bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-colour stress biosensor reveals multimodal response in single cells and spatiotemporal dynamics of biofilms
Authors: Zoheir Ahmed E. , Sobol Morgan S. , Meisch Laura , Ordoñez-Rueda Diana , Kaster Anne-Kristin , Niemeyer Christof M. , Rabe Kersten S.
Published: August 2023

The plethora of stress factors that can damage microbial cells has evolved sophisticated stress response mechanisms. While existing bioreporters can monitor individual responses, sensors for detecting multimodal stress responses in living microorganisms are still lacking. Orthogonally detectable red, green, and blue fluorescent proteins combined in a single plasmid, dubbed RGB-S reporter, enable simultaneous, independent, and real-time analysis of the transcriptional response of Escherichia coli using three promoters which report physiological stress (PosmY for RpoS), genotoxicity (PsulA for SOS), and cytotoxicity (PgrpE for RpoH). The bioreporter is compatible with standard analysis and Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) combined with subsequent transcriptome analysis. Various stressors, including the biotechnologically relevant 2-propanol, activate one, two, or all three stress responses, which can significantly impact non-stress-related metabolic pathways. Implemented in microfluidic cultivation with confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging, the RGB-S reporter enabled spatiotemporal analysis of live biofilms revealing stratified subpopulations of bacteria with heterogeneous stress responses.
Enhancing the Faradaic efficiency of solid oxide electrolysis cells: progress and perspective
Authors: Gaikwad Prashik S. , Mondal Kunal , Shin Yun Kyung , van Duin Adri C. T. , Pawar Gorakh
Published: August 2023

To reduce global warming, many countries are shifting to sustainable energy production systems. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are being considered due to their high hydrogen generation efficiency. However, low faradaic efficiency in scaling SOEC technology affects costs and limits large-scale adoption of hydrogen as fuel. This review covers SOECs’ critical aspects: current state-of-the-art anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials, operational and materials parameters affecting faradaic efficiency, and computational modeling techniques to resolve bottlenecks affecting SOEC faradaic efficiency.
Thermodynamics of multi-sublattice battery active materials: from an extended regular solution theory to a phase-field model of LiMnyFe1-yPO4
Authors: Ombrini Pierfrancesco , Bazant Martin Z. , Wagemaker Marnix , Vasileiadis Alexandros
Published: August 2023

Phase separation during the lithiation of redox-active materials is a critical factor affecting battery performance, including energy density, charging rates, and cycle life. Accurate physical descriptions of these materials are necessary for understanding underlying lithiation mechanisms, performance limitations, and optimizing energy storage devices. This work presents an extended regular solution model that captures mutual interactions between sublattices of multi-sublattice battery materials, typically synthesized by metal substitution. We apply the model to phospho-olivine materials and demonstrate its quantitative accuracy in predicting the composition-dependent redox shift of the plateaus of LiMnyFe1-yPO4 (LFMP), LiCoyFe1-yPO4 (LFCP), LiCoxMnyFe1-x-yPO4 (LFMCP), as well as their phase separation behavior. Furthermore, we develop a phase-field model of LFMP that consistently matches experimental data and identifies LiMn0.4Fe0.6PO4 as a superior composition that favors a solid solution phase transition, making it ideal for high-power applications.
Perspectives for plant biology in space and analogue environments
Authors: De Micco Veronica , Aronne Giovanna , Caplin Nicol , Carnero-Diaz Eugénie , Herranz Raúl , Horemans Nele , Legué Valérie , Medina F. Javier , Pereda-Loth Veronica , Schiefloe Mona , De Francesco Sara , Izzo Luigi Gennaro , Le Disquet Isabel , Kittang Jost Ann- Iren
Published: August 2023

Advancements in plant space biology are required for the realization of human space exploration missions, where the re-supply of resources from Earth is not feasible. Until a few decades ago, space life science was focused on the impact of the space environment on the human body. More recently, the interest in plant space biology has increased because plants are key organisms in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for the regeneration of resources and fresh food production. Moreover, plants play an important role in psychological support for astronauts. The definition of cultivation requirements for the design, realization, and successful operation of BLSS must consider the effects of space factors on plants. Altered gravitational fields and radiation exposure are the main space factors inducing changes in gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation, signalling and physiological processes with possible consequences on tissue organization and organogenesis, thus on the whole plant functioning. Interestingly, the changes at the cellular and molecular levels do not always result in organismic or developmental changes. This apparent paradox is a current research challenge. In this paper, the main findings of gravity- and radiation-related research on higher plants are summarized, highlighting the knowledge gaps that are still necessary to fill. Existing experimental facilities to simulate the effect of space factors, as well as requirements for future facilities for possible experiments to achieve fundamental biology goals are considered. Finally, the need for making synergies among disciplines and for establishing global standard operating procedures for analyses and data collection in space experiments is highlighted.
Revisiting the “forever chemicals”, PFOA and PFOS exposure in drinking water
Authors: Wee Sze Yee , Aris Ahmad Zaharin
Published: August 2023

