries working under harsh conditions, opening up a route towards designing wide-temperature electrolytes.
Caldesmon controls stress fiber force-balance through dynamic cross-linking of myosin II and actin-tropomyosin filaments
Authors: Kokate Shrikant B. , Ciuba Katarzyna , Tran Vivien D. , Kumari Reena , Tojkander Sari , Engel Ulrike , Kogan Konstantin , Kumar Sanjay , Lappalainen Pekka
Published: October 2022

Contractile actomyosin bundles are key force-producing and mechanosensing elements in muscle and non-muscle tissues. Whereas the organization of muscle myofibrils and mechanism regulating their contractility are relatively well-established, the principles by which myosin-II activity and force-balance are regulated in non-muscle cells have remained elusive. We show that Caldesmon, an important component of smooth muscle and non-muscle cell actomyosin bundles, is an elongated protein that functions as a dynamic cross-linker between myosin-II and tropomyosin-actin filaments. Depletion of Caldesmon results in aberrant lateral movement of myosin-II filaments along actin bundles, leading to irregular myosin distribution within stress fibers. This manifests as defects in stress fiber network organization and contractility, and accompanied problems in cell morphogenesis, migration, invasion, and mechanosensing. These results identify Caldesmon as critical factor that ensures regular myosin-II spacing within non-muscle cell actomyosin bundles, and reveal how stress fiber networks are controlled through dynamic cross-linking of tropomyosin-actin and myosin filaments.
Reducing Akt2 in retinal pigment epithelial cells causes a compensatory increase in Akt1 and attenuates diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Liu Haitao , Stepicheva Nadezda A. , Ghosh Sayan , Shang Peng , Chowdhury Olivia , Daley Rachel A. , Yazdankhah Meysam , Gupta Urvi , Hose Stacey L. , Valapala Mallika , Fitting Christopher Scott , Strizhakova Anastasia , Shan Yang , Feenstra Derrick , Sahel José-Alain , Jayagopal Ashwath , Handa James T. , Zigler J. Samuel , Fort Patrice E. , Sodhi Akrit , Sinha Debasish
Published: October 2022

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Here we set out to explore the role of Akt2 signaling—integral to both RPE homeostasis and glucose metabolism—to DR. Using human tissue and genetically manipulated mice (including RPE-specific conditional knockout (cKO) and knock-in (KI) mice), we investigate whether Akts in the RPE influences DR in models of diabetic eye disease. We found that Akt1 and Akt2 activities were reciprocally regulated in the RPE of DR donor tissue and diabetic mice. Akt2 cKO attenuated diabetes-induced retinal abnormalities through a compensatory upregulation of phospho-Akt1 leading to an inhibition of vascular injury, inflammatory cytokine release, and infiltration of immune cells mediated by the GSK3β/NF-κB signaling pathway; overexpression of Akt2 has no effect. We propose that targeting Akt1 activity in the RPE may be a novel therapy for treating DR.
Guidance landscapes unveiled by quantitative proteomics to control reinnervation in adult visual system
Authors: Vilallongue Noemie , Schaeffer Julia , Hesse Anne-Marie , Delpech Céline , Blot Béatrice , Paccard Antoine , Plissonnier Elise , Excoffier Blandine , Couté Yohann , Belin Stephane , Nawabi Homaira
Published: October 2022

In the injured adult central nervous system (CNS), activation of pro-growth molecular pathways in neurons leads to long-distance regeneration. However, most regenerative fibers display guidance defects, which prevent reinnervation and functional recovery. Therefore, the molecular characterization of the proper target regions of regenerative axons is essential to uncover the modalities of adult reinnervation. In this study, we use mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics to address the proteomes of major nuclei of the adult visual system. These analyses reveal that guidance-associated molecules are expressed in adult visual targets. Moreover, we show that bilateral optic nerve injury modulates the expression of specific proteins. In contrast, the expression of guidance molecules remains steady. Finally, we show that regenerative axons are able to respond to guidance cues ex vivo, suggesting that these molecules possibly interfere with brain target reinnervation in adult. Using a long-distance regeneration model, we further demonstrate that the silencing of specific guidance signaling leads to rerouting of regenerative axons in vivo. Altogether, our results suggest ways to modulate axon guidance of regenerative neurons to achieve circuit repair in adult.
The Hippo pathway links adipocyte plasticity to adipose tissue fibrosis
Authors: Shen Hongyu , Huang Xun , Zhao Yiheng , Wu Dongmei , Xue Kaili , Yao Jingfei , Wang Yushuang , Tang Nan , Qiu Yifu
Published: October 2022

