bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine-Tuning Air Pollution Models
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: May 2023

InMAP estimates air pollution within cities, but its predictions are flawed for specific chemicals. Now, scientists are addressing that shortcoming.
Seismic Evidence for Metamorphic Densification of the Lower Continental Crust in Eastern North America
Authors: Li Cong , Hibbard Leon , Gao Haiying , Williams Michael L.
Published: May 2023

The composition of the lower continental crust, as well as its formation, growth, and evolution, remains a fundamental subject to be understood. In this study, we carry out a comparative and integrative analysis of seismic tomographic models, teleseismic receiver function results, and Airy isostasy in order to investigate the properties of the lower continental crust in eastern North America. We extract the depths for Vs of 4.0 km/s, 4.2 km/s, and 4.5 km/s from three selected tomographic models and calculate the differences between the Vs depth contours and the Moho depth defined by receiver functions. We then calculate the Airy isostatic Moho depth and its misfit with the receiver‐function‐defined Moho. Our analysis reveals three key features: (a) the deepening of the Vs depth contours and the strong negative Airy misfit within the U.S. Grenville Province; (b) a seismically faster‐than‐average and compositionally denser‐than‐average lowermost crust in the eastern North American Craton and the Grenville Province; and (c) the thickest, seismically fastest, and densest lowermost crust beneath the southern Grenville Front, the southern Grenville‐Appalachian boundary, and the U.S.‐Canada national border. We suggest that the lower crust of the craton and the Grenville Province has densified through garnet‐forming metamorphic reactions during and after orogenesis, contributing to the widely distributed fast‐velocity layer. The lower crust beneath the tectonic boundaries could have experienced more extensive garnet growth during orogenesis and emplacement of mafic magma. This study provides new constraints on the seismic and compositional properties of the lower crust in eastern North America.
Distribution and survival strategies of endemic and cosmopolitan diazotrophs in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Shiozaki Takuhei , Nishimura Yosuke , Yoshizawa Susumu , Takami Hideto , Hamasaki Koji , Fujiwara Amane , Nishino Shigeto , Harada Naomi
Published: May 2023

Dinitrogen (N2) fixation is the major source of reactive nitrogen in the ocean and has been considered to occur specifically in low-latitude oligotrophic oceans. Recent studies have shown that N2 fixation also occurs in the polar regions and thus is a global process, although the physiological and ecological characteristics of polar diazotrophs are not yet known. Here, we successfully reconstructed diazotroph genomes, including that of cyanobacterium UCYN-A (Candidatus ‘Atelocyanobacterium thalassa’), from metagenome data corresponding to 111 samples isolated from the Arctic Ocean. These diazotrophs were highly abundant in the Arctic Ocean (max., 1.28% of the total microbial community), suggesting that they have important roles in the Arctic ecosystem and biogeochemical cycles. Further, we show that diazotrophs within genera Arcobacter, Psychromonas, and Oceanobacter are prevalent in the <0.2 µm fraction in the Arctic Ocean, indicating that current methods cannot capture their N2 fixation. Diazotrophs in the Arctic Ocean were either Arctic-endemic or cosmopolitan species from their global distribution patterns. Arctic-endemic diazotrophs, including Arctic UCYN-A, were similar to low-latitude-endemic and cosmopolitan diazotrophs in genome-wide function, however, they had unique gene sets (e.g., diverse aromatics degradation genes), suggesting adaptations to Arctic-specific conditions. Cosmopolitan diazotrophs were generally non-cyanobacteria and commonly had the gene that encodes the cold-inducible RNA chaperone, which presumably makes their survival possible even in deep, cold waters of global ocean and polar surface waters. This study shows global distribution pattern of diazotrophs with their genomes and provides clues to answering the question of how diazotrophs can inhabit polar waters.
Curcumin activates a ROS/KEAP1/NRF2/miR-34a/b/c cascade to suppress colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: Liu Chunfeng , Rokavec Matjaz , Huang Zekai , Hermeking Heiko
Published: May 2023

Curcumin, a natural phytochemical isolated from tumeric roots, represents a candidate for prevention and therapy of colorectal cancer/CRC. However, the exact mechanism of action and the downstream mediators of curcumin’s tumor suppressive effects have remained largely unknown. Here we used a genetic approach to determine the role of the p53/miR-34 pathway as mediator of the effects of curcumin. Three isogenic CRC cell lines rendered deficient for the p53, miR-34a and/or miR-34b/c genes were exposed to curcumin and subjected to cell biological analyses. siRNA-mediated inhibition and ectopic expression of NRF2, as well as Western blot, qPCR and qChIP analyses of its target genes were performed. CRC cells were i.v. injected into NOD/SCID mice and lung-metastases formation was determined by longitudinal, non-invasive imaging. In CRC cells curcumin induced apoptosis and senescence, and suppressed migration and invasion in a p53-independent manner. Curcumin activated the KEAP1/NRF2/ARE pathway by inducing ROS. Notably, curcumin induced miR-34a and miR-34b/c expression in a ROS/NRF2-dependent and p53-independent manner. NRF2 directly induced miR-34a and miR-34b/c via occupying multiple ARE motifs in their promoter regions. Curcumin reverted repression of miR-34a and miR-34b/c induced by IL6 and hypoxia. Deletion of miR-34a and miR-34b/c significantly reduced curcumin-induced apoptosis and senescence, and prevented the inhibition of migration and invasion by curcumin or ectopic NRF2. In CRC cells curcumin induced MET and prevented the formation of lung-metastases in mice in a miR-34a-dependent manner. In addition, we found that curcumin may enhance the therapeutic effects of 5-FU on CRC cells deficient for p53 and miR-34a/b/c. Activation of the KEAP1/NRF2/miR-34a/b/c axis mediates the tumor suppressive activity of curcumin and suggests a new approach for activating miR-34 genes in tumors for therapeutic purposes.
CD317 maintains proteostasis and cell survival in response to proteasome inhibitors by targeting calnexin for RACK1-mediated autophagic degradation
Authors: Cheng Jian , Zhang Guizhong , Deng Tian , Liu Zhao , Zhang Mengqi , Zhang Pengchao , Adeshakin Funmilayo O. , Niu Xiangyun , Yan Dehong , Wan Xiaochun , Yu Guang
Published: May 2023

