bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial carbon, sulfur, iron, and nitrogen cycling linked to the potential remediation of a meromictic acidic pit lake
Authors: Ayala-Muñoz Diana , Macalady Jennifer L , Sánchez-España Javier , Falagán Carmen , Couradeau Estelle , Burgos William D
Published: September 2022

Cueva de la Mora is a permanently stratified acidic pit lake and a model system for extreme acid mine drainage (AMD) studies. Using a combination of amplicon sequencing, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics we performed a taxonomically resolved analysis of microbial contributions to carbon, sulfur, iron, and nitrogen cycling. We found that active green alga Coccomyxa onubensis dominated the upper layer and chemocline. The chemocline had activity for iron(II) oxidation carried out by populations of Ca. Acidulodesulfobacterium, Ferrovum, Leptospirillium, and Armatimonadetes. Predicted activity for iron(III) reduction was only detected in the deep layer affiliated with Proteobacteria. Activity for dissimilatory nitrogen cycling including nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction was primarily predicted in the chemocline. Heterotrophic archaeal populations with predicted activity for sulfide oxidation related to uncultured Thermoplasmatales dominated in the deep layer. Abundant sulfate-reducing Desulfomonile and Ca. Acidulodesulfobacterium populations were active in the chemocline. In the deep layer, uncultured populations from the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae contributed to both sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation. Based on this information we evaluated the potential for sulfide mineral precipitation in the deep layer as a tool for remediation. We argue that sulfide precipitation is not limited by microbial genetic potential but rather by the quantity and quality of organic carbon reaching the deep layer as well as by oxygen additions to the groundwater enabling sulfur oxidation. Addition of organic carbon and elemental sulfur should stimulate sulfate reduction and limit reoxidation of sulfide minerals.
An update regarding the role of WNK kinases in cancer
Authors: Xiu Mengxi , Li Li , Li Yandong , Gao Yong
Published: September 2022

Mammalian WNK kinases (WNKs) are serine/threonine kinases that contain four members, WNK1–4. They function to maintain ion homeostasis and regulate blood pressure in mammals. Recent studies have revealed that the dysregulation of WNKs contributes to tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis through complex mechanisms, especially through phosphorylating kinase substrates SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1). Here, we review and discuss the relationships between WNKs and several key factors/biological processes in cancer, including ion channels, cation chloride cotransporters, sodium bicarbonate cotransporters, signaling pathways, angiogenesis, autophagy, and non-coding RNAs. In addition, the potential drugs for targeting WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling have also been discussed. This review summarizes and discusses knowledge of the roles of WNKs in cancer, which provides a comprehensive reference for future studies.
Structural characterization of a soil viral auxiliary metabolic gene product – a functional chitosanase
Authors: Wu Ruonan , Smith Clyde A. , Buchko Garry W. , Blaby Ian K. , Paez-Espino David , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Yoshikuni Yasuo , McDermott Jason E. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Cort John R. , Jansson Janet K.
Published: September 2022

Metagenomics is unearthing the previously hidden world of soil viruses. Many soil viral sequences in metagenomes contain putative auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) that are not associated with viral replication. Here, we establish that AMGs on soil viruses actually produce functional, active proteins. We focus on AMGs that potentially encode chitosanase enzymes that metabolize chitin – a common carbon polymer. We express and functionally screen several chitosanase genes identified from environmental metagenomes. One expressed protein showing endo-chitosanase activity (V-Csn) is crystalized and structurally characterized at ultra-high resolution, thus representing the structure of a soil viral AMG product. This structure provides details about the active site, and together with structure models determined using AlphaFold, facilitates understanding of substrate specificity and enzyme mechanism. Our findings support the hypothesis that soil viruses contribute auxiliary functions to their hosts.
ARID1A mutations confer intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab treatment in colorectal cancer
Authors: Johnson Radia M. , Qu Xueping , Lin Chu-Fang , Huw Ling-Yuh , Venkatanarayan Avinashnarayan , Sokol Ethan , Ou Fang-Shu , Ihuegbu Nnamdi , Zill Oliver A. , Kabbarah Omar , Wang Lisa , Bourgon Richard , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Bolen Chris , Daemen Anneleen , Venook Alan P. , Innocenti Federico , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Bais Carlos
Published: September 2022

Most colorectal (CRC) tumors are dependent on EGFR/KRAS/BRAF/MAPK signaling activation. ARID1A is an epigenetic regulator mutated in approximately 5% of non-hypermutated CRC tumors. Here we show that anti-EGFR but not anti-VEGF treatment enriches for emerging ARID1A mutations in CRC patients. In addition, we find that patients with ARID1A mutations, at baseline, are associated with worse outcome when treated with cetuximab- but not bevacizumab-containing therapies; thus, this suggests that ARID1A mutations may provide both an acquired and intrinsic mechanism of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. We find that, ARID1A and EGFR-pathway genetic alterations are mutually exclusive across lung and colorectal cancers, further supporting a functional connection between these pathways. Our results not only suggest that ARID1A could be potentially used as a predictive biomarker for cetuximab treatment decisions but also provide a rationale for exploring therapeutic MAPK inhibition in an unexpected but genetically defined segment of CRC patients.
Causal contribution of optic flow signal in Macaque extrastriate visual cortex for roll perception
Authors: Li Wenhao , Lu Jianyu , Zhu Zikang , Gu Yong
Published: September 2022

