bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reluctant Opposition: Soviet Liberals within the Moscow Tribune
Authors: Sauvé Guillaume
Published: February 2023

The Moscow Tribune was the most prestigious and influential political discussion club in recent Russian history. In the last years of the Soviet Union, the club regularly gathered Moscow's who's who of the Soviet liberal intelligentsia and played a prominent role in the rise of movements that challenged Gorbachev's leadership over reforms. This article tells the forgotten story of the Moscow Tribune to historicize the notion of opposition in the context of perestroika, drawing on comparative studies of dissent in late communist regimes. A close analysis of the debates taking place at the club between 1988 and 1991 shows that Soviet liberals’ dramatic shift towards opposition was reluctant, reactive, and constantly disputed, thus revealing a lasting yet implicit dilemma regarding the need for opposition in democracy.
Migration and Hybrid Political Regimes: Navigating the Legal Landscape in Russia
Authors: Gulina Olga R.
Published: February 2023

In recent years, migration, foreign, and domestic policies to regulate movement and international relations have become embedded fields of study. Myron Weiner examined state-to-state relations depending on actions or inactions vis-a-vis international migration and concluded that the internationalization of migration highlighted “new and conflicting interests into considerations of policies affecting migration in both sending and receiving countries.” Stephen Castles, Mark J. Miller, and Ammendola Giuseppe wrote about “globalization of migration,” which is “the tendency” of getting the countries’ foreign and national politics “crucially affected by migratory movements.” Some scholars tried to theorize the relationship between migration, foreign, and domestic policies. Kelly Greenhill investigated widely deployed but largely unrecognized instruments of state influence on “cross-border population movements that are deliberately created or manipulated in order to induce political, military and/or economic concessions from a target state or states.” Andrew Geddes determined that migration is shaped not only by states’ foreign policy interests but also by changes in states’ domestic politics.
The Role of the Quasi 5‐Day Wave on the Onset of Polar Mesospheric Cloud Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Thurairajah Brentha , Bailey Scott M. , Harvey V. Lynn , Randall Cora E. , France Jeff A.
Published: February 2023

The quasi 5‐day wave (Q5DW) with zonal wavenumber 1 is a dominant planetary wave (PW) oscillation in the polar summer mesospheric temperature and polar mesospheric cloud (PMC) fields. In this paper, the Q5DW signal derived from 16 years (2007–2022) of Microwave Limb Sounder temperature observations is used to investigate the role of this PW mode on the onset of PMC seasons in the northern hemisphere (NH). PMC data from the Cloud Imaging and Particle Size (CIPS) instrument during this time indicates that NH PMC season onsets ranged from 15 to 28 May, with earliest onsets in 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Except 2013 and 2022, the other four earlier onsets were also characterized by enhanced Q5DW activity. The wave amplification appears to be driven by baroclinic instability arising from the negative meridional gradient of potential vorticity in the high‐latitude summer mesosphere. CIPS data show that when the Q5DW was present at the beginning of the season, clouds formed preferentially in the cold troughs of the wave. We thus propose that the much colder troughs due to enhanced Q5DW activity in mid‐May of 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021 influenced the timing of PMC onset in these years. While the 11‐year solar cycle, inter‐ and intra‐hemispheric coupling due to gravity wave and PW activity have been shown to contribute to earlier onset of PMC seasons in the NH, our analysis suggests that enhanced Q5DW activity also plays a major role.
Efficient Optimization of Energy Recovery From Geothermal Reservoirs With Recurrent Neural Network Predictive Models
Authors: Qin Zhen , Jiang Anyue , Faulder Dave , Cladouhos Trenton T. , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: February 2023

Improving the long‐term energy production performance of geothermal reservoirs can be accomplished by optimizing field development and management plans. Reliable prediction models, however, are needed to evaluate and optimize the performance of the underlying reservoirs under various operation and development strategies. In traditional frameworks, physics‐based simulation models are used to predict the energy production performance of geothermal reservoirs. However, detailed simulation models are not trivial to construct, require a reliable description of the reservoir conditions and properties, and entail high computational complexity. Data‐driven predictive models can offer an efficient alternative for use in optimization workflows. This paper presents an optimization framework for net power generation in geothermal reservoirs using a variant of the recurrent neural network (RNN) as a data‐driven predictive model. The RNN architecture is developed and trained to replace the simulation model for computationally efficient prediction of the objective function and its gradients with respect to the well control variables. The net power generation performance of the field is optimized by automatically adjusting the mass flow rate of production and injection wells over 12 years, using a gradient‐based local search algorithm. Two field‐scale examples are presented to investigate the performance of the developed data‐driven prediction and optimization framework. The prediction and optimization results from the RNN model are evaluated through comparison with the results obtained by using a numerical simulation model of a real geothermal reservoir.
Formyl peptide receptor 2 is an emerging modulator of inflammation in the liver
Authors: Lee Chanbin , Han Jinsol , Jung Youngmi
Published: February 2023

Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), which are seven-membrane G-protein coupled receptors, recognize chemotactic signals to protect hosts from pathogenic infections and mediate inflammatory responses in the body. There are three isoforms of FPRs in humans—FPR1, FPR2, and FPR3—and they bind to N-formyl peptides, except FPR3, and to various endogenous agonists. Among FPR family members, FPR2 has a lower affinity for N-formyl peptides than FPR1 and binds with a wide range of endogenous or exogenous agonists. Thus, FPR2 is considered the most ambiguous member. Accumulating evidence has shown that FPR2 is involved in the host’s defense against bacterial infection and inflammation in liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer, suggesting the pathophysiological relevance of FPR2 to the liver. However, FPR2 has been shown to promote or suppress inflammation, depending on the type of FPR2-expressing cell and FPR2-bound ligands in the liver. Therefore, it is important to understand FPR2’s function per se and to elucidate the mechanism underlying immunomodulation initiated by ligand-activated FPR2 before suggesting FPR2 as a novel therapeutic agent for liver diseases. In this review, up-to-date knowledge of FPR2, with general information on the FPR family, is provided. We shed light on the dual action of FPR2 in the liver and discuss the hepatoprotective roles of FPR2 itself and FPR2 agonists in mediating anti-inflammatory responses.
Novel optical soliton molecules formed in a fiber laser with near-zero net cavity dispersion
Authors: Hu Xiao , Guo Jun , Wang Jun , Ma Jie , Zhao Luming , Yoo Seongwoo , Tang Dingyuan
Published: February 2023

Soliton molecules (SMs) are stable bound states between solitons. SMs in fiber lasers are intensively investigated and embody analogies with matter molecules. Recent experimental studies on SMs formed by bright solitons, including soliton-pair, soliton-triplet or even soliton-quartet molecules, are intensive. However, study on soliton-binding states between bright and dark solitons is limited. In this work, the formation of such novel SMs in a fiber laser with near-zero group velocity dispersion (ZGVD) is reported. Physically, these SMs are formed because of the incoherent cross-phase modulation of light and constitute a new form of SMs that are conceptually analog to the multi-atom molecules in chemistry. Our research results could assist the understanding of the dynamics of large SM complexes. These findings may also motivate potential applications in large-capacity transmission and all-optical information storage.
Visualizing hypoxic modulation of beta cell secretions via a sensor augmented oxygen gradient
Authors: Duan Kai , Zhou Mengyang , Wang Yong , Oberholzer Jose , Lo Joe F.
Published: February 2023

One distinct advantage of microfluidic-based cell assays is their scalability for multiple concentrations or gradients. Microfluidic scaling can be extremely powerful when combining multiple parameters and modalities. Moreover, in situ stimulation and detection eliminates variability between individual bioassays. However, conventional microfluidics must combat diffusion, which limits the spatial distance and time for molecules traveling through microchannels. Here, we leveraged a multilayered microfluidic approach to integrate a novel oxygen gradient (0–20%) with an enhanced hydrogel sensor to study pancreatic beta cells. This enabled our microfluidics to achieve spatiotemporal detection that is difficult to achieve with traditional microfluidics. Using this device, we demonstrated the in situ detection of calcium, insulin, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in response to glucose and oxygen stimulation. Specifically, insulin was quantified at levels as low as 25 pg/mL using our imaging technique. Furthermore, by analyzing the spatial detection data dynamically over time, we uncovered a new relationship between oxygen and beta cell oscillations. We observed an optimum oxygen level between 10 and 12%, which is neither hypoxic nor normoxic in the conventional cell culture sense. These results provide evidence to support the current islet oscillator model. In future applications, this spatial microfluidic technique can be adapted for discrete protein detection in a robust platform to study numerous oxygen-dependent tissue dysfunctions.
p53 promotes peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation to repress purine biosynthesis and mediate tumor suppression
Authors: Zhao Jianhong , Zhou Xiaojun , Chen Baoxiang , Lu Mingzhu , Wang Genxin , Elumalai Nagarajan , Tian Chenhui , Zhang Jinmiao , Liu Yanliang , Chen Zhiqiang , Zhou Xinyi , Wu Mingzhi , Li Mengjiao , Prochownik Edward V. , Tavassoli Ali , Jiang Congqing , Li Youjun
Published: February 2023

The metabolic pathways through which p53 functions as a potent tumor suppressor are incompletely understood. Here we report that, by associating with the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), p53 induces numerous genes encoding enzymes for peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). This leads to increased cytosolic acetyl-CoA levels and acetylation of the enzyme 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide Formyltransferase/IMP Cyclohydrolase (ATIC), which catalyzes the last two steps in the purine biosynthetic pathway. This acetylation step, mediated by lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B), occurs at ATIC Lys 266, dramatically inhibits ATIC activity, and inversely correlates with colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, and acetylation of ATIC is downregulated in human CRC samples. p53-deficient CRCs with high levels of ATIC is more susceptible to ATIC inhibition. Collectively, these findings link p53 to peroxisomal FAO, purine biosynthesis, and CRC pathogenesis in a manner that is regulated by the levels of ATIC acetylation.
Nickel-catalyzed divergent Mizoroki–Heck reaction of 1,3-dienes
Authors: Zhang Wei-Song , Ji Ding-Wei , Li Ying , Zhang Xiang-Xin , Mei Yong-Kang , Chen Bing-Zhi , Chen Qing-An
Published: February 2023