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), known as the most detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various environmental compartments, have been associated with plastic pollution and endocrine dysfunction. Over the past 180 years (1839–2019), numerous emerging contaminants have been identified, with PFOA and PFOS receiving considerable attention based on scientific evidence and publications. Between 2018 and 2019, PFOA and PFOS experienced a relatively high increase rate of 18.8% and 13.6%, respectively. While developed countries have made progress in establishing stringent guidelines, developing and underdeveloped countries often lack regulations and mechanisms to address emerging PFAS. Furthermore, advancements in PFAS removal technologies are needed to improve their efficacy and feasibility. The establishment of regulatory compliances, along with exposure assessment and risk characterization, is essential for providing precautionary advice on water source protection, water supply security, health risks, treatment efficiency, and contamination forecasting. However, a more comprehensive approach and database for evaluating exposure and risks are still imperative to effectively combat PFAS contamination in drinking water. Therefore, this review aims to enhance environmental monitoring and management practices in response to the global crisis of PFAS contamination. The analysis of Needs, Approaches, Benefits, and Challenges (NABC) is grounded in the current trends of PFAS in the environment and human exposure through drinking water.
Phytochemical mediated modulation of COX-3 and NFκB for the management and treatment of arthritis
Authors: Biswas Dipak , Somkuwar Bharat Gopalrao , Borah Jagat Chandra , Varadwaj Pritish Kumar , Gupta Saurabh , Khan Zeeshan Ahmad , Mondal Gopinath , Chattoraj Asamanja , Deb Lokesh
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigated whether zerumbone (ZBN), ellagic acid (ELA) and quercetin (QCT), the plant-derived components, can modulate the role of COX-3 or cytokines liable in arthritic disorder. Initially, the effect of ZBN, ELA, and QCT on inflammatory process was investigated using in-vitro models. In-silico docking and molecular dynamics study of these molecules with respective targets also corroborate with in-vitro studies. Further, the in-vivo anti-arthritic potential of these molecules in Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats was confirmed. CFA increases in TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the arthritic control animals were significantly (***p < 0.001) attenuated in the ZBN- and ELA-treated animals. CFA-induced attenuation in IL-10 levels recovered under treatment. Moreover, ELA attenuated CFA-induced upregulation of COX-3 and ZBN downregulated CFA-triggered NFκB expression in arthritic animals. The bonding patterns of zerumbone in the catalytic sites of targets provide a useful hint in designing and developing suitable derivatives that can be used as a potential drug. To our best knowledge, the first time we are reporting the role of COX-3 in the treatment of arthritic disorders which could provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Prevalence, incidence, and outcomes of hepatitis E virus coinfection in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Jang Eun Sun , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Kim Young Seok , Kim In Hee , Lee Youn Jae , Cho Sung Beom , Kim Yun-Tae , Jeong Sook-Hyang
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) prevalence and incidence of seroconversion and seroreversion as well as its risk factors and to analyze the clinical outcomes of HEV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients compared to those of HCV-monoinfected patients. We prospectively enrolled 502 viremic HCV patients with paired plasma samples (at intervals of ≥ 12 months) from 5 tertiary hospitals. Anti-HEV IgG positivity was tested using the Wantai ELISA kit in all paired samples. Mean age was 58.2 ± 11.5 years old, 48.2% were male, 29.9% of patients had liver cirrhosis, and 9.4% of patients were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The overall prevalence of anti-HEV IgG positivity at enrollment was 33.3%, with a higher prevalence in males and increasing prevalence according to the subject’s age. During the 916.4 person-year, the HEV incidence rate was 0.98/100 person-years (9/335, 2.7%). Hepatic decompensation or liver-related mortality was not observed. There were six seroreversion cases among 172 anti-HEV-positive patients (1.22/100 person-years). In conclusion, approximately one-third of the adult Korean chronic HCV patients were anti-HEV IgG positive. The HEV incidence rate was 1 in 100 persons per year, without adverse hepatic outcomes or mortality.
Vacuolar-ATPase-mediated muscle acidification caused muscular mechanical nociceptive hypersensitivity after chronic stress in rats, which involved extracellular matrix proteoglycan and ASIC3
Authors: Nasu Teruaki , Hori Amane , Hotta Norio , Kihara Chiaki , Kubo Asako , Katanosaka Kimiaki , Suzuki Masamitsu , Mizumura Kazue
Published: August 2023

Although widespread pain, such as fibromyalgia, is considered to have a central cause, peripheral input is important. We used a rat repeated cold stress (RCS) model with many characteristics common to fibromyalgia and studied the possible involvement of decreased muscle pH in muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. After a 5-day RCS, the muscle pH and the muscular mechanical withdrawal threshold (MMWT) decreased significantly. Subcutaneously injected specific inhibitor of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), bafilomycin A1, reversed both changes almost completely. It also reversed the increased mechanical response of muscle thin-fibre afferents after RCS. These results show that V-ATPase activation caused muscle pH drop, which led to mechanical hypersensitivity after RCS. Since extracellular matrix proteoglycan and acid sensitive ion channels (TRPV1 and ASIC3) have been considered as possible mechanisms for sensitizing/activating nociceptors by protons, we investigated their involvement. Manipulating the extracellular matrix proteoglycan with chondroitin sulfate and chondroitinase ABC reversed the MMWT decrease after RCS, supporting the involvement of the extracellular mechanism. Inhibiting ASIC3, but not TRPV1, reversed the decreased MMWT after RCS, and ASIC3 mRNA and protein in the dorsal root ganglia were upregulated, indicating ASIC3 involvement. These findings suggest that extracellular mechanism and ASIC3 play essential roles in proton-induced mechanical hyperalgesia after RCS.
The TIGIT+ T regulatory cells subset associates with nosocomial infection and fatal outcome in COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation
Authors: de Lima Mikhael Haruo Fernandes , Machado Caio Cavalcante , Nascimento Daniele Carvalho , Silva Camila Meirelles S. , Toller-Kawahisa Juliana Escher , Rodrigues Tamara Silva , Veras Flavio Protassio , Pontelli Marjorie Cornejo , Castro Italo A. , Zamboni Dario Simões , Filho José-Carlos A. , Cunha Thiago M. , Arruda Eurico , da Cunha Larissa Dias , Oliveira Renê D. R. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Louzada-Junior Paulo
Published: August 2023

