bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Evidence of Enhanced Auditory Retrieval in Musically Trained Children
Authors: Paquet Anik , Simard France , Cadoret Geneviève
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Musical practice enhances auditory processing in children as related to pitch perception or tonal discrimination. The purpose of this study was to examine whether these benefits also occur in auditory working memory by influencing its neural substrates. Two groups of children aged between 7 and 11 years old were compared using an auditory retrieval task with three conditions: frequency retrieval, duration retrieval, and control. Musician children had weekly private violin or cello lessons for at least 14 months, whereas non-musician children had no musical training. Results showed that musicians’ scores on the Gordon’s Primary Measure of Music Audiation test were significantly higher than non-musicians’ scores in the rhythm and tone conditions. On memory tasks, musicians outperformed non-musicians in frequency retrieval but not in duration retrieval. Differences in retrieval performance were associated with a larger P200-like waveform over frontal sites in musicians and a larger N400-like waveform over centro-parietal sites in non-musicians. A source current density analysis revealed differences in frontal activities between musicians and non-musicians, suggesting that musical training influenced the neural mechanisms supporting auditory retrieval in children. These results are in agreement with previous studies that showed a better auditory memory in musicians. Furthermore, they suggest that in children, the effect of musical training can be strong enough to positively influence higher-order auditory memory processes such as active retrieval, as well as their neural correlates.
Multicomponent Diffusion of Dusty Plasma in PMSE Including the Growth of Dust Particles
Authors: Li Zheng‐yuan , Ma J. X. , Li Hui , Wu Jian
Published: February 2022

Dusty plasma diffusion was applied to model the plasma response to perturbations in dust density, which yields small‐scale irregularities in electron density that are responsible for Polar Mesosphere Summer Echos. Previous diffusion models treated aerosols either as fixed‐charge dust or as multiple‐charge‐state dust using chemical rate equations. The growth of aerosol particles was previously considered in the study of layered structures in mesospheric clouds, but it has not been incorporated into dust diffusion. In this paper, a multicomponent diffusion of a dusty plasma, consisting of electrons, ions, and charged aerosols, is developed, accounting for the growth of the aerosols. It is shown that, for typical parameters in polar mesopause region, the evolution of the density structures of the dusty plasma undergoes an initial charging process (approximately 100 s), then an ambipolar diffusion process on ion time scale (approximately hundreds of seconds), and the aerosol diffusion on dust time scale (>104 s). Furthermore, the growth of the aerosols retards the dust diffusion and causes the transition from anticorrelation to correlation between the electron and ion density perturbations (contrary to only anticorrelation or correlation as in the case without considering the growth). The growth also bends the density profiles from upward shifting to downward sedimentation. In addition, larger initial grain radius and the width of the initial perturbation result in slower diffusion. The diffusion is much faster at 88 km than at 82 km.
Fluid Migration Before and During Slow Earthquakes in the Shallow Nankai Subduction Zone
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Takemura Shunsuke , Yabe Suguru , Yomogida Kiyoshi
Published: February 2022

Fluid migration in subduction zones is a key controlling factor of slow and megathrust earthquakes at plate boundaries. During the migration, seismic velocity and heterogeneous structures in its pathways may be temporarily perturbed, preferably triggering slow earthquakes. Here, we show that transient changes of seismic heterogeneity occurred 0–9 months before shallow slow earthquakes in the Nankai subduction zone, Japan, using very long‐term (6–10 years) records of ambient seafloor noise. The heterogeneity changes preceding to shallow slow earthquakes were observed near the margin of the source region, while concurrent changes primarily occurred in the source region. We propose that the heterogeneity changes are attributed to dynamic fluid migration, and the difference in timings reflects the pore pressure level in the corresponding source region. When fluids are supplied to a source region under relatively low pressure, fluids are leaked out from its downdip or updip side, and slow earthquakes occur not immediately but with a time delay of at most 9 months. In the high pore pressure case, slow earthquakes occur immediately with fluid migration from the source region. This study suggests that the heterogeneous seismic structure is possibly changed by fluid migration before slow earthquakes in the Nankai subduction zone.
Evolution of therapy for limited stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Rojek Alexandra E. , Smith Sonali M.
Published: February 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with limited-stage DLBCL defined as stage I or II disease. Risk stratification, initial treatment options, and relapse patterns are distinct from advanced-stage DLBCL, but there is limited data on the impact of biologic features on outcome. Patients have excellent outcomes, with ~90% survival at 2 years. Over the past several years, sequential prospective trials and large registry studies have evaluated the optimal number of chemotherapy cycles and implemented PET-adapted approaches to reduce the need for radiotherapy. Special consideration must still be given to cases of bulky disease, extranodal disease, fully resected scenarios, and adverse biologic features such as high-grade B-cell lymphoma with double/triple hit rearrangements. This review presents the evolution of a modern management approach, with a discussion of recent treatment-defining studies.
Incidence and management of CAR-T neurotoxicity in patients with multiple myeloma treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel in CARTITUDE studies
Authors: Cohen Adam D. , Parekh Samir , Santomasso Bianca D. , Gállego Pérez-Larraya Jaime , van de Donk Niels W. C. J. , Arnulf Bertrand , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Lendvai Nikoletta , Jackson Carolyn C. , De Braganca Kevin C. , Schecter Jordan M. , Marquez Loreta , Lee Erin , Cornax Ingrid , Zudaire Enrique , Li Claire , Olyslager Yunsi , Madduri Deepu , Varsos Helen , Pacaud Lida , Akram Muhammad , Geng Dong , Jakubowiak Andrzej , Einsele Hermann , Jagannath Sundar
Published: February 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies are highly effective for multiple myeloma (MM) but their impressive efficacy is associated with treatment-related neurotoxicities in some patients. In CARTITUDE-1, 5% of patients with MM reported movement and neurocognitive treatment-emergent adverse events (MNTs) with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen-targeted CAR T-cell therapy. We assessed the associated factors for MNTs in CARTITUDE-1. Based on common features, patients who experienced MNTs were characterized by the presence of a combination of at least two variables: high tumor burden, grade ≥2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or any grade immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) after cilta-cel infusion, and high CAR T-cell expansion/persistence. Strategies were implemented across the cilta-cel development program to monitor and manage patients with MNTs, including enhanced bridging therapy to reduce baseline tumor burden, early aggressive treatment of CRS and ICANS, handwriting assessments for early symptom detection, and extended monitoring/reporting time for neurotoxicity beyond 100 days post-infusion. After successful implementation of these strategies, the incidence of MNTs was reduced from 5% to <1% across the cilta-cel program, supporting its favorable benefit–risk profile for treatment of MM.
Identification of novel STAT5B mutations and characterization of TCRβ signatures in CD4+ T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Teramo Antonella , Gasparini Vanessa Rebecca , Huuhtanen Jani , Kim Daehong , Theodoropoulos Jason , Schiavoni Gianluca , Barilà Gregorio , Vicenzetto Cristina , Calabretto Giulia , Facco Monica , Kawakami Toru , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Falini Brunangelo , Tiacci Enrico , Ishida Fumihiro , Semenzato Gianpietro , Kelkka Tiina , Zambello Renato , Mustjoki Satu
Published: February 2022

