bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing an intermittent spin-coating strategy to enable bottom-up crystallization in layered halide perovskites
Authors: Yan Yajie , Yang Yingguo , Liang Mingli , Abdellah Mohamed , Pullerits Tõnu , Zheng Kaibo , Liang Ziqi
Published: November 2021

Two-dimensional halide perovskites (2D PVSKs) have drawn tremendous attentions owing to their outstanding ambient stability. However, the random orientation of layered crystals severely impedes the out-of-plane carrier transport and limits the solar cell performance. An in-depth understanding coupled with an effective control of the crystallization in 2D PVSKs is the crux for highly efficient and durable devices. In this contribution, we accidentally discovered that the crystallization of 2D PVSKs can be effectively regulated by so-called ′intermittent spin-coating (ISC)′ process. Combined analyses of in(ex)-situ grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry distinguish the interface initialized bottom-up crystallization upon ISC treatment from the bi-directional one in the conventional spin-coating process, which results in significantly enhanced crystal orientation and thus facilitated carrier transport as confirmed by both electrical measurements and ultrafast spectroscopies. As a result, the p-i-n architecture planar solar cells based on ISC fabricated paradigm PEA2MA3Pb4I13 deliver a respectable efficiency of 11.2% without any treatment, which is three-fold improvement over their spin-coated counterparts and can be further boosted up to 14.0% by NH4Cl addition, demonstrating the compatibility of ISC method with other film optimization strategies.
Immobilized covalent triazine frameworks films as effective photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Hu Xunliang , Zhan Zhen , Zhang Jianqiao , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: November 2021

Covalent triazine frameworks have recently been demonstrated as promising materials for photocatalytic water splitting and are usually used in the form of suspended powder. From a practical point of view, immobilized CTFs materials are more suitable for large-scale water splitting, owing to their convenient separation and recycling potential. However, existing synthetic approaches mainly result in insoluble and unprocessable powders, which make their future device application a formidable challenge. Herein, we report an aliphatic amine-assisted interfacial polymerization method to obtain free-standing, semicrystalline CTFs film with excellent photoelectric performance. The lateral size of the film was up to 250 cm2, and average thickness can be tuned from 30 to 500 nm. The semicrystalline structure was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. Intrigued by the good light absorption, crystalline structure, and large lateral size of the film, the film immobilized on a glass support exhibited good photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance (5.4 mmol h−1 m−2) with the presence of co-catalysts i.e., Pt nanoparticles and was easy to recycle.
Forest fires and climate-induced tree range shifts in the western US
Authors: Hill Avery P. , Field Christopher B.
Published: November 2021

Due to climate change, plant populations experience environmental conditions to which they are not adapted. Our understanding of the next century’s vegetation geography depends on the distance, direction, and rate at which plant distributions shift in response to a changing climate. In this study we test the sensitivity of tree range shifts (measured as the difference between seedling and mature tree ranges in climate space) to wildfire occurrence, using 74,069 Forest Inventory Analysis plots across nine states in the western United States. Wildfire significantly increased the seedling-only range displacement for 2 of the 8 tree species in which seedling-only plots were displaced from tree-plus-seedling plots in the same direction with and without recent fire. The direction of climatic displacement was consistent with that expected for warmer and drier conditions. The greater seedling-only range displacement observed across burned plots suggests that fire can accelerate climate-related range shifts and that fire and fire management will play a role in the rate of vegetation redistribution in response to climate change.
Multiple stages of evolutionary change in anthrax toxin receptor expression in humans
Authors: Choate Lauren A. , Barshad Gilad , McMahon Pierce W. , Said Iskander , Rice Edward J. , Munn Paul R. , Lewis James J. , Danko Charles G.
Published: November 2021

The advent of animal husbandry and hunting increased human exposure to zoonotic pathogens. To understand how a zoonotic disease may have influenced human evolution, we study changes in human expression of anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2), which encodes a cell surface protein necessary for Bacillus anthracis virulence toxins to cause anthrax disease. In immune cells, ANTXR2 is 8-fold down-regulated in all available human samples compared to non-human primates, indicating regulatory changes early in the evolution of modern humans. We also observe multiple genetic signatures consistent with recent positive selection driving a European-specific decrease in ANTXR2 expression in multiple tissues affected by anthrax toxins. Our observations fit a model in which humans adapted to anthrax disease following early ecological changes associated with hunting and scavenging, as well as a second period of adaptation after the rise of modern agriculture.
The reduction of race and gender bias in clinical treatment recommendations using clinician peer networks in an experimental setting
Authors: Centola Damon , Guilbeault Douglas , Sarkar Urmimala , Khoong Elaine , Zhang Jingwen
Published: November 2021