The TIGIT+FOXP3+Treg subset (TIGIT+Tregs) exerts robust suppressive activity on cellular immunity and predisposes septic individuals to opportunistic infection. We hypothesized that TIGIT+Tregs could play an important role in intensifying the COVID-19 severity and hampering the defense against nosocomial infections during hospitalization. Herein we aimed to verify the association between the levels of the TIGIT+Tregs with the mechanical ventilation requirement, fatal outcome, and bacteremia during hospitalization. TIGIT+Tregs were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry from the peripheral blood of 72 unvaccinated hospitalized COVID-19 patients at admission from May 29th to August 6th, 2020. The patients were stratified during hospitalization according to their mechanical ventilation requirement and fatal outcome. COVID-19 resulted in a high prevalence of the TIGIT+Tregs at admission, which progressively increased in patients with mechanical ventilation needs and fatal outcomes. The prevalence of TIGIT+Tregs positively correlated with poor pulmonary function and higher plasma levels of LDH, HMGB1, FGL2, and TNF. The non-survivors presented higher plasma levels of IL-33, HMGB1, FGL2, IL-10, IL-6, and 5.54 times more bacteremia than survivors. Conclusions: The expansion of the TIGIT+Tregs in COVID-19 patients was associated with inflammation, lung dysfunction, bacteremia, and fatal outcome.
Roles unveiled for membrane-associated mucins at the ocular surface using a Muc4 knockout mouse model
Authors: Martinez-Carrasco Rafael , Rachagani Satyanarayan , Batra Surinder K. , Argüeso Pablo , Fini M. Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Membrane-associated mucins (MAMs) are proposed to play critical roles at the ocular surface; however, in vivo evidence has been lacking. Here we investigate these roles by phenotyping of a Muc4 KO mouse. Histochemical analysis for expression of the beta-galactosidase transgene replacing Muc4 revealed a spiraling ribbon pattern across the corneal epithelium, consistent with centripetal cell migration from the limbus. Depletion of Muc4 compromised transcellular barrier function, as evidenced by an increase in rose bengal staining. In addition, the corneal surface was less smooth, consistent with disruption of tear film stability. While surface cells presented with well-developed microprojections, an increase in the number of cells with fewer microprojections was observed. Moreover, an increase in skin-type keratin K10 and a decrease in transcription factor Pax6 was observed, suggesting an incipient transdifferentiation. Despite this, no evidence of inflammatory dry eye disease was apparent. In addition, Muc4 had no effect on signaling by toll-like receptor Tlr4, unlike reports for MUC1 and MUC16. Results of this study provide the first in vivo evidence for the role of MAMs in transcellular barrier function, tear film stability, apical epithelial cell architecture, and epithelial mucosal differentiation at the ocular surface.
Performance analysis of channel estimation techniques for IRS assisted MIMO
Authors: Baye Alelign Ewinetu
Published: August 2023

The need for low latency and high data rates is increasing rapidly since the advent of wireless communication. The current fifth-generation (5G) networks are unable to fulfill the requirements of upcoming technologies. So, researchers are commencing their research beyond 5G. Terahertz (THz) frequency is one candidate to satisfy the large bandwidth requirement and intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is incorporated to mitigate signal blockage which is the main problem for communication at high frequencies. Channel estimation is a process of identifying coefficients of the channel matrix. The compressive sensing technique is of great importance as it decreases the number of pilot symbols required for channel estimation. As mmWave and THz signals are naturally sparse applying a compressive sensing technique is reasonable. Unlike other papers, this paper considers the imperfect IRS elements, which is the real case, by varying the value of $$\beta$$
β
(amplitude perturbations). The channel estimation performance of the conventional least squares (LS), orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) and Oracle is analyzed with respect to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and pilot length (T). Normalized mean square error (NMSE) and spectral efficiency (SE) are used as performance metrics and the OMP algorithm is found to perform better than LS even at a fewer number of pilot symbols.
A data-driven approach to identify a rapid screener for auditory processing disorder testing referrals in adults
Authors: Cancel Victoria E. , McHaney Jacie R. , Milne Virginia , Palmer Catherine , Parthasarathy Aravindakshan
Published: August 2023