CD4+ T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) is a rare subtype of T-LGLL with unknown etiology. In this study, we molecularly characterized a cohort of patients (n = 35) by studying their T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and the presence of somatic STAT5B mutations. In addition to the previously described gain-of-function mutations (N642H, Y665F, Q706L, S715F), we discovered six novel STAT5B mutations (Q220H, E433K, T628S, P658R, P702A, and V712E). Multiple STAT5B mutations were present in 22% (5/23) of STAT5B mutated CD4+ T-LGLL cases, either coexisting in one clone or in distinct clones. Patients with STAT5B mutations had increased lymphocyte and LGL counts when compared to STAT5B wild-type patients. TCRβ sequencing showed that, in addition to large LGL expansions, non-leukemic T cell repertoires were more clonal in CD4+ T-LGLL compared to healthy. Interestingly, 25% (15/59) of CD4+ T-LGLL clonotypes were found, albeit in much lower frequencies, in the non-leukemic CD4+ T cell repertoires of the CD4+ T-LGLL patients. Additionally, we further confirmed the previously reported clonal dominance of TRBV6-expressing clones in CD4+ T-LGLL. In conclusion, CD4+ T-LGLL patients have a typical TCR and mutation profile suggestive of aberrant antigen response underlying the disease.
Targeting ferroptosis in acute kidney injury
Authors: Ni Lihua , Yuan Cheng , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: February 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major public health problem with high incidence and mortality. As a form of programmed cell death (PCD), ferroptosis could be considered as a process of iron accumulation and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Recently, the fundamental roles of ferroptosis in AKI have attracted much attention. The network mechanism of ferroptosis in AKI and its roles in the AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition is complicated and multifactorial. Strategies targeting ferroptosis show great potential. Here, we review the research progress on ferroptosis and its participation in AKI. We hope that this work will provide clues for further studies of ferroptosis in AKI.
Latexin deficiency attenuates adipocyte differentiation and protects mice against obesity and metabolic disorders induced by high-fat diet
Authors: Kan Shuang , Li Rong , Tan Yanhui , Yang Fang , Xu Shaohua , Wang Lingzhu , Zhang Lijun , Sun Xuchen , Chen Xuanming , Yang Yuting , Shu Wei , Wan Huaibin , Chen Zheng-Feng , Liang Hong , Chen Ming
Published: February 2022

Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, and is associated with increased incidence rate of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Adipocyte differentiation play critical role during development of obesity. Latexin (LXN), a mammalian carboxypeptidase inhibitor, plays important role in the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, and highlights as a differentiation-associated gene that was significantly downregulated in prostate stem cells and whose expression increases through differentiation. However, it is unclear whether LXN is involved in adipocyte differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of LXN on adipocyte differentiation, as well as its effects on high fat-induced obesity and metabolic disorders. In this study, we determine the expression of LXN in adipose tissue of lean and fat mice by Western blot, qPCR and immunohistochemistry. We found that LXN in fat tissues was continuous increased during the development of diet-induced obesity. We fed wild-type (WT) and LXN−/−mice with high-fat diet (HFD) to study the effects of LXN on obesity and related metabolic functions. We found that mice deficient in LXN showed resistance against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and hepatic steatosis. In vitro studies indicated that LXN was highly induced during adipocyte differentiation, and positively regulated adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and primary preadipocytes. Functional analysis revealed that the expression of LXN was positively regulated by mTOR/RXR/PPARɤ signaling pathway during the differentiation of adipocytes, while LXN deletion decreased the protein level of PPARɤ in adipocyte through enhancing FABP4 mediated ubiquitination, which led to impaired adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. Collectively, our data provide evidence that LXN is a key positive regulator of adipocyte differentiation, and therapeutics targeting LXN could be effective in preventing obesity and its associated disorders in clinical settings.
The circular RNA hsa_circ_0001394 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting the miR-527/UBE2A axis
Authors: Yan Yu , Nie Yu , Peng Chun , Xing Fuchen , Ji Saiguang , Liu Hong , Zhu Chuandong
Published: February 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recognized as significant participants in the progression of different cancers; however, the detailed mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, hsa_circ_0001394 was identified by RNA-seq analysis, and hsa_circ_0001394 was determined to be highly expressed in HCC specimens and cell lines. Patients with high expression of hsa_circ_0001394 tended to exhibit poor survival. Increased hsa_circ_0001394 expression in plasma was closely correlated with clinicopathological features including elevated vascular invasion and an advanced TNM stage, as indicated by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) analysis. Hsa_circ_0001394 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, whereas knockdown of hsa_circ_0001394 inhibited HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, mechanistic studies showed that miR-527 negatively interacted with hsa_circ_0001394. Furthermore, UBE2A was revealed to serve as a target of miR-527. Overall, the present study suggested that hsa_circ_0001394 may function as a sponge to promote HCC progression by regulating the miR-527/UBE2A pathway. Thus, hsa_circ_0001394 may become a promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC treatment.
Modelling Chlamydia and HPV co-infection in patient-derived ectocervix organoids reveals distinct cellular reprogramming
Authors: Koster Stefanie , Gurumurthy Rajendra Kumar , Kumar Naveen , Prakash Pon Ganish , Dhanraj Jayabhuvaneshwari , Bayer Sofia , Berger Hilmar , Kurian Shilpa Mary , Drabkina Marina , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Goosmann Christian , Brinkmann Volker , Nagel Zachary , Mangler Mandy , Meyer Thomas F. , Chumduri Cindrilla
Published: February 2022

Coinfections with pathogenic microbes continually confront cervical mucosa, yet their implications in pathogenesis remain unclear. Lack of in-vitro models recapitulating cervical epithelium has been a bottleneck to study coinfections. Using patient-derived ectocervical organoids, we systematically modeled individual and coinfection dynamics of Human papillomavirus (HPV)16 E6E7 and Chlamydia, associated with carcinogenesis. The ectocervical stem cells were genetically manipulated to introduce E6E7 oncogenes to mimic HPV16 integration. Organoids from these stem cells develop the characteristics of precancerous lesions while retaining the self-renewal capacity and organize into mature stratified epithelium similar to healthy organoids. HPV16 E6E7 interferes with Chlamydia development and induces persistence. Unique transcriptional and post-translational responses induced by Chlamydia and HPV lead to distinct reprogramming of host cell processes. Strikingly, Chlamydia impedes HPV-induced mechanisms that maintain cellular and genome integrity, including mismatch repair in the stem cells. Together, our study employing organoids demonstrates the hazard of multiple infections and the unique cellular microenvironment they create, potentially contributing to neoplastic progression.
AP-4-mediated axonal transport controls endocannabinoid production in neurons
Authors: Davies Alexandra K. , Alecu Julian E. , Ziegler Marvin , Vasilopoulou Catherine G. , Merciai Fabrizio , Jumo Hellen , Afshar-Saber Wardiya , Sahin Mustafa , Ebrahimi-Fakhari Darius , Borner Georg H. H.
Published: February 2022

The adaptor protein complex AP-4 mediates anterograde axonal transport and is essential for axon health. AP-4-deficient patients suffer from a severe neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder. Here we identify DAGLB (diacylglycerol lipase-beta), a key enzyme for generation of the endocannabinoid 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), as a cargo of AP-4 vesicles. During normal development, DAGLB is targeted to the axon, where 2-AG signalling drives axonal growth. We show that DAGLB accumulates at the trans-Golgi network of AP-4-deficient cells, that axonal DAGLB levels are reduced in neurons from a patient with AP-4 deficiency, and that 2-AG levels are reduced in the brains of AP-4 knockout mice. Importantly, we demonstrate that neurite growth defects of AP-4-deficient neurons are rescued by inhibition of MGLL (monoacylglycerol lipase), the enzyme responsible for 2-AG hydrolysis. Our study supports a new model for AP-4 deficiency syndrome in which axon growth defects arise through spatial dysregulation of endocannabinoid signalling.
Inhibition of SRP-dependent protein secretion by the bacterial alarmone (p)ppGpp
Authors: Czech Laura , Mais Christopher-Nils , Kratzat Hanna , Sarmah Pinku , Giammarinaro Pietro , Freibert Sven-Andreas , Esser Hanna Folke , Musial Joanna , Berninghausen Otto , Steinchen Wieland , Beckmann Roland , Koch Hans-Georg , Bange Gert
Published: February 2022

