bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylcholine-conjugated gold-molecular clusters improve signal for Lymph Node NIR-II fluorescence imaging in preclinical cancer models
Authors: Baghdasaryan Ani , Wang Feifei , Ren Fuqiang , Ma Zhuoran , Li Jiachen , Zhou Xueting , Grigoryan Lilit , Xu Chun , Dai Hongjie
Published: September 2022

Sentinel lymph node imaging and biopsy is important to clinical assessment of cancer metastasis, and novel non-radioactive lymphographic tracers have been actively pursued over the years. Here, we develop gold molecular clusters (Au25) functionalized by phosphorylcholine (PC) ligands for NIR-II (1000–3000 nm) fluorescence imaging of draining lymph nodes in 4T1 murine breast cancer and CT26 colon cancer tumor mouse models. The Au-phosphorylcholine (Au-PC) probes exhibit ‘super-stealth’ behavior with little interactions with serum proteins, cells and tissues in vivo, which differs from the indocyanine green (ICG) dye. Subcutaneous injection of Au-PC allows lymph node mapping by NIR-II fluorescence imaging at an optimal time of ~ 0.5 − 1 hour postinjection followed by rapid renal clearance. Preclinical NIR-II fluorescence LN imaging with Au-PC affords high signal to background ratios and high safety and biocompatibility, promising for future clinical translation.
Comprehensive assessment of miniature CRISPR-Cas12f nucleases for gene disruption
Authors: Xin Changchang , Yin Jianhang , Yuan Shaopeng , Ou Liqiong , Liu Mengzhu , Zhang Weiwei , Hu Jiazhi
Published: September 2022

Because of their small size, the recently developed CRISPR-Cas12f nucleases can be effectively packaged into adeno-associated viruses for gene therapy. However, a systematic evaluation of the editing outcomes of CRISPR-Cas12f is lacking. In this study, we apply a high-throughput sequencing method to comprehensively assess the editing efficiency, specificity, and safety of four Cas12f proteins in parallel with that of Cas9 and two Cas12a proteins at multiple genomic sites. Cas12f nucleases achieve robust cleavage at most of the tested sites and mainly produce deletional fragments. In contrast, Cas9 and Cas12a show relatively higher editing efficiency at the vast majority of the tested sites. However, the off-target hotspots identified in the Cas9- and Cas12a-edited cells are negligibly detected in the Cas12f-edited cells. Moreover, compared to Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases, Cas12f nucleases reduce the levels of chromosomal translocations, large deletions, and integrated vectors by 2- to 3-fold. Therefore, our findings confirm the editing capacity of Cas12f and reveal the ability of this nuclease family to preserve genome integrity during genome editing.
Experimental evidence for core-Merge in the vocal communication system of a wild passerine
Authors: Suzuki Toshitaka N. , Matsumoto Yui K.
Published: September 2022

One of the cognitive capacities underlying language is core-Merge, which allows senders to combine two words into a sequence and receivers to recognize it as a single unit. Recent field studies suggest intriguing parallels in non-human animals, e.g., Japanese tits (Parus minor) combine two meaning-bearing calls into a sequence when prompting antipredator displays in other individuals. However, whether such examples represent core-Merge remains unclear; receivers may perceive a two-call sequence as two individual calls that are arbitrarily produced in close time proximity, not as a single unit. If an animal species has evolved core-Merge, its receivers should treat a two-call sequence produced by a single individual differently from the same two calls produced by two individuals with the same timing. Here, we show that Japanese tit receivers exhibit antipredator displays when perceiving two-call sequences broadcast from a single source, but not from two sources, providing evidence for core-Merge in animals.
High-resolution silkworm pan-genome provides genetic insights into artificial selection and ecological adaptation
Authors: Tong Xiaoling , Han Min-Jin , Lu Kunpeng , Tai Shuaishuai , Liang Shubo , Liu Yucheng , Hu Hai , Shen Jianghong , Long Anxing , Zhan Chengyu , Ding Xin , Liu Shuo , Gao Qiang , Zhang Bili , Zhou Linli , Tan Duan , Yuan Yajie , Guo Nangkuo , Li Yan-Hong , Wu Zhangyan , Liu Lulu , Li Chunlin , Lu Yaru , Gai Tingting , Zhang Yahui , Yang Renkui , Qian Heying , Liu Yanqun , Luo Jiangwen , Zheng Lu , Lou Jinghou , Peng Yunwu , Zuo Weidong , Song Jiangbo , He Songzhen , Wu Songyuan , Zou Yunlong , Zhou Lei , Cheng Lan , Tang Yuxia , Cheng Guotao , Yuan Lianwei , He Weiming , Xu Jiabao , Fu Tao , Xiao Yang , Lei Ting , Xu Anying , Yin Ye , Wang Jian , Monteiro Antónia , Westhof Eric , Lu Cheng , Tian Zhixi , Wang Wen , Xiang Zhonghuai , Dai Fangyin
Published: September 2022