Developing efficient strategies to realize divergent arylation of dienes has been a long-standing synthetic challenge. Herein, a nickel catalyzed divergent Mizoroki–Heck reaction of 1,3-dienes has been demonstrated through the regulation of ligands and additives. In the presence of Mn/NEt3, the Mizoroki–Heck reaction of dienes delivers linear products under Ni(dppe)Cl2catalysis in high regio- and stereoselectivities. With the help of catalytic amount of organoboron and NaF, the use of bulky ligand IPr diverts the selectivity from linear products to branched products. Highly aryl-substituted compounds can be transformed from dispersive Mizoroki–Heck products programmatically. Preliminary experimental studies are carried out to elucidate the role of additives.
DNA-Aeon provides flexible arithmetic coding for constraint adherence and error correction in DNA storage
Authors: Welzel Marius , Schwarz Peter Michael , Löchel Hannah F. , Kabdullayeva Tolganay , Clemens Sandra , Becker Anke , Freisleben Bernd , Heider Dominik
Published: February 2023

The extensive information capacity of DNA, coupled with decreasing costs for DNA synthesis and sequencing, makes DNA an attractive alternative to traditional data storage. The processes of writing, storing, and reading DNA exhibit specific error profiles and constraints DNA sequences have to adhere to. We present DNA-Aeon, a concatenated coding scheme for DNA data storage. It supports the generation of variable-sized encoded sequences with a user-defined Guanine-Cytosine (GC) content, homopolymer length limitation, and the avoidance of undesired motifs. It further enables users to provide custom codebooks adhering to further constraints. DNA-Aeon can correct substitution errors, insertions, deletions, and the loss of whole DNA strands. Comparisons with other codes show better error-correction capabilities of DNA-Aeon at similar redundancy levels with decreased DNA synthesis costs. In-vitro tests indicate high reliability of DNA-Aeon even in the case of skewed sequencing read distributions and high read-dropout.
Myristic acid as a checkpoint to regulate STING-dependent autophagy and interferon responses by promoting N-myristoylation
Authors: Jia Mutian , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Jie , Qin Danhui , Wang Mengge , Chai Li , Fu Yue , Zhao Chunyuan , Gao Chengjiang , Jia Jihui , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2023

Stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-triggered autophagy is crucial for the host to eliminate invading pathogens and serves as a self-limiting mechanism of STING-induced interferon (IFN) responses. Thus, the mechanisms that ensure the beneficial effects of STING activation are of particular importance. Herein, we show that myristic acid, a type of long-chain saturated fatty acid (SFA), specifically attenuates cGAS-STING-induced IFN responses in macrophages, while enhancing STING-dependent autophagy. Myristic acid inhibits HSV-1 infection-induced innate antiviral immune responses and promotes HSV-1 replication in mice in vivo. Mechanistically, myristic acid enhances N-myristoylation of ARF1, a master regulator that controls STING membrane trafficking. Consequently, myristic acid facilitates STING activation-triggered autophagy degradation of the STING complex. Thus, our work identifies myristic acid as a metabolic checkpoint that contributes to immune homeostasis by balancing STING-dependent autophagy and IFN responses. This suggests that myristic acid and N-myristoylation are promising targets for the treatment of diseases caused by aberrant STING activation.
Plasma FIB milling for the determination of structures in situ
Authors: Berger Casper , Dumoux Maud , Glen Thomas , Yee Neville B.-y. , Mitchels John M. , Patáková Zuzana , Darrow Michele C. , Naismith James H. , Grange Michael
Published: February 2023

Structural biology studies inside cells and tissues require methods to thin vitrified specimens to electron transparency. Until now, focused ion beams based on gallium have been used. However, ion implantation, changes to surface chemistry and an inability to access high currents limit gallium application. Here, we show that plasma-coupled ion sources can produce cryogenic lamellae of vitrified human cells in a robust and automated manner, with quality sufficient for pseudo-atomic structure determination. Lamellae were produced in a prototype microscope equipped for long cryogenic run times (> 1 week) and with multi-specimen support fully compatible with modern-day transmission electron microscopes. We demonstrate that plasma ion sources can be used for structural biology within cells, determining a structure in situ to 4.9 Å, and characterise the resolution dependence on particle distance from the lamella edge. We describe a workflow upon which different plasmas can be examined to further streamline lamella fabrication.
Datasets for learning of unknown characteristics of dynamical systems
Authors: Szczęsna Agnieszka , Augustyn Dariusz , Harężlak Katarzyna , Josiński Henryk , Świtoński Adam , Kasprowski Paweł
Published: February 2023

The ability to uncover characteristics based on empirical measurement is an important step in understanding the underlying system that gives rise to an observed time series. This is especially important for biological signals whose characteristic contributes to the underlying dynamics of the physiological processes. Therefore, by studying such signals, the physiological systems that generate them can be better understood. The datasets presented consist of 33,000 time series of 15 dynamical systems (five chaotic and ten non-chaotic) of the first, second, or third order. Here, the order of a dynamical system means its dimension. The non-chaotic systems were divided into the following classes: periodic, quasi-periodic, and non-periodic. The aim is to propose datasets for machine learning methods, in particular deep learning techniques, to analyze unknown dynamical system characteristics based on obtained time series. In technical validation, three classifications experiments were conducted using two types of neural networks with long short-term memory modules and convolutional layers.
The unique fibrilar to platy nano- and microstructure of twinned rotaliid foraminiferal shell calcite
Authors: Lastam J. , Griesshaber E. , Yin X. , Rupp U. , Sánchez-Almazo I. , Heß M. , Walther P. , Checa A. , Schmahl W. W.
Published: February 2023