Bias in clinical practice, in particular in relation to race and gender, is a persistent cause of healthcare disparities. We investigated the potential of a peer-network approach to reduce bias in medical treatment decisions within an experimental setting. We created “egalitarian” information exchange networks among practicing clinicians who provided recommendations for the clinical management of patient scenarios, presented via standardized patient videos of actors portraying patients with cardiac chest pain. The videos, which were standardized for relevant clinical factors, presented either a white male actor or Black female actor of similar age, wearing the same attire and in the same clinical setting, portraying a patient with clinically significant chest pain symptoms. We found significant disparities in the treatment recommendations given to the white male patient-actor and Black female patient-actor, which when translated into real clinical scenarios would result in the Black female patient being significantly more likely to receive unsafe undertreatment, rather than the guideline-recommended treatment. In the experimental control group, clinicians who were asked to independently reflect on the standardized patient videos did not show any significant reduction in bias. However, clinicians who exchanged real-time information in structured peer networks significantly improved their clinical accuracy and showed no bias in their final recommendations. The findings indicate that clinician network interventions might be used in healthcare settings to reduce significant disparities in patient treatment.
SARS-CoV-2 inhibits induction of the MHC class I pathway by targeting the STAT1-IRF1-NLRC5 axis
Authors: Yoo Ji-Seung , Sasaki Michihito , Cho Steven X. , Kasuga Yusuke , Zhu Baohui , Ouda Ryota , Orba Yasuko , de Figueiredo Paul , Sawa Hirofumi , Kobayashi Koichi S.
Published: November 2021

The MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation pathway plays a critical role in antiviral immunity. Here we show that the MHC class I pathway is targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Analysis of the gene expression profile from COVID-19 patients as well as SARS-CoV-2 infected epithelial cell lines reveals that the induction of the MHC class I pathway is inhibited by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that NLRC5, an MHC class I transactivator, is suppressed both transcriptionally and functionally by the SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 protein, providing a mechanistic link. SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 hampers type II interferon-mediated STAT1 signaling, resulting in diminished upregulation of NLRC5 and IRF1 gene expression. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 inhibits NLRC5 function via blocking karyopherin complex-dependent nuclear import of NLRC5. Collectively, our study uncovers an immune evasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 that targets the function of key MHC class I transcriptional regulators, STAT1-IRF1-NLRC5.
Structural basis of the regulation of the normal and oncogenic methylation of nucleosomal histone H3 Lys36 by NSD2
Authors: Sato Ko , Kumar Amarjeet , Hamada Keisuke , Okada Chikako , Oguni Asako , Machiyama Ayumi , Sakuraba Shun , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Nureki Osamu , Kono Hidetoshi , Ogata Kazuhiro , Sengoku Toru
Published: November 2021

Dimethylated histone H3 Lys36 (H3K36me2) regulates gene expression, and aberrant H3K36me2 upregulation, resulting from either the overexpression or point mutation of the dimethyltransferase NSD2, is found in various cancers. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of NSD2 bound to the nucleosome. Nucleosomal DNA is partially unwrapped, facilitating NSD2 access to H3K36. NSD2 interacts with DNA and H2A along with H3. The NSD2 autoinhibitory loop changes its conformation upon nucleosome binding to accommodate H3 in its substrate-binding cleft. Kinetic analysis revealed that two oncogenic mutations, E1099K and T1150A, increase NSD2 catalytic turnover. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that in both mutants, the autoinhibitory loop adopts an open state that can accommodate H3 more often than the wild-type. We propose that E1099K and T1150A destabilize the interactions that keep the autoinhibitory loop closed, thereby enhancing catalytic turnover. Our analyses guide the development of specific inhibitors of NSD2.
Bi-directional ribosome scanning controls the stringency of start codon selection
Authors: Gu Yifei , Mao Yuanhui , Jia Longfei , Dong Leiming , Qian Shu-Bing
Published: November 2021

The fidelity of start codon recognition by ribosomes is paramount during protein synthesis. The current knowledge of eukaryotic translation initiation implies unidirectional 5ʹ→3ʹ migration of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) along the 5ʹ UTR. In probing translation initiation from ultra-short 5ʹ UTR, we report that an AUG triplet near the 5ʹ end can be selected via PIC backsliding. Bi-directional ribosome scanning is supported by competitive selection of closely spaced AUG codons and recognition of two initiation sites flanking an internal ribosome entry site. Transcriptome-wide PIC profiling reveals footprints with an oscillation pattern near the 5ʹ end and start codons. Depleting the RNA helicase eIF4A leads to reduced PIC oscillations and impaired selection of 5ʹ end start codons. Enhancing the ATPase activity of eIF4A promotes nonlinear PIC scanning and stimulates upstream translation initiation. The helicase-mediated PIC conformational switch may provide an operational mechanism that unifies ribosome recruitment, scanning, and start codon selection.
Free energies of membrane stalk formation from a lipidomics perspective
Authors: Poojari Chetan S. , Scherer Katharina C. , Hub Jochen S.
Published: November 2021

Many biological membranes are asymmetric and exhibit complex lipid composition, comprising hundreds of distinct chemical species. Identifying the biological function and advantage of this complexity is a central goal of membrane biology. Here, we study how membrane complexity controls the energetics of the first steps of membrane fusions, that is, the formation of a stalk. We first present a computationally efficient method for simulating thermodynamically reversible pathways of stalk formation at coarse-grained resolution. The method reveals that the inner leaflet of a typical plasma membrane is far more fusogenic than the outer leaflet, which is likely an adaptation to evolutionary pressure. To rationalize these findings by the distinct lipid compositions, we computed ~200 free energies of stalk formation in membranes with different lipid head groups, tail lengths, tail unsaturations, and sterol content. In summary, the simulations reveal a drastic influence of the lipid composition on stalk formation and a comprehensive fusogenicity map of many biologically relevant lipid classes.
Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and during infection
Authors: Beites Tiago , Jansen Robert S. , Wang Ruojun , Jinich Adrian , Rhee Kyu Y. , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine
Published: November 2021

