bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENTICE Satellite Orbital Simulator to Study Ice Clouds
Authors: Johnson Kyle , Jiang Jonathan H. , Yue Qing , Fahy Kristen A. , Palo Scott
Published: April 2022

Clouds play a significant role in the Earth's energy balance and hydrologic cycle through their effects on radiation and precipitation, and therefore are crucial for life on Earth. Earth's NexT‐generation ICE mission (ENTICE) is proposed to measure diurnally resolved global vertical profiles of cloud ice particle size, ice water content, and in‐cloud humidity and temperature combining a 94 GHz cloud radar and multi‐frequency sub‐millimeter (sub‐mm) microwave radiometers from space. The scientific objective of ENTICE is to identify the important processes by which anvil clouds evolve and interact with ambient thermodynamic conditions to advance our fundamental understanding of clouds and reduce uncertainties in cloud climate feedback. Whether such a science objective could be achieved depends on the orbital sampling characteristics of the mission. In this study, ENTICE sampling statistics are simulated with more than 1 billion (109) profiles and using five different scanning methods in a 400 km altitude precession orbit with an inclination of 65°: nadir, forward pointing, side scanning, and conical scanning for the radiometers, and nadir pointing for the radar. These statistics can then be used to help with future mission planning efforts. Using the GEOS‐5 model atmosphere (produced by nature‐run at 7‐km and 30‐min resolution), the simulator calculates sampling statistics related to cloud types and overpass times with enhancement from radar. The wide swath of ENTICE radiometers by conical and side scanning methods ensures ample high cloud samples (1.3 × 109 samples) gathered by ENTICE over its 2‐year mission for different types of clouds with sufficient sampling over the diurnal cycles. Sampling differences between radar and radiometers at nadir shows the combination of radar and radiometers will allow for measurements of cloud vertical profiles. Therefore, our results show that the designed orbit sampling of ENTICE is sufficient to fulfill the mission science goals.
Dynamics of Mixed Clathrate‐Ice Shells on Ocean Worlds
Authors: Carnahan Evan , Vance Steven D. , Hesse Marc A. , Journaux Baptiste , Sotin Christophe
Published: April 2022

The habitability of oceans within icy worlds depends on material and heat transport through their outer ice shells. Previous work shows a methane clathrate layer at the upper surface of the ice shell of Titan thickens the convecting region, while on Pluto a clathrate layer at the base of the ice shell hinders convection. In this way, the dynamics of clathrate‐ice shells may be essential to the thermal evolution and habitability of ocean worlds. However, studies to date have not addressed the dynamics that determine the location of clathrates within the ice shell. Here, we show that, in contrast to previous studies, clathrates accumulating at the base of the ice shell are entrained throughout the shell. Clathrates are stiffer than ice. As a result, entrainment slows convection and thickens the conductive lid across a range of ocean worlds, potentially preserving sub‐ice oceans but limiting avenues for material transport into them.
Alternating Emission Features in Io's Footprint Tail: Magnetohydrodynamical Simulations of Possible Causes
Authors: Schlegel Stephan , Saur Joachim
Published: April 2022

Io's movement relative to the plasma in Jupiter's magnetosphere creates Alfvén waves propagating along the magnetic field lines which are partially reflected along their path. These waves are the root cause for auroral emission, which is subdivided into the Io Footprint (IFP), its tail and leading spot. New observations of the Juno spacecraft by Mura et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat1450) have shown puzzling substructure of the footprint and its tail. In these observations, the symmetry between the poleward and equatorward part of the footprint tail is broken and the tail spots are alternatingly displaced. We show that the location of these bright spots in the tail are consistent with Alfvén waves reflected at the boundary of the Io torus and Jupiter's ionosphere. Then, we investigate three different mechanisms to explain this phenomenon: (a) The Hall effect in Io's ionosphere, (b) travel time differences of Alfvén waves between Io's Jupiter facing and its opposing side and (c) asymmetries in Io's atmosphere. For that, we use magnetohydrodynamic simulations within an idealized geometry of the system. We use the Poynting flux near the Jovian ionosphere as a proxy for the morphology of the generated footprint and its tail. We find that the Hall effect is the most important mechanism under consideration to break the symmetry causing the “Alternating Alfvén spot street.” The travel time differences contributes to enhance this effect. We find no evidence that the inhomogeneities in Io's atmosphere contribute significantly to the location or shape of the tail spots.
Effects of Temperature and Salinity on Surface Currents in the Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhang Rong‐Hua , Gao Chuan
Published: April 2022

Surface currents in the equatorial Pacific play a key role in determining thermohaline structures in the upper ocean, thus acting to modulate the tropical Pacific mean state and interannual variability. In turn, the thermohaline structure and its variability can also affect surface currents by changing ocean density and pressure gradients. Currently, the thermohaline effects on the surface currents have not been well understood, especially for the salinity role. In this study, the thermohaline effects on surface currents in the equatorial Pacific are systematically evaluated based on an analytical scheme, which is used to calculate surface currents in producing the Ocean Surface Current Analysis Real‐time (OSCAR) product. Several calculations are performed with the original