Hearing thresholds form the gold standard assessment in Audiology clinics. However, ~ 10% of adult patients seeking audiological care for self-perceived hearing deficits have thresholds that are normal. Currently, a diagnostic assessment for auditory processing disorder (APD) remains one of the few viable avenues of further care for this patient population, yet there are no standard guidelines for referrals. Here, we identified tests within the APD testing battery that could provide a rapid screener to inform APD referrals in adults. We first analyzed records from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Audiology database to identify adult patients with self-perceived hearing difficulties despite normal audiometric thresholds. We then looked at the patients who were referred for APD testing. We examined test performances, correlational relationships, and classification accuracies. Patients experienced most difficulties within the dichotic domain of testing. Additionally, accuracies calculated from sensitivities and specificities revealed the words-in-noise (WIN), the Random Dichotic Digits Task (RDDT) and Quick Speech in Noise (QuickSIN) tests had the highest classification accuracies. The addition of these tests have the greatest promise as a quick screener during routine audiological assessments to help identify adult patients who may be referred for APD assessment and resulting treatment plans.
Chemical cannibalistic cues make damselfly larvae hide rather than hunt
Authors: Sysiak Monika , Pietrzak Barbara , Kubiak Matylda , Bednarska Anna , Mikulski Andrzej
Published: August 2023

Adopting cannibalism substantially affects individual fitness, and recognizing the presence of other cannibals provides additional benefits such as the opportunity to prepare for hunting or defense. This recognition can be facilitated by perceiving conspecific chemical cues. Their role in cannibalistic interactions is less studied than in interspecific predation and it is unclear whether these cues inform individuals of danger or of food availability. Interpretation of these cues is crucial to balance the costs and benefits of anti-predator and feeding strategies, which can directly influence individual fitness. In this study we aimed to test whether damselfly larvae shift towards bolder and more exploratory (cannibalistic) behavior, or become more careful to avoid potential cannibals (as prey) in response to such cues. We conducted behavioral and respiratory experiments with Ischnura elegans larvae to investigate their response to chemical cues from older and larger conspecific larvae. We found that I. elegans larvae decrease their activity and shift their respiratory-related behavior, indicating activation of anti-predator defense mechanisms in response to conspecific chemical cues. Our findings indicate that individuals exposed to conspecific chemical cues balance catching prey with staying safe.
Methylglyoxal improves zirconium stress tolerance in Raphanus sativus seedling shoots by restricting zirconium uptake, reducing oxidative damage, and upregulating glyoxalase I
Authors: Bless Yoneal , Ndlovu Linda , Gcanga Esihle , Niekerk Lee-Ann , Nkomo Mbukeni , Bakare Olalekan , Mulaudzi Takalani , Klein Ashwil , Gokul Arun , Keyster Marshall
Published: August 2023

Raphanus sativus also known as radish is a member of the Brassicaceae family which is mainly cultivated for human and animal consumption. R. sativus growth and development is negatively affected by heavy metal stress. The metal zirconium (Zr) have toxic effects on plants and tolerance to the metal could be regulated by known signaling molecules such as methylglyoxal (MG). Therefore, in this study we investigated whether the application of the signaling molecule MG could improve the Zr tolerance of R. sativus at the seedling stage. We measured the following: seed germination, dry weight, cotyledon abscission (%), cell viability, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, conjugated diene (CD) content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, superoxide (O2•−) content, MG content, hydroxyl radical (·OH) concentration, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glyoxalase I (Gly I) activity, Zr content and translocation factor. Under Zr stress, exogenous MG increased the seed germination percentage, shoot dry weight, cotyledon abscission, cell viability and chlorophyll content. Exogenous MG also led to a decrease in MDA, CD, H2O2, O2•−, MG and ·OH, under Zr stress in the shoots. Furthermore, MG application led to an increase in the enzymatic activities of APX, SOD and Gly I as well as in the complete blocking of cotyledon abscission under Zr stress. MG treatment decreased the uptake of Zr in the roots and shoots. Zr treatment decreased the translocation factor of the Zr from roots to shoots and MG treatment decreased the translocation factor of Zr even more significantly compared to the Zr only treatment. Our results indicate that MG treatment can improve R. sativus seedling growth under Zr stress through the activation of antioxidant enzymes and Gly I through reactive oxygen species and MG signaling, inhibiting cotyledon abscission through H2O2 signaling and immobilizing Zr translocation.
Perineural invasion detection in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using artificial intelligence
Authors: Borsekofsky Sarah , Tsuriel Shlomo , Hagege Rami R. , Hershkovitz Dov
Published: August 2023

Perineural invasion (PNI) refers to the presence of cancer cells around or within nerves, raising the risk of residual tumor. Linked to worse prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), PNI is also being explored as a therapeutic target. The purpose of this work was to build a PNI detection algorithm to enhance accuracy and efficiency in identifying PNI in PDAC specimens. Training used 260 manually segmented nerve and tumor HD images from 6 scanned PDAC cases; Analytical performance analysis used 168 additional images; clinical analysis used 59 PDAC cases. The algorithm pinpointed key areas of tumor-nerve proximity for pathologist confirmation. Analytical performance reached sensitivity of 88% and 54%, and specificity of 78% and 85% for the detection of nerve and tumor, respectively. Incorporating tumor-nerve distance in clinical evaluation raised PNI detection from 52 to 81% of all cases. Interestingly, pathologist analysis required an average of only 24 s per case. This time-efficient tool accurately identifies PNI in PDAC, even with a small training cohort, by imitating pathologist thought processes.
A person-based approach to emotion socialization in toddlerhood: Individual differences in maternal emotion regulation, mental-health and parental sense of competence
Authors: Arikan Gizem , Kumru Asiye
Published: August 2023

