bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Personal Empathy: Perceiving Inclusive Empathy as Socially Shared Predicts Support for Transitional Justice Mechanisms
Authors: Penić Sandra , Dukes Daniel , Elcheroth Guy , Jayakody Sumedha , Sander David
Published: December 2021

In countries emerging from civil war, inclusive empathy is important for conflict resolution yet may be difficult to promote. Widening the predominant focus on personal inclusive empathy for conflict resolution, we examine whether support for transitional justice mechanisms (TJ) can be predicted by how much an individual perceives inclusive empathy as being shared in their local communities. Our results, based on a probability sample survey in post-war Sri Lanka (N = 580), reveal that the effects of this perceived communal inclusive empathy can be distinguished from those of personally experienced inclusive empathy, and that the more respondents perceive inclusive empathy as prevalent in their communities, the more they support TJ mechanisms. However, the results also indicate the contextual limits of perceived communal inclusive empathy as a resource for conflict resolution: participants tend to underestimate the prevalence of inclusive empathy, especially in militarized minority communities, and the more they underestimate it, the less they support TJ mechanisms. This study corroborates the importance of social influence in conflict resolution, suggesting that perception of inclusive empathy as shared in one’s community is a key determinant of popular support for conflict-transforming policies.
Predicting the sign of trophic effects: individual-based simulation versus loop analysis
Authors: Fábián Virág
Published: December 2021

Food web research needs to be predictive in order to support decisions system-based conservation. In order to increase predictability and applicability, complexity needs to be managed in such a way that we are able to provide simple and clear results. One question emerging frequently is whether certain perturbations (environmental effects or human impact) have positive or negative effects on natural ecosystems or their particular components. Yet, most of food web studies do not consider the sign of effects. Here, we study 6 versions of the Kelian River (Borneo) food web, representing six study sites along the river. For each network, we study the signs of the effects of a perturbed trophic group i on each other j groups. We compare the outcome of the relatively complicated dynamical simulation model and the relatively simple loop analysis model. We compare these results for the 6 sites and also the 14 trophic groups. Finally, we see if sign-agreement and sign-determinacy depend on certain structural features (node centrality, interaction strength). We found major differences between different modelling scenarios, with herbivore-detritivore fish behaving in the most consistent, while algae and particulate organic matter behaving in the least consistent way. We also found higher agreement between the signs of predictions for trophic groups at higher trophic levels in sites 1–3 and at lower trophic levels in site 4–6. This means that the behaviour of predators in the more natural sections of the river and that of producers at the more human-impacted sections are more consistently predicted. This suggests to be more careful with the less consistently predictable trophic groups in conservation management.
PRMT6 physically associates with nuclear factor Y to regulate photoperiodic flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Pingxian , Li Xiulan , Wang Yifan , Guo Weijun , Chachar Sadaruddin , Riaz Adeel , Geng Yuke , Gu Xiaofeng , Yang Liwen
Published: December 2021

The timing of floral transition is critical for reproductive success in flowering plants. In long-day (LD) plant Arabidopsis, the floral regulator gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a major component of the mobile florigen. FT expression is rhythmically activated by CONSTANS (CO), and specifically accumulated at dusk of LDs. However, the underlying mechanism of adequate regulation of FT transcription in response to day-length cues to warrant flowering time still remains to be investigated. Here, we identify a homolog of human protein arginine methyltransferases 6 (HsPRMT6) in Arabidopsis, and confirm AtPRMT6 physically interacts with three positive regulators of flowering Nuclear Factors YC3 (NF-YC3), NF-YC9, and NF-YB3. Further investigations find that AtPRMT6 and its encoding protein accumulate at dusk of LDs. PRMT6-mediated H3R2me2a modification enhances the promotion of NF-YCs on FT transcription in response to inductive LD signals. Moreover, AtPRMT6 and its homologues proteins AtPRMT4a and AtPRMT4b coordinately inhibit the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C, a suppressor of FT. Taken together, our study reveals the role of arginine methylation in photoperiodic pathway and how the PRMT6-mediating H3R2me2a system interacts with NF-CO module to dynamically control FT expression and facilitate flowering time.
The Estate Origins of Democracy in Russia
Authors: Lankina Tomila V.
Published: December 2021

A devastating challenge to the idea of communism as a 'great leveller', this extraordinarily original, rigorous, and ambitious book debunks Marxism-inspired accounts of its equalitarian consequences. It is the first study systematically to link the genesis of the 'bourgeoisie-cum-middle class' – Imperial, Soviet, and post-communist – to Tzarist estate institutions which distinguished between nobility, clergy, the urban merchants and meshchane, and peasants. It demonstrates how the pre-communist bourgeoisie, particularly the merchant and urban commercial strata but also the high human capital aristocracy and clergy, survived and adapted in Soviet Russia. Under both Tzarism and communism, the estate system engendered an educated, autonomous bourgeoisie and professional class, along with an oppositional public sphere, and persistent social cleavages that continue to plague democratic consensus. This book also shows how the middle class, conventionally bracketed under one generic umbrella, is often two-pronged in nature – one originating among the educated estates of feudal orders, and the other fabricated as part of state-induced modernization.
British Islam and English Law
Authors: Nash Patrick S.
Published: December 2021

