bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the adult consequences of adolescent mental ill-health: findings from the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts
Authors: Thompson Ellen J. , Richards Marcus , Ploubidis George B. , Fonagy Peter , Patalay Praveetha
Published: July 2021

Background

Adolescent mental health difficulties are increasing over time. However, it is not known whether their adulthood health and socio-economic sequelae are changing over time.

Methods

Participants (N= 31 349) are from two prospective national birth cohort studies: 1958 National Child Development Study (n= 16 091) and the 1970 British Cohort Study (n= 15 258). Adolescent mental health was operationalised both as traditional internalising and externalising factors and a hierarchical bi-factor. Associations between adolescent psychopathology and age 42 health and wellbeing (mental health, general health, life satisfaction), social (cohabitation, voting behaviour) and economic (education and employment) outcomes are estimated using linear and logistic multivariable regressions across cohorts, controlling for a wide range of early life potential confounding factors.

Results

The prevalence of adolescent mental health difficulties increased and their associations with midlife health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes became more severe or remained similar between those born in 1958 and 1970. For instance, a stronger association with adolescent mental health difficulties was found for those born in 1970 for midlife psychological distress [odds ratio (OR) 1970 = 1.82 (1.65–1.99), OR 1958 = 1.60 (1.43–1.79)], cohabitation [OR 1970 = 0.64 (0.59–0.70), OR 1958 = 0.79 (0.72–0.87)], and professional occupations [OR 1970 = 0.75 (0.67–0.84), OR 1958 = 1.05 (0.88–1.24)]. The associations of externalising symptoms with later outcomes were mainly explained by their shared variance with internalising symptoms.

Conclusion

The widening of mental health-based inequalities in midlife outcomes further supports the need to recognise that secular increases in adolescent mental health symptoms is a public health challenge with measurable negative consequences through the life-course. Increased public health efforts to minimise adverse outcomes are needed.
Uncertainty Analysis for Hydrological Models With Interdependent Parameters: An Improved Polynomial Chaos Expansion Approach
Authors: Ghaith Maysara , Li Zhong , Baetz Brian W.
Published: July 2021

The use of polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) has gained a lot of attention due to its ability to efficiently estimate the effects of parameter uncertainty on model outputs. The traditional PCE technique requires the studied parameters to be independent. In hydrological modeling, although model parameters are often assumed to be independent for simplicity of computation, such an assumption is not always valid. Neglecting parameter correlations could significantly affect the analysis of uncertainty, leading to distorted modeling results. In this study, an improved PCE approach is proposed to address this issue and support the uncertainty analysis for hydrological models with correlated parameters. The proposed approach is based on the integration of principle component analysis (PCA) and PCE, where PCA is used to transform correlated parameters into orthogonal independent components. To demonstrate the applicability of this approach, the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is applied to the Guadalupe River Watershed in Texas, US, and the integrated PCA‐PCE framework is used to assess the propagation of uncertainty of SWAT's interdependent parameters. A traditional Monte‐Carlo (MC) simulation is also used to address the uncertainty in the developed SWAT model. The results show that PCA‐PCE could generate similar probabilistic flow results compared to MC while maintaining a very high computational efficiency. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the mean and variance are 0.998 and 0.973, respectively, and the computational requirement is reduced by 99% using the developed PCA‐PCE approach. It is shown that the PCA‐PCE approach is reliable and efficient in assessing uncertainties in hydrological models with interdependent parameters.
A New Method Produces Improved Surface Strain Rate Maps
Authors: Lee Jack
Published: July 2021

The transdimensional Bayesian approach handles GPS data limitations better than existing methods and may assist future seismic hazard assessment studies.
A Rusty Record of Weathering and Groundwater Movement in the Hyperarid Central Andes
Authors: Shaw J. M. , Evenstar L. , Cooper F. J. , Adams B. A. , Boyce A. J. , Hofmann F. , Farley K. A.
Published: July 2021