Diversification of biocrystal arrangements, incorporation of biopolymers at many scale levels and hierarchical architectures are keys for biomaterial optimization. The planktonic rotaliid foraminiferPulleniatina obliquiloculatadisplays in its shell a new kind of mesocrystal architecture. Shell formation starts with crystallization of a rhizopodial network, the primary organic sheet (POS). On one side of the POS, crystals consist of blocky domains of 1 μm. On the other side of the POS crystals have dendritic-fractal morphologies, interdigitate and reach sizes of tens of micrometers. The dendritic-fractal crystals are twinned. At the site of nucleation, twinned crystals consist of minute fibrils. With distance away from the nucleation-site, fibrils evolve to bundles of crystallographically well co-oriented nanofibrils and to, twinned, platy-blade-shaped crystals that seam outer shell surfaces. The morphological nanofibril axis is the crystallographic c-axis, both are perpendicular to shell vault. The nanofibrillar calcite is polysynthetically twinned according to the 60°/[100] (= m/{001}) twin law. We demonstrate for the twinned, fractal-dendritic, crystals formation at high supersaturation and growth through crystal competition. We show also that c-axis-alignment is already induced by biopolymers of the POS and is not simply a consequence of growth competition. We discuss determinants that lead to rotaliid calcite formation.
Risk factors and prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture
Authors: Zhao Shengjie , Sun Tiansheng , Zhang Jianzheng , Chen Xiaobin , Wang Xiaowei
Published: February 2023

Hip fractures in nonagenarians is one of the great challenges for patients of this age, the family and the larger society. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors and prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture. 199 Eligible patients were enrolled. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) were used to identify the delirium. Logistic regressions were used to investigate the effect of 18 pre-existing conditions on postoperative delirium. Prognosis of postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture were also be evaluated. The results indicated the following: (1) the prevalence of postoperative delirium among nonagenarians with hip fracture was 28.1% (56 of 199); (2) coexisting disease ≥ 4 (OR = 5.355, 95% CI = 1.394–9.074, P = 0.007), longer admission to operating time (OR = 1.514, 95% CI = 1.247–1.837, P = 0.000), and general anesthesia (OR = 2.086, 95% CI = 1.804–7.968, P = 0.032) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium in nonagenarians with hip fracture; (3) nonagenarians with postoperative delirium had a predominantly high burden of perioperative complications, long length of stay, and postoperative mortality at 30 days follow-up and 1 year follow-up than the patients without postoperative delirium. The results could enable clinicians to improve outcome after operation in nonagenarians with hip fracture.
Prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of major congenital anomalies: A population-based register study
Authors: Al-Dewik Nader , Samara Muthanna , Younes Salma , Al-jurf Rana , Nasrallah Gheyath , Al-Obaidly Sawsan , Salama Husam , Olukade Tawa , Hammuda Sara , Marlow Neil , Ismail Mohamed , Abu Nada Taghreed , Qoronfleh M. Walid , Thomas Binny , Abdoh Ghassan , Abdulrouf Palli Valapila , Farrell Thomas , Al Qubaisi Mai , Al Rifai Hilal
Published: February 2023

Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in early life. We aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of major CAs in the State of Qatar. A population-based retrospective data analysis of registry data retrieved from the Perinatal Neonatal Outcomes Research Study in the Arabian Gulf (PEARL-Peristat Study) between April 2017 and March 2018. The sample included 25,204 newborn records, which were audited between April 2017 and March 2018, of which 25,073 live births were identified and included in the study. Maternal risk factors and neonatal outcomes were assessed for association with specific CAs, including chromosomal/genetic, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system (CVS), facial, renal, multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs) using univariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of any CA among live births was 1.3% (n = 332). The most common CAs were CVS (n = 117; 35%), MCAs (n = 69, 21%), chromosomal/genetic (51; 15%), renal (n = 39; 12%), CNS (n = 20; 6%), facial (14, 4%), and other (GIT, Resp, Urogenital, Skeletal) (n = 22, 7%) anomalies. Multivariable regression analysis showed that multiple pregnancies, parity ≥ 1, maternal BMI, and demographic factors (mother’s age and ethnicity, and infant’s gender) were associated with various specific CAs. In-hospital mortality rate due to CAs was estimated to be 15.4%. CAs were significantly associated with high rates of caesarean deliveries (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.04–2.19), Apgar < 7 at 1 min (aOR 5.44; 95% CI 3.10–9.55), Apgar < 7 at 5 min (aOR 17.26; 95% CI 6.31–47.18), in-hospital mortality (aOR 76.16; 37.96–152.8), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or perinatal death of neonate in labor room (LR)/operation theatre (OT) (aOR 34.03; 95% CI 20.51–56.46), prematurity (aOR 4.17; 95% CI 2.75–6.32), and low birth weight (aOR 5.88; 95% CI 3.92–8.82) before and after adjustment for the significant risk factors. This is the first study to assess the incidence, maternal risk factors, and neonatal outcomes associated with CAs in the state of Qatar. Therefore, a specialized congenital anomaly data registry is needed to identify risk factors and outcomes. In addition, counselling of mothers and their families may help to identify specific needs for pregnant women and their babies.
Epidemiological and genomic analysis of dengue cases in Guangzhou, China, from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Jiang Liyun , Liu Yuan , Su Wenzhe , Liu Wenhui , Dong Zhiqiang , Long Yuxiang , Luo Lei , Jing Qinlong , Cao Yimin , Wu Xinwei , Di Biao
Published: February 2023

