bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigations of 2-D planar magnetic nozzle effects on pulsed plasma plumes
Authors: Burch J. D. , Han D. , Averkin S. N.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a study of a novel type of magnetic nozzle that allows for three-dimensional (3-D) steering of a plasma plume. Numerical simulations were performed using Tech-X’s USim® software to quantify the nozzle’s capabilities. A 2-D planar magnetic nozzle was applied to plumes of a nominal pulsed inductive plasma (PIP) source with discharge parameters similar to those of Missouri S&T’s Missouri Plasmoid Experiment (MPX). Argon and xenon plumes were considered. Simulations were verified and validated through a mesh convergence study as well as comparison with available experimental data. Periodicity was achieved over the simulation run time and phase angle samples were taken to examine plume evolution over pulse cycles. The resulting pressure, velocity, and density fields were analysed for nozzle angles from 0° to 14°. It was found that actual plume divergence was small compared to the nozzle angle. Even with an offset angle of 14° for the magnetic nozzle, the plume vector angle was only about 2° for argon and less than 1° for xenon. The parameters that had the most effect on the vectoring angle were found to be the coil current and inlet velocity.
Colliding respiratory jets as a mechanism of air exchange and pathogen transport during conversations
Authors: Giri Arghyanir , Biswas Neelakash , Chase Danielle L. , Xue Nan , Abkarian Manouk , Mendez Simon , Saha Sandeep , Stone Howard A.
Published: November 2021

Air exchange between people has emerged in the COVID-19 pandemic as the important vector for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We study the airflow and exchange between two unmasked individuals conversing face-to-face at short range, which can potentially transfer a high dose of a pathogen, because the dilution is small when compared to long-range airborne transmission. We conduct flow visualization experiments and direct numerical simulations of colliding respiratory jets mimicking the initial phase of a conversation. The evolution and dynamics of the jets are affected by the vertical offset between the mouths of the speakers. At low offsets the head-on collision of jets results in a `blocking effect', temporarily shielding the susceptible speaker from the pathogen carrying jet, although, the lateral spread of the jets is enhanced. Sufficiently large offsets prevent the interaction of the jets. At intermediate offsets (8-10 cm for 1 m separation), jet entrainment and the inhaled breath assist the transport of the pathogen-loaded saliva droplets towards the susceptible speaker's mouth. Air exchange is expected, in spite of the blocking effect arising from the interaction of the respiratory jets from the two speakers.
Late Ediacaran occurrences of the organic-walled microfossilsGranomarginataand flask-shapedLagoenaforma collarisgen. et sp. nov.
Authors: Agić Heda , Högström Anette E.S. , Jensen Sören , Ebbestad Jan Ove R. , Vickers-Rich Patricia , Hall Michael , Matthews Jack J. , Meinhold Guido , Høyberget Magne , Taylor Wendy L.
Published: November 2021

New occurrences of flask-shaped and envelope-bearing microfossils, including the predominantly Cambrian taxonGranomarginata, are reported from new localities, as well as from earlier in time (Ediacaran) than previously known. The stratigraphic range ofGranomarginataextends into the Cambrian System, where it had a cosmopolitan distribution. This newly reported Ediacaran record includes areas from Norway (Baltica), Newfoundland (Avalonia) and Namibia (adjacent to the Kalahari Craton), and puts the oldest global occurrence ofGranomarginatain the Indreelva Member (< 563 Ma) of the Stáhpogieddi Formation on the Digermulen Peninsula, Arctic Norway. AlthoughGranomarginatais rare within the assemblage, these new occurrences together with previously reported occurrences from India and Poland, suggest a potentially widespread palaeogeographic distribution ofGranomarginatathrough the middle–late Ediacaran interval. A new flask-shaped microfossilLagoenaforma collarisgen. et sp. nov. is also reported in horizons containingGranomarginatafrom the Stáhpogieddi Formation in Norway and the Dabis Formation in Namibia, and flask-shaped fossils are also found in the Gibbett Hill Formation in Newfoundland. TheGranomarginata–Lagoenaformaassociation, in addition to a low-diversity organic-walled microfossil assemblage, occurs in the strata postdating the Shuram carbon isotope excursion, and may eventually be of use in terminal Ediacaran biostratigraphy. These older occurrences ofGranomarginataadd to a growing record of body fossil taxa spanning the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary.
‘We're happy as we are’: the experience of living with possible undiagnosed dementia
Authors: Henley Josie , Hillman Alexandra , Jones Ian Rees , Woods Bob , MacLeod Catherine Anne , Pentecost Claire , Clare Linda
Published: November 2021

It is estimated that a third of people in the United Kingdom with signs of dementia are living without a formal diagnosis. In Wales, the proportion is nearly half. Some explanations for the gap between prevalence of dementia and number of diagnoses include living with a long-term partner/spouse and systemic barriers to diagnosis. This study recruited participants from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies-Wales (CFAS-Wales) cohort, randomly selected from people aged over 65 living in two areas of Wales, who met study criteria for a diagnosis of dementia and did not have a record of a formal diagnosis in general practice records. We aimed to understand more about the contexts and circumstances of people who live with and cope with cognitive difficulties without having a formal diagnosis of dementia. We conducted qualitative interviews with six participants and their spouses, and additionally with four family members of three invited people who were unable to take part. Themes were generated using thematic analysis. We present the argument that there is an adaptive response to low service levels and a complex interaction between the expectations of levels of service, perceptions of the legitimacy of cognitive problems and the right to make demands on services. This paper concludes that more could be done to address barriers to diagnosis and treatment services for those living with symptoms of dementia, but that the value placed on diagnosis by some individuals might be lower than anticipated by government policy.
First Session
Authors: Oort J. H.
Published: November 2021

1. Official opening. The President spoke a few words of welcome to the Members of the Union, invited participants and their guests, and formally declared open the first session of the eleventh General Assembly of the Union.

