bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of Nitric Oxide Via Lagrangian Coherent Structures Into the Top of the Polar Vortex
Authors: Harvey V. Lynn , Datta‐Barua Seebany , Pedatella Nicholas M. , Wang Ningchao , Randall Cora E. , Siskind David E. , van Caspel Willem E.
Published: May 2021

The energetic particle precipitation (EPP) indirect effect (IE) refers to the downward transport of reactive odd nitrogen (NOx = NO + NO2) produced by EPP (EPP‐NOx) from the polar winter mesosphere and lower thermosphere to the stratosphere where it can destroy ozone. Previous studies of the EPP IE examined NOx descent averaged over the polar region, but the work presented here considers longitudinal variations. We report that the January 2009 split Arctic vortex in the stratosphere left an imprint on the distribution of NO near the mesopause, and that the magnitude of EPP‐NOx descent in the upper mesosphere depends strongly on the planetary wave (PW) phase. We focus on an 11‐day case study in late January immediately following the 2009 sudden stratospheric warming during which regional‐scale Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) formed atop the strengthening mesospheric vortex. The LCSs emerged over the north Atlantic in the vicinity of the trough of a 10‐day westward traveling planetary wave. Over the next week, the LCSs acted to confine NO‐rich air to polar latitudes, effectively prolonging its lifetime as it descended into the top of the polar vortex. Both a whole atmosphere data assimilation model and satellite observations show that the PW trough remained coincident in space and time with the NO‐rich air as both migrated westward over the Canadian Arctic. Estimates of descent rates indicate five times stronger descent inside the PW trough compared to other longitudes. This case serves to set the stage for future climatological analysis of NO transport via LCSs.
The Impact of Southern Ocean Ekman Pumping, Heat and Freshwater Flux Variability on Intermediate and Mode Water Export in CMIP Models: Present and Future Scenarios
Authors: Almeida Lucas , Mazloff Matthew R. , Mata Mauricio M.
Published: May 2021

Subduction in the Antarctic circumpolar region of the Southern Ocean (SO) results in the formation of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) and Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW). Theoretical understanding predicts that subduction rates of these waters masses is driven by wind stress curl and buoyancy fluxes. The objective of this work is to evaluate the extent to which AAIW and SAMW variability are correlated to SO air‐sea fluxes and how potential changes to those forcings would impact the future water mass export rates. We correlate the water mass volume transport at 30°S with Ekman pumping, freshwater and heat fluxes in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. The export of these water masses varies across models, with most overestimating the total transport. Correlation coefficients between the air‐sea fluxes and exports are consistent with theoretical expectations. In the picontrol/historical scenarios, the highest correlations with AAIW export variability are heat flux, while Ekman pumping best explains SAMW. However, multivariate regressions show that both AAIW and SAMW export variability are better explained using the combination of all three fluxes. In future scenario simulations air‐sea fluxes trend significantly in the catastrophic scenario (RCP8.5 and SSP8.5). Both AAIW and SAMW are still highly correlated to the fluxes, but with different correlation coefficients. The dominant forcing components even change from the present simulations to the future scenario runs. Thus, correlations between AAIW and SAMW transports and air‐sea fluxes are not stationary in time, limiting the predictive skill of statistical models and highlighting the importance of using complex climate models.
Kidins220 deficiency causes ventriculomegaly via SNX27-retromer-dependent AQP4 degradation
Authors: del Puerto Ana , Pose-Utrilla Julia , Simón-García Ana , López-Menéndez Celia , Jiménez Antonio J. , Porlan Eva , Pajuelo Luis S. M. , Cano-García Guillermo , Martí-Prado Beatriz , Sebastián-Serrano Álvaro , Sánchez-Carralero Marina P. , Cesca Fabrizia , Schiavo Giampietro , Ferrer Isidro , Fariñas Isabel , Campanero Miguel R. , Iglesias Teresa
Published: May 2021

Several psychiatric, neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders present increased brain ventricles volume, being hydrocephalus the disease with the major manifestation of ventriculomegaly caused by the accumulation of high amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The molecules and pathomechanisms underlying cerebral ventricular enlargement are widely unknown. Kinase D interacting substrate of 220 kDa (KIDINS220) gene has been recently associated with schizophrenia and with a novel syndrome characterized by spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, nystagmus and obesity (SINO syndrome), diseases frequently occurring with ventriculomegaly. Here we show that Kidins220, a transmembrane protein effector of various key neuronal signalling pathways, is a critical regulator of CSF homeostasis. We observe that both KIDINS220 and the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are markedly downregulated at the ventricular ependymal lining of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients. We also find that Kidins220 deficient mice develop ventriculomegaly accompanied by water dyshomeostasis and loss of AQP4 in the brain ventricular ependymal layer and astrocytes. Kidins220 is a known cargo of the SNX27-retromer, a complex that redirects endocytosed plasma membrane proteins (cargos) back to the cell surface, thus avoiding their targeting to lysosomes for degradation. Mechanistically, we show that AQP4 is a novel cargo of the SNX27-retromer and that Kidins220 deficiency promotes a striking and unexpected downregulation of the SNX27-retromer that results in AQP4 lysosomal degradation. Accordingly, SNX27 silencing decreases AQP4 levels in wild-type astrocytes whereas SNX27 overexpression restores AQP4 content in Kidins220 deficient astrocytes. Together our data suggest that the KIDINS220-SNX27-retromer-AQP4 pathway is involved in human ventriculomegaly and open novel therapeutic perspectives.
Oxysterol-binding protein-like 2 contributes to the developmental progression of preadipocytes by binding to β-catenin
Authors: Wang Tianming , Zhang Tianyu , Tang Youzhi , Wang Hongshun , Wei Qinjun , Lu Yajie , Yao Jun , Qu Yuan , Cao Xin
Published: May 2021

