bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A are amenable to infection by oncolytic reovirus
Authors: Harryvan Tom J. , Golo Matteo , Dam Nicole , Schoonderwoerd Mark J. A. , Farshadi Elham Aida , Hornsveld Marten , Hoeben Rob C. , Hawinkels Lukas J. A. C. , Kemp Vera
Published: July 2022

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are characterized by extensive tumor stroma that both promotes tumor progression and acts as a physical barrier for adjacent tumor cells, limiting the effect of current treatment modalities. Oncolytic virotherapy is currently investigated in clinical trials as a novel therapeutic agent for different malignancies of the GI tract, but it is largely unknown whether these viruses can also target the tumor stroma. Here, we investigated the tropism of two commonly studied OVs, adenovirus and reovirus, towards primary GI fibroblasts from human oesophageal, gastric, duodenal and pancreatic carcinomas (N = 36). GI fibroblasts were susceptible to type 3 Dearing (T3D) strain R124 and bioselected mutant reovirus (jin-3) infection but not oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5-Δ24). Efficient infection and apoptosis of human and mouse GI cancer-derived fibroblasts by these reoviruses was partially dependent on the expression of the reovirus entry receptor, Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A). Moreover, human GI cancer organoid-fibroblast co-cultures showed higher overall infectivity when containing JAM-A expressing fibroblasts as compared to JAM-A negative fibroblasts, indicating a potential role of JAM-A expressing fibroblasts for viral dissemination. We further show that JAM-A is not only necessary for efficient reovirus infection of fibroblasts but also partially mediates reovirus-induced apoptosis, dependent on signaling through the C-terminal PDZ-domain of JAM-A. Altogether, our data show the presence of JAM-A expressing fibroblasts in both human and murine GI cancers that are amenable to infection and induction of apoptosis by reovirus, extending the potential anti-cancer actions of reovirus with stromal targeting.
SARM1 deletion in parvalbumin neurons is associated with autism-like behaviors in mice
Authors: Xiang Ludan , Wu Qian , Sun Huankun , Miao Xuemeng , Lv Zhaoting , Liu Huitao , Chen Lan , Gu Yanrou , Chen Jianjun , Zhou Siyao , Jiang Huixia , Du Siyu , Zhou Yixin , Dong Hui , Fan Yiren , Miao Shuangda , Lu Qi , Chang Liyun , Wang Hui , Lu Yi , Xu Xingxing , Wang Wei , Huang Zhihui
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorder diseases, is characterized by social deficits, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 protein (SARM1) is known as an autism-associated protein and is enriched in brain tissue. Moreover, SARM1 knockdown mice exhibit autism-like behaviors. However, its specific mechanism in ASD pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we generated parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVI)-specific conditional SARM1 knockout (SARM1PV-CKO) mice. SARM1PV-CKO male mice showed autism-like behaviors, such as mild social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors. Moreover, we found that the expression level of parvalbumin was reduced in SARM1PV-CKO male mice, together with upregulated apoptosis-related proteins and more cleaved-caspase-3-positive PVIs, suggesting that knocking out SARM1 may cause a reduction in the number of PVIs due to apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of c-fos was shown to increase in SARM1PV-CKO male mice, in combination with upregulation of excitatory postsynaptic proteins such as PSD-95 or neuroligin-1, indicating enhanced excitatory synaptic input in mutant mice. This notion was further supported by the partial rescue of autism-like behavior deficits by the administration of GABA receptor agonists in SARM1PV-CKO male mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SARM1 deficiency in PVIs may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD.
Merging of relaxations and step-like increase of accompanying supercooled liquid region in metallic glasses via ultrafast nanocalorimetry
Authors: Gao Meng , Perepezko John H.
Published: July 2022

Glassy materials under external stimuli usually display multiple and complex relaxations. The relaxations and the evolution paths of glassy materials significantly affect their properties and are closely related to many key issues in glass physics, such as glass transition and thermoplastic forming. However, until now, the relaxation dynamics in the presence of external stimuli and the microscopic atomic motion of glassy materials have been unclear due to the lack of structural information. By combining Flash and conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), we applied a very large range of heating rate of six orders of magnitude and investigated the relaxation dynamics of three typical metallic glasses. We discovered the merging of distinct relaxation events with increasing rate of heating. Most interestingly, the experiments revealed new behaviors with step-like increases in the supercooled liquid region and excess heat capacity during the merging of multiple relaxations. A comprehensive scheme was proposed for the evolution of the thermal relaxation spectrum, the heterogeneity of the corresponding atomic motion and the potential energy landscape with rate of heating. These experimental results shed light on the mechanism of atomic rearrangement during heating and provided a new approach to regulate the physical properties of amorphous materials by controlling their intrinsic relaxation dynamics.
Attempts to use breeding approaches in Aedes aegypti to create lines with distinct and stable relative Wolbachia densities
Authors: Mejia A. J. , Jimenez L. , Dutra H. L. C. , Perera R. , McGraw E. A.
Published: July 2022

