bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemispheric Asymmetries in Poynting Flux Derived From DMSP Spacecraft
Authors: Knipp Delores , Kilcommons Liam , Hairston Marc , Coley W. Robin
Published: August 2021

We provide high‐resolution maps of quasi‐static Poynting flux (PF) in each hemisphere based on nine‐satellite years of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data. Conjugate comparisons from ∼850 km reveal more quasi‐static PF arriving in the northern hemisphere (NH) than the southern hemisphere (SH). This tendency is clear in the dawn‐dusk sectors and during intervals when Kp < 3, which accounts for ∼80% of the study interval. Summer‐to‐summer comparisons indicate this asymmetry is partially associated with more NH solar illumination, which supports stronger NH field‐aligned currents (FAC). Differing hemispheric FAC configurations may also play a role. Our findings support and broaden earlier reports of similar NH preference for the deposition of Alfvenic PF. Regionally the NH has stronger dusk‐region PF, while the SH has stronger mid‐morning PF. We find PF deposition in the near‐cusp regions that rivals and often exceeds the PF intensity in the auroral zones.
Mesoscale Convective Systems Dominate the Energetics of the South Asian Summer Monsoon Onset
Authors: Chen Xingchao , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe , Song Fengfei , Yang Qiu
Published: August 2021

The rapid onset of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is featured as an abrupt increase of rainfall and atmospheric column‐integrated moist static energy (MSE). Using convection‐permitting simulations, a novel cloud tracking technique, and an MSE budget, the relative roles of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and non‐MCS deep convection in the SASM onset energetics are studied. The analysis shows MCSs greatly contribute to the sudden increases of rainfall, diabatic MSE sources, and the subsequent enhanced export of column‐integrated MSE during the rapid onset phase. A “diabatic sources‐energy export” plane analysis delineates the different roles of MCSs and non‐MCS deep convection. Although deep convection always leads to a net energy export, mesoscale organization of deep convection dominates the convection‐associated positive feedbacks that accelerate the energy cycle of the SASM onset. Sensitivity experiment shows that the results are insensitive to the model resolutions.
Characteristics of Jupiter's X‐Ray Auroral Hot Spot Emissions Using Chandra
Authors: Weigt D. M. , Jackman C. M. , Vogt M. F. , Manners H. , Dunn W. R. , Gladstone G. R. , Kraft R. , Branduardi‐Raymont G. , Louis C. K. , McEntee S. C.
Published: August 2021

To help understand and determine the driver of jovian auroral X‐rays, we present the first statistical study to focus on the morphology and dynamics of the jovian northern hot spot (NHS) using Chandra data. The catalog we explore dates from December 18, 2000 up to and including September 8, 2019. Using a numerical criterion, we characterize the typical and extreme behavior of the concentrated NHS emissions across the catalog. The mean power of the NHS is found to be 1.91 GW with a maximum brightness of 2.02 Rayleighs (R), representing by far the brightest parts of the jovian X‐ray spectrum. We report a statistically significant region of emissions at the NHS center which is always present, the averaged hot spot nucleus (AHSNuc), with mean power of 0.57 GW and inferred average brightness of 1.2 R. We use a flux equivalence mapping model to link this distinct region of X‐ray output to a likely source location and find that the majority of mappable NHS photons emanate from the pre‐dusk to pre‐midnight sector, coincident with the dusk flank boundary. A smaller cluster maps to the noon magnetopause boundary, dominated by the AHSNuc, suggesting that there may be multiple drivers of X‐ray emissions. On application of timing analysis techniques (Rayleigh, Monte Carlo, Jackknife), we identify several instances of statistically significant quasi‐periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the NHS photons ranging from 2.3 to 36.4 min, suggesting possible links with ultra‐low frequency activity on the magnetopause boundary (e.g., dayside reconnection, Kelvin‐Helmholtz instabilities).
Enhanced Late Miocene Chemical Weathering and Altered Precipitation Patterns in the Watersheds of the Bay of Bengal Recorded by Detrital Clay Radiogenic Isotopes
Authors: Bretschneider Lisa , Hathorne Ed C. , Bolton Clara T. , Gebregiorgis Daniel , Giosan Liviu , Gray Emmeline , Huang Huang , Holbourn Ann , Kuhnt Wolfgang , Frank Martin
Published: August 2021

The late Miocene was a period of declining CO2levels and extensive environmental changes, which likely had a large impact on monsoon strength as well as on the weathering and erosion intensity in the South Asian Monsoon domain. To improve our understanding of these feedback systems, detrital clays from the southern Bay of Bengal (International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1443) were analyzed for the radiogenic isotope compositions of Sr, Nd, and Pb to reconstruct changes in sediment provenance and weathering regime related to South Asian Monsoon rainfall from 9 to 5 Ma. The 100 kyr resolution late Miocene to earliest Pliocene record suggests overall low variability in the provenance of clays deposited on the Ninetyeast Ridge. However, at 7.3 Ma, Nd and Pb isotope compositions indicate a switch to an increased relative contribution from the Irrawaddy River (by ∼10%). This shift occurred during the global benthic δ13C decline, and we suggest that global cooling and increasing aridity resulted in an eastward shift of precipitation patterns leading to a more focused erosion of the Indo‐Burman Ranges. Sr isotope compositions were decoupled from Nd and Pb isotope signatures and became more radiogenic between 6 and 5 Ma. Grassland expansion generating thick, easily weatherable soils may have led to an environment supporting intense chemical weathering, which is likely responsible for the elevated detrital clay87Sr/86Sr ratios during this time. This change in Sr isotope signatures may also have contributed to the late Miocene increase of the global seawater Sr isotope composition.
T6SS secretes an LPS-binding effector to recruit OMVs for exploitative competition and horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Li Changfu , Zhu Lingfang , Wang Dandan , Wei Zhiyan , Hao Xinwei , Wang Zhuo , Li Tengfei , Zhang Lei , Lu Zhiqiang , Long Mingxiu , Wang Yao , Wei Gehong , Shen Xihui
Published: August 2021