Oxysterol-binding protein-like 2 (OSBPL2), also known as oxysterol-binding protein-related protein (ORP) 2, is a member of lipid transfer protein well-known for its role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. A recent study reported that OSBPL2/ORP2 localizes to lipid droplets (LDs) and is associated with energy metabolism and obesity. However, the function of OSBPL2/ORP2 in adipocyte differentiation is poorly understood. Here, we report that OSBPL2/ORP2 contributes to the developmental progression of preadipocytes. We found that OSBPL2/ORP2 binds to β-catenin, a key effector in the Wnt signaling pathway that inhibits adipogenesis. This complex plays a role in regulating the protein level of β-catenin only in preadipocytes, not in mature adipocytes. Our data further indicated that OSBPL2/ORP2 mediates the transport of β-catenin into the nucleus and thus regulates target genes related to adipocyte differentiation. Deletion of OSBPL2/ORP2 markedly reduces β-catenin both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, promotes preadipocytes maturation, and ultimately leads to obesity-related characteristics. Altogether, we provide novel insight into the function of OSBPL2/ORP2 in the developmental progression of preadipocytes and suggest OSBPL2/ORP2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-related diseases.
The genetic structure of Norway
Authors: Mattingsdal Morten , Ebenesersdóttir S. Sunna , Moore Kristjan H. S. , Andreassen Ole A. , Hansen Thomas F. , Werge Thomas , Kockum Ingrid , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars , Helgason Agnar , Stefánsson Kári , Hovig Eivind
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to describe the genetic structure of the Norwegian population using genotypes from 6369 unrelated individuals with detailed information about places of residence. Using standard single marker- and haplotype-based approaches, we report evidence of two regions with distinctive patterns of genetic variation, one in the far northeast, and another in the south of Norway, as indicated by fixation indices, haplotype sharing, homozygosity, and effective population size. We detect and quantify a component of Uralic Sami ancestry that is enriched in the North. On a finer scale, we find that rates of migration have been affected by topography like mountain ridges. In the broader Scandinavian context, we detect elevated relatedness between the mid- and northern border areas towards Sweden. The main finding of this study is that despite Norway’s long maritime history and as a former Danish territory, the region closest to mainland Europe in the south appears to have been an isolated region in Norway, highlighting the open sea as a barrier to gene flow into Norway.
Graphene overcoats for ultra-high storage density magnetic media
Authors: Dwivedi N. , Ott A. K. , Sasikumar K. , Dou C. , Yeo R. J. , Narayanan B. , Sassi U. , Fazio D. De , Soavi G. , Dutta T. , Balci O. , Shinde S. , Zhang J. , Katiyar A. K. , Keatley P. S. , Srivastava A. K. , Sankaranarayanan S. K. R. S. , Ferrari A. C. , Bhatia C. S.
Published: May 2021

Hard disk drives (HDDs) are used as secondary storage in digital electronic devices owing to low cost and large data storage capacity. Due to the exponentially increasing amount of data, there is a need to increase areal storage densities beyond ~1 Tb/in2. This requires the thickness of carbon overcoats (COCs) to be <2 nm. However, friction, wear, corrosion, and thermal stability are critical concerns below 2 nm, limiting current technology, and restricting COC integration with heat assisted magnetic recording technology (HAMR). Here we show that graphene-based overcoats can overcome all these limitations, and achieve two-fold reduction in friction and provide better corrosion and wear resistance than state-of-the-art COCs, while withstanding HAMR conditions. Thus, we expect that graphene overcoats may enable the development of 4–10 Tb/in2 areal density HDDs when employing suitable recording technologies, such as HAMR and HAMR+bit patterned media
Decoding defect statistics from diffractograms via machine learning
Authors: Kunka Cody , Shanker Apaar , Chen Elton Y. , Kalidindi Surya R. , Dingreville Rémi
Published: May 2021