The silkwormBombyx moriis an important economic insect for producing silk, the “queen of fabrics”. The currently available genomes limit the understanding of its genetic diversity and the discovery of valuable alleles for breeding. Here, we deeply re-sequence 1,078 silkworms and assemble long-read genomes for 545 representatives. We construct a high-resolution pan-genome dataset representing almost the entire genomic content in the silkworm. We find that the silkworm population harbors a high density of genomic variants and identify 7308 new genes, 4260 (22%) core genes, and 3,432,266 non-redundant structure variations (SVs). We reveal hundreds of genes and SVs that may contribute to the artificial selection (domestication and breeding) of silkworm. Further, we focus on four genes responsible, respectively, for two economic (silk yield and silk fineness) and two ecologically adaptive traits (egg diapause and aposematic coloration). Taken together, our population-scale genomic resources will promote functional genomics studies and breeding improvement for silkworm.
Structure of the malaria vaccine candidate Pfs48/45 and its recognition by transmission blocking antibodies
Authors: Ko Kuang-Ting , Lennartz Frank , Mekhaiel David , Guloglu Bora , Marini Arianna , Deuker Danielle J. , Long Carole A. , Jore Matthijs M. , Miura Kazutoyo , Biswas Sumi , Higgins Matthew K.
Published: September 2022

An effective malaria vaccine remains a global health priority and vaccine immunogens which prevent transmission of the parasite will have important roles in multi-component vaccines. One of the most promising candidates for inclusion in a transmission-blocking malaria vaccine is the gamete surface protein Pfs48/45, which is essential for development of the parasite in the mosquito midgut. Indeed, antibodies which bind Pfs48/45 can prevent transmission if ingested with the parasite as part of the mosquito bloodmeal. Here we present the structure of full-length Pfs48/45, showing its three domains to form a dynamic, planar, triangular arrangement. We reveal where transmission-blocking and non-blocking antibodies bind on Pfs48/45. Finally, we demonstrate that antibodies which bind across this molecule can be transmission-blocking. These studies will guide the development of future Pfs48/45-based vaccine immunogens.
Astrochronology of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on the Atlantic Coastal Plain
Authors: Li Mingsong , Bralower Timothy J. , Kump Lee R. , Self-Trail Jean M. , Zachos James C. , Rush William D. , Robinson Marci M.
Published: September 2022

The chronology of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ~56 Ma) remains disputed, hampering complete understanding of the possible trigger mechanisms of this event. Here we present an astrochronology for the PETM carbon isotope excursion from Howards Tract, Maryland a paleoshelf environment, on the mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. Statistical evaluation of variations in calcium content and magnetic susceptibility indicates astronomical forcing was involved and the PETM onset lasted about 6 kyr. The astrochronology and Earth system modeling suggest that the PETM onset occurred at an extreme in precession during a maximum in eccentricity, thus favoring high temperatures, indicating that astronomical forcing could have played a role in triggering the event. Ca content data on the paleo-shelf, along with other marine records, support the notion that a carbonate saturation overshoot followed global ocean acidification during the PETM.
Flame-made ternary Pd-In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst with enhanced oxygen vacancy generation for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Pinheiro Araújo Thaylan , Mondelli Cecilia , Agrachev Mikhail , Zou Tangsheng , Willi Patrik O. , Engel Konstantin M. , Grass Robert N. , Stark Wendelin J. , Safonova Olga V. , Jeschke Gunnar , Mitchell Sharon , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: September 2022

Palladium promotion and deposition on monoclinic zirconia are effective strategies to boost the performance of bulk In2O3 in CO2-to-methanol and could unlock superior reactivity if well integrated into a single catalytic system. However, harnessing synergic effects of the individual components is crucial and very challenging as it requires precise control over their assembly. Herein, we present ternary Pd-In2O3-ZrO2 catalysts prepared by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) with remarkable methanol productivity and improved metal utilization, surpassing their binary counterparts. Unlike established impregnation and co-precipitation methods, FSP produces materials combining low-nuclearity palladium species associated with In2O3 monolayers highly dispersed on the ZrO2 carrier, whose surface partially transforms from a tetragonal into a monoclinic-like structure upon reaction. A pioneering protocol developed to quantify oxygen vacancies using in situ electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals their enhanced generation because of this unique catalyst architecture, thereby rationalizing its high and sustained methanol productivity.
Two modes of evolution shape bacterial strain diversity in the mammalian gut for thousands of generations
Authors: Frazão N. , Konrad A. , Amicone M. , Seixas E. , Güleresi D. , Lässig M. , Gordo I.
Published: September 2022

How and at what pace bacteria evolve when colonizing healthy hosts remains unclear. Here, by monitoring evolution for more than six thousand generations in the mouse gut, we show that the successful colonization of an invader Escherichia coli depends on the diversity of the existing microbiota and the presence of a closely related strain. Following colonization, two modes of evolution were observed: one in which diversifying selection leads to long-term coexistence of ecotypes and a second in which directional selection propels selective sweeps. These modes can be quantitatively distinguished by the statistics of mutation trajectories. In our experiments, diversifying selection was marked by the emergence of metabolic mutations, and directional selection by acquisition of prophages, which bring their own benefits and costs. In both modes, we observed parallel evolution, with mutation accumulation rates comparable to those typically observed in vitro on similar time scales. Our results show how rapid ecotype formation and phage domestication can be in the mammalian gut.
Human centromere repositioning activates transcription and opens chromatin fibre structure
Authors: Naughton Catherine , Huidobro Covadonga , Catacchio Claudia R. , Buckle Adam , Grimes Graeme R. , Nozawa Ryu-Suke , Purgato Stefania , Rocchi Mariano , Gilbert Nick
Published: September 2022