The Atacama Desert, on the western margin of the Central Andes, hosts some of the world's largest porphyry copper deposits (PCDs). Despite a hyperarid climate, many of these PCDs have undergone secondary “supergene” enrichment, whereby copper has been concentrated via groundwater‐driven leaching and reprecipitation, yielding supergene profiles containing valuable records of weathering and landscape evolution. We combine hematite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He geochronology and oxygen isotope analysis to compare the weathering histories of two Andean PCDs and test the relative importance of climate and tectonics in controlling both enrichment and water table movement. At Cerro Colorado, in the Precordillera, hematite precipitation records prolonged weathering from ∼31 to ∼2 Ma, tracking water table descent following aridity‐induced canyon incision from the late Miocene onward. By contrast, hematite at Spence, within the Central Depression, is mostly younger than ∼10.5 Ma, suggesting exhumation ended much later. A heavy oxygen isotopic signature for Spence hematite suggests that upwelling formation water has been an important source of groundwater, accounting for a high modern water table despite persistent hyperaridity, whereas isotopically light hematite at Cerro Colorado formed in the presence of meteoric water. Compared with published paleo‐environmental and sedimentological records, our data show that weathering can persist beneath appreciable post‐exhumation cover, under hyperarid conditions unconducive to enrichment. The susceptibility of each deposit to aridity‐induced water table descent, canyon incision and deep weathering has been controlled by recharge characteristics and morphotectonic setting. Erosional exhumation, rather than aridity‐induced water table decay, appears to be more important for the development of supergene enrichment.
Mixed‐Phase Clouds Over the Southern Ocean as Observed From Satellite and Surface Based Lidar and Radar
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Protat Alain , Benson Sally
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the occurrence of mixed‐phase clouds (MPC, i.e., cloud layers containing both liquid and ice water at sub‐freezing temperatures) over the Southern Ocean (SO) using space‐ and surface‐based lidar and radar observations. The occurrence of supercooled clouds is dominated by geometrically thin (<1 km) layers that rarely contain ice. We diagnose layers that are geometrically thicker than 1 km to contain ice ~65% and ~4% of the time from below by surface remote sensors and from above by orbiting remote sensors, respectively. We examine the discrepancy in MPC occurrence statistics as diagnosed from below and above the cloud layer. From above, we find that MPC occurrence has a gradient associated with the Antarctic Polar Front near 55°S with a rare occurrence of satellite‐derived MPC south of that latitude. In contrast, surface sensors find ice in 33% of supercooled liquid water layers. We infer using observing system simulation experiments and data analysis that space‐based lidar cannot identify the occurrence of MPC except when secondary ice‐forming processes operate in convection that is, sufficiently strong to loft ice crystals to cloud tops. We conclude that the CALIPSO phase statistics of MPC have a severe low bias in MPC occurrence. Based on surface‐based statistics in the SO, we present a parameterization of the frequency of MPC as a function of cloud top temperature that differs substantially from that used in recent climate model simulations.
Deep Ocean Storage of Heat and CO2 in the Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean During the Last Glacial Period
Authors: Ezat Mohamed M. , Rasmussen Tine L. , Hain Mathis P. , Greaves Mervyn , Rae James W. B. , Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Marchitto Thomas M. , Szidat Sönke , Skinner Luke C.
Published: July 2021

The Fram Strait is the only deep gateway between the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas and thus is a key area to study past changes in ocean circulation and the marine carbon cycle. Here, we study deep ocean temperature, δ18O, carbonate chemistry (i.e., carbonate ion concentration [CO32−]), and nutrient content in the Fram Strait during the late glacial (35,000–19,000 years BP) and the Holocene based on benthic foraminiferal geochemistry and carbon cycle modeling. Our results indicate a thickening of Atlantic water penetrating into the northern Nordic Seas, forming a subsurface Atlantic intermediate water layer reaching to at least ∼2,600 m water depth during most of the late glacial period. The recirculating Atlantic layer was characterized by relatively high [CO32−] and low δ13C during the late glacial, and provides evidence for a Nordic Seas source to the glacial North Atlantic intermediate water flowing at 2,000–3,000 m water depth, most likely via the Denmark Strait. In addition, we discuss evidence for enhanced terrestrial carbon input to the Nordic Seas at ∼23.5 ka. Comparing our δ13C and qualitative [CO32−] records with results of carbon cycle box modeling suggests that the total terrestrial CO2 release during this carbon input event was low, slow, or directly to the atmosphere.
A Multi‐Purpose Heliophysics L4 Mission
Authors: Posner A. , Arge C. N. , Staub J. , StCyr O. C. , Folta D. , Solanki S. K. , Strauss R. D. T. , Effenberger F. , Gandorfer A. , Heber B. , Henney C. J. , Hirzberger J. , Jones S. I. , Kühl P. , Malandraki O. , Sterken V. J.
Published: July 2021