2. Official interpreters. The General Secretary asked the General Assembly to approve of the appointment of the following six official interpreters:

from English to French: L. Houziaux and J.-C. Pecker

from French to English: D. S. Evans and S. D. Gossner

from Russian to English: A. G. Massevitch

from Russian to French: P. G. Kulikovsky

This was unanimously approved.
Spectrographic Observations of Visual Binaries
Authors: Petrie R. M. , Batten A. H.
Published: November 2021

At its Liège meeting, in July 1963, the Executive Committee of the Union voted to hold this Joint Discussion as a small homage to the memory of Professor Struve. I do not need to stress why the subject of ‘Close Binaries’ was chosen as we all know that it was closer to Professor Struve’s heart than any of the other ones in which he divided his broad astronomical interest.

Mrs Mary Struve has written to me the kind letter I am going to read, a letter which summarizes so clearly how much Professor Struve would have appreciated this kind of homage.
The Solar Hydrogen Convection Zone and its Direct Influence on the Photosphere
Authors: Spiegel E. A.
Published: November 2021

The discovery of oscillatory motion in the solar photosphere and of the ‘super-granulation’ in the chromosphere has changed our ideas about the hydrodynamics of the solar atmosphere considerably. In this Joint Discussion we shall mainly consider the theoretical implications of this change. As the ultimate aim is an understanding of the hydrodynamics in all stellar atmospheres—not only in the Sun, some discussion of other stellar atmospheres will be included.
Whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the TTN gene causing Salih myopathy with dilated cardiomyopathy in an Iranian family
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Mohsen-Pour Neda , Maleki Majid , Hesami Mahshid , Naderi Niloofar , Houshmand Golnaz , Rasouli Jazi Hamid R. , Shahzadi Hossein , Kalayinia Samira
Published: November 2021

Background:

Salih myopathy, characterised by both congenital myopathy and fatal dilated cardiomyopathy, is an inherited muscle disorder that affects skeletal and cardiac muscles. TTN has been identified as the main cause of this myopathy, the enormous size of this gene poses a formidable challenge to molecular genetic diagnostics.

Method:

In the present study, whole-exome sequencing, cardiac MRI, and metabolic parameter assessment were performed to investigate the genetic causes of Salih myopathy in a consanguineous Iranian family who presented with titinopathy involving both skeletal and heart muscles in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

Results:

Two missense variants of TTN gene (NM_001267550.2), namely c.61280A>C (p. Gln20427Pro) and c.54970G>A (p. Gly18324Ser), were detected and segregations were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions:

The compound heterozygous variants, c.61280A>C, (p. Gln20427Pro) and c.54970G>A, (p. Gly18324Ser) in the TTN gene appear to be the cause of Salih myopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy in the family presented. Whole-exome sequencing is an effective molecular diagnostic tool to identify the causative genetic variants of large genes such as TTN.
Open access renewable resources, urban unemployment, and the resolution of dual institutional failures
Authors: Daitoh Ichiroh , Tarui Nori
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates how poverty reduction and natural resource preservation can be simultaneously achieved in a small open dual economy with urban wage rigidity, open access rural resources, and rural-urban migration. An increase in the export tax rate on the rural resource good increases urban unemployment in both the short run and the long run with resource dynamics. Given the institutional failures, the first-best policy is an urban wage subsidy combined with either a rural wage subsidy at alowerrate or, if the urban output price is sufficiently high, a ruraltax. When the institutional failures can be resolved endogenously, an increase in the export tax on the resource good can induce rural institutional change away from open access. However, tariff protection of urban manufacturing hinders such a rural institutional change.
Atom Probe Tomography for Isotopic Analysis: Development of the 34S/32S System in Sulfides
Authors: Gopon Phillip , Douglas James O , Meisenkothen Frederick , Singh Jaspreet , London Andrew J , Moody Michael P
Published: November 2021