Human centromeres appear as constrictions on mitotic chromosomes and form a platform for kinetochore assembly in mitosis. Biophysical experiments led to a suggestion that repetitive DNA at centromeric regions form a compact scaffold necessary for function, but this was revised when neocentromeres were discovered on non-repetitive DNA. To test whether centromeres have a special chromatin structure we have analysed the architecture of a neocentromere. Centromere repositioning is accompanied by RNA polymerase II recruitment and active transcription to form a decompacted, negatively supercoiled domain enriched in ‘open’ chromatin fibres. In contrast, centromerisation causes a spreading of repressive epigenetic marks to surrounding regions, delimited by H3K27me3 polycomb boundaries and divergent genes. This flanking domain is transcriptionally silent and partially remodelled to form ‘compact’ chromatin, similar to satellite-containing DNA sequences, and exhibits genomic instability. We suggest transcription disrupts chromatin to provide a foundation for kinetochore formation whilst compact pericentromeric heterochromatin generates mechanical rigidity.
Dithranol as novel co-adjuvant for non-invasive dermal vaccination
Authors: Sohl Julian , Hartmann Ann-Kathrin , Hahlbrock Jennifer , Bartneck Joschka , Stassen Michael , Klein Matthias , Bros Matthias , Grabbe Stephan , Marini Federico , Woods Kevin , Guezguez Borhane , Mack Matthias , Schild Hansjörg , Muth Sabine , Melchior Felix , Probst Hans Christian , Langguth Peter , Radsak Markus P.
Published: September 2022

Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) utilizing the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ-TCI) induces T cell-driven protective immunity upon application onto intact skin. In our present work, we combine the anti-psoriatic agent dithranol with IMQ-TCI to boost vaccination efficacy (Dithranol/IMQ-based transcutaneous vaccination (DIVA)). Using ovalbumin-derived peptides as model antigens in mice, DIVA induced superior cytolytic CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells with a TH1 cytokine profile in the priming as well as in the memory phase. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, dithranol induced an oxidant-dependent, monocyte-attracting inflammatory milieu in the skin boosting TLR7-dependent activation of dendritic cells and macrophages leading to superior T cell priming and protective immunity in vaccinia virus infection. In conclusion, we introduce the non-invasive vaccination method DIVA to induce strong primary and memory T cell responses upon a single local treatment. This work provides relevant insights in cutaneous vaccination approaches, paving the way for clinical development in humans.
A 10 m resolution urban green space map for major Latin American cities from Sentinel-2 remote sensing images and OpenStreetMap
Authors: Ju Yang , Dronova Iryna , Delclòs-Alió Xavier
Published: September 2022

Mapping is fundamental to studies on urban green space (UGS). Despite a growing archive of land cover maps (where UGS is included) at global and regional scales, mapping efforts dedicated to UGS are still limited. As UGS is often a part of the heterogenous urban landscape, low-resolution land cover maps from remote sensing images tend to confuse UGS with other land covers. Here we produced the first 10 m resolution UGS map for the main urban clusters across 371 major Latin American cities as of 2017. Our approach applied a supervised classification of Sentinel-2 satellite images and UGS samples derived from OpenStreetMap (OSM). The overall accuracy of this UGS map in 11 randomly selected cities was 0.87. We further improved mapping quality through a visual inspection and additional quality control of the samples. The resulting UGS map enables studies to measure area, spatial configuration, and human exposures to UGS, facilitating studies on the relationship between UGS and human exposures to environmental hazards, public health outcomes, urban ecology, and urban planning.
A chromosome-scale reference genome for Spironucleus salmonicida
Authors: Xu Feifei , Jiménez-González Alejandro , Kurt Zeynep , Ástvaldsson Ásgeir , Andersson Jan O. , Svärd Staffan G.
Published: September 2022

Spironucleus salmonicida is a diplomonad causing systemic infection in salmon. The first S. salmonicida genome assembly was published 2014 and has been a valuable reference genome in protist research. However, the genome assembly is fragmented without assignment of the sequences to chromosomes. In our previous Giardia genome study, we have shown how a fragmented genome assembly can be improved with long-read sequencing technology complemented with optical maps. Combining Pacbio long-read sequencing technology and optical maps, we are presenting here this new S. salmonicida genome assembly in nine near-complete chromosomes with only three internal gaps at long repeats. This new genome assembly is not only more complete sequence-wise but also more complete at annotation level, providing more details into gene families, gene organizations and chromosomal structure. This near-complete reference genome will aid comparative genomics at chromosomal level, and serve as a valuable resource for the diplomonad community and protist research.
State space methods for phase amplitude coupling analysis
Authors: Soulat Hugo , Stephen Emily P. , Beck Amanda M. , Purdon Patrick L.
Published: September 2022

