bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of elevated progesteronepost partumin Suffolk ewes lambed in early January
Authors: Dingwall W S , McKelvey W A C , Gebbie F E , Robinson J J
Published: November 2021

Effective oestrous synchronisation for sheep AI programmes is characterised by low progesterone concentrations at the time of insemination. In a large scale study of over 2,000 Suffolk ewes inseminated in early August Dingwallet al(1996), found that a significant proportion (0.055) had elevated progesterone concentrations at the time of insemination. McKelveyet al(1997) showed that aberrant luteal activity occurs in some Suffolk ewes in deep anoestrus and speculated that this phenomenon was due to spontaneous ovulations following the preceding lambing. The present study involved the monitoring of circulating progesterone concentrations in Suffolk ewes lambing in early January with the aim of establishing the incidence and nature of ovarian luteal activity post lambing.
Monitoring reproductive performance in beef suckler cows by milk progesterone analysis.
Authors: Mann G.E. , Keatinge R. , Hunter M. , Hedley B.A. , Lamming G.E.
Published: November 2021

Milk progesterone monitoring in dairy cattle has provided a valuable insight into the reproductive cycle during the post-partum and mating periods (Lamming et al., 1981; Darwash and Lamming, 1997). In this study a similar approach was applied to suckler cows. The objective was to compare the reproductive performance of two contrasting genotypes with a view to improving output from commercial herds. Such herds produce an average of 91 live calves per 100 cows mated (MLC, 1996).
The effects of plane of nutrition and diet type on lactogenic hormone levels, growth and milk production in high genetic merit dairy heifers
Authors: Carson A.F. , Gordon F.J. , Wylie A.R.G. , McEvoy J.E.
Published: November 2021

To develop appropriate rearing regimes for high genetic merit dairy heifers, information is required on the effect of growth rates and diet type within the various stages of die animal’s life on performance. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the effects of plane of nutrition and diet type during the pre-pubertal period on lactogenic hormone levels and (2) the effects of plane of nutrition during die post-pubertal period on lactogenic hormone levels, growth and milk production.
The effect of supplementary sodium on the health and the behaviour of housed dairy cows
Authors: Arney D.R. , Phillips C.J.C.
Published: November 2021

Increasing sodium in herbage for grazing dairy cows can reduce the milk somatic cell count (Phillips et al., 1996), but the effects of providing salt supplements for cows fed conserved feeds indoors are less clear. Supplementary salt can also reduce oral stereotypic behaviour in individually-housed calves (Phillips and Youssef, 1994). Tethered dairy cows are also behaviourally restricted, demonstrate stereotyped behaviours and might similarly benefit from supplementary salt.

In experiment 1, 36 tethered Estonian Red cows were allocated for nine weeks to a randomised block experiment in which they received a daily restricted allowance of 7.5 kg DM grass silage, 6.6 kg DM grass hay and 2.2 kg DM barley/cow, with the addition of 0, 200 or 400 g NaCl. The salt supplements increased the Na content of the diet from 1 (control treatment) to 6 and 11 g/kg DM respectively. Milk yield was recorded every ten days and somatic cell count (SCC) by fluorescence microscopy. A blood sample was taken from the milk vein of each cow at the end of the experiment for mineral analysis.
Conception rate in hill ewes given a multi-trace element/vitamin bolus before mating
Authors: Hemingway R.G. , Parkins J.J. , Ritchie N.S.
Published: November 2021

Conception rate in ewes, mainly by reduction in early foetal mortality, have been improved by a range of individual supplementary trace elements (especially Se, but also Cu, Co, Mn and Zn) given prior to mating (Hidiroglou, 1979). Ritchie et al. (1997) has described significant improvements in liver copper concentration and blood glutathione peroxidase activity (GSHPx) in ewes given a single sustained-release multi-trace element and vitamin bolus which incorporates a grinder (‘Small-Trace’, Agrimin Ltd., Brigg DN20 0SP). This communication describes studies in the conception rate of ewes given this bolus at three grazing sites. Each flock was judged by the veterinary surgeon concerned to require routine trace element supplementation and which had previously been given by various combinations of injections, drenches, single element boluses and/or copper oxide needles.

Each bolus contained 5.3g Cu, 50mg Se, 90mg Co, lOOmg I, 4.7g Zn and 3.3g Mn with (iu) 268 x 103 vitamin A, 54 x 103 vitamin D and 800 vitamin E. About one-half of each nutrient is released in the first 6-8 weeks; thereafter the rate slows and the total life of the bolus is c. 7 months. (Ritchie et al. 1997).
Wind and Ocean Currents May Contribute to Mass Dolphin Strandings
Authors: Dzombak Rebecca
Published: November 2021

Coastal wind patterns correlate with mass strandings of dolphins, suggesting that storm-induced upwelling could be influencing cetaceans’ behavior.
Seismology: A Promising Tool for Monitoring Permafrost
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: November 2021

Passive seismic data from a station atop Germany’s highest peak reveal a 15-year record of permafrost degradation, suggesting that this technique could be used for long-term environmental monitoring.
Motion of Classic and Spontaneous Hot Flow Anomalies Observed by Cluster
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiong , Wang Mengmeng , Shi Quanqi , Zhang Hui , Tian Anmin , Yao Shutao , Guo Ruilong , Liu Ji , Bai Shichen , Degeling Alexander William , Zhang Shuai , Niu Zhe , Zhao Jinyan , Xiao Yuchen , Shang Wensai
Published: November 2021