Wolbachiais an insect endosymbiont being used for biological control in the mosquitoAedes aegyptibecause it causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and limits viral replication of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. While the genetic mechanism of pathogen blocking (PB) is not fully understood, the strength of both CI and PB are positively correlated withWolbachiadensities in the host.Wolbachiadensities are determined by a combination ofWolbachiastrain and insect genotype, as well as interactions with the environment. We employed both artificial selection and inbreeding with the goal of creating lines ofAe. aegyptiwith heritable and distinctWolbachiadensities so that we might better dissect the mechanism underlying PB. We were unable to shift the mean relativeWolbachiadensity inAe. aegyptilines by either strategy, with relative densities instead tending to cycle over a narrow range. In lieu of this, we usedWolbachiadensities in mosquito legs as predictors of relative densities in the remaining individual’s carcass. Because we worked with outbred mosquitoes, our findings indicate either a lack of genetic variation in the mosquito for controlling relative density, natural selection against extreme densities, or a predominance of environmental factors affecting densities. Our study reveals that there are moderating forces acting on relativeWolbachiadensities that may help to stabilize density phenotypes post field release. We also show a means to accurately bin vector carcasses into high and low categories for non-DNA omics-based studies ofWolbachia-mediated traits.
Imaging topological and correlated insulating states in twisted monolayer-bilayer graphene
Authors: Li Si-yu , Wang Zhengwen , Xue Yucheng , Wang Yingbo , Zhang Shihao , Liu Jianpeng , Zhu Zheng , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Gao Hong-jun , Jiang Yuhang , Mao Jinhai
Published: July 2022

Flat bands in Van der Waals heterostructure provide an ideal platform for unveiling emergent quantum electronic phases. One celebrated example is twisted monolayer-bilayer graphene, in which the effects of electronic correlation have been observed. Here, we report the observation via scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy of correlated insulating states in twisted monolayer-bilayer graphene, leading to the formation of an electron crystal phase. At integer fillings, the strong Coulomb interaction redistributes flat-band electrons within one moiré unit cell, producing an insulating state with vanishing density of states at the Fermi level. Moreover, our approach enables the direct visualization of an ordered lattice of topological torus-shaped states, generated by the interaction between the electron crystal and the non-trivial band topology of twisted monolayer-bilayer graphene. Our results illustrate an efficient strategy for entwining topological physics with strong electron correlation in twisted van der Waals structures.
Modulating co-translational protein folding by rational design and ribosome engineering
Authors: Ahn Minkoo , Włodarski Tomasz , Mitropoulou Alkistis , Chan Sammy H. S. , Sidhu Haneesh , Plessa Elena , Becker Thomas A. , Budisa Nediljko , Waudby Christopher A. , Beckmann Roland , Cassaignau Anaïs M. E. , Cabrita Lisa D. , Christodoulou John
Published: July 2022

Co-translational folding is a fundamental process for the efficient biosynthesis of nascent polypeptides that emerge through the ribosome exit tunnel. To understand how this process is modulated by the shape and surface of the narrow tunnel, we have rationally engineered three exit tunnel protein loops (uL22, uL23 and uL24) of the 70S ribosome by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and studied the co-translational folding of an immunoglobulin-like filamin domain (FLN5). Our thermodynamics measurements employing 19F/15N/methyl-TROSY NMR spectroscopy together with cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations reveal how the variations in the lengths of the loops present across species exert their distinct effects on the free energy of FLN5 folding. A concerted interplay of the uL23 and uL24 loops is sufficient to alter co-translational folding energetics, which we highlight by the opposite folding outcomes resulting from their extensions. These subtle modulations occur through a combination of the steric effects relating to the shape of the tunnel, the dynamic interactions between the ribosome surface and the unfolded nascent chain, and its altered exit pathway within the vestibule. These results illustrate the role of the exit tunnel structure in co-translational folding, and provide principles for how to remodel it to elicit a desired folding outcome.
Highly selective single and multiple deuteration of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds
Authors: Li Nian , Li Jinhang , Qin Mingzhe , Li Jiajun , Han Jie , Zhu Chengjian , Li Weipeng , Xie Jin
Published: July 2022

Selective deuteration of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds is a highly attractive but challenging subject of research in pharmaceutical chemistry, material science and synthetic chemistry. Reported herein is a practical, highly selective and economical efficient hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds by synergistic photocatalysis and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysis. With the easily prepared PMP-substituted amides as nitrogen-centered radical precursors, a wide range of structurally diverse amides can undergo predictable radical H/D exchange smoothly with inexpensive D2O as the sole deuterium source, giving rise to the distal tertiary, secondary and primary C(sp3)-H bonds selectively deuterated products in yields of up to 99% and excellent D-incorporations. In addition to precise monodeuteration, this strategy can also achieve multideuteration of the substrates contain more than one remote C(sp3)-H bond, which opens a method to address multi-functionalization of distal unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds.
Modulating the strong metal-support interaction of single-atom catalysts via vicinal structure decoration
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Huang Yike , Qi Haifeng , Zeng Chaobin , Jiang Qike , Cui Yitao , Su Yang , Du Xiaorui , Pan Xiaoli , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Weizhen , Qiao Botao , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2022