Fibrosis disrupts adipose tissue (AT) homeostasis and exacerbates metabolic dysfunction upon chronic caloric excess. The molecular mechanisms linking adipocyte plasticity to AT fibrosis are largely unknown. Here we show that the Hippo pathway is coupled with TGFβ signaling to orchestrate a cellular and/or functional shift of adipocytes from energy storage to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in AT fibrosis. We found that Lats1/2-knockout adipocytes could dedifferentiate into DPP4+ progenitor cells and convert to DPP4− myofibroblasts upon TGFβ stimulation. On the other hand, Hippo pathway inhibition during obesity impaired adipocyte identity while promoted ECM remodeling activity of adipocytes. Macrophages recruited by CCL2 produced TGFβ to accelerate AT fibrosis. YAP and TAZ, the Hippo downstream effectors, enhanced SMAD2 stability to promote fibrotic responses. Importantly, inhibition of YAP/TAZ activity in obese mice markedly relieved AT fibrosis and improved metabolic homeostasis. Together, our findings identify the Hippo pathway as a molecular switch in the initiation and development of AT fibrosis, implying it as a therapeutic target.
[2]-Ladderanes as isosteres for meta-substituted aromatic rings and rigidified cyclohexanes
Authors: Epplin Rachel C. , Paul Shashwati , Herter Loïc , Salome Christophe , Hancock Erin N. , Larrow Jay F. , Baum Erich W. , Dunstan David R. , Ginsburg-Moraff Carol , Fessard Thomas C. , Brown M. Kevin
Published: October 2022

Aromatic ring isosteres and rigidified saturated hydrocarbons are important motifs to enable drug discovery. Herein we disclose [2]-ladderanes as a class of meta-substituted aromatic ring isosteres and rigidified cyclohexanes. A straightforward synthesis of the building blocks is presented along with representative derivatization. Preliminary studies reveal that the [2]-ladderanes offer similar metabolic and physicochemical properties thus establishing this class of molecules as interesting motifs.
Recommender system for discovery of inorganic compounds
Authors: Hayashi Hiroyuki , Seko Atsuto , Tanaka Isao
Published: October 2022

A recommender system based on experimental databases is useful for the efficient discovery of inorganic compounds. Here, we review studies on the discovery of as-yet-unknown compounds using recommender systems. The first method used compositional descriptors made up of elemental features. Chemical compositions registered in the inorganic crystal structure database (ICSD) were supplied to machine learning for binary classification. The other method did not use any descriptors, but a tensor decomposition technique was adopted. The predictive performance for currently unknown chemically relevant compositions (CRCs) was determined by examining their presence in other databases. According to the recommendation, synthesis experiments of two pseudo-ternary compounds with currently unknown structures were successful. Finally, a synthesis-condition recommender system was constructed by machine learning of a parallel experimental data-set collected in-house using a polymerized complex method. Recommendation scores for unexperimented conditions were then evaluated. Synthesis experiments under the targeted conditions found two yet-unknown pseudo-binary oxides.
A systematic review of brain morphometry related to deep brain stimulation outcome in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Fengting , Lai Yijie , Pan Yixin , Li Hongyang , Liu Qimin , Sun Bomin
Published: October 2022

While the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) is well-established in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the benefit of DBS varies across patients. Using imaging features for outcome prediction offers potential in improving effectiveness, whereas the value of presurgical brain morphometry, derived from the routinely used imaging modality in surgical planning, remains under-explored. This review provides a comprehensive investigation of links between DBS outcomes and brain morphometry features in PD. We systematically searched PubMed and Embase databases and retrieved 793 articles, of which 25 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail. A majority of studies (24/25), including 1253 of 1316 patients, focused on the outcome of DBS targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN), while five studies included 57 patients receiving globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS. Accumulated evidence showed that the atrophy of motor cortex and thalamus were associated with poor motor improvement, other structures such as the lateral-occipital cortex and anterior cingulate were also reported to correlated with motor outcome. Regarding non-motor outcomes, decreased volume of the hippocampus was reported to correlate with poor cognitive outcomes. Structures such as the thalamus, nucleus accumbens, and nucleus of basalis of Meynert were also reported to correlate with cognitive functions. Caudal middle frontal cortex was reported to have an impact on postsurgical psychiatric changes. Collectively, the findings of this review emphasize the utility of brain morphometry in outcome prediction of DBS for PD. Future efforts are needed to validate the findings and demonstrate the feasibility of brain morphometry in larger cohorts.
Longitudinal bioluminescence imaging to monitor breast tumor growth and treatment response using the chick chorioallantoic membrane model
Authors: Javed Sumreen , Soukhtehzari Sepideh , Fernandes Nazarine , Williams Karla C.
Published: October 2022