Diffraction techniques can powerfully and nondestructively probe materials while maintaining high resolution in both space and time. Unfortunately, these characterizations have been limited and sometimes even erroneous due to the difficulty of decoding the desired material information from features of the diffractograms. Currently, these features are identified non-comprehensively via human intuition, so the resulting models can only predict a subset of the available structural information. In the present work we show (i) how to compute machine-identified features that fully summarize a diffractogram and (ii) how to employ machine learning to reliably connect these features to an expanded set of structural statistics. To exemplify this framework, we assessed virtual electron diffractograms generated from atomistic simulations of irradiated copper. When based on machine-identified features rather than human-identified features, our machine-learning model not only predicted one-point statistics (i.e. density) but also a two-point statistic (i.e. spatial distribution) of the defect population. Hence, this work demonstrates that machine-learning models that input machine-identified features significantly advance the state of the art for accurately and robustly decoding diffractograms.
Maternal and perinatal factors are associated with risk of pediatric central nervous system tumors and poorer survival after diagnosis
Authors: Adel Fahmideh Maral , Peckham-Gregory Erin C. , Schraw Jeremy M. , Chintagumpala Murali , Mack Stephen C. , Lupo Philip J. , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: May 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Findings on the role of maternal and perinatal factors on the susceptibility or outcome of these tumors are inconclusive. Therefore, we investigated the association between these early-life factors, risk, and survival of pediatric CNS tumors, using data from one of the world’s largest and most diverse cancer registries. Information on pediatric CNS tumor cases (n = 1950) for the period 1995–2011 was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Birth certificate controls were frequency-matched on birth year at a ratio of 10:1 for the same period. Evaluated maternal and perinatal variables were obtained from birth records. Unconditional logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for etiological factors. Additionally, Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to assess adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for survival factors. The results indicated that Hispanic and non-Hispanic black mothers were less likely to have children with CNS tumors compared to non-Hispanic white mothers (OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.78–0.98] P-value = 0.019; OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.67–0.93 P-value = 0.004], respectively). Infants born large for gestational age (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.07–1.47] P-value = 0.004) and those delivered pre-term (OR 1.19 [95% CI 1.04–1.38] P-value = 0.013) showed an increased risk of CNS tumors. Infants born by vaginal forceps or vacuum delivery had a higher risk of CNS tumors compared to those born by spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.12–1.62] P-value = 0.002). Additionally, offspring of Hispanic and non-Hispanic black mothers showed a higher risk of death (HR 1.45 [95% CI 1.16–1.80] P-value = 0.001; HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.12–2.09] P-value = 0.008, respectively). Infants born by cesarean had a higher risk of death compared to those delivered vaginally (HR 1.28 [95% CI 1.05–1.57] P-value = 0.016). These findings indicate the important role of maternal and perinatal characteristics in the etiology and survival of these clinically significant malignancies.
Association of antidiabetic medication and statins with survival from ductal and lobular breast carcinoma in women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hosio Mayu , Urpilainen Elina , Hautakoski Ari , Marttila Mikko , Arffman Martti , Sund Reijo , Ahtikoski Anne , Puistola Ulla , Läärä Esa , Karihtala Peeter , Jukkola Arja
Published: May 2021

We investigated the survival of female patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of breast, in relation to the use of metformin, other antidiabetic medication (ADM) and statins. The study cohort consisted of 3,165 women (2,604 with IDC and 561 with ILC). The cumulative mortality from breast cancer (BC) and from other causes was calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator. The cause-specific mortality rates were analysed by Cox models, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for the use of different medications. No evidence of an association of metformin use with BC mortality was observed in either IDC (HR 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–1.31) or ILC (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.32–1.46) patients, when compared to other oral ADMs. The mortality from other causes was found to be lower amongst the IDC patients using metformin (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.89), but amongst ILC patients the evidence was inconclusive (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.64–2.32). Statin use was consistently associated with reduced mortality from BC in IDC patients (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.96) and ILC patients (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37–0.96), and also mortality from other causes in IDC patients (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.96) and in ILC patients (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43–1.01). We found no sufficient evidence for the possible effects of metformin and statins on the prognosis of BC being different in the two histological subtypes.
Misalignment between perceptual boundaries and weight categories reflects a new normal for body size perception
Authors: Chan Annie W. Y. , Noles Danielle L. , Utkov Nathan , Akbilgic Oguz , Smith Webb
Published: May 2021

Combatting the current global epidemic of obesity requires that people have a realistic understanding of what a healthy body size looks like. This is a particular issue in different population sub-groups, where there may be increased susceptibility to obesity-related diseases. Prior research has been unable to systematically assess body size judgement due to a lack of attention to gender and race; our study aimed to identify the contribution of these factors. Using a data-driven multi-variate decision tree approach, we varied the gender and race of image stimuli used, and included the same diversity among participants. We adopted a condition-rich categorization visual task and presented participants with 120 unique body images. We show that gender and weight categories of the stimuli affect accuracy of body size perception. The decision pattern reveals biases for male bodies, in which participants showed an increasing number of errors from leaner to bigger bodies, particularly under-estimation errors. Participants consistently mis-categorized overweight male bodies as normal weight, while accurately categorizing normal weight. Overweight male bodies are now perceived as part of an expanded normal: the perceptual boundary of normal weight has become wider than the recognized BMI category. For female bodies, another intriguing pattern emerged, in which participants consistently mis-categorized underweight bodies as normal, whilst still accurately categorizing normal female bodies. Underweight female bodies are now in an expanded normal, in opposite direction to that of males. Furthermore, an impact of race type and gender of participants was also observed. Our results demonstrate that perceptual weight categorization is multi-dimensional, such that categorization decisions can be driven by ultiple factors.
Using shear wave elastography to assess uterine tonicity after vaginal delivery
Authors: Sichitiu Joanna , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Baud David , Desseauve David
Published: May 2021