The propagation characteristics of hot flow anomalies (HFAs) near the Earth's bow shock are investigated, using observations from the Cluster spacecraft. A data set comprised of 19 classic HFAs (associated with tangential discontinuities, TDs) and 23 spontaneous HFAs (SHFAs, formed in the absence of solar wind discontinuities) was analyzed. For each event, the propagation velocity and normal of leading and trailing HFA edges were calculated using multiple multi‐point satellite analysis methods. For classic HFAs, 93% of the events have leading edge (LE) normal directions within 30° of the normal direction of the driving TDs. For SHFAs, in 74% of the events, the angle between the normal of an SHFA's edges and background magnetic field is in the range of 70°–110° and no angle is in the ranges of 0°–20° and 160°–180°. These results indicate that the LEs of the classic HFAs propagate along the same direction as the driving TDs and most SHFAs propagate quasi‐perpendicular to the background magnetic field and no SHFAs propagate parallel or anti‐parallel to the background magnetic field. Moreover, according to the velocity of HFAs' edges, we find that all classic HFAs and SHFAs' edges propagate toward the Earth in the spacecraft frame as expected and 5 out of 7 SHFAs are contracting and no expanding SHFAs are found. This study provides key parameters to help understand how HFAs disturb the magnetosphere.
Major Mineral Fraction and Physical Properties of Carbonated Peridotite (Listvenite) From ICDP Oman Drilling Project Hole BT1B Inferred From X‐Ray CT Core Images
Authors: Okazaki Keishi , Michibayashi Katsuyoshi , Hatakeyama Kohei , Abe Natsue , Johnson Kevin T. M. , Kelemen Peter B. ,   the Oman Drilling Project Science Team
Published: November 2021

We quantified mineral proportions in listvenite (completely carbonated peridotite) in Hole BT1B drilled across the basal thrust of the Samail ophiolite by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Project Oman Drilling Project using 3D X‐ray Computed Tomography (XCT). We analyzed >250,000 XCT images from a continuous ∼200 m listvenite core. Histograms of the intensity of X‐ray attenuation of each XCT core‐slice image were fitted assuming that the listvenites are composed of magnesite, quartz, and dolomite. The XCT mineral peaks were confirmed by comparison with chemical mapping data obtained using an X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanner. Listvenite matrix is composed almost entirely of magnesite and quartz, consistent with discrete XRD and XRF data. Veins are composed mostly of dolomite. The mean abundance of dolomite in listvenite from BT1B is 11 vol.%, whereas that in core sections within 15 m of the basal thrust is >50 vol.%, suggesting the basal thrust acted as a source of Ca‐ and CO2‐rich fluids. The SiO2:MgO:CaO molar ratio in the entire core from BT1B is 42:52:6, similar to that of onboard XRF data for discrete samples (41:54:5), whereas average Oman peridotites have ratios of (39:60:1), indicating Ca addition perhaps during carbonation. P‐ and S‐wave velocities and density of listvenite are close to those of peridotite and are higher than those of serpentinites. These results suggest that limited material transfer during carbonation and hydration of the Samail ophiolite, except for Ca, CO2, and H2O. Listvenites formed in the mantle wedge above subduction zones may be an overlooked reservoir for carbon in the Earth's interior.
Triggered Negative Lightning‐Leaders That Propagated Into Thunderstorm Lower Positive Charge
Authors: Winn W. P. , Trueblood J. J. , Eack K. B. , Edens H. E. , Eastvedt E. M. , Aulich G. D. , Hunyady S. J. , Cwikla M. E.
Published: November 2021

When the electric field below a thunderstorm or other electrified cloud is around 10 kV/m, it is sometimes possible to initiate (“trigger”) an upward‐propagating lightning‐leader by launching a rocket that uncoils a wire from the ground. The triggered leader propagates upward from the tip of the wire lifted by the rocket. When the channel is hot enough, a flash is visible. Triggering is common when the leader carries positive charge, but not when it carries negative charge. This article is about four flashes consisting of triggered negative leaders that branched into low‐altitude regions of positive cloud charge over Langmuir Laboratory in central New Mexico. Measurements of current and the locations of leader channels are available for three of the four flashes. Some current pulses at the ground for Flash 2 originated at negative leader steps more than 3 km away, which is a greater distance than has been reported from video measurements. Flashes 3 and 4 propagated only into thunderstorm lower positive charge, and the average lightning‐charge densities inside the volumes occupied by these two flashes are remarkably close. Our best estimate of density for Flashes 3 and 4 lies between −4.2 and −1.8 C/km3, which is compatible with the large spread in cloud‐charge densities derived from instruments carried on airplanes or balloons into low positive regions in thunderstorms.
The Role of Atmospheric Drivers in a Sudden Transition of California Precipitation in the 2012/13 Winter
Authors: Lim Yuna , Peings Yannick , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: November 2021

