bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic targeting miR130b counteracts diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression via OX40/OX40L-mediated interaction with Th17 cells
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Pei-Pei , Weng Xiang-Qin , Gao Xiao-Dong , Huang Chuan-Xin , Wang Li , Hu Xiao-Xia , Xu Peng-Peng , Cheng Lin , Jiang Lu , Fu Di , Qu Bin , Zhao Yan , Feng Yan , Dou Hong-Jing , Zheng Zhong , Zhao Wei-Li
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in lymphoma progression by regulating the tumor microenvironment. Serum miR130b is overexpressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), inducing Th17 cell alterations. To further illustrate its biological significance and therapeutic rationale, miR130b was detected by quantitative real-time PCR in the serum samples of 532 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. The mechanism of miR130b on lymphoma progression and the tumor microenvironment was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Therapeutic targeting miR130b was also evaluated, including OX40 agonistic antibody and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)-miR130b antagomir. The results showed that serum miR130b significantly correlated with tumor miR130b and serum interleukin-17, indicating lymphoma relapse and inferior survival of DLBCL patients. MiR130b overexpression altered tumor microenvironment signaling pathways and increased Th17 cell activity. As mechanism of action, miR130b downregulated tumor OX40L expression by directly targeting IFNAR1/p-STAT1 axis, recruiting Th17 cells via OX40/OX40L interaction, thereby promoting immunosuppressive function of Th17 cells. In co-culture systems of B-lymphoma cells with immune cells, miR130b inhibited lymphoma cell autophagy, which could be counteracted by OX40 agonistic antibody and LNPs-miR130b antagomir. In murine xenograft model established with subcutaneous injection of A20 cells, both OX40 agonistic antibody and LNPs-miR130b antagomir remarkably inhibited Th17 cells and retarded miR130b-overexpressing tumor growth. In conclusion, as an oncogenic biomarker of DLBCL, miR130b was related to lymphoma progression through modulating OX40/OX40L-mediated lymphoma cell interaction with Th17 cells, attributing to B-cell lymphoma sensitivity towards OX40 agonistic antibody. Targeting miR130b using LNPs-miR130b antagomir could also be a potential immunotherapeutic strategy in treating OX40-altered lymphoid malignancies.
Hymecromone: a clinical prescription hyaluronan inhibitor for efficiently blocking COVID-19 progression
Authors: Yang Shuai , Ling Yun , Zhao Fang , Li Wei , Song Zhigang , Wang Lu , Li Qiuting , Liu Mengxing , Tong Ying , Chen Lu , Ru Daoping , Zhang Tongsheng , Zhou Kaicheng , Zhang Baolong , Xu Peng , Yang Zhicong , Li Wenxuan , Song Yuanlin , Xu Jianqing , Zhu Tongyu , Shan Fei , Yu Wenqiang , Lu Hongzhou
Published: March 2022

Currently, there is no effective drugs for treating clinically COVID-19 except dexamethasone. We previously revealed that human identical sequences of SARS-CoV-2 promote the COVID-19 progression by upregulating hyaluronic acid (HA). As the inhibitor of HA synthesis, hymecromone is an approved prescription drug used for treating biliary spasm. Here, we aimed to investigate the relation between HA and COVID-19, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of hymecromone on COVID-19. Firstly, HA was closely relevant to clinical parameters, including lymphocytes (n = 158; r = −0.50; P < 0.0001), C-reactive protein (n = 156; r = 0.55; P < 0.0001), D-dimer (n = 154; r = 0.38; P < 0.0001), and fibrinogen (n = 152; r = 0.37; P < 0.0001), as well as the mass (n = 78; r = 0.43; P < 0.0001) and volume (n = 78; r = 0.41; P = 0.0002) of ground-glass opacity, the mass (n = 78; r = 0.48; P < 0.0001) and volume (n = 78; r = 0.47; P < 0.0001) of consolidation in patient with low level of hyaluronan (HA < 48.43 ng/mL). Furthermore, hyaluronan could directly cause mouse pulmonary lesions. Besides, hymecromone remarkably reduced HA via downregulating HAS2/HAS3 expression. Moreover, 89% patients with hymecromone treatment had pulmonary lesion absorption while only 42% patients in control group had pulmonary lesion absorption (P < 0.0001). In addition, lymphocytes recovered more quickly in hymecromone-treated patients (n = 8) than control group (n = 5) (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that hymecromone is a promising drug for COVID-19 and deserves our further efforts to determine its effect in a larger cohort.
Controllable tuning of polymetallic Co-Ni-Ru-S-Se ultrathin nanosheets to boost electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Deng Wei , Xie Wenshuo , Li Dan , Gai Yuping , Chen Zhide , Yu Jun , Yang Renqiang , Bao Xichang , Jiang Fei
Published: March 2022