The stringent response enables bacteria to respond to nutrient limitation and other stress conditions through production of the nucleotide-based second messengers ppGpp and pppGpp, collectively known as (p)ppGpp. Here, we report that (p)ppGpp inhibits the signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent protein targeting pathway, which is essential for membrane protein biogenesis and protein secretion. More specifically, (p)ppGpp binds to the SRP GTPases Ffh and FtsY, and inhibits the formation of the SRP receptor-targeting complex, which is central for the coordinated binding of the translating ribosome to the SecYEG translocon. Cryo-EM analysis of SRP bound to translating ribosomes suggests that (p)ppGpp may induce a distinct conformational stabilization of the NG domain of Ffh and FtsY in Bacillus subtilis but not in E. coli.
Structural basis of adenylyl cyclase 9 activation
Authors: Qi Chao , Lavriha Pia , Mehta Ved , Khanppnavar Basavraj , Mohammed Inayathulla , Li Yong , Lazaratos Michalis , Schaefer Jonas V. , Dreier Birgit , Plückthun Andreas , Bondar Ana-Nicoleta , Dessauer Carmen W. , Korkhov Volodymyr M.
Published: February 2022

Adenylyl cyclase 9 (AC9) is a membrane-bound enzyme that converts ATP into cAMP. The enzyme is weakly activated by forskolin, fully activated by the G protein Gαs subunit and is autoinhibited by the AC9 C-terminus. Although our recent structural studies of the AC9-Gαs complex provided the framework for understanding AC9 autoinhibition, the conformational changes that AC9 undergoes in response to activator binding remains poorly understood. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of AC9 in several distinct states: (i) AC9 bound to a nucleotide inhibitor MANT-GTP, (ii) bound to an artificial activator (DARPin C4) and MANT-GTP, (iii) bound to DARPin C4 and a nucleotide analogue ATPαS, (iv) bound to Gαs and MANT-GTP. The artificial activator DARPin C4 partially activates AC9 by binding at a site that overlaps with the Gαs binding site. Together with the previously observed occluded and forskolin-bound conformations, structural comparisons of AC9 in the four conformations described here show that secondary structure rearrangements in the region surrounding the forskolin binding site are essential for AC9 activation.
Overall photosynthesis of H2O2 by an inorganic semiconductor
Authors: Liu Tian , Pan Zhenhua , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Kato Kosaku , Wu Binbin , Yamakata Akira , Katayama Kenji , Chen Baoliang , Chu Chiheng , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2022

Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 using earth-abundant water and oxygen is a promising approach to achieve scalable and cost-effective solar fuel production. Recent studies on this topic have made significant progress, yet are mainly focused on using  organic polymers. This set of photocatalysts is susceptible to potent oxidants (e.g. hydroxyl radical) that are inevitably formed during H2O2 generation. Here, we report an inorganic Mo-doped faceted BiVO4 (Mo:BiVO4) system that is resistant to radical oxidation and exhibits a high overall H2O2 photosynthesis efficiency among inorganic photocatalysts, with an apparent quantum yield of 1.2% and a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.29% at full spectrum, as well as an apparent quantum yield of 5.8% at 420 nm. The surface-reaction kinetics and selectivity of Mo:BiVO4 were tuned by precisely loading CoOx and Pd on {110} and {010} facets, respectively. Time-resolved spectroscopic investigations of photocarriers suggest that depositing select cocatalysts on distinct facet tailored the interfacial energetics between {110} and {010} facets and enhanced charge separation in Mo:BiVO4, therefore overcoming a key challenge in developing efficient inorganic photocatalysts. The promising H2O2 generation efficiency achieved by delicate design of catalyst spatial and electronic structures sheds light on applying robust inorganic particulate photocatalysts to artificial photosynthesis of H2O2.
Rejuvenation of plasticity via deformation graining in magnesium
Authors: Liu Bo-Yu , Zhang Zhen , Liu Fei , Yang Nan , Li Bin , Chen Peng , Wang Yu , Peng Jin-Hua , Li Ju , Ma En , Shan Zhi-Wei
Published: February 2022

Magnesium, the lightest structural metal, usually exhibits limited ambient plasticity when compressed along its crystallographic c-axis (the “hard” orientation of magnesium). Here we report large plasticity in c-axis compression of submicron magnesium single crystal achieved by a dual-stage deformation. We show that when the plastic flow gradually strain-hardens the magnesium crystal to gigapascal level, at which point dislocation mediated plasticity is nearly exhausted, the sample instantly pancakes without fracture, accompanying a conversion of the initial single crystal into multiple grains that roughly share a common rotation axis. Atomic-scale characterization, crystallographic analyses and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the new grains can form via transformation of pyramidal to basal planes. We categorize this grain formation as “deformation graining”. The formation of new grains rejuvenates massive dislocation slip and deformation twinning to enable large plastic strains.
Enhancing hydrovoltaic power generation through heat conduction effects
Authors: Li Lianhui , Feng Sijia , Bai Yuanyuan , Yang Xianqing , Liu Mengyuan , Hao Mingming , Wang Shuqi , Wu Yue , Sun Fuqin , Liu Zheng , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2022

Restricted ambient temperature and slow heat replenishment in the phase transition of water molecules severely limit the performance of the evaporation-induced hydrovoltaic generators. Here we demonstrate a heat conduction effect enhanced hydrovoltaic power generator by integrating a flexible ionic thermoelectric gelatin material with a porous dual-size Al2O3 hydrovoltaic generator. In the hybrid heat conduction effect enhanced hydrovoltaic power generator, the ionic thermoelectric gelatin material can effectively improve the heat conduction between hydrovoltaic generator and near environment, thus increasing the water evaporation rate to improve the output voltage. Synergistically, hydrovoltaic generator part with continuous water evaporation can induce a constant temperature difference for the thermoelectric generator. Moreover, the system can efficiently achieve solar-to-thermal conversion to raise the temperature difference, accompanied by a stable open circuit voltage of 6.4 V for the hydrovoltaic generator module, the highest value yet.
Transcriptional repression of estrogen receptor alpha by YAP reveals the Hippo pathway as therapeutic target for ER+ breast cancer
Authors: Ma Shenghong , Tang Tracy , Probst Gary , Konradi Andrei , Jin Chunyu , Li Fulong , Gutkind J. Silvio , Fu Xiang-Dong , Guan Kun-Liang
Published: February 2022