The Earth‐Sun Lagrangian point 4 is a meta‐stable location at 1 AU from the Sun, 60° ahead of Earth's orbit. It has an uninterrupted view of the solar photosphere centered on W60, the Earth's nominal magnetic field connection to the Sun. Such a mission on its own would serve as a solar remote sensing observatory that would oversee the entire solar radiation hemisphere with significant relevance for protecting Moon and Mars explorers from radiation exposure. In combination with appropriately planned observatories at L1 and L5, the three spacecraft would provide 300° longitude coverage of photospheric magnetic field structure, and allow continuous viewing of both solar poles, with >3.6° elevation. Ideally, the L4 and L5 missions would orbit the Sun with a 7.2° inclination out of the heliographic equator, 14.5° out of the ecliptic plane. We discuss the impact of extending solar magnetic field observations in both longitude and latitude to improve global solar wind modeling and, with the development of local helioseismology, the potential for long‐term solar activity forecasting. Such a mission would provide a unique opportunity for interplanetary and interstellar dust science. It would significantly add to reliability of operational observations on fast coronal mass ejections directed at Earth and for human Mars explorers on their round‐trip journey. The L4 mission concept is technically feasible, and is scientifically compelling.
High-throughput sequencing identified circular RNA circUBE2K mediating RhoA associated bladder cancer phenotype via regulation of miR-516b-5p/ARHGAP5 axis
Authors: Yang Chen , Mou Zezhong , Wu Siqi , Ou Yuxi , Zhang Zheyu , Chen Xinan , Dai Xiyu , Xu Chenyang , Mao Shanhua , Jiang Haowen
Published: July 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is known as a common and lethal urinary malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), an emerging non-coding RNA, participate in carcinogenesis process of several cancers including BC. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and RT-qPCR were applied to discover and validate abnormal high expression of circUBE2K in BC tissues. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect hsa_circ_0009154 (circUBE2K) expression and subcellular localization in BC tissues. High circUBE2K predicted unfavorable prognoses in BCs, as well as correlated with clinical features. CCK8, transwell, EdU and wound healing assays demonstrated down-regulating circUBE2K decreased BC cell phenotype as proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively. Further studies showed that circUBE2K promoted BC progression via sponging miR-516b-5p and enhancing ARHGAP5 expression through regulating RhoA activity. Dual-luciferase reporter, FISH and RNA pulldown assays were employed to verify the relationships among circUBE2K/miR-516b-5p/ARHGAP5/RhoA axis. Down-regulating miR-516b-5p or overexpressing ARHGAP5 restored RhoA activity mediated BC cell properties after silencing circUBE2K. Subcutaneous xenograft and metastasis model identified circUBE2K significantly increased BC cell metastasis and proliferation in-vivo. Taken together, we found that circUBE2K is a tumor-promoting circRNA in BC that functions as a ceRNA to regulate ARHGAP5 expression via sponging miR-516b-5p.
A novel LRP6 variant in a Japanese family with oligodontia
Authors: Goto Hiroki , Kimura Masashi , Machida Junichiro , Ota Akiko , Nakashima Mitsuko , Tsuchida Naomi , Adachi Junya , Aoki Yoshihiko , Tatematsu Tadashi , Takahashi Katsu , Sana Masatoshi , Nakayama Atsuo , Suzuki Shintaro , Nagao Toru , Matsumoto Naomichi , Tokita Yoshihito
Published: July 2021

Congenital tooth agenesis is a common anomaly in human development. We performed exome sequence analysis of genomic DNA collected from Japanese patients with tooth agenesis and their relatives. We found a novel single-nucleotide insertion in the LRP6 gene, the product of which is involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a coreceptor for Wnt ligands. The single-nucleotide insertion results in a premature stop codon in the extracellular region of the encoded protein.
Contextualizing genetic risk score for disease screening and rare variant discovery
Authors: Zhou Dan , Yu Dongmei , Scharf Jeremiah M. , Mathews Carol A. , McGrath Lauren , Cook Edwin , Lee S. Hong , Davis Lea K. , Gamazon Eric R.
Published: July 2021

Studies of the genetic basis of complex traits have demonstrated a substantial role for common, small-effect variant polygenic burden (PB) as well as large-effect variants (LEV, primarily rare). We identify sufficient conditions in which GWAS-derived PB may be used for well-powered rare pathogenic variant discovery or as a sample prioritization tool for whole-genome or exome sequencing. Through extensive simulations of genetic architectures and generative models of disease liability with parameters informed by empirical data, we quantify the power to detect, among cases, a lower PB in LEV carriers than in non-carriers. Furthermore, we uncover clinically useful conditions wherein the risk derived from the PB is comparable to the LEV-derived risk. The resulting summary-statistics-based methodology (with publicly available software, PB-LEV-SCAN) makes predictions on PB-based LEV screening for 36 complex traits, which we confirm in several disease datasets with available LEV information in the UK Biobank, with important implications on clinical decision-making.
Miniature neurotransmission is required to maintain Drosophila synaptic structures during ageing
Authors: Banerjee Soumya , Vernon Samuel , Jiao Wei , Choi Ben Jiwon , Ruchti Evelyne , Asadzadeh Jamshid , Burri Olivier , Stowers R. Steven , McCabe Brian D.
Published: July 2021

The decline of neuronal synapses is an established feature of ageing accompanied by the diminishment of neuronal function, and in the motor system at least, a reduction of behavioural capacity. Here, we have investigated Drosophila motor neuron synaptic terminals during ageing. We observed cumulative fragmentation of presynaptic structures accompanied by diminishment of both evoked and miniature neurotransmission occurring in tandem with reduced motor ability. Through discrete manipulation of each neurotransmission modality, we find that miniature but not evoked neurotransmission is required to maintain presynaptic architecture and that increasing miniature events can both preserve synaptic structures and prolong motor ability during ageing. Our results establish that miniature neurotransmission, formerly viewed as an epiphenomenon, is necessary for the long-term stability of synaptic connections.
X-ray studies bridge the molecular and macro length scales during the emergence of CoO assemblies
Authors: Grote Lukas , Zito Cecilia A. , Frank Kilian , Dippel Ann-Christin , Reisbeck Patrick , Pitala Krzysztof , Kvashnina Kristina O. , Bauters Stephen , Detlefs Blanka , Ivashko Oleh , Pandit Pallavi , Rebber Matthias , Harouna-Mayer Sani Y. , Nickel Bert , Koziej Dorota
Published: July 2021