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical interest of shear wave elastography, by quantitatively estimating the baseline stiffness of the myometrium before and after placental expulsion. We conducted a prospective cohort study of women at term, without known risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage, who gave birth via spontaneous labor in our tertiary center. Myometrium tonicity was evaluated based on measurements of shear wave speed (SWS) in the anterior uterine corpus. All data points were collected by a single operator. Measurements were carried out at three different time points: after fetal delivery (T1), after placental delivery (T2) and 30 min after placental delivery (T3). Our primary objective was to assess the feasibility of this new imaging technique. Ten valid SWS measurements obtained at each of the three different time points were considered as a positive primary outcome. Our secondary objectives were to evaluate the difference in median myometrial shear wave velocity between each time point, as well as to determine the correlation between myometrial shear wave velocity and patients’ characteristics. 38 women were recruited during the study period, of whom 34 met the study criteria. 1017 SWS measurements were obtained. The median time to perform measurements was 16 s for one value, and 2 min 56 s for ten. For 11 women (32%) it was not possible to achieve ten SWS at T1 as placental expulsion immediately followed the birth of the newborn. One patient experienced placental retention and only measurements at T1 were performed. For all other patients, we were successfully able to obtain all measures as intended. There was no difference in the mean shear wave speed between the three time points. After adjustments for confounders, we observed a significant correlation for total blood loss (correlation coefficient = − 0.26, p < 0.001, units of oxytocin (correlation coefficient = − 0.34, p = 0.03), and newborn weight (correlation coefficient = − 0.08, p = 0.001). It is feasible to assess uterine tonicity by shear wave imaging, after placental expulsion. We did not observe a variance in uterine tonicity between the three time points. Women who had higher blood loss, received more units of oxytocin and/or those with newborns of a higher weight exhibited lower shear wave speed measures.
Serum biomarker profile orchestrating the seroconversion status of patients with autoimmune diseases upon planned primary 17DD Yellow fever vaccination
Authors: da Costa-Rocha Ismael Artur , Machado Ketty Lysie Libardi Lira , Campi-Azevedo Ana Carolina , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Peruhype-Magalhães Vanessa , de Lima Sheila Maria Barbosa , Miranda Emily Hime , Trindade Gisela Freitas , Casagrande Thays Zanon , Miyamoto Samira Tatiyama , Deotti Sávio Carvalho , Barbosa Rafaela Villa Real , Rocha Priscila Costa Martins , Serrano Erica Vieira , Dinis Valquiria Garcia , Gouvêa Sônia Alves , Gavi Maria Bernadete Renoldi de Oliveira , da Silva Lidia Balarini , Duque Ruben Horst , Gianordoli Ana Paula Espíndula , Bissoli Maria de Fatima , Gouvea Maria da Penha Gomes , Pinto-Neto Lauro Ferreira da Silva , Burian Ana Paula Neves , Fantinato Francieli Fontana Sutile Tardetti , Pileggi Gecilmara Salviato , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Valim Valéria , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to investigate whether the serum biomarkers of immune response orchestrate the seroconversion status in patients with autoimmune diseases (AID) upon planned primary 17DD-YF vaccination. For this purpose a total of 161 individuals were enrolled in a prospective study, including patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA = 38), Spondyloarthritis (SpA = 51), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE = 21) and Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS = 30) along with a group of healthy controls (HC = 21). Analysis of plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) titers and seropositivity rates along with the 17DD-YF viremia and serum biomarkers were carried out at distinct time points (D0/D3–4/D5–6/D7/D14–28). The results demonstrated an overall lower PRNT titer and seropositivity rate (170 vs. 448; 77 vs. 95%) in AID as compared to HC, especially in SpA and SLE subgroups. No significant differences were observed in the viremia levels amongst groups. In general, a more prominent serum biomarker response was observed in AID as compared to HC, throughout the timeline kinetics. Remarkably, AID/PRNT(−) exhibited higher levels of several biomarkers at baseline as compared to AID/PRNT+. Moreover, while AID/PRNT(+) exhibited earlier increase in serum biomarkers at D3–4/D5–6, the AID/PRNT(−) displayed higher response at later time points (D7/D14–D28). Of note, a synchronic increase of IFN-γ at the peak of viremia (D5–6) was observed in HC and AID/PRNT(+) groups, whereas a later asynchronous IFN-γ response was reported for AID/PRNT(−) at D7. The biomarker profile tends to deflate at post-vaccination timeline, highlighting a putative immunomodulatory effect of live attenuated 17DD-YF vaccine in AID/PRNT(+), but not in AID/PRNT(−). Altogether these data suggested that inflammatory status prior vaccination, low IFN-γ at viremia peak and the occurrence of asynchronous biomarker storm after 17DD-YF vaccination may orchestrate the lack of neutralizing antibody response γ.
Procedure via cross-Kerr nonlinearities for encoding single logical qubit information onto four-photon decoherence-free states
Authors: Heo Jino , Choi Seong-Gon
Published: May 2021