Mothers adopt various emotion socialization strategies and sometimes exhibit contradictory responses. Thus, it is essential to understand how mothers differentiate in their use of emotion socialization strategies, and whether a set of emotion socialization responses is associated with individual differences in emotion regulation, mental health, and parental sense of competence during toddlerhood. Therefore, we used a person-centred approach to identify mothers’ emotion socialization responses and then compared mothers based on the aforementioned characteristics. The mothers (N = 680) with toddlers (M = 23.56 months) responded to the Coping with Toddlers’ Negative Emotions Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Parental Sense of Competence Scale. The 3-profile-solution revealed: Unspecified (moderate scores in all emotion socialization strategies), supportive (high scores in supportive emotion socialization strategies) and mixture profiles (high in all emotion socialization strategies). The supportive and mixture profiles scored highly in cognitive reappraisal. Unspecified and mixture profiles did not vary in expressive suppression and mental health symptoms, but they scored lower than supportive profile mothers. In the parental sense of competence, the supportive profile scored higher than the mixture profile. The results showed mothers mainly using supportive emotion socialization strategies can demonstrate adequate emotion regulation and benefit from psychological well-being that potentially boosts parenting competence.
Effective DC acceleration of charged particles in a circular ring and its potential application
Authors: Takayama Ken
Published: August 2023

A novel scheme is proposed for realizing effective DC acceleration of charged particles in a circular ring. The key is to use an induction acceleration cell with multi-insulating gaps that allow forced short circuit using solid-state switching devices such as SiC-MOSFET or unforced short circuit using diodes. A baseline design of the induction acceleration cell is shown. A coasting beam is accelerated in the circular ring without bunching. As its possible application, a continuous-wave terahertz free-electron laser (FEL) is proposed with numerical parameters, where this effective DC acceleration compensates for energy loss of the electron beam occupying the entire isochronous storage ring due to synchrotron radiation and FEL interaction. As a result, FEL microbunching of a coasting beam can be created, resulting in a high average output power that has not been possible with existing linac-driven FELs or RF storage-ring FELs.
Comparative analysis of salicylic acid levels and gene expression in resistant, tolerant, and susceptible cassava varieties following whitefly-mediated SLCMV infection
Authors: Malichan Srihunsa , Vannatim Nattachai , Chaowongdee Somruthai , Pongpamorn Pornkanok , Paemanee Atchara , Siriwan Wanwisa
Published: August 2023

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV), the primary pathogen responsible for cassava mosaic disease in cassava plantations, is transmitted via infected cutting stems and the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci. To obtain better insights into the defense mechanism of cassava against SLCMV, whiteflies were used to induce SLCMV infection for activating the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, which triggers the innate immune system. The study aimed to investigate the specific interactions between viruliferous whiteflies and SA accumulation in resistant (C33), tolerant (Kasetsart 50; KU50), and susceptible (Rayong 11) cassava cultivars by infecting with SLCMV. Leaf samples were collected at various time points, from 1 to 7 days after inoculation (dai). The SA levels were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The SA levels increased in KU50 and C33 plants at 2 and 3 dai, respectively, but remained undetected in Rayong11 plants. The expression of PR-9e, PR-7f5, SPS1, SYP121, Hsf8, and HSP90 increased in infected C33 plants at 4 dai, whereas that of KU50 plants decreased immediately at 2 dai, and that of Rayong11 plants increased at 1 dai but gradually decreased thereafter. These findings strongly indicate that SA plays a crucial role in regulating antiviral defense mechanisms, especially in SLCMV-resistant plants. Altogether, the findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the activation of SA-mediated anti-SLCMV defense pathways, and the resistance, tolerance, and susceptibility of cassava, which can aid future breeding programs aimed at enhancing SLCMV resistance.
Off-stoichiometry and molybdenum substitution effects on elastic moduli of B1-type titanium carbide
Authors: Ida Shuntaro , Hoshizaki Kotaro , Kaneko Takahiro , Nan Xi , Sekido Nobuaki , Yoshimi Kyosuke
Published: August 2023

B1-type MX ceramics are composed of transition metals (M) and C, N, and/or O (X) occupying the M and X sites, respectively, and having M–X nearest neighbor (NN) bonds and M–M and X–X next nearest neighbor (NNN) bonds. Substitution of the elements and the formation of structural vacancies in B1-type ceramics change the numbers and strengths of the bonds, leading to novel properties. The change in elastic modulus of off-stoichiometric TiC in equilibrium with a Ti–Mo solid solution phase was experimentally investigated based on the rule of mixtures from the Voigt model. The experimentally obtained values agreed well with the results of density functional theory calculations. The bulk modulus (K) of TiC increased from 205.6 to 239.2 GPa as the fraction of Ti sites occupied by Mo increased from 0.11 to 0.33, whereas the Young’s modulus (E) and the shear modulus (G) remained nearly constant. On the other hand, all three elastic moduli decreased with increasing vacancy fraction at the C sites. These results suggest that the M–X bond strength should be the dominant factor in these moduli and the effect of M–M bond on K is greater than that of G and E.
Magnetic properties of intercalated quasi-2D Fe3-xGeTe2 van der Waals magnet
Authors: Iturriaga Hector , Martinez Luis M. , Mai Thuc T. , Biacchi Adam J. , Augustin Mathias , Hight Walker Angela R. , Sanad Mohamed Fathi , Sreenivasan Sreeprasad T. , Liu Yu , Santos Elton J. G. , Petrovic Cedomir , Singamaneni Srinivasa R.
Published: August 2023