The key to fabricating complex, hierarchical materials is the control of chemical reactions at various length scales. To this end, the classical model of nucleation and growth fails to provide sufficient information. Here, we illustrate how modern X-ray spectroscopic and scattering in situ studies bridge the molecular- and macro- length scales for assemblies of polyhedrally shaped CoO nanocrystals. Utilizing high energy-resolution fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we directly access the molecular level of the nanomaterial synthesis. We reveal that initially Co(acac)3 rapidly reduces to square-planar Co(acac)2 and coordinates to two solvent molecules. Combining atomic pair distribution functions and small-angle X-ray scattering we observe that, unlike a classical nucleation and growth mechanism, nuclei as small as 2 nm assemble into superstructures of 20 nm. The individual nanoparticles and assemblies continue growing at a similar pace. The final spherical assemblies are smaller than 100 nm, while the nanoparticles reach a size of 6 nm and adopt various polyhedral, edgy shapes. Our work thus provides a comprehensive perspective on the emergence of nano-assemblies in solution.
Early-life social experience affects offspring DNA methylation and later life stress phenotype
Authors: Laubach Zachary M. , Greenberg Julia R. , Turner Julie W. , Montgomery Tracy M. , Pioon Malit O. , Sawdy Maggie A. , Smale Laura , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Padmanabhan Karthik R. , Lalancette Claudia , vonHoldt Bridgett , Faulk Christopher D. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Holekamp Kay E. , Perng Wei
Published: July 2021

Studies in rodents and captive primates suggest that the early-life social environment affects future phenotype, potentially through alterations to DNA methylation. Little is known of these associations in wild animals. In a wild population of spotted hyenas, we test the hypothesis that maternal care during the first year of life and social connectedness during two periods of early development leads to differences in DNA methylation and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) later in life. Here we report that although maternal care and social connectedness during the den-dependent life stage are not associated with fGCMs, greater social connectedness during the subadult den-independent life stage is associated with lower adult fGCMs. Additionally, more maternal care and social connectedness after den independence correspond with higher global (%CCGG) DNA methylation. We also note differential DNA methylation near 5 genes involved in inflammation, immune response, and aging that may link maternal care with stress phenotype.
TGFβ promotes fibrosis by MYST1-dependent epigenetic regulation of autophagy
Authors: Zehender Ariella , Li Yi-Nan , Lin Neng-Yu , Stefanica Adrian , Nüchel Julian , Chen Chih-Wei , Hsu Hsiao-Han , Zhu Honglin , Ding Xiao , Huang Jingang , Shen Lichong , Györfi Andrea-Hermina , Soare Alina , Rauber Simon , Bergmann Christina , Ramming Andreas , Plomann Markus , Eckes Beate , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W.
Published: July 2021

Activation of fibroblasts is essential for physiological tissue repair. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts, however, may lead to tissue fibrosis with organ dysfunction. Although several pathways capable of promoting fibroblast activation and tissue repair have been identified, their interplay in the context of chronic fibrotic diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we provide evidence that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) activates autophagy by an epigenetic mechanism to amplify its profibrotic effects. TGFβ induces autophagy in fibrotic diseases by SMAD3-dependent downregulation of the H4K16 histone acetyltransferase MYST1, which regulates the expression of core components of the autophagy machinery such as ATG7 and BECLIN1. Activation of autophagy in fibroblasts promotes collagen release and is both, sufficient and required, to induce tissue fibrosis. Forced expression of MYST1 abrogates the stimulatory effects of TGFβ on autophagy and re-establishes the epigenetic control of autophagy in fibrotic conditions. Interference with the aberrant activation of autophagy inhibits TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation and ameliorates experimental dermal and pulmonary fibrosis. These findings link uncontrolled TGFβ signaling to aberrant autophagy and deregulated epigenetics in fibrotic diseases and may contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions in fibrotic diseases.
Comparative analysis of two paradigm bacteriophytochromes reveals opposite functionalities in two-component signaling
Authors: Multamäki Elina , Nanekar Rahul , Morozov Dmitry , Lievonen Topias , Golonka David , Wahlgren Weixiao Yuan , Stucki-Buchli Brigitte , Rossi Jari , Hytönen Vesa P. , Westenhoff Sebastian , Ihalainen Janne A. , Möglich Andreas , Takala Heikki
Published: July 2021

Bacterial phytochrome photoreceptors usually belong to two-component signaling systems which transmit environmental stimuli to a response regulator through a histidine kinase domain. Phytochromes switch between red light-absorbing and far-red light-absorbing states. Despite exhibiting extensive structural responses during this transition, the model bacteriophytochrome from Deinococcus radiodurans (DrBphP) lacks detectable kinase activity. Here, we resolve this long-standing conundrum by comparatively analyzing the interactions and output activities of DrBphP and a bacteriophytochrome from Agrobacterium fabrum (Agp1). Whereas Agp1 acts as a conventional histidine kinase, we identify DrBphP as a light-sensitive phosphatase. While Agp1 binds its cognate response regulator only transiently, DrBphP does so strongly, which is rationalized at the structural level. Our data pinpoint two key residues affecting the balance between kinase and phosphatase activities, which immediately bears on photoreception and two-component signaling. The opposing output activities in two highly similar bacteriophytochromes suggest the use of light-controllable histidine kinases and phosphatases for optogenetics.
Evidence for higher order topology in Bi and Bi0.92Sb0.08
Authors: Aggarwal Leena , Zhu Penghao , Hughes Taylor L. , Madhavan Vidya
Published: July 2021