Optic flow is a powerful cue for inferring self-motion status which is critical for postural control, spatial orientation, locomotion and navigation. In primates, neurons in extrastriate visual cortex (MSTd) are predominantly modulated by high-order optic flow patterns (e.g., spiral), yet a functional link to direct perception is lacking. Here, we applied electrical microstimulation to selectively manipulate population of MSTd neurons while macaques discriminated direction of rotation around line-of-sight (roll) or direction of linear-translation (heading), two tasks which were orthogonal in 3D spiral coordinate using a four-alternative-forced-choice paradigm. Microstimulation frequently biased animal’s roll perception towards coded labeled-lines of the artificial-stimulated neurons in either context with spiral or pure-rotation stimuli. Choice frequency was also altered between roll and translation flow-pattern. Our results provide direct causal-link evidence supporting that roll signals in MSTd, despite often mixed with translation signals, can be extracted by downstream areas for perception of rotation relative to gravity-vertical.
Microstructure segmentation with deep learning encoders pre-trained on a large microscopy dataset
Authors: Stuckner Joshua , Harder Bryan , Smith Timothy M.
Published: September 2022

This study examined the improvement of microscopy segmentation intersection over union accuracy by transfer learning from a large dataset of microscopy images called MicroNet. Many neural network encoder architectures were trained on over 100,000 labeled microscopy images from 54 material classes. These pre-trained encoders were then embedded into multiple segmentation architectures including UNet and DeepLabV3+ to evaluate segmentation performance on created benchmark microscopy datasets. Compared to ImageNet pre-training, models pre-trained on MicroNet generalized better to out-of-distribution micrographs taken under different imaging and sample conditions and were more accurate with less training data. When training with only a single Ni-superalloy image, pre-training on MicroNet produced a 72.2% reduction in relative intersection over union error. These results suggest that transfer learning from large in-domain datasets generate models with learned feature representations that are more useful for downstream tasks and will likely improve any microscopy image analysis technique that can leverage pre-trained encoders.
Pseudomonas putida mediates bacterial killing, biofilm invasion and biocontrol with a type IVB secretion system
Authors: Purtschert-Montenegro Gabriela , Cárcamo-Oyarce Gerardo , Pinto-Carbó Marta , Agnoli Kirsty , Bailly Aurélien , Eberl Leo
Published: September 2022

Many bacteria utilize contact-dependent killing machineries to eliminate rivals in their environmental niches. Here we show that the plant root colonizer Pseudomonas putida strain IsoF is able to kill a wide range of soil and plant-associated Gram-negative bacteria with the aid of a type IVB secretion system (T4BSS) that delivers a toxic effector into bacterial competitors in a contact-dependent manner. This extends the range of targets of T4BSSs—so far thought to transfer effectors only into eukaryotic cells—to prokaryotes. Bioinformatic and genetic analyses showed that this killing machine is entirely encoded by the kib gene cluster located within a rare genomic island, which was recently acquired by horizontal gene transfer. P. putida IsoF utilizes this secretion system not only as a defensive weapon to kill bacterial competitors but also as an offensive weapon to invade existing biofilms, allowing the strain to persist in its natural environment. Furthermore, we show that strain IsoF can protect tomato plants against the phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in a T4BSS-dependent manner, suggesting that IsoF can be exploited for pest control and sustainable agriculture.
Experimental observation of open structures in elemental magnesium at terapascal pressures
Authors: Gorman M. G. , Elatresh S. , Lazicki A. , Cormier M. M. E. , Bonev S. A. , McGonegle D. , Briggs R. , Coleman A. L. , Rothman S. D. , Peacock L. , Bernier J. V. , Coppari F. , Braun D. G. , Rygg J. R. , Fratanduono D. E. , Hoffmann R. , Collins G. W. , Wark J. S. , Smith R. F. , Eggert J. H. , McMahon M. I.
Published: September 2022

Investigating how solid matter behaves at enormous pressures, such as those found in the deep interiors of giant planets, is a great experimental challenge. Over the past decade, computational predictions have revealed that compression to terapascal pressures may bring about counter-intuitive changes in the structure and bonding of solids as quantum mechanical forces grow in influence1–6. Although this behaviour has been observed at modest pressures in the highly compressible light alkali metals7,8, it has not been established whether it is commonplace among high-pressure solids more broadly. We used shaped laser pulses at the National Ignition Facility to compress elemental Mg up to 1.3 TPa, which is approximately four times the pressure at the Earth’s core. By directly probing the crystal structure using nanosecond-duration X-ray diffraction, we found that Mg changes its crystal structure several times with non-close-packed phases emerging at the highest pressures. Our results demonstrate that phase transformations of extremely condensed matter, previously only accessible through theoretical calculations, can now be experimentally explored.
The inner nuclear membrane protein Lem2 coordinates RNA degradation at the nuclear periphery
Authors: Martín Caballero Lucía , Capella Matías , Barrales Ramón Ramos , Dobrev Nikolay , van Emden Thomas , Hirano Yasuhiro , Suma Sreechakram Vishnu N. , Fischer-Burkart Sabine , Kinugasa Yasuha , Nevers Alicia , Rougemaille Mathieu , Sinning Irmgard , Fischer Tamás , Hiraoka Yasushi , Braun Sigurd
Published: September 2022