With a long epidemic history and a large number of dengue cases, Guangzhou is a key city for controlling dengue in China. The demographic information regarding dengue cases, and the genomic characteristics of the envelope gene of dengue viruses, as well as the associations between these factors were investigated from 2010 to 2019, to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of dengue in Guangzhou. Demographic data on 44,385 dengue cases reported to the Notifiable Infectious Disease Report System were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v. 20. Dengue virus isolates from patient sera were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed using PhyML 3.1. There was no statistical difference in the risk of dengue infection between males and females. Unlike other areas in which dengue is endemic, the infection risk in Guangzhou increased with age. Surveillance identified four serotypes responsible for dengue infections in Guangzhou. Serotype 1 remained prevalent for most of the study period, whereas serotypes 3 and 4 were prevalent in 2012 and 2010, respectively. Different serotypes underwent genotype and sublineage shifts. The epidemiological characteristics and phylogeny of dengue in Guangzhou suggested that although it has circulated in Guangzhou for decades, it has not been endemic in Guangzhou. Meanwhile, shifts in genotypes, rather than in serotypes, might have caused dengue epidemics in Guangzhou.
Upwelling, climate change, and the shifting geography of coral reef development
Authors: Rodriguez-Ruano Victor , Toth Lauren T. , Enochs Ian C. , Randall Carly J. , Aronson Richard B.
Published: February 2023

The eastern tropical Pacific is oceanographically unfavorable for coral-reef development. Nevertheless, reefs have persisted there for the last 7000 years. Rates of vertical accretion during the Holocene have been similar in the strong-upwelling Gulf of Panamá (GoP) and the adjacent, weak-upwelling Gulf of Chiriquí (GoC); however, seasonal upwelling in the GoP exacerbated a climate-driven hiatus in reef development in the late Holocene. The situation is now reversed and seasonal upwelling in the GoP currently buffers thermal stress, creating a refuge for coral growth. We developed carbonate budget models to project the capacity of reefs in both gulfs to keep up with future sea-level rise. On average, the GoP had significantly higher net carbonate production rates than the GoC. With an estimated contemporary reef-accretion potential (RAP) of 5.5 mm year−1, reefs in the GoP are projected to be able to keep up with sea-level rise if CO2 emissions are reduced, but not under current emissions trajectories. With an estimated RAP of just 0.3 mm year−1, reefs in the GoC are likely already unable to keep up with contemporary sea-level rise in Panamá (1.4 mm year−1). Whereas the GoP has the potential to support functional reefs in the near-term, our study indicates that their long-term persistence will depend on reduction of greenhouse gases.
Optimal spatial evaluation of a pro rata vaccine distribution rule for COVID-19
Authors: Castonguay François M. , Blackwood Julie C. , Howerton Emily , Shea Katriona , Sims Charles , Sanchirico James N.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) is a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative that aims for an equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite potential heterogeneous infection levels across a country, countries receiving allotments of vaccines may follow WHO’s allocation guidelines and distribute vaccines based on a jurisdictions’ relative population size. Utilizing economic—epidemiological modeling, we benchmark the performance of this pro rata allocation rule by comparing it to an optimal one that minimizes the economic damages and expenditures over time, including a penalty representing the social costs of deviating from the pro rata strategy. The pro rata rule performs better when the duration of naturally- and vaccine-acquired immunity is short, when there is population mixing, when the supply of vaccine is high, and when there is minimal heterogeneity in demographics. Despite behavioral and epidemiological uncertainty diminishing the performance of the optimal allocation, it generally outperforms the pro rata vaccine distribution rule.
Integrative taxonomy reveals new, widely distributed tardigrade species of the genus Paramacrobiotus (Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae)
Authors: Kayastha Pushpalata , Stec Daniel , Sługocki Łukasz , Gawlak Magdalena , Mioduchowska Monika , Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: February 2023

In a moss sample collected in Ribeiro Frio, Madeira, Paramacrobiotus gadabouti sp. nov. was found and described using the integrative taxonomy approach. The new species is described based on morphological and morphometric data from both phase-contrast light microscopy (PCM), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, four DNA markers, three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI) markers, were used to elucidate the phylogenetic position of the new species within the family Macrobiotidae. The new species has a microplacoid that placed it within Parmacrobiotus richtersi group and exhibit richtersi-type eggs having processes terminated with cap-like structures. Paramacrobiotus gadabouti sp. nov. is most similar to Pam. alekseevi, Pam. filipi and Pam. garynahi, but differs from them mainly in details of egg morphology and morphometrics. Unlike other species from this group, which were confirmed as bisexual and showed limited distribution, Paramacrobiotus gadabouti sp. nov. is yet another parthenogenetic species with a wide distribution, demonstrating that at least some tardigrades confirm to the hypothesis of 'everything is everywhere'.
Dealing with disruptions in railway track inspection using risk-based machine learning
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Osman Mohd Haniff
Published: February 2023