Higher order topological insulators (HOTIs) are a new class of topological materials which host protected states at the corners or hinges of a crystal. HOTIs provide an intriguing alternative platform for helical and chiral edge states and Majorana modes, but there are very few known materials in this class. Recent studies have proposed Bi as a potential HOTI, however, its topological classification is not yet well accepted. In this work, we show that the (110) facets of Bi and BiSb alloys can be used to unequivocally establish the topology of these systems. Bi and Bi0.92Sb0.08 (110) films were grown on silicon substrates using molecular beam epitaxy and studied by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The surfaces manifest rectangular islands which show localized hinge states on three out of the four edges, consistent with the theory for the HOTI phase. This establishes Bi and Bi0.92Sb0.08 as HOTIs, and raises questions about the topological classification of the full family of BixSb1−x alloys.
The impact of site-specific digital histology signatures on deep learning model accuracy and bias
Authors: Howard Frederick M. , Dolezal James , Kochanny Sara , Schulte Jefree , Chen Heather , Heij Lara , Huo Dezheng , Nanda Rita , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Kather Jakob N. , Cipriani Nicole , Grossman Robert L. , Pearson Alexander T.
Published: July 2021

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is one of the largest biorepositories of digital histology. Deep learning (DL) models have been trained on TCGA to predict numerous features directly from histology, including survival, gene expression patterns, and driver mutations. However, we demonstrate that these features vary substantially across tissue submitting sites in TCGA for over 3,000 patients with six cancer subtypes. Additionally, we show that histologic image differences between submitting sites can easily be identified with DL. Site detection remains possible despite commonly used color normalization and augmentation methods, and we quantify the image characteristics constituting this site-specific digital histology signature. We demonstrate that these site-specific signatures lead to biased accuracy for prediction of features including survival, genomic mutations, and tumor stage. Furthermore, ethnicity can also be inferred from site-specific signatures, which must be accounted for to ensure equitable application of DL. These site-specific signatures can lead to overoptimistic estimates of model performance, and we propose a quadratic programming method that abrogates this bias by ensuring models are not trained and validated on samples from the same site.
Topological measures for identifying and predicting the spread of complex contagions
Authors: Guilbeault Douglas , Centola Damon
Published: July 2021

The standard measure of distance in social networks – average shortest path length – assumes a model of “simple” contagion, in which people only need exposure to influence from one peer to adopt the contagion. However, many social phenomena are “complex” contagions, for which people need exposure to multiple peers before they adopt. Here, we show that the classical measure of path length fails to define network connectedness and node centrality for complex contagions. Centrality measures and seeding strategies based on the classical definition of path length frequently misidentify the network features that are most effective for spreading complex contagions. To address these issues, we derive measures of complex path length and complex centrality, which significantly improve the capacity to identify the network structures and central individuals best suited for spreading complex contagions. We validate our theory using empirical data on the spread of a microfinance program in 43 rural Indian villages.
MARCH8 inhibits influenza A virus infection by targeting viral M2 protein for ubiquitination-dependent degradation in lysosomes
Authors: Liu Xiaoman , Xu Fengwen , Ren Lili , Zhao Fei , Huang Yu , Wei Liang , Wang Yingying , Wang Conghui , Fan Zhangling , Mei Shan , Song Jingdong , Zhao Zhendong , Cen Shan , Liang Chen , Wang Jianwei , Guo Fei
Published: July 2021

The membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) proteins are E3 ligases that regulate the stability of various cellular membrane proteins. MARCH8 has been reported to inhibit the infection of HIV-1 and a few other viruses, thus plays an important role in host antiviral defense. However, the antiviral spectrum and the underlying mechanisms of MARCH8 are incompletely defined. Here, we demonstrate that MARCH8 profoundly inhibits influenza A virus (IAV) replication both in vitro and in mice. Mechanistically, MARCH8 suppresses IAV release through redirecting viral M2 protein from the plasma membrane to lysosomes for degradation. Specifically, MARCH8 catalyzes the K63-linked polyubiquitination of M2 at lysine residue 78 (K78). A recombinant A/Puerto Rico/8/34 virus carrying the K78R M2 protein shows greater replication and more severe pathogenicity in cells and mice. More importantly, we found that the M2 protein of the H1N1 IAV has evolved to acquire non-lysine amino acids at positions 78/79 to resist MARCH8-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. Together, our data support the important role of MARCH8 in host anti-IAV intrinsic immune defense by targeting M2, and suggest the inhibitory pressure of MARCH8 on H1N1 IAV transmission in the human population.
Organic additive release from plastic to seawater is lower under deep-sea conditions
Authors: Fauvelle Vincent , Garel Marc , Tamburini Christian , Nerini David , Castro-Jiménez Javier , Schmidt Natascha , Paluselli Andrea , Fahs Armand , Papillon Laure , Booth Andy M. , Sempéré Richard
Published: July 2021