We propose a photonic procedure using cross-Kerr nonlinearities (XKNLs) to encode single logical qubit information onto four-photon decoherence-free states. In quantum information processing, a decoherence-free subspace can secure quantum information against collective decoherence. Therefore, we design a procedure employing nonlinear optical gates, which are composed of XKNLs, quantum bus beams, and photon-number-resolving measurements with linear optical devices, to conserve quantum information by encoding quantum information onto four-photon decoherence-free states (single logical qubit information). Based on our analysis in quantifying the affection (photon loss and dephasing) of the decoherence effect, we demonstrate the experimental condition to acquire the reliable procedure of single logical qubit information having the robustness against the decoherence effect.
Tropical Indo-Pacific SST influences on vegetation variability in eastern Africa
Authors: Kim In-Won , Stuecker Malte F. , Timmermann Axel , Zeller Elke , Kug Jong-Seong , Park So-Won , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: May 2021

Mechanisms by which tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures (SST) influence vegetation in eastern Africa have not been fully explored. Here, we use a suite of idealized Earth system model simulations to elucidate the governing processes for eastern African interannual vegetation changes. Our analysis focuses on Tanzania. In the absence of ENSO-induced sea surface temperature anomalies in the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), El Niño causes during its peak phase negative precipitation anomalies over Tanzania due to a weakening of the tropical-wide Walker circulation and anomalous descending motion over the Indian Ocean and southeastern Africa. Resulting drought conditions increase the occurrence of wildfires, which leads to a marked decrease in vegetation cover. Subsequent wetter La Niña conditions in boreal winter reverse the phase in vegetation anomalies, causing a gradual 1-year-long recovery phase. The 2-year-long vegetation decline in Tanzania during an ENSO cycle can be explained as a double-integration of the local rainfall anomalies, which originate from the seasonally-modulated ENSO Pacific-SST forcing (Combination mode). In the presence of interannual TIO SST forcing, the southeast African precipitation and vegetation responses to ENSO are muted due to Indian Ocean warming and the resulting anomalous upward motion in the atmosphere.
Transportation container for pre-processing cytogenetic assays in radiation accidents
Authors: Gu Jian , Duane Brett , Repin Mikhail , Brenner David J. , Zenhausern Frederic
Published: May 2021

We report a shipping container that enables a disruptive logistics for cytogenetic biodosimetry for radiation countermeasures through pre-processing cell culture during transportation. The container showed precise temperature control (< 0.01 °C) with uniform sample temperature (< 0.1 °C) to meet the biodosimetry assay requirements. Using an existing insulated shipping box and long shelf life alkaline batteries makes it ideal for national stockpile. Dose curve of cytogenetic biodosimetry assay using the shipping container showed clear dose response and high linear correlation with the control dose curve using a laboratory incubator (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: 0.992). The container’s ability of pre-processing biological samples during transportation could have a significant impact on radiation countermeasure, as well as potential impacts in other applications such as biobanking, novel molecular or cell-based assays or therapies.
The plasma D-dimer trends and their value in acute lower limb ischemia patients treated by catheter directed thrombolysis
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Xie Hailiang , Zheng Guofu , Liu Yuanfei
Published: May 2021

To investigate the change trends of plasma D-dimer during catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) patients and their clinical value. A retrospective review of patients with ALI who received CDT was carried out. The repeated measurements of plasma D-dimer were analyzed by generalized estimating equations (GEEs) and the change trends of D-dimer were analyzed by spline regression approach. A total of 150 patients were included. Among them, 3 days of CDT was ineffective in 41 cases, effective in 33 cases and markedly effective in 76 cases. The results of GEEs analysis showed that serum D-dimer changed significantly with time (time effect, P < 0.001). Serum D-dimer levels of patients with different treatment outcomes were different after treatment (group effect, P < 0.001), and serum D-dimer levels in these three groups showed different trends over time (group*time effect, P < 0.001). The different trends in serum D-dimer level with time after treatment in the three groups could be directly seen in the spline regression curve (P < 0.001). The plasma D-dimer changes regularly during CDT for ALI. We can predict the efficacy of CDT and guide adjustments of the therapeutic regimen according to the trend of D-dimer changes during thrombolysis.
Characterization of a new bifunctional endo-1,4-β-xylanase/esterase found in the rumen metagenome
Authors: Pavarina Gabriella Cavazzini , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo , Lima Natália Sarmanho Monteiro , Pizauro João Martins
Published: May 2021

Metagenomic data mining of the Nellore cattle rumen microbiota identified a new bifunctional enzyme, endo-1,4-β-xylanase/esterase, which was subsequently overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). This enzyme was stable at pH intervals of 5 to 6.5 and temperatures between 30 and 45 °C, and under the test conditions, it had a Vmax of 30.959 ± 2.334 µmol/min/mg, Km of 3.6 ± 0.6 mM and kcat of 2.323 ± 175 s−1. Additionally, the results showed that the enzyme is tolerant to NaCl and organic solvents and therefore is suitable for industrial environments. Xylanases are widely applicable, and the synergistic activity of endo-1,4-β-xylanase/esterase in a single molecule will improve the degradation efficiency of heteroxylans via the creation of xylanase binding sites. Therefore, this new molecule has the potential for use in lignocellulosic biomass processing and as an animal feed food additive and could improve xylooligosaccharide production efficiency.
Dual RNA-seq analysis of in vitro infection multiplicity and RNA depletion methods in Chlamydia-infected epithelial cells
Authors: Hayward Regan J. , Humphrys Michael S. , Huston Wilhelmina M. , Myers Garry S. A.
Published: May 2021