Transcriptionally silent chromatin often localizes to the nuclear periphery. However, whether the nuclear envelope (NE) is a site for post-transcriptional gene repression is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that Schizosaccharomycespombe Lem2, an NE protein, regulates nuclear-exosome-mediated RNA degradation. Lem2 deletion causes accumulation of RNA precursors and meiotic transcripts and de-localization of an engineered exosome substrate from the nuclear periphery. Lem2 does not directly bind RNA but instead interacts with the exosome-targeting MTREC complex and its human homolog PAXT to promote RNA recruitment. This pathway acts largely independently of nuclear bodies where exosome factors assemble. Nutrient availability modulates Lem2 regulation of meiotic transcripts, implying that this pathway is environmentally responsive. Our work reveals that multiple spatially distinct degradation pathways exist. Among these, Lem2 coordinates RNA surveillance of meiotic transcripts and non-coding RNAs by recruiting exosome co-factors to the nuclear periphery.
TWIST1 induces proteasomal degradation of β-catenin during the differentiation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Shu Guang , Wu Anqi , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhou Zhengwei , Alvero Ayesha B. , Mor Gil , Yin Gang
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading gynecologic cancers worldwide. Cancer stem-like cells are correlated with relapse and resistance to chemotherapy. Twist1, which is involved in ovarian cancer stem-like cell differentiation, is positively correlated with CTNNB1 in different differentiation stages of ovarian cancer cells: primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (primary EOC cells), mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and secondary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (sEOC cells). However, the expression of β-catenin is inversed compared to CTNNB1 in these 3 cell states. We further demonstrated that β-catenin is regulated by the protein degradation system in MSFCs and secondary EOC but not in primary EOC cells. The differentiation process from primary EOC cells to MSFCs and sEOC cells might be due to the downregulation of β-catenin protein levels. Finally, we found that TWIST1 can enhance β-catenin degradation by upregulating Axin2.
Hereditary analysis and genotype × environment interaction effects on growth and yield components of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) over multi-environments
Authors: Khan Md Mahmudul Hasan , Rafii Mohd Y. , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Jusoh Mashitah , Al Mamun Md
Published: September 2022

This investigation was carried out to explore G × E interaction for yield and its associated attributes in 30 Bambara groundnut genotypes across four environments in tropical Malaysia. Such evaluations are essential when the breeding program's objective is to choose genotypes with broad adaption and yield potential. Studies of trait relationships, variance components, mean performance, and genetic linkage are needed by breeders when designing, evaluating, and developing selection criteria for improving desired characteristics in breeding programs. The evaluation of breeding lines of Bambara groundnut for high yield across a wide range of environments is important for long-term production and food security. Each site's experiment employed a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data on vegetative and yield component attributes were recorded. The analysis of variance revealed that there were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences among the 30 genotypes for all variables evaluated. A highly significant and positive correlation was identified between yield per hectare and dry seed weight (0.940), hundred seed weight (0.844), fresh pod weight (0.832), and total pod weight (0.750); the estimated correlation between dry weight of pods and seed yield was 1.0. The environment was more important than genotype and G × E in determining yield and yield components.A total of 49% variation is covered by PC1 (33.9%) and PC2 (15.1%) and the genotypes formed five distinct clusters based on Ward hierarchical clustering (WHC) method. The genotypes S5G1, S5G3, S5G5, S5G6, S5G8, S5G7, S5G2, S5G4, S5G10, S5G13, S5G11, and S5G14 of clusters I, II, and III were closest to the ideal genotype with superior yield across the environments. The PCA variable loadings revealed that an index based on dry pod weight, hundred seed weight, number of total pods and fresh pod weight could be used as a selection criteria to improve seed yield of Bambara groundnut.
Ransomware detection using deep learning based unsupervised feature extraction and a cost sensitive Pareto Ensemble classifier
Authors: Zahoora Umme , Khan Asifullah , Rajarajan Muttukrishnan , Khan Saddam Hussain , Asam Muhammad , Jamal Tauseef
Published: September 2022

Ransomware attacks pose a serious threat to Internet resources due to their far-reaching effects. It’s Zero-day variants are even more hazardous, as less is known about them. In this regard, when used for ransomware attack detection, conventional machine learning approaches may become data-dependent, insensitive to error cost, and thus may not tackle zero-day ransomware attacks. Zero-day ransomware have normally unseen underlying data distribution. This paper presents a Cost-Sensitive Pareto Ensemble strategy, CSPE-R to detect novel Ransomware attacks. Initially, the proposed framework exploits the unsupervised deep Contractive Auto Encoder (CAE) to transform the underlying varying feature space to a more uniform and core semantic feature space. To learn the robust features, the proposed CSPE-R ensemble technique explores different semantic spaces at various levels of detail. Heterogeneous base estimators are then trained over these extracted subspaces to find the core relevance between the various families of the ransomware attacks. Then, a novel Pareto Ensemble-based estimator selection strategy is implemented to achieve a cost-sensitive compromise between false positives and false negatives. Finally, the decision of selected estimators are aggregated to improve the detection against unknown ransomware attacks. The experimental results show that the proposed CSPE-R framework performs well against zero-day ransomware attacks.
FASN inhibition targets multiple drivers of NASH by reducing steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in preclinical models
Authors: O’Farrell Marie , Duke Greg , Crowley Richard , Buckley Douglas , Martins Eduardo B. , Bhattacharya Dipankar , Friedman Scott L. , Kemble George
Published: September 2022