Extensive knowledge has been gained on the transcription network controlled by ERα, however, the mechanism underlying ESR1 (encoding ERα) expression is less understood. We recently discovered that the Hippo pathway is required for the proper expression of ESR1. YAP/TAZ are transcription coactivators that are phosphorylated and inhibited by the Hippo pathway kinase LATS. Here we delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying ESR1 transcription repression by the Hippo pathway. Mechanistically, YAP binds to TEAD to increase local chromatin accessibility to stimulate transcription of nearby genes. Among the YAP target genes, Vestigial-Like Protein 3 (VGLL3) competes with YAP/TAZ for binding to TEAD transcription factor and recruits the NCOR2/SMRT repressor to the super-enhancer of ESR1 gene, leading to epigenetic alteration and transcriptional silencing. We developed a potent LATS inhibitor VT02956. Targeting the Hippo pathway by VT02956 represses ESR1 expression and inhibits the growth of ER+ breast cancer cells as well as patient-derived tumour organoids. Moreover, histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as Entinostat, induce VGLL3 expression to inhibit ER+ breast cancer cells. Our study suggests LATS as unexpected cancer therapeutic targets, especially for endocrine-resistant breast cancers.
Molecular and cellular insight into Escherichia coli SslE and its role during biofilm maturation
Authors: Corsini Paula M. , Wang Sunjun , Rehman Saima , Fenn Katherine , Sagar Amin , Sirovica Slobodan , Cleaver Leanne , Edwards-Gayle Charlotte J. C. , Mastroianni Giulia , Dorgan Ben , Sewell Lee M. , Lynham Steven , Iuga Dinu , Franks W. Trent , Jarvis James , Carpenter Guy H. , Curtis Michael. A. , Bernadó Pau , Darbari Vidya C. , Garnett James A.
Published: February 2022

Escherichia coliis a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the human intestine and virulent strains can cause severe diarrhoeal and extraintestinal diseases. The protein SslE is secreted by a range of pathogenic and commensalE. colistrains. It can degrade mucins in the intestine, promotes biofilm maturation and it is a major determinant of infection in virulent strains, although how it carries out these functions is not well understood. Here, we examine SslE from the commensalE. coliWaksman and BL21 (DE3) strains and the enterotoxigenic H10407 and enteropathogenic E2348/69 strains. We reveal that SslE has a unique and dynamic structure in solution and in response to acidification within mature biofilms it can form a unique aggregate with amyloid-like properties. Furthermore, we show that both SslE monomers and aggregates bind DNA in vitro and co-localise with extracellular DNA (eDNA) in mature biofilms, and SslE aggregates may also associate with cellulose under certain conditions. Our results suggest that interactions between SslE and eDNA are important for biofilm maturation in manyE. colistrains and SslE may also be a factor that drives biofilm formation in other SslE-secreting bacteria.
Spatial analysis connects excess water pollution discharge, industrial production, and consumption at the sectoral level
Authors: Hou Siyu , Zhao Xu , Liu Yu , Tillotson Martin R. , Weng Shenglin , Wang Hua , Li Yiping , Liu Baoyin , Feng Kuishuang , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2022

Linking of ‘consumption-industrial production-surface water deterioration’ is essential for industrialised economies to understand the mechanism of industrial water pollution. However, such a connection may mislead policy decisions if sectoral details are lacking. This study investigated excess pollution discharge from 11,094 industrial enterprises comprising 22 economic sectors through setting discharge thresholds on 1338 water function zones in Jiangsu Province, the most industrialised province in China. We further evaluated the contribution of final consumption in Chinese provinces to excess pollution discharge in Jiangsu via a national multi-region input–output table. Notably, despite typically heavy polluting sectors contributing the maximum excess pollution discharge, high-tech manufacturing sectors had a higher level of risk for excess pollution discharge. This was attributed to the spatial agglomeration of these sectors, with enterprises typically located in industrial parks. The increasing final consumption of specific sectors in both Jiangsu and other provinces may further drive excess pollution discharge in Jiangsu.
Commensal Pseudomonas strains facilitate protective response against pathogens in the host plant
Authors: Shalev Or , Karasov Talia L. , Lundberg Derek S. , Ashkenazy Haim , Pramoj Na Ayutthaya Pratchaya , Weigel Detlef
Published: February 2022