Replacing precious metals in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts has broad prospects to achieve a viable water splitting system. Since the electrocatalytic OER is a four-electron transfer reaction with a very sluggish kinetic process, there is great interest in the development of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficiency OER catalysts. Herein, trimetallic Co-Ni-Ru sulfoselenide and bimetallic sulfoselenide nanosheets were designed by regulating their composition and morphology for efficient and durable OER electrocatalysis. The sheet structure has a large specific surface area to promote contact between the catalyst and electrolyte. Compared with bimetallic Co-Ni, Co-Ru, Ni-Ru, Co-Cd, and Co-Au sulfoselenide nanosheets, trimetallic Co-Ni-Ru sulfoselenide nanosheets show superior OER performance. By modulating the composition ratio of metal atoms in the Co-Ni-Ru-S-Se nanosheets (1:1:0.5:1:1), the nanosheets showed a significant OER overpotential of η = 261 mV (1.491 V versus RHE) at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 52.2 mV dec–1 and outstanding stability after 48 h of continuous testing. For comparison, Co-Ni, Co-Ru, Ni-Ru, Co-Cd, and Co-Au bimetallic sulfoselenide nanosheets (denoted as Co-Ni-S-Se, Co-Ru-S-Se, Ni-Ru-S-Se, Co-Au-S-Se, Co-Cd-S-Se) were also tested. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that appropriately doping Ru and Ni simultaneously (Co-Ni-Ru-S-Se) can increase the density of the states at the Fermi level, resulting in excellent charge density and low intermediate adsorption energy. These findings present a practical route to design 2D polymetallic nanosheets to optimize catalytic OER performance.
Parallel reduction in flowering time from de novo mutations enable evolutionary rescue in colonizing lineages
Authors: Fulgione Andrea , Neto Célia , Elfarargi Ahmed F. , Tergemina Emmanuel , Ansari Shifa , Göktay Mehmet , Dinis Herculano , Döring Nina , Flood Pádraic J. , Rodriguez-Pacheco Sofia , Walden Nora , Koch Marcus A. , Roux Fabrice , Hermisson Joachim , Hancock Angela M.
Published: March 2022

Understanding how populations adapt to abrupt environmental change is necessary to predict responses to future challenges, but identifying specific adaptive variants, quantifying their responses to selection and reconstructing their detailed histories is challenging in natural populations. Here, we useArabidopsisfrom the Cape Verde Islands as a model to investigate the mechanisms of adaptation after a sudden shift to a more arid climate. We find genome-wide evidence of adaptation after a multivariate change in selection pressures. In particular, time to flowering is reduced in parallel across islands, substantially increasing fitness. This change is mediated by convergent de novo loss of function of two core flowering time genes:FRIon one island andFLCon the other. Evolutionary reconstructions reveal a case where expansion of the new populations coincided with the emergence and proliferation of these variants, consistent with models of rapid adaptation and evolutionary rescue.
Mechanism and biomass association of glucuronoyl esterase: an α/β hydrolase with potential in biomass conversion
Authors: Zong Zhiyou , Mazurkewich Scott , Pereira Caroline S. , Fu Haohao , Cai Wensheng , Shao Xueguang , Skaf Munir S. , Larsbrink Johan , Lo Leggio Leila
Published: March 2022

Glucuronoyl esterases (GEs) are α/β serine hydrolases and a relatively new addition in the toolbox to reduce the recalcitrance of lignocellulose, the biggest obstacle in cost-effective utilization of this important renewable resource. While biochemical and structural characterization of GEs have progressed greatly recently, there have yet been no mechanistic studies shedding light onto the rate-limiting steps relevant for biomass conversion. The bacterial GEOtCE15A possesses a classical yet distinctive catalytic machinery, with easily identifiable catalytic Ser/His completed by two acidic residues (Glu and Asp) rather than one as in the classical triad, and an Arg side chain participating in the oxyanion hole. By QM/MM calculations, we identified deacylation as the decisive step in catalysis, and quantified the role of Asp, Glu and Arg, showing the latter to be particularly important. The results agree well with experimental and structural data. We further calculated the free-energy barrier of post-catalysis dissociation from a complex natural substrate, suggesting that in industrial settings non-catalytic processes may constitute the rate-limiting step, and pointing to future directions for enzyme engineering in biomass utilization.
Electrostatically cooperative host-in-host of metal cluster ⊂ ionic organic cages in nanopores for enhanced catalysis
Authors: Tan Liangxiao , Zhou Jun-Hao , Sun Jian-Ke , Yuan Jiayin
Published: March 2022

The construction of hierarchically nanoporous composite for high-performance catalytic application is still challenging. In this work, a series of host-in-host ionic porous materials are crafted by encapsulating ionic organic cages into a hyper-crosslinked, oppositely charged porous poly(ionic liquid) (PoPIL) through an ion pair-directed assembly strategy. Specifically, the cationic cage (C-Cage) as the inner host can spatially accommodate a functional Au cluster, forming a [Au⊂C-Cage+]⊂PoPIL− supramolecular composite. This dual-host molecular hierarchy enables a charge-selective substrate sorting effect to the Au clusters, which amplifies their catalytic activity by at least one order of magnitude as compared to Au confined only by C-Cage as the mono-host (Au⊂C-Cage+). Moreover, we demonstrate that such dual-host porous system can advantageously immobilize electrostatically repulsive Au⊂C-Cage+ and cationic ferrocene co-catalyst (Fer+) together into the same microcompartments, and synergistically speed up the enzyme-like tandem reactions by channelling the substrate to the catalytic centers via nanoconfinement.
Zebrafish imaging reveals TP53 mutation switching oncogene-induced senescence from suppressor to driver in primary tumorigenesis
Authors: Haraoka Yukinari , Akieda Yuki , Nagai Yuri , Mogi Chihiro , Ishitani Tohru
Published: March 2022