British Islam and English Law presents a novel argument about the nature and place of groups in society. The encounter with Islam has led English law to tread a line between two theoretical models, liberal individualism and multiculturalism, competing for dominance over the law of organised religion. This philosophical rivalry has generated a set of seemingly intractable conflicts between individual and community, religion and state, nation and culture. This book resurrects the long-buried theory of classical pluralism to address and resolve these tensions. Applying this to five understudied institutions that give structure and form to British Islam – banks, charities, schools, elections, clans – it outlines and justifies the reforms that would optimise the relationship between law and religion. Unflinching and unorthodox, this book places law and theory in context, employs innovative methods such as nudge theory and applied history, and provides detailed answers to hard questions about British Islam.
A Concise History of Bolivia
Authors: Klein Herbert S.
Published: December 2021

Bolivia is an unusually high-altitude country created by imperial conquest and native adaptions – today, it remains one of the most multi-ethnic societies in the world with one of the largest Amerindian populations in the Americas. It has seen the most social and economic mobility of Indian and mestizo populations in any country in Latin America. This work, having also appeared in Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese in its earlier editions, has become the standard survey of the history of Bolivia. In this new edition, Klein explores the changes that occurred in the past two decades under the leadership of Evo Morales and his indigenous government, and how his party has emerged in the post-Evo years as one of the most important in Bolivia. The work also expands on the changes in both the traditional mining economy and the rise of a new commercial export agriculture.
Dynamics and length scales in vertical convection of liquid metals
Authors: Zwirner Lukas , Emran Mohammad S. , Schindler Felix , Singh Sanjay , Eckert Sven , Vogt Tobias , Shishkina Olga
Published: December 2021

Using complementary experiments and direct numerical simulations, we study turbulent thermal convection of a liquid metal (Prandtl number

$\textit {Pr}\approx 0.03$

) in a box-shaped container, where two opposite square sidewalls are heated/cooled. The global response characteristics like the Nusselt number

${\textit {Nu}}$

and the Reynolds number

$\textit {Re}$

collapse if the side height

$L$

is used as the length scale rather than the distance

$H$

between heated and cooled vertical plates. These results are obtained for various Rayleigh numbers

$5\times 10^3\leq {\textit {Ra}}_H\leq 10^8$

(based on

$H$

) and the aspect ratios

$L/H=1, 2, 3$

and

$5$

. Furthermore, we present a novel method to extract the wind-based Reynolds number, which works particularly well with the experimental Doppler-velocimetry measurements along vertical lines, regardless of their horizontal positions. The extraction method is based on the two-dimensional autocorrelation of the time–space data of the vertical velocity.
Navigation of micro-swimmers in steady flow: the importance of symmetries
Authors: Qiu Jingran , Mousavi Navid , Gustavsson Kristian , Xu Chunxiao , Mehlig Bernhard , Zhao Lihao
Published: December 2021

Marine micro-organisms must cope with complex flow patterns and even turbulence as they navigate the ocean. To survive they must avoid predation and find efficient energy sources. A major difficulty in analysing possible survival strategies is that the time series of environmental cues in nonlinear flow is complex and that it depends on the decisions taken by the organism. One way of determining and evaluating optimal strategies is reinforcement learning. In a proof-of-principle study, Colabreseet al.(Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 118, 2017, 158004) used this method to find out how a micro-swimmer in a vortex flow can navigate towards the surface as quickly as possible, given a fixed swimming speed. The swimmer measured its instantaneous swimming direction and the local flow vorticity in the laboratory frame, and reacted to these cues by swimming either left, right, up or down. However, usually a motile micro-organism measures the local flow rather than global information, and it can only react in relation to the local flow because, in general, it cannot access global information (such as up or down in the laboratory frame). Here we analyse optimal strategies with local signals and actions that do not refer to the laboratory frame. We demonstrate that symmetry breaking is required to find such strategies. Using reinforcement learning, we analyse the emerging strategies for different sets of environmental cues that micro-organisms are known to measure.
Wall shear stress from jetting cavitation bubbles: influence of the stand-off distance and liquid viscosity
Authors: Zeng Qingyun , An Hongjie , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: December 2021

We study systematically the cavitation-induced wall shear stress on rigid boundaries as a function of liquid viscosity

$\mu$

and stand-off distance

$\gamma$

using axisymmetric volume of fluid (VoF) simulations. Here,

$\gamma =d/R_{max}$

is defined with the initial distance of bubble centre from the wall

$d$

and the bubble equivalent radius at its maximum expansion

$R_{max}$

. The simulations predict accurately the overall bubble dynamics and the time-dependent liquid film thickness between the bubble and the wall prior to the collapse. The spatial and temporal wall shear stress is discussed in detail as a function of