Plastic garbage patches at the ocean surface are symptomatic of a wider pollution affecting the whole marine environment. Sinking of plastic debris increasingly appears to be an important process in the global fate of plastic in the ocean. However, there is insufficient knowledge about the processes affecting plastic distributions and degradation and how this influences the release of additives under varying environmental conditions, especially in deep-sea environments. Here we show that in abiotic conditions increasing hydrostatic pressure inhibits the leaching of the heaviest organic additives such as tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and diisononyl phthalate from polyethylene and polyvinylchloride materials, whereas deep-sea and surface marine prokaryotes promote the release of all targeted additives (phthalates, bisphenols, organophosphate esters). This study provides empirical evidences for more efficient additive release at the ocean surface than in deep seawater, where the major plastic burden is supposed to transit through before reaching the sediment compartment.
Sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotopes track the local dynamics of the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Pasquier Virgil , Fike David A. , Halevy Itay
Published: July 2021

Sulfur cycling is ubiquitous in sedimentary environments, where it mediates organic carbon remineralization, impacting both local and global redox budgets, and leaving an imprint in pyrite sulfur isotope ratios (δ34Spyr). It is unclear to what extent stratigraphic δ34Spyr variations reflect local aspects of the depositional environment or microbial activity versus global sulfur-cycle variations. Here, we couple carbon-nitrogen-sulfur concentrations and stable isotopes to identify clear influences on δ34Spyr of local environmental changes along the Peru margin. Stratigraphically coherent glacial-interglacial δ34Spyr fluctuations (>30‰) were mediated by Oxygen Minimum Zone intensification/expansion and local enhancement of organic matter deposition. The higher resulting microbial sulfate reduction rates led to more effective drawdown and 34S-enrichment of residual porewater sulfate and sulfide produced from it, some of which is preserved in pyrite. We identify organic carbon loading as a major influence on δ34Spyr, adding to the growing body of evidence highlighting the local controls on these records.
Landscape transformations produce favorable roosting conditions for turkey vultures and black vultures
Authors: Hill Jacob E. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Kluever Bryan M. , Avery Michael L. , Humphrey John S. , Tillman Eric A. , DeVault Travis L. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: July 2021

Recent increases in turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and black vulture (Coragyps atratus) populations in North America have been attributed in part to their success adapting to human-modified landscapes. However, the capacity for such landscapes to generate favorable roosting conditions for these species has not been thoroughly investigated. We assessed the role of anthropogenic and natural landscape elements on roosting habitat selection of 11 black and 7 turkey vultures in coastal South Carolina, USA using a GPS satellite transmitter dataset derived from previous research. Our dataset spanned 2006–2012 and contained data from 7916 nights of roosting. Landscape fragmentation, as measured by land cover richness, influenced roosting probability for both species in all seasons, showing either a positive relationship or peaking at intermediate values. Roosting probability of turkey vultures was maximized at intermediate road densities in three of four seasons, and black vultures showed a positive relationship with roads in fall, but no relationship throughout the rest of the year. Roosting probability of both species declined with increasing high density urban cover throughout most of the year. We suggest that landscape transformations lead to favorable roosting conditions for turkey vultures and black vultures, which has likely contributed to their recent proliferations across much of the Western Hemisphere.
Transformer-based artificial neural networks for the conversion between chemical notations
Authors: Krasnov Lev , Khokhlov Ivan , Fedorov Maxim V. , Sosnin Sergey
Published: July 2021

We developed a Transformer-based artificial neural approach to translate between SMILES and IUPAC chemical notations: Struct2IUPAC and IUPAC2Struct. The overall performance level of our model is comparable to the rule-based solutions. We proved that the accuracy and speed of computations as well as the robustness of the model allow to use it in production. Our showcase demonstrates that a neural-based solution can facilitate rapid development keeping the required level of accuracy. We believe that our findings will inspire other developers to reduce development costs by replacing complex rule-based solutions with neural-based ones.
One-pot synthesis of S-scheme MoS2/g-C3N4 heterojunction as effective visible light photocatalyst
Authors: Tran Huu Ha , Thi My Duyen Nguyen , Nguyen Van Phuc , Thi Lan Nguyen , Phan Thi Thuy Trang , Hoang Quoc Dat , Luc Huy Hoang , Kim Sung Jin , Vo Vien
Published: July 2021

Despite pioneering as the holy grail in photocatalysts, abundant reports have demonstrated that g-C3N4 performs poor photocatalytic activity due to its high recombination rate of photo-induced charge carriers. Many efforts have been conducted to overcome this limitation in which the semiconductor–semiconductor coupling strategies toward heterojunction formation were considered as the easiest but the most effective method. Herein, a one-pot solid-state reaction of thiourea and sodium molybdate as precursors at different temperatures under N2 gas was applied for preparing composites of MoS2/g-C3N4. The physicochemical characterization of the final products determines the variation in contents of components (MoS2 and g-C3N4) via the increase of synthesis temperature. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the MoS2/g-C3N4 composites was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution under visible light. Therein, composites synthesized at 500 °C showed the best photocatalytic performance with a degradation efficiency of 90%, much higher than that of single g-C3N4. The significant improvement in photocatalytic performance is attributed to the enhancement in light-harvesting and extension in photo-induced charge carriers’ lifetime of composites which are originated from the synergic effect between the components. Besides, the photocatalytic mechanism is demonstrated to well-fit into the S-scheme pathway with apparent evidences.
Validation of real-time RT-PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Chung Yoon-Seok , Lee Nam-Joo , Woo Sang Hee , Kim Jeong-Min , Kim Heui Man , Jo Hye Jun , Park Ye Eun , Han Myung-Guk
Published: July 2021