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) can function as nanoscale vectors that mediate bacterial interactions in microbial communities. How bacteria recognize and recruit OMVs inter-specifically remains largely unknown, thus limiting our understanding of the complex physiological and ecological roles of OMVs. Here, we report a ligand-receptor interaction-based OMV recruitment mechanism, consisting of a type VI secretion system (T6SS)-secreted lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding effector TeoL and the outer membrane receptors CubA and CstR. We demonstrated that Cupriavidus necator T6SS1 secretes TeoL to preferentially associate with OMVs in the extracellular milieu through interactions with LPS, one of the most abundant components of OMVs. TeoL associated with OMVs can further bind outer membrane receptors CubA and CstR, which tethers OMVs to the recipient cells and allows cargo to be delivered. The LPS-mediated mechanism enables bacterial cells to recruit OMVs derived from different species, and confers advantages to bacterial cells in iron acquisition, interbacterial competition, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Moreover, our findings provide multiple new perspectives on T6SS functionality in the context of bacterial competition and HGT, through the recruitment of OMVs.
Effects of the sigma-1 receptor agonist blarcamesine in a murine model of fragile X syndrome: neurobehavioral phenotypes and receptor occupancy
Authors: Reyes Samantha T. , Deacon Robert M. J. , Guo Scarlett G. , Altimiras Francisco J. , Castillo Jessa B. , van der Wildt Berend , Morales Aimara P. , Park Jun Hyung , Klamer Daniel , Rosenberg Jarrett , Oberman Lindsay M. , Rebowe Nell , Sprouse Jeffrey , Missling Christopher U. , McCurdy Christopher R. , Cogram Patricia , Kaufmann Walter E. , Chin Frederick T.
Published: August 2021

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a disorder of synaptic development and function, is the most prevalent genetic form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. FXS mouse models display clinically-relevant phenotypes, such as increased anxiety and hyperactivity. Despite their availability, so far advances in drug development have not yielded new treatments. Therefore, testing novel drugs that can ameliorate FXS’ cognitive and behavioral impairments is imperative. ANAVEX2-73 (blarcamesine) is a sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist with a strong safety record and preliminary efficacy evidence in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and Rett syndrome, other synaptic neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. S1R’s role in calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, cellular functions related to synaptic function, makes blarcamesine a potential drug candidate for FXS. Administration of blarcamesine in 2-month-old FXS and wild type mice for 2 weeks led to normalization in two key neurobehavioral phenotypes: open field test (hyperactivity) and contextual fear conditioning (associative learning). Furthermore, there was improvement in marble-burying (anxiety, perseverative behavior). It also restored levels of BDNF, a converging point of many synaptic regulators, in the hippocampus. Positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo autoradiographic studies, using the highly selective S1R PET ligand [18F]FTC-146, demonstrated the drug’s dose-dependent receptor occupancy. Subsequent analyses also showed a wide but variable brain regional distribution of S1Rs, which was preserved in FXS mice. Altogether, these neurobehavioral, biochemical, and imaging data demonstrates doses that yield measurable receptor occupancy are effective for improving the synaptic and behavioral phenotype in FXS mice. The present findings support the viability of S1R as a therapeutic target in FXS, and the clinical potential of blarcamesine in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Mechanisms linking multi-year La Niña with preceding strong El Niño
Authors: Iwakiri Tomoki , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: August 2021

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), characterized by anomalous sea surface temperature in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific, is a dominant interannual variability, impacting worldwide weather and socioeconomics. The ENSO cycle contains irregularity, in which La Niña often persists for more than two years, called “multi-year La Niña”. Observational records show that multi-year La Niña tends to accompany strong El Niño in the preceding year, but their physical linkage remains unclear. Here we show using reanalysis data that a strong El Niño excites atmospheric conditions that favor the generation of multi-year La Niña in subsequent years. Easterly wind anomalies along the northern off-equatorial Pacific during the decay phase of the strong El Niño are found crucial as they act to discharge ocean heat content (OHC) via an anomalous northward Ekman transport. The negative OHC anomaly is large enough to be restored by a single La Niña and, therefore, causes another La Niña to occur in the second year. Furthermore, analyses of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate models support the abovementioned mechanisms and indicate that the occurrence frequencies of multi-year La Niña and strong El Niño are highly correlated.
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of covariate effects on airway and alveolar nitric oxide
Authors: Weng Jingying , Molshatzki Noa , Marjoram Paul , Gauderman W. James , Gilliland Frank D. , Eckel Sandrah P.
Published: August 2021