Using a combination of simulated data and pyrite isotopic reference materials, we have refined a methodology to obtain quantitative δ34S measurements from atom probe tomography (APT) datasets. This study builds on previous attempts to characterize relative 34S/32S ratios in gold-containing pyrite using APT. We have also improved our understanding of the artifacts inherent in laser-pulsed APT of insulators. Specifically, we find the probability of multi-hit detection events increases during the APT experiment, which can have a detrimental effect on the accuracy of the analysis. We demonstrate the use of standardized corrected time-of-flight single-hit data for our isotopic analysis. Additionally, we identify issues with the standard methods of extracting background-corrected counts from APT mass spectra. These lead to inaccurate and inconsistent isotopic analyses due to human variability in peak ranging and issues with background correction algorithms. In this study, we use the corrected time-of-flight single-hit data, an adaptive peak fitting algorithm, and an improved deconvolution algorithm to extract 34S/32S ratios from the S2+ peaks. By analyzing against a standard material, acquired under similar conditions, we have extracted δ34S values to within ±5‰ (1‰ = 1 part per thousand) of the published values of our standards.
NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS TO A FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION EQUATION USED IN MODELLING DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS
Authors: MALDON BENJAMIN , LAMICHHANE BISHNU PRASAD , THAMWATTANA NGAMTA
Published: November 2021

Dye-sensitized solar cells consistently provide a cost-effective avenue for sources of renewable energy, primarily due to their unique utilization of nanoporous semiconductors. Through mathematical modelling, we are able to uncover insights into electron transport to optimize the operating efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells. In particular, fractional diffusion equations create a link between electron density and porosity of the nanoporous semiconductors. We numerically solve a fractional diffusion model using a finite-difference method and a finite-element method to discretize space and an implicit finite-difference method to discretize time. Finally, we calculate the accuracy of each method by evaluating the numerical errors under grid refinement.
Long-read sequencing reveals increased occurrence of genomic variants and adenosine methylation in Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 after long-duration flight exposure onboard the International Space Station
Authors: Waters Samantha M. , Ledford S. Marshall , Wacker Amanda , Verma Sonali , Serda Bianca , McKaig Jordan , Varelas Joseph , Nicoll Patrick M. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Smith David J.
Published: November 2021

Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032, an endospore-forming bacterial strain, was investigated to determine its methylation pattern (methylome) change, compared to ground control, after direct exposure to space conditions onboard the International Space Station (ISS) for 1.5 years. The resulting ISS-flown and non-flown strains were sequenced using the Nanopore MinION and an in-house method and pipeline to identify methylated positions in the genome. Our analysis indicated genomic variants and m6A methylation increased in the ISS-flown SAFR-032. To complement the broader omics investigation and explore phenotypic changes, ISS-flown and non-flown strains were compared in a series of laboratory-based chamber experiments using an X-ray irradiation source (doses applied at 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 Gy); results show a potentially higher survival fraction of ISS-flown DS2 at the two highest exposures. Taken together, results from this study document lasting changes to the genome by methylation, potentially triggered by conditions in spaceflight, with functional consequences for the resistance of bacteria to stressors expected on long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Hannah Arendt and Marxist Theories of Totalitarianism
Authors: Devlin Nicholas
Published: November 2021

This article offers a new reading of the place of Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism in the history of totalitarianism theory. Building on a novel genealogy of Marxist theories of totalitarianism, the article traces this inheritance into Arendt's early work on the subject, demonstrating that her “languages” (in the Pocockian sense) were basically continuous with those of interwar Marxism. The article proceeds in three stages. First, it reconstructs two core languages of interwar Marxism (imperialism and Bonapartism). Second, it shows how these languages underpinned a central controversy in Marxist theories of totalitarianism during World War II, a debate conducted in the languages of imperialism and Bonapartism and turning on the relationship between the political and the economic. Third, it shows that Arendt wrote in these languages and contributed to the same debate. In conclusion, this striking affinity with Marxism in Arendt's early work is contrasted with the emergence of classical totalitarianism theory—a project with which Arendt was soon eager to associate herself and which makes a unified and consistent reading of The Origins of Totalitarianism so difficult.
Interannual Variability in August Drought in Northern China and the Corresponding Climate Shift
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Yali , Chen Huopo
Published: November 2021

This study examines August droughts in northern China (north of 35°N) at interannual and interdecadal timescales. During the period from 1968 to 1992, the precipitation in the western and eastern regions of northern China showed an out‐of‐phase pattern. During the period from 1994 to 2018, the climate in the Tarim Basin became wetter, but there was no significant connection with drought in North China. Further studies demonstrated that the Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) and regional soil moisture anomalies were related to drought changes in northern China. Before the early 1990s, the east‐west standardized precipitation index dipole mode in northern China was physically linked with the wet soil in central Asia in the preceding June; moreover, the wet land surface could persist until August and cause anticyclonic and cyclonic systems over Mongolia and the subtropical northwestern Pacific, thus contributing to precipitation surplus in northwest China and a deficit in North China. After the early 1990s, however, wet conditions over the Tarim Basin were related to wet soil in the East European Plain in the preceding July: the wet soil could persist into August and generate anomalous circulation over the Tarim Basin, leading to abnormal humidity. Additionally, the SST conditions in the North (South) Atlantic are key sources of climate predictability for northern China drought at the interseasonal scale after (before) the early 1990s.
The Expanding Coal Power Fleet in Southeast Asia: Implications for Future CO2 Emissions and Electricity Generation
Authors: Chen Xu , Mauzerall Denise L.
Published: November 2021