Phase amplitude coupling (PAC) is thought to play a fundamental role in the dynamic coordination of brain circuits and systems. There are however growing concerns that existing methods for PAC analysis are prone to error and misinterpretation. Improper frequency band selection can render true PAC undetectable, while non-linearities or abrupt changes in the signal can produce spurious PAC. Current methods require large amounts of data and lack formal statistical inference tools. We describe here a novel approach for PAC analysis that substantially addresses these problems. We use a state space model to estimate the component oscillations, avoiding problems with frequency band selection, nonlinearities, and sharp signal transitions. We represent cross-frequency coupling in parametric and time-varying forms to further improve statistical efficiency and estimate the posterior distribution of the coupling parameters to derive their credible intervals. We demonstrate the method using simulated data, rat local field potentials (LFP) data, and human EEG data.
Nanoscale inhomogeneity of charge density waves dynamics in La2−xSrxNiO4
Authors: Campi Gaetano , Bianconi Antonio , Joseph Boby , Mishra Shrawan Kr , Müller Leonard , Zozulya Alexey , Nugroho Agustinus Agung , Roy Sujoy , Sprung Michael , Ricci Alessandro
Published: September 2022

While stripe phases with broken rotational symmetry of charge density are known to emerge in doped strongly correlated perovskites, the dynamics and heterogeneity of spatial ordering remain elusive. Here we shed light on the temperature dependent lattice motion and the spatial nanoscale phase separation of charge density wave order in the archetypal striped phase in La2−xSrxNiO4+y (LSNO) perovskite using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) joint with scanning micro X-ray diffraction (SµXRD). While it is known that the CDW in 1/8 doped cuprates shows a remarkable stability we report the CDW motion dynamics by XPCS in nickelates with an anomalous quantum glass regime at low temperature, T < 65 K, and the expected thermal melting at higher temperature 65 < T < 120 K. The nanoscale CDW puddles with a shorter correlation length are more mobile than CDW puddles with a longer correlation length. The direct imaging of nanoscale spatial inhomogeneity of CDW by scanning micro X-ray diffraction (SµXRD) shows a nanoscale landscape of percolating short range dynamic CDW puddles competing with large quasi-static CDW puddles giving rise to a novel form of nanoscale phase separation of the incommensurate stripes order landscape.
Semiclassical relativistic stars
Authors: Arrechea Julio , Barceló Carlos , Carballo-Rubio Raúl , Garay Luis J.
Published: September 2022

We present strong evidence that semiclassical gravity can give place to self-consistent ultracompact stars beyond the Buchdahl limit. We integrate the semiclassical equations of (spherically symmetric) stellar equilibrium for a constant-density classical fluid. The semiclassical contribution is modelled by a quantum massless scalar field in the only static vacuum state compatible with asymptotic flatness (Boulware vacuum). The Renormalized Stress-Energy Tensor (RSET) is firstly approximated by the analytic Polyakov approximation. This already reveals a crucial difference with respect to purely classical solutions: stars with compactness close to that of a black hole exhibit bounded pressures and curvatures up to a very small central core compared with the star radius. This suggests that a more refined approximation to the RSET at the core may give rise to strictly regular configurations. Following this suggestion, we prove that a minimal deformation of the Polyakov approximation inside the central core is sufficient to produce regular ultracompact stellar configurations.
Integrated graph measures reveal survival likelihood for buildings in wildfire events
Authors: Chulahwat Akshat , Mahmoud Hussam , Monedero Santiago , Diez Vizcaíno Francisco Jośe , Ramirez Joaquin , Buckley David , Forradellas Adrián Cardil
Published: September 2022

Wildfire events have resulted in unprecedented social and economic losses worldwide in the last few years. Most studies on reducing wildfire risk to communities focused on modeling wildfire behavior in the wildland to aid in developing fuel reduction and fire suppression strategies. However, minimizing losses in communities and managing risk requires a holistic approach to understanding wildfire behavior that fully integrates the wildland’s characteristics and the built environment’s features. This complete integration is particularly critical for intermixed communities where the wildland and the built environment coalesce. Community-level wildfire behavior that captures the interaction between the wildland and the built environment, which is necessary for predicting structural damage, has not received sufficient attention. Predicting damage to the built environment is essential in understanding and developing fire mitigation strategies to make communities more resilient to wildfire events. In this study, we use integrated concepts from graph theory to establish a relative vulnerability metric capable of quantifying the survival likelihood of individual buildings within a wildfire-affected region. We test the framework by emulating the damage observed in the historic 2018 Camp Fire and the 2020 Glass Fire. We propose two formulations based on graph centralities to evaluate the vulnerability of buildings relative to each other. We then utilize the relative vulnerability values to determine the damage state of individual buildings. Based on a one-to-one comparison of the calculated and observed damages, the maximum predicted building survival accuracy for the two formulations ranged from$$58 - 64 \%$$58-64%for the historical wildfires tested. From the results, we observe that the modified random walk formulation can better identify nodes that lie at the extremes on the vulnerability scale. In contrast, the modified degree formulation provides better predictions for nodes with mid-range vulnerability values.
Antifouling coatings can reduce algal growth while preserving coral settlement
Authors: Roepke Lisa K. , Brefeld David , Soltmann Ulrich , Randall Carly J. , Negri Andrew P. , Kunzmann Andreas
Published: September 2022