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is an attractive therapeutic target in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) because it drives de novo lipogenesis and mediates pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic signaling. We therefore tested pharmacological inhibition of FASN in human cell culture and in three diet induced mouse models of NASH. Three related FASN inhibitors were used; TVB-3664, TVB-3166 and clinical stage TVB-2640 (denifanstat). In human primary liver microtissues, FASN inhibiton (FASNi) decreased triglyceride (TG) content, consistent with direct anti-steatotic activity. In human hepatic stellate cells, FASNi reduced markers of fibrosis including collagen1α (COL1α1) and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). In CD4+ T cells exposed to NASH-related cytokines, FASNi decreased production of Th17 cells, and reduced IL-1β release in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. In mice with diet induced NASH l, FASNi prevented development of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and reduced circulating IL-1β. In mice with established diet-induced NASH, FASNi reduced NAFLD activity score, fibrosis score, ALT and TG levels. In the CCl4-induced FAT-NASH mouse model, FASN inhibition decreased hepatic fibrosis and fibrosis markers, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors by 85%. These results demonstrate that FASN inhibition attenuates inflammatory and fibrotic drivers of NASH by direct inhibition of immune and stellate cells, beyond decreasing fat accumulation in hepatocytes. FASN inhibition therefore provides an opportunity to target three key hallmarks of NASH.
Health-related quality of life is substantially worse in individuals with plantar heel pain
Authors: Landorf Karl B. , Kaminski Michelle R. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Zammit Gerard V. , Menz Hylton B.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with and without plantar heel pain (PHP). This was a cross-sectional observational study that compared 50 adult participants with PHP to 25 participants without PHP who were matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). HRQoL measures included a generic measure, the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2), and foot-specific measures, including 100 mm visual analogue scales (VASs) for pain, the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), and the Foot Function Index-Revised (FFI-R). Comparisons in HRQoL between the two groups were conducted using linear regression, with additional adjustment for the comorbidity, osteoarthritis, which was found to be substantially different between the two groups. For generic HRQoL, participants with PHP scored worse in the SF-36v2 physical component summary score (p < 0.001, large effect size), but there was no difference in the mental component summary score (p = 0.690, very small effect size). Specifically, physical function (p < 0.001, very large effect size), role physical (p < 0.001, large effect size) and bodily pain (p < 0.001, large effect size) in the physical component section were worse in those with PHP. For foot-specific HRQoL, participants with PHP also scored worse in the VASs, the FHSQ and the FFI-R (p ≤ 0.005, huge effect sizes for all domains, except FHSQ footwear, which was large effect size, and FFR-R stiffness, activity limitation, and social issues, which were very large effect sizes). After accounting for age, sex, BMI and osteoarthritis, adults with PHP have poorer generic and foot-specific HRQoL.
Scalable and CMOS compatible silicon photonic physical unclonable functions for supply chain assurance
Authors: Tarik Farhan Bin , Famili Azadeh , Lao Yingjie , Ryckman Judson D.
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate the uniqueness, unclonability and secure authentication of N = 56 physical unclonable functions (PUFs) realized from silicon photonic moiré quasicrystal interferometers. Compared to prior photonic-PUF demonstrations typically limited in scale to only a handful of unique devices and on the order of 10 false authentication attempts, this work examines > 103 inter-device comparisons and false authentication attempts. Device fabrication is divided across two separate fabrication facilities, allowing for cross-fab analysis and emulation of a malicious foundry with exact knowledge of the PUF photonic circuit design and process. Our analysis also compares cross-correlation based authentication to the traditional Hamming distance method and experimentally demonstrates an authentication error rate AER = 0%, false authentication rate FAR = 0%, and an estimated probability of cloning below 10−30. This work validates the potential scalability of integrated photonic-PUFs which can attractively leverage mature wafer-scale manufacturing and automated contact-free optical probing. Such structures show promise for authenticating hardware in the untrusted supply chain or augmenting conventional electronic-PUFs to enhance system security.
Optically switched multiband antenna based on Vivaldi structure
Authors: Lin Peiying , Wu Yuting , Wu Zhouyi , Zhuo Ruofan , Huangfu Jiangtao
Published: September 2022

In this study, an optically frequency-reconfigurable antenna with multiband characteristics is proposed utilizing photodiodes. It is developed on the basis of a Vivaldi antenna structure, while the composite radiation structure is realized by introducing three parallel branches in the antenna slot. Three photodiodes on the branches function as photoconductive switches to make the antenna reconfigurable at multiple low frequencies and stable at high frequencies. When the illumination irradiates different photodiodes, the proposed antenna is capable to switch between three narrowband modes, including 300 MHz, 677 MHz, and 1.02 GHz. The radiation gain is measured to reach 0.91 dB, 1.69 dB, 2.96 dB, respectively, while the variation in illumination states is 6.82 dB, 9.93 dB, 17.13 dB, respectively. Meanwhile, this antenna can continue to work stably at 3.2–3.8 GHz and 5.1–6.5 GHz regardless of illumination, with the maximum gain of 7.51 dB. Both simulation and experimental results substantiate the feasibility of the proposed design. This antenna design can transmit and shield the signal of specific frequency with optical control, and has good working characteristics at both high and low frequencies. In the future, it has promising application potential of communication and radar integration.
Partisan asymmetries in exposure to misinformation
Authors: Rao Ashwin , Morstatter Fred , Lerman Kristina
Published: September 2022