The community structure in the plant-associated microbiome depends collectively on host–microbe, microbe–microbe and host–microbe–microbe interactions. The ensemble of interactions between the host and microbial consortia may lead to outcomes that are not easily predicted from pairwise interactions. Plant–microbe–microbe interactions are important to plant health but could depend on both host and microbe strain variation. Here we study interactions between groups of naturally co-existing commensal and pathogenic Pseudomonas strains in the Arabidopsis thaliana phyllosphere. We find that commensal Pseudomonas prompt a host response that leads to selective inhibition of a specific pathogenic lineage, resulting in plant protection. The extent of protection depends on plant genotype, supporting that these effects are host-mediated. Strain-specific effects are also demonstrated by one individual Pseudomonas isolate eluding the plant protection provided by commensals. Our work highlights how within-species genetic differences in both hosts and microbes can affect host–microbe–microbe dynamics.
Influence of extracellular protein isolated from fish gut associated bacteria as an enhancer of growth and innate immune system in Mugil cephalus
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Rajasekar , Pandi Priyadarshin , Balaraman Deivasigamani , Albalawi Fadwa , Ahmad Naushad , Panagal Mani , Nageswara Rao Tentu , Subramanian Kumaran , George Edward Gnana Jothi , Rajan MaryShamya Arockia , Renuga Pugazhvendan Sampath , Aruni Wilson , AlOmar Suliman Yousef
Published: February 2022

The cultural microbiomes of 27 bacteria colonies were isolated from Mugil cephalus for analysis of the antibacterial and antagonistic activities. A potent probiotic bacterium was characterized using16S r RNA sequencing. The potent strain was added to fish diet to perform the challenge test and to study the growth and immunological parameter. The extracellular proteins from the probiotic were collected and characterized using MALDI TOF/TOF. Out of G27, G9 strain inhibited all the five pathogenic strains. An isolated bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis PRBD09 with accession number KF765648. After 35 days of feeding period B. subtilis PRBD09 enhance the both cellular and humoral immune responses, which responsible for survive of the Mugil cephalus against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The MALDI TOF sample 08 and 09 were recognized as hypothetical proteins based on the MALDI TOF sample. A cytidinedeaminase was found in samples 10, 11, and 12. Extracellular proteins may be involved for the immunological increase in Mugil cephalus against Aeromonas hydrophila, according to the current research.
Online learning for orientation estimation during translation in an insect ring attractor network
Authors: Robinson Brian S. , Norman-Tenazas Raphael , Cervantes Martha , Symonette Danilo , Johnson Erik C. , Joyce Justin , Rivlin Patricia K. , Hwang Grace M. , Zhang Kechen , Gray-Roncal William
Published: February 2022

Insect neural systems are a promising source of inspiration for new navigation algorithms, especially on low size, weight, and power platforms. There have been unprecedented recent neuroscience breakthroughs withDrosophilain behavioral and neural imaging experiments as well as the mapping of detailed connectivity of neural structures. General mechanisms for learning orientation in the central complex (CX) ofDrosophilahave been investigated previously; however, it is unclear how these underlying mechanisms extend to cases where there is translation through an environment (beyond only rotation), which is critical for navigation in robotic systems. Here, we develop a CX neural connectivity-constrained model that performs sensor fusion, as well as unsupervised learning of visual features for path integration; we demonstrate the viability of this circuit for use in robotic systems in simulated and physical environments. Furthermore, we propose a theoretical understanding of how distributed online unsupervised network weight modification can be leveraged for learning in a trajectory through an environment by minimizing orientation estimation error. Overall, our results may enable a new class of CX-derived low power robotic navigation algorithms and lead to testable predictions to inform future neuroscience experiments.
Hidden mechanical weaknesses within lava domes provided by buried high-porosity hydrothermal alteration zones
Authors: Darmawan Herlan , Troll Valentin R. , Walter Thomas R. , Deegan Frances M. , Geiger Harri , Heap Michael J. , Seraphine Nadhirah , Harris Chris , Humaida Hanik , Müller Daniel
Published: February 2022

Catastrophic lava dome collapse is considered an unpredictable volcanic hazard because the physical properties, stress conditions, and internal structure of lava domes are not well understood and can change rapidly through time. To explain the locations of dome instabilities at Merapi volcano, Indonesia, we combined geochemical and mineralogical analyses, rock physical property measurements, drone-based photogrammetry, and geoinformatics. We show that a horseshoe-shaped alteration zone that formed in 2014 was subsequently buried by renewed lava extrusion in 2018. Drone data, as well as geomechanical, mineralogical, and oxygen isotope data suggest that this zone is characterized by high-porosity hydrothermally altered materials that are mechanically weak. We additionally show that the new lava dome is currently collapsing along this now-hidden weak alteration zone, highlighting that a detailed understanding of dome architecture, made possible using the monitoring techniques employed here, is essential for assessing hazards associated with dome and edifice failure at volcanoes worldwide.
COVID-rate: an automated framework for segmentation of COVID-19 lesions from chest CT images
Authors: Enshaei Nastaran , Oikonomou Anastasia , Rafiee Moezedin Javad , Afshar Parnian , Heidarian Shahin , Mohammadi Arash , Plataniotis Konstantinos N. , Naderkhani Farnoosh
Published: February 2022

Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has had devastating effects on the world. Recently, new COVID-19 variants are emerging making the situation more challenging and threatening. Evaluation and quantification of COVID-19 lung abnormalities based on chest Computed Tomography (CT) images can help determining the disease stage, efficiently allocating limited healthcare resources, and making informed treatment decisions. During pandemic era, however, visual assessment and quantification of COVID-19 lung lesions by expert radiologists become expensive and prone to error, which raises an urgent quest to develop practical autonomous solutions. In this context, first, the paper introduces an open-access COVID-19 CT segmentation dataset containing 433 CT images from 82 patients that have been annotated by an expert radiologist. Second, a Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based framework is proposed, referred to as the $$\text {COVID-Rate}$$
COVID-Rate
, that autonomously segments lung abnormalities associated with COVID-19 from chest CT images. Performance of the proposed $$\text {COVID-Rate}$$
COVID-Rate
framework is evaluated through several experiments based on the introduced and external datasets. Third, an unsupervised enhancement approach is introduced that can reduce the gap between the training set and test set and improve the model generalization. The enhanced results show a dice score of 0.8069 and specificity and sensitivity of 0.9969 and 0.8354, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicate that the $$\text {COVID-Rate}$$
COVID-Rate
model can efficiently segment COVID-19 lesions in both 2D CT images and whole lung volumes. Results on the external dataset illustrate generalization capabilities of the $$\text {COVID-Rate}$$
COVID-Rate
model to CT images obtained from a different scanner.
Platelet-derived growth factor-BB regenerates functional periodontal ligament in the tooth replantation
Authors: Komatsu Koichiro , Ideno Hisashi , Shibata Tatsuya , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Nifuji Akira
Published: February 2022

Tooth ankylosis is a pathological condition of periodontal ligament (PDL) restoration after tooth replantation. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) has been proposed as a promising factor for preventing tooth ankylosis. Using rat tooth replantation model, we investigated whether PDGF-BB accelerates the repair of PDL after tooth replantation without ankylosis, and its molecular mechanisms. In PDGF-BB pretreated replanted teeth (PDGF-BB group), ankylosis was markedly reduced and functionally organized PDL collagen fibers were restored; the mechanical strength of the healing PDL was restored to an average of 76% of that in non-replanted normal teeth at 21 days. The numbers of PDGF-Rβ- and BrdU-positive cells in the periodontal tissues of the PDGF-BB group were greater than those of atelocollagen pretreated replanted teeth (AC group). Moreover, in the PDGF-BB group, the periodontal tissues had fewer osteocalcin-positive cells and decreased number of nuclear β-catenin-positive cells compared to those in the AC group. In vitro analyses showed that PDGF-BB increased the proliferation and migration of human periodontal fibroblasts. PDGF-BB downregulated mRNA expressions of RUNX2 and ALP, and inhibited upregulatory effects of Wnt3a on β-catenin, AXIN2, RUNX2, COL1A1, and ALP mRNA expressions. These findings indicate that in tooth replantation, topical PDGF-BB treatment enhances cell proliferation and migration, and inhibits canonical Wnt signaling activation in bone-tooth ankylosis, leading to occlusal loading of the PDL tissues and subsequent functional restoration of the healing PDL. This suggests a possible clinical application of PDGF-BB to reduce ankylosis after tooth replantation and promote proper regeneration of PDL.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in rivers influenced by mining activities
Authors: Rico-Sánchez Axel Eduardo , Rodríguez-Romero Alexis Joseph , Sedeño-Díaz Jacinto Elías , López-López Eugenia , Sundermann Andrea
Published: February 2022

Mining is one of the major pollution sources worldwide, causing huge disturbances to the environment. Industrial and artisanal mining activities are widespread in Mexico, a major global producer of various metals. This study aimed to assess the ecological impairments resulting from mining activities using aquatic macroinvertebrates assemblages (MA). A multiple co-inertia analysis was applied to determine the relationships between environmental factors, habitat quality, heavy metals, and aquatic macroinvertebrates in 15 study sites in two different seasons (dry and wet) along two rivers running across the Central Plateau of Mexico. The results revealed three contrasting environmental conditions associated with different MAs. High concentrations of heavy metals, nutrients, and salinity limit the presence of several families of seemingly sensitive macroinvertebrates. These factors were found to influence structural changes in MAs, showing that not only mining activities, but also agriculture and presence of villages in the basin, exert adverse effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages. Diversity indices showed that the lowest diversity matched both the most polluted and the most saline rivers. The rivers studied displayed high alkalinity and hardness levels, which can reduce the availability of metals and cause adverse effects on periphyton by inhibiting photosynthesis and damaging MAs. Aquatic biomonitoring in rivers, impacted by mining and other human activities, is critical for detecting the effect of metals and other pollutants to improve management and conservation strategies. This study supports the design of cost-effective and accurate water quality biomonitoring protocols in developing countries.
A preliminary animal study on the prediction of nerve block success using ultrasonographic parameters
Authors: Chiba Emiko , Hamamoto Kohei , Kanai Eiichi , Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Omoto Kiyoka
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic parameters as an indicator for predicting regional nerve block success. Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block was performed in seven dogs using either 2% mepivacaine (nerve-block group) or saline (sham-block group). The cross-sectional area (CSA), nerve blood flow (NBF), and shear wave velocity (SWV) of the sciatic nerve (SWVN), SWV of the biceps femoris muscle (SWVM), and their ratio (SWVNMR) were measured at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min after the nerve block as well as the change rate of each parameter from the baseline. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic value of each parameter in the prediction of nerve block success. No significant changes were observed in the CSA or NBF in association with the nerve block. The SWVN and SWVNMR in the nerve-block group were significantly higher than those in the sham-block group at 90 min and at 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively (p < 0.05). The change rates of SWVN and SWVNMR in the nerve-block group were significantly higher than those in the sham-block group at all time points (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that SWVN had a moderate diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC], 0.779), whereas SWVNMR and change rates of SWVN and SWVNMR had a high diagnostic accuracy (AUC, 0.947, 0.998, and 1.000, respectively). Ultrasonographic evaluation of the SWVN and SWVNMR could be used as indicators for predicting nerve block success.
Defect in cytosolic Neu2 sialidase abrogates lipid metabolism and impairs muscle function in vivo
Authors: Oh Mijung , Ha Dae-In , Son Chaeyeon , Kang Jeong Gu , Hwang Heeyoun , Moon Su Bin , Kim Minjeong , Nam Jihae , Kim Jung Soo , Song Sang Yong , Kim Yong-Sam , Park Sangwoo , Yoo Jong Shin , Ko Jeong-Heon , Park Kyoungsook
Published: February 2022