$\gamma$

and the inverse Reynolds number

$1/Re$

. The amplitude of the wall shear stress is investigated over a large parameter space of viscosity and stand-off distance. The inward stress is caused by the shrinking bubble and its maximum value

$\tau _{mn}$

follows

$\tau _{mn} Re^{0.35}=-70\gamma +110$

(kPa) for

$0.5<\gamma <1.4$

. The expanding bubble and jet spreading on the boundary produce an outward-directed stress. The maximum outward stress is generated shortly after impact of the jet during the early spreading. We find two scaling laws for the maximum outward stress

$\tau _{mp}$

with

$\tau _{mp} \sim \mu ^{0.2} h_{jet}^{-0.3} U_{jet}^{1.5}$

for

$0.5\leq \gamma \leq 1.1$

and

$\tau _{mp} \sim \mu ^{-0.25} h_{jet}^{-1.5} U_{jet}^{1.5}$

for

$\gamma \geq 1.1$

, where

$U_{jet}$

is the jet impact velocity and

$h_{jet}$

is the distance between lower bubble interface and wall prior to impact.
Toxicities of the copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles onMarshallagia marshalli(Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae): evidence on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers, DNA damage and egg hatchability
Authors: Shafienejad Jalali T. , Malekifard F. , Esmaeilnejad B. , Asri Rezaie S.
Published: December 2021

This study investigated thein vitroanthelmintic activity of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) againstMarshallagia marshalli. Thein vitrostudy was based on an egg hatch assay, adult and larvae motility inhibition assays, DNA damage, intensity protein profile along with several oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), protein carbonylation (PCO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and nitric oxide (NO) content. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs (1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 ppm) were used to assess anthelmintic effects on three stages ofM.marshallilife cycle – that is, eggs, larvae and adult parasites for 24 h. The results indicated that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs played a significant role as anthelminthics, and the effect was dependent on time and concentration. The concentrations of 12 and 16 ppm of CuO-NPs and 16 ppm of ZnO-NPs resulted in the induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress (decreased SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and increased MDA, PCO and NO), increased DNA damage, inhibition of adult and larval motility, egg hatch and low intensity of protein bands following sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, compared to control. It was concluded that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could be utilized as novel and potential agents for the control and treatment ofM.marshalliinfection, and they have the pharmacological potential to be studiedin vivofor further utilization in treating parasitic infections.
Counter-populist performances of (in)security: Feminist resistance in the face of right-wing populism in Poland
Authors: Kurylo Bohdana
Published: December 2021

IR scholarship has recently seen a burgeoning interest in the right-wing populist politics of security, showing that it tends to align with the international ultraconservative mobilisation against ‘gender ideology’. In contrast, this article investigates how local feminist actors can resist right-wing populist constructions of (in)security by introducing counter-populist discourses and aesthetics of security. I analyse the case of Poland, which presents two competing populist performances of (in)security: the Independence March organised by right-wing groups on Poland's Independence Day and the Women's Strike protests against the near-total ban on abortion. The article draws on Judith Butler's theory of the performative politics of public assembly, which elucidates how the political subject of ‘the people’ can emerge as bodies come together to make security demands through both verbal and non-verbal acts. I argue that the feminist movement used the vehicle of populist performance to subvert the exclusionary constructions of (in)security by right-wing populists. In the process, it introduced a different conception of security in the struggle for a ‘livable life’. The study expands the understanding of the relationship between populism, security and feminism in IR by exploring how the populist politics of security is differently enacted by everyday agents in local contexts.
Analysis of Medical Interventions at the Start-Finish Medical Post of an International Running Event in Rural Thailand
Authors: Ussahgij Wanatchaporn , Kotruchin Praew , Osotthanakorn Pharanyoo , Apiratwarakul Korakot
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Increasing numbers of marathon running events are taking place around the world. The difficulty encountered in the management of mass gatherings, especially running in marathons, is how emergency services can deliver treatment in a timely manner. Therefore, for this kind of situation, preparation is the key to success in terms of patient management.

Study Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe the presentation of cases at a start-finish medical post in an international marathon race set in a rural area.

Methods:

All medical record forms were collected from the start-finish medical post of the Khon Kaen International Marathon (KKIM) 2020. The race took place on January 26, 2020. The data were coded by two authors, and in the case of different codes, the final codes were determined by discussion.

Results:

The total number of participants in this event was 16,489. Participants who used the start-finish medical post numbered 74 (44.8 people per 10,000). More than one-half of patients were male (41; 56.9%), while 31 (34.0%) were female. The age range of the casualties was from 17 to 88 years old. The rate of incidence for those who used this post was 44.8 per 10,000 participants. The greatest density of users was at 3.40 hours after the marathon had started. The common symptoms which were found consisted of 17 soft tissue injuries (23.0%), 15 instances of cramps (20.3%), and 11 musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries (14.9%). Almost all patients were discharged, and only two of the cases were actually admitted to the hospital. No statistical significance between males and females was found (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.51-1.3). However, marathon and half-marathon runners had a higher risk of being casualties (OR = 3.49; 95% CI, 1.71-7.15 and OR = 3.51; 95% CI, 1.79-6.88).