Dual RNA-seq experiments examining viral and bacterial pathogens are increasing, but vary considerably in their experimental designs, such as infection rates and RNA depletion methods. Here, we have applied dual RNA-seq to Chlamydia trachomatis infected epithelial cells to examine transcriptomic responses from both organisms. We compared two time points post infection (1 and 24 h), three multiplicity of infection (MOI) ratios (0.1, 1 and 10) and two RNA depletion methods (rRNA and polyA). Capture of bacterial-specific RNA were greatest when combining rRNA and polyA depletion, and when using a higher MOI. However, under these conditions, host RNA capture was negatively impacted. Although it is tempting to use high infection rates, the implications on host cell survival, the potential reduced length of infection cycles and real world applicability should be considered. This data highlights the delicate nature of balancing host–pathogen RNA capture and will assist future transcriptomic-based studies to achieve more specific and relevant infection-related biological insights.
The impact of surface treatment in 3-dimensional printed implants for early osseointegration: a comparison study of three different surfaces
Authors: Lee Jungwon , Lee Jun-Beom , Yun Junseob , Rhyu In-Chul , Lee Yong-Moo , Lee Sung-Mi , Lee Min-Kyu , Kim Byoungkook , Kim Pangyu , Koo Ki-Tae
Published: May 2021

3D printing technology has been gradually applied to various areas. In the present study, 3D-printed implants were fabricated with direct metal laser sintering technique for a dental single root with titanium. The 3D implants were allocated into following groups: not treated (3D-None), sandblasted with a large grit and acid-etched (3D-SLA), and target-ion-induced plasma-sputtered surface (3D-TIPS). Two holes were drilled in each tibia of rabbit, and the three groups of implants were randomly placed with a mallet. Rabbits were sacrificed at two, four, and twelve weeks after the surgery. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed for the evaluation of mineralized bone-to-implant contact (mBIC), osteoid-to-implant contact (OIC), total bone-to-implant contact (tBIC), mineralized bone area fraction occupancy (mBAFO), osteoid area fraction occupancy (OAFO), and total bone area fraction occupancy (tBAFO) in the inner and outer areas of lattice structure. At two weeks, 3D-TIPS showed significantly higher inner and outer tBIC and inner tBAFO compared with other groups. At four weeks, 3D-TIPS showed significantly higher outer OIC than 3D-SLA, but there were no significant differences in other variables. At twelve weeks, there were no significant differences. The surface treatment with TIPS in 3D-printed implants could enhance the osseointegration process in the rabbit tibia model, meaning that earlier osseointegration could be achieved.
A novel error correction protocol for continuous variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Gümüş Kadir , Eriksson Tobias A. , Takeoka Masahiro , Fujiwara Mikio , Sasaki Masahide , Schmalen Laurent , Alvarado Alex
Published: May 2021

Reconciliation is a key element of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) protocols, affecting both the complexity and performance of the entire system. During the reconciliation protocol, error correction is typically performed using low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes with a single decoding attempt. In this paper, we propose a modification to a conventional reconciliation protocol used in four-state protocol CV-QKD systems called the multiple decoding attempts (MDA) protocol. MDA uses multiple decoding attempts with LDPC codes, each attempt having fewer decoding iteration than the conventional protocol. Between each decoding attempt we propose to reveal information bits, which effectively lowers the code rate. MDA is shown to outperform the conventional protocol in regards to the secret key rate (SKR). A 10% decrease in frame error rate and an 8.5% increase in SKR are reported in this paper. A simple early termination for the LDPC decoder is also proposed and implemented. With early termination, MDA has decoding complexity similar to the conventional protocol while having an improved SKR.
Proteins Engineer the Size and Morphology of Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Guangchao , Liang Erjun , Wang Shenli
Published: May 2021

The controllability of size and morphology of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) makes such materials promising and reliable for their performance in a range of fields. In order to obtain well-defined metal NPs for the desired applications, careful control of the evolution of nucleation and growth process by adjusting the thermodynamics and kinetic conditions is necessary. Actually, proteins acting as a green type of reducing and capping agents can drive the shape evolution of metal NPs in a controllable and precise manner. Thanks to the diverse functional chemical groups inside the proteins, proteins will be able to act in both of the above-mentioned roles. In order to extensively understand the role of proteins and peptides as reducing and capping agents during the metal NP synthesis approaches, we have summarized the current status of this topic in this chapter. For instance, the synthetic methodologies of noble metal NPs with tunable and excellent properties have gained extensive attention because of the numerous advantages of protein-enabled approaches. Importantly, the role of sequence (binding motif, strength and specificity), conformation/configurations, pH values and concentrations of peptides and proteins on the synthesis of metal NPs has been explored. This chapter will help the readers to better understand the processes involved in the tailoring of the size and morphology of noble metal NPs via protein-enabled approaches.
Silicon Nanoparticles and Carbon Dots
Authors: Jin Jian-Cheng , Liu Yi
Published: May 2021