Unbalanced protein homeostasis (proteostasis) networks are frequently linked to tumorigenesis, making cancer cells more susceptible to treatments that target proteostasis regulators. Proteasome inhibition is the first licensed proteostasis-targeting therapeutic strategy, and has been proven effective in hematological malignancy patients. However, drug resistance almost inevitably develops, pressing for a better understanding of the mechanisms that preserve proteostasis in tumor cells. Here we report that CD317, a tumor-targeting antigen with a unique topology, was upregulated in hematological malignancies and preserved proteostasis and cell viability in response to proteasome inhibitors (PIs). Knocking down CD317 lowered Ca2+ levels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), promoting PIs-induced proteostasis failure and cell death. Mechanistically, CD317 interacted with calnexin (CNX), an ER chaperone protein that limits calcium refilling via the Ca2+ pump SERCA, thereby subjecting CNX to RACK1-mediated autophagic degradation. As a result, CD317 decreased the level of CNX protein, coordinating Ca2+ uptake and thus favoring protein folding and quality control in the ER lumen. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role of CD317 in proteostasis control and imply that CD317 could be a promising target for resolving PIs resistance in the clinic.
Genomic instability in individuals with sex determination defects and germ cell cancer
Authors: Krivega Maria , Zimmer Jutta , Slezko Anna , Frank-Herrmann Petra , Rehnitz Julia , Hohenfellner Markus , Bettendorf Markus , Luzarowski Marcin , Strowitzki Thomas
Published: May 2023

The ability to transmit genetic information through generations depends on the preservation of genome integrity. Genetic abnormalities affect cell differentiation, causing tissue specification defects and cancer. We addressed genomic instability in individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD), characterized by gonadal dysgenesis, infertility, high susceptibility for different types of cancer, especially Germ Cell Tumors (GCT), and in men with testicular GCTs. Whole proteome analysis of leukocytes, supported by specific gene expression assessment, and dysgenic gonads characterization, uncovered DNA damage phenotypes with altered innate immune response and autophagy. Further examination of DNA damage response revealed a reliance on deltaTP53, which was compromised by mutations in the transactivation domain in DSD-individuals with GCT. Accordingly, drug-induced rescue of DNA damage was achieved by autophagy inhibition but not by stabilization of TP53 in DSD-individuals’ blood in vitro. This study elucidates possibilities for prophylactic treatments of DSD-individuals, as well as new diagnostic approaches of GCT.
Designed active-site library reveals thousands of functional GFP variants
Authors: Weinstein Jonathan Yaacov , Martí-Gómez Carlos , Lipsh-Sokolik Rosalie , Hoch Shlomo Yakir , Liebermann Demian , Nevo Reinat , Weissman Haim , Petrovich-Kopitman Ekaterina , Margulies David , Ivankov Dmitry , McCandlish David M. , Fleishman Sarel J.
Published: May 2023

Mutations in a protein active site can lead to dramatic and useful changes in protein activity. The active site, however, is sensitive to mutations due to a high density of molecular interactions, substantially reducing the likelihood of obtaining functional multipoint mutants. We introduce an atomistic and machine-learning-based approach, called high-throughput Functional Libraries (htFuncLib), that designs a sequence space in which mutations form low-energy combinations that mitigate the risk of incompatible interactions. We apply htFuncLib to the GFP chromophore-binding pocket, and, using fluorescence readout, recover >16,000 unique designs encoding as many as eight active-site mutations. Many designs exhibit substantial and useful diversity in functional thermostability (up to 96 °C), fluorescence lifetime, and quantum yield. By eliminating incompatible active-site mutations, htFuncLib generates a large diversity of functional sequences. We envision that htFuncLib will be used in one-shot optimization of activity in enzymes, binders, and other proteins.
In-memory photonic dot-product engine with electrically programmable weight banks
Authors: Zhou Wen , Dong Bowei , Farmakidis Nikolaos , Li Xuan , Youngblood Nathan , Huang Kairan , He Yuhan , David Wright C. , Pernice Wolfram H. P. , Bhaskaran Harish
Published: May 2023