The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis depends on host fatty acids as a carbon source. However, fatty acid β-oxidation is mediated by redundant enzymes, which hampers the development of antitubercular drugs targeting this pathway. Here, we show that rv0338c, which we refer to as etfD, encodes a membrane oxidoreductase essential for β-oxidation in M. tuberculosis. An etfD deletion mutant is incapable of growing on fatty acids or cholesterol, with long-chain fatty acids being bactericidal, and fails to grow and survive in mice. Analysis of the mutant’s metabolome reveals a block in β-oxidation at the step catalyzed by acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs), which in other organisms are functionally dependent on an electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and its cognate oxidoreductase. We use immunoprecipitation to show that M. tuberculosis EtfD interacts with FixA (EtfB), a protein that is homologous to the human ETF subunit β and is encoded in an operon with fixB, encoding a homologue of human ETF subunit α. We thus refer to FixA and FixB as EtfB and EtfA, respectively. Our results indicate that EtfBA and EtfD (which is not homologous to human EtfD) function as the ETF and oxidoreductase for β-oxidation in M. tuberculosis and support this pathway as a potential target for tuberculosis drug development.
Gene editing with CRISPR-Cas12a guides possessing ribose-modified pseudoknot handles
Authors: Ageely Eman A. , Chilamkurthy Ramadevi , Jana Sunit , Abdullahu Leonora , O’Reilly Daniel , Jensik Philip J. , Damha Masad J. , Gagnon Keith T.
Published: November 2021

CRISPR-Cas12a is a leading technology for development of model organisms, therapeutics, and diagnostics. These applications could benefit from chemical modifications that stabilize or tune enzyme properties. Here we chemically modify ribonucleotides of theAsCas12a CRISPR RNA 5′ handle, a pseudoknot structure that mediates binding to Cas12a. Gene editing in human cells required retention of several native RNA residues corresponding to predicted 2′-hydroxyl contacts. Replacing these RNA residues with a variety of ribose-modified nucleotides revealed 2′-hydroxyl sensitivity. Modified 5′ pseudoknots with as little as six out of nineteen RNA residues, with phosphorothioate linkages at remaining RNA positions, yielded heavily modified pseudoknots with robust cell-based editing. Hightransactivity was usually preserved withcisactivity. We show that the 5′ pseudoknot can tolerate near complete modification when design is guided by structural and chemical compatibility. Rules for modification of the 5′ pseudoknot should accelerate therapeutic development and be valuable for CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostics.
Dexamethasone modulates immature neutrophils and interferon programming in severe COVID-19
Authors: Sinha Sarthak , Rosin Nicole L. , Arora Rohit , Labit Elodie , Jaffer Arzina , Cao Leslie , Farias Raquel , Nguyen Angela P. , de Almeida Luiz G. N. , Dufour Antoine , Bromley Amy , McDonald Braedon , Gillrie Mark R. , Fritzler Marvin J. , Yipp Bryan G. , Biernaskie Jeff
Published: November 2021

Although critical for host defense, innate immune cells are also pathologic drivers of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Innate immune dynamics during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ARDS, compared to ARDS from other respiratory pathogens, is unclear. Moreover, mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of dexamethasone during severe COVID-19 remain elusive. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and plasma proteomics, we discovered that, compared to bacterial ARDS, COVID-19 was associated with expansion of distinct neutrophil states characterized by interferon (IFN) and prostaglandin signaling. Dexamethasone during severe COVID-19 affected circulating neutrophils, altered IFNactive neutrophils, downregulated interferon-stimulated genes and activated IL-1R2+ neutrophils. Dexamethasone also expanded immunosuppressive immature neutrophils and remodeled cellular interactions by changing neutrophils from information receivers into information providers. Male patients had higher proportions of IFNactive neutrophils and preferential steroid-induced immature neutrophil expansion, potentially affecting outcomes. Our single-cell atlas (see ‘Data availability’ section) defines COVID-19-enriched neutrophil states and molecular mechanisms of dexamethasone action to develop targeted immunotherapies for severe COVID-19.
Imaging local soil kinematics during the first days of maize root growth in sand
Authors: Anselmucci Floriana , Andò Edward , Viggiani Gioacchino , Lenoir Nicolas , Arson Chloé , Sibille Luc
Published: November 2021