Exhaled breath biomarkers are an important emerging field. The fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a marker of airway inflammation with clinical and epidemiological applications (e.g., air pollution health effects studies). Systems of differential equations describe FeNO—measured non-invasively at the mouth—as a function of exhalation flow rate and parameters representing airway and alveolar sources of NO in the airway. Traditionally, NO parameters have been estimated separately for each study participant (Stage I) and then related to covariates (Stage II). Statistical properties of these two-step approaches have not been investigated. In simulation studies, we evaluated finite sample properties of existing two-step methods as well as a novel Unified Hierarchical Bayesian (U-HB) model. The U-HB is a one-step estimation method developed with the goal of properly propagating uncertainty as well as increasing power and reducing type I error for estimating associations of covariates with NO parameters. We demonstrated the U-HB method in an analysis of data from the southern California Children’s Health Study relating traffic-related air pollution exposure to airway and alveolar airway inflammation.
BoLA-DRB3 gene haplotypes show divergence in native Sudanese cattle from taurine and indicine breeds
Authors: Salim Bashir , Takeshima Shin-nosuke , Nakao Ryo , Moustafa Mohamed A. M. , Ahmed Mohamed-Khair A. , Kambal Sumaya , Mwacharo Joram M. , Alkhaibari Abeer M. , Giovambattista Guillermo
Published: August 2021

Autochthonous Sudanese cattle breeds, namely Baggara for beef and Butana and Kenana for dairy, are characterized by their adaptive characteristics and high performance in hot and dry agro-ecosystems. They are thus used largely by nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists. We analyzed the diversity and genetic structure of the BoLA-DRB3 gene, a genetic locus linked to the immune response, for the indigenous cattle of Sudan and in the context of the global cattle repository. Blood samples (n = 225) were taken from three indigenous breeds (Baggara; n = 113, Butana; n = 60 and Kenana; n = 52) distributed across six regions of Sudan. Nucleotide sequences were genotyped using the sequence-based typing method. We describe 53 alleles, including seven novel alleles. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the protein pockets implicated in the antigen-binding function of the MHC complex revealed that pockets 4 and 9 (respectively) differentiate Kenana-Baggara and Kenana-Butana breeds from other breeds. Venn analysis of Sudanese, Southeast Asian, European and American cattle breeds with 115 alleles showed 14 were unique to Sudanese breeds. Gene frequency distributions of Baggara cattle showed an even distribution suggesting balancing selection, while the selection index (ω) revealed the presence of diversifying selection in several amino acid sites along theBoLA-DRB3exon 2 of these native breeds. The results of several PCA were in agreement with clustering patterns observed on the neighbor joining (NJ) trees. These results provide insight into their high survival rate for different tropical diseases and their reproductive capacity in Sudan's harsh environment.
A novel model of care for simplified testing of HBV in African communities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
Authors: Picchio Camila A. , Nomah Daniel K. , Araujo Silvia G. , Rando-Segura Ariadna , Fernández Emma , Buti Maria , Rodríguez-Tajes Sergio , Lens Sabela , Rodríguez-Frías Francisco , Lazarus Jeffrey V.
Published: August 2021

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health threat for migrant populations in Spain and efforts to scale up testing are needed to reach the WHO elimination targets. The Hepatitis B Virus Community Screening and Vaccination in Africans (HBV-COMSAVA) study aims to use point-of-care testing and simplified diagnostic tools to identify, link to care, or vaccinate African migrants in Barcelona during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 21/11/20 to 03/07/2021, 314 study participants were offered HBV screening in a community clinic. Rapid tests for HBsAg screening were used and blood samples were collected with plasma separation cards. Patients received results and were offered: linkage to specialist care; post-test counselling; or HBV vaccination in situ. Sociodemographic and clinical history were collected and descriptive statistics were utilized. 274 patients were included and 210 (76.6%) returned to receive results. The HBsAg prevalence was 9.9% and 33.2% of people had evidence of past resolved infection. Overall, 133 required vaccination, followed by post-test counselling (n = 114), and linkage to a specialist (n = 27). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, by employing a community-based model of care utilizing novel simplified diagnostic tools, HBV-COMSAVA demonstrated that it was possible to diagnose, link to care, and vaccinate African migrants in community-based settings.
NaV1.5 knockout in iPSCs: a novel approach to study NaV1.5 variants in a human cardiomyocyte environment
Authors: Pierre Marion , Djemai Mohammed , Poulin Hugo , Chahine Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Cardiomyocytes derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CMs) successfully reproduce the mechanisms of several channelopathies. However, this approach involve cell reprogramming from somatic tissue biopsies or genomic editing in healthy iPSCs for every mutation found and to be investigated. We aim to knockout (KO) NaV1.5, the cardiac sodium channel, in a healthy human iPSC line, characterize the model and then, use it to express variants of NaV1.5. We develop a homozygous NaV1.5 KO iPSC line able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes with CRISPR/Cas9 tool. The NaV1.5 KO iPSC-CMs exhibited an organized contractile apparatus, spontaneous contractile activity, and electrophysiological recordings confirmed the major reduction in total Na+ currents. The action potentials (APs) exhibited a reduction in their amplitude and in their maximal rate of rise. Voltage optical mapping recordings revealed that the conduction velocity Ca2+ transient waves propagation velocities were slow. A wild-type (WT) NaV1.5 channel expressed by transient transfection in the KO iPSC-CMs restored Na+ channel expression and AP properties. The expression of NaV1.5/delQKP, a long QT type 3 (LQT3) variant, in the NaV1.5 KO iPSC-CMs showed that dysfunctional Na+ channels exhibited a persistent Na+ current and caused prolonged AP duration that led to arrhythmic events, characteristics of LQT3.
Stability of MRI radiomic features according to various imaging parameters in fast scanned T2-FLAIR for acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Joo Leehi , Jung Seung Chai , Lee Hyunna , Park Seo Young , Kim Minjae , Park Ji Eun , Choi Keum Mi
Published: August 2021