California experienced a sharp transition from wet to historically dry conditions during the 2012/13 winter. Such transitions in the precipitation regime have strong consequences for water management, but predicting them at the seasonal time scale remains very challenging as little is known about what drives them. The 2012/13 winter was characterized by a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation, strong Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) activity, and sudden stratospheric warming. This study examines the potential influence of these different drivers in atmospheric global climate model experiments with prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice concentration and constrained tropical and/or Arctic variability. Our model results are compared to reforecasts from the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) and Subseasonal Experiment (SubX)/Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) projects to determine which important processes may have been missed by the seasonal prediction systems. Our simulations suggest that the tropical warm‐west, cool‐east SST anomaly played an active role in the wet conditions of November–December 2012 through a typical tropical‐extratropical teleconnection. The tropical SST anomalies were not accurately predicted by the NMME models, and none of them predicted the wet anomalies in November–December. In contrast, the sudden transition toward dry conditions in January is found to be independent of tropical SST variability, and rather influenced by strong MJO activity over the western Pacific. The SubX/S2S models with a better MJO prediction tend to predict the dry conditions in January better. Our study highlights how intraseasonal processes superimpose on more persistent seasonal anomalies and induce regime shifts such as the wet‐to‐dry transition of the 2012/13 winter.
Restoration of HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses by sequential low-dose IL-2 treatment in non-responder patients after IFN-α therapy
Authors: Wang Dongyao , Fu Binqing , Shen Xiaokun , Guo Chuang , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Junfei , Sun Rui , Ye Ying , Li Jiabin , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: November 2021

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing interferon (IFN)-α-based therapies often exhibit a poor HBeAg serological response. Thus, there is an unmet need for new therapies aimed at CHB. This study comprised two clinical trials, including 130 CHB patients, who were treatment-naïve; in the first, 92 patients were systematically analyzed ex vivo for interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression and inhibitory molecules expression after receiving Peg-IFN-α-2b therapy. In our second clinical trial, 38 non-responder patients, in whom IFN-α therapy had failed, were treated with or without low-dose IL-2 for 24 weeks. We then examined the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+T-cell response and the clinical outcome, in these patients. Although the majority of the participants undergoing Peg-IFN-α-2b therapy were non-responders, we observed a decrease in CD25 expression on their CD4+T cells, suggesting that IFN-α therapy may provide a rationale for sequential IL-2 treatment without increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs). Following sequential therapy with IL-2, we demonstrated that the non-responders experienced a decrease in the numbers of Tregs and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression. In addition, sequential IL-2 administration rescued effective immune function, involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation. Importantly, IL-2 therapy significantly increased the frequency and function of HBV-specific CD8+T cells, which translated into improved clinical outcomes, including HBeAg seroconversion, among the non-responder CHB patients. Our findings suggest that sequential IL-2 therapy shows efficacy in rescuing immune function in non-responder patients with refractory CHB.
Peripheral immune cell reactivity and neural response to reward in patients with depression and anhedonia
Authors: Costi Sara , Morris Laurel S. , Collins Abigail , Fernandez Nicolas F. , Patel Manishkumar , Xie Hui , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Stern Emily R. , Collins Katherine A. , Cathomas Flurin , Parides Michael K. , Whitton Alexis E. , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Russo Scott J. , Murrough James W.
Published: November 2021

Increased levels of peripheral cytokines have been previously associated with depression in preclinical and clinical research. Although the precise nature of peripheral immune dysfunction in depression remains unclear, evidence from animal studies points towards a dysregulated response of peripheral leukocytes as a risk factor for stress susceptibility. This study examined dynamic release of inflammatory blood factors from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in depressed patients and associations with neural and behavioral measures of reward processing. Thirty unmedicated patients meeting criteria for unipolar depressive disorder and 21 healthy control volunteers were enrolled. PBMCs were isolated from whole blood and stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Olink multiplex assay was used to analyze a large panel of inflammatory proteins. Participants completed functional magnetic resonance imaging with an incentive flanker task to probe neural responses to reward anticipation, as well as clinical measures of anhedonia and pleasure including the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). LPS stimulation revealed larger increases in immune factors in depressed compared to healthy subjects using an aggregate immune score (t49 = 2.83, p = 0.007). Higher peripheral immune score was associated with reduced neural responses to reward anticipation within the ventral striatum (VS) (r = −0.39, p = 0.01), and with reduced anticipation of pleasure as measured with the TEPS anticipatory sub-score (r = −0.318, p = 0.023). Our study provides new evidence suggesting that dynamic hyper-reactivity of peripheral leukocytes in depressed patients is associated with blunted activation of the brain reward system and lower subjective anticipation of pleasure.
Practice patterns and outcomes of direct oral anticoagulant use in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients
Authors: How Joan , Story Charlotte , Ren Siyang , Neuberg Donna , Rosovsky Rachel P. , Hobbs Gabriela S. , Connors Jean M.
Published: November 2021