In the early stages after larval settlement, coral spat can be rapidly overgrown and outcompeted by algae, reducing overall survival for coral reef replenishment and supply for restoration programs. Here we investigated three antifouling (AF) coatings for their ability to inhibit algal fouling on coral settlement plugs, a commonly-used restoration substrate. Plugs were either fully or partially coated with the AF coatings and incubated in mesocosm systems with partial recirculation for 37 days to track fouling succession. In addition, settlement of Acropora tenuis larvae was measured to determine whether AF coatings were a settlement deterrent. Uncoated control plugs became heavily fouled, yielding only 4–8% bare substrate on upper surfaces after 37 days. During this period, an encapsulated dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT)-coating was most effective in reducing fouling, yielding 61–63% bare substrate. Antiadhesive and cerium dioxide (CeO2−x) nanoparticle (NP) coatings were less effective, yielding 11–17% and 2% bare substrate, respectively. Average settlement of A. tenuis larvae on the three types of AF-coated plugs did not statistically differ from settlement on uncoated controls. However, settlement on the NP-coating was generally the highest and was significantly higher than settlement found on the antiadhesive- and DCOIT-coating. Furthermore, on plugs only partially-covered with AF coatings, larval settlement on coated NP- areas was significantly higher than settlement on coated antiadhesive- and DCOIT-areas. These results demonstrate that AF coatings can reduce fouling intensity on biologically-relevant timescales while preserving robust levels of coral settlement. This represents an important step towards reducing fine-scale competition with benthic fouling organisms in coral breeding and propagation.
Fracture toughness of schist, amphibolite, and rhyolite from the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), Lead, South Dakota
Authors: Jahnke Ben , Ruplinger Casey , Bate Charlotte E. , Trzeciak Maciej , Sone Hiroki , Wang Herbert F.
Published: September 2022

The Cracked Chevron Notched Brazilian Disc (CCNBD) method was selected for Mode I fracture toughness tests on Poorman schist, Yates amphibolite, and rhyolite dikes from the EGS Collab site at the SURF in Lead, South Dakota. The effects of lithology, anisotropy, and loading rate were investigated. Fracture toughness was greatest in amphibolite, with schist and rhyolite having similar toughness values ($${K}_{amphibolite}$$

K

amphibolite

> $${K}_{rhyolite}$$

K

rhyolite

≈ $${K}_{schist}$$

K

schist

). The effects of anisotropy on fracture toughness were investigated in the foliated schist samples. Schist samples were prepared in three geometries (divider, arrester, and short transverse) which controlled how the fracture would propagate relative to foliations. The divider geometry was strongest and short transverse geometry was the weakest ($${K}_{divider}$$

K

divider

> $${K}_{arrester}$$

K

arrester

> $${K}_{short transverse}$$

K

shorttransverse

). Fracture toughness was observed to decrease with decreasing loading rate. Optical and SEM microscopy revealed that for the short transverse geometry, fractures tended to propagate along grain boundaries, whereas in arrester and divider geometries fractures tended to propagate through grains. In foliated samples, the tortuosity of the fracture observed in thin section was greater in arrester and divider geometries than in short transverse geometries.
Origin of metamagnetism in skyrmion host Cu$$_2$$OSeO$$_3$$
Authors: Chauhan Harish Chandr , Kumar Birendra , Ghosh Subhasis
Published: September 2022

Skyrmion host chiral Cu$$_2$$

2

OSeO$$_3$$

3

has attracted researchers due to several intriguing properties. Observation of metamagnetism in low-temperature and low-field makes the magnetic properties of Cu$$_2$$

2

OSeO$$_3$$

3

more complex. Here, we present an investigation on metamagnetism in Cu$$_2$$

2

OSeO$$_3$$

3

by analyzing its structural and magnetic properties. Study of magnetic properties reveal spin-flip of one of the Cu$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ions, embedded in square pyramidal CuO$$_5$$

5

polyhedra, due to the development of strain in low-temperature and low-field regime. The spin-flip is found to be the main reason for field-induced first-order metamagnetic transition. Magnetic phase diagram of Cu$$_2$$

2

OSeO$$_3$$

3

has been constructed with the help of magnetization analyses. It is argued that the metamagnetic hysteretic field region may be low-temperature skyrmion phase with additional spiral and tilted-conical phases. A tricritical point has been observed in the phase diagram at which first-order metamagnetic hysteretic field range ceases to exist.
The advantage of self-protecting interventions in mitigating epidemic circulation at the community level
Authors: Pastor-Satorras Romualdo , Castellano Claudio
Published: September 2022

Protecting interventions of many types (both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical) can be deployed against the spreading of a communicable disease, as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shown. Here we investigate in detail the effects at the population level of interventions that provide an asymmetric protection between the people involved in a single interaction. Masks of different filtration types, either protecting mainly the wearer or the contacts of the wearer, are a prominent example of these interventions. By means of analytical calculations and extensive simulations of simple epidemic models on networks, we show that interventions protecting more efficiently the adopter (e.g the mask wearer) are more effective than interventions protecting primarily the contacts of the adopter in reducing the prevalence of the disease and the number of concurrently infected individuals (“flattening the curve”). This observation is backed up by the study of a more realistic epidemic model on an empirical network representing the patterns of contacts in the city of Portland. Our results point out that promoting wearer-protecting face masks and other self-protecting interventions, though deemed selfish and inefficient, can actually be a better strategy to efficiently curtail pandemic spreading.
Melatonin ameliorates disease severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis by modulating the kynurenine pathway
Authors: Jand Yahya , Ghahremani Mohammad Hossein , Ghanbari Amir , Ejtemaei-Mehr Shahram , Guillemin Gilles J. , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