Metal-support interaction predominately determines the electronic structure of metal atoms in single-atom catalysts (SACs), largely affecting their catalytic performance. However, directly tuning the metal-support interaction in oxide supported SACs remains challenging. Here, we report a new strategy to subtly regulate the strong covalent metal-support interaction (CMSI) of Pt/CoFe2O4 SACs by a simple water soaking treatment. Detailed studies reveal that the CMSI is weakened by the bonding of H+, generated from water dissociation, onto the interface of Pt-O-Fe, resulting in reduced charge transfer from metal to support and leading to an increase of C-H bond activation in CH4 combustion by more than 50 folds. This strategy is general and can be extended to other CMSI-existed metal-supported catalysts, providing a powerful tool to modulating the catalytic performance of SACs.
Bipolar charge collecting structure enables overall water splitting on ferroelectric photocatalysts
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhang Mingjian , Wang Zhuan , He Jiandong , Zhang Jie , Ye Sheng , Wang Xiuli , Li Dongfeng , Yin Heng , Zhu Qianhong , Jing Huanwang , Weng Yuxiang , Pan Feng , Chen Ruotian , Li Can , Fan Fengtao
Published: July 2022

Ferroelectrics are considered excellent photocatalytic candidates for solar fuel production because of the unidirectional charge separation and above-gap photovoltage. Nevertheless, the performance of ferroelectric photocatalysts is often moderate. A few studies showed that these types of photocatalysts could achieve overall water splitting. This paper proposes an approach to fabricating interfacial charge-collecting nanostructures on positive and negative domains of ferroelectric, enabling water splitting in ferroelectric photocatalysts. The present study observes efficient accumulations of photogenerated electrons and holes within their thermalization length (~50 nm) around Au nanoparticles located in the positive and negative domains of a BaTiO3 single crystal. Photocatalytic overall water splitting is observed on a ferroelectric BaTiO3 single crystal after assembling oxidation and reduction cocatalysts on the positively and negatively charged Au nanoparticles, respectively. The fabrication of bipolar charge-collecting structures on ferroelectrics to achieve overall water splitting offers a way to utilize the energetic photogenerated charges in solar energy conversion.
Tumor immune microenvironment of self-identified African American and non-African American triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Marczyk Michal , Qing Tao , O’Meara Tess , Yagahoobi Vesal , Pelekanou Vasiliki , Bai Yalai , Reisenbichler Emily , Cole Kimberly S. , Li Xiaotong , Gunasekharan Vignesh , Ibrahim Eiman , Fanucci Kristina , Wei Wei , Rimm David L. , Pusztai Lajos , Blenman Kim R. M.
Published: July 2022

Differences in the tumor immune microenvironment may result in differences in prognosis and response to treatment in cancer patients. We hypothesized that differences in the tumor immune microenvironment may exist between African American (AA) and NonAA patients, due to ancestry-related or socioeconomic factors, that may partially explain differences in clinical outcomes. We analyzed clinically matched triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues from self-identified AA and NonAA patients and found that stromal TILs, PD-L1 IHC-positivity, mRNA expression of immune-related pathways, and immunotherapy response predictive signatures were significantly higher in AA samples (p < 0.05; Fisher’s Exact Test, Mann–Whitney Test, Permutation Test). Cancer biology and metabolism pathways, TAM-M2, and Immune Exclusion were significantly higher in NonAA samples (p < 0.05; Permutation Test, Mann–Whitney Test). There were no differences in somatic tumor mutation burden. Overall, there is greater immune infiltration and inflammation in AA TNBC and these differences may impact response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutic agents that modulate the immune microenvironment.
Research on PBFT consensus algorithm for grouping based on feature trust
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhong Meiling , Cheng Tong
Published: July 2022

The consensus mechanism is the core of the blockchain system, which plays an important role in the performance and security of the blockchain system . The Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) algorithm is a widely used consensus algorithm, but the PBFT algorithm also suffers from high consensus latency, low throughput and performance. In this paper, we propose a grouped PBFT consensus algorithm (GPBFT) based on feature trust. First, the algorithm evaluates the trust degree of nodes in the transaction process through the EigenTrust trust model, and uses the trust degree of nodes as the basis for electing master nodes and proxy nodes. Then, the algorithm divides the nodes in the blockchain system into multiple groups, and the consensus within each independent group does not affect the other groups, which greatly reduces the communication overhead of the consensus process when the number of nodes in the system is large. Finally, we demonstrate through theoretical and experimental analysis that the GPBFT algorithm has a significant improvement in security and performance.
Prediction of COVID-19 diagnosis based on openEHR artefacts
Authors: Oliveira Daniela , Ferreira Diana , Abreu Nuno , Leuschner Pedro , Abelha António , Machado José
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, we are facing the worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19. The complexity and momentum of monitoring patients infected with this virus calls for the usage of agile and scalable data structure methodologies. OpenEHR is a healthcare standard that is attracting a lot of attention in recent years due to its comprehensive and robust architecture. The importance of an open, standardized and adaptable approach to clinical data lies in extracting value to generate useful knowledge that really can help healthcare professionals make an assertive decision. This importance is even more accentuated when facing a pandemic context. Thus, in this study, a system for tracking symptoms and health conditions of suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients from a Portuguese hospital was developed using openEHR. All data on the evolutionary status of patients in home care as well as the results of their COVID-19 test were used to train different ML algorithms, with the aim of developing a predictive model capable of identifying COVID-19 infections according to the severity of symptoms identified by patients. The CRISP-DM methodology was used to conduct this research. The results obtained were promising, with the best model achieving an accuracy of 96.25%, a precision of 99.91%, a sensitivity of 92.58%, a specificity of 99.92%, and an AUC of 0.963, using the Decision Tree algorithm and the Split Validation method. Hence, in the future, after further testing, the predictive model could be implemented in clinical decision support systems.
The alcohol flushing response is associated with the risk of depression
Authors: Jeon Seonghee , Kang Heewon , Cho Inhyung , Cho Sung-il
Published: July 2022