Among several well-known transition metal-based compounds, cleavable van der Waals (vdW) Fe3-xGeTe2 (FGT) magnet is a strong candidate for use in two-dimensional (2D) magnetic devices due to its strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, sizeable Curie temperature (TC ~154 K), and versatile magnetic character that is retained in the low-dimensional limit. While the TC remains far too low for practical applications, there has been a successful push toward improving it via external driving forces such as pressure, irradiation, and doping. Here we present experimental evidence of a room temperature (RT) ferromagnetic phase induced by the electrochemical intercalation of common tetrabutylammonium cations (TBA+) into quasi-2D FGT. We obtained Curie temperatures as high as 350 K with chemical and physical stability of the intercalated compound. The temperature-dependent Raman measurements, in combination with vdW-corrected ab initio calculations, suggest that charge transfer (electron doping) upon intercalation could lead to the observation of RT ferromagnetism. This work demonstrates that molecular intercalation is a viable route in realizing high-temperature vdW magnets in an inexpensive and reliable manner, and has the potential to be extended to bilayer and few-layer vdW magnets.
Deep learning based phenotyping of medical images improves power for gene discovery of complex disease
Authors: Flynn Brianna I. , Javan Emily M. , Lin Eugenia , Trutner Zoe , Koenig Karl , Anighoro Kenoma O. , Kun Eucharist , Gupta Alaukik , Singh Tarjinder , Jayakumar Prakash , Narasimhan Vagheesh M.
Published: August 2023

Electronic health records are often incomplete, reducing the power of genetic association studies. For some diseases, such as knee osteoarthritis where the routine course of diagnosis involves an X-ray, image-based phenotyping offers an alternate and unbiased way to ascertain disease cases. We investigated this by training a deep-learning model to ascertain knee osteoarthritis cases from knee DXA scans that achieved clinician-level performance. Using our model, we identified 1931 (178%) more cases than currently diagnosed in the health record. Individuals diagnosed as cases by our model had higher rates of self-reported knee pain, for longer durations and with increased severity compared to control individuals. We trained another deep-learning model to measure the knee joint space width, a quantitative phenotype linked to knee osteoarthritis severity. In performing genetic association analysis, we found that use of a quantitative measure improved the number of genome-wide significant loci we discovered by an order of magnitude compared with our binary model of cases and controls despite the two phenotypes being highly genetically correlated. In addition we discovered associations between our quantitative measure of knee osteoarthritis and increased risk of adult fractures- a leading cause of injury-related death in older individuals-, illustrating the capability of image-based phenotyping to reveal epidemiological associations not captured in the electronic health record. For diseases with radiographic diagnosis, our results demonstrate the potential for using deep learning to phenotype at biobank scale, improving power for both genetic and epidemiological association analysis.
Tin perovskite transistors and complementary circuits based on A-site cation engineering
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Yang Wonryeol , Reo Youjin , Zheng Guanhaojie , Bai Sai , Liu Ao , Noh Yong-Young
Published: August 2023

Tin halide perovskites have the general chemical formula ASnX3, where A is a monovalent cation and X is a monovalent halide anion. These semiconducting materials can be used to fabricate p-type transistors at low cost and temperature and could be potentially integrated with n-type oxide-based transistors to create complementary circuits. However, the materials suffer from low crystallization controllability and high film defect density, resulting in uncompetitive device performance. Here we show that pure-tin perovskite thin-film transistors can be created using triple A cations of caesium–formamidinium–phenethylammonium. The approach leads to high-quality cascaded tin perovskite channel films with low-defect, phase-pure perovskite/dielectric interfaces. The optimized thin-film transistors exhibit hole mobilities of over 70 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off current ratios of over 108, which are comparable with commercial low-temperature polysilicon transistors. The transistors are fabricated using solution-processing methods at temperatures no higher than 100 °C. We also integrate the devices with n-type metal oxide transistors to create complementary inverters with voltage gains of 370, and NOR and NAND logic gates with rail-to-rail switching performance.
Glutarate regulates T cell metabolism and anti-tumour immunity
Authors: Minogue Eleanor , Cunha Pedro P. , Wadsworth Brennan J. , Grice Guinevere L. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Hughes Rob , Bargiela David , Quaranta Alessandro , Zurita Javier , Antrobus Robin , Velica Pedro , Barbieri Laura , Wheelock Craig E. , Koivunen Peppi , Nathan James A. , Foskolou Iosifina P. , Johnson Randall S.
Published: August 2023

T cell function and fate can be influenced by several metabolites: in some cases, acting through enzymatic inhibition of α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, in others, through post-translational modification of lysines in important targets. We show here that glutarate, a product of amino acid catabolism, has the capacity to do both, and has potent effects on T cell function and differentiation. We found that glutarate exerts those effects both through α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase inhibition, and through direct regulation of T cell metabolism via glutarylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 subunit. Administration of diethyl glutarate, a cell-permeable form of glutarate, alters CD8+ T cell differentiation and increases cytotoxicity against target cells. In vivo administration of the compound is correlated with increased levels of both peripheral and intratumoural cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that glutarate is an important regulator of T cell metabolism and differentiation with a potential role in the improvement of T cell immunotherapy.
Identifying important sensory feedback for learning locomotion skills
Authors: Yu Wanming , Yang Chuanyu , McGreavy Christopher , Triantafyllidis Eleftherios , Bellegarda Guillaume , Shafiee Milad , Ijspeert Auke Jan , Li Zhibin
Published: August 2023