Conclusion:

The injuries of most of the patients who used the medical post at a start-finish point were mild. Distances which are longer than 20km increase the risk for getting injured. However, a prospective study and multi-session interpretation is recommended.
Integrated Cryo-Correlative Microscopy for Targeted Structural Investigation In Situ
Authors: Smeets Marit , Bieber Anna , Capitanio Cristina , Schioetz Oda , van der Heijden Thomas , Effting Andries , Piel Éric , Lazem Bassim , Erdmann Philipp , Plitzko Juergen
Published: December 2021

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the building blocks of life since it provides the unique opportunity to study molecules and membrane architectures in the context of cellular interaction. In particular, the combination of fluorescence imaging with focused ion beam (FIB) milling allows the targeting of specific structures in thick cellular samples by preparing thin lamellae that contain a specific fluorescence marker. This technique has conventionally been time-consuming, as it requires sample transfer to multiple microscopes and presents several technical challenges that currently limit its success. Here we describe METEOR, a FIB-integrated microscopy solution that streamlines the correlative cryo-ET workflow. It protects the sample from ice contamination by minimizing handling steps, thus increasing the likelihood of high-quality data. It also allows for monitoring of the milling procedure to ensure the molecule of interest is captured and can then be imaged by cryo-ET.
Remote Learning Facilitated by MyScope Explore
Authors: Holmes Natalie P. , Griffith Matthew J. , Barr Matthew G. , Nicolaidis Nicolas C. , Bhatia Vijay , Duncan Michael , McCarroll Ingrid , Whiting Jenny , Dastoor Paul C. , Cairney Julie M.
Published: December 2021

In response to the requirements imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we developed a remote learning undergraduate workshop for 44 students at the University of Newcastle by embedding scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of Maratus (Peacock) spiders into the MyScope Explore environment. The workshop session had two main components: 1) to use the online MyScope Explore tool to virtually image scales with structural color and pigmented color on Maratus spiders; 2) to join a live SEM session via Zoom to image an actual Maratus spider. In previous years, the undergraduate university students attending this annual workshop would enter the Microscopy Facility at the University of Newcastle to image specimens with SEM; however, in 2020 the Microscopy Facility was closed to student visitors, and this virtual activity was developed in order to proceed with the educational event. The program was highly successful and constitutes a platform that can be used in the future by universities for teaching microscopy remotely.
Out of the Blue and into the Black: Preparation, Mounting, and Image Rendering of Complex, Chorate Dinoflagellate Cysts for Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: McLachlan Sandy M.S. , Humphrey Elaine C.
Published: December 2021

We describe an experimental approach for achieving an optimal black background for scanning electron photomicrographs of small samples with elaborate and intricate structures. Specimens of the highly ornate, 66-million-year-old chorate dinoflagellate cyst species Cannosphaeropsis franciscana were selected as the subject of this study. Photomicrographs collected following standard aluminum stub surface placement were compared to those taken of specimens mounted using a novel pin-and-pedestal method. This simplistic mounting technique minimizes the need for post-production image editing and extraneous background removal.
De-protonation of Nickel Hydroxide by 200 kV Electron Irradiation
Authors: Carpenter Graham J.C. , Wronski Zbigniew S.
Published: December 2021

Previous studies of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) powders have shown that either heating or mechanical grinding can result in complete de-hydroxylation, leading to conversion to nickel oxide (NiO). In both cases, this process appears to occur in one stage, without evidence for any intermediate compounds being formed. During studies of Ni(OH)2 powders for applications in the positive electrodes of Ni metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we have observed significant changes caused by exposure to the highly energetic electron beam used for imaging and analysis. It is shown here, using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), that de-hydroxylation under electron irradiation occurs in two stages, with nickel oxy-hydroxide (NiOOH) being formed at the intermediate stage.
AN ALGEBRAIC APPROACH TO INQUISITIVE AND -LOGICS
Authors: BEZHANISHVILI NICK , GRILLETTI GIANLUCA , QUADRELLARO DAVIDE EMILIO
Published: December 2021

This article provides an algebraic study of the propositional system
$\mathtt {InqB}$
of inquisitive logic. We also investigate the wider class of
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-logics, which are negative variants of intermediate logics, and the corresponding algebraic structures,
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-varieties. We prove that the lattice of
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-logics is dually isomorphic to the lattice of
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-varieties. We characterise maximal and minimal intermediate logics with the same negative variant, and we prove a suitable version of Birkhoff’s classic variety theorems. We also introduce locally finite
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-varieties and show that these varieties are axiomatised by the analogues of Jankov formulas. Finally, we prove that the lattice of extensions of
$\mathtt {InqB}$
is dually isomorphic to the ordinal
$\omega +1$
and give an axiomatisation of these logics via Jankov
$\mathtt {DNA}$
-formulas. This shows that these extensions coincide with the so-called inquisitive hierarchy of [9].1
Evaluating the Meteorological Conditions Associated With Dusty Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Voss Kara K. , Evan Amato T. , Ralph F. Martin
Published: December 2021