From May 2015 to June 2016, data on 296 patients undergoing 1.5-Tesla MRI for symptoms of acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively collected. Conventional, echo-planar imaging (EPI) and echo train length (ETL)-T2-FLAIR were simultaneously obtained in 118 patients (first group), and conventional, ETL-, and repetition time (TR)-T2-FLAIR were simultaneously obtained in 178 patients (second group). A total of 595 radiomics features were extracted from one region-of-interest (ROI) reflecting the acute and chronic ischemic hyperintensity, and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of the radiomics features were calculated between the fast scanned and conventional T2-FLAIR for paired patients (1st group and 2nd group). Stabilities of the radiomics features were compared with the proportions of features with a CCC higher than 0.85, which were considered to be stable in the fast scanned T2-FLAIR. EPI-T2-FLAIR showed higher proportions of stable features than ETL-T2-FLAIR, and TR-T2-FLAIR also showed higher proportions of stable features than ETL-T2-FLAIR, both in acute and chronic ischemic hyperintensities of whole- and intersection masks (p < .002). Radiomics features in fast scanned T2-FLAIR showed variable stabilities according to the sequences compared with conventional T2-FLAIR. Therefore, radiomics features may be used cautiously in applications for feature analysis as their stability and robustness can be variable.
Lifting restrictions on coherence loss when characterizing non-transparent hypersonic phononic crystals
Authors: Rolle Konrad , Yaremkevich Dmytro , Scherbakov Alexey V. , Bayer Manfred , Fytas George
Published: August 2021

Hypersonic phononic bandgap structures confine acoustic vibrations whose wavelength is commensurate with that of light, and have been studied using either time- or frequency-domain optical spectroscopy. Pulsed pump-probe lasers are the preferred instruments for characterizing periodic multilayer stacks from common vacuum deposition techniques, but the detection mechanism requires the injected sound wave to maintain coherence during propagation. Beyond acoustic Bragg mirrors, frequency-domain studies using a tandem Fabry–Perot interferometer (TFPI) find dispersions of two- and three-dimensional phononic crystals (PnCs) even for highly disordered samples, but with the caveat that PnCs must be transparent. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid technique for overcoming the limitations that time- and frequency-domain approaches exhibit separately. Accordingly, we inject coherent phonons into a non-transparent PnC using a pulsed laser and acquire the acoustic transmission spectrum on a TFPI, where pumped appear alongside spontaneously excited (i.e. incoherent) phonons. Choosing a metallic Bragg mirror for illustration, we determine the bandgap and compare with conventional time-domain spectroscopy, finding resolution of the hybrid approach to match that of a state-of-the-art asynchronous optical sampling setup. Thus, the hybrid pump–probe technique retains key performance features of the established one and going forward will likely be preferred for disordered samples.
Automated computational analysis reveals structural changes in the enteric nervous system of nNOS deficient mice
Authors: Cairns Ben R. , Jevans Benjamin , Chanpong Atchariya , Moulding Dale , McCann Conor J.
Published: August 2021

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons play a fundamental role in inhibitory neurotransmission, within the enteric nervous system (ENS), and in the establishment of gut motility patterns. Clinically, loss or disruption of nNOS neurons has been shown in a range of enteric neuropathies. However, the effects of nNOS loss on the composition and structure of the ENS remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the structural and transcriptional consequences of loss of nNOS neurons within the murine ENS. Expression analysis demonstrated compensatory transcriptional upregulation of pan neuronal and inhibitory neuronal subtype targets within the Nos1−/− colon, compared to control C57BL/6J mice. Conventional confocal imaging; combined with novel machine learning approaches, and automated computational analysis, revealed increased interconnectivity within the Nos1−/− ENS, compared to age-matched control mice, with increases in network density, neural projections and neuronal branching. These findings provide the first direct evidence of structural and molecular remodelling of the ENS, upon loss of nNOS signalling. Further, we demonstrate the utility of machine learning approaches, and automated computational image analysis, in revealing previously undetected; yet potentially clinically relevant, changes in ENS structure which could provide improved understanding of pathological mechanisms across a host of enteric neuropathies.
Machine learning model to predict hypotension after starting continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Kang Min Woo , Kim Seonmi , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Han Seung Seok
Published: August 2021