Electronically reprogrammable photonic circuits based on phase-change chalcogenides present an avenue to resolve the von-Neumann bottleneck; however, implementation of such hybrid photonic–electronic processing has not achieved computational success. Here, we achieve this milestone by demonstrating an in-memory photonic–electronic dot-product engine, one that decouples electronic programming of phase-change materials (PCMs) and photonic computation. Specifically, we develop non-volatile electronically reprogrammable PCM memory cells with a record-high 4-bit weight encoding, the lowest energy consumption per unit modulation depth (1.7 nJ/dB) for Erase operation (crystallization), and a high switching contrast (158.5%) using non-resonant silicon-on-insulator waveguide microheater devices. This enables us to perform parallel multiplications for image processing with a superior contrast-to-noise ratio (≥87.36) that leads to an enhanced computing accuracy (standard deviation σ ≤ 0.007). An in-memory hybrid computing system is developed in hardware for convolutional processing for recognizing images from the MNIST database with inferencing accuracies of 86% and 87%.
Engineered symbiotic bacteria interfering Nosema redox system inhibit microsporidia parasitism in honeybees
Authors: Lang Haoyu , Wang Hao , Wang Haoqing , Zhong Zhaopeng , Xie Xianbing , Zhang Wenhao , Guo Jun , Meng Liang , Hu Xiaosong , Zhang Xue , Zheng Hao
Published: May 2023

Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite invading the midgut of honeybees, which causes serious nosemosis implicated in honeybee colony losses worldwide. The core gut microbiota is involved in protecting against parasitism, and the genetically engineering of the native gut symbionts provides a novel and efficient way to fight pathogens. Here, using laboratory-generated bees mono-associated with gut members, we find that Snodgrassella alvi inhibit microsporidia proliferation, potentially via the stimulation of host oxidant-mediated immune response. Accordingly, N. ceranae employs the thioredoxin and glutathione systems to defend against oxidative stress and maintain a balanced redox equilibrium, which is essential for the infection process. We knock down the gene expression using nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference, which targets the γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase and thioredoxin reductase genes of microsporidia. It significantly reduces the spore load, confirming the importance of the antioxidant mechanism for the intracellular invasion of the N. ceranae parasite. Finally, we genetically modify the symbiotic S. alvi to deliver dsRNA corresponding to the genes involved in the redox system of the microsporidia. The engineered S. alvi induces RNA interference and represses parasite gene expression, thereby inhibits the parasitism significantly. Specifically, N. ceranae is most suppressed by the recombinant strain corresponding to the glutathione synthetase or by a mixture of bacteria expressing variable dsRNA. Our findings extend our previous understanding of the protection of gut symbionts against N. ceranae and provide a symbiont-mediated RNAi system for inhibiting microsporidia infection in honeybees.
Dynamic BH3 profiling identifies pro-apoptotic drug combinations for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Potter Danielle S. , Du Ruochen , Bohl Stephan R. , Chow Kin-Hoe , Ligon Keith L. , Bueno Raphael , Letai Anthony
Published: May 2023

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has relatively ineffective first/second-line therapy for advanced disease and only 18% five-year survival for early disease. Drug-induced mitochondrial priming measured by dynamic BH3 profiling identifies efficacious drugs in multiple disease settings. We use high throughput dynamic BH3 profiling (HTDBP) to identify drug combinations that prime primary MPM cells derived from patient tumors, which also prime patient derived xenograft (PDX) models. A navitoclax (BCL-xL/BCL-2/BCL-w antagonist) and AZD8055 (mTORC1/2 inhibitor) combination demonstrates efficacy in vivo in an MPM PDX model, validating HTDBP as an approach to identify efficacious drug combinations. Mechanistic investigation reveals AZD8055 treatment decreases MCL-1 protein levels, increases BIM protein levels, and increases MPM mitochondrial dependence on BCL-xL, which is exploited by navitoclax. Navitoclax treatment increases dependency on MCL-1 and increases BIM protein levels. These findings demonstrate that HTDBP can be used as a functional precision medicine tool to rationally construct combination drug regimens in MPM and other cancers.
Structures of active Hantaan virus polymerase uncover the mechanisms of Hantaviridae genome replication
Authors: Durieux Trouilleton Quentin , Barata-García Sergio , Arragain Benoît , Reguera Juan , Malet Hélène
Published: May 2023

Hantaviruses are causing life-threatening zoonotic infections in humans. Their tripartite negative-stranded RNA genome is replicated by the multi-functional viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase. Here we describe the structure of the Hantaan virus polymerase core and establish conditions for in vitro replication activity. The apo structure adopts an inactive conformation that involves substantial folding rearrangement of polymerase motifs. Binding of the 5′ viral RNA promoter triggers Hantaan virus polymerase reorganization and activation. It induces the recruitment of the 3′ viral RNA towards the polymerase active site for prime-and-realign initiation. The elongation structure reveals the formation of a template/product duplex in the active site cavity concomitant with polymerase core widening and the opening of a 3′ viral RNA secondary binding site. Altogether, these elements reveal the molecular specificities of Hantaviridae polymerase structure and uncover the mechanisms underlying replication. They provide a solid framework for future development of antivirals against this group of emerging pathogens.
Genetically encoded photocatalytic protein labeling enables spatially-resolved profiling of intracellular proteome
Authors: Zheng Fu , Yu Chenxin , Zhou Xinyue , Zou Peng
Published: May 2023