Most tumours are thought to arise through oncogenic cell generation followed by additional mutations. How a new oncogenic cell primes tumorigenesis by acquiring additional mutations remains unclear. We show that an additional TP53 mutation stimulates primary tumorigenesis by switching oncogene-induced senescence from a tumour suppressor to a driver. Zebrafish imaging reveals that a newly emerged oncogenic cell with the RasG12V mutation becomes senescent and is eliminated from the epithelia, which is prevented by adding a TP53 gain-of-function mutation (TP53R175H) into RasG12V cells. Surviving RasG12V-TP53R175H double-mutant cells senesce and secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related inflammatory molecules that convert neighbouring normal cells into SASP factor-secreting senescent cells, generating a heterogeneous tumour-like cell mass. We identify oncogenic cell behaviours that may control the initial human tumorigenesis step. Ras and TP53 mutations and cellular senescence are frequently detected in human tumours; similar switching may occur during the initial step of human tumorigenesis.
Evolutionary transition from a single RNA replicator to a multiple replicator network
Authors: Mizuuchi Ryo , Furubayashi Taro , Ichihashi Norikazu
Published: March 2022

In prebiotic evolution, self-replicating molecules are believed to have evolved into complex living systems by expanding their information and functions open-endedly. Theoretically, such evolutionary complexification could occur through successive appearance of novel replicators that interact with one another to form replication networks. Here we perform long-term evolution experiments of RNA that replicates using a self-encoded RNA replicase. The RNA diversifies into multiple coexisting host and parasite lineages, whose frequencies in the population initially fluctuate and gradually stabilize. The final population, comprising five RNA lineages, forms a replicator network with diverse interactions, including cooperation to help the replication of all other members. These results support the capability of molecular replicators to spontaneously develop complexity through Darwinian evolution, a critical step for the emergence of life.
DNA-based platform for efficient and precisely targeted bioorthogonal catalysis in living systems
Authors: You Yawen , Deng Qingqing , Wang Yibo , Sang Yanjuan , Li Guangming , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: March 2022

As one of the typical bioorthogonal reactions, copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction holds great potential in organic synthesis, bioconjugation, and surface functionalization. However, the toxicity of Cu(I), inefficient catalytic activity, and the lack of cell specific targeting of the existing catalysts hampered their practical applications in living systems. Herein, we design and construct a DNA-based platform as a biocompatible, highly efficient, and precisely targeted bioorthogonal nanocatalyst. The nanocatalyst presents excellent catalytic efficiency in vitro, which is one order of magnitude higher than the commonly used catalyst CuSO4/sodium ascorbate. The theoretical calculation further supports the contribution of DNA structure and its interaction with substrates to the superior catalytic activity. More importantly, the system can achieve efficient prodrug activation in cancer cells through cell type-specific recognition and produce a 40-fold enhancement of transformation compared to the non-targeting nanocatalyst, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy and reduced adverse effects. In vivo tumor therapy demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the system in mammals.
Extra kinetic dimensions for label discrimination
Authors: Chouket Raja , Pellissier-Tanon Agnès , Lahlou Aliénor , Zhang Ruikang , Kim Diana , Plamont Marie-Aude , Zhang Mingshu , Zhang Xi , Xu Pingyong , Desprat Nicolas , Bourgeois Dominique , Espagne Agathe , Lemarchand Annie , Saux Thomas Le , Jullien Ludovic
Published: March 2022

Due to its sensitivity and versatility, fluorescence is widely used to detect specifically labeled biomolecules. However, fluorescence is currently limited by label discrimination, which suffers from the broad full width of the absorption/emission bands and the narrow lifetime distribution of the bright fluorophores. We overcome this limitation by introducing extra kinetic dimensions through illuminations of reversibly photoswitchable fluorophores (RSFs) at different light intensities. In this expanded space, each RSF is characterized by a chromatic aberration-free kinetic fingerprint of photochemical reactivity, which can be recovered with limited hardware, excellent photon budget, and minimal data processing. This fingerprint was used to identify and discriminate up to 20 among 22 spectrally similar reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) in less than 1s. This strategy opens promising perspectives for expanding the multiplexing capabilities of fluorescence imaging.
Silicon-photonics acoustic detector for optoacoustic micro-tomography
Authors: Hazan Yoav , Levi Ahiad , Nagli Michael , Rosenthal Amir
Published: March 2022

Medical ultrasound and optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging commonly rely on the concepts of beam-forming and tomography for image formation, enabled by piezoelectric array transducers whose element size is comparable to the desired resolution. However, the tomographic measurement of acoustic signals becomes increasingly impractical for resolutions beyond 100 µm due to the reduced efficiency of piezoelectric elements upon miniaturization. For higher resolutions, a microscopy approach is preferred, in which a single focused ultrasound transducer images the object point-by-point, but the bulky apparatus and long acquisition time of this approach limit clinical applications. In this work, we demonstrate a miniaturized acoustic detector capable of tomographic imaging with spread functions whose width is below 20 µm. The detector is based on an optical resonator fabricated in a silicon-photonics platform coated by a sensitivity-enhancing elastomer, which also effectively eliminates the parasitic effect of surface acoustic waves. The detector is demonstrated in vivo in high-resolution optoacoustic tomography.
Noncontact human-machine interaction based on hand-responsive infrared structural color
Authors: An Shun , Zhu Hanrui , Guo Chunzhi , Fu Benwei , Song Chengyi , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Deng Tao
Published: March 2022