Hypotension after starting continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with worse outcomes compared with normotension, but it is difficult to predict because several factors have interactive and complex effects on the risk. The present study applied machine learning algorithms to develop models to predict hypotension after initiating CRRT. Among 2349 adult patients who started CRRT due to acute kidney injury, 70% and 30% were randomly assigned into the training and testing sets, respectively. Hypotension was defined as a reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 20 mmHg from the initial value within 6 h. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) in machine learning models, such as support vector machine (SVM), deep neural network (DNN), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), and extreme gradient boosting machine (XGB) were compared with those in disease-severity scores such as the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II. The XGB model showed the highest AUROC (0.828 [0.796–0.861]), and the DNN and LGBM models followed with AUROCs of 0.822 (0.789–0.856) and 0.813 (0.780–0.847), respectively; all machine learning AUROC values were higher than those obtained from disease-severity scores (AUROCs < 0.6). Although other definitions of hypotension were used such as a reduction of MAP ≥ 30 mmHg or a reduction occurring within 1 h, the AUROCs of machine learning models were higher than those of disease-severity scores. Machine learning models successfully predict hypotension after starting CRRT and can serve as the basis of systems to predict hypotension before starting CRRT.
Salivary cytokine profile in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Maciejczyk Mateusz , Mil Kacper Maksymilian , Gerreth Piotr , Hojan Katarzyna , Zalewska Anna , Gerreth Karolina
Published: August 2021

Inflammation plays a crucial role in stroke pathogenesis. Thus, it is not surprising that cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors have been advocated in stroke diagnostics. Our study is the first to evaluate the salivary cytokine profile in patients with ischemic stroke. Twenty-five patients with subacute ischemic stroke and an age-, sex-, and oral hygiene status-matched control group were enrolled in the study. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9). Salivary concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were assessed using an ELISA method. We showed that salivary TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher, whereas IL-10 content was statistically lower in both non-stimulated (NWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva of ischemic stroke patients. However, evaluation of cytokines in NWS rather than in SWS may be of greater diagnostic value. Of particular note is salivary TNF-α, which may indicate cognitive/physical impairment in post-stroke individuals. This parameter distinguishes stroke patients from healthy controls and correlates with cognitive decline and severity of functional impairment. It also differentiates (with high sensitivity and specificity) stroke patients with normal cognition from mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Saliva may be an alternative to blood for assessing cytokines in stroke patients, although further studies on a larger patient population are needed.
A study of negative life events driven depressive symptoms and academic engagement in Chinese college students
Authors: Ji Lei , Chen Changfeng , Hou Binyin , Ren Decheng , Yuan Fan , Liu Liangjie , Bi Yan , Guo Zhenming , Yang Fengping , Wu Xi , Li Xingwang , Liu Chuanxin , Zuo Zhen , Zhang Rong , Yi Zhenghui , Xu Yifeng , He Lin , Shi Yi , Yu Tao , He Guang
Published: August 2021

Negative life events (NLEs) are an important predictor of depressive symptoms (DS). College students experiencing NLEs are at risk of developing DS that could further weaken their academic engagement (AE), while social supports may assuage such negative effect. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between negative life events, depressive symptoms, and academic engagement, and how the NLE-DS-AE relationship is affected by the level of social support among Chinese college students. To test this hypothesis, we applied data from the Decoding Happiness Gene Cohort Study (DHGCS). Baseline depressive symptoms and academic engagement were measured at the beginning of the first academic year. Approximately 12 months later, negative life events and social support over the past year were assessed retrospectively along with current depressive symptoms and academic engagement. A total of 3629 college students (Age = 18.67 ± 0.82) were included in the study. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 26.7% and 36.7% in college students at the beginning of the first and second academic year, respectively. Depressive symptoms predicted subsequent academic engagement rather than the reverse based on cross-lagged analyses. Using structural equation modeling analyses, findings revealed a partial mediation effect of social support between negative life events and the development of depressive symptoms, and a partial mediation effect between negative life events and academic engagement. The findings presented negative life events jeopardize the academic engagement via depressive symptoms, while social supports are able to cancel such negative effect among college students under the Chinese cultural context.
Bacillus pumilus induced tolerance of Maize (Zea mays L.) against Cadmium (Cd) stress
Authors: Shahzad Asim , Qin Mingzhou , Elahie Mahmood , Naeem Muhammad , Bashir Tasmia , Yasmin Humaira , Younas Muhammad , Areeb Ahsan , Irfan Muhammad , Billah Motsim , Shakoor Abdul , Zulfiqar Saman
Published: August 2021

Heavy metals contaminate the soil that alters the properties of soil and negatively affect plants growth. Using microorganism and plant can remove these pollutants from soil. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the induced effect of Bacillus pumilus on maize plant in Cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. Three different concentrations of Cd (i.e. 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg kg−1) were applied in soil under which maize plants were grown. The germination percentage, shoot length, leaf length, number of leaves, root length, fresh weight and nutrient uptake by maize plant were determined. The experiment was conducted by using complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The result indicated that germination percentage, Shoot length, leaf length, root length, number of leaves, and plant fresh weight were reduced by 37, 39, 39, 32 and 59% respectively at 0.75 mg kg−1 of CdSO4 concentration but when maize seeds inoculated with Bacillus pumilus significantly increased the germination percentage, shoot length, leaf length, number of leaves, plant fresh weight at different concentrations of CdSO4. Moreover, the plant protein were significantly increased by 60% in T6 (0.25 mg kg−1 of CdSO4 + inoculated seed) and Peroxidase dismutase (POD) was also significantly higher by 346% in T6 (0.25 mg kg−1 of CdSO4 + inoculated seed), however, the Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in T5 (0.75 mg kg−1 of CdSO4 + uninoculated seed) and was 769% higher as compared to control. The Cd contents in Bacillus pumilus inoculated maize roots and shoots were decreased. The present investigations indicated that the inoculation of maize plant with Bacillus pumilus can help maize plants to withstand Cd stress but higher concentration of Cd can harm the plant. The Bacillus pumilus has good potential to remediate Cd from soil, and also have potential to reduce the phyto availability and toxicity of Cd.
The mystery of sub-picosecond charge transfer following irradiation of hydrated uridine monophosphate
Authors: de la Lande Aurélien , Denisov Sergey , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: August 2021