Mapping the subcellular organization of proteins is crucial for understanding their biological functions. Herein, we report a reactive oxygen species induced protein labeling and identification (RinID) method for profiling subcellular proteome in the context of living cells. Our method capitalizes on a genetically encoded photocatalyst, miniSOG, to locally generate singlet oxygen that reacts with proximal proteins. Labeled proteins are conjugated in situ with an exogenously supplied nucleophilic probe, which serves as a functional handle for subsequent affinity enrichment and mass spectrometry-based protein identification. From a panel of nucleophilic compounds, we identify biotin-conjugated aniline and propargyl amine as highly reactive probes. As a demonstration of the spatial specificity and depth of coverage in mammalian cells, we apply RinID in the mitochondrial matrix, capturing 477 mitochondrial proteins with 94% specificity. We further demonstrate the broad applicability of RinID in various subcellular compartments, including the nucleus and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The temporal control of RinID enables pulse-chase labeling of ER proteome in HeLa cells, which reveals substantially higher clearance rate for secreted proteins than ER resident proteins.
Robust charge-density-wave correlations in the electron-doped single-band Hubbard model
Authors: Mai Peizhi , Nichols Nathan S. , Karakuzu Seher , Bao Feng , Del Maestro Adrian , Maier Thomas A. , Johnston Steven
Published: May 2023

There is growing evidence that the hole-doped single-band Hubbard and t − J models do not have a superconducting ground state reflective of the high-temperature cuprate superconductors but instead have striped spin- and charge-ordered ground states. Nevertheless, it is proposed that these models may still provide an effective low-energy model for electron-doped materials. Here we study the finite temperature spin and charge correlations in the electron-doped Hubbard model using quantum Monte Carlo dynamical cluster approximation calculations and contrast their behavior with those found on the hole-doped side of the phase diagram. We find evidence for a charge modulation with both checkerboard and unidirectional components decoupled from any spin-density modulations. These correlations are inconsistent with a weak-coupling description based on Fermi surface nesting, and their doping dependence agrees qualitatively with resonant inelastic x-ray scattering measurements. Our results provide evidence that the single-band Hubbard model describes the electron-doped cuprates.
Alanine supplementation exploits glutamine dependency induced by SMARCA4/2-loss
Authors: Zhu Xianbing , Fu Zheng , Chen Shary Y. , Ong Dionzie , Aceto Giulio , Ho Rebecca , Steinberger Jutta , Monast Anie , Pilon Virginie , Li Eunice , Ta Monica , Ching Kyle , Adams Bianca N. , Negri Gian L. , Choiniere Luc , Fu Lili , Pavlakis Kitty , Pirrotte Patrick , Avizonis Daina Z. , Trent Jeffrey , Weissman Bernard E. , Klein Geltink Ramon I. , Morin Gregg B. , Park Morag , Huntsman David G. , Foulkes William D. , Wang Yemin , Huang Sidong
Published: May 2023

SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCA2 (BRM) are the two paralogous ATPases of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes frequently inactivated in cancers. Cells deficient in either ATPase have been shown to depend on the remaining counterpart for survival. Contrary to this paralog synthetic lethality, concomitant loss of SMARCA4/2 occurs in a subset of cancers associated with very poor outcomes. Here, we uncover that SMARCA4/2-loss represses expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1, causing reduced glucose uptake and glycolysis accompanied with increased dependency on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); adapting to this, these SMARCA4/2-deficient cells rely on elevated SLC38A2, an amino acid transporter, to increase glutamine import for fueling OXPHOS. Consequently, SMARCA4/2-deficient cells and tumors are highly sensitive to inhibitors targeting OXPHOS or glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, supplementation of alanine, also imported by SLC38A2, restricts glutamine uptake through competition and selectively induces death in SMARCA4/2-deficient cancer cells. At a clinically relevant dose, alanine supplementation synergizes with OXPHOS inhibition or conventional chemotherapy eliciting marked antitumor activity in patient-derived xenografts. Our findings reveal multiple druggable vulnerabilities of SMARCA4/2-loss exploiting a GLUT1/SLC38A2-mediated metabolic shift. Particularly, unlike dietary deprivation approaches, alanine supplementation can be readily applied to current regimens for better treatment of these aggressive cancers.
Membrane compression by synaptic vesicle exocytosis triggers ultrafast endocytosis
Authors: Ogunmowo Tyler H. , Jing Haoyuan , Raychaudhuri Sumana , Kusick Grant F. , Imoto Yuuta , Li Shuo , Itoh Kie , Ma Ye , Jafri Haani , Dalva Matthew B. , Chapman Edwin R. , Ha Taekjip , Watanabe Shigeki , Liu Jian
Published: May 2023