Maize seedlings are grown in Hostun sand with two different gradings and two different densities. The root-soil system is imaged daily for the first 8 days of plant growth with X-ray computed tomography. Segmentation, skeletonisation and digital image correlation techniques are used to analyse the evolution of the root system architecture, the displacement fields and the local strain fields due to plant growth in the soil. It is found that root thickness and root length density do not depend on the initial soil configuration. However, the depth of the root tip is strongly influenced by the initial soil density, and the number of laterals is impacted by grain size, which controls pore size, capillary rise and thus root access to water. Consequently, shorter root axes are observed in denser sand and fewer second order roots are observed in coarser sands. In all soil configurations tested, root growth induces shear strain in the soil around the root system, and locally, in the vicinity of the first order roots axis. Root-induced shear is accompanied by dilative volumetric strain close to the root body. Further away, the soil experiences dilation in denser sand and compaction in looser sand. These results suggest that the increase of porosity close to the roots can be caused by a mix of shear strain and steric exclusion.
Factors influencing intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in Chinese patients with isolated optic neuritis associated with AQP4 antibody-seropositive neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Guo Sitong , Jiang Hanqiu , Jiang Libin , Peng Jingting , Liu Hongjuan , Wang Jiawei , Wei Wenbin
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the factors influencing intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) therapy for recovering visual acuity in Chinese patients with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-seropositive neuromyelitis optica-related optic neuritis (NMO-ON). This retrospective case series included 243 affected eyes of 182 patients (36 male, 146 female) diagnosed with NMO-ON in the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic of Beijing Tongren Hospital from September 2012 to September 2020. All patients with AQP4-antibody seropositivity had clinical manifestations of acute ON, excluding other diagnoses and received IVMP treatment at 500 mg/day or 1000 mg/day for 3 days. Primary outcome was the extent of improvement in logMAR visual acuity after IVMP treatment. The therapeutic influences of sex, age, baseline visual acuity, therapeutic intervals, and IVMP dose on acute NMO-ON were analysed. Chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Age ranged between 7 and 80 years (median age, 44; interquartile range [IQR], 29–52) years. Among the 243 eyes, the median improvement in logMAR visual acuity was 0.3 (IQR, 0–0.9). Therapeutic efficacy of IVMP was significantly higher in female than in male patients (Z = 2.117, P = 0.034). The treatment effect gradually decreased with increase in age at onset (Rs = 0.157, P = 0.015), and visual improvement was significantly lower in patients aged > 50 years than in those ≤ 50 years (Z = 2.571, P = 0.010). When patients had low visual acuity at onset, improvements were more obvious (rho =  − 0.317, P < 0.001); however, final visual acuity was still low (rho = 0.688, P < 0.001). Therapeutic effect was negatively correlated with therapeutic intervals (rho = 0.228, P = 0.001). Dosage of methylprednisolone (1000 mg/day or 500 mg/day) did not significantly influence treatment efficacy (Z = 0.951 P = 0.342). Therefore, IVMP therapy can improve visual acuity in the affected eyes of patients with AQP4 antibody-seropositive NMO-ON with similar effect at 500 mg/day and 1000 mg/day doses. Sex, age at onset, and therapeutic intervals may influence the efficacy of IVMP in patients with NMO-ON.
Raised seasonal temperatures reinforce autumn Varroa destructor infestation in honey bee colonies
Authors: Smoliński Szymon , Langowska Aleksandra , Glazaczow Adam
Published: November 2021

Varroa destructor is the main pest of the honey bee Apis mellifera, causing colony losses. We investigated the effect of temperature on the autumn abundance of V. destructor in bee colonies over 1991–2020 in Central Europe. We tested the hypothesis that temperature can affect autumn mite populations with different time-lags modulating the bee abundance and brood availability. We showed that raised spring (March–May) and autumn (October) temperatures reinforce autumn V. destructor infestation in the bee colonies. The critical temperature signals embrace periods of bee activity, i.e., just after the first cleansing flights and just before the last observed bee flights, but no direct effects of phenological changes on V. destructor abundance were found. These effects were potentially associated with increased bee reproduction in the specific periods of the year and not with the extended period of activity or accelerated spring onset. We found significant effects of autumn bee abundance, autumn capped brood abundance, and the number of colonies merged on autumn mite infestation. We also observed differences in V. destructor abundance between bees derived from different subspecies. We indicated that climatic effects, through influence on the bee abundance and brood availability, are one of the main drivers regulating V. destructor abundance.
Amplitude modulated transcranial alternating current stimulation (AM-TACS) efficacy evaluation via phosphene induction
Authors: Thiele Carsten , Zaehle Tino , Haghikia Aiden , Ruhnau Philipp
Published: November 2021

Amplitude modulated transcranial alternating current stimulation (AM-tACS) is a novel method of electrostimulation which enables the recording of electrophysiological signals during stimulation, thanks to an easier removable stimulation artefact compared to classical electrostimulation methods. To gauge the neuromodulatory potential of AM-tACS, we tested its capacity to induce phosphenes as an indicator of stimulation efficacy. AM-tACS was applied via a two-electrode setup, attached on FpZ and below the right eye. AM-tACS waveforms comprised of different carrier (50 Hz, 200 Hz, 1000 Hz) and modulation frequencies (8 Hz, 16 Hz, 28 Hz) were administered with at maximum 2 mA peak-to-peak stimulation strength. TACS conditions in the same frequencies were used as a benchmark for phosphene induction. AM-tACS conditions using a 50 Hz carrier frequency were able to induce phosphenes, but with no difference in phosphene thresholds between modulation frequencies. AM-tACS using a 200 Hz or 1000 Hz carrier frequency did not induce phosphenes. TACS conditions induced phosphenes in line with previous studies. Stimulation effects of AM-tACS conditions were independent of amplitude modulation and instead relied solely on the carrier frequency. A possible explanation may be that AM-tACS needs higher stimulation intensities for its amplitude modulation to have a neuromodulatory effect.
Defensive strategies of Norway spruce and Kurile larch heartwood elucidated on the micron-level
Authors: Füchtner Sophie , Piqueras Sara , Thygesen Lisbeth Garbrecht
Published: November 2021