Trans‐Pacific dust has been shown to influence the micro‐physical characteristics of atmospheric rivers that make landfall along the U.S. west coast. Atmospheric Rivers (AR) reaching North America provide valuable water resources, but also can produce damaging floods. While substantial research has been devoted to understanding the structure and meteorological drivers of atmospheric rivers, far less is known about the conditions that lead to the presence of dust within and around these storms. Here, we utilize an 18‐year record of the dust content of AR surroundings combined with satellite, reanalysis, and observational meteorological data to understand the drivers of ARs embedded within dusty environments, or “dusty ARs,” as compared to ARs in more pristine environments. We find that dusty ARs are associated with transport of dust from the east Asian coast to North America. Dusty ARs are characterized by conditions that are especially conducive to transport of dust across the Pacific; namely, enhanced mid‐ to upper‐tropospheric westerly winds over Asian dust source regions and over the Pacific. In contrast, ARs in more pristine environments are associated with a persistent ridge over the central Pacific, which blocks zonal westerly flow, as well as continental dust. We also show that while trans‐Pacific dust is largely confined to the 600–200 hPa levels, this dust flows downward along post‐cold frontal isentropic surfaces into the AR environment in the lower troposphere.
Using the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) to Study Very Low Frequency Transmission in the Earth‐Ionosphere Waveguide: 2. Model Test by Patterns of Detection/Non‐Detection
Authors: Jacobson Abram R. , Holzworth Robert H. , Brundell James B.
Published: December 2021

This is the second half of a two‐part study. In the first part, we had used the World Wide Lightning Location Network's (WWLN) recorded signal amplitudes to test a model of Very Low Frequency signal transmission from the lightning to each sensor. The model predicts a dramatic worsening of transmission at low magnetic latitudes, for nighttime propagation (compared to daytime propagation) toward magnetic West. However, we found that the use of amplitudes was ill‐adapted for testing the model under conditions of a deep outage of transmission. Since the relative weakening of nighttime transmission is rather counter‐intuitive, we have now developed an alternative approach to testing that model prediction. This alternative approach highlights the patterns of detection/non‐detection of several low‐magnetic‐latitude WWLLN stations and compares those patterns with the appropriate patterns of the model transmission.
The impact of fine particulate matter (PM) on various beneficial functions of human endometrial stem cells through its key regulator SERPINB2
Authors: Park Se-Ra , Lee Joong Won , Kim Seong-Kwan , Yu Wook-Joon , Lee Seung-Jin , Kim Doojin , Kim Kun-Woo , Jung Ji-Won , Hong In-Sun
Published: December 2021

Fine particulate matter (PM) has a small diameter but a large surface area; thus, it may have broad toxic effects that subsequently damage many tissues of the human body. Interestingly, many studies have suggested that the recent decline in female fertility could be associated with increased PM exposure. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the negative effects of PM exposure on female fertility are still a matter of debate. A previous study demonstrated that resident stem cell deficiency limits the cyclic regenerative capacity of the endometrium and subsequently increases the pregnancy failure rate. Therefore, we hypothesized that PM exposure induces endometrial tissue damage and subsequently reduces the pregnancy rate by inhibiting various beneficial functions of local endometrial stem cells. Consistent with our hypothesis, we showed for the first time that PM exposure significantly inhibits various beneficial functions of endometrial stem cells, such as their self-renewal, transdifferentiation, and migratory capacities, in vitro and in vivo through the PM target gene SERPINB2, which has recently been shown to be involved in multiple stem cell functions. In addition, the PM-induced inhibitory effects on the beneficial functions of endometrial stem cells were significantly diminished by SERPINB2 depletion. Our findings may facilitate the development of promising therapeutic strategies for improving reproductive outcomes in infertile women.
Room-temperature multiple ligands-tailored SnO2 quantum dots endow in situ dual-interface binding for upscaling efficient perovskite photovoltaics with high VOC
Authors: Ren Zhiwei , Liu Kuan , Hu Hanlin , Guo Xuyun , Gao Yajun , Fong Patrick W. K. , Liang Qiong , Tang Hua , Huang Jiaming , Zhang Hengkai , Qin Minchao , Cui Li , Chandran Hrisheekesh Thachoth , Shen Dong , Lo Ming-Fai , Ng Annie , Surya Charles , Shao Minhua , Lee Chun-Sing , Lu Xinhui , Laquai Frédéric , Zhu Ye , Li Gang
Published: December 2021