Coal combustion for power generation made up 30% of global CO2 emissions in 2018. To achieve the goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global average temperatures below 2°C, power generation must be decarbonized globally by mid‐century. This requires a rapid phase‐out of coal‐fired power generation. However, global coal power expansion continues, mostly in developing countries where electricity demand continues to increase. Since the early 2010s, Southeast Asia's coal power capacity expansion has been among the fastest in the world, following China and India, but its implications for the global climate and regional energy transition remain understudied. Here we examine Southeast Asia's power generation pipeline as of mid‐2020 and evaluate its implications for the region's CO2 emissions over the plant lifetime as well as projected electricity generation between 2020‐2030 in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. We find that power plants under construction and planned in Southeast Asia as of 2020 will more than double the region's fossil fuel power generation capacity. If all fossil fuel plants under development are built, Southeast Asia's power sector CO2 emissions will increase by 72% from 2020 to 2030 and long‐term committed emissions will double. Moreover, in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, projected electricity generation from fossil fuel plants under development, combined with generation from renewable capacity targets and existing power capacity, will exceed future national electricity demand. As a result, fossil fuel plants will likely be underutilized and/or become stranded assets while also potentially crowding out renewable energy deployment.
Controls on Alkenone Carbon Isotope Fractionation in the Modern Ocean
Authors: Phelps Samuel R. , Stoll Heather M. , Bolton Clara T. , Beaufort Luc , Polissar Pratigya J.
Published: November 2021

Carbon isotope records from alkenone biomarkers (εp37:2) produced by haptophyte algae are frequently used for atmospheric CO2 paleobarometry, but this method has yielded inconsistent results during periods where CO2 variations are known independently. Recent syntheses of algal cultures have quantitatively demonstrated that εp37:2 indeed records CO2 information: εp37:2 increases as aqueous CO2 concentrations increase relative to carbon demand. However, interpretations of εp37:2 are complicated by irradiance, where higher irradiance yields higher εp37:2. Here we examine the roles of physiology and environment in setting εp37:2 in the ocean. We compile water‐column and sediment core‐top εp37:2 data and add new core‐top measurements, including estimates of cell sizes and growth rates of the alkenone‐producing population. In support of culture studies, we find irradiance to be a key control on εp37:2 in the modern ocean. We test a culture‐derived model of εp37:2 and find that the quantitative relationships calibrated in culture experiments can be used to predict εp37:2 in sediment samples. In water‐column samples, the model substantially overestimates εp37:2, largely resulting from higher irradiance at the depth of sample collection than the integrated light conditions under which the sampled biomass was produced and vertically mixed to the collection depth. We argue that the theory underpinning the conventional diffusive alkenone carbon isotope fractionation model, including the “b” parameter, is not supported by field data and should not be used to reconstruct past CO2 changes. Future estimates of CO2 from εp37:2 should use empirical or mechanistic models to quantitatively account for irradiance and cell size variations.
Optimal Precursors Triggering Sudden Shifts in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current Transport Through Drake Passage
Authors: Zhou Li , Wang Qiang , Mu Mu , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2021

Due to the high nonlinearity, the accurate prediction of the Antarctic circumpolar current (ACC) transport is still challenging. Using the eddy‐permitting regional ocean modeling system and the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach, the sudden shift in the ACC transport through Drake Passage (DP) is investigated by exploring its optimal precursor (OPR). Here, the sudden shift in the ACC transport is defined as a fluctuation exceeding double STD (∼16 Sv; 1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) within 30 days. The results indicate that the OPRs for all three cases exhibit specific structures in the middle DP (58°–62°S, 72°–64°W) at the depth of 1,000–3,000 m, implying that the ACC transport is most sensitive to the initial perturbations there. The OPRs' evolutions show similar features: the OPR for each case triggers an eddy‐like dipole perturbation with a northern cyclone and a southern anticyclone, leading to a sudden reduction in the ACC transport of ∼40 Sv. It is verified that the density components in the OPRs determine such evolution processes. Furthermore, baroclinic instability is diagnosed to play a dominant role in the development of OPRs by analyzing the perturbed kinetic energy budget. This study suggests that the deep‐layer density perturbations in the Southern Ocean should be carefully monitored when considering the short‐range prediction of the ACC transport.
BOD as a Measure of Fluvial Organic Matter Lability—The Decoupling of O2 Consumption From CO2 Production
Authors: Worrall Fred , Howden Nicholas J. K. , Burt Tim P.
Published: November 2021

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) has been taken as a measure of the lability of the fluvial organic matter (both dissolved and particulate organic matter—DOM and POM), but such a link is based on a number of assumptions. First, the oxidation state of the organic carbon is zero and the molar stoichiometry of the reaction between organic C and O2 is 1. Second, the consumption of O2, as measured by BOD, is a first‐order reaction with respect to DOM or POM. Third, that POM and DOM are correlated. Applying a Bayesian hierarchical analysis to an extensive river monitoring records for 236 sites across Great Britain from 1974 to 2019, it is possible to test the nature of the link between BOD and fluvial organic matter. The study shows that: (a) The inclusion of both DOC and SS concentrations improved the modeling. (b) When a first‐order reaction was assumed there was no significant linear relationship with BOD and DOC and suspended solids (SS) in at least 98% of cases. (c) 53% of sites showed a zero‐order reaction; when there was a significant order of reaction, the median was 0.28 and was never larger than 0.93, that is, a first‐order reaction rate was never observed. The lack of significant relationship means that the supply of organic matter exceeds the capacity to turn over that organic matter; and that given the range of oxidation states of fluvial organic carbon, it is possible to completely decouple O2 consumption from fluvial organic matter concentration in rivers.
Regulation of antiviral innate immune signaling and viral evasion following viral genome sensing
Authors: Chathuranga Kiramage , Weerawardhana Asela , Dodantenna Niranjan , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: November 2021