Online misinformation is believed to have contributed to vaccine hesitancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting concerns about social media’s destabilizing role in public life. Previous research identified a link between political conservatism and sharing misinformation; however, it is not clear how partisanship affects how much misinformation people see online. As a result, we do not know whether partisanship drives exposure to misinformation or people selectively share misinformation despite being exposed to factual content. To address this question, we study Twitter discussions about the Covid-19 pandemic, classifying users along the political and factual spectrum based on the information sources they share. In addition, we quantify exposure through retweet interactions. We uncover partisan asymmetries in the exposure to misinformation: conservatives are more likely to see and share misinformation, and while users’ connections expose them to ideologically congruent content, the interactions between political and factual dimensions create conditions for the highly polarized users—hardline conservatives and liberals—to amplify misinformation. Overall, however, misinformation receives less attention than factual content and political moderates, the bulk of users in our sample, help filter out misinformation. Identifying the extent of polarization and how political ideology exacerbates misinformation can help public health experts and policy makers improve their messaging.
Computerized handwriting evaluation and statistical reports for children in the age of primary school
Authors: Chang Shao-Hsia , Yu Nan-Ying
Published: September 2022

This study proposed a novel computational method for evaluating logographic handwriting. It can precisely evaluate both the handwriting product and the process. The measures included handwriting performance as well as the temporospatial, kinematics, and kinetics features. For examining the psychometrics of this comprehensive evaluation system, typical development children aged 6 to 9 years old (grade 1 to grade 3) (n = 641) were involved in the study of factor analysis. From twelve measuring variables, the exploratory factor analysis extracted five factors (handwriting performance, motor control, speed and automation, halt and exertion, and “in air” events). The test reliability was confirmed by further recruitment of typically developing children (n = 242). The internal consistency mostly demonstrated good to excellent results for every measure. This study further recruited children with handwriting difficulties (n = 33) for testing the discriminative validity of the evaluation system. A series of two-way ANOVA tests was conducted to test the significance of the main effects of the groups (typical development and handwriting deficit) and grades (1, 2, and 3) and their interaction effects on the handwriting measures. All the measures showed significant differences between the two groups, indicating the discriminative validity for identifying handwriting deficits. Seven of twelve measures showed significant interaction effects, indicating the different trends across the grades between the two groups. Typically-developing children demonstrated ongoing progress from grade 1 to grade 3, suggesting a developmental trend during their early school age. Implications for motor development and clinical evaluation are discussed herein in relation to the five dimensions.
An affordable and easy-to-use tool for automatic fish length and weight estimation in mariculture
Authors: Tonachella Nicolò , Martini Arianna , Martinoli Marco , Pulcini Domitilla , Romano Andrea , Capoccioni Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

Common aquaculture practices involve measuring fish biometrics at different growth stages, which is crucial for feeding regime management and for improving farmed fish welfare. Fish measurements are usually carried out manually on individual fish. However, this process is laborious, time-consuming, and stressful to the fish. Therefore, the development of fast, precise, low cost and indirect measurement would be of great interest to the aquaculture sector. In this study, we explore a promising way to take fish measurements in a non-invasive approach through computer vision. Images captured by a stereoscopic camera are used by Artificial Intelligence algorithms in conjunction with computer vision to automatically obtain an accurate estimation of the characteristics of fish, such as body length and weight. We describe the development of a computer vision system for automated recognition of body traits through image processing and linear models for the measurement of fish length and prediction of body weight. The measurements are obtained through a relatively low-cost prototype consisting of a smart buoy equipped with stereo cameras, tested in a commercial mariculture cage in the Mediterranean Sea. Our findings suggest that this method can successfully estimate fish biometric parameters, with a mean error of ± 1.15 cm.
Asymmetric chromatin retention and nuclear envelopes separate chromosomes in fused cells in vivo
Authors: Sunchu Bharath , Lee Nicole MynYi , Taylor Jennifer A. , Segura Roberto Carlos , Roubinet Chantal , Cabernard Clemens
Published: September 2022

Hybrid cells derived through fertilization or somatic cell fusion recognize and separate chromosomes of different origins. The underlying mechanisms are unknown but could prevent aneuploidy and tumor formation. Here, we acutely induce fusion between Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts; NBs) and differentiating ganglion mother cells (GMCs) in vivo to define how epigenetically distinct chromatin is recognized and segregated. We find that NB-GMC hybrid cells align both endogenous (neuroblast-origin) and ectopic (GMC-origin) chromosomes at the metaphase plate through centrosome derived dual-spindles. Physical separation of endogenous and ectopic chromatin is achieved through asymmetric, microtubule-dependent chromatin retention in interphase and physical boundaries imposed by nuclear envelopes. The chromatin separation mechanisms described here could apply to the first zygotic division in insects, arthropods, and vertebrates or potentially inform biased chromatid segregation in stem cells.
Trade scenarios compensating for halted wheat and maize exports from Russia and Ukraine increase carbon emissions without easing food insecurity
Authors: Carriquiry Miguel , Dumortier Jerome , Elobeid Amani
Published: September 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilized global agricultural markets, triggering food price increases. We present scenarios of reduced exports and production affecting both countries that increase maize and wheat prices by up to 4.6% and 7.2%, respectively. Production expansion in other regions can partially compensate for export declines but may increase carbon emissions and will exacerbate ongoing global food security challenges.
Southwestern United States drought of the 21st century presages drier conditions into the future
Authors: Wahl Eugene R. , Zorita Eduardo , Diaz Henry F. , Hoell Andrew
Published: September 2022