The benchmark tin oxide (SnO2) electron transporting layers (ETLs) have enabled remarkable progress in planar perovskite solar cell (PSCs). However, the energy loss is still a challenge due to the lack of “hidden interface” control. We report a novel ligand-tailored ultrafine SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) via a facile rapid room temperature synthesis. Importantly, the ligand-tailored SnO2 QDs ETL with multi-functional terminal groups in situ refines the buried interfaces with both the perovskite and transparent electrode via enhanced interface binding and perovskite passivation. These novel ETLs induce synergistic effects of physical and chemical interfacial modulation and preferred perovskite crystallization-directing, delivering reduced interface defects, suppressed non-radiative recombination and elongated charge carrier lifetime. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.02% (0.04 cm2) and 21.6% (0.98 cm2, VOC loss: 0.336 V) have been achieved for the blade-coated PSCs (1.54 eV Eg) with our new ETLs, representing a record for SnO2 based blade-coated PSCs. Moreover, a substantially enhanced PCE (VOC) from 20.4% (1.15 V) to 22.8% (1.24 V, 90 mV higher VOC, 0.04 cm2 device) in the blade-coated 1.61 eV PSCs system, via replacing the benchmark commercial colloidal SnO2 with our new ETLs.
Can passive measurement of physiological distress help better predict suicidal thinking?
Authors: Kleiman Evan M. , Bentley Kate H. , Maimone Joseph S. , Lee Hye-In Sarah , Kilbury Erin N. , Fortgang Rebecca G. , Zuromski Kelly L. , Huffman Jeff C. , Nock Matthew K.
Published: December 2021

There has been growing interest in using wearable physiological monitors to passively detect the signals of distress (i.e., increases in autonomic arousal measured through increased electrodermal activity [EDA]) that may be imminently associated with suicidal thoughts. Before using these monitors in advanced applications such as creating suicide risk detection algorithms or just-in-time interventions, several preliminary questions must be answered. Specifically, we lack information about whether: (1) EDA concurrently and prospectively predicts suicidal thinking and (2) data on EDA adds to the ability to predict the presence and severity of suicidal thinking over and above self-reports of emotional distress. Participants were suicidal psychiatric inpatients (n = 25, 56% female,Mage = 33.48 years) who completed six daily assessments of negative affect and suicidal thinking duration of their psychiatric inpatient stay and 28 days post-discharge, and wore on their wrist a physiological monitor (Empatica Embrace) that passively detects autonomic activity. We found that physiological data alone both concurrently and prospectively predicted periods of suicidal thinking, but models with physiological data alone had the poorest fit. Adding physiological data to self-report models improved fit when the outcome variable was severity of suicidal thinking, but worsened model fit when the outcome was presence of suicidal thinking. When predicting severity of suicidal thinking, physiological data improved model fit more for models with non-overlapping self-report data (i.e., low arousal negative affect) than for overlapping self-report data (i.e., high arousal negative affect). These findings suggest that physiological data, under certain contexts (e.g., when combined with self-report data), may be useful in better predicting—and ultimately, preventing—acute increases in suicide risk. However, some cautious optimism is warranted since physiological data do not always improve our ability to predict suicidal thinking.
Primary plasma cell leukemia: consensus definition by the International Myeloma Working Group according to peripheral blood plasma cell percentage
Authors: Fernández de Larrea Carlos , Kyle Robert , Rosiñol Laura , Paiva Bruno , Engelhardt Monika , Usmani Saad , Caers Jo , Gonsalves Wilson , Schjesvold Fredrik , Merlini Giampaolo , Lentzch Suzanne , Ocio Enrique , Garderet Laurent , Moreau Philippe , Sonneveld Pieter , Badros Ashraf , Gahrton Gösta , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Tuchman Sascha , Einsele Hermann , Durie Brian , Wirk Baldeep , Musto Pellegrino , Hayden Patrick , Kaiser Martin , Miguel Jesús San , Bladé Joan , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Mateos Maria Victoria
Published: December 2021

Primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) has a consistently ominous prognosis, even after progress in the last decades. PCL deserves a prompt identification to start the most effective treatment for this ultra-high-risk disease. The aim of this position paper is to revisit the diagnosis of PCL according to the presence of circulating plasma cells in patients otherwise meeting diagnostic criteria of multiple myeloma. We could identify two retrospective series where the question about what number of circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood should be used for defining PCL. The presence of ≥5% circulating plasma cells in patients with MM had a similar adverse prognostic impact as the previously defined PCL. Therefore, PCL should be defined by the presence of 5% or more circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood smears in patients otherwise diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma.
Hypotensive effect of captopril on deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertensive rat is associated with gut microbiota alteration
Authors: Wu Haicui , Lam Theo Y. C. , Shum Tim-Fat , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Chiou Jiachi
Published: December 2021