The alcohol flushing response is experienced by 36–45% of East Asians after they consume a small amount of alcohol. Because individuals with this response are unable to metabolize the toxic acetaldehyde derived from alcohol effectively, the response offers a potential indicator of the health risks associated with alcohol intake. Depression is a major health problem linked to alcohol consumption; it might also be associated with the alcohol flushing response. Therefore, we examined the association between the alcohol flushing response and the risk of depression in the general population of South Korea. Our analysis included 139,380 participants and used data from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey. Only current drinkers were considered in the analysis. The relationship between the alcohol flushing response and depression was evaluated by logistic regression analysis using SAS 9.4. Of the participants, more than one-third were current flushers; compared to never flushers, current flushers had a significantly greater risk of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.34, P < 0.001). Former flushers did not exhibit a risk of depression. The risk of depression was significantly greater among alcohol flushers who drank < 15 g alcohol/day (< 5 g alcohol/day: AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.35, P = 0.002; 5–14.9 g alcohol/day: AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13–1.70, P = 0.002). In conclusion, a large number of South Koreans experience the alcohol flushing response; compared with never flushers, current flushers are more likely to develop depression with a small dose of alcohol (< 15 g alcohol/day).
Engineered chimeric insecticidal crystalline protein improves resistance to lepidopteran insects in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Yang , Han Siping , Yang Shuo , Chen Ziqi , Yin Yuejia , Xi Jinghui , Liu Qing , Yan Weiyu , Song Xinyuan , Zhao Fangfang , Guo Jia , Liu Xiangguo , Hao Dongyun
Published: July 2022

The insecticidal crystalline proteins (Crys) are a family of insect endotoxin functioning in crop protection. As insects keep evolving into tolerance to the existing Crys, it is necessary to discover new Cry proteins to overcome potential threatens. Crys possess three functional domains at their N-termini, and the most active region throughout evolution was found at the domain-III. We swapped domain-IIIs from various Cry proteins and generated seven chimeric proteins. All recombinants were expressed in Escherichia coli and their toxicity was assessed by dietary exposure assays. Three of the seven Crys exhibited a high toxicity to Asian corn borer over the controls. One of them, Cry1Ab-Gc, a chimeric Cry1Ab being replaced with the domain-III of Cry1Gc, showed the highest toxicity to rice stem borer when it was over-expressed in Oryza sativa. Furthermore, it was also transformed into maize, backcrossed into commercial maize inbred lines and then produced hybrid to evaluate their commercial value. Transgenic maize performed significant resistance to the Asian corn borer without affecting the yield. We further showed that this new protein did not have adverse effects on the environment. Our results indicated that domain III swapped of Crys could be used as an efficient method for developing new engineered insecticidal protein.
Binocular fusion disorders impair basic visual processing
Authors: Benhaim-Sitbon Laura , Lev Maria , Polat Uri
Published: July 2022

In an era of increasing screen consumption, the requirement for binocular vision is demanding, leading to the emergence of syndromes such as the computer vision syndrome (CVS) or visual discomfort reported by virtual reality (VR) users. Heterophoria (phoria) is a latent eye misalignment (with a prevalence up to 35%) that appears in conditions that disrupt binocular vision and may affect the quality of binocular fusion. Collinear facilitation (CF), the mechanism for grouping contour elements, is a process that reveals lateral interactions by improving the visibility of a target by flankers placed collinearly. An abnormal pattern of CF has been observed in strabismic amblyopia. We hypothesize that phoria may affect CF in the horizontal meridian (HM) due to latent eye misalignment and its impact on binocular fusion. Fully corrected participants (phoria group and controls) completed a standard CF experiment for horizontal and vertical meridians during binocular and monocular viewing. Phoric observers exhibited (1) an asymmetry and an abnormal pattern of CF only for the HM, during both monocular and binocular viewing, (2) poor binocular summation between the monocular inputs, and (3) no binocular advantage of the CF. Phoria affects the CF in a way that is reminiscent of meridional amblyopia without being attributed to abnormal refraction. The abnormal pattern of CF in monocular viewing suggests that phoria could be a binocular developmental disorder that affects monocular spatial interactions. We suggest that the results could contribute to explain the visual discomfort experienced with VR users or symptoms when presenting CVS.
Transgenic expression of IL-7 regulates CAR-T cell metabolism and enhances in vivo persistence against tumor cells
Authors: Li Li , Li Qing , Yan Zi-Xun , Sheng Ling-Shuang , Fu Di , Xu Pengpeng , Wang Li , Zhao Wei-Li
Published: July 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic approach. However, primary and secondary resistance to CAR-T cell therapy is commonly encountered in various clinical trials. Despite the comprehensive studies to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance, effective resolution in clinical practice is still elusive. Inadequate persistence and subsequent loss of infused CAR-T cells are proposed major resistance mechanism associated with CAR-T cell treatment failure. Thus, we generated CAR-T cells armored with IL-7 to prolong the persistence of infused T-cells, particularly CD4 + T cells, and enhanced anti-tumor response. IL-7 increased CAR-T-cell persistence in vivo and contributed to the distinct T-cell cytotoxicity profile. Using mass cytometry (CyTOF), we further assessed the phenotypic and metabolic profiles of IL-7-secreting CAR-T cells, along with conventional CAR-T cells at the single-cell level. With in-depth analysis, we found that IL-7 maintained CAR-T cells in a less differentiated T-cell state, regulated distinct metabolic activity, and prevented CAR-T-cell exhaustion, which could be essential for CAR-T cells to maintain their metabolic fitness and anti-tumor response. Our findings thus provided clinical rationale to exploit IL-7 signaling for modulation and metabolic reprogramming of T-cell function to enhance CAR-T cell persistence and induce durable remission upon CAR-T cell therapy.
Optimal control for a SIR epidemic model with limited quarantine
Authors: Balderrama Rocío , Peressutti Javier , Pinasco Juan Pablo , Vazquez Federico , Vega Constanza Sánchez de la
Published: July 2022