A harmonized balance between positive and negative regulation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-initiated immune responses is required to achieve the most favorable outcome for the host. This balance is crucial because it must not only ensure activation of the first line of defense against viral infection but also prevent inappropriate immune activation, which results in autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown how signal transduction pathways initiated by PRRs are positively and negatively regulated by diverse modulators to maintain host immune homeostasis. However, viruses have developed strategies to subvert the host antiviral response and establish infection. Viruses have evolved numerous genes encoding immunomodulatory proteins that antagonize the host immune system. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding key host factors that regulate innate immune signaling molecules upon viral infection and discusses evidence showing how specific viral proteins counteract antiviral responses via immunomodulatory strategies.
Histone N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA40 links one-carbon metabolism to chemoresistance
Authors: Demetriadou Christina , Raoukka Anastasia , Charidemou Evelina , Mylonas Constantine , Michael Christina , Parekh Swati , Koufaris Costas , Skourides Paris , Papageorgis Panagiotis , Tessarz Peter , Kirmizis Antonis
Published: November 2021

Aberrant function of epigenetic modifiers plays an important role not only in the progression of cancer but also the development of drug resistance. N-alpha-acetyltransferase 40 (NAA40) is a highly specific epigenetic enzyme catalyzing the transfer of an acetyl moiety at the N-terminal end of histones H4 and H2A. Recent studies have illustrated the essential oncogenic role of NAA40 in various cancer types but its role in chemoresistance remains unclear. Here, using transcriptomic followed by metabolomic analysis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, we demonstrate that NAA40 controls key one-carbon metabolic genes and corresponding metabolites. In particular, through its acetyltransferase activity NAA40 regulates the methionine cycle thereby affecting global histone methylation and CRC cell survival. Importantly, NAA40-mediated metabolic rewiring promotes resistance of CRC cells to antimetabolite chemotherapy in vitro and in xenograft models. Specifically, NAA40 stimulates transcription of the one-carbon metabolic gene thymidylate synthase (TYMS), whose product is targeted by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and accordingly in primary CRC tumours NAA40 expression associates with TYMS levels and poorer 5-FU response. Mechanistically, NAA40 activates TYMS by preventing enrichment of repressive H2A/H4S1ph at the nuclear periphery. Overall, these findings define a novel regulatory link between epigenetics and cellular metabolism mediated by NAA40, which is harnessed by cancer cells to evade chemotherapy.
Network based analysis identifies TP53m-BRCA1/2wt-homologous recombination proficient (HRP) population with enhanced susceptibility to Vigil immunotherapy
Authors: Sliheet Elyssa , Robinson Molly , Morand Susan , Choucair Khalil , Willoughby David , Stanbery Laura , Aaron Phylicia , Bognar Ernest , Nemunaitis John
Published: November 2021

Thus far immunotherapy has had limited impact on ovarian cancer. Vigil (a novel DNA-based multifunctional immune-therapeutic) has shown clinical benefit to prolong relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the BRCA wild type and HRP populations. We further analyzed molecular signals related to sensitivity of Vigil treatment. Tissue from patients enrolled in the randomized double-blind trial of Vigil vs. placebo as maintenance in frontline management of advanced resectable ovarian cancer underwent DNA polymorphism analysis. Data was generated from a 981 gene panel to determine the tumor mutation burden and classify variants using Ingenuity Variant Analysis software (Qiagen) or NIH ClinVar. Only variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic were included. STRING application (version 1.5.1) was used to create a protein-protein interaction network. Topological distance and probability of co-mutation were used to calculated the C-score and cumulative C-score (cumC-score). Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine the relationship between gene pairs with a high cumC-score and clinical parameters. Improved relapse free survival in Vigil treated patients was found for the TP53m-BRCAwt-HRP group compared to placebo (21.1 months versus 5.6 months p = 0.0013). Analysis of tumor mutation burden did not reveal statistical benefit in patients receiving Vigil versus placebo. Results suggest a subset of ovarian cancer patients with enhanced susceptibility to Vigil immunotherapy. The hypothesis-generating data presented invites a validation study of Vigil in target identified populations, and supports clinical consideration of STRING-generated network application to biomarker characterization with other cancer patients targeted with Vigil.
Mechanism of transient photothermal inactivation of bacteria using a wavelength-tunable nanosecond pulsed laser
Authors: Tatsuno Ichiro , Niimi Yuna , Tomita Makoto , Terashima Hiroshi , Hasegawa Tadao , Matsumoto Takahiro
Published: November 2021