To decarbonize the building sector, the use of durable wood materials must be increased. Inspiration for environmentally benign wood protection systems is sought in durable tree species depositing phenolic extractives in their heartwood. Based on the hypothesis that the micro-distribution of extractives influences durability, we compared the natural impregnation patterns of non-durable, but readily available Norway spruce to more durable Kurile larch by mapping the distribution of heartwood extractives with Confocal Raman Imaging and multivariate data decomposition. Phenolics of both species were associated with hydrophobic oleoresin, likely facilitating diffusion through the tissue. They accumulated preferentially in lignin-rich sub-compartments of the cell wall. Yet, the distribution of extractives was found not to be the same. The middle lamellae contained flavonoids in larch and aromatic waxes in spruce, which was also found in rays and epithelial cells. Spruce-lignans were tentatively identified in all cell types, while larch-flavonoids were not present in resin channels, hinting at a different origin of synthesis. Larch-oleoresin without flavonoids was only found in lumina, indicating that the presence of phenolics in the mixture influences the final destination. Together our findings suggest, that spruce heartwood-defense focuses on water regulation, while the more efficient larch strategy is based on antioxidants.
Red blood cell transfusion induces abnormal HIF-1α response to cytokine storm after adult cardiac surgery
Authors: Viikinkoski Emma , Jalkanen Juho , Gunn Jarmo , Vasankari Tuija , Lehto Joonas , Valtonen Mika , Biancari Fausto , Jalkanen Sirpa , Airaksinen K. E. Juhani , Hollmén Maija , Kiviniemi Tuomas O.
Published: November 2021

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery develop a marked postoperative systemic inflammatory response. Blood transfusion may contribute to disruption of homeostasis in these patients. We sought to evaluate the impact of blood transfusion on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), hypoxia induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels as well as adverse outcomes in patients undergoing adult cardiac surgery. We prospectively enrolled 282 patients undergoing adult cardiac surgery. Serum IL-6 and HIF-1α levels were measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative day. Packed red blood cells were transfused in 26.3% of patients (mean 2.93 ± 3.05 units) by the time of postoperative sampling. Postoperative IL-6 levels increased over 30-fold and were similar in both groups (p = 0.115), whilst HIF-1α levels (0.377 pg/mL vs. 0.784 pg/mL, p = 0.002) decreased significantly in patients who received red blood cell transfusion. Moreover, greater decrease in HIF-1α levels predicted worse in-hospital and 3mo adverse outcome. Red blood cell transfusion was associated with higher risk of major adverse outcomes (stroke, pneumonia, all-cause mortality) during the index hospitalization. Red blood cell transfusion induces blunting of postoperative HIF-1 α response and is associated with higher risk of adverse thrombotic and pulmonary adverse events after cardiac surgery.

Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03444259.
A systematic study of PPLN length dependence in intracavity SHG
Authors: Kashak Tyler , Flannigan Liam , Xu Chang-qing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a systematic study of the relationship between nonlinear crystal length and intracavity second-harmonic generation (SHG) using MgO-doped periodically-poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) is presented. The experimental results demonstrate a relationship between the maximum SHG power generated and the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the crystal’s temperature tuning curve to the length of the nonlinear optical crystal. It was shown that maximum SHG power increases rapidly with the increase of MgO:PPLN length, reaching a saturation length (~ 2 mm), which is much shorter than that predicted by the single-pass SHG theory. This saturation length of the MgO:PPLN crystal is almost independent on 808 nm pump power for typical powers used in continuous wave intracavity SHG lasers. In addition to this saturation effect, a broadening effect was also observed, the FWHM of the temperature tuning curve was shown to have a larger FWHM than that predicted by the single-pass SHG theory for MgO:PPLN shorter than the saturation length. This work has the benefit of allowing engineers to optimize nonlinear crystal length when developing intracavity SHG based diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers.
Biophysical and functional characterization of the human TAS1R2 sweet taste receptor overexpressed in a HEK293S inducible cell line
Authors: Belloir Christine , Brulé Marine , Tornier Lucie , Neiers Fabrice , Briand Loïc
Published: November 2021

Sweet taste perception is mediated by a heterodimeric receptor formed by the assembly of the TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 subunits. TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 are class C G-protein-coupled receptors whose members share a common topology, including a large extracellular N-terminal domain (NTD) linked to a seven transmembrane domain (TMD) by a cysteine-rich domain. TAS1R2-NTD contains the primary binding site for sweet compounds, including natural sugars and high-potency sweeteners, whereas the TAS1R2-TMD has been shown to bind a limited number of sweet tasting compounds. To understand the molecular mechanisms governing receptor–ligand interactions, we overexpressed the human TAS1R2 (hTAS1R2) in a stable tetracycline-inducible HEK293S cell line and purified the detergent-solubilized receptor. Circular dichroism spectroscopic studies revealed that hTAS1R2 was properly folded with evidence of secondary structures. Using size exclusion chromatography coupled to light scattering, we found that the hTAS1R2 subunit is a dimer. Ligand binding properties were quantified by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. Due to technical limitations, natural sugars have not been tested. However, we showed that hTAS1R2 is capable of binding high potency sweeteners with Kd values that are in agreement with physiological detection. This study offers a new experimental strategy to identify new sweeteners or taste modulators that act on the hTAS1R2 and is a prerequisite for structural query and biophysical studies.
Bioarchaeological insights into the last plague of Imola (1630–1632)
Authors: Guellil Meriam , Rinaldo Natascia , Zedda Nicoletta , Kersten Oliver , Gonzalez Muro Xabier , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Bramanti Barbara
Published: November 2021