Noncontact human-machine interaction provides a hygienic and intelligent approach for the communication between human and robots. Current noncontact human-machine interactions are generally limited by the interaction distance or conditions, such as in the dark. Here we explore the utilization of hand as an infrared light source for noncontact human-machine interaction. Metallic gratings are used as the human-machine interface to respond to infrared radiation from hand and the generated signals are visualized as different infrared structural colors. We demonstrate the applications of the infrared structural color-based human-machine interaction for user-interactive touchless display and real-time control of a robot vehicle. The interaction is flexible to the hand-interface distance ranging from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters and can be used in low lighting condition or in the dark. The findings in this work provide an alternative and complementary approach to traditional noncontact human-machine interactions, which may further broaden the potential applications of human-machine interaction.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics integrated with convolutional neural network for comparing shapes of temperature sensitive bottlebrushes
Authors: Joshi Soumil Y. , Singh Samrendra , Deshmukh Sanket A.
Published: March 2022

Quantification of shape changes in nature-inspired soft material architectures of stimuli-sensitive polymers is critical for controlling their properties but is challenging due to their softness and flexibility. Here, we have computationally designed uniquely shaped bottlebrushes of a thermosensitive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), by controlling the length of side chains along the backbone. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of solvated bottlebrushes were performed below and above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM. Conventional analyses (free volume, asphericity, etc.) show that lengths of side chains and their immediate environments dictate the compactness and bending in these architectures. We further developed 100 unique convolutional neural network models that captured molecular-level features and generated a statistically significant quantification of the similarity between different shapes. Thus, our study provides insights into the shapes of complex architectures as well as a general method to analyze them. The shapes presented here may inspire the synthesis of new bottlebrushes.
VHL mosaicism: the added value of multi-tissue analysis
Authors: Oldfield Leslie E. , Grzybowski Jessica , Grenier Sylvie , Chao Elizabeth , Downs Gregory S. , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Stockley Tracy L. , Mete Ozgur , Kim Raymond H.
Published: March 2022

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant, inherited syndrome with variants in the VHL gene causing predisposition to multi-organ benign and malignant neoplasms. A germline VHL variant is identified in 95–100% of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of VHL. Here, we present the case of an individual with a clinical diagnosis of VHL disease where peripheral blood DNA analysis did not detect a VHL variant. Sequencing of four tumor tissues (ccRCC, pheochromocytoma, lung via sputum, liver) revealed a VHL c.593 T > C (p.Leu198Pro) variant at varying allele fractions (range: 10–55%) in all tissues. Re-examination of the peripheral blood sequencing data identified this variant at 6% allele fraction. Tumor analysis revealed characteristic cytomorphological, immunohistochemical reactivity for alpha-inhibin, and CAIX, and reduced pVHL reactivity supported VHL-related pseudohypoxia. This report of a rare case of VHL mosaicism highlights the value of tissue testing in VHL variant negative cases.
Solution processed low power organic field-effect transistor bio-chemical sensor of high transconductance efficiency
Authors: Tang Wei , Fu Ying , Huang Yukun , Li Yuanzhe , Song Yawen , Xi Xin , Yu Yude , Su Yuezeng , Yan Feng , Guo Xiaojun
Published: March 2022

Developing organic field-effect transistor (OFET) biosensors for customizable detection of biomarkers for many diseases would provide a low-cost and convenient tool for both biological studies and clinical diagnosis. In this work, design principles of the OFET transducer for biosensors were derived to relate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to the device-performance parameters. Steep subthreshold swing (SS), proper threshold voltage (Vth), good-enough bias-stress stability, and mechanical durability are shown to be the key prerequisites for realizing OFET bio-sensors of high transconductance efficiency (gm/ID) for large SNR. Combining a low trap-density channel and a high-k/low-k gate dielectric layer, low-temperature (<100 °C) solution-processed flexible OFETs can meet the performance requirements to maximize the gm/ID. An extended gate-structure OFET biosensor was further implemented for label-free detection of miR-21, achieving a detection limit below 10 pM with high selectivity at a low operation voltage (<1 V).
Separator threads in yarn-shaped supercapacitors to avoid short-circuiting upon length
Authors: He Nanfei , Song Junhua , Liao Jinyun , Zhao Feng , Gao Wei
Published: March 2022

Yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) are becoming promising energy-supply units with decent mechanical flexibility to be integrated into e-textiles in various shapes and locations. However, a robust YSC configuration that can provide long-term and reliable power output, especially after rigorous weaving and knitting processes, as well as all kinds of end uses, is yet to be established. Most YSCs today still suffer from short-circuiting upon length, primarily due to the structure failure of gel electrolyte that also works as the separator. Herein, we report the incorporation of separator threads in a twisted YSC, to withstand repetitive mechanical deformations. Separator threads are wrapped outside of yarn electrodes as a scaffold to accommodate gel electrolyte, while chemistry and wrapping density of these threads are investigated. With processing parameters optimized, we present an YSC configuration that can bear mechanical deformations along almost all directions, leading to reliable power units in woven or knit fabrics.
Nonclassicality detection from few Fock-state probabilities
Authors: Innocenti Luca , Lachman Lukáš , Filip Radim
Published: March 2022

Experimentally certifying the nonclassicality of quantum states in a reliable and efficient way is a challenge that remains both fundamental and daunting. Despite decades of topical research, techniques that can exploit optimally the information available in a given experimental setup are lacking. Here, we introduce a different paradigm to tackle these challenges, that is both directly applicable to experimental realities, and extendible to a wide variety of circumstances. We demonstrate that Klyshko’s criteria, which remained a primary approach to tackle nonclassicality for the past 20 years, is a special case of a much more general class of nonclassicality criteria. We provide both analytical results and numerical evidence for the optimality of our approach in several different scenarios of interest for trapped-ion, superconducting circuits, optical and optomechanical experiments with photon-number resolving detectors. This work represents a significant milestone towards a complete characterisation of the nonclassicality detectable from the limited knowledge scenarios faced in experimental implementations.
Nanoscale studies of electric field effects on monolayer 1T′-WTe2
Authors: Maximenko Yulia , Chang Yueqing , Chen Guannan , Hirsbrunner Mark R. , Swiech Waclaw , Hughes Taylor L. , Wagner Lucas K. , Madhavan Vidya
Published: March 2022

Monolayer 1 T′-WTe2 is a quantum spin Hall insulator with a gapped 2D-bulk and gapless helical edge states persisting to temperatures ~100 K. Despite the far-ranging interest, the magnitude of the bulk gap, the effect of gating on the 2D-band structure, as well the role interactions are not established. In this work we use STM spectroscopy to measure the intrinsic bulk gap of monolayer 1 T′-WTe2 and show that gate induced electric fields cause large changes of the gap magnitude. Our first-principles DFT-derived tight-binding model reveal that a combination of spatial localization of the conduction and valance bands and Rashba-like spin-orbit coupling leads to a gating induced spin-splitting of the 2D-bulk bands in the tens of meV, thereby reducing the band gap. Our work explains the large sensitivity of the band structure to electric fields and suggests a new avenue for realizing proximity induced non-trivial superconductivity in monolayer 1 T′-WTe2.
Possible star-of-David pattern charge density wave with additional modulation in the kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5
Authors: Luo J. , Zhao Z. , Zhou Y. Z. , Yang J. , Fang A. F. , Yang H. T. , Gao H. J. , Zhou R. , Zheng Guo-qing
Published: March 2022

AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) is a novel kagome superconductor coexisting with the charge density wave (CDW) order. Identifying the structure of the CDW order is crucial for understanding the exotic normal state and superconductivity in this system. Here, we report 51V nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 121/123Sb nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) studies on kagome-metal CsV3Sb5. Below the CDW transition temperature TCDW ~ 98 K, an abrupt change of spectra was observed, indicating that the transition is of the first order. By further analyzing the spectra, we find that the CDW order is commensurate. And most remarkably, the obtained experimental results suggest that the charge modulation of the CDW order is of star-of-David pattern and accompanied by an additional charge modulation in bulk below T* ~ 40 K. Our results revealing the unconventional CDW order provide new insights into AV3Sb5.
Nonsymmorphic symmetry-protected band crossings in a square-net metal PtPb4
Authors: Wu Han , Hallas Alannah M. , Cai Xiaochan , Huang Jianwei , Oh Ji Seop , Loganathan Vaideesh , Weiland Ashley , McCandless Gregory T. , Chan Julia Y. , Mo Sung-Kwan , Lu Donghui , Hashimoto Makoto , Denlinger Jonathan , Birgeneau Robert J. , Nevidomskyy Andriy H. , Li Gang , Morosan Emilia , Yi Ming
Published: March 2022

Topological semimetals with symmetry-protected band crossings have emerged as a rich landscape to explore intriguing electronic phenomena. Nonsymmorphic symmetries in particular have been shown to play an important role in protecting the crossings along a line (rather than a point) in momentum space. Here we report experimental and theoretical evidence for Dirac nodal line crossings along the Brillouin zone boundaries in PtPb4, arising from the nonsymmorphic symmetry of its crystal structure. Interestingly, while the nodal lines would remain gapless in the absence of spin–orbit coupling (SOC), the SOC, in this case, plays a detrimental role to topology by lifting the band degeneracy everywhere except at a set of isolated points. Nevertheless, the nodal line is observed to have a bandwidth much smaller than that found in density functional theory (DFT). Our findings reveal PtPb4 to be a material system with narrow crossings approximately protected by nonsymmorphic crystalline symmetries.
Thought disorder is correlated with atypical spoken binomial orderings
Authors: Murphy Michael , Öngür Dost
Published: March 2022