Intense drought has occurred in the United States Southwest this century, causing unprecedented stress to water resources. Here we use paleoclimate and instrumental records to establish that the recent temperature rise is incompatible with random draws from past fluctuations, including the current period of warming. Consistent with and extending previous reconstructions, we find that the ongoing drought is the most intense at the 21-year scale back to 600 CE. Evaluation using standardized regression coefficients shows that recent warming damps the effect of moisture delivery on the Standardized Precipitation-Evaporation Index by approximately one-third. The probability of full recovery of the current moisture deficit is unlikely even by mid-century and about five percent in 10-15 years. Evaluation of future climate simulations indicates increasing regional temperature stress and soil moisture depletion, and coupled with long recovery periods for moisture delivery, very low chance for regional mega-reservoirs to regain full-capacity levels assuming current demand.
Disruption and recovery of river planktonic community during and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China
Authors: Chen Junwen , Qi Weixiao , Wang Donglin , Wang Qiaojuan , Lin Hui , Mao Guannan , Liang Jinsong , Ning Xue , Bai Yaohui , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, large amounts of anti-coronavirus chemicals, such as antiviral drugs and disinfectants were discharged into the surrounding aquatic ecosystem, causing potential ecological damage. Here, we investigated plankton in the Wuhan reaches of the Yangtze River, before, during, and after COVID-19, with the river reaches of three adjacent cities sampled for comparison. During the COVID-19, planktonic microbial density declined significantly. Correspondingly, the eukaryotic and prokaryotic community compositions and functions shifted markedly, with increasing abundance of chlorine-resistant organisms. Abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and bacteria containing both genes increased by 2.3-, 2.7-, and 7.9-fold, respectively, compared to other periods. After COVID-19, all measured plankton community compositional and functional traits recovered in the Yangtze River.
Helicenic N-heterocyclic carbene copper(i) complex displaying circularly polarized blue fluorescence
Authors: Gauthier Etienne S. , Kaczmarczyk Dominika , Del Fré Samuel , Favereau Ludovic , Caytan Elsa , Cordier Marie , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Williams J. A. Gareth , Srebro-Hooper Monika , Crassous Jeanne
Published: September 2022

We present the first CPL-active helicenic copper(i) chloride complexes bearing a monodentate N-(carbo[6]helicenyl)–NHC ligand, together with experimental and theoretical analyses of their stereochemical, photophysical and chiroptical features.
Self-assembly of a new class of rhenium(i)-based double stranded dinuclear monohelicates with their photophysical and electrochemical studies
Authors: Phukon Upasana , Shankar Bhaskaran , Sathiyendiran Malaichamy
Published: September 2022

A new class of rhenium(i)-based double stranded dinuclear monohelicates was self-assembled. Although these helicates contain two organic ligand strands, only one strand is arranged in a helical fashion, which is an unprecedented form in the helicate architecture.
Optical 4D oxygen mapping of microperfused tissue models with tunable in vivo-like 3D oxygen microenvironments
Authors: Wesseler Milan Finn , Johansen Mathias Nørbæk , Kızıltay Aysel , Mortensen Kim I. , Larsen Niels B.
Published: September 2022

Time-resolved optical 3D mapping of the oxygen distribution in 3D cell culture supports establishment and maintenance of in vivo like oxygen conditions.
Intolerance of profligacy: an aptamer concentration gradient-tailored unicellular array for high-throughput biologics-mediated phenotyping
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhao Ya-Nan , Wei Xing , Men Xue , Wu Cheng-Xin , Bai Jun-Jie , Yang Ting , Chen Ming-Li , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2022

The integration of microfluidic single-cell array and quasi-non-Newtonian fluid concentration gradient generator ensures a substantial saving of precious Apt-probe and facilitates assessment of ITF-β/cisplatin-mediated single-cell/cluster phenotypes.
Effect of substrate nitridation and a buffer layer on the growth of a non-polar a-plane GaN epitaxial layer on an r-plane sapphire substrate by laser molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Tyagi Prashant , Pradhan Bipul Kumar , Mauraya Amit Kumar , Mahana Debashrita , Aggarwal Vishnu , Gupta Govind , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Muthusamy Senthil Kumar
Published: September 2022

High density aligned GaN nanorods are obtained on r-plane sapphire with substrate nitridation by Laser MBE. In contrast, a flat surface a-plane GaN epitaxial layer is achieved on r-plane sapphire without nitridation using GaN/AlN buffer by Laser MBE.
Nontargeted metabolomics reveals differences in the metabolite profiling among methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in response to antibiotics
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Qi Mingyang , Yuan Zichen , Wong Tin Yan , Song Xiaofeng , Lam Henry
Published: September 2022