There is a great demand for novel disinfection technologies to inactivate various pathogenic viruses and bacteria. In this situation, ultraviolet (UVC) disinfection technologies seem to be promising because biocontaminated air and surfaces are the major media for disease transmission. However, UVC is strongly absorbed by human cells and protein components; therefore, there are concerns about damaging plasma components and causing dermatitis and skin cancer. To avoid these concerns, in this study, we demonstrate that the efficient inactivation of bacteria is achieved by visible pulsed light irradiation. The principle of inactivation is based on transient photothermal heating. First, we provide experimental confirmation that extremely high temperatures above 1000 K can be achieved by pulsed laser irradiation. Evidence of this high temperature is directly confirmed by melting gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Inorganic GNPs are used because of their well-established thermophysical properties. Second, we show inactivation behaviour by pulsed laser irradiation. This inactivation behaviour cannot be explained by a simple optical absorption effect. We experimentally and theoretically clarify this inactivation mechanism based on both optical absorption and scattering effects. We find that scattering and absorption play an important role in inactivation because the input irradiation is inherently scattered by the bacteria; therefore, the dose that bacteria feel is reduced. This scattering effect can be clearly shown by a technique that combines stainedEscherichia coliand site selective irradiation obtained by a wavelength tunable pulsed laser. By measuring Live/Dead fluorescence microscopy images, we show that the inactivation attained by the transient photothermal heating is possible to instantaneously and selectively kill microorganisms such asEscherichia colibacteria. Thus, this method is promising for the site selective inactivation of various pathogenic viruses and bacteria in a safe and simple manner.
Optimization of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies for the treatment of ADAMTS13-related bleeding disorder in patients receiving circulatory assist device support
Authors: Ito Toshihiro , Minamitani Takeharu , Hayakawa Masaki , Otsubo Ryota , Akiba Hiroki , Tsumoto Kouhei , Matsumoto Masanori , Yasui Teruhito
Published: November 2021

ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif 13)-related bleeding disorder has been frequently observed as a life-threatening clinical complication in patients carrying a circulatory assist device. Currently, treatment modalities for the bleeding disorder are very limited and not always successful. To address the unmet medical need, we constructed humanized antibodies of mouse anti-ADAMTS13 antibody A10 (mA10) by using complementarity-determining region (CDR) grafting techniques with human antibody frameworks, 8A7 and 16E8. The characteristics of the two humanized A10 antibodies, namely A10/8A7 and A10/16E8, were assessed in vitro and in silico. Among the two humanized A10 antibodies, the binding affinity of A10/16E8 to ADAMTS13 was comparable to that of mA10 and human-mouse chimeric A10. In addition, A10/16E8 largely inhibited the ADAMTS13 activity in vitro. The results indicated that A10/16E8 retained the binding affinity and inhibitory activity of mA10. To compare the antibody structures, we performed antibody structure modeling and structural similarity analysis in silico. As a result, A10/16E8 showed higher structural similarity to mA10, compared with A10/8A7, suggesting that A10/16E8 retains a native structure of mA10 as well as its antigen binding affinity and activity. A10/16E8 has great potential as a therapeutic agent for ADAMTS13-related bleeding disorder.
Processing of fMRI-related anxiety and bi-directional information flow between prefrontal cortex and brain stem
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert , Blinowska Katarzyna J. , Kaminski Maciej , Schwerdtfeger Andreas R. , Rassler Beate , Schwarz Gerhard , Klimesch Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

Brain–heart synchronization is fundamental for emotional-well-being and brain–heart desynchronization is characteristic for anxiety disorders including specific phobias. Recording BOLD signals with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an important noninvasive diagnostic tool; however, 1–2% of fMRI examinations have to be aborted due to claustrophobia. In the present study, we investigated the information flow between regions of interest (ROI’s) in the cortex and brain stem by using a frequency band close to 0.1 Hz. Causal coupling between signals important in brain–heart interaction (cardiac intervals, respiration, and BOLD signals) was studied by means of Directed Transfer Function based on the Granger causality principle. Compared were initial resting states with elevated anxiety and final resting states with low or no anxiety in a group of fMRI-naïve young subjects. During initial high anxiety the results showed an increased information flow from the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) to the pre-central gyrus (PCG) and to the brainstem. There also was an increased flow from the brainstem to the PCG. While the top-down flow during increased anxiety was predominant, the weaker ascending flow from brainstem structures may characterize a rhythmic pacemaker-like activity that (at least in part) drives respiration. We assume that these changes in information flow reflect successful anxiety processing.
Microstructural, electrical and biological activity in $$\mathrm{Ca}_{10}(\mathrm{PO}_4)_6(\mathrm{OH})_2-\mathrm{Ba}_{0.5}\mathrm{Sr}_{0.5}\mathrm{TiO}_3$$ ceramic composites designed for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Das Apurba , Dobbidi Pamu , Bhardwaj Aman , Saxena Varun , Pandey Lalit M.
Published: November 2021

The article investigates electrically active ceramic composite of $$\mathrm{Ca}_{10}(\mathrm{PO}_4)_6(\mathrm{OH})_2$$

Ca
10

(

PO
4

)

6

(
OH
)

2

(HAP) and $$\mathrm{Ba}_{0.5}\mathrm{Sr}_{0.5}\mathrm{TiO}_{3}$$

Ba

0.5

Sr

0.5

TiO
3

(BST) for biomedical applications. The study is a systematic blend of the materials science aspect of composites with a special focus on the dielectric and biological properties and their relationships. The article emphasized primarily extracting the dielectric constant ($$\epsilon _r)$$