Thought disorder may be associated with subtle language abnormalities. Binomials are pairs of words of the same grammatical type that are joined by a conjunction that often have a preferred order (for example, “up and down” is more common than “down and up”). We analyzed speech transcripts from patients with first-episode psychosis and found that atypical ordering of binomial pairs was associated with thought disorder but not with other psychosis symptoms. These results illustrate the potential to generate objective, quantifiable measures of disorganized speech.
Experimental and theoretical study on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel by nonanedioic acid derivative in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Mohamad Abu Bakar , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Shaker Lina M. , Isahak Wan Nor Roslam Wan , Takriff Mohd S.
Published: March 2022

The corrosion performance of mild steel (MS) in 1M HCl solution was examined by weight loss (WL), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM), and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements in the absence and presence of nonanedihydrazide. PDP measurements indicated that nonanedihydrazide acts as a mixed inhibitor due to its adsorption on the MS surface, exhibiting an inhibition efficiency of more than 97%. The surface morphology investigation of the protective layer on the MS surface confirmed that adsorption of nonanedihydrazide molecules occurred via chemical adsorption following Langmuir’s isotherm model. The effect of temperature on the corrosion performance in the presence of nonanedihydrazide was investigated in the range of 303–333 K, showing that the inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in the inhibitor concentration and decreased with an increase in temperature. A new green corrosion inhibitor was synthesised and theoretical computations were conducted to completely understand the inhibition mechanism. Nonanedihydrazide molecules were investigated by DFT (density functional theory) using the B3LYP functional to evaluate the relationship of corrosion inhibition performance and the molecular structure. The computed theoretical parameters presented significant support for understanding the inhibitive mechanism revealed by the inhibitory molecules and are in good agreement with WL, PDP, EIS, (EFM), and OCP results.
Clinical associations of ESR2 (estrogen receptor beta) expression across thousands of primary breast tumors
Authors: Dalal Hina , Dahlgren Malin , Gladchuk Sergii , Brueffer Christian , Gruvberger-Saal Sofia K. , Saal Lao H.
Published: March 2022

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, encoded byESR1) is a well-characterized transcription factor expressed in more than 75% of breast tumors and is the key biomarker to direct endocrine therapies. On the other hand, much less is known about estrogen receptor beta (ERβ, encoded byESR2) and its importance in cancer. Previous studies had some disagreement, however most reports suggested a more favorable prognosis for patients with highESR2expression. To add further clarity toESR2in breast cancer, we interrogated a large population-based cohort of primary breast tumors (n = 3207) from the SCAN-B study. RNA-seq showsESR2is expressed at low levels overall with a slight inverse correlation toESR1expression (Spearman R = −0.18, p = 2.2e−16), and highestESR2expression in the basal- and normal-like PAM50 subtypes.ESR2-high tumors had favorable overall survival (p = 0.006), particularly in subgroups receiving endocrine therapy (p = 0.03) and in triple-negative breast cancer (p = 0.01). These results were generally robust in multivariable analyses accounting for patient age, tumor size, node status, and grade. Gene modules consistent with immune response were associated toESR2-high tumors. Taken together, our results indicate thatESR2is generally expressed at low levels in breast cancer but associated with improved overall survival and may be related to immune response modulation.
Determinants of IGF-II influencing stability, receptor binding and activation
Authors: Blyth Andrew , Ortiz Michael , Merriman Allanah , Delaine Carlie , Forbes Briony
Published: March 2022

Insulin like growth factor II (IGF-II) is involved in metabolic and mitogenic signalling in mammalian cells and plays important roles in normal fetal development and postnatal growth. It is structurally similar to insulin and binds not only with high affinity to the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) but also to the insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A). As IGF-II expression is commonly upregulated in cancer and its signalling promotes cancer cell survival, an antagonist that blocks IGF-II action without perturbing insulin signalling would be invaluable. The high degree of structural homology between the IR and IGF-1R makes selectively targeting either receptor in the treatment of IGF-II-dependent cancers very challenging. However, there are sequence differences between insulin and IGF-II that convey receptor selectivity and influence binding affinity and signalling outcome. Insulin residue YB16 is a key residue involved in maintaining insulin stability, dimer formation and IR binding. Mutation of this residue to glutamine (as found in IGF-II) results in reduced binding affinity. In this study we sought to determine if the equivalent residue Q18 in IGF-II plays a similar role. We show through site-directed mutagenesis of Q18 that this residue contributes to IGF-II structural integrity, selectivity of IGF-1R/IR binding, but surprisingly does not influence IR-A signalling activation. These findings provide insights into a unique IGF-II residue that can influence receptor binding specificity whilst having little influence on signalling outcome.
An STDP-based encoding method for associative and composite data
Authors: Yoon Hong-Gyu , Kim Pilwon
Published: March 2022