The different metabolome responses of MSSA and MRSA to antibiotics provide us with new insights into how S. aureus develops antibiotic resistance.
Fragment-based design of α-cyanoacrylates and α-cyanoacrylamides targeting Dengue and Zika NS2B/NS3 proteases
Authors: Vilela Gabriel Gomes , Silva Wadja Feitosa dos Santos , Batista Vitoria de Melo , Silva Leandro Rocha , Maus Hannah , Hammerschmidt Stefan Josef , Costa Clara Andrezza Crisóstomo Bezerra , Moura Orlando Francisco da Silva , de Freitas Johnnatan Duarte , Coelho Grazielle Lobo , Brandão Júlia de Andrade , Anderson Leticia , Bassi Ênio José , Xavier de Araújo-Júnior João , Schirmeister Tanja , Silva-Júnior Edeildo Ferreira da
Published: September 2022

In this study, a virtual FBDD approach was used to develop new cyanoacrylamides with activity against DENV and ZIKV NS2B/NS3 proteases, in which the best candidate was able to reduce the virus RNA copies.
Visible-light-induced 1,2-diphenyldisulfane-catalyzed regioselective hydroboration of electron-deficient alkenes
Authors: Miao Yu-Qi , Pan Qiao-Jing , Liu Zhenxing , Chen Xuenian
Published: September 2022

A photoinduced PhSSPh-catalyzed regioselective borylation of electron-deficient alkenes has been developed for the synthesis of borylated carbonyl, nitrile, sulfone, phosphonate, trifluoromethyl, andgem-diboron compounds.
Emerging SERS biosensors for the analysis of cells and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Tavakkoli Yaraki Mohammad , Tukova Anastasiia , Wang Yuling
Published: September 2022

This article reviews the fundamentals of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and nanomaterials that have been used to design SERS biosensors for the analysis of surface biomarkers on cells and extracellular vesicles.
Microfluidic-driven ultrafast self-assembly of a dipeptide into stimuli-responsive 0D, 1D, and 2D nanostructures and as hydrolase mimic
Authors: Singh Ashmeet , Joo Jeong-Un , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: September 2022

Microfluidic-enabled ultrafast self-assembled dipeptide nanostructures as artificial hydrolases.
A broadband and polarization-independent metasurface perfect absorber for hot-electron photoconversion
Authors: Qian Qinyu , Sun Peiqing , Zhang Cheng , Liu Tingting , Chen Haitao , Li Fan , Cheng Liwen , Zhao Liang , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Chinhua
Published: September 2022

We report an ultra-broadband metasurface perfect absorber from the UV to NIR region based on TiN nanostructures.
Designing inorganically functionalized magic-size II–VI clusters and unraveling their surface states
Authors: Ge Junjun , Liang Jing , Chen Xufeng , Deng Yalei , Xiao Pengwei , Zhu Jun-Jie , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

All-inorganic MSCs were obtained through a mild surface modification strategy, which overcomes the difficulty of MSC surface design. The obtained MSCs exhibited high ECL performance. ECL measurements were further used to investigate the surface state of MSCs.
Palladium–peptide oxidative addition complexes for bioconjugation
Authors: Rojas Anthony J. , Wolfe Justin M. , Dhanjee Heemal H. , Buslov Ivan , Truex Nicholas L. , Liu Richard Y. , Massefski Walter , Pentelute Bradley L. , Buchwald Stephen L.
Published: September 2022

Peptides bearing palladium oxidative addition complexes can be synthesized from the parent aryl halide containing substrates and react with thiol functional groups of small molecules, peptides, and proteins at low micromolar concentrations.
Calculation of exchange couplings in the electronically excited state of molecular three-spin systems
Authors: Franz Michael , Neese Frank , Richert Sabine
Published: September 2022

We present a reliable methodology for the calculation of excited state exchange interactions in molecular three-spin systems. Such calculations will help to establish how to optimise inter-spin communication in photogenerated multi-spin systems.
Adhesion of fluid infused silicone elastomer to glass
Authors: Jha Anushka , Karnal Preetika , Frechette Joelle
Published: September 2022

Elastomers swollen with non-polar fluids show potential as anti-adhesive materials.
Suppressing H2O2 formation in the oxygen reduction reaction using Co-doped copper oxide electrodes
Authors: Biswal Sekhar Kumar , Ranjan Chinmoy
Published: September 2022

Co-doped CuOx (Cu[Co]Ox/Au) electrodes create a preference for four-electron oxygen reduction pathways due to the presence of under-coordinated Co sites within a CuOx bonding framework.
Construction of Janus-structured ZnO@ZIF-8(-NH2)/cellulose nanofiber foam for highly efficient adsorption and photocatalysis-assisted desorption of tetracycline
Authors: Ji Tianjian , Zhang Hanzhuo , Shah Syed Jalil , Wang Yucheng , Gong Wenxue , Wang Ruimeng , Pan Lie , Ji Hongbing , Chen Guoning , Zhao Zhongxing , Zhao Zhenxia
Published: September 2022

MOF-based foam has potential applications in removing antibiotics from water.
A functional electrolyte additive enabling robust interphases in high-voltage Li‖LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 batteries at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zheng Wei-Chen , Shi Chen-Guang , Dai Peng , Huang Zheng , Lin Jin-Xia , Chen Hui , Sun Miao-Lan , Shen Chong-Heng , Luo Chen-Xu , Wang Qiong , Feng Xin , Wei Yi-Min , Huang Ling , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: September 2022