ϵ
r

)

of the specimens (that lay in the range of 3–65) and related them to microstructural properties like the grain size and at.% of BST. A broad outlook on the importance of $$\epsilon _r$$

ϵ
r

in determining the suitability of bioceramics for clinical applications is presented. Bioactivity analysis of the specimens led to probing the surface charges (that were negative), and it was found crucial to the growth of dense apatite layers. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility of the specimens displayed cell viability above 100% for Day 1, which increased substantially for Day 3. To reveal other biological properties of the composites, protein adsorption studies using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) was carried out. Electrostatic interactions govern the adsorption, and the mathematical dependence on surface charges is linear. The protein adsorption is also linearly correlated with the $$\epsilon _r$$

ϵ
r

, intrinsic to the biomaterials. We delve deeper into protein–biomaterials interactions by considering the evolution of the secondary structure of BSA adsorbed into the specimens. Based on the investigations, 20 at.% HAP–80 at.% BST (20H–80B) was established as a suitable composite comprising the desired features of HAP and BST. Such explorations of electrical and biological properties are interesting for modulating the behavior of bioceramic composites. The results project the suitability of 20H–80B for designing electrically active smart scaffolds for the proposed biomedical applications and are expected to incite further clinical trials.
Activation of specific bitter taste receptors by olive oil phenolics and secoiridoids
Authors: Cui Meng , Chen Bohan , Xu Keman , Rigakou Aimilia , Diamantakos Panagiotis , Melliou Eleni , Logothetis Diomedes E. , Magiatis Prokopios
Published: November 2021

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a critical component of the Mediterranean diet, which has been found beneficial to human health. Bitterness is often positively associated with the presence of phenolic compounds in EVOO. There are twenty-five bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in humans, each of which responds to specific bitter tastants. The identity of phenolic compounds and the bitter taste receptors they stimulate remain unknown. In this study, we isolated 12 phenolic and secoiridoid compounds from the olive fruit and the oil extracted from it, and tested their ability to stimulate bitter taste receptor activity, using a calcium mobilization functional assay. Our results showed that seven out of twelve studied compounds activated TAS2R8, and five of them activated TAS2R1, TAS2R8, and TAS2R14. The phenolic compounds oleuropein aglycon and ligstroside aglycon were the most potent bitter tastants in olive oil. TAS2R1 and TAS2R8 were the major bitter taste receptors activated most potently by these phenolic compounds. The results obtained here could be utilized to predict and control the bitterness of olive oil based on the concentration of specific bitter phenolics produced during the milling process of olives.
Driving electrochemical corrosion of implanted CoCrMo metal via oscillatory electric fields without mechanical wear
Authors: Welles Thomas S. , Ahn Jeongmin
Published: November 2021

Decades of research have been dedicated to understanding the corrosion mechanisms of metal based implanted prosthetics utilized in modern surgical procedures. Focused primarily on mechanically driven wear, current fretting and crevice corrosion investigations have yet to precisely replicate the complex chemical composition of corrosion products recovered from patients’ periprosthetic tissue. This work specifically targets the creation of corrosion products at the metal on metal junction utilized in modular hip prosthetics. Moreover, this manuscript serves as an initial investigation into the potential interaction between implanted CoCrMo metal alloy and low amplitude electrical oscillation, similar in magnitude to those which may develop from ambient electromagnetic radiation. It is believed that introduction of such an electrical oscillation may be able to initiate electrochemical reactions between the metal and surrounding fluid, forming the precursor to secondary wear particles, without mechanically eroding the metal’s natural passivation layer. Here, we show that a low magnitude electrical oscillation (≤ 200 mV) in the megahertz frequency (106 Hz) range is capable of initiating corrosion on implanted CoCrMo without the addition of mechanical wear. Specifically, a 50 MHz, 200 mVpp sine wave generates corrosion products comprising of Cr, P, Ca, O, and C, which is consistent with previous literature on the analysis of failed hip prosthetics. These findings demonstrate that mechanical wear may not be required to initiate the production of chemically complex corrosion products.
Activation of antioxidative and detoxificative systems in Brassica juncea L. plants against the toxicity of heavy metals
Authors: Małecka Arleta , Konkolewska Agnieszka , Hanć Anetta , Ciszewska Liliana , Staszak Aleksandra Maria , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa , Ratajczak Ewelina
Published: November 2021