Social distance, quarantines and total lock-downs are non-pharmaceutical interventions that policymakers have used to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, these measures could be harmful to societies in terms of social and economic costs, and they can be maintained only for a short period of time. Here we investigate the optimal strategies that minimize the impact of an epidemic, by studying the conditions for an optimal control of a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered model with a limitation on the total duration of the quarantine. The control is done by means of the reproduction number $$\sigma (t)$$

σ
(
t
)

, i.e., the number of secondary infections produced by a primary infection, which can be arbitrarily varied in time over a quarantine period T to account for external interventions. We also assume that the most strict quarantine (lower bound of $$\sigma $$
σ
) cannot last for a period longer than a value $$\tau $$
τ
. The aim is to minimize the cumulative number of ever-infected individuals (recovered) and the socioeconomic cost of interventions in the long term, by finding the optimal way to vary $$\sigma (t)$$

σ
(
t
)

. We show that the optimal solution is a single bang-bang, i.e., the strict quarantine is turned on only once, and is turned off after the maximum allowed time $$\tau $$
τ
. Besides, we calculate the optimal time to begin and end the strict quarantine, which depends on T, $$\tau $$
τ
and the initial conditions. We provide rigorous proofs of these results and check that are in perfect agreement with numerical computations.
Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a population study
Authors: Martínez-Garcia Marina , Sansano-Sansano Emilio , Castillo-Hornero Andrea , Femenia Ruben , Roomp Kristof , Oliver Nuria
Published: July 2022

Since March of 2020, billions of people worldwide have been asked to limit their social contacts in an effort to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, little research has been carried out to date on the impact of such social distancing measures on the social isolation levels of the population. In this paper, we study the impact of the pandemic on the social isolation of the Spanish population, by means of 32,359 answers to a citizen survey collected over a period of 7 months. We uncover (1) a significant increase in the prevalence of social isolation in the population, reaching almost 26%; (2) gender and age differences, with the largest prevalence of isolation among middle-aged individuals; (3) a strong relationship between economic impact and social isolation; and (4) differences in social isolation, depending on the number of COVID-19 protection measures and on the perception of coronavirus infection risk by our participants. Our research sheds quantitative light on the sociological impact of the pandemic, and enables us to identify key factors in the interplay between the deployment of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the spread of an infectious disease and a population’s levels of social isolation.
Mitigating risks from hydraulic fracturing-induced seismicity in unconventional reservoirs: case study
Authors: Hui Gang , Chen Zhangxin , Wang Ping , Gu Fei , Kong Xiangwen , Zhang Wenqi
Published: July 2022

The recent remarkable increase in induced seismicity in Western Canada has been largely attributed to hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs. The nucleation of large magnitude events has been demonstrated to be closely linked to site-specific geological and operational factors. A mitigation strategy of fracturing-induced seismicity concerning both factors has not been well investigated. In this paper, a comprehensive investigation of risk mitigations from induced seismicity is conducted based on the formation overpressure, distance to Precambrian basement, proximity to faults, fracturing job size and safe hydraulic fracture-fault distance. It is found that the middle-south region near Crooked Lake is an optimal region for fracturing operations with low formation pressure, a great distance to the basement and relatively fewer pre-existing faults. A field case study suggests that fracturing operations of three new horizontal wells are successful with low magnitude induced events and with high production performance, demonstrating the applicability of a comprehensive approach of seismicity risk mitigations. Such an approach can be applied to other field cases to mitigate the potential fracturing-induced seismicity in unconventional reservoirs.
Modulation of atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations and cyclin-dependent kinases by aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves in Allium cepa
Authors: Rashid Farhana , Singh Davinder , Attri Shivani , Kaur Prabhjot , Kaur Harneetpal , Mohana Pallvi , Quadar Jahangeer , Vig Adarsh Pal , Bhatia Astha , Singh Balbir , Walia Harpreet , Arora Saroj
Published: July 2022

Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon an indigenous medicinal plant of Lamiaceae family used for the treatment of several diseases. In the present study, its aqueous (leaves) extract was tested for genoprotective action against atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells of Allium cepa. Atrazine is a herbicide of triazine class commonly used to inhibit the growth of broad leaf and grassy weeds. In order to find the concentration of atrazine that exhibits maximum toxicity, its different concentrations (1, 5 and 10 µg/mL) were tested. It was observed that 10 µg/mL concentration was more toxic as it reduced the mitotic index and also increased the chromosomal aberrations. Among all the tested concentrations of aqueous (leaves) extracts (0.25. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 µg/mL), the3.0 µg/mL concentration in both modes of experiments i.e. pre and post showed a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations induced by atrazine. To understand the mechanism of protection by plant extract on atrazine-induced chromosomal abnormalities the RT-qPCR studies were conducted to observe the expression of marker genes Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) (CDKA:1, CDKB2:1 and CDKD1:1. For this, the RNA was extracted from root tips treated with extract along with atrazine by TRIzol®. It was observed that aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves upregulated the CDKs gene expression in both the modes i.e. pre and post treatments. A critical analysis of results indicated that aqueous extract ameliorated the chromosomal aberrations caused by atrazine which may be be due to the increased expression level of CDKs genes.
Mechanical properties of friction induced nanocrystalline pearlitic steel
Authors: Medina-Clavijo B. , Rafael-Velayarce J. , Modin E. , Saez-de-Buruaga M. , Soler D. , Motz C. , Arrazola P. J. , Chuvilin A.
Published: July 2022

Nanocrystalline structured variants of commercially available alloys have shown potential for boosting the mechanical properties of these materials, leading to a reduction in waste and thereby retaining feasible supply chains. One approach towards achieving these nanostructures resides in frictional treatments on manufactured parts, leading to differential refinement of the surface structure as compared to the bulk material. In this work the machining method is considered to be a testing platform for the formation and study of frictional nanostructured steel, assembly of which is stabilized by fast cooling of the produced chip. Analysis of the mechanical properties has shown extraordinary results at the surface, over 2000 MPa of strength on AISI1045 steel, more than three times the strength of the base material, demonstrating at the same time a reduction of 15% in the elastic modulus. The microscopic analysis suggests a reassembly of the elements in a new lattice of carbon supersaturated nano-ferrite.
Phycobilisome light-harvesting efficiency in natural populations of the marine cyanobacteria Synechococcus increases with depth
Authors: Kolodny Yuval , Avrahami Yoav , Zer Hagit , Frada Miguel J. , Paltiel Yossi , Keren Nir
Published: July 2022

Cyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus play a key role as primary producers and drivers of the global carbon cycle in temperate and tropical oceans. Synechococcus use phycobilisomes as photosynthetic light-harvesting antennas. These contain phycoerythrin, a pigment-protein complex specialized for absorption of blue light, which penetrates deep into open ocean water. As light declines with depth, Synechococcus photo-acclimate by increasing both the density of photosynthetic membranes and the size of the phycobilisomes. This is achieved with the addition of phycoerythrin units, as demonstrated in laboratory studies. In this study, we probed Synechococcus populations in an oligotrophic water column habitat at increasing depths. We observed morphological changes and indications for an increase in phycobilin content with increasing depth, in summer stratified Synechococcus populations. Such an increase in antenna size is expected to come at the expense of decreased energy transfer efficiency through the antenna, since energy has a longer distance to travel. However, using fluorescence lifetime depth profile measurement approach, which is applied here for the first time, we found that light-harvesting quantum efficiency increased with depth in stratified water column. Calculated phycobilisome fluorescence quantum yields were 3.5% at 70 m and 0.7% at 130 m. Under these conditions, where heat dissipation is expected to be constant, lower fluorescence yields correspond to higher photochemical yields. During winter-mixing conditions, Synechococcus present an intermediate state of light harvesting, suggesting an acclimation of cells to the average light regime through the mixing depth (quantum yield of ~2%). Given this photo-acclimation strategy, the primary productivity attributed to marine Synechococcus should be reconsidered.
Incorporating male sterility increases hybrid maize yield in low input African farming systems
Authors: Collinson Sarah , Hamdziripi Esnath , De Groote Hugo , Ndegwa Michael , Cairns Jill E. , Albertsen Marc , Ligeyo Dickson , Mashingaidze Kingstone , Olsen Michael S.
Published: July 2022

Maize is a staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa, but yields remain sub-optimal. Improved breeding and seed systems are vital to increase productivity. We describe a hybrid seed production technology that will benefit seed companies and farmers. This technology improves efficiency and integrity of seed production by removing the need for detasseling. The resulting hybrids segregate 1:1 for pollen production, conserving resources for grain production and conferring a 200 kg ha−1 benefit across a range of yield levels. This represents a 10% increase for farmers operating at national average yield levels in sub-Saharan Africa. The yield benefit provided by fifty-percent non-pollen producing hybrids is the first example of a single gene technology in maize conferring a yield increase of this magnitude under low-input smallholder farmer conditions and across an array of hybrid backgrounds. Benefits to seed companies will provide incentives to improve smallholder farmer access to higher quality seed. Demonstrated farmer preference for these hybrids will help drive their adoption.
Quantum operations with indefinite time direction
Authors: Chiribella Giulio , Liu Zixuan
Published: July 2022