The development of successful treatment regimens for breast cancer requires strong pre-clinical data generated in physiologically relevant pre-clinical models. Here we report the development of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to study tumor growth and angiogenesis using breast cancer cell lines. MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 tumor cell lines were engrafted onto the chick embryo CAM to study tumor growth and treatment response. Tumor growth was evaluated through bioluminescence imaging and a significant increase in tumor size and vascularization was found over a 9-day period. We then evaluated the impact of anti-angiogenic drugs, axitinib and bevacizumab, on tumor growth and angiogenesis. Drug treatment significantly reduced tumor vascularization and size. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the chick embryo CAM is a clinically relevant model to monitor therapeutic response in breast cancer and can be used as a platform for drug screening to evaluate not only gross changes in tumor burden but physiological processes such as angiogenesis.
Ultrafast laser filament-induced fluorescence for detecting uranium stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Finney Lauren A. , Skrodzki Patrick J. , Peskosky Nicholas , Burger Milos , Nees John , Krushelnick Karl , Jovanovic Igor
Published: October 2022

Plants and other photosynthetic organisms have been suggested as potential pervasive biosensors for nuclear nonproliferation monitoring. We demonstrate that ultrafast laser filament-induced fluorescence of chlorophyll in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a promising method for remote, in-field detection of stress from exposure to nuclear materials. This method holds an advantage over broad-area surveillance, such as solar-induced fluorescence monitoring, when targeting excitation of a specific plant would improve the detectability, for example when local biota density is low. After exposing C. reinhardtii to uranium, we find that the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime, and carotenoid content increase. The increased fluorescence lifetime signifies a decrease in non-photochemical quenching. The simultaneous increase in carotenoid content implies oxidative stress, further confirmed by the production of radical oxygen species evidence in the steady-state absorption spectrum. This is potentially a unique signature of uranium, as previous work finds that heavy metal stress generally increases non-photochemical quenching. We identify the temporal profile of the chlorophyll fluorescence to be a distinguishing feature between uranium-exposed and unexposed algae. Discrimination of uranium-exposed samples is possible at a distance of $$\sim $$
∼
35 m with a single laser shot and a modest collection system, as determined through a combination of experiment and simulation of distance-scaled uncertainty in discriminating the temporal profiles. Illustrating the potential for remote detection, detection over 125 m would require 100 laser shots, commensurate with the detection time on the order of 1 s.
Evaluation of circulating small extracellular vesicle-derived miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for differentiating between different pathological types of early lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Yi-fang , Wei Shan-na , Geng Nan , Qin Wen-wen , He Xin , Wang Xiu-huan , Qi Yao-pu , Song Shan , Wang Ping
Published: October 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been suggested to be potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. The present study was designed to explore whether plasma-derived sEV miRNAs could be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers for differentiating between early-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared the miRNA profiles of plasma-derived sEVs from healthy individuals, patients with early-stage SCLC and patients with early-stage NSCLC. Next-generation sequencing was used to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to predict the potential functions of these DEMs. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the different pathology-related miRNA modules. We found that 22 DEMs were significantly different among healthy individuals, patients with early-stage SCLC, and patients with early-stage NSCLC. We selected six representative DEMs for validation by qRT‒PCR, which confirmed that miRNA-483-3p derived from plasma sEVs could be used as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of early-stage SCLC, miRNA-152-3p and miRNA-1277-5p could be used for the diagnosis of early-stage NSCLC respectively.
Nanosheet fabrication from magnon thermal conductivity cuprates for the advanced thermal management
Authors: Kinoshita Hiroya , Terakado Nobuaki , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Takamichi , Ishikawa Chitose , Naruse Koki , Kawamata Takayuki , Fujiwara Takumi
Published: October 2022