The plague of 1630–1632 was one of the deadliest plague epidemics to ever hit Northern Italy, and for many of the affected regions, it was also the last. While accounts on plague during the early 1630s in Florence and Milan are frequent, much less is known about the city of Imola. We analyzed the full skeletal assemblage of four mass graves (n = 133 individuals) at the Lazaretto dell’Osservanza, which date back to the outbreak of 1630–1632 in Imola and evaluated our results by integrating new archival sources. The skeletons showed little evidence of physical trauma and were covered by multiple layers of lime, which is characteristic for epidemic mass mortality sites. We screened 15 teeth forYersinia pestisaDNA and were able to confirm the presence of plague in Imola via metagenomic analysis. Additionally, we studied a contemporaneous register, in which a friar recorded patient outcomes at the lazaretto during the last year of the epidemic. Our multidisciplinary approach combining historical, osteological and genomic data provided a unique opportunity to reconstruct an in-depth picture of the last plague of Imola through the city's main lazaretto.
A rapid procedure for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing directly from positive blood cultures
Authors: Sun Bo , Kang Xixiong , Yue Shuhua , Lan Lu , Li Rui , Chen Chen , Zhang Weifeng , He Shipei , Zhang Chenxi , Fan Yubo , Wang Pu , Zheng Guanghui , Hong Weili
Published: November 2021

This semi-automatic procedure only takes 3.5 h to obtain bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results starting from positive blood cultures.
Volatile atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry headspace analysis ofE. coliandS. aureus
Authors: Rosenthal Kerry , Hunsicker Eugenie , Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Lindley Martin R. , Leonard Joshua , Hitchens Jack R. , Turner Matthew A.
Published: November 2021

Identifying the characteristics of bacterial species can improve treatment outcomes and mass spectrometry methods have been shown to be capable of identifying biomarkers of bacterial species.
Single-ion solvation free energy: A new cluster–continuum approach based on the cluster expansion method
Authors: Rufino Virgínia C. , Pliego Jr Josefredo R.
Published: November 2021

A new hybrid discrete–continuum solvation approach for ions that does not require the use of thermodynamic cycles.
Rapid screening alloying elements for improved corrosion resistance on the Mg(0001) surface using first principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Junsheng , Li Xin , Wang Shuo , Zhu Shijie , Guan Shaokang
Published: November 2021

The poor corrosion resistance of Mg alloys is a major challenge for their applications.
Dynamics and local environment of an aromatic counterion bound to di-chain cationic surfactant bilayers studied by avoided level crossing muon spin resonance: evidence for counterion condensation
Authors: McKenzie Iain , Scheuermann Robert , Tucker Ian , Mulley Brian P.
Published: November 2021

Avoided level crossing muon spin resonance (ALC-μSR) was used to study the dynamics of muon-spin-labelled 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoate counterions and their interaction with DODMAC (dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride) bilayers in the Lα and Lβ states.
Access to metastable [GeH2]n materials via a molecular “bottom-up” approach
Authors: Sinclair Jocelyn , Medroa del Pino William , Aku-Dominguez Kwami , Minami Yohei , Kiran Anagha , Ferguson Michael J. , Yasuda Makoto , Rivard Eric
Published: November 2021

The molecular precursor Ge(OtBu)2 was combined with soluble hydride sources to either yield metastable [GeH2]n materials (orange solids) or the deposition of nanoscale films of Ge from solution.
Comparative reactivity of medicinal gold(i) compounds with the cyclic peptide vasopressin and its diselenide analogue
Authors: Lamarche Jeremy , Alcoceba Álvarez Enrique , Cordeau Emmanuelle , Enjalbal Christine , Massai Lara , Messori Luigi , Lobinski Ryszard , Ronga Luisa
Published: November 2021

The reactions of the medicinal gold(i) compound auranofin and its close analogues with vasopressin and the diselenide analogue were comparatively investigated by LC-electrospray MS/MS.
An ATP–Cu(ii) catalyst efficiently catalyzes enantioselective Michael reactions in water
Authors: Dong Xingchen , Yuan Zijian , Qu Yao , Gao Yuxin , Pei Xue , Qi Qianqian , Pei Yujuan , Li Jiaqi , Chen Yashao , Wang Changhao
Published: November 2021

A biocompatible, cheap and practical biohybrid catalyst was designed using ATP and Cu2+ ions that efficiently catalyzes Michael reactions to produce valuable chiral Michael adducts.
Direct and oxidative dehydrogenation of propane: from catalyst design to industrial application
Authors: Carter James H. , Bere Takudzwa , Pitchers Jack R. , Hewes Daniel G. , Vandegehuchte Bart D. , Kiely Christopher J. , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: November 2021

This critical review evaluates the state-of-the-art in propane dehydrogenation catalysis using oxidative and non-oxidative methods, with an emphasis on the sustainability and suitability for process commercialisation.
Highly efficient hydrogenation reduction of aromatic nitro compounds using MOF derivative Co–N/C catalyst
Authors: Dai Yuyu , Li Xiaoqing , Wang Likai , Xu Xiangsheng
Published: November 2021

A unique MOF derivative core–shell Co–N/C catalyst exhibits porous structure with high specific area, high cobalt content (23%) and high nitrogen content (3%), resulting in the excellent hydrogenation reduction of nitro compounds.
Electrospinning nanofiber technology: a multifaceted paradigm in biomedical applications
Authors: Garkal Atul , Kulkarni Deepak , Musale Shubham , Mehta Tejal , Giram Prabhanjan
Published: November 2021