The fundamental dynamics of quantum particles is neutral with respect to the arrow of time. And yet, our experiments are not: we observe quantum systems evolving from the past to the future, but not the other way round. A fundamental question is whether it is possible, at least in principle, to conceive a broader set of operations that probe quantum processes in the backward direction, from the future to the past, or more generally, in a combination of the forward and backward directions. Here we introduce a mathematical framework for operations that are not constrained to a definite time direction. More generally, we introduce a set of multipartite operations that include indefinite time direction as well as indefinite causal order, providing a framework for potential extensions of quantum theory.
US Gulf Coast tropical cyclone precipitation influenced by volcanism and the North Atlantic subtropical high
Authors: Bregy Joshua C. , Maxwell Justin T. , Robeson Scott M. , Harley Grant L. , Elliott Emily A. , Heeter Karen J.
Published: July 2022

Understanding the response of tropical cyclone precipitation to ongoing climate change is essential to determine associated flood risk. However, instrumental records are short-term and fail to capture the full range of variability in seasonal totals of precipitation from tropical cyclones. Here we present a 473-year-long tree-ring proxy record comprised of longleaf pine from excavated coffins, a historical house, remnant stumps, and living trees in southern Mississippi, USA. We use cross-dating dendrochronological analyses calibrated with instrumental records to reconstruct tropical cyclone precipitation stretching back to 1540 CE. We compare this record to potential climatic controls of interannual and multidecadal tropical cyclone precipitation variability along the Gulf Coast. We find that tropical cyclone precipitation declined significantly in the two years following large Northern Hemisphere volcanic eruptions and is influenced by the behavior of the North Atlantic subtropical high-pressure system. Additionally, we suggest that tropical cyclone precipitation variability is significantly, albeit weakly, related to Atlantic multidecadal variability. Finally, we suggest that we need to establish a network for reconstructing precipitation from tropical cyclones in the Southeast USA if we want to capture regional tropical cyclone behavior and associated flood risks.
An aptamer and flower-shaped AuPtRh nanoenzyme-based colorimetric biosensor for the detection of profenofos
Authors: Tan Xin , Xie Wancui , Jia Qi , Zhao Fangyuan , Wu Wei , Yang Qingli , Hou Xiudan
Published: July 2022

A GO grafted SSM was prepared to load the freely mobile capture probe and novel flower-shaped AuPtRh nanospheres were synthesized to be a signal probe, which were constructed to form a colorimetric biosensor for the detection of profenofos.
Gas-template directed in situ synthesis of highly nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with superior sulfur compatibility and enhanced functionalities
Authors: Kan Xun , Mi Jinxing , Zheng Yong , Xiao Yihong , Liu Fujian , Jiang Lilong
Published: July 2022

Gas-template directed in situ synthesis of highly nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with superior property as cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of epoxides with aryltriflates: rapid and regioselective construction of aryl ketones
Authors: Qu Jinglin , Yan Zijuan , Wang Xuchao , Deng Jun , Liu Feipeng , Rong Zi-Qiang
Published: July 2022

A facile synthetic method for the construction of ketones via Ni-catalyzed cross coupling of epoxides with aryltriflates is reported.
Multi-mass velocity map imaging study of the 805 nm strong field ionization of CF3I
Authors: Crane Stuart W. , Lee Jason W. L. , Ashfold Michael N. R.
Published: July 2022

Multi-mass velocity and covariance map imaging methods afford new insights into the fragmentation dynamics of multiply charged CF3IZ+ cations formed by near infrared strong field ionization.
A global CHIPR potential energy surface of PH2(X2B1) via extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and the dynamics of P(2D) + H2(X1Σ+g) → PH(X3Σ−) + H(2S)
Authors: Chen Guangan , Qin Zhi , Li Jing , Liu Linhua
Published: July 2022

A global PEC of the ground state PH2 was constructed using the CHIPR method based on accurate MRCI(Q)/CBS(T, Q) energy points. The ICS and k(T) of P(2D) + H2(X1Σ+g) → PH(X3Σ−) + H(2S) were calculated based on the QCT method.
Natural flavylium-inspired far-red to NIR-II dyes and their applications as fluorescent probes for biomedical sensing
Authors: Sun Yuanqiang , Sun Pengjuan , Li Zhaohui , Qu Lingbo , Guo Wei
Published: July 2022

This review summarizes the recent progress of natural flavylium-inspired far-red to NIR-II dyes and their applications as fluorescent probes for detecting and visualizing important biomedical species and events.
Ni2P NPs loaded on methylthio-functionalized UiO-66 for boosting visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2production
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Qiulin , Zhang Tiantian , Lou Yongbing , Chen Jinxi
Published: July 2022

Ni2P/UIOS composites had good photocatalytic efficiency and stability. Synergistic effect of UIOS and Ni2P promoted the separation and transport of photogenerated electron-holes, enhancing H2 production activity.
Phytochemical profile, bioactivity and prebiotic potential of bound polyphenols released from Rosa roxburghii fruit pomace dietary fiber during in vitro digestion and fermentation
Authors: Su Juan , Fu Xiong , Huang Qiang , Liu Guang , Li Chao
Published: July 2022

The liberation of bound polyphenols from Rosa roxburghii fruit pomace dietary fiber (RPDF) and their biological activity and prebiotic potential during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation.
Metal/catalyst-free sequential C–N bond forming cascades at room temperature: environment-friendly one-pot synthesis of 5-aminoimidazoles from aryl glyoxals, anilines, and amidines
Authors: Jalani Hitesh B. , Sivaraman Aneesh , Min Kyoung ho , Lee Hwa Young , Oh Na Kyoung , Kang Hyeseul , Keum Gyochang , Choi Yongseok , Lee Kyeong
Published: July 2022