Melatonin (MT), a neurohormone with immunomodulatory properties, is one of the metabolites produced in the brain from tryptophan (TRP) that has already strong links with the neuropathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the exact molecular mechanisms behind that are not fully understood. There is some evidence showing that MS and MT are interconnected via different pathways: Relapses of MS has a direct correlation with a low level of MT secretion and a growing body of evidence suggest that MT be therapeutic in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE, a recognise animal model of MS) severity. Previous studies have demonstrated that the kynurenine pathway (KP), the main pathway of TRP catabolism, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of MS in humans and in EAE. The present study aimed to investigate whether MT can improve clinical signs in the EAE model by modulating the KP. C57BL/6 mice were induced with EAE and received different doses of MT. Then the onset and severity of EAE clinical symptoms were recorded. Two biological factors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NAD+ which closely interact in the KP were also assessed. The results indicated that MT treatment at all tested doses significantly decrease the EAE clinical scores and the number of demyelinating plaques. Furthermore, MT treatment reduced the mRNA expression of the KP regulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1(IDO-1) and other KP enzymes. We also found that MT treatment reduces the mRNA expression of the AhR and inhibits the enzyme Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (Nnmt) overexpression leading to an increase in NAD+ levels. Collectively, this study suggests that MT treatment may significantly attenuates the severity of EAE by altering the KP, AhR and NAD+ metabolism.
Complete chloroplast genome structure of four Ulmus species and Hemiptelea davidii and comparative analysis within Ulmaceae species
Authors: Liu Yichao , Li Yongtan , Feng Shuxiang , Yan Shufang , Wang Jinmao , Huang Yinran , Yang Minsheng
Published: September 2022

In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genomes ofHemiptelea davidii,Ulmus parvifolia,Ulmus lamellosa,Ulmus castaneifolia, andUlmus pumila‘zhonghuajinye’ were spliced, assembled and annotated using the Illumina HiSeq PE150 sequencing platform, and then compared to the cp genomes of otherUlmusand Ulmaceae species. The results indicated that the cp genomes of the five sequenced species showed a typical tetrad structure with full lengths ranging from 159,113 to 160,388 bp. The large single copy (LSC), inverted repeat (IR), and small single copy (SSC) lengths were in the range of 87,736–88,466 bp, 26,317–26,622 bp and 18,485–19,024 bp, respectively. A total of 130–131 genes were annotated, including 85–86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. The GC contents of the five species were similar, ranging from 35.30 to 35.62%. Besides, the GC content was different in different region and the GC content in IR region was the highest. A total of 64-133 single sequence repeat (SSR) loci were identified among all 21 Ulmaceae species. The (A)nand (T)ntypes of mononucleotide were highest in number, and the lengths were primarily distributed in 10–12 bp, with a clear AT preference. A branch-site model and a Bayes Empirical Bayes analysis indicated that therps15andrbcLhad the positive selection sites. Besides, the analysis of mVISTA and sliding windows got a lot of hotspots such astrnH/psbA,rps16/trnQ,trnS/trnG,trnG/trnRandrpl32/trnL, which could be utilized as potential markers for the species identification and phylogeny reconstruction withinUlmusin the further studies. Moreover, the evolutionary tree of Ulmaceae species based on common protein genes, whole cp genome sequences and common genes in IR region of the 23 Ulmaceae species were constructed using the ML method. The results showed that these Ulmaceae species were divided into two branches, one that includedUlmus,ZelkovaandHemiptelea, among whichHemipteleawas the first to differentiate and one that includedCeltis,Trema,Pteroceltis,GironnieraandAphananthe. Besides, these variations found in this study could be used for the classification, identification and phylogenetic study ofUlmusspecies. Our study provided important genetic information to support further investigations into the phylogenetic development and adaptive evolution ofUlmusand Ulmaceae species.
Identification of potential modulators of IFITM3 by in-silico modeling and virtual screening
Authors: Tiwari Vikas , Viswanath Shruthi
Published: September 2022