Plant metal hyperaccumulators, to which Brassica juncea belongs, must have very efficient defence mechanisms that enable growth and development in an environment polluted with various heavy metals. B. juncea (Indiana mustard) v. Małopolska was exposed to the activity of trace elements such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in combinations: CuPb, CuCd, CuZn, PbCd, PbZn, and ZnCd in a concentration of 25 μM each for 96 h during control cultivation. We observed a clear tendency for metal uptake and accumulation in above-ground parts which is characteristic of hyperaccumulators. The combinations of CuCd, CuZn, and PbCd inhibited the development of the seedlings the most. The used metal combinations increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2.−) and oxidized proteins in B. juncea organs, generating oxidative stress conditions in the cells. We determined the level of transcription of the respective defence proteins of the detoxification and antioxidant systems. We have shown that in the first 24 h of stress condiction, activation of glutamylcysteine-γ synthetase (yECS) and glutathione reductase (GR1) enzymes related to the detoxification of heavy metals is important for B. juncea plants. In addition, the data provide important information on how plants respond to the presence of heavy metals in the first days of stress conditions.
Inkjet-printed low-dimensional materials-based complementary electronic circuits on paper
Authors: Brunetti Irene , Pimpolari Lorenzo , Conti Silvia , Worsley Robyn , Majee Subimal , Polyushkin Dmitry K. , Paur Matthias , Dimaggio Elisabetta , Pennelli Giovanni , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Macucci Massimo , Pieri Francesco , Mueller Thomas , Casiraghi Cinzia , Fiori Gianluca
Published: November 2021

Complementary electronics has represented the corner stone of the digital era, and silicon technology has enabled this accomplishment. At the dawn of the flexible and wearable electronics age, the seek for new materials enabling the integration of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology on flexible substrates, finds in low-dimensional materials (either 1D or 2D) extraordinary candidates. Here, we show that the main building blocks for digital electronics can be obtained by exploiting 2D materials like molybdenum disulfide, hexagonal boron nitride and 1D materials such as carbon nanotubes through the inkjet-printing technique. In particular, we show that the proposed approach enables the fabrication of logic gates and a basic sequential network on a flexible substrate such as paper, with a performance already comparable with mainstream organic technology.
Nipah virus W protein harnesses nuclear 14-3-3 to inhibit NF-κB-induced proinflammatory response
Authors: Enchéry François , Dumont Claire , Iampietro Mathieu , Pelissier Rodolphe , Aurine Noémie , Bloyet Louis-Marie , Carbonnelle Caroline , Mathieu Cyrille , Journo Chloé , Gerlier Denis , Horvat Branka
Published: November 2021

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic emerging bat-borne Henipavirus that has caused numerous outbreaks with public health concerns. It is able to inhibit the host innate immune response. Since the NF-κB pathway plays a crucial role in the innate antiviral response as a major transcriptional regulator of inflammation, we postulated its implication in the still poorly understood NiV immunopathogenesis. We report here that NiV inhibits the canonical NF-κB pathway via its nonstructural W protein. Translocation of the W protein into the nucleus causes nuclear accumulation of the cellular scaffold protein 14-3-3 in both African green monkey and human cells infected by NiV. Excess of 14-3-3 in the nucleus was associated with a reduction of NF-κB p65 subunit phosphorylation and of its nuclear accumulation. Importantly, W-S449A substitution impairs the binding of the W protein to 14-3-3 and the subsequent suppression of NF-κB signaling, thus restoring the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Our data suggest that the W protein increases the steady-state level of 14-3-3 in the nucleus and consequently enhances 14-3-3-mediated negative feedback on the NF-κB pathway. These findings provide a mechanistic model of W-mediated disruption of the host inflammatory response, which could contribute to the high severity of NiV infection.
Femtosecond photodecarbonylation of photo-ODIBO studied by stimulated Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Shenje Learnmore , Qu Yingqi , Popik Vladimir , Ullrich Susanne
Published: November 2021

Photo-oxa-dibenzocyclooctyne (Photo-ODIBO) undergoes photodecarbonylation under UV excitation to its bright S2state, forming a highly reactive alkyne, ODIBO.
Recent advances in piezocatalytic polymer nanocomposites for wastewater remediation
Authors: Mondal Dhananjoy , Roy Shubham , Bardhan Souravi , Roy Jhilik , Kanungo Ishita , Basu Ruma , Das Sukhen
Published: November 2021

Recent advances in the piezocatalytic pollutant degradation mechanism using functional polymeric piezo-responsive materials.
Proton conductors with wide operating temperature domains achieved by applying a dual-modification strategy to MIL-101
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Lu Ying , Zhang Shan , Dang Tianyi , Tian Hongrui , Zhang Zhong , Liu Shuxia
Published: November 2021

Two composites (H3PO4@MIL-101-SO3H and H2SO4@MIL-101-NH2) were prepared by applying dual-modification strategy to functionalize MIL-101. They have high proton conductivity and stability over a wide temperature domain (−40 °C to above 150 °C).
Facile synthesis of hexagonal α-Co(OH)2 nanosheets and their superior activity in the selective reduction of nitro compounds
Authors: Guo Jiahui , Feng Xueqing , Wang Songrui , Wu Qikang , Lv Shanshan , Zhou Yan , Li Han , Chen Zheng , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: November 2021

Novel hexagonal α-cobalt hydroxide nanosheets are synthesized through a 2-methylimidazole-induced hydrolysis strategy with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant.
Area selective deposition using alternate deposition and etch super-cycle strategies
Authors: Bonvalot Marceline , Vallée Christophe , Mannequin Cédric , Jaffal Moustapha , Gassilloud Rémy , Possémé Nicolas , Chevolleau Thierry
Published: November 2021

Area selective deposition by super-cycle alternating atomic layer deposition and etch-back processes.