We explore the possible mechanisms of ultrafast electron transfer for the oxidized uridine monophosphate nucleobase by means of computer simulations, focusing on the attosecond–picosecond time domain.
Visible-light-responsive Z-scheme system for photocatalytic lignocellulose-to-H2 conversion
Authors: Liu Qing-Yu , Wang Hao-Dong , Yuan Yong-Jun , Tang Rui , Bao Liang , Ma Zhanfeng , Zhong Jiasong , Yu Zhen-Tao , Zou Zhigang
Published: August 2021

A Z-scheme CoTiO3−[Co(bpy)3]3+/[Co(bpy)3]2+-Pt/CdS photocatalytic system was successfully constructed for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production from  lignocellulose.
C3-Arylation of indoles with aryl ketones via C–C/C–H activations
Authors: Guo Zi-Qiong , Xu Hui , Wang Xing , Wang Zhen-Yu , Ma Biao , Dai Hui-Xiong
Published: August 2021

C3-Arylation of indoles with aryl ketones is accomplished via palladium-catalyzed ligand-promoted Ar–C(O) cleavage and subsequent C–H arylation of indole.
Zeolites on 3D-printed open metal framework structure: metal migration into zeolite promoted catalytic cracking of endothermic fuels for flight vehicles
Authors: Hubesch Roxanne , Mazur Maciej , Föger Karl , Selvakannan P. R. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: August 2021

Metal migration from 3D printed metal support into zeolite film causes unprecedented catalytic cracking of methylcyclohexane.
Computational studies on the substrate specificity of an acyltransferase domain from salinomycin polyketide synthase
Authors: Ji Huining , Shi Ting , Liu Lei , Zhang Fa , Tao Wentao , Min Qing , Deng Zixin , Bai Linquan , Zhao Yilei , Zheng Jianting
Published: August 2021

The complex of SalAT14 and its cognate substrate EMCoA is apt to stay in a conformation suitable for the reaction. Computational investigations reveal the structural basis of AT specificity and could potentially help the engineering of modular PKSs.
Eosin-Y and sulfur-codoped g-C3N4 composite for photocatalytic applications: the regeneration of NADH/NADPH and the oxidation of sulfide to sulfoxide
Authors: Singh Pooja , Yadav Rajesh K. , Kumar Krishna , Lee Yubin , Gupta Abhishek K. , Kumar Kuldeep , Yadav B. C. , Singh S. N. , Dwivedi D. K. , Nam Sang-Ho , Singh Atul P. , Kim Tae Wu
Published: August 2021

The successful development of eosin-Y and sulfur-codoped g-C3N4 composite as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the regeneration of NADH/NADPH (64.38%/81.14%) and the light-driven oxidation of sulfide to sulfoxide with an yield of 99.6%.
Influence of F-position and solvent on coordination geometry and single ion magnet behavior of Co(ii) complexes
Authors: Chen Yue , Yang Qi , Peng Guo , Zhang Yi-Quan , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: August 2021

Three mononuclear Co(ii) complexes with different coordination geometries have been synthesized, and their structural determination, magnetic investigation and theoretical calculation results are reported herein.
Nanosized CuO encapsulated Ni/Co bimetal Prussian blue with high anti-interference and stability for electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose detection
Authors: Xu Xuejuan , Zhang Yuchi , Han Yide , Wu Junbiao , Zhang Xia , Xu Yan
Published: August 2021

Non-enzymatic glucose sensors based on metal oxides are receiving remarkable attention owing to their outstanding characteristics of being easy-to use, low cost, and reusability.
Modulating the relaxation dynamics via structural transition from a dinuclear dysprosium cluster to a nonanuclear cluster
Authors: Hu Peng , Cao Ling-hui , Liu Ao-gang , Zhang Yi-quan , Zhang Tian-le , Li Bao
Published: August 2021

Along with the transition from a dinuclear dysprosium cluster to a nonanuclear one, variable magnetic relaxation with the energy barrier changing from 217.87 K to 9.24 K has been presented, which has been validated by ab initio calculations.
A donor polymer based on 3-cyanothiophene with superior batch-to-batch reproducibility for high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Yuan Xiyue , Zhao Yunli , Zhan Tao , Oh Jiyeon , Zhou Jiadong , Li Junyu , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Zhiqiang , Pang Shuting , Cai Ping , Yang Changduk , He Zhicai , Xie Zengqi , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: August 2021

A donor polymer based on 3-cyanothiophene, a structurally simple unit, is synthesized for organic solar cells, which exhibited prominent power conversion efficiency and excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility in a wide molecular weight range.
A breakthrough method for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries without pre-sorting
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Liang Guoqiang , Yang Cheng , Hu Juntao , Chen Yongqiang , Wang Chengyan
Published: August 2021