Compensatory endocytosis keeps the membrane surface area of secretory cells constant following exocytosis. At chemical synapses, clathrin-independent ultrafast endocytosis maintains such homeostasis. This endocytic pathway is temporally and spatially coupled to exocytosis; it initiates within 50 ms at the region immediately next to the active zone where vesicles fuse. However, the coupling mechanism is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that filamentous actin is organized as a ring, surrounding the active zone at mouse hippocampal synapses. Assuming the membrane area conservation is due to this actin ring, our theoretical model suggests that flattening of fused vesicles exerts lateral compression in the plasma membrane, resulting in rapid formation of endocytic pits at the border between the active zone and the surrounding actin-enriched region. Consistent with model predictions, our data show that ultrafast endocytosis requires sufficient compression by exocytosis of multiple vesicles and does not initiate when actin organization is disrupted, either pharmacologically or by ablation of the actin-binding protein Epsin1. Our work suggests that membrane mechanics underlie the rapid coupling of exocytosis to endocytosis at synapses.
Isolation and characterization of bis(silylene)-stabilized antimony(I) and bismuth(I) cations
Authors: Wang Xuyang , Lei Binglin , Zhang Zhaoyin , Chen Ming , Rong Hua , Song Haibin , Zhao Lili , Mo Zhenbo
Published: May 2023

Monovalent group 15 cations L2Pn + (L = σ-donor ligands, Pn = N, P, As, Sb, Bi) have attracted significant experimental and theoretical interest because of their unusual electronic structures and growing synthetic potential. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a family of antimony(I) and bismuth(I) cations supported by a bis(silylene) ligand [(TBDSi2)Pn][BArF4] (TBD = 1, 8, 10, 9-triazaboradecalin; ArF = 3,5-CF3-C6H3; Pn = Sb, (2); Bi, (3)). The structures of2and3have been unambiguously characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction analysis and DFT calculations. They feature bis-coordinated Sb and Bi atoms which exhibit two lone pairs of electrons. The reactions of2and3with methyl trifluoromethane sulfonate provide a approach for the preparation of dicationic antimony(III) and bismuth(III) methyl complexes. Compounds2and3serve as 2e donors to group 6 metals (Cr, Mo), giving rise to ionic antimony and bismuth metal carbonyl complexes6–9.
Evidence for structural control of mare volcanism in lunar compressional tectonic settings
Authors: Zhang Feng , Pizzi Alberto , Ruj Trishit , Komatsu Goro , Yin An , Dang Yanan , Liu Yang , Zou Yongliao
Published: May 2023

One of the long-standing enigmas for lunar tectonic-thermal evolution is the spatiotemporal association of contractional wrinkle ridges and basaltic volcanism in a compressional regime. Here, we show that most of the 30 investigated volcanic (eruptive) centers are linked to contractional wrinkle ridges developed above preexisting basin basement-involved ring/rim normal faults. Based on the tectonic patterns associated with the basin formation and mass loading and considering that during the subsequent compression the stress was not purely isotropic, we hypothesize that tectonic inversion produced not only thrust faults but also reactivated structures with strike-slip and even extensional components, thus providing a valid mechanism for magma transport through fault planes during ridge faulting and folding of basaltic layers. Our findings suggest that lunar syn-tectonic mare emplacement along reactivated inherited faults provides important records of basin-scale structure-involved volcanism, which is more complex than previously considered.
MoS2 nanopore identifies single amino acids with sub-1 Dalton resolution
Authors: Wang Fushi , Zhao Chunxiao , Zhao Pinlong , Chen Fanfan , Qiao Dan , Feng Jiandong
Published: May 2023

The sequencing of single protein molecules using nanopores is faced with a huge challenge due to the lack of resolution needed to resolve single amino acids. Here we report the direct experimental identification of single amino acids in nanopores. With atomically engineered regions of sensitivity comparable to the size of single amino acids, MoS2 nanopores provide a sub-1 Dalton resolution for discriminating the chemical group difference of single amino acids, including recognizing the amino acid isomers. This ultra-confined nanopore system is further used to detect the phosphorylation of individual amino acids, demonstrating its capability for reading post-translational modifications. Our study suggests that a sub-nanometer engineered pore has the potential to be applied in future chemical recognition and de novo protein sequencing at the single-molecule level.
Selective formation of acetate intermediate prolongs robust ethylene removal at 0 °C for 15 days
Authors: Lin Mingyue , Wang Haifeng , Takei Takashi , Miura Hiroki , Shishido Tetsuya , Li Yuhang , Hu Jinneng , Inomata Yusuke , Ishida Tamao , Haruta Masatake , Xiu Guangli , Murayama Toru
Published: May 2023

Efficient ethylene (C2H4) removal below room temperatures, especially near 0  °C, is of great importance to suppress that the vegetables and fruits spoil during cold-chain transportation and storage. However, no catalysts have been developed to fulfill the longer-than-2-h C2H4 removal at this low temperature effectively. Here we prepare gold-platinum (Au-Pt) nanoalloy catalysts that show robust C2H4 (of 50 ppm) removal capacity at 0 °C for 15 days (360 h). We find, by virtue of operando Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and online temperature-programmed desorption equipped mass spectrometry, that the Au-Pt nanoalloys favor the formation of acetate from selective C2H4 oxidation. And this on-site-formed acetate intermediate would partially cover the catalyst surface at 0 °C, thus exposing active sites to prolong the continuous and effective C2H4 removal. We also demonstrate, by heat treatment, that the performance of the used catalysts will be fully recovered for at least two times.
Chiral superconductivity in UTe2 probed by anisotropic low-energy excitations
Authors: Ishihara Kota , Roppongi Masaki , Kobayashi Masayuki , Imamura Kumpei , Mizukami Yuta , Sakai Hironori , Opletal Petr , Tokiwa Yoshifumi , Haga Yoshinori , Hashimoto Kenichiro , Shibauchi Takasada
Published: May 2023