A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay that does not require Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) reagents was tested and validated for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the early stages of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Republic of Korea. Early diagnosis of COVID-19 enables timely treatment and the implementation of public health measures. We validated the sensitivity, specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, and robustness of the RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection and compared its performance with that of several EUA-approved kits. Our RT-qPCR assay was highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 as demonstrated by not amplifying 13 other viruses that cause respiratory diseases. The assay showed high linearity using a viral isolate from a patient with known COVID-19 as well as plasmids containing target SARS-CoV-2 genes as templates. The assay showed good repeatability and reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of 3%, and a SARS-CoV-2 limit of detection of 1 PFU/mL. The RT-qPCR-based assay is highly effective and can facilitate the early diagnosis of COVID-19 without the use of EUA-approved kits or reagents in the Republic of Korea.
Concomitant oral intake of purified clinoptilolite tuff (G-PUR) reduces enteral lead uptake in healthy humans
Authors: Samekova Karolina , Firbas Christa , Irrgeher Johanna , Opper Christine , Prohaska Thomas , Retzmann Anika , Tschegg Cornelius , Meisslitzer Claudia , Tchaikovsky Anastassiya , Gouya Ghazaleh , Freissmuth Michael , Wolzt Michael
Published: July 2021

Lead exposure can cause substantial organ damage. Enteral lead absorption may be reduced by concomitant intake of clinoptilolite tuff, a zeolite from natural sources. This study aimed to assess the effect of purified clinoptilolite tuff (G-PUR) on enteral lead uptake in adults using stable lead isotope 204Pb as a tracer. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study, 42 healthy participants were randomized to receive oral G-PUR 2.0 g, 2 * 2.0 g, or placebo, together with 2.5 µg of 204Pb in water. The enrichment of 204Pb caused by the tracer in blood and urine was measured by mass spectrometry. G-PUR was well tolerated. The mean maximum 204Pb enrichment of 0.505% of total blood lead was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the placebo group compared to G-PUR 2.0 g (0.073%) or G-PUR 2 * 2.0 g (0.057%) group. Normalized 204Pb AUC0-192 was 86.5, 11.9, and 8.5% * h without and with G-PUR 2.0 g, and G-PUR 2 * 2.0 g, respectively (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). This smaller 204Pb exposure was paralleled by a reduced urinary excretion in subjects receiving G-PUR. Concomitant oral intake of purified clinoptilolite tuff reduced enteral uptake of 204Pb in healthy humans by approximately 90%. The reduced bioavailability is demonstrable by a decrease of 204Pb tracer enrichment in blood and urine.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04138693, registered 24/10/2019.
The severity progression of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a 6-year longitudinal study in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Chen Yi-Chieh , Chen Rou-Shayn , Weng Yi-Hsin , Huang Ying-Zu , Chen Chiung Chu , Hung June , Lin Yi-Ying
Published: July 2021

Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) cause major burden in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous NMSs progression studies mostly focused on the prevalence. We conducted a longitudinal study to identify the progression pattern by the severity. PD patients recruited from the outpatient clinics of a tertiary medical center were evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). A retrospective study with three-step analysis was performed. Step 1, the NMSs severity was compared among patients stratified by disease duration every 2 years up to 10 years. Step 2, patients with repeated tests in 2 years were categorized into 4 groups by the diseased duration of every 5 years. Step 3, the NMSS score changes in 6 years follow-up were determined, and the dosage of anti-PD drugs was compared to the NMSs severity changes. 676 patients completed the step 1 analysis, which showed a trend of NMSs worsening but not significant until the disease duration longer than 4–6 years. Furthermore, the severity did not change between repeated evaluations in 2 years in all patients. The progression became apparent after 6 years. Individual symptoms had different progression patterns and the increment of medications was independent to NMSs evolution. We demonstrated the NMSs severity progression in Taiwanese PD patients and the independence of the medications and NMSs progression.
In situ nitrogen mineralization and nutrient release by soil amended with black soldier fly frass fertilizer
Authors: Beesigamukama Dennis , Mochoge Benson , Korir Nicholas , Ghemoh Changeh J. , Subramanian Sevgan , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: July 2021