Spin-chain–spin-ladder cuprates, such as La5Ca9Cu24O41, have notable electronic and thermal properties because of their unique electron spin arrangement. Among them, magnon thermal conductivity, which originates from the excitation of paired electron spins, is promising for the advanced thermal management applications that enable dynamic control of heat flow. This is because of its high, anisotropic thermal conductivity at room temperature and its dynamic controllability. In this study, we report nanosheet fabrications from polycrystalline La5Ca9Cu24O41 to enhance the control width. We obtained that the nanosheets with a thickness of about 3 nm are obtained via immersion of the polycrystals in a NaOH aqueous solution. We propose the exfoliation model based on the chemical reaction between the (La/Ca)2Cu2O3 subsystem and NaOH solution. The nanosheet fabrications can also lead to new research development on spin-ladder system and other strongly correlated cuprates.
Wildfires disproportionately affected jaguars in the Pantanal
Authors: de Barros Alan Eduardo , Morato Ronaldo Gonçalves , Fleming Christen H. , Pardini Renata , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo R. , Tomas Walfrido M. , Kantek Daniel L. Z. , Tortato Fernando R. , Fragoso Carlos Eduardo , Azevedo Fernando C. C. , Thompson Jeffrey J. , Prado Paulo Inácio
Published: October 2022

The Pantanal wetland harbours the second largest population of jaguars in the world. Alongside climate and land-use changes, the recent mega-fires in the Pantanal may pose a threat to the jaguars’ long-term survival. To put these growing threats into perspective, we addressed the reach and intensity of fires that have affected jaguar conservation in the Pantanal ecoregion over the last 16 years. The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these in Brazil); 79% of the home range areas, and 54% of the protected areas within home ranges. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several jaguars, the Pantanal’s apex predator. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region. A solution to prevent the recurrence of mega-fires lies in combating the anthropogenic causes that intensify drought conditions, such as implementing actions to protect springs, increasing the number and area of protected areas, regulating fire use, and allocating fire brigades before dry seasons.
Photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation coupled with reforming of glucose into valuable chemicals using a nanostructured WO3 photoanode
Authors: Jakubow-Piotrowska Katarzyna , Witkowski Bartłomiej , Augustynski Jan
Published: October 2022

Coupling the photo-oxidation of biomass derived substrates with water splitting in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is a broadly discussed approach intended to enhance efficiency of hydrogen generation at the cathode. Here, we report a PEC device employing a nanostructured semitransparent WO3 photoanode that, irradiated with simulated solar light achieves large photocurrents of 6.5 mA cm−2 through oxidation of glucose, a common carbohydrate available in nature that can be obtained by processing waste biomass. The attained photocurrents are in a large part due to the occurrence of the photocurrent doubling, where oxidation of glucose by the photogenerated positive hole is followed by injection by the formed intermediate of an electron into the conduction band of WO3. Selection of an appropriate supporting electrolyte enabled effective reforming of glucose into valuable products: gluconic and glucaric acids, erythrose and arabinose with up to 64% total Faradaic yield attained at ca 15% glucose conversion.
Removing BaP from soil by biochar prepared with medicago and corn straw using batch and solid-phase extraction method
Authors: Li Dandan , Zhou Yi'an , Ding Haixia , Chang Lu , Fu Ning , Wang Xia , Tao Xuemei
Published: October 2022

The low-cost materials CB and MB with highly efficient adsorption capability can effectively remove BaP from contaminated soil.
How changes in Cu-SSZ-13 catalytic oxidation activity via mild hydrothermal aging influence sulfur poisoning extents
Authors: Chen Yu-Ren , Wei Lai , Kumar Ashok , Wang Di , Epling William S.
Published: October 2022

Sulfur poisoning of Cu-SSZ-13 is a function of the catalyst's oxidation ability.
Dynamics of the Cu/CeO2catalyst during methanol steam reforming
Authors: Jin Shiqing , Li Didi , Wang Zhen , Wang Yiming , Sun Li , Zhu Minghui
Published: October 2022

Supported Cu/CeO2catalysts with various loadings prepared by a deposition–precipitation method are investigated by a series ofin situcharacterization techniques: structures of active sites dynamically change in response to environmental conditions.
Synthesis and ionic conductivity of calcium-doped ceria relevant to solid oxide fuel cell applications
Authors: Momin Naeemakhtar , Manjanna J. , Kobayashi Satoru , Aruna S. T. , Senthil Kumar S. , Nayaka G. P.
Published: October 2022

Towards the development of green energy devices, it is necessary to focus on commercial electrolyte materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs).
Alkyltriphenylphosphonium turns naphthoquinoneimidazoles into potent membrane depolarizers against mycobacteria
Authors: Fridianto Kevin Timothy , Gunawan Gregory Adrian , Hards Kiel , Sarathy Jickky Palmae , Cook Gregory M. , Dick Thomas , Go Mei-Lin , Lam Yulin
Published: October 2022