Stability issues affect the commercialization of high-voltage lithium metal batteries. Modulating the electrodes' interphases through simple additive engineering improves the electrochemical performance of high-voltage Li metal‖Ni-rich batteries at elevated temperatures.
Biocompatible thermoresponsive N-isopropyl-N-(3-(isopropylamino)-3-oxopropyl)acrylamide-based random copolymer: synthesis and studies of its composition dependent properties and anticancer drug delivery efficiency
Authors: Mondal Sourov , Kumari Archana , Mitra Kheyanath , Verma Abhineet , Saha Satyen , Maiti Biswajit , Singh Ranjeet , Manna Partha Pratim , Maiti Pralay , Watanabe Hironobu , Kamigaito Masami , Ray Biswajit
Published: September 2022

Novel poly(M3i-ar-PEGA) has shown composition dependent LCST, Tg and Dh properties as well as usefulness as an excellent nanocarrier for drug delivery.
Partial decarboxylation of hafnium oxide clusters for high resolution lithographic applications
Authors: Liao Pin-Chia , Chen Po-Hsiung , Tseng Yu-Fang , Shih Ting-An , Lin Ting-An , Gau Tsi-Sheng , Lin Burn-Jeng , Chiu Po-Wen , Liu Jui-Hsiung
Published: September 2022

Treatment of hafnium clusters Hf6O4(OH)4(RCO2)12with LiOH in DCM/H2O afforded Hf6O4(OH)6(RCO2)10, using which high resolution EUV lithographic patterns can be achieved.
Multiple-stimuli-responsive multicolor luminescent self-healing hydrogel and application in information encryption and bioinspired camouflage
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Man , Han Shilei , Zhu Liangliang , Jia Xiaoyong
Published: September 2022

A multiple-stimuli-induced multicolor luminescent self-healing hydrogel was developed that can switch its luminescence to green, yellow, and red under stimulation with UV, H+, and Eu3+, respectively.
Synergistically enhanced wide spectrum photodetection of a heterogeneous trilayer CsPbI3/PbS/ZnO architecture
Authors: Zhao Xinhong , Fang Yongchu , Dong Jixiang , Song Xiaoxian , Yu Huaqing , Wang Peng , Yan Zaoxue
Published: September 2022

A heterogeneous trilayer CsPbI3/PbS/ZnO architecture was constructed to promote the efficient space separation of carriers for flexible wide spectrum photodetection.
An optimal climate-adaptable hydrogel-filled smart window for the energy-saving built environment
Authors: Roy Anurag , Mallick Tapas K. , Tahir Asif Ali
Published: September 2022

It is highly desirable to secure the net-zero targets by employing sustainable building materials that can store and release their energy depending on the weather.
Stem/progenitor cells in liver injury repair and regeneration
Authors: Zhao Qinjun , Ren Hongying , Zhu Delin , Han Zhongchao
Published: September 2022

Morbidity and mortality from cirrhosis is increasing rapidly in the world. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation is the only definitive therapeutic option. However, its clinical use is limited, because of poor long‐term graft survival, donor organ shortage and high costs associated with the procedure. Stem cell replacement strategies are therefore being investigated as an attractive alternative approach to liver repair and regeneration. In this review we discuss recent preclinical and clinical investigations that explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells in repair of liver injuries. Several types of stem cells. including embryonic stem cells, haematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, can be induced to differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells by defined culture conditions in vitro. Stem cell transplantation has been shown to significantly improve liver function and increase animal survival in experimentally‐induced liver‐injury models. Moreover, several pilot clinical studies have reported encouraging therapeutic effects in patients treated with stem cells. Although there remain many unresolved issues, the available data support the notion that stem cell technology may lead to the development of effective clinical modalities for human liver diseases.
Genetic factors and epigenetic factors for autism: Endoplasmic reticulum stress and impaired synaptic function
Authors: Momoi Takashi , Fujita Eriko , Senoo Haruki , Momoi Mariko
Published: September 2022

The molecular pathogenesis of ASD (autism spectrum disorder), one of the heritable neurodevelopmental disorders, is not well understood, although over 15 autistic‐susceptible gene loci have been extensively studied. A major issue is whether the proteins that these candidate genes encode are involved in general function and signal transduction. Several mutations in genes encoding synaptic adhesion molecules such as neuroligin, neurexin, CNTNAP (contactin‐associated protein) and CADM1 (cell‐adhesion molecule 1) found in ASD suggest that impaired synaptic function is the underlying pathogenesis. However, knockout mouse models of these mutations do not show all of the autism‐related symptoms, suggesting that gain‐of‐function in addition to loss‐of‐function arising from these mutations may be associated with ASD pathogenesis. Another finding is that family members with a given mutation frequently do not manifest autistic symptoms, which possibly may be because of gender effects, dominance theory and environmental factors, including hormones and stress. Thus epigenetic factors complicate our understanding of the relationship between these mutated genes and ASD pathogenesis. We focus in the present review on findings that ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress arising from these mutations causes a trafficking disorder of synaptic receptors, such as GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) B‐receptors, and leads to their impaired synaptic function and signal transduction. In the present review we propose a hypothesis that ASD pathogenesis is linked not only to loss‐of‐function but also to gain‐of‐function, with an ER stress response to unfolded proteins under the influence of epigenetic factors.