Although black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is effective on crop performance, information on nitrogen (N) mineralization and nutrient release capacity of soils amended with BSFFF is lacking. This study utilized field incubation experiments to investigate the ammonification, nitrification, microbial populations, and quantities of nutrients released by soils amended with BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) for a period equivalent to two maize cropping seasons. For the control treatment, no BSFFF or SAFI was added. Results indicated that most of the N in BSFFF amended soils was available in the ammonium form, while soils treated with SAFI had higher nitrate concentration. The BSFFF amended soils experienced shorter net immobilization periods of N (30–60 days) compared to SAFI treated soils (60–95 days). Increased rates of mineralization (3–10 times) and nitrification (2–4 times) were observed in soils treated with BSFFF during the second season of application. The BSFFF treated soils showed significantly higher N, phosphorus, and magnesium release than the control. Repeated application of BSFFF led to increased N release by three-folds in the soil. Furthermore, soil amendment with BSFFF increased the populations of bacteria and fungi, reduced soil acidity, and increased phosphorus (two-folds) and magnesium (two–four-folds) release than SAFI treated soils. Our findings highlight the crucial role of BSFFF in improving soil health by addressing the challenges of soil acidity, phosphorus fixation and nutrient mining, which is characteristic of most tropical soils.
Three-dimensional non-destructive visualization of teeth enamel microcracks using X-ray micro-computed tomography
Authors: Dumbryte Irma , Vailionis Arturas , Skliutas Edvinas , Juodkazis Saulius , Malinauskas Mangirdas
Published: July 2021

Although the topic of tooth fractures has been extensively analyzed in the dental literature, there is still insufficient information about the potential effect of enamel microcracks (EMCs) on the underlying tooth structures. For a precise examination of the extent of the damage to the tooth structure in the area of EMCs, it is necessary to carry out their volumetric [(three-dimensional (3D)] evaluation. The aim of this study was to validate an X-ray micro-computed tomography ($$\mu $$
μ
CT) as a technique suitable for 3D non-destructive visualization and qualitative analysis of teeth EMCs of different severity. Extracted human maxillary premolars were examined using a $$\mu $$
μ
CT instrument ZEISS Xradia 520 Versa. In order to separate crack, dentin, and enamel volumes a Deep Learning (DL) algorithm, part of the Dragonfly’s segmentation toolkit, was utilized. For segmentation needs we implemented Dragonfly’s pre-built UNet neural network. The scanning technique which was used made it possible to recognize and detect not only EMCs that are visible on the outer surface but also those that are buried deep inside the tooth. The 3D visualization, combined with DL assisted segmentation, enabled the evaluation of the dynamics of an EMC and precise examination of its position with respect to the dentin-enamel junction.
Spontaneous myogenic fasciculation associated with the lengthening of cardiac muscle in response to static preloading
Authors: Fan Shouyan , Gao Lingfeng , Bell Annie Christel , Azure Joseph Akparibila , Wang Yang
Published: July 2021

Force enhancement is one kind of myogenic spontaneous fasciculation in lengthening preload striated muscles. In cardiac muscle, the role of this biomechanical event is not well established. The physiological passive property is an essential part for maintaining normal diastole in the heart. In excessive preload heart, force enhancement relative erratic passive properties may cause muscle decompensating, implicate in the development of diastolic dysfunction. In this study, the force enhancement occurrence in mouse cardiac papillary muscle was evaluated by a microstepping stretch method. The intracellular Ca2+ redistribution during occurrence of force enhancement was monitored in real-time by a Flou-3 (2 mM) indicator. The force enhancement amplitude, the enhancement of the prolongation time, and the tension–time integral were analyzed by myography. The results indicated that the force enhancement occurred immediately after active stretching and was rapidly enhanced during sustained static stretch. The presence of the force and the increase in the amplitude synchronized with the acquisition and immediate transfer of Ca2+ to adjacent fibres. In highly preloaded fibres, the enhancement exceeded the maximum passive tension (from 4.49 ± 0.43 N/mm2 to 6.20 ± 0.51 N/mm2). The occurrence of force enhancement were unstable in each static stretch. The increased enhancement amplitude combined with the reduced prolongation time to induce a reduction in the tension–time integral. We concluded that intracellular Ca2+-synchronized force enhancement is one kind of interruption event in excessive preload cardiac muscle. During the cardiac muscle in its passive relaxation period, the occurrence of this interruption affected the rhythmic stability of the cardiac relaxation cycle.
Ferrocenyl-terminated polyphenylene-type “click” dendrimers as supports for efficient gold and palladium nanocatalysis
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Chamkina Elena S. , Guisasola Cal Eduardo , Di Silvio Desire , Moro Marta Martínez , Moya Sergio , Hamon Jean-René , Astruc Didier , Shifrina Zinaida B.
Published: July 2021

Rigid dendrimers with flexible ferrocenyltriazolyl termini serve as excellent supports for remarkably efficient and recyclable Pd and Au nanocatalysts for biphasic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol at 20 °C.
Visible light-induced charge injection and migration in self-assembled carbon dot-DNA-carbon dot nano-dumbbell obtained through controlled stoichiometric conjugation
Authors: Mandal Saptarshi , Das Prolay
Published: July 2021

Hybridization mediated self-assembled nano-dumbbell from controlled 1 : 1 conjugation between a single-strand DNA and a carbon dot. Radical cation injection and its migration into duplex DNA introduced by the carbon dots after visible light excitation.
Electrochemically site-selective alkoxylation of twisted 2-arylbenzoic acids via spirolactonization
Authors: Estruch-Blasco Manel , Bosque Irene , Guijarro David , Gonzalez-Gomez Jose C.
Published: July 2021

Twisted σ-biphenyl-2-carboxyl radicals show a significant spin density in the adjacent aryl ring, facilitating the spirocyclization. Electro-cross coupling with alcohols and isomerization provide a site-selective alkoxylation of 2-arylbenzoic acids.