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by an increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the historic anticoagulant recommended for use in MPNs. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are being increasingly used in general and cancer populations. However, DOAC safety and efficacy in MPN patients remains unclear. We characterized real-world practice patterns of DOAC use in MPN patients and evaluated thrombosis and bleeding risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 133 MPN patients prescribed DOACs for venous thromboembolism (VTE), atrial fibrillation, or arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Practice patterns including duration of anticoagulation, dosing, and concomitant use of antiplatelet/cytoreductive agents, were heterogeneous among MPN patients. The 1-year cumulative incidence of thrombosis and bleeding on DOAC was 5.5% (1.5–9.5%) and 12.3% (6.4–18.2%) respectively. In comparison, reported bleeding rates in MPN patients on DOAC and VKAs are 1–3%. On multivariable analysis, prior history of thrombosis, use of dabigatran or edoxaban, and younger age were significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrent thrombosis, while leukocytosis was associated with a higher risk of bleeding on DOAC. The higher-than-expected bleeding rate found in our study indicates the continued need for rigorous evaluation of DOACs in this population.
Mitochondrial Drp1 recognizes and induces excessive mPTP opening after hypoxia through BAX-PiC and LRRK2-HK2
Authors: Duan Chenyang , Kuang Lei , Hong Chen , Xiang Xinming , Liu Jiancang , Li Qinghui , Peng Xiaoyong , Zhou Yuanqun , Wang Hongchen , Liu Liangming , Li Tao
Published: November 2021

Mitochondrial mass imbalance is one of the key causes of cardiovascular dysfunction after hypoxia. The activation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), as well as its mitochondrial translocation, play important roles in the changes of both mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial functions after hypoxia. However, in addition to mediating mitochondrial fission, whether Drp1 has other regulatory roles in mitochondrial homeostasis after mitochondrial translocation is unknown. In this study, we performed a series of interaction and colocalization assays and found that, after mitochondrial translocation, Drp1 may promote the excessive opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) after hypoxia. Firstly, mitochondrial Drp1 maximumly recognizes mPTP channels by binding Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and a phosphate carrier protein (PiC) in the mPTP. Then, leucine-rich repeat serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (LRRK2) is recruited, whose kinase activity is inhibited by direct binding with mitochondrial Drp1 after hypoxia. Subsequently, the mPTP-related protein hexokinase 2 (HK2) is inactivated at Thr-473 and dissociates from the mitochondrial membrane, ultimately causing structural disruption and overopening of mPTP, which aggravates mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction after hypoxia. Thus, our study interprets the dual direct regulation of mitochondrial Drp1 on mitochondrial morphology and functions after hypoxia and proposes a new mitochondrial fission-independent mechanism for the role of Drp1 after its translocation in hypoxic injury.
HNF4A defines tissue-specific circadian rhythms by beaconing BMAL1::CLOCK chromatin binding and shaping the rhythmic chromatin landscape
Authors: Qu Meng , Qu Han , Jia Zhenyu , Kay Steve A.
Published: November 2021

Transcription modulated by the circadian clock is diverse across cell types, underlying circadian control of peripheral metabolism and its observed perturbation in human diseases. We report that knockout of the lineage-specifying Hnf4a gene in mouse liver causes associated reductions in the genome-wide distribution of core clock component BMAL1 and accessible chromatin marks (H3K4me1 and H3K27ac). Ectopically expressing HNF4A remodels chromatin landscape and nucleates distinct tissue-specific BMAL1 chromatin binding events, predominantly in enhancer regions. Circadian rhythms are disturbed in Hnf4a knockout liver and HNF4A-MODY diabetic model cells. Additionally, the epigenetic state and accessibility of the liver genome dynamically change throughout the day, synchronized with chromatin occupancy of HNF4A and clustered expression of circadian outputs. Lastly, Bmal1 knockout attenuates HNF4A genome-wide binding in the liver, likely due to downregulated Hnf4a transcription. Our results may provide a general mechanism for establishing circadian rhythm heterogeneity during development and disease progression, governed by chromatin structure.
Marine phytoplankton functional types exhibit diverse responses to thermal change
Authors: Anderson S. I. , Barton A. D. , Clayton S. , Dutkiewicz S. , Rynearson T. A.
Published: November 2021

Marine phytoplankton generate half of global primary production, making them essential to ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycling. Though phytoplankton are phylogenetically diverse, studies rarely designate unique thermal traits to different taxa, resulting in coarse representations of phytoplankton thermal responses. Here we assessed phytoplankton functional responses to temperature using empirically derived thermal growth rates from four principal contributors to marine productivity: diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, and coccolithophores. Using modeled sea surface temperatures for 1950–1970 and 2080–2100, we explored potential alterations to each group’s growth rates and geographical distribution under a future climate change scenario. Contrary to the commonly applied Eppley formulation, our data suggest phytoplankton functional types may be characterized by different temperature coefficients (Q10), growth maxima thermal dependencies, and thermal ranges which would drive dissimilar responses to each degree of temperature change. These differences, when applied in response to global simulations of future temperature, result in taxon-specific projections of growth and geographic distribution, with low-latitude coccolithophores facing considerable decreases and cyanobacteria substantial increases in growth rates. These results suggest that the singular effect of changing temperature may alter phytoplankton global community structure, owing to the significant variability in thermal response between phytoplankton functional types.
Competitive binding of E3 ligases TRIM26 and WWP2 controls SOX2 in glioblastoma
Authors: Mahlokozera Tatenda , Patel Bhuvic , Chen Hao , Desouza Patrick , Qu Xuan , Mao Diane D. , Hafez Daniel , Yang Wei , Taiwo Rukayat , Paturu Mounica , Salehi Afshin , Gujar Amit D. , Dunn Gavin P. , Mosammaparast Nima , Petti Allegra A. , Yano Hiroko , Kim Albert H.
Published: November 2021