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity(STDP) is a biological process of synaptic modification caused by the difference of firing order and timing between neurons. One of neurodynamical roles of STDP is to form a macroscopic geometrical structure in the neuronal state space in response to a periodic input by Susman et al. (Nat. Commun.10(1), 1–9 2019), Yoon, & Kim. Stdp-based associative memory formation and retrieval. arXiv:2107.02429v2 (2021). In this work, we propose a practical memory model based on STDP which can store and retrieve high dimensional associative data. The model combines STDP dynamics with an encoding scheme for distributed representations and is able to handle multiple composite data in a continuous manner. In the auto-associative memory task where a group of images are continuously streamed to the model, the images are successfully retrieved from an oscillating neural state whenever a proper cue is given. In the second task that deals with semantic memories embedded from sentences, the results show that words can recall multiple sentences simultaneously or one exclusively, depending on their grammatical relations.
Impact of different enzymes on biofilm formation and mussel settlement
Authors: Li Jiazheng , Zhang Chi , Hu Xiaomeng , Yoshida Asami , Osatomi Kiyoshi , Guo Xingpan , Yang Jin-Long , Liang Xiao
Published: March 2022

Enzymes have been known to impact the biofilm forming capacity. However, how the enzymes mediate the biofilm formation and macrofouling remains little known. Here, we investigated the effects of the three kinds of proteases, four kinds of glycosidases and one kind of lipase on the detachment of biofilms of Shewanella marisflavi ECSMB14101, identified biofilm total proteins response to enzyme treatments, and then tested the effects of biofilms treated with enzymes on the settlement of the mussel Mytilus coruscus plantigrades. The results showed that the cell density of bacteria in biofilms formed at different initial bacterial density were noticeably reduced after treating with all tested enzymes, and Neutrase and α-Amylase exhibited best removing efficiency of > 90%. Bacterial total proteins in S. marisflavi biofilm noticeably reduced or disappeared after treated by Alcalase. For the settlements of the mussel M. coruscus plantigrades, inducing capacities of S. marisflavi biofilm were noticeably suppressed and downregulation was > 75% at the initial density of 5 × 106 cells/cm2. Thus, the tested enzymes could effectively remove the adhered bacterial cell, inhibit the biofilm formation and finally suppress the mussel settlement. Our findings extend novel knowledge to developing eco-friendly approach to control micro- and macro-fouling.
Movement observation activates motor cortex in fibromyalgia patients: a fNIRS study
Authors: Gentile Eleonora , Brunetti Antonio , Ricci Katia , Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Craighero Laila , de Tommaso Marina
Published: March 2022

Scientific evidence points to a shared neural representation between performing and observing an action. The action observation notoriously determines a modulation of the observer’s sensorimotor system, a phenomenon called Motor Resonance (MR). Fibromyalgia (FM) patients suffer from a condition characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain in which even simple movement can exacerbate their symptoms. Maladaptive functioning of the primary motor cortex is a common finding in patients with chronic pain. Activation of the motor cortex is known to induce an analgesic effect in patients with chronic pain. In this exploratory study, we intend to verify if the mere observation of a movement could elicit activation of the motor cortical areas in patients with FM. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the presence of MR in patients affected by fibromyalgia. We adopted a behavioral paradigm known for detecting the presence of MR and a neurophysiological experiment. Participants watched videos showing gripping movements towards a graspable or an ungraspable object, respectively, and were asked to press a button the instant the agent touched the object (Time-to-contact detection session). In a different experimental session, participants were only requested to observe and pay attention to the videos (Observation-only session). During each experimental session, the participants’ cerebral hemodynamic activity was recorded using the functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy method. The behavioral task analysis revealed the presence of MR in both FM patients and healthy controls. Moreover, neurophysiological findings suggested that the observation of movement during the Observation-only session provoked activation and modulation of the cortical motor networks of FM patients. These results could represent evidence of the possible beneficial effects of movement observation in restarting motor activation, notoriously reduced, in FM patients.
Frequency-dependent Batesian mimicry maintains colour polymorphism in a sea snake population
Authors: Shine Richard , Brown Gregory P. , Goiran Claire
Published: March 2022

Evolutionary theory suggests that polymorphic traits can be maintained within a single population only under specific conditions, such as negative frequency-dependent selection or heterozygote advantage. Non-venomous turtle-headed sea snakes (Emydocephalus annulatus) living in shallow bays near Noumea in New Caledonia exhibit three colour morphs: black, black-and-white banded, and an intermediate (grey-banded) morph that darkens with age. We recorded morph frequencies during 18 consecutive years of surveys, and found that the numbers of recruits (neonates plus immigrants) belonging to each morph increased in years when that morph was unusually rare in the population, and decreased when that morph was unusually common. Thus, morph frequencies are maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection. We interpret the situation as Batesian mimicry of highly venomous sea snakes (Aipysurus, Hydrophis, Laticauda) that occur in the same bays, and range in colour from black-and-white banded to grey-banded. Consistent with the idea that mimicry may protect snakes from attack by large fish and sea eagles, behavioural studies have shown that smaller fish species in these bays flee from banded snakes but attack black individuals. As predicted by theory, mimetic (banded) morphs are less common than the cryptically-coloured melanic morph.
Modeling absolute zone size in retinopathy of prematurity in relation to axial length
Authors: Wang Sean K. , Korot Edward , Zaidi Moosa , Ji Marco H. , Al-Moujahed Ahmad , Callaway Natalia F. , Kumm Jochen , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: March 2022