Unplanned track inspections can be a direct consequence of any disruption to the operation of on-board track geometry monitoring activities. A novel response strategy to enhance the value of the information for supplementary track measurements is thus established to construct a data generation model. In this model, artificial (synthetic) data is assigned on each measurement point along the affected track segment over a short period of time. To effectively generate artificial track measurement data, this study proposes a NARX (nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous variables) model, which incorporates short-range memory dependencies in the dependent variable and integrates interdependent effects from external factors. Nonlinearities in the proposed model have been determined using an artificial neural network that allowed fast computation of a mapping function in line with the needs of effective disruption management. The risk of over fitting the data generation model, which reflected its generalisation ability, has been effectively managed through risk aversion concept. For the model evaluation, the deviation of track longitudinal level has been taken as a case study, predicted using its degradation rate and track alignment and gauge as exogenous variables. Simulation results on two datasets that are statistically different showed that the data generation model for disrupted track measurements is reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use. This novel model is an essential breakthrough in railway track integrity prediction and resilient operation management.
A single point mutation expands the applicability of ostreolysin A6 in biomedicine
Authors: Panevska Anastasija , Čegovnik Nastja , Fortuna Klavdija , Vukovič Alen , Grundner Maja , Modic Špela , Bajc Gregor , Skočaj Matej , Mravinec Bohte Martina , Popošek Lara Larisa , Žigon Primož , Razinger Jaka , Veranič Peter , Resnik Nataša , Sepčić Kristina
Published: February 2023

An aegerolysin protein ostreolysin A6 (OlyA6) binds to cholesterol-complexed sphingomyelin and can be used for specific labelling of lipid rafts. In addition, OlyA6 interacts with even higher affinity with ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), a sphingolipid that dominates in invertebrate cell membranes. In the presence of pleurotolysin B, a protein bearing the membrane-attack complex/perforin domain, OlyA6 forms pores in insect midgut cell membranes and acts as a potent bioinsecticide. It has been shown that a point mutation of glutamate 69 to alanine (E69A) allows OlyA6 to bind to cholesterol-free sphingomyelin. Using artificial lipid membranes and mammalian MDCK cells, we show that this mutation significantly enhances the interaction of OlyA6 with sphingomyelin and CPE, and allows recognition of these sphingolipids even in the absence of cholesterol. Our results suggest that OlyA6 mutant E69A could serve as complementary tool to detect and study cholesterol-associated and free sphingomyelin or CPE in membranes. However, the mutation does not improve the membrane-permeabilizing activity after addition of pleurotolysin B, which was confirmed in toxicity tests on insect and mammalian cell lines, and on Colorado potato beetle larvae.
Part orientation optimization for Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing process for convex and non-convex shapes
Authors: Alomari Yazan , Birosz Márton Tamás , Andó Mátyás
Published: February 2023

Building orientation optimization for Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is a crucial step because it has a vital effect on the accuracy and performance of the created part. Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing’s (WAAM) working space is less limited, and the production time is significantly shorter than the other metal 3D printers. However, one of the adverse effects of WAAM is the defect at the start and endpoints of the welding beads. In this paper, an algorithm has been invented to define the optimal printing position, reducing the number of these defects by rotating the 3D object in a loop around the X and Y axes by a small constant degree and then selecting the degree of rotation that has the fewest uninterrupted surfaces and the largest area of the first layer. The welding process will be interrupted as little as possible by the torch if there are the fewest possible uninterrupted surfaces. As a result, there will be fewer defects in the production and finishing of the welding beads. In order to have a sufficient connection surface with the build tray, which will aid in holding the workpiece in place, the largest first layer should also be sought. Therefore, it has been found that a properly defined orientation relative to the build tray can reduce the number of uninterrupted surfaces within the layers, which will improve the expected dimensional accuracy of the parts. The efficiency of the process is highly affected by the shape of the part, but in most cases, the print errors can be drastically minimized.
Flavescence dorée phytoplasma enters insect cells by a clathrin-mediated endocytosis allowing infection of its insect vector
Authors: Arricau-Bouvery Nathalie , Dubrana Marie-Pierre , Canuto Francesca , Duret Sybille , Brocard Lysiane , Claverol Stéphane , Malembic-Maher Sylvie , Foissac Xavier
Published: February 2023

To perform its propagative and circulative cycle into its insect vector, the flavescence dorée phytoplasma invades different cell types. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is used by a wide range of bacteria to infect eukaryote cells. Among the insect proteins interacting with the phytoplasma adhesin VmpA, we identified the adaptor protein complex AP-1 and AP-2 suggesting that phytoplasmas could enter the insect cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. By infection assays of insect cells in culture, we showed that phytoplasmas entry into Drosophila S2 cells was more efficient than infection of the Euva cell line developed from the insect vector Euscelidius variegatus. Chlorpromazine, cytochalasin D and knockdown of clathrin heavy chain (chc) gene expression using RNA interference inhibited entry of phytoplasmas into S2 cells. During invasion of S2 cells, phytoplasmas were observed very closed to recombinant GFP-labelled clathrin light chain. To verify the role of clathrin in the insect colonization by phytoplasmas, RNAi was performed via artificial feeding of chc dsRNA by the vector E. variegatus. This decreased the expression of chc gene in the midgut and heads of E. variegatus. The chc lower expression correlated to a decreased of midgut and salivary gland cells colonization after the insects had ingested phytoplasmas from infected plants. In conclusion, results indicate that clathrin is important for the FD phytoplasma to enter insect cells and colonize its insect vector.
Prediction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic hydration structure of protein by neural network optimized using experimental data
Authors: Sato Kochi , Oide Mao , Nakasako Masayoshi
Published: February 2023