This review focuses on the process of preparation of nanofibersviaEs, the design and setup of the instrument, critical parameter optimization, preferable polymers, solvents, characterization techniques, and recent development and biomedical applications of nanofibers.
Pyrochlore oxides as visible light-responsive photocatalysts
Authors: Belousov Artem S. , Suleimanov Evgeny V. , Fukina Diana G.
Published: November 2021

This perspective describes the use of pyrochlore oxides in photocatalysis with focus on the strategies to enhance their activity.
Recycling decoration wastes toward a high-performance porous carbon membrane electrode for supercapacitive energy storage devices
Authors: Cui Mengxia , Wang Fang , Zhang Zhengguo , Min Shixiong
Published: November 2021

A porous carbon membrane (DWCM) is facilely fabricated by direct carbonization of decoration waste using KOH as an activator and employed as a self-supported electrode for an aqueous supercapacitor (SC) with a superior capacitive performance.
Building a quadruple stimuli-responsive supramolecular gel based on a supra-amphiphilic metallogelator
Authors: Chen Xianhui , Peng Yuanyuan , Tao Xiaobo , Du Guangyan , Li Quan
Published: November 2021

A supramolecular gel was fabricated based on a novel supra-amphiphilic metallogelator, and it showed quadruple stimuli-responsive properties.
Resistance of single domain walls in half-metallic CrO2 epitaxial nanostructures
Authors: Qian Lijuan , Zhou Shiyu , Wang Kang , Xiao Gang
Published: November 2021

Description: Large size effect of domain wall resistance (DWR) in half-metallic CrO2 nanowires with nano-constrictions.
Plasmon–exciton interaction strongly increases the efficiency of a quantum dot-based near-infrared photodetector operating in the two-photon absorption mode under normal conditions
Authors: Krivenkov Victor , Samokhvalov Pavel , Vasil'evskii Ivan S. , Kargin Nikolai I. , Nabiev Igor
Published: November 2021

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are known for their high two-photon absorption (TPA) capacity.
Experimental determination of the curvature-induced intra-wall polarization of inorganic nanotubes
Authors: Pignié Marie-Claire , Patra Sabyasachi , Huart Lucie , Milosavljević Aleksandar R. , Renault Jean Philippe , Leroy Jocelyne , Nicolas Christophe , Sublemontier Olivier , Le Caër Sophie , Thill Antoine
Published: November 2021

The presence of a significant intra-wall polarization in imogolites, which are inorganic nanotubes, is experimentally evidenced and quantified.
Amorphous materials for elementary-gas-involved electrocatalysis: an overview
Authors: Zhai Wenfang , Sakthivel Thangavel , Chen Fuyi , Du Chengfeng , Yu Hong , Dai Zhengfei
Published: November 2021

The summary and perspective on fabrication, structure tuning, and elemental-gas-involved catalytic applications of amorphous materials have been outlined in this review.
A sequential ROMP strategy to donor–acceptor di-, tri- and tetra arylenevinylene block copolymers
Authors: Komanduri Venukrishnan , Janpatompong Yurachat , Marcial-Hernandez Raymundo , Tate Daniel J. , Turner Michael L.
Published: November 2021

Sequential ROMP of electron rich and electron deficient paracyclophanediene monomers gives donor–acceptor di-, tri- and even tetrablock phenylenevinylene coploymers.
Syntheses of new chiral chimeric photo-organocatalysts
Authors: Lyu Jiyaun , Leone Matteo , Claraz Aurélie , Allain Clémence , Neuville Luc , Masson Géraldine
Published: November 2021

A new family of chimeric chiral photocatalysts in which a BINOL derived phosphoric acid embeds one or two photosensitizer dyes was prepared. We have demonstrated their ability to catalyse an enantioselective electrophilic amination reaction.
CO organization at ambient pressure on stepped Pt surfaces: first principles modeling accelerated by neural networks
Authors: Sumaria Vaidish , Sautet Philippe
Published: November 2021

A neural network potential trained using first-principles calculations enables to understand the adsorption configurations of carbon monoxide on stepped Pt surfaces at ambient pressure.
Highest-Tc single-component homochiral organic ferroelectrics
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Ai Yong , Zeng Yu-Ling , Liu Jun-Chao , Xu Zhe-Kun , Wang Zhong-Xia
Published: November 2021

A pair of enantiomeric organic ferroelectrics (R and S)-10-camphorsulfonylimine show the highest Tc among the known single-component organic ferroelectrics.
Multi-stimuli programmable FRET based RGB absorbing antennae towards ratiometric temperature, pH and multiple metal ion sensing
Authors: Rani Kavita , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: November 2021

RGB antennae consisting of naphthalimides, perylenediimides and aza-BODIPY with efficient FRET show unique ratiometric temperature sensing, metal sensing (FRET-off) and pH sensing through various stimuli sensitive band tuning.
Proton to hydride umpolung at a phosphonium center via electron relay: a new strategy for main-group based water reduction
Authors: Oishi Takumi , Lugo-Fuentes Leonardo I. , Jing Yichuan , Jimenez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Barroso-Flores Joaquín , Nakamoto Masaaki , Yamamoto Yohsuke , Tsunoji Nao , Shang Rong
Published: November 2021