Treatment outcomes in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are closely correlated with the location (i.e. zone) of disease, with more posterior zones having poorer outcomes. The most posterior zone, Zone I, is defined as a circle centered on the optic nerve with radius twice the distance from nerve to fovea, or subtending an angle of 30 degrees. Because the eye enlarges and undergoes refractive changes during the period of ROP screening, the absolute area of Zone I according to these definitions may likewise change. It is possible that these differences may confound accurate assessment of risk in patients with ROP. In this study, we estimated the area of Zone I in relation to different ocular parameters to determine how variability in the size and refractive power of the eye may affect zoning. Using Gaussian optics, a model was constructed to calculate the absolute area of Zone I as a function of corneal power, anterior chamber depth, lens power, lens thickness, and axial length (AL), with Zone I defined as a circle with radius set by a 30-degree visual angle. Our model predicted Zone I area to be most sensitive to changes in AL; for example, an increase of AL from 14.20 to 16.58 mm at postmenstrual age 32 weeks was calculated to expand the area of Zone I by up to 72%. These findings motivate several hypotheses which upon future testing may help optimize treatment decisions for ROP.
Improvement of water harvesting performance through collector modification in industrial cooling tower
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Kang Jong Hoon , Moon Jong Woon , Jung Sung Yong
Published: March 2022

Shortages of freshwater have become increasingly common around the world, and various studies have been conducted to solve this problem by collecting and reusing the water in nature or from factories and power plants that produce large fog plumes. Although the shape of a collection screen is strongly related to its harvesting performance, only flat meshes have been considered in previous studies, and research on the effects of collector structure shapes is severely lacking. In this study, we proposed modified collector structures improving harvesting performances in industrial cooling towers. The screen shape was modified in three steps. First, a concave shape was adopted for the mesh screen to increase the aerodynamic characteristics of the collection structure. Next, a sidewall was installed to collect additional fog from defected flows generated by the concave structure. Finally, to reduce loss during the draining of collected water droplets, the discharge direction of the fog flow was changed to follow the same direction as fog-laden flows in nature. Our results are expected to be useful for collector design in terms of increasing harvesting efficiency in various industrial fields in the future.
Neurofunctional and neuroimaging readouts for designing a preclinical stem-cell therapy trial in experimental stroke
Authors: Dumot Chloé , Po Chrystelle , Capin Lucille , Hubert Violaine , Ong Elodie , Chourrout Matthieu , Bolbos Radu , Amaz Camille , Auxenfans Céline , Canet-Soulas Emmanuelle , Rome Claire , Chauveau Fabien , Wiart Marlène
Published: March 2022

With the aim of designing a preclinical study evaluating an intracerebral cell-based therapy for stroke, an observational study was performed in the rat suture model of ischemic stroke. Objectives were threefold: (i) to characterize neurofunctional and imaging readouts in the first weeks following transient ischemic stroke, according to lesion subtype (hypothalamic, striatal, corticostriatal); (ii) to confirm that intracerebral administration does not negatively impact these readouts; and (iii) to calculate sample sizes for a future therapeutic trial using these readouts as endpoints. Our results suggested that the most relevant endpoints were side bias (staircase test) and axial diffusivity (AD) (diffusion tensor imaging). Hypothalamic-only lesions did not affect those parameters, which were close to normal. Side bias in striatal lesions reached near-normal levels within 2 weeks, while rats with corticostriatal lesions remained impaired until week 14. AD values were decreased at 4 days and increased at 5 weeks post-surgery, with a subtype gradient: hypothalamic < striatal < corticostriatal. Intracerebral administration did not impact these readouts. After sample size calculation (18–147 rats per group according to the endpoint considered), we conclude that a therapeutic trial based on both readouts would be feasible only in the framework of a multicenter trial.
An experimental method for efficiently evaluating the size-resolved sampling efficiency of liquid-absorption aerosol samplers
Authors: Guo Jianshu , Zheng Xinying , Qin Tongtong , Lv Meng , Zhang Wei , Song Xiaolin , Qiu Hongying , Hu Lingfei , Zhang Lili , Zhou Dongsheng , Sun Yansong , Yang Wenhui
Published: March 2022

Aerosol samplers are critical tools for studying indoor and outdoor aerosols. Development and evaluation of samplers is often labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need to use monodisperse aerosols spanning a range of sizes. This study develops a rapid experimental methodology using polydisperse solid aerosols to evaluate size-resolved aerosol-to-aerosol (AtoA) and aerosol-to-hydrosol (AtoH) sampling efficiencies. Arizona Test Dust (diameter 0.5–20 µm) was generated and dispersed into an aerosol test chamber and two candidate samplers were tested. For the AtoA test, aerosols upstream and downstream of a sampler were measured using an online aerodynamic particle sizer. For the AtoH test, aerosols collected in sampling medium were mixed with a reference sample and then measured by the laser diffraction method. The experimental methodology were validated as an impressive time-saving procedure, with reasonable spatial uniformity and time stability of aerosols in the test chamber and an acceptable accuracy of absolute mass quantification of collected particles. Evaluation results showed that the AGI-30 and the BioSampler sampler had similar size-resolved sampling efficiencies and that efficiencies decreased with decreasing sampling flow rate. The combined evaluation of AtoA and AtoH efficiency provided more comprehensive performance indicators than either test alone. The experimental methodology presented here can facilitate the design and choice of aerosol sampler.