IFITM3 is a transmembrane protein that confers innate immunity. It has been established to restrict entry of multiple viruses. Overexpression of IFITM3 has been shown to be associated with multiple cancers, implying IFITM3 to be good therapeutic target. The regulation of IFITM3 activity is mediated by multiple post-translational modifications (PTM). In this study, we have modelled the structure of IFITM3, consistent with experimental predictions on its membrane topology. MD simulation in membrane-aqueous environment revealed the stability of the model. Ligand binding sites on the IFITM3 surface were predicted and it was observed that the best site includes important residues involved in PTM and has good druggable score. Molecular docking was performed using FDA approved ligands and natural ligands from Super Natural II database. The ligands were re-ranked by calculating binding free energy. Select docking complexes were simulated again to substantiate the binding between ligand and IFITM3. We observed that known drugs like Eluxadoline and natural products like SN00224572 and Parishin A have good binding affinity against IFITM3. These ligands form persistent interactions with key lysine residues (Lys83, Lys104) and hence can potentially alter the activity of IFITM3. The results of this computational study can provide a starting point for experimental investigations on IFITM3 modulators.
Microfluidic microwave biosensor based on biomimetic materials for the quantitative detection of glucose
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Yang Xiaojun , Ren Mengna , Mao Sui , Dhakal Rajendra , Kim Nam-Young , Li Yuanyue , Yao Zhao
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a microwave microfluidic biosensor for monitoring blood glucose levels. The glucose sensor is a triple ring microstrip patch antenna integrated with a biomimetic microfluidic device capable of measuring a fixed volume of glucose solution. The sensor was utilized to detect 50–500 mg/dL glucose solutions. The interaction of the glucose solution with the electromagnetic field on the patch's surface influences both the resonance frequency and the magnitude of reflection coefficient. The results indicate that the microfluidic device can reduce experimental error and enhance the correlation between glucose concentration, resonant frequency, and reflection coefficient. Finally, the microfluidic sensor had a sensitivity of 0.25 MHz/(mg/dL), a detection limit as low as 7.7 mg/dL, and correlation coefficients of resonance frequency and reflection coefficient with a glucose concentration of 0.996 and 0.984, respectively. The experiment on the sensor's stability verifies the sensor's excellent stability and rapid response (~ 150 ms). Consequently, the device can be used to differentiate the concentration of glucose solutions, as well as to detect blood glucose levels at an early stage.
Estimating leaf area index of maize using UAV-based digital imagery and machine learning methods
Authors: Du Liping , Yang Huan , Song Xuan , Wei Ning , Yu Caixia , Wang Weitong , Zhao Yun
Published: September 2022

Leaf area index (LAI) is a fundamental indicator of crop growth status, timely and non-destructive estimation of LAI is of significant importance for precision agriculture. In this study, a multi-rotor UAV platform equipped with CMOS image sensors was used to capture maize canopy information, simultaneously, a total of 264 ground‐measured LAI data were collected during a 2-year field experiment. Linear regression (LR), backpropagation neural network (BPNN), and random forest (RF) algorithms were used to establish LAI estimation models, and their performances were evaluated through 500 repetitions of random sub-sampling, training, and testing. The results showed that RGB-based VIs derived from UAV digital images were strongly related to LAI, and the grain-filling stage (GS) of maize was identified as the optimal period for LAI estimation. The RF model performed best at both whole period and individual growth stages, with the highest R2(0.71–0.88) and the lowest RMSE (0.12–0.25) on test datasets, followed by the BPNN model and LR models. In addition, a smaller 5–95% interval range of R2and RMSE was observed in the RF model, which indicated that the RF model has good generalization ability and is able to produce reliable estimation results.
Pbx(OH)y cluster formation and anomalous thermal behaviour in STI framework-type zeolites
Authors: Cametti Georgia , Roos Diana P. , Prieur Damien , Scheinost Andreas C. , Churakov Sergey V.
Published: September 2022

For the first time, the structural investigation of a Pb-exchanged zeolite (Pb13.4(OH)10Al17.4Si54.6O144 ∙38H2O) with STI framework type, revealed a highly unusual and intriguing sudden volume increase under continuous heating. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms leading to such an unusual behaviour is essential for technological applications and interpretation of chemical bonding in zeolites. The dehydration was tracked in situ from 25 to 450 °C by single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Further interpretation of the experimental observations was supported by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Initially, Pb-STI unit-cell volume contracts (ΔV = − 3.5%) from 25 to 100 °C. This agrees with the trend observed in STI zeolites. Surprisingly, at 125 °C, the framework expanded (ΔV =  + 2%), adopting a configuration, which resembles that of the room temperature structure. Upon heating, the structure loses H2O but no de-hydroxylation occurred. The key mechanism leading to the sudden volume increase was found to be the formation of Pbx(OH)y clusters, which prevent the shrinking of the channels, rupture of the tetrahedral bonds and occlusion of the pores. This zeolite has therefore an increased thermal stability with respect to other STI metal-exchanged zeolites, with important consequences on its applications.
A nationwide cohort study of the association of benzodiazepines with SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes
Authors: Park Hye Yoon , Kwon Junhyun , An Suk Kyoon , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: September 2022

The evidence for the impact of benzodiazepine (BZD) use on infection or clinical outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is limited. We evaluated the association of BZD use with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using a nationwide COVID-19 database from South Korea. This nationwide cohort study was performed using the COVID-19 database from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea, and SARS-CoV-2 positivity was investigated according to BZD use. SARS-CoV-2-positive adult patients were assessed in three groups, those who needed hospitalization, those with severe symptoms requiring intensive care, and those who died. A multivariate logistic regression model was used for all the analyses. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, there was no association between BZD use and SARS-CoV-2 positivity. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with BZD use showed an increased risk of need for hospitalization from COVID-19 compared to those without BZD use (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.65). In addition, there was a higher risk for long-term users (OR: 2.64, 95% CI 1.08–6.47). Chronic BZD use contributed to a higher risk of the need for hospitalization among COVID-19 patients, whereas BZD use did not increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 test positivity, severe outcomes, or mortality.
Trajectories of adolescent perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: van Loon Amanda W. G. , Creemers Hanneke E. , Vogelaar Simone , Saab Nadira , Miers Anne C. , Westenberg P. Michiel , Asscher Jessica J.
Published: September 2022