Chiral spin-triplet superconductivity is a topologically nontrivial pairing state with broken time-reversal symmetry, which can host Majorana quasiparticles. The heavy-fermion superconductor UTe2 exhibits peculiar properties of spin-triplet pairing, and the possible chiral state has been actively discussed. However, the symmetry and nodal structure of its order parameter in the bulk, which determine the Majorana surface states, remains controversial. Here we focus on the number and positions of superconducting gap nodes in the ground state of UTe2. Our magnetic penetration depth measurements for three field orientations in three crystals all show the power-law temperature dependence with exponents close to 2, which excludes single-component spin-triplet states. The anisotropy of low-energy quasiparticle excitations indicates multiple point nodes near the ky- and kz-axes in momentum space. These results can be consistently explained by a chiral B3u + iAu non-unitary state, providing fundamentals of the topological properties in UTe2.
Microbial synthesis of Prussian blue for potentiating checkpoint blockade immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Liu Jiawei , Wang Changlai , Zhang Weiyun , Yang Guangbao , Chen Yun , Zhang Xiaodong , Wu Yinglong , Gu Long , Chen Hongzhong , Yuan Wei , Chen Xiaokai , Liu Guofeng , Gao Bin , Chen Qianwang , Zhao Yanli
Published: May 2023

Cancer immunotherapy is revolutionizing oncology. The marriage of nanotechnology and immunotherapy offers a great opportunity to amplify antitumor immune response in a safe and effective manner. Here, electrochemically active Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 can be applied to produce FDA-approved Prussian blue nanoparticles on a large-scale. We present a mitochondria-targeting nanoplatform, MiBaMc, which consists of Prussian blue decorated bacteria membrane fragments having further modifications with chlorin e6 and triphenylphosphine. We find that MiBaMc specifically targets mitochondria and induces amplified photo-damages and immunogenic cell death of tumor cells under light irradiation. The released tumor antigens subsequently promote the maturation of dendritic cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes, eliciting T cell-mediated immune response. In two tumor-bearing mouse models using female mice, MiBaMc triggered phototherapy synergizes with anti-PDL1 blocking antibody for enhanced tumor inhibition. Collectively, the present study demonstrates biological precipitation synthetic strategy of targeted nanoparticles holds great potential for the preparation of microbial membrane-based nanoplatforms to boost antitumor immunity.
Towards weathering and corrosion resistant, self-warning and self-healing epoxy coatings with tannic acid loaded nanocontainers
Authors: Wang Jinke , Tan Weimin , Yang Hao , Rao Xingxing , Luo Xinliang , Ma Lingwei , Ren Chenhao , Mol Arjan , Zhang Dawei
Published: May 2023

In this work, an active protective epoxy coating with weathering resistant, corrosion-warning, and self-healing properties was developed by incorporating tannic acid (TA) loaded mesoporous silica (MSN-TA) nanocontainers. The introduction of MSN-TA nanocontainers could alleviate the coating degradation via scavenging the radicals generated during UV irradiation. Compared with the blank coating, the coating containing 5 wt.% MSN-TA nanocontainers exhibited much less degradation in surface morphology, wettability and glossiness, and maintained a good barrier property after 384 h of accelerated weathering. Once the coating was damaged, the released TA could react with the Fe3+ ions to form a chelate that endowed the coating scratch with a visible black coloration, i.e. triggering a self-warning capability to indicate the initial onset of corrosion. In addition, the generated chelate could inhibit extensive corrosion propagation, offering a significant self-healing effect demonstrated by the stabilized impedance modulus values during 28 days of immersion in NaCl solution.
Anticipated barriers and facilitators for implementing smart inhalers in asthma medication adherence management
Authors: van de Hei Susanne J. , Stoker Nilouq , Flokstra-de Blok Bertine M. J. , Poot Charlotte C. , Meijer Eline , Postma Maarten J. , Chavannes Niels H. , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , van Boven Job F. M.
Published: May 2023

Smart inhalers are electronic monitoring devices which are promising in increasing medication adherence and maintaining asthma control. A multi-stakeholder capacity and needs assessment is recommended prior to implementation in healthcare systems. This study aimed to explore perceptions of stakeholders and to identify anticipated facilitators and barriers associated with the implementation of smart digital inhalers in the Dutch healthcare system. Data were collected through focus group discussions with female patients with asthma (n = 9) and healthcare professionals (n = 7) and through individual semi-structured interviews with policy makers (n = 4) and smart inhaler developers (n = 4). Data were analysed using the Framework method. Five themes were identified: (i) perceived benefits, (ii) usability, (iii) feasibility, (iv) payment and reimbursement, and (v) data safety and ownership. In total, 14 barriers and 32 facilitators were found among all stakeholders. The results of this study could contribute to the design of a tailored implementation strategy for smart inhalers in daily practice.
Absence of a BCS-BEC crossover in the cuprate superconductors
Authors: Sous John , He Yu , Kivelson Steven A.
Published: May 2023