The hydration structures of proteins, which are necessary for their folding, stability, and functions, were visualized using X-ray and neutron crystallography and transmission electron microscopy. However, complete visualization of hydration structures over the entire protein surface remains difficult. To compensate for this incompleteness, we developed a three-dimensional convolutional neural network to predict the probability distribution of hydration water molecules on the hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, and in the cavities of proteins. The neural network was optimized using the distribution patterns of protein atoms around the hydration water molecules identified in the high-resolution X-ray crystal structures. We examined the feasibility of the neural network using water sites in the protein crystal structures that were not included in the datasets. The predicted distribution covered most of the experimentally identified hydration sites, with local maxima appearing in their vicinity. This computational approach will help to highlight the relevance of hydration structures to the biological functions and dynamics of proteins.
Metal–organic framework-based oxygen carriers with antioxidant activity resulting from the incorporation of gold nanozymes
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Domingues Nency Patricio , Oveisi Emad , Coll-Satue Clara , Jansman Michelle Maria Theresia , Smit Berend , Hosta-Rigau Leticia
Published: February 2023

We present a novel oxygen therapeutic where hemoglobin is encapsulated within metal–organic framework nanocarriers. Antioxidant gold nanozymes are also being entrapped within the platform to minimize the conversion of Hb into nonfunctional metHb.
Zeolites catalyze the halogen exchange reaction of alkyl halides
Authors: Mingueza-Verdejo Paloma , Hernández-Garrido Juan Carlos , Vidal-Moya Alejandro , Oliver-Meseguer Judit , Leyva-Pérez Antonio
Published: February 2023

Simple zeolites (NaY, NaX,…) catalyze the halogen switch between two different alkyl halides under either batch or flow reaction conditions. Sodalite cages are proposed to trigger the transformation.
Dual visible and near-infrared luminescence in mononuclear macrocyclic erbium(iii) complexes via ligand and metal centred excitation
Authors: Gil Yolimar , de Santana Ricardo Costa , de Camargo Andréa Simone Stucchi , Merízio Leonnam Gotardo , Carreño Patricia Farías , Fuentealba Pablo , Manzur Jorge , Spodine Evgenia
Published: February 2023

The optical studies of three macrocyclic ErIII complexes showed visible upconversion and NIR-downshifted emission upon metal centred excitation. Besides, macrocyclic ligands with aliphatic spacers act as antennas to sensitize the ErIII luminescence.
Copper-free click bioconjugation of technetium-99m complexes using strained cyclononyne derivatives
Authors: Schlesinger Marlene , Jentschel Christian , Pietzsch Hans-Jürgen , Kopka Klaus , Mamat Constantin
Published: February 2023

A new, powerful and Cu-free click-labelling method based on the diazacyclononyne (DACN) structure was elaborated using the 99mTc-tricarbonyl core.
Long-term changes in precipitable water vapour over India derived from satellite and reanalysis data for the past four decades (1980–2020)
Authors: Sarkar S. , Kuttippurath J. , Patel V. K.
Published: February 2023

PWV values are highest along the East Coast and lowest in the Western Himalaya. An increase in PWV is observed during the monsoon season, about 0.03–0.15 mm per year.
Built-in superionic conductive phases enabling dendrite-free, long lifespan and high specific capacity composite lithium for stable solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Lu Guanjie , Li Menghong , Chen Peng , Zheng Weikang , Yang Zuguang , Wang Ronghua , Xu Chaohe
Published: February 2023

A composite lithium anode with built-in superionic conductive Li3N and LiNxOy phases can greatly promote the ionic diffusion capability of bulk lithium, simultaneously improve the wettability, and construct a robust ionic conductive interface.
Quantitative relationships between film morphology, charge carrier dynamics, and photovoltaic performance in bulk-heterojunction binary vs. ternary acceptor blends
Authors: Zhu Weigang , Li Guoping , Mukherjee Subhrangsu , Powers-Riggs Natalia E. , Jones Leighton O. , Gann Eliot , Kline R. Joseph , Herzing Andrew , Logsdon Jenna L. , Flagg Lucas , Stern Charlotte L. , Young Ryan M. , Kohlstedt Kevin L. , Schatz George C. , DeLongchamp Dean M. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Melkonyan Ferdinand S. , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: February 2023

TThe photovoltaic properties of binary and ternary blends of a polymer with molecular non-fullerene and fullerene acceptors are systematically investigated to provide morphology-charge dynamics–device performance design rules for future PSC development.
Gas sensors based on the oxide skin of liquid indium
Authors: Guo Xiangyang , Nguyen Chung Kim , Mazumder Aishani , Wang Yichao , Syed Nitu , Gaspera Enrico Della , Daeneke Torben , Walia Sumeet , Ippolito Samuel J. , Sabri Ylias , Li Yongxiang , Zavabeti Ali
Published: February 2023

Various non-stratified two-dimensional (2D) materials can be obtained from liquid metal surfaces that are not naturally accessible.
Halide perovskite photoelectric artificial synapses: materials, devices, and applications
Authors: Xue Zhengyang , Xu Yunchao , Jin Chenxing , Liang Yihuan , Cai Zihao , Sun Jia
Published: February 2023

This review presents the physical properties of halide perovskites, two types of halide perovskite-based synaptic devices including two-terminal memristors and three-terminal transistors and existing applications of halide perovskite-based synapses.
Control and regulation of skyrmionic topological charge in a novel synthetic antiferromagnetic nanostructure
Authors: Gong Bin , Wei Chenhuinan , Yang Han , Yu Ziyang , Wang Luowen , Xiong Lun , Xiong Rui , Lu Zhihong , Zhang Yue , Liu Qingbo
Published: February 2023