Robot motor skills can be acquired by deep reinforcement learning as neural networks to reflect state–action mapping. The selection of states has been demonstrated to be crucial for successful robot motor learning. However, because of the complexity of neural networks, human insights and engineering efforts are often required to select appropriate states through qualitative approaches, such as ablation studies, without a quantitative analysis of the state importance. Here we present a systematic saliency analysis that quantitatively evaluates the relative importance of different feedback states for motor skills learned through deep reinforcement learning. Our approach provides a guideline to identify the most essential feedback states for robot motor learning. By using only the important states including joint positions, gravity vector and base linear and angular velocities, we demonstrate that a simulated quadruped robot can learn various robust locomotion skills. We find that locomotion skills learned only with important states can achieve task performance comparable to the performance of those with more states. This work provides quantitative insights into the impacts of state observations on specific types of motor skills, enabling the learning of a wide range of motor skills with minimal sensing dependencies.
The reactivity of dissolved and suspended particulate phosphorus pools decreases with distance downstream in the Yellow River
Authors: Hu Nana , Sheng Yanqing , Li Changyu , Li Zhaoran , Liu Qunqun
Published: August 2023

The Yellow River is a potentially important source of terrestrially derived phosphorus to the phosphorus limited Bohai Sea. However, seasonal variation in concentrations, partitioning and bioavailability of dissolved and particulate phosphorus along the length of the Yellow River are poorly constrained. Here, we measure dissolved and suspended particulate phosphorus at 72 stations from the source to the estuary of the Yellow River during the rainy season in 2020 and dry season in 2021. Mean concentrations of total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus and dissolved reactive phosphorus were higher in the rainy season than the dry season. Analysis with sequential fractionation indicated that generally phosphorus associated with calcium carbonate dominated the suspended particulate pool. However, phosphorus content and the relative contribution of iron-bound phosphorus in suspended particles increased during the dry season, suggesting seasonal variations in bioavailability. Reactivity of the phosphorus pools decreased from source to estuary, suggesting low export potential of bioavailable phosphorus to the Bohai Sea.
Resistance is futile: targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria with de novo Cys-rich cyclic polypeptides
Authors: Mourenza Alvaro , Ganesan Rajasekaran , Camarero Julio A.
Published: August 2023

The search for novel antimicrobial agents to combat microbial pathogens is intensifying in response to rapid drug resistance development to current antibiotic therapeutics.
The catechol moiety of obafluorin is essential for antibacterial activity
Authors: Batey Sibyl F. D. , Davie Melissa J. , Hems Edward S. , Liston Jonathon D. , Scott Thomas A. , Alt Silke , Francklyn Christopher S. , Wilkinson Barrie
Published: August 2023

Complex formation with ferric iron protects the β-lactone moiety of obafluorin from hydrolysis and potentiates antibiotic activity.
Equilibrium unconstrained low-temperature CO2 conversion on doped gallium oxides by chemical looping
Authors: Kang Keke , Kakihara Sota , Higo Takuma , Sampei Hiroshi , Saegusa Koki , Sekine Yasushi
Published: August 2023

It was found that reverse water gas shift (RWGS) can be proceeded at a high conversion rate by using a chemical loop method via the redox of NiGa2Ox.
A genetically encodable and fluorogenic photo-crosslinker via photo-induced defluorination acyl fluoride exchange
Authors: Fu Jielin , Li Sitong , Deng Lijun , Zhao Xiaohu , Yu Zhipeng
Published: August 2023

m-TFMAK was developed as a fluorogenic photo-crosslinker, incorporated into proteins via genetic code expansion in living cells. Photo-DAFEx of the encoded m-TFMAK allows proteomic tracking and visualization of protein–protein interactions.
Retraction: Achieving near-Pt hydrogen production on defect nanocarbon via the synergy between carbon defects and heteroatoms
Authors: Wu Hao , Luan Yuting
Published: August 2023

Retraction of ‘Achieving near-Pt hydrogen production on defect nanocarbon via the synergy between carbon defects and heteroatoms’ by Hao Wu et al., Chem. Commun., 2023, 59, 1995–1998, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CC06895H.
Correction: Dotted crystallisation: nucleation accelerated, regulated, and guided by carbon dots
Authors: Vashishtha Mayank , Cliffe Caoilfhionn , Murphy Emma , Palanisamy Parimaladevi , Stewart Andy , Gadipelli Srinivas , Howard Christopher A. , Brett Dan J. L. , Kumar K. Vasanth
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Dotted crystallisation: nucleation accelerated, regulated, and guided by carbon dots’ by Mayank Vashishtha et al., CrystEngComm, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ce00574g.
The mechanism for N2 activation in the E4 – state of nitrogenase
Authors: Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: August 2023

Nitrogenases take nitrogen from the air and reduce it to ammonia.
Probing the inner local density of complex macromolecules by pyrene excimer formation
Authors: Little Hunter , Patel Sanjay , Duhamel Jean
Published: August 2023

The direct relationship between the average rate constant 〈k〉 for pyrene excimer formation and the local concentration [Py]loc of ground-state pyrenyl labels covalently attached to a macromolecule was established for 55 pyrene-labeled macromolecules.
Eu3+ ions as a crystal-field probe for low-symmetry sites in doped phosphors – a case study: Eu3+ at triclinic sites in Li6RE(BO3)3 (RE = Y, Gd), YBO3 and ZnO and at trigonal sites in YAl3(BO3)4
Authors: Ghosh Riti , Sarkar Shankhanil , Jana Yatramohan , Piwowarska Danuta , Gnutek Paweł , Rudowicz Czesław
Published: August 2023