We examine key aspects of the theory of the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) to Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) crossover, focusing on the temperature dependence of the chemical potential, μ. We identify an accurate method of determining the change of μ in the cuprate high temperature superconductors from angle-resolved-photoemission data (along the ‘nodal’ direction), and show that μ varies by less than a few percent of the Fermi energy over a range of temperatures from far below to several times above the superconducting transition temperature, Tc. This shows, unambiguously, that not only are these materials always on the BCS side of the crossover (which is a phase transition in the d-wave case), but are nowhere near the point of the crossover (where the chemical potential approaches the band bottom).
Breaking interfacial charge transfer barrier by sulfite for efficient pollutants degradation: a case of BiVO4
Authors: Gao Xin , Wang Peifang , Che Huinan , Liu Wei , Ao Yanhui
Published: May 2023

Heterogeneous photocatalytic systems generally lack thermodynamic dependence on the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution. Therefore, it is important to reveal the reasons for the inhibited surface kinetics but still be neglected. Herein, we reveal the mechanism that BiVO4 can’t degrade organics although it is thermodynamically feasible. The surface solvation and formation of double layer (compact layer and diffuse layer) makes low-polarity organics far away from the surface of BiVO4. We found that the introduction of sulfite can solve this problem. Theory calculation illustrates that sulfite can enter into the compact layer because of its higher adsorption energy on BiVO4 and lower adiabatic ionization potential (AIP). Then, photogenerated holes initiate the chain transformation of sulfite and produce strong oxidizing species which can diffuse out to degrade organics. This paper provides an insight into the understand the effects of solid-liquid interface on heterogeneously photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.
A database of low-energy atomically precise nanoclusters
Authors: Manna Sukriti , Wang Yunzhe , Hernandez Alberto , Lile Peter , Liu Shanping , Mueller Tim
Published: May 2023

The chemical and structural properties of atomically precise nanoclusters are of great interest in numerous applications, but the structures of the clusters can be computationally expensive to predict. In this work, we present the largest database of cluster structures and properties determined using ab-initio methods to date. We report the methodologies used to discover low-energy clusters as well as the energies, relaxed structures, and physical properties (such as relative stability, HOMO-LUMO gap among others) for 63,015 clusters across 55 elements. We have identified clusters for 593 out of 1595 cluster systems (element-size pairs) explored by literature that have energies lower than those reported in literature by at least 1 meV/atom. We have also identified clusters for 1320 systems for which we were unable to find previous low-energy structures in the literature. Patterns in the data reveal insights into the chemical and structural relationships among the elements at the nanoscale. We describe how the database can be accessed for future studies and the development of nanocluster-based technologies.
Forearm sEMG data from young healthy humans during the execution of hand movements
Authors: Gomez-Correa Manuela , Ballesteros Mariana , Salgado Ivan , Cruz-Ortiz David
Published: May 2023

This work provides a complete dataset containing surface electromyography (sEMG) signals acquired from the forearm with a sampling frequency of 1000 Hz. The dataset is named WyoFlex sEMG Hand Gesture and recorded the data of 28 participants between 18 and 37 years old without neuromuscular diseases or cardiovascular problems. The test protocol consisted of sEMG signals acquisition corresponding to ten wrist and grasping movements (extension, flexion, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, hook grip, power grip, spherical grip, precision grip, lateral grip, and pinch grip), considering three repetitions for each gesture. Also, the dataset contains general information such as anthropometric measures of the upper limb, gender, age, laterally of the person, and physical condition. Likewise, the implemented acquisition system consists of a portable armband with four sEMG channels distributed equidistantly for each forearm. The database could be used for the recognition of hand gestures, evaluation of the evolution of patients in rehabilitation processes, control of upper limb orthoses or prostheses, and biomechanical analysis of the forearm.
Database of human well-being and eco-sustainability under planetary pressures of the Belt and Road 1990–2018
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Guo Zicong , Gao Yigong , Niu Xiaxia , He Jiayi , Liu Xinyi , Fu Xinyi , Xu Hui
Published: May 2023

The Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative is considered as closely aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and could have a huge global impact. Its sustainable development issues have attracted worldwide attention. However, both the existing research and data accumulation on this aspect are seriously insufficient. Starting from the logic of the ultimate goal of sustainable development (namely within the ecological limitations, maximizing human well-being with minimum ecological consumption and minimizing the planetary pressures with maximum resource utilization efficiency), we have constructed a comprehensive evaluation method on sustainable development, namely the Consumption-Pressure-Output-Efficiency method in our previous study. Based on it, we provide a database with five datasets, which includes four core datasets (ecological consumption, planetary pressures, human well-being outputs and ecological well-being output efficiency) and a related dataset (biocapacity, ecological surplus/deficit, population), covering 61 B&R countries, B&R regional average and global average from 1990 to 2018. It can be used for further comprehensive research on sustainable development under planetary pressures and others of B&R.
Thermomagnetic properties and its effects on Fisher entropy with Schioberg plus Manning-Rosen potential (SPMRP) using Nikiforov-Uvarov functional analysis (NUFA) and supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSYQM) methods
Authors: Okon I. B. , Onate C. A. , Horchani R. , Popoola O. O. , Omugbe E. , William E. S. , Okorie U. S. , Inyang E. P. , Isonguyo C. N. , Udoh M. E. , Antia A. D. , Chen W. L. , Eyube E. S. , Araujo J. P. , Ikot A. N.
Published: May 2023