Phase diagrams of single skyrmionium moving in a nanostructure with (a) Jex = 0 J m−2 and (b) Jex = −5 × 10−6 J m−2, which provides the means for skyrmion–skyrmionium hybrid application and neuromorphic computing applications (c).
Strong gate-tunability of flat bands in bilayer graphene due to moiré encapsulation between hBN monolayers
Authors: Smeyers Robin , Milošević Milorad V. , Covaci Lucian
Published: February 2023

Using advanced tight-binding simulations we uncover a novel mechanism through which hBN encapsulation can induce ultra-flat bands (with bandwidth below 10 meV) in bilayer graphene without the need for interlayer twisting.
Bromo- and glycosyl-substituted BODIPYs for application in photodynamic therapy and imaging
Authors: Hohlfeld Benjamin F. , Steen Dorika , Wieland Gerhard D. , Achazi Katharina , Kulak Nora , Haag Rainer , Wiehe Arno
Published: February 2023

Structurally diverse BODIPYs were evaluated for their phototoxic activity against four cancer cell lines in a PDT optimization approach. In particular, glycosylated dibromo-BODIPYs showed a high phototoxic effect, as well as pronounced cellular uptake.
Transition-metal phosphors with emission peak maximum on and beyond the visible spectral boundaries
Authors: Ni Guowei , Yan Jie , Wu Yixin , Zhou Fan , Chou Pi-Tai , Chi Yun
Published: February 2023

Third-row transition-metal complexes displaying efficient true-blue (∼460–470 nm) and near infrared (∼700–1000 nm) emissions were strategically analyzed.
Photochromism-promoted highly efficient photocatalytic degradation in ferroelectric photochromics
Authors: Lu Lizhen , Zhang Zhen , Li Peng , Sun Haiqin , Zhang Qiwei , Hao Xihong
Published: February 2023

Ferroelectric materials with photochromic behavior exhibit highly efficient photo/piezo-catalytic behavior by finely controlling the photochromic processes.
Metal-free regioselective mono- and poly-halogenation of 2-substituted indazoles
Authors: Zhang Changjun , Wei Tingting , Yu Zhichen , Ding Yuxin , Su Weike , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: February 2023

An unprecedented metal-free regioselective halogenation of 2H-indazoles is reported, and not only realizes the highly selective synthesis of mono-halogenated products, but also complete poly-halogenations.
Copper-catalyzed Sonogashira reactions: advances and perspectives since 2014
Authors: Arundhathi Koduvarathodi Vadakkethil , Vaishnavi Palemkunnummal , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: February 2023

This review summarizes the recent advances and perspectives in copper catalyzed Sonogashira reaction covering both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.
Enhanced dielectric energy storage in multilayer filmsviavalley-type structural design
Authors: Hu Tian-Yi , Lu Yiqin , Zhang Yunbo , Ma Chunrui , Cheng Shao-Dong , Hu Guangliang , Liu Ming
Published: February 2023

Realizing ultrahigh breakdown strength and energy density by regulating electron transport and utilizing the ferroelectric property differences of parent materials to slim theP–Eloop of multilayer thin films.
Visible-light-driven bistable photoswitching with enhanced solid state NIR-fluorescence for multi-level optical storage
Authors: Hong Pan , Xie Nuo-Hua , Xiong Kai , Liu Jing , Zhu Ming-Qiang , Li Chong
Published: February 2023

A visible-light driven solid-state NIR fluorescent bistable molecular switch was constructed by coupling bulky tetraphenylethylene, photochromic diarylethene and NIR emissive terrylene diimide. Multi-level optical storage was demonstrated based on its film.
Novel disulfide bond bridged 7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin-undecanoic acid conjugate/human serum albumin nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Yanhao , Wang Ji , Liu Chao , Xing Hanlei , Jiang Yuhao , Li Xinsong
Published: February 2023

7-Ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin (SN38), a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin, exhibited extreme pharmacological activities in treating a range of cancers.
Two non-centrosymmetric mixed alkali metal and alkaline earth metal scandium borate nonlinear optical materials with short ultraviolet cutoff edges
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Lee Ming-Hsien , Guo Ruixin , Yao Jiyong
Published: February 2023

Two new scandium borate nonlinear optical crystal materials, Rb7SrSc2B15O30 and Rb7CaSc2B15O30, with typical B5O10 groups and short ultraviolet cutoff edges, were successfully obtained by spontaneous crystallization.
Construction of the quinobenzoxazine coreviagold-catalyzed dual annulation of azide-tethered alkynones with anthranils
Authors: Halnor Swapnil V. , Dhote Pawan S. , Ramana Chepuri V.
Published: February 2023

A catalytic convergent assembly of a 6–6 bis-heterocyclic ring in one-go from the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization ofo-azidoarylynones in the presence of an anthranil with sequential C–N and C–O bond formation has been developed.
Improved activity and stability of ZnIn2S4 for H2 production under visible light through cerium UiO-66
Authors: Hou Wenqing , Chen Chen , Chen Min , Xu Yiming
Published: February 2023

The heterojunction of Ce-U66/ZIS shows the increased activity and stability for the hydrogen production under visible light in the presence of Na2S/Na2SO3.