Six standardized crystal-field parameter (CFP) sets for Li6RE(BO3)3:Eu3+ (RE = Y, Gd) corresponding to the experimental CFP sets of Hölsä and Leskelä. Straight lines represent border cases revealing the importance of standardization (here: orthorhombic).
Alkylated green fluorescent protein chromophores: dynamics in the gas phase and in aqueous solution
Authors: Ashworth Eleanor K. , Kao Min-Hsien , Anstöter Cate S. , Riesco-Llach Gerard , Blancafort Lluís , Solntsev Kyril M. , Meech Stephen R. , Verlet Jan R. R. , Bull James N.
Published: August 2023

The excited state dynamics of four derivatives of the green fluorescent protein chromophore are investigated in the gas phase using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and in water femtosecond fluorescence upconversion.
Unveiling glutamic acid-functionalized LDHs: understanding the Cr(vi) removal mechanism from microscopic and macroscopic view points
Authors: Hong Xianyong , Shi Mingxing , Ding Zhoutian , Ding Chao , Du Ping , Xia Mingzhu , Wang Fengyun
Published: August 2023

Interlayer functionalization modulation is essential for modifying LDHs and improving their selectivity and adsorption capacity for target pollutants.
Three new aluminoborates: from 1D tube to 3D framework
Authors: Chen Juan , Chen Chong-An , Zhang Peng-Yun , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: August 2023

By tuning the synthetic conditions, three new aluminoborates from 1D tube to 3D framework have been successfully obtained under solvothermal conditions, which exhibit short UV cutoff edges.
Source apportionment of oxidative potential depends on the choice of the assay: insights into 5 protocols comparison and implications for mitigation measures
Authors: Dominutti Pamela A. , Borlaza Lucille Joanna S. , Sauvain Jean-Jacques , Ngoc Thuy Vy Dinh , Houdier Stephan , Suarez Guillaume , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Tobin Sean , Trébuchon Cécile , Socquet Stéphane , Moussu Emmanuel , Mary Gladys , Uzu Gaëlle
Published: August 2023

Oxidative potential assays show a dissimilar sensitivity to the PM10 sources, associated with the chemical composition and chemical processes involved.
A novel system integrating electrolysis and ionic membranes (EIMs) enables artificial carbon concentration and alleviation of metal cation stress in microalgae cultivation
Authors: Hou Yuyong , Han Tong , Wu Ranran , Liu Zhiyong , Ma Yanbo , Guo Zhile , Hao Nahui , Wang Weijie , Ji Xiang , Zhu Zhiguang , Chen Fangjian , Zhao Lei
Published: August 2023

An EIM system that enables carbon concentration artificially and alleviation of metal cation stress by integrating electrolysis and ionic membranes for microalgae cultivation.
Recent advancements in the fabrication and photocatalytic applications of graphitic carbon nitride-tungsten oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Nabeel Muhammad Ikram , Hussain Dilshad , Ahmad Naseer , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: August 2023

The present review focuses on the widely used graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-tungsten oxide (WO3) nanocomposite in photocatalytic applications.
Time-resolved in situ nanoparticle size evolution during magnetron sputtering onto liquids
Authors: Eneren Pinar , Sergievskaya Anastasiya , Aksoy Yunus Tansu , Umek Polona , Konstantinidis Stephanos , Vetrano Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2023

The evolution of particle size is monitored in situ and in real-time during and after the sputtering of Ag atoms onto silicone oil using Light Extinction Spectroscopy. Aggregation and growth of nanoparticles occur both at the interface and inside the oil during and after the sputtering process.
Copper- or iron-catalyzed stereoselective methylation of enamides using dicumyl peroxide as the methyl source
Authors: Zhang Fukuan , Liu Haidong , Jia Xin-Jian , Li Lin , Liang Yi , Luo Xuzhong , Luo Haiqing
Published: August 2023

An efficient and versatile copper- or iron-catalyzed direct stereoselective β-C(sp2)–H methylation of enamides by using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the methylating reagent has been developed.
Correction: The Mössbauer effect using 57Fe-ferrabisdicarbollide ([o-57FESAN]−): a glance into the potential of a low-dose approach for glioblastoma radiotherapy
Authors: Buades Ana B. , Pereira Laura C. J. , Vieira Bruno J. C. , Cerdeira Ana C. , Waerenborgh João C. , Pinheiro Teresa , Matos António P. A. , Pinto Catarina G. , Guerreiro Joana F. , Mendes Filipa , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Marques Fernanda
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘The Mössbauer effect using 57Fe-ferrabisdicarbollide ([o-57FESAN]−): a glance into the potential of a low-dose approach for glioblastoma radiotherapy’ by Ana B. Buades et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022, 9, 1490–1503, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1QI01513C.
Engineering carbon nanomaterials toward high-efficiency bioelectrocatalysis for enzymatic biofuel cells: a review
Authors: Ye Jianqi , Lu Jinhua , Wen Dan
Published: August 2023

We summarized the recent efforts in engineering carbon nanomaterials through various strategies toward high-efficiency bioelectrocatalysis for enzymatic biofuel cells and addressed their current challenges for practical applications.