We proposed a breakthrough method for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries without pre-sorting, which has the great advantages of high metal recovery efficiency, easily accessible equipment, and environmental friendliness.
Anti-algal activity of a fluorine-doped titanium oxide photocatalyst against Microcystis aeruginosa and its photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Wei Xuechun , Zhu Hongxiang , Xiong Jianhua , Huang Wenyu , Shi Ji , Wang Shuangfei , Song Hainong , Feng Qilin , Zhong Kai
Published: August 2021

Fluorine-doped TiO2 was successfully synthesised and applied as algaecide. Studies on algae removal efficiencies and mechanisms illustrated that F-TiO2 was suitable for algae elimination in natural water bodies.
Effects of fluorine substitution on substrate conversion by cytochromes P450 17A1 and 21A2
Authors: Vogt Caleb D. , Bart Aaron G. , Yadav Rahul , Scott Emily E. , Aubé Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

Cytochromes P450 17A1 (CYP7A1) and 21A2 (CYP21A2) catalyze key reactions in the production of steroid hormones, including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens.
Acid-catalyzed three-component addition of carbonyl compounds with 1,2,3-triazoles and indoles
Authors: Xing Qiaoyan , Zhou Chunlan , Jiang Shuxin , Chen Shanping , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: August 2021

A three-component reaction of indoles, 1-tosyl-1,2,3-triazoles and carbonyl compounds under metal-free conditions is described.
Gold-catalyzed oxidation of terminal alkynes to glyoxals and their reactions with 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: one-pot synthesis of 1,2-diones
Authors: Liao Shengrong , Xu Huayan , Yang Bin , Wang Junfeng , Zhou Xuefeng , Lin Xiuping , Liu Yonghong
Published: August 2021

A one-pot procedure with a tandem reaction sequence of oxidative gold catalysis, nucleophilic addition and oxygenation was employed to synthesize 1,2-diones from 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and terminal alkynes in good yields.
Fabrication of patterned calcium carbonate materials through template-assisted microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation
Authors: Yi Dewei , Zhang Hong , Zhang Wenchao , Zong Yiwu , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2021

A simple and green approach based on template-assisted microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation for the fabrication of patterned calcium carbonate materials was demonstrated.
Amalgamation of diverse hydrodynamic effects with novel triple-sided membrane valves for developing a microfluidic device for filterless and continuous water purification
Authors: Prabhakar Amit , Jaiswar Ankur , Mishra Neha , Kumar Praveen , Dhwaj Amar , Nayak Prashant , Verma Deepti
Published: August 2021

A microfluidic device displaying multiple hydrodynamic effects was designed to separate suspended impurities (i.e. bacteria and similar length scale particles present in water in the suspension form) from water.
Synthesis, structure and in vitro antiproliferative effects of alkyne-linked 1,2,4-thiadiazole hybrids including erlotinib- and ferrocene-containing derivatives
Authors: Boulhaoua Mohammed , Pasinszki Tibor , Torvisco Ana , Oláh-Szabó Rita , Bősze Szilvia , Csámpai Antal
Published: August 2021

Fourteen 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized and structurally characterized; their in vitro antiproliferative activities were evaluated on four tumorous cell lines (U87, A2058, A431, and HepG2).
A minireview on the perturbation effects of polar groups to direct nanoscale hydrophobic interaction and amphiphilic peptide assembly
Authors: Zhang Feiyi , Yu Lanlan , Zhang Wenbo , Liu Lei , Wang Chenxuan
Published: August 2021

Hydrophobic interaction provides the essential driving force for creating diverse native and artificial supramolecular architectures.
Bacterial aggregation assisted by anionic surfactant and calcium ions
Authors: Dewangan Narendra K. , Tran Nhi , Wang-Reed Jing , Conrad Jacinta C.
Published: August 2021

Marine bacteria form small aggregates in the presence of an anionic surfactant, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and calcium ions.
In situ synthesis of an ultrafine heterostructural Nb2O5–NbC polysulfide promotor for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Cao Zhaoxia , Guo Jian , Chen Shengnan , Zhang Zhennan , Shi Zhenpu , Yin Yanhong , Yang Mingguo , Wang Xiaoxu , Yang Shuting
Published: August 2021

Ultrafine Nb2O5–NbC nanocrystallites embedded in a CNF matrix were in situ constructed guided by a PS modulator. The assembled batteries containing the Nb2O5–NbC/CNF-PS interlayer exhibit restrained polysulfide shuttling, enhanced redox kinetics.
Tetragonal tungsten bronze type Sn(ii)-based quaternary oxides: a new class of visible-light-absorbing semiconductors for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Zou Yalong , Le Jiabo , Cao Yufeng , An Na , Zhou Yang , Li Jianming , Liu Deyu , Kuang Yongbo
Published: August 2021

We have prepared a new type of Sn(ii) based quaternary oxide semiconductor. Owing to the unique electronic structure and narrow band gap (1.85 eV), it exhibits promising solar energy harvesting activity.
Peptide-based novel small molecules and polymers: unexplored optoelectronic materials
Authors: Boddula Rajamouli , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: August 2021

Optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaics (solar cells), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), thin-film transistors, and electrochromism based on peptide molecular/materials and their strategic design.
The intracellular domains of the EphB6 and EphA10 receptor tyrosine pseudokinases function as dynamic signalling hubs
Authors: Liang Lung-Yu , Roy Michael , Horne Christopher R. , Sandow Jarrod J. , Surudoi Minglyanna , Dagley Laura F. , Young Samuel N. , Dite Toby , Babon Jeffrey J. , Janes Peter W. , Patel Onisha , Murphy James M. , Lucet Isabelle S.
Published: August 2021

EphB6 and EphA10 are two poorly characterised pseudokinase members of the Eph receptor family, which collectively serves as mediators of contact-dependent cell–cell communication to transmit extracellular cues into intracellular signals. As per their active counterparts, EphB6 and EphA10 deregulation is strongly linked to proliferative diseases. However, unlike active Eph receptors, whose catalytic activities are thought to initiate an intracellular signalling cascade, EphB6 and EphA10 are classified as catalytically dead, raising the question of how non-catalytic functions contribute to Eph receptor signalling homeostasis. In this study, we have characterised the biochemical properties and topology of the EphB6 and EphA10 intracellular regions comprising the juxtamembrane (JM) region, pseudokinase and SAM domains. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and cross-linking-mass spectrometry, we observed high flexibility within their intracellular regions in solution and a propensity for interaction between the component domains. We identified tyrosine residues in the JM region of EphB6 as EphB4 substrates, which can bind the SH2 domains of signalling effectors, including Abl, Src and Vav3, consistent with cellular roles in recruiting these proteins for downstream signalling. Furthermore, our finding that EphB6 and EphA10 can bind ATP and ATP-competitive small molecules raises the prospect that these pseudokinase domains could be pharmacologically targeted to counter oncogenic signalling.
Local energy markets design for integrated distribution energy systems based on the concept of transactive peer‐to‐peer market
Authors: Davoudi Mehdi , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein
Published: August 2021

With the advent of small‐scale heat and electricity producers in distribution energy systems, the interdependencies between energy carriers have been increased. Moreover, the rapid deployment of micro CHP, electric heat pumps, electricity‐to‐heat appliances etc., calls for new local market frameworks to be employed in distribution energy systems. In response, this paper presents a new energy market framework based on the concept of peer‐to‐peer negotiations to facilitate energy transactions between agents at the distribution level while addressing the interdependencies between different energy carriers. Moreover, linear optimization problems are proposed to investigate the optimal strategies of market participants with various configurations. These optimization problems not only obtain the optimum strategy of agents to participate in the day‐ahead peer‐to‐peer electricity market, the day‐ahead heat market, and gas distribution systems but also obtain their optimal operation scheduling for the entire next day. The numerical results successfully demonstrate the applicability and merits of the proposed market framework.
Au‐TiO2‐ZnO sandwich‐structured composite films with enhanced ultraviolet‐light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Jian Aoqun , Li Wanghao , Wang Meiling , Jia Huaping , Sang Shengbo
Published: August 2021

The rapid recombination of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs is one of the main reasons for limiting the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts. This paper investigates and analyzes two methods to improve the separation and lifetimes of electron‐hole pairs: semiconductor heterojunction and metal electron sink. As a specific example, an Au‐TiO2‐ZnO composite film with a sandwich structure is prepared. The energy level gradient formed at the TiO2/ZnO heterojunction separates the electron‐hole pairs effectively, and the AuNPs promote the photo‐induced charge transfer. Moreover, a synergistic effect of TiO2/ZnO heterojunction and AuNPs, which can further improve the photocatalytic performance, has been found by the photoelectric performance measurement. The experimental results demonstrate that the UV photocurrent density of the Au‐TiO2‐ZnO composite film is almost 22 times that of the pure TiO2 film. And a similar result has been observed in the UV light degradation of methylene blue. Such Au‐TiO2‐ZnO composite film combining semiconductor heterojunctions and metal electron sink has a potential prospect in the photo‐degradation of organic pollutants.
First results from the REAL-time Transient Acquisition backend (REALTA) at the Irish LOFAR station
Authors: Murphy P. C. , Callanan P. , McCauley J. , McKenna D. J. , Fionnagáin D. Ó , Louis C. K. , Redman M. P. , Cañizares L. A. , Carley E. P. , Maloney S. A. , Coghlan B. , Daly M. , Scully J. , Dooley J. , Gajjar V. , Giese C. , Brennan A. , Keane E. F. , Maguire C. A. , Quinn J. , Mooney S. , Ryan A. M. , Walsh J. , Jackman C. M. , Golden A. , Ray T. P. , Doyle J. G. , Rigney J. , Burton M. , Gallagher P. T.
Published: August 2021

Modern radio interferometers such as the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) are capable of producing data at hundreds of gigabits to terabits per second. This high data rate makes the analysis of radio data cumbersome and computationally expensive. While high performance computing facilities exist for large national and international facilities, that may not be the case for instruments operated by a single institution or a small consortium. Data rates for next generation radio telescopes are set to eclipse those currently in operation, hence local processing of data will become all the more important. Here, we introduce the REAL-time Transient Acquisition backend (REALTA), a computing backend at the Irish LOFAR station (I-LOFAR) which facilitates the recording of data in near real-time and post-processing. We also present first searches and scientific results of a number of radio phenomena observed by I-LOFAR and REALTA, including pulsars, fast radio bursts, rotating radio transients, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, Jupiter, and the Sun.