The role of the gut microbiota in various metabolic diseases has been widely studied. This study aims to test the hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with DOCA-salt-induced hypertension, while captopril, an antihypertensive drug, is able to rebalance the gut microbiota alterations caused by hypertension. Treatment with captopril resulted in an approximate 32 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (162.57 vs. 194.61 mmHg) in DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats, although it was significantly higher than that in SHAM rats (136.10 mmHg). Moreover, the nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly increased (20.60 vs. 6.42 µM) while the angiotensin II (Ang II) content (42.40 vs. 59.47 pg/ml) was attenuated nonsignificantly by captopril treatment in comparison to those of DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats. The introduction of captopril significantly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-ɑ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Hypertrophy and fibrosis in kidneys and hearts were also significantly attenuated by captopril. Furthermore, gut microbiota dysbiosis was observed in DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats. The abundances of several phyla and genera, including Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria,Escherichia-Shigella,Eubacterium nodatumandRuminococcus, were higher in DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats than in SHAM rats, while these changes were reversed by captopril treatment. Of particular interest, the generaBifidobacteriumandAkkermansia, reported as beneficial bacteria in the gut, were abundant in only hypertensive rats treated with captopril. These results provide evidence that captopril has the potential to rebalance the dysbiotic gut microbiota of DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats, suggesting that the alteration of the gut flora by captopril may contribute to the hypotensive effect of this drug.
Observers of quantum systems cannot agree to disagree
Authors: Contreras-Tejada Patricia , Scarpa Giannicola , Kubicki Aleksander M. , Brandenburger Adam , La Mura Pierfrancesco
Published: December 2021

Is the world quantum? An active research line in quantum foundations is devoted to exploring what constraints can rule out the postquantum theories that are consistent with experimentally observed results. We explore this question in the context of epistemics, and ask whether agreement between observers can serve as a physical principle that must hold for any theory of the world. Aumann’s seminal Agreement Theorem states that two observers (of classical systems) cannot agree to disagree. We propose an extension of this theorem to no-signaling settings. In particular, we establish an Agreement Theorem for observers of quantum systems, while we construct examples of (postquantum) no-signaling boxes where observers can agree to disagree. The PR box is an extremal instance of this phenomenon. These results make it plausible that agreement between observers might be a physical principle, while they also establish links between the fields of epistemics and quantum information that seem worthy of further exploration.
Light-mediated discovery of surfaceome nanoscale organization and intercellular receptor interaction networks
Authors: Müller Maik , Gräbnitz Fabienne , Barandun Niculò , Shen Yang , Wendt Fabian , Steiner Sebastian N. , Severin Yannik , Vetterli Stefan U. , Mondal Milon , Prudent James R. , Hofmann Raphael , van Oostrum Marc , Sarott Roman C. , Nesvizhskii Alexey I. , Carreira Erick M. , Bode Jeffrey W. , Snijder Berend , Robinson John A. , Loessner Martin J. , Oxenius Annette , Wollscheid Bernd
Published: December 2021

The molecular nanoscale organization of the surfaceome is a fundamental regulator of cellular signaling in health and disease. Technologies for mapping the spatial relationships of cell surface receptors and their extracellular signaling synapses would unlock theranostic opportunities to target protein communities and the possibility to engineer extracellular signaling. Here, we develop an optoproteomic technology termed LUX-MS that enables the targeted elucidation of acute protein interactions on and in between living cells using light-controlled singlet oxygen generators (SOG). By using SOG-coupled antibodies, small molecule drugs, biologics and intact viral particles, we demonstrate the ability of LUX-MS to decode ligand receptor interactions across organisms and to discover surfaceome receptor nanoscale organization with direct implications for drug action. Furthermore, by coupling SOG to antigens we achieved light-controlled molecular mapping of intercellular signaling within functional immune synapses between antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells providing insights into T cell activation with spatiotemporal specificity. LUX-MS based decoding of surfaceome signaling architectures thereby provides a molecular framework for the rational development of theranostic strategies.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of SETD5-containing NCoR–HDAC3 complex determines enhancer activation for adipogenesis
Authors: Matsumura Yoshihiro , Ito Ryo , Yajima Ayumu , Yamaguchi Rei , Tanaka Toshiya , Kawamura Takeshi , Magoori Kenta , Abe Yohei , Uchida Aoi , Yoneshiro Takeshi , Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Zhang Ji , Arai Makoto , Yang Chaoran , Yang Ge , Takahashi Hiroki , Fujihashi Hitomi , Nakaki Ryo , Yamamoto Shogo , Ota Satoshi , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Inoue Shin-ichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Wada Youichiro , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Inagaki Takeshi , Osborne Timothy F. , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Node Koichi , Sakai Juro
Published: December 2021

Enhancer activation is essential for cell-type specific gene expression during cellular differentiation, however, how enhancers transition from a hypoacetylated “primed” state to a hyperacetylated-active state is incompletely understood. Here, we show SET domain-containing 5 (SETD5) forms a complex with NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor that prevents histone acetylation of enhancers for two master adipogenic regulatory genesCebpaandPpargearly during adipogenesis. The loss of SETD5 from the complex is followed by enhancer hyperacetylation. SETD5 protein levels were transiently increased and rapidly degraded prior to enhancer activation providing a mechanism for the loss of SETD5 during the transition. We show that induction of the CDC20 co-activator of the ubiquitin ligase leads to APC/C mediated degradation of SETD5 during the transition and this operates as a molecular switch that facilitates adipogenesis.
Theta rhythmicity governs human behavior and hippocampal signals during memory-dependent tasks
Authors: ter Wal Marije , Linde-Domingo Juan , Lifanov Julia , Roux Frédéric , Kolibius Luca D. , Gollwitzer Stephanie , Lang Johannes , Hamer Hajo , Rollings David , Sawlani Vijay , Chelvarajah Ramesh , Staresina Bernhard , Hanslmayr Simon , Wimber Maria
Published: December 2021