The pluripotency transcription factor SOX2 is essential for the maintenance of glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), which are thought to underlie tumor growth, treatment resistance, and recurrence. To understand how SOX2 is regulated in GSCs, we utilized a proteomic approach and identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM26 as a direct SOX2-interacting protein. Unexpectedly, we found TRIM26 depletion decreased SOX2 protein levels and increased SOX2 polyubiquitination in patient-derived GSCs, suggesting TRIM26 promotes SOX2 protein stability. Accordingly, TRIM26 knockdown disrupted the SOX2 gene network and inhibited both self-renewal capacity as well as in vivo tumorigenicity in multiple GSC lines. Mechanistically, we found TRIM26, via its C-terminal PRYSPRY domain, but independent of its RING domain, stabilizes SOX2 protein by directly inhibiting the interaction of SOX2 with WWP2, which we identify as a bona fide SOX2 E3 ligase in GSCs. Our work identifies E3 ligase competition as a critical mechanism of SOX2 regulation, with functional consequences for GSC identity and maintenance.
Current-induced manipulation of exchange bias in IrMn/NiFe bilayer structures
Authors: Kang Jaimin , Ryu Jeongchun , Choi Jong-Guk , Lee Taekhyeon , Park Jaehyeon , Lee Soogil , Jang Hanhwi , Jung Yeon Sik , Kim Kab-Jin , Park Byong-Guk
Published: November 2021

The electrical control of antiferromagnetic moments is a key technological goal of antiferromagnet-based spintronics, which promises favourable device characteristics such as ultrafast operation and high-density integration as compared to conventional ferromagnet-based devices. To date, the manipulation of antiferromagnetic moments by electric current has been demonstrated in epitaxial antiferromagnets with broken inversion symmetry or antiferromagnets interfaced with a heavy metal, in which spin-orbit torque (SOT) drives the antiferromagnetic domain wall. Here, we report current-induced manipulation of the exchange bias in IrMn/NiFe bilayers without a heavy metal. We show that the direction of the exchange bias is gradually modulated up to ±22 degrees by an in-plane current, which is independent of the NiFe thickness. This suggests that spin currents arising in the IrMn layer exert SOTs on uncompensated antiferromagnetic moments at the interface which then rotate the antiferromagnetic moments. Furthermore, the memristive features are preserved in sub-micron devices, facilitating nanoscale multi-level antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.
Supramolecular fibrillation of peptide amphiphiles induces environmental responses in aqueous droplets
Authors: Booth Richard , Insua Ignacio , Ahmed Sahnawaz , Rioboo Alicia , Montenegro Javier
Published: November 2021

One-dimensional (1D) supramolecular polymers are commonly found in natural and synthetic systems to prompt functional responses that capitalise on hierarchical molecular ordering. Despite amphiphilic self-assembly being significantly studied in the context of aqueous encapsulation and autopoiesis, very little is currently known about the physico-chemical consequences and functional role of 1D supramolecular polymerisation confined in aqueous compartments. Here, we describe the different phenomena that resulted from the chemically triggered supramolecular fibrillation of synthetic peptide amphiphiles inside water microdroplets. The confined connection of suitable dormant precursors triggered a physically autocatalysed chemical reaction that resulted in functional environmental responses such as molecular uptake, fusion and chemical exchange. These results demonstrate the potential of minimalistic 1D supramolecular polymerisation to modulate the behaviour of individual aqueous entities with their environment and within communities.
Predicting thickness perception of liquid food products from their non-Newtonian rheology
Authors: Deblais Antoine , Hollander Elyn den , Boucon Claire , Blok Annelies E. , Veltkamp Bastiaan , Voudouris Panayiotis , Versluis Peter , Kim Hyun-Jung , Mellema Michel , Stieger Markus , Bonn Daniel , Velikov Krassimir P.
Published: November 2021

The “mouthfeel” of food products is a key factor in our perception of food quality and in our appreciation of food products. Extensive research has been performed on what determines mouthfeel, and how it can be linked to laboratory measurements and eventually predicted. This was mainly done on the basis of simple models that do not accurately take the rheology of the food products into account. Here, we show that the subjectively perceived “thickness” of liquid foods, or the force needed to make the sample flow or deform in the mouth, can be directly related to their non-Newtonian rheology. Measuring the shear-thinning rheology and modeling the squeeze flow between the tongue and the palate in the oral cavity allows to predict how a panel perceives soup “thickness”. This is done for various liquid bouillons with viscosities ranging from that of water to low-viscous soups and for high-viscous xanthan gum solutions. Our findings show that our tongues, just like our eyes and ears, are logarithmic measuring instruments in agreement with the Weber-Fechner law that predicts a logarithmic relation between stimulus amplitude and perceived strength. Our results pave the way for more accurate prediction of mouthfeel characteristics of liquid food products.
Agrin-Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 axis confers a mechanically competent microenvironment in skin wound healing
Authors: Chakraborty Sayan , Sampath Divyaleka , Yu Lin Melissa Ong , Bilton Matthew , Huang Cheng-Kuang , Nai Mui Hoon , Njah Kizito , Goy Pierre-Alexis , Wang Cheng-Chun , Guccione Ernesto , Lim Chwee-Teck , Hong Wanjin
Published: November 2021