Herein, we establish the antimycobacterial activity of trialkylphosphonium-containing naphthoquinoneimidazoles, which exhibited limited redox activity but extensive membrane depolarization that resulted in depletion of ATP.
In situ synthesis of high-quantum-efficiency and stable bromide-based blue-emitting perovskite nanoplatelets
Authors: Pathipati Srinivasa Rao , Shah Muhammad Naeem , Akhil Syed , Mishra Nimai
Published: October 2022

We present a facile synthetic approach for the growth of two-dimensional CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) in the temperature range of 50–80 °C via the vacuum-assisted low-temperature (VALT) method.
Anti-counterfeiting SERS security labels derived from silver nanoparticles and aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Li Da , Brunie Julien , Sun Fan , Nizard Philippe , Onidas Delphine , Lamouri Aazdine , Noël Vincent , Mangeney Claire , Mattana Giorgio , Luo Yun
Published: October 2022

The development of anti-counterfeiting inks based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) labels have attracted great interest in recent years for their use as security labels in anti-counterfeiting applications.
Variations in bile salt surfactant structure allow tuning of the sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by aqueous two-phase extraction
Authors: Avramenko Marina , Defillet Joeri , López Carrillo Miguel Ángel , Martinati Miles , Wenseleers Wim , Cambré Sofie
Published: October 2022

The chirality-dependent stacking of bile salt surfactants on single-wall carbon nanotubes is investigated by systematic aqueous two-phase separations.
Semi-hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes over sandwich-structured nanocatalysts prepared by phase transformation of thin-film Al2O3 to Al-TCPP
Authors: Chen Bin , Yang Xin , Xu Yinan , Hu Siyuan , Zeng Xiaoli , Liu Yiping , Tan Kok Bing , Huang Jiale , Zhan Guowu
Published: October 2022

We designed a new type of sandwich-structured nanocatalyst for the highly selective hydrogenation of various α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to the targeted unsaturated alcohols with both high conversion and high selectivity.
Promoter-regulated in vivo asymmetric self-assembly strategy to synthesize heterogeneous nanoparticles for signal amplification
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou Juan , Men Dong , Zhang Xian-En
Published: October 2022

Heterogeneous protein nanoparticles with signal-amplification capability were directly synthesized in E. coli using a strategy involving promoter-regulated asymmetric self-assembly.
(±)-Pheharmines A–B, two pairs of racemic alkaloids with a morpholino[4,3,2-hi]β-carboline core, from the roots of Peganum harmala
Authors: Li Sheng-Ge , Hu Xu , Zhang Qin , Zan Yan-Hui , Wang Kai-Bo , Jiang Chun-Yu , Xue Jing-Jing , Liu Yong-Xiang , Lin Bin , Jing Yong-Kui , Li Da-Hong , Hua Hui-Ming
Published: October 2022

Two pairs of unprecedented β-carboline-phenylpropanoid alkaloids, (±)-pheharmines A–B (1–4), characterized by a morpholino[4,3,2-hi]β-carboline core with two chiral centers, were isolated from the roots of Peganum harmala.
Nitrogen-doped carbons derived from cotton pulp for improved supercapacitors
Authors: Shen Jian , Yu Jiangbin , Luo Hao , Liu Xiang , Zhou Qiongzhi , Wei Tianxiang , Yu Xinyi , Wu Yahui , Yu Yifei , Li Mingjie
Published: October 2022

Supercapacitors have a rapid charge/discharge rate, long lifespan, high stability, and relatively acceptable cost, showing great potential in energy storage and conversion applications.
Synthesis, electropolymerization and functionalization via click chemistry of N-alkynylated dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole
Authors: Bandera Yuriy , Jones Haley W. , Grant Benjamin , Mell Sarah , Foulger Stephen H.
Published: October 2022

An N-alkynylated DTP monomer is functionalized with “click” reactions and provides a facile route to synthesize various N-functionalized DTP homopolymers.
Characteristic 1H NMR spectra of β-d-ribofuranosides and ribonucleosides: factors driving furanose ring conformations
Authors: Walczak Dominik , Sikorski Artur , Grzywacz Daria , Nowacki Andrzej , Liberek Beata
Published: October 2022

The 2,3-O-isopropylidene group locks β-d-ribofuranosides in the E0-like conformation whereas ribonucleosides in the E4-like conformation. The conformational preferences of β-d-ribofuranosides are determined by the anomeric effect.