Silicon nanoparticles and carbon dots have been widely applied in solar cells, optoelectronic devices, fluorescence imaging, drug delivery, chemical detection and photocatalysis. Many strategies have been developed and significant progress has been made in the synthesis of silicon nanoparticles and carbon dots. Reducing agents are commonly applied in the synthesis of silicon nanoparticles and carbon dots. In this chapter, various types of reducing agents for the synthesis of silicon nanoparticles have been introduced. Their advantages and disadvantages were commented on. The use of reductants and their role in carbon dot synthesis have also been reviewed. The progress of silicon nanoparticles and carbon dots as reducing agents has been further presented.
Solvent-free dynamic nuclear polarization enhancements in organically modified mesoporous silica
Authors: de Oliveira Marcos , Herr Kevin , Brodrecht Martin , Haro-Mares Nadia B. , Wissel Till , Klimavicius Vytautas , Breitzke Hergen , Gutmann Torsten , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: May 2021

NMR signals of organic molecules covalently attached to SBA-15 are efficiently enhanced by solvent free DNP. Carboxy-Proxyl moieties, also grafted to the pore surface are used as polarization source.
15N NMR studies provide insights into physico-chemical properties of room-temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Wiedemann Christoph , Fushman David , Bordusa Frank
Published: May 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained a lot of attention as alternative solvents in many fields of science in the last two decades. We used direct 15N NMR measurements to characterize physico-chemical properties of room-temperature ILs.
Chemogenetic engineering of nitrobindin toward an artificial epoxygenase
Authors: Sauer Daniel F. , Wittwer Malte , Markel Ulrich , Minges Alexander , Spiertz Markus , Schiffels Johannes , Davari Mehdi D. , Groth Georg , Okuda Jun , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: May 2021

Chemogenetic engineering turned the heme protein nitrobindin into an artificial epoxygenase: MnPPIX was introduced and subsequent protein engineering increased the activity in the epoxidation of styrene derivatives by overall 7-fold.
Fluoride sensing performance of fluorescent NH2-MIL-53(Al): 2D nanosheets vs. 3D bulk
Authors: Li Zixuan , Zhan Deyi , Saeed Abdul , Zhao Nanjing , Wang Junfeng , Xu Weihong , Liu Jinhuai
Published: May 2021

NH2-MIL-53(Al) nanosheets showed higher sensitivity, faster response speed, a lower limit of detection and a wider linear detection range towards fluoride than their bulk counterpart.
Sensing mechanisms of iron–sulfur cluster regulatory proteins elucidated using native mass spectrometry
Authors: Crack Jason C. , Gray Elizabeth , Le Brun Nick E.
Published: May 2021

Native mass spectrometry provides novel insight into protein cofactor (e.g. iron–sulfur cluster) chemistry.
Molecular engineering of carbonyl organic electrodes for rechargeable metal-ion batteries: fundamentals, recent advances, and challenges
Authors: Yang Haoqi , Lee Jiyoung , Cheong Jun Young , Wang Yifan , Duan Gaigai , Hou Haoqing , Jiang Shaohua , Kim Il-Doo
Published: May 2021

A concise review discussing four molecular engineering strategies for a rational design of carbonyl electrodes is provided, encompassing key fundamentals, recent advances, and challenges for practical organic batteries.
Differentiated 4,4-dimethylsterols from vegetable oils reduce fat deposition depending on the NHR-49/SCD pathway inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xie Liangliang , Liu Ruijie , Chang Ming , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2021

4,4-Dimethylsterols from vegetable oil can inhibit fat deposition via regulating the NHR-49/SCD pathway in C. elegans.
Goji berry (Lycium spp.) extracts exhibit antiproliferative activity via modulating cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, and the p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Xiong Lei , Deng Na , Zheng Bisheng , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: May 2021

The present study further unravels the underlying mechanism of goji berry in the proliferation of MDA cells: the p53 signaling pathway.
Tumor pyruvate kinase M2 modulators: a comprehensive account of activators and inhibitors as anticancer agents
Authors: Rathod Bhagyashri , Chak Shivam , Patel Sagarkumar , Shard Amit
Published: May 2021

The review focuses on the tumor pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) modulators. Both activators and inhibitors developed against PKM2 are discussed.
Ultrafast high-capacity capture and release of uranium by a light-switchable nanotextured surface
Authors: Borberg Ella , Meir Reut , Burstein Larisa , Krivitsky Vadim , Patolsky Fernando
Published: May 2021

We show here an ultrafast and highly selective uranyl capture-and-release platform based on aptamer/photoacid-modified branched silicon nanopillar arrays, allowing a high uranyl capturing capacity of 550 mg g−1.
Glucose oxidase kinetics using MnO2nanosheets: confirming Michaelis–Menten kinetics and quantifying decreasing enzyme performance with increasing buffer concentration
Authors: Singh Mahip , Ungku Faiz Ungku Zoe Anysa , Gravelsins Steven , Suganuma Yoshinori , Kotoulas Nicholas Konstantine , Croxall Mark , Khan-Trottier Ahlia , Goh Cynthia , Dhirani Al-Amin
Published: May 2021