An expeditious one-pot strategy for the greener synthesis of highly substituted 5-aminoimidazoles from glyoxals, anilines, and amidines under metal/catalyst-free conditions operative at room temperature.
Recent advances in the oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to furan-2,5-dimethylcarboxylate
Authors: Zhao Deyang , Su Ting , Len Christophe , Luque Rafael , Yang Zhenglong
Published: July 2022

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as an important versatile compound derived from renewable biomass has gained great significance in both industry and academia.
Intramolecular dehydrogenative amination of alkenes via dual organic photoredox and cobalt catalysis without a hydrogen acceptor
Authors: Yu Wan-Lei , Ren Zi-Gang , Ma Wei , Zheng Haixue , Wu Wangsuo , Xu Peng-Fei
Published: July 2022

A strategy for the dehydrogenative amination of alkenes has been developed without using any oxidants and noble metals and with H2 released as the only by-product.
High-performance supercapacitors based on amorphous carbon derived from natural Ramulus mori
Authors: Xu Yaping , Tan Renfeng , Wu Jinggao , Huang Jing
Published: July 2022

Ramulus mori, a silkworm industry waste, has been used to fabricate superior supercapacitors by low-cost pyrolysis and chemical activation methods, which paves the way for the development of green electrode materials with promising applications.
Synthesis and in vitro anticancer evaluation of novel flavonoid-based amide derivatives as regulators of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway for TNBC treatment
Authors: Zha Dailong , Li Yuanzhi , Luo Yingqi , Liu Yingfan , Lin Zehong , Lin Chujie , Chen Siyue , Wu Jiangping , Yu Lihong , Chen Shaobin , Zhang Peiquan , Wu Wenhao , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2022

Flavonoid-based amide 7t possesses excellent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells and its antitumor activity is achieved by affecting the PI3K/AKT pathway with inducing apoptosis.
Lamination methods for the fabrication of perovskite and organic photovoltaics
Authors: Ghaffari Aliakbar , Saki Zahra , Taghavinia Nima , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Saliba Michael
Published: July 2022

This review discusses the impact of various laminatiion methods on the photovoltaic characteristics and stability of perovskite and organic photovoltaics as well as the future challenges toward roll-to-roll production.
Actual origin and precise control of asymmetrical hysteresis in an individual CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowire for optical memory and logic operation
Authors: Gou Runna , Ouyang Zhiyong , Xu Changsen , He Song , Cheng Shouduan , Shi Cencen , Zhao Jie , Xiao Yanhe , Lei Shuijin , Cheng Baochang
Published: July 2022

The hysteresis of a single CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowire is recognized as a synergistic effect of two asymmetrical electrode interfaces, and the bipolar resistive switching can be effectively controlled by bias and illumination for nonvolatile optical memory and logic OR gate operation.
Benzimidazole-acid hydrazide Schiff–Mannich combo ligands enable the nano-molar detection of Zn2+ in semi-aqueous media, HuH-7 cells, and plants via a fluorescence turn-on mode
Authors: Bag Riya , Sikdar Yeasin , Sahu Sutapa , Islam Md Majharul , Mandal Sukhendu , Goswami Sanchita
Published: July 2022

PET-off- and CHEF-on-based ‘Turn-on’ fluorescent Zn2+ chemosensors, showing keto–enol tautomerism.
Fe3O4@N-doped carbon derived from dye wastewater flocculates as a heterogeneous catalyst for degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Ou Jinhua , Luo Kejun , Tan Hong , Li Ni , Hu Bonian , Yu Gang
Published: July 2022

The study used wastewater to mitigate pollution, wherein the catalyst was derived from MG dye wastewater flocculates produced by electrocoagulation.
Tuning spin wave modes in yttrium iron garnet films with stray fields
Authors: Chaudhuri Ushnish , Singh Navab , Mahendiran R. , Adeyeye Adekunle O.
Published: July 2022

Fabrication of exchange-coupled Py dot arrays onto an underlying YIG film using nanostencil lithography and investigations of resonance modes in the fabricated hybrid structure.
Design of nanoconstructs that exhibit enhanced hemostatic efficiency and bioabsorbability
Authors: Eissa Rana A. , Saafan Hesham A. , Ali Aliaa E. , Ibrahim Kamilia M. , Eissa Noura G. , Hamad Mostafa A. , Pang Ching , Guo Hongming , Gao Hui , Elsabahy Mahmoud , Wooley Karen L.
Published: July 2022

Hemostatic nanocomposites (e.g., nanofibers, nano-sponges, nanoparticles) aggregate and trap red blood cells and platelets in the wound site, thereby, enhancing and accelerating the blood clotting process.
Diametric calix[6]arene gold(i) catalysts for intramolecular cyclopropanations of 1,6-dienynes
Authors: Giovanardi Gabriele , Balestri Davide , Secchi Andrea , Cera Gianpiero
Published: July 2022

Solid-state structural determination of three new species and their general applicability for intramolecular cyclopropanations of 1,6-dienynes.