A (bisborane)triarylphosphine was developed to spontaneously generate H2 from water under ambient conditions, revealing an unprecedented multi-centered electron relay mechanism for a metal-free umpolung of proton to hydride.
Chronic pharmacological antagonism of the GM-CSF receptor in mice does not replicate the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis phenotype but does alter lung surfactant turnover
Authors: Corkill Dominic J. , Hunt Alan N. , Hinrichs Mary Jane , White Nicholas , Rebelatto Marlon , Roskos Lorin , Nys Josquin , Scott Alison , Robinson Matthew J. , Ryan Patricia , Postle Anthony D. , Sleeman Matthew A.
Published: November 2021

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a key participant in, and a clinical target for, the treatment of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therapeutic inhibition of GM-CSF signalling using monoclonal antibodies to the α-subunit of the GM-CSF receptor (GMCSFRα) has shown clear benefit in patients with RA, giant cell arteritis (GCAs) and some efficacy in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, GM-CSF autoantibodies are associated with the development of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a rare lung disease characterised by alveolar macrophage (AM) dysfunction and the accumulation of surfactant lipids. We assessed how the anti-GMCSFRα approach might impact surfactant turnover in the airway. Female C57BL/6J mice received a mouse-GMCSFRα blocking antibody (CAM-3003) twice per week for up to 24 weeks. A parallel, comparator cohort of the mouse PAP model, GM-CSF receptor β subunit (GMCSFRβ) knock-out (KO), was maintained up to 16 weeks. We assessed lung tissue histopathology alongside lung phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism using stable isotope lipidomics. GMCSFRβ KO mice reproduced the histopathological and biochemical features of PAP, accumulating surfactant PC in both broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lavaged lung tissue. The incorporation pattern of methyl-D9-choline showed impaired catabolism and not enhanced synthesis. In contrast, chronic supra-pharmacological CAM-3003 exposure (100 mg/kg) over 24 weeks did not elicit a histopathological PAP phenotype despite some changes in lung PC catabolism. Lack of significant impairment of AM catabolic function supports clinical observations that therapeutic antibodies to this pathway have not been associated with PAP in clinical trials.
HQA‐Trans: An end‐to‐end high‐quality‐awareness image translation framework for unsupervised cross‐domain pedestrian detection
Authors: Shen Gelin , Yu Yang , Tang Zhi‐Ri , Chen Haoqiang , Zhou Zongtan
Published: November 2021

Unsupervised cross‐domain pedestrian detection has attracted attention in recent years. Although some works adopted unsupervised image translation frameworks to generate an intermediate domain to narrow the gap between source and target domains, the images in the intermediate domain tend to be distorted due to the instability of the generation network. In this work, we propose a new framework to improve the image quality of the generated intermediate domain via an end‐to‐end translation framework. First, an image quality assessment index is adopted and adjusted appropriately. The part that controls the image quality is kept, and the part that adversely affects the domain style translation is discarded. Secondly, the adjusted image quality assessment index is integrated into the unsupervised image translation framework, where a new loss with the index's weight is proposed. An end‐to‐end high‐quality‐awareness image translation framework is constructed to generate a high‐quality intermediate domain directly through this process. Finally, the intermediate domain with high‐quality images is applied for cross‐domain pedestrian detection. Experimental results on benchmark datasets show that the proposed framework can effectively improve unsupervised cross‐domain pedestrian detection performance. Compared with some state‐of‐the‐art works, the proposed framework can also achieve superior performance under miss rate metrics.
Optimal no‐hit‐zone frequency hopping sequence sets with wide gap
Authors: Wang Changyuan , Yang Wanan , Fan Fuyou
Published: November 2021

Using no‐hit‐zone frequency‐hopping (FH) sequences with wide gap (WG NHZ FH sequences), the quasi‐synchronous (QS) FH communication systems not only have good capability of preventing muti‐path interference but also have strong capabilities of resisting the enemy's intentional interferences in the complicated electromagnetic interference conditions. This paper designs a new class of optimal WG NHZ FH sequence set which was not presented previously. It significantly meet the needs of high reliable QS FH communication under complicated electromagnetic interference conditions.
Multi‐objective optimization of a tubular permanent magnet linear generator with 120° phase belt toroidal windings using response surface method and genetic algorithm
Authors: Si Jikai , Yan Zuoguang , Nie Rui , Li Zhongwen , Hu Yihua , Li Yingsheng
Published: November 2021

In terms of the characteristics of multi‐objective and interactions among optimization objectives of the tubular permanent magnet linear generator with 120° phase belt toroidal winding (120°‐TPMLG), a multi‐objective optimization method is proposed to improve the generators performances, which is based on the combination of response surface method and the genetic algorithm. First, the sensitivity analysis of different structural parameters on the performances of the 120°‐TPMLG is conducted to pick out the sensitive structural parameters. Then develop those sensitive parameters as optimization variables to establish the response surface equation of the generator performances including output power (P), detent force (F), and the efficiency (η). Subsequently, based on the surface equation, the genetic algorithm (GA) fitness function is proposed to conducted the global optimization and the optimization results are finally obtained. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method, the performances of the optimal 120°‐TPMLG are analysed and compared with the initial one. The results show that the performances including the detent force and power density of the 120°‐TPMLG are greatly improved, which prove that the proposed multi‐objective optimization method is effective for the 120°‐TPMLG.