Thermomagnetic properties, and its effects on Fisher information entropy with Schioberg plus Manning-Rosen potential are studied using NUFA and SUSYQM methods in the presence of the Greene-Aldrich approximation scheme to the centrifugal term. The wave function obtained was used to study Fisher information both in position and momentum spaces for different quantum states by the gamma function and digamma polynomials. The energy equation obtained in a closed form was used to deduce numerical energy spectra, partition function, and other thermomagnetic properties. The results show that with an application of AB and magnetic fields, the numerical energy eigenvalues for different magnetic quantum spins decrease as the quantum state increases and completely removes the degeneracy of the energy spectra. Also, the numerical computation of Fisher information satisfies Fisher information inequality products, indicating that the particles are more localized in the presence of external fields than in their absence, and the trend shows complete localization of quantum mechanical particles in all quantum states. Our potential reduces to Schioberg and Manning-Rosen potentials as special cases. Our potential reduces to Schioberg and Manning-Rosen potentials as special cases. The energy equations obtained from the NUFA and SUSYQM were the same, demonstrating a high level of mathematical precision.
High throughput biochemical profiling, and functional potential analysis for valorization of grape peduncles
Authors: Akbar Ali , Gul Zareen , Hussain Nadia , Al Haddad Amal H. I. , Khan Nazir Ahmad , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal , Sher Hassan
Published: May 2023

Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grape is a major fruit crop in the world. Grapes seem to confer health benefits due to their chemical components, biological and antioxidant activities. The present study is conducted to evaluate the biochemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of ethanolic grape peduncles (EGP) extract. The result of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as flavonoid, tannin, carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, phenol, steroid, terpenoids, quinones and anthraquinones. Furthermore, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) were 7.35 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g (Gallic Acid Equivalent per gram) and 29.67 ± 0.13 mg QE/g (Quercetin Equivalent per gram) respectively. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay revealed IC50 = 159.3 μg/mL. The antibacterial and antifungal study disclosed that the extract was highly potent against Salmonella typhi with maximum zone of inhibition of 27.2 ± 1.60 mm and Epidermophyton floccosum with 74 ± 1.81% inhibition. The extract was analyzed for its cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity and showed no activity against HeLa cell line and promastigotes of Leishmania major. Elements Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and approximately 50 compounds were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Current work suggest that grape peduncles can be a promising source of bioactive medicinal component.
Autistic traits shape neuronal oscillations during emotion perception under attentional load modulation
Authors: Duville Mathilde Marie , Ibarra-Zarate David I. , Alonso-Valerdi Luz María
Published: May 2023

Emotional content is particularly salient, but situational factors such as cognitive load may disturb the attentional prioritization towards affective stimuli and interfere with their processing. In this study, 31 autistic and 31 typically developed children volunteered to assess their perception of affective prosodies via event-related spectral perturbations of neuronal oscillations recorded by electroencephalography under attentional load modulations induced by Multiple Object Tracking or neutral images. Although intermediate load optimized emotion processing by typically developed children, load and emotion did not interplay in children with autism. Results also outlined impaired emotional integration emphasized in theta, alpha and beta oscillations at early and late stages, and lower attentional ability indexed by the tracking capacity. Furthermore, both tracking capacity and neuronal patterns of emotion perception during task were predicted by daily-life autistic behaviors. These findings highlight that intermediate load may encourage emotion processing in typically developed children. However, autism aligns with impaired affective processing and selective attention, both insensitive to load modulations. Results were discussed within a Bayesian perspective that suggests atypical updating in precision between sensations and hidden states, towards poor contextual evaluations. For the first time, implicit emotion perception assessed by neuronal markers was integrated with environmental demands to characterize autism.
High sensitivity and wide response range artificial synapse based on polyimide with embedded graphene quantum dots
Authors: Kou Lijie , Ye Nan , Waheed Anjam , Auliya Rahmat Zaki , Wu Chaoxing , Ooi Poh Choon , Li Fushan
Published: May 2023

Artificial electronic synapses are commonly used to simulate biological synapses to realize various learning functions, regarded as one of the key technologies in the next generation of neurological computation. This work used a simple spin coating technique to fabricate polyimide (PI):graphene quantum dots(GQDs) memristor structure. As a result, the devices exhibit remarkably stable exponentially decaying postsynaptic suppression current over time, as interpreted in the spike-timing-dependent plasticity phenomenon. Furthermore, with the increase of the applied electrical signal over time, the conductance of the electrical synapse gradually changes, and the electronic synapse also shows plasticity dependence on the amplitude and frequency of the pulse applied. In particular, the devices with the structure of Ag/PI:GQDs/ITO prepared in this study can produce a stable response to the stimulation of electrical signals between millivolt to volt, showing not only high sensitivity but also a wide range of “feelings”, which makes the electronic synapses take a step forwards to emulate biological synapses. Meanwhile, the electronic conduction mechanisms of the device are also studied and expounded in detail. The findings in this work lay a foundation for developing brain-like neuromorphic modeling in artificial intelligence.