An orchestrated wound healing program drives skin repair via collective epidermal cell proliferation and migration. However, the molecular determinants of the tissue microenvironment supporting wound healing remain poorly understood. Herein we discover that proteoglycan Agrin is enriched within the early wound-microenvironment and is indispensable for efficient healing. Agrin enhances the mechanoperception of keratinocytes by augmenting their stiffness, traction stress and fluidic velocity fields in retaliation to bulk substrate rigidity. Importantly, Agrin overhauls cytoskeletal architecture via enhancing actomyosin cables upon sensing geometric stress and force following an injury. Moreover, we identify Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) as a downstream effector of Agrin’s mechanoperception. We also reveal a promising potential of a recombinant Agrin fragment as a bio-additive material that assimilates optimal mechanobiological and pro-angiogenic parameters by engaging MMP12 in accelerated wound healing. Together, we propose that Agrin-MMP12 pathway integrates a broad range of mechanical stimuli to coordinate a competent skin wound healing niche.
Arabidopsis P4 ATPase-mediated cell detoxification confers resistance to Fusarium graminearum and Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Wang Fanlong , Li Xianbi , Li Yujie , Han Jing , Chen Yang , Zeng Jianyan , Su Mei , Zhuo Jingxin , Ren Hui , Liu Haoru , Hou Lei , Fan Yanhua , Yan Xingying , Song Shuiqing , Zhao Juan , Jin Dan , Zhang Mi , Pei Yan
Published: November 2021

Many toxic secondary metabolites produced by phytopathogens can subvert host immunity, and some of them are recognized as pathogenicity factors. Fusarium head blight and Verticillium wilt are destructive plant diseases worldwide. Using toxins produced by the causal fungi Fusarium graminearum and Verticillium dahliae as screening agents, here we show that the Arabidopsis P4 ATPases AtALA1 and AtALA7 are responsible for cellular detoxification of mycotoxins. Through AtALA1-/AtALA7-mediated vesicle transport, toxins are sequestered in vacuoles for degradation. Overexpression of AtALA1 and AtALA7 significantly increases the resistance of transgenic plants to F. graminearum and V. dahliae, respectively. Notably, the concentration of deoxynivalenol, a mycotoxin harmful to the health of humans and animals, was decreased in transgenic Arabidopsis siliques and maize seeds. This vesicle-mediated cell detoxification process provides a strategy to increase plant resistance against different toxin-associated diseases and to reduce the mycotoxin contamination in food and feed.
Pairwise effects between lipid GWAS genes modulate lipid plasma levels and cellular uptake
Authors: Zimoń Magdalena , Huang Yunfeng , Trasta Anthi , Halavatyi Aliaksandr , Liu Jimmy Z. , Chen Chia-Yen , Blattmann Peter , Klaus Bernd , Whelan Christopher D. , Sexton David , John Sally , Huber Wolfgang , Tsai Ellen A. , Pepperkok Rainer , Runz Heiko
Published: November 2021

Complex traits are characterized by multiple genes and variants acting simultaneously on a phenotype. However, studying the contribution of individual pairs of genes to complex traits has been challenging since human genetics necessitates very large population sizes, while findings from model systems do not always translate to humans. Here, we combine genetics with combinatorial RNAi (coRNAi) to systematically test for pairwise additive effects (AEs) and genetic interactions (GIs) between 30 lipid genome-wide association studies (GWAS) genes. Gene-based burden tests from 240,970 exomes show that in carriers with truncating mutations in both,APOBand eitherPCSK9orLPL(“human double knock-outs”) plasma lipid levels change additively. Genetics and coRNAi identify overlapping AEs for 12 additional gene pairs. Overlapping GIs are observed forTOMM40/APOEwithSORT1andNCAN. Our study identifies distinct gene pairs that modulate plasma and cellular lipid levels primarily via AEs and nominates putative drug target pairs for improved lipid-lowering combination therapies.
Geometric characterization of anomalous Landau levels of isolated flat bands
Authors: Hwang Yoonseok , Rhim Jun-Won , Yang Bohm-Jung
Published: November 2021

According to the Onsager’s semiclassical quantization rule, the Landau levels of a band are bounded by its upper and lower band edges at zero magnetic field. However, there are two notable systems where the Landau level spectra violate this expectation, including topological bands and flat bands with singular band crossings, whose wave functions possess some singularities. Here, we introduce a distinct class of flat band systems where anomalous Landau level spreading (LLS) appears outside the zero-field energy bounds, although the relevant wave function is nonsingular. The anomalous LLS of isolated flat bands are governed by the cross-gap Berry connection that measures the wave-function geometry of multi bands. We also find that symmetry puts strong constraints on the LLS of flat bands. Our work demonstrates that an isolated flat band is an ideal system for studying the fundamental role of wave-function geometry in describing magnetic responses of solids.
Fungal infections lead to shifts in thermal tolerance and voluntary exposure to extreme temperatures in both prey and predator insects
Authors: Porras Mitzy F. , Agudelo-Cantero Gustavo A. , Santiago-Martínez M. Geovanni , Navas Carlos A. , Loeschcke Volker , Sørensen Jesper Givskov , Rajotte Edwin G.
Published: November 2021