Glucose oxidase, GOx, kinetics probed using ultraviolet-visible absorbance of MnO2nanosheets confirm Michaelis–Menten (MM) kinetics and reveal a 10-fold increase in MM constant with increasing buffer concentration.
A novel zwitterionic polymer binder with enhanced ionic conductivity for water-processable LiFePO4 cathodes
Authors: Huang Shu , Huang Xiaoting , Li Xiaokai , Huang Youyuan , He Xueqin , Zhuo Haitao , Chen Shaojun
Published: May 2021

The structure of rich Li+ and zwitterions in LZI chains benefits the Li+ transport at the interfaces between the LZI and cathodes.
Transition-metal-catalyzed ortho-selective C–H functionalization reactions of free phenols
Authors: Youn So Won , Cho Cheon-Gyu
Published: May 2021

This review provides a brief overview of recent progress in the transition-metal-catalyzed direct ortho-selective C–H functionalization of free phenols.
Ln(ii) alkyl complexes: from elusive exotics to catalytic applications
Authors: Lyubov Dmitry M. , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: May 2021

The synthesis, structures and reactivity of isolable LnII (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) alkyl complexes are discussed. The application of LnII alkyl derivatives in a variety of catalytic reactions is considered as well.
A PCR-free screen-printed magnetic electrode for the detection of circular RNA from hepatocellular cancer based on a back-splice junction
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liang Yitao , Bo Liang , Chen Mingyu , Huang Bobo , Cao Qingpeng , Wei Jinwei , Li Tianyu , Cai Xiujun , Ye Xuesong
Published: May 2021

Functional magnetic beads with capture probes based on specific back-splice junction sites were employed to identify and selectively isolate target circRNA.
Imidazolium-modification enhances photocatalytic CO2 reduction on ZnSe quantum dots
Authors: Sahm Constantin D. , Mates-Torres Eric , Eliasson Nora , Sokołowski Kamil , Wagner Andreas , Dalle Kristian E. , Huang Zehuan , Scherman Oren A. , Hammarström Leif , García-Melchor Max , Reisner Erwin
Published: May 2021

A photocatalyst system consisting of ZnSe quantum dots modified with a thiolated imidazolium capping ligand for visible light-driven reduction of aqueous CO2 to CO is reported without the need for a metal complex co-catalyst.
One-step synthesis of graphitic carbon-nitride doped with black-red phosphorus as a novel, efficient and free-metal bifunctional catalyst and its application for electrochemical overall water splitting
Authors: Shiravani Fatemeh , Tashkhourian Javad , Haghighi Behzad
Published: May 2021

Electrocatalytic water splitting has attracted widespread attention because it is the most efficient and green approach to produce high purity hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier.
NixFeyN@C microsheet arrays on Ni foam as an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for electrolytic splitting of alkaline seawater
Authors: Wang Boran , Lu Mengjie , Chen Duo , Zhang Qi , Wang Wenwen , Kang Yutang , Fang Zhenxing , Pang Guangsheng , Feng Shouhua
Published: May 2021

An effective strategy of coating transition-metal nitrides with carbon to fabricate a NixFeyN@C/NF electrode for alkaline seawater electrolysis at extremely high current densities.
In situ formation of a Li3N-rich interface between lithium and argyrodite solid electrolyte enabled by nitrogen doping
Authors: Liu Yu , Su Han , Li Min , Xiang Jiayuan , Wu Xianzhang , Zhong Yu , Wang Xiuli , Xia Xinhui , Gu Changdong , Tu Jiangping
Published: May 2021

N-doped lithium argyrodites exhibit a remarkable critical current density of 1.52 mA cm−2. The Li3N-containing SEI layer between Li and N-doped electrolyte helps solid-state batteries demonstrate prominent cycling stability and rate performance.
Spatially heterogeneous epidermal growth factor release from microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel for improved wound closure
Authors: Pruett Lauren , Ellis Regan , McDermott Meghan , Roosa Colleen , Griffin Donald
Published: May 2021

We present lyophilized heparin microgels which can be directly rehydrated with epidermal growth factor and mixed with PEG microgels to form heterogenous MAP scaffolds. These EGF-releasing MAP scaffolds promote accelerated dermal wound healing.
Large bandgap tuning in corundum Al2(O1−xSex)3
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Ober Seamus , Tang Weihua , Tan Chee-Keong
Published: May 2021

Our work shows a remarkable bandgap tuning range of 7.46 eV with AlOSe alloys, a type of III-oxychalcogenide class. Further analysis revealed large band offsets in conduction and valence bands, implying type-I band alignment in AlOSe/Al2O3 systems.
Pentagonal two-dimensional noble-metal dichalcogenide PdSSe for photocatalytic water splitting with pronounced optical absorption and ultrahigh anisotropic carrier mobility
Authors: Xiao Feng , Lei Wen , Wang Wei , Xu Lili , Zhang Shengli , Ming Xing
Published: May 2021

Three stable bulk phase PdSSe materials have been successfully screened by CALYPSO combined with DFT calculations, and two polymorphs of 2D monolayer PdSSe can be exfoliated from them, exhibiting excellent optoelectronic properties.
Defect engineering of In2S3 nanoflowers through tungsten doping for ultrasensitive visible-light-excited photoelectrochemical sensors
Authors: Zeng Hongmei , Ai Simin , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo , Liu Hongyan
Published: May 2021

The design of photoactive materials is critical for enhancing the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platforms.