Sialic acid (SA) is present in glycoconjugates and important in cell–cell recognition, cell adhesion, and cell growth and as a receptor. Among the four mammalian sialidases, cytosolic NEU2 has a pivotal role in muscle and neuronal differentiation in vitro. However, its biological functions in vivo remain unclear due to its very low expression in humans. However, the presence of cytoplasmic glycoproteins, gangliosides, and lectins involved in cellular metabolism and glycan recognition has suggested the functional importance of cytosolic Neu2 sialidases. We generated a Neu2 knockout mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering and analyzed the offspring littermates at different ages to investigate the in vivo function of cytosolic Neu2 sialidase. Surprisingly, knocking out the Neu2 gene in vivo abrogated overall lipid metabolism, impairing motor function and leading to diabetes. Consistent with these results, Neu2 knockout led to alterations in sialylated glycoproteins involved in lipid metabolism and muscle function, as shown by glycoproteomics analysis.
Salivary protein 7 of the brown planthopper functions as an effector for mediating tricin metabolism in rice plants
Authors: Gong Gu , Yuan Long-Yu , Li Yi-Feng , Xiao Hang-Xiang , Li Yan-Fang , Zhang Yang , Wu Wei-Jian , Zhang Zhen-Fei
Published: February 2022

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is an important pest that affects rice (Oryza sativa) production in Asia. The flavone tricin (5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxy flavone) is a valuable secondary metabolite commonly found in rice plants that can defend rice plants against infestation by BPH. BPH damage can reduce the metabolic level of tricin in rice. Our preliminary transcriptome research results showed that BPH salivary protein 7 (NlSP7), is highly responsive to tricin stimuli. However, the function of NlSP7 in mediating the interaction between the rice plant and the BPH is unknown. In this study, we cloned the NlSP7 gene in N. lugens and found that its mRNA level was greater in the presence of high tricin content than low tricin content, regardless of whether the BPHs were fed a rice plant diet or an artificial diet containing 100 mg/L tricin. Knocking down NlSP7 resulted in BPH individuals spending more time in the non-penetration and pathway phase, and less time feeding on the phloem of rice plants. These changes decreased BPH food intake, feeding behavior, and fitness, as well as the tricin content of the rice plants. These findings demonstrate that the salivary protein 7 of BPH functions as an effector for tricin metabolism in rice.
Atomic-scale insights on the formation of ordered arrays of edge dislocations in Ge/Si(001) films via molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Barbisan Luca , Marzegalli Anna , Montalenti Francesco
Published: February 2022

Heteroepitaxial films of Ge on Si(001) are receiving wide attention due to several possible applications in micro- and opto-electronics. Understanding the dynamic behavior of linear defects, such as dislocations, is key. They are unavoidably present in such systems due to the lattice mismatch between the two materials, and can directly influence devices performances. It has been experimentally demonstrated more than fifteen years ago that a suitable choice of the growth parameters allows for the formation of a nicely ordered net of $$90^{\circ }$$

90
∘

dislocations at the Ge/Si interface, improving the overall film quality and strain relaxation uniformity. Atomic-scale details on the set of mechanisms leading to such an outcome are however still missing. Here we present a set of classical molecular dynamics simulations shedding light on the full set of microscopic processes driving to the experimentally observed array of linear defects. This includes simple gliding of $$60^{\circ }$$

60
∘

dislocations and vacancy-promoted climbing and gliding. The importance of the particular experimental conditions, involving a low-temperature stage followed by an increase in temperature, is highlighted.
Spin–orbit coupling in buckled monolayer nitrogene
Authors: Jureczko Paulina , Kurpas Marcin
Published: February 2022

Buckled monolayer nitrogene has been recently predicted to be stable above the room temperature. The low atomic number of nitrogen atom suggests, that spin–orbit coupling in nitrogene is weak, similar to graphene or silicene. We employ first principles calculations and perform a systematic study of the intrinsic and extrinsic spin–orbit coupling in this material. We calculate the spin mixing parameter $$b^2$$

b
2

, reflecting the strength of the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling and find, that $$b^2$$

b
2

is relatively small, on the order of $$10^{-6}$$

10

-
6

. It also displays a weak anisotropy, opposite for electrons and holes. To study extrinsic effects of spin–orbit coupling we apply a transverse electric field enabling spin–orbit fields $$\Omega$$
Ω
. We find, that $$\Omega$$
Ω
are on the order of a single $$\mu$$
μ
eV in the valence band, and tens to a hundred of $$\mu$$
μ
eV in the conduction band, depending on the applied electric field. Similar to $$b^2$$

b
2

, $$\Omega$$
Ω
is also anisotropic, in particular for the conduction electrons.