Pathogens can modify many aspects of host behavior or physiology with cascading impacts across trophic levels in terrestrial food webs. These changes include thermal tolerance of hosts, however the effects of fungal infections on thermal tolerances and behavioral responses to extreme temperatures (ET) across trophic levels have rarely been studied. We examined how a fungal pathogen,Beauveria bassiana, affects upper and lower thermal tolerance, and behavior of an herbivorous insect,Acyrthosiphon pisum, and its predator beetle,Hippodamia convergens. We compared changes in thermal tolerance limits (CTMinand CTMax), thermal boldness (voluntary exposure to ET), energetic cost (ATP) posed by each response (thermal tolerance and boldness) between healthy insects and insects infected with two fungal loads. Fungal infection reduced CTMaxof both aphids and beetles, as well as CTMinof beetles. Fungal infection modified the tendency, or boldness, of aphids and predator beetles to cross either warm or cold ET zones (ETZ). ATP levels increased with pathogen infection in both insect species, and the highest ATP levels were found in individuals that crossed cold ETZ. Fungal infection narrowed the thermal tolerance range and inhibited thermal boldness behaviors to cross ET. As environmental temperatures rise, response to thermal stress will be asymmetric among members of a food web at different trophic levels, which may have implications for predator–prey interactions, food web structures, and species distributions.
The membrane depolarization and increase intracellular calcium level produced by silver nanoclusters are responsible for bacterial death
Authors: Molina-Hernandez Junior Bernardo , Aceto Antonio , Bucciarelli Tonino , Paludi Domenico , Valbonetti Luca , Zilli Katiuscia , Scotti Luca , Chaves-López Clemencia
Published: November 2021

This work highlights how our silver ultra nanoclusters (ARGIRIUM-SUNc) hand-made synthesized, are very useful as a bactericide and anti-biofilm agent. The Argirium-SUNc effective antibacterial concentrations are very low (< 1 ppm) as compared to the corresponding values reported in the literature. Different bacterial defense mechanisms are observed dependent on ARGIRIUM-SUNc concentrations. Biochemical investigations (volatilome) have been performed to understand the pathways involved in cell death. By using fluorescence techniques and cell viability measurements we show, for the first time, that membrane depolarization and calcium intracellular level are both primary events in bacteria death. The ARGIRIUM-SUNc determined eradication of different biofilm at a concentration as low as 0.6 ppm. This suggests that the effect of the nanoparticles follows a common mechanism in different bacteria. It is highly probable that the chemical constitution of the crosslinks could be a key target in the disrupting mechanism of our nanoparticles. Since the biofilms and their constituents are essential for bacterial survival in contact with humans, the silver nanoparticles represent a logical target for new antibacterial treatments.
Electroceutical fabric lowers zeta potential and eradicates coronavirus infectivity upon contact
Authors: Ghatak Subhadip , Khona Dolly K. , Sen Abhishek , Huang Kaixiang , Jagdale Gargi , Singh Kanhaiya , Gopalakrishnan Vinoj , Cornetta Kenneth G. , Roy Sashwati , Khanna Savita , Baker Lane A. , Sen Chandan K.
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus with intact infectivity attached to PPE surfaces pose significant threat to the spread of COVID-19. We tested the hypothesis that an electroceutical fabric, generating weak potential difference of 0.5 V, disrupts the infectivity of coronavirus upon contact by destabilizing the electrokinetic properties of the virion. Porcine respiratory coronavirus AR310 particles (105) were placed in direct contact with the fabric for 1 or 5 min. Following one minute of contact, zeta potential of the porcine coronavirus was significantly lowered indicating destabilization of its electrokinetic properties. Size-distribution plot showed appearance of aggregation of the virus. Testing of the cytopathic effects of the virus showed eradication of infectivity as quantitatively assessed by PI-calcein and MTT cell viability tests. This work provides the rationale to consider the studied electroceutical fabric, or other materials with comparable property, as material of choice for the development of PPE in the fight against COVID-19.
An open source extrusion bioprinter based on the E3D motion system and tool changer to enable FRESH and multimaterial bioprinting
Authors: Engberg Adam , Stelzl Christina , Eriksson Olle , O’Callaghan Paul , Kreuger Johan
Published: November 2021

Bioprinting is increasingly used to create complex tissue constructs for an array of research applications, and there are also increasing efforts to print tissues for transplantation. Bioprinting may also prove valuable in the context of drug screening for personalized medicine for treatment of diseases such as cancer. However, the rapidly expanding bioprinting research field is currently limited by access to bioprinters. To increase the availability of bioprinting technologies we present here an open source extrusion bioprinter based on the E3D motion system and tool changer to enable high-resolution multimaterial bioprinting. As proof of concept, the bioprinter is used to create collagen constructs using freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) methodology, as well as multimaterial constructs composed of distinct sections of laminin and collagen. Data is presented demonstrating that the bioprinted constructs support growth of cells either seeded onto printed constructs or included in the bioink prior to bioprinting. This open source bioprinter is easily adapted for different bioprinting applications, and additional tools can be incorporated to increase the capabilities of the system.
Efficient nested-PCR-based method development for detection and genotype identification of Acanthamoeba from a small volume of aquatic environmental sample
Authors: Hsu Tsui-Kang , Chen Jung-Sheng , Tsai Hsin-Chi , Tao Chi-Wei , Yang Yu-Yin , Tseng Ying-Chin , Kuo Yi-Jie , Ji Dar-Der , Rathod Jagat , Hsu Bing-Mu
Published: November 2021

Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic human pathogens that cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and keratitis, and their accurate detection and enumeration in environmental samples is a challenge. In addition, information regarding the genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. using various PCR methods is equally critical. Therefore, considering the diverse niches of habitats, it is necessary to develop an even more efficient genotyping method for Acanthamoeba spp. detection. This study improved the sensitivity of detection to avoid underestimation of Acanthamoeba spp. occurrence in aquatic environmental samples, and to accurately define the pathogenic risk by developing an efficient PCR method. In this study, a new nested genotyping method was established and compared with various PCR-based methods using in silico, lab, and empirical tests. The in silico test showed that many PCR-based methods could not successfully align specific genotypes of Acanthamoeba, except for the newly designed nested PCR and real-time PCR method. Furthermore, 52 water samples from rivers, reservoirs, and a river basin in Taiwan were analysed by six different PCR methods and compared for genotyping and detection efficiency of Acanthamoeba. The newly developed nested-PCR-based method of genotyping was found to be significantly sensitive as it could effectively detect the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp., which was underestimated by the JDP-PCR method. Additionally, the present results are consistent with previous studies indicating that the high prevalence of Acanthamoeba in the aquatic environment of Taiwan is attributed to the commonly found T4 genotype. Ultimately, we report the development of a small volume procedure, which is a combination of recent genotyping PCR and conventional real-time PCR for enumeration of aquatic Acanthamoeba and acquirement of biologically meaningful genotyping information. We anticipate that the newly developed detection method will contribute to the precise estimation, evaluation, and reduction of the contamination risk of pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp., which is regularly found in the water resources utilised for domestic purposes.
Extraordinary optical transmission in silicon nanoholes
Authors: Mekawey Hosam , Ismail Yehea , Swillam Mohamed
Published: November 2021

In this work, for the first time, a study was conducted of the existence of Extraordinary Optical Transmission (EOT) in Silicon (Si) thin films with subwavelength holes array and high excess carrier concentration. Typically EOT is studied in opaque perforated metal films. Using Si would bring EOT and its many applications to the silicon photonics realm and the mid-IR range. Since Si thin film is a semi-transparent film in mid-IR, a generalization was proposed of the normalized transmission metric used in literature for EOT studies in opaque films. The plasma dispersion effect was introduced into the studied perforated Si film through either doping or carriers’ generation. Careful consideration for the differences in optical response modeling in both cases was given. Full-wave simulation and analysis showed an enhanced transmission when using Si with excess carriers, mimicking the enhancement reported in perforated metallic films. EOT was found in the mid-IR instead of the visible range which is the case in metallic films. The case of Si with generated excess carriers showed a mid-IR EOT peak reaching 157% around 6.68 µm, while the phosphorus-doped Si case showed a transmission enhancement of 152% around 8.6 µm. The effect of varying the holes’ dimensions and generated carriers’ concentration on the transmission was studied. The analogy of the relation between the fundamental mode cutoff and the EOT peak wavelength in the case of Si to the case of metal such as silver was studied and verified. The perforated Si thin film transmission sensitivity for a change in the refractive index of the holes and surroundings material was investigated. Also, a study of the device potential in sensing the hole and surroundings materials that have almost the same refractive index yet with different absorption fingerprints was performed as well.
Improving motor neuron-like cell differentiation of hEnSCs by the combination of epothilone B loaded PCL microspheres in optimized 3D collagen hydrogel
Authors: Mahmoodi Narges , Ai Jafar , Hassannejad Zahra , Ebrahimi-Barough Somayeh , Hasanzadeh Elham , Nekounam Houra , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: November 2021

Spinal cord regeneration is limited due to various obstacles and complex pathophysiological events after injury. Combination therapy is one approach that recently garnered attention for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. A composite of three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogel containing epothilone B (EpoB)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres (2.5 ng/mg, 10 ng/mg, and 40 ng/mg EpoB/PCL) were fabricated and optimized to improve motor neuron (MN) differentiation efficacy of human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs). The microspheres were characterized using liquid chromatography-mass/mass spectrometry (LC-mas/mas) to assess the drug release and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphological assessment. hEnSCs were isolated, then characterized by flow cytometry, and seeded on the optimized 3D composite. Based on cell morphology and proliferation, cross-linked collagen hydrogels with and without 2.5 ng/mg EpoB loaded PCL microspheres were selected as the optimized formulations to compare the effect of EpoB release on MN differentiation. After differentiation, the expression of MN markers was estimated by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF). The collagen hydrogel containing the EpoB group had the highest HB9 and ISL-1 expression and the longest neurite elongation. Providing a 3D permissive environment with EpoB, significantly improves MN-like cell differentiation and maturation of hEnSCs and is a promising approach to replace lost neurons after SCI.