Adolescents might be particularly affected by the drastic social changes as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, given the increased stress-sensitivity and importance of the social environment in this developmental phase. In order to examine heterogeneity during the pandemic, the current study aimed to identify whether subgroups of adolescents could be distinguished based on their levels of perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, we examined which prepandemic factors predicted these trajectories. Adolescents were assessed before the pandemic (N = 188, Mage = 13.49, SD = 0.81) and at three timepoints during the pandemic (i.e., eight, ten, and 15 months after the start of the pandemic in the Netherlands). Results showed no support for distinct trajectories of perceived stress, adolescents experienced stable moderate levels during the pandemic. In contrast, results showed three trajectories for depression and anxiety. The majority of adolescents reported stable low or moderate levels and one small subgroup reported high levels of depression and anxiety that decreased during the pandemic. Certain prepandemic factors predicted higher initial levels of stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic. To support adolescents with prepandemic vulnerabilities, strategies could be developed, for instance enhancing adolescents’ social support.
Comparison of two injectable anaesthetic protocols in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) undergoing gonadectomy
Authors: Amari Martina , Brioschi Federica Alessandra , Rabbogliatti Vanessa , Di Cesare Federica , Pecile Alessandro , Giordano Alessia , Moretti Pierangelo , Magnone William , Bonato Francesco , Ravasio Giuliano
Published: September 2022

Egyptian fruit bats have gained increasing interest being a natural reservoir for emerging zoonotic viruses. Anaesthesia is often required to allow safe handling of bats. We aimed to compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of two balanced anaesthetic protocols in bats undergoing gonadectomy. Group DK (n = 10) received intramuscular dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg) and ketamine (7 mg/kg), whereas group DBM (n = 10) received intramuscular dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.3 mg/kg). Induction time and cardiopulmonary parameters were recorded. If anaesthetic plan was inadequate, isoflurane was titrated-to-effect. At the end of surgery venous blood gas analysis was performed and atipamezole or atipamezole-flumazenil was administered for timed and scored recovery. In DBM group heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were significantly higher (p = 0.001;p = 0.003 respectively), while respiratory rate was significantly lower (p = 0.001). All bats required isoflurane supplementation with no significant differences between groups. Induction and recovery times showed no significant differences. In group DK a better recovery was scored (p = 0.034). Sodium and chloride were significantly higher in DBM group (p = 0.001;p = 0.002 respectively). Both anaesthetic protocols were comparable and can be recommended for minor procedures in bats.
Detecting thin adhesive coatings in wood fiber materials with laboratory-based dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)
Authors: Kibleur Pierre , Blykers Benjamin , Boone Matthieu N. , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Van Acker Joris , Van den Bulcke Jan
Published: September 2022

The distribution and good spreading of adhesive resins is critical for the wood-based panels industry. Full 3D non-destructive characterization is necessary, but methods are limited due to the chemical similarities between the resins and the wood fibers. For X-ray microtomography ($$\mu $$
μ
CT), the doping of the resin with a highly attenuating contrast agent is necessary to visualize the resin distribution. However, the attenuation signal remains hard to segment clearly due to partial volume effects in the image, and phase mixing in the material. To help in the identification of the doped resin, dual-energy X-ray CT (DECT) is used to exploit the contrast agent’s K-edge, based on simulations which take into account the polychromatic properties of the X-ray tube and detector response. The contrast agent’s identification with DECT is validated with elemental mapping using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) on the surface of a wood-based panel sample, using data fusion between DECT and SEM-EDX. Overall, DECT results here in the first 3D identification of doped resin inside wood fiberboards, guiding the industry’s efforts in further improving the durability of wood-based panels.
Role of oceanic abiotic carbonate precipitation in future atmospheric CO2 regulation
Authors: Bialik Or M. , Sisma-Ventura Guy , Vogt-Vincent Noam , Silverman Jacob , Katz Timor
Published: September 2022

The oceans play a major role in the earth’s climate by regulating atmospheric CO2. While oceanic primary productivity and organic carbon burial sequesters CO2 from the atmosphere, precipitation of CaCO3 in the sea returns CO2 to the atmosphere. Abiotic CaCO3 precipitation in the form of aragonite is potentially an important feedback mechanism for the global carbon cycle, but this process has not been fully quantified. In a sediment-trap study conducted in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea, one of the fastest warming and most oligotrophic regions in the ocean, we quantify for the first time the flux of inorganic aragonite in the water column. We show that this process is kinetically induced by the warming of surface water and prolonged stratification resulting in a high aragonite saturation state (ΩAr ≥ 4). Based on these relations, we estimate that abiotic aragonite calcification may account for 15 ± 3% of the previously reported CO2 efflux from the sea surface to the atmosphere in the southeastern Mediterranean. Modelled predictions of sea surface temperature and ΩAr suggest that this process may weaken in the future ocean, resulting in increased alkalinity and buffering capacity of atmospheric CO2.