Memory formation and reinstatement are thought to lock to the hippocampal theta rhythm, predicting that encoding and retrieval processes appear rhythmic themselves. Here, we show that rhythmicity can be observed in behavioral responses from memory tasks, where participants indicate, using button presses, the timing of encoding and recall of cue-object associative memories. We find no evidence for rhythmicity in button presses for visual tasks using the same stimuli, or for questions about already retrieved objects. The oscillations for correctly remembered trials center in the slow theta frequency range (1-5 Hz). Using intracranial EEG recordings, we show that the memory task induces temporally extended phase consistency in hippocampal local field potentials at slow theta frequencies, but significantly more for remembered than forgotten trials, providing a potential mechanistic underpinning for the theta oscillations found in behavioral responses.
Spatial Transcriptomics to define transcriptional patterns of zonation and structural components in the mouse liver
Authors: Hildebrandt Franziska , Andersson Alma , Saarenpää Sami , Larsson Ludvig , Van Hul Noémi , Kanatani Sachie , Masek Jan , Ellis Ewa , Barragan Antonio , Mollbrink Annelie , Andersson Emma R. , Lundeberg Joakim , Ankarklev Johan
Published: December 2021

Reconstruction of heterogeneity through single cell transcriptional profiling has greatly advanced our understanding of the spatial liver transcriptome in recent years. However, global transcriptional differences across lobular units remain elusive in physical space. Here, we apply Spatial Transcriptomics to perform transcriptomic analysis across sectioned liver tissue. We confirm that the heterogeneity in this complex tissue is predominantly determined by lobular zonation. By introducing novel computational approaches, we enable transcriptional gradient measurements between tissue structures, including several lobules in a variety of orientations. Further, our data suggests the presence of previously transcriptionally uncharacterized structures within liver tissue, contributing to the overall spatial heterogeneity of the organ. This study demonstrates how comprehensive spatial transcriptomic technologies can be used to delineate extensive spatial gene expression patterns in the liver, indicating its future impact for studies of liver function, development and regeneration as well as its potential in pre-clinical and clinical pathology.
Mapping the serum proteome to neurological diseases using whole genome sequencing
Authors: Png Grace , Barysenka Andrei , Repetto Linda , Navarro Pau , Shen Xia , Pietzner Maik , Wheeler Eleanor , Wareham Nicholas J. , Langenberg Claudia , Tsafantakis Emmanouil , Karaleftheri Maria , Dedoussis George , Mälarstig Anders , Wilson James F. , Gilly Arthur , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: December 2021

Despite the increasing global burden of neurological disorders, there is a lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Proteins are often dysregulated in disease and have a strong genetic component. Here, we carry out a protein quantitative trait locus analysis of 184 neurologically-relevant proteins, using whole genome sequencing data from two isolated population-based cohorts (N = 2893). In doing so, we elucidate the genetic landscape of the circulating proteome and its connection to neurological disorders. We detect 214 independently-associated variants for 107 proteins, the majority of which (76%) are cis-acting, including 114 variants that have not been previously identified. Using two-sample Mendelian randomisation, we identify causal associations between serum CD33 and Alzheimer’s disease, GPNMB and Parkinson’s disease, and MSR1 and schizophrenia, describing their clinical potential and highlighting drug repurposing opportunities.
Systematic review of pathways to care in the U.S. for Black individuals with early psychosis
Authors: Oluwoye Oladunni , Davis Beshaun , Kuhney Franchesca S. , Anglin Deidre M.
Published: December 2021

The pathway to receiving specialty care for first episode psychosis (FEP) among Black youth in the US has received little attention despite documented challenges that negatively impact engagement in care and clinical outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of US-based research, reporting findings related to the pathway experiences of Black individuals with FEP and their family members. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase/Medline was performed with no date restrictions up to April 2021. Included studies had samples with at least 75% Black individuals and/or their family members or explicitly examined racial differences. Of the 80 abstracts screened, 28 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies were categorized into three categories: premordid and prodromal phase, help-seeking experiences, and the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). Compounding factors such as trauma, substance use, and structural barriers that occur during the premorbid and prodromal contribute to delays in treatment initiation and highlight the limited use of services for traumatic childhood experiences (e.g., sexual abuse). Studies focused on help-seeking experiences demonstrated the limited use of mental health services and the potentially traumatic entry to services (e.g., law enforcement), which is associated with a longer DUP. Although the majority of studies focused on help-seeking experiences and predictors of DUP, findings suggests that for Black populations, there is a link between trauma and substance use in the pathway to care that impacts the severity of symptoms, initiation of treatment, and DUP. The present review also identifies the need for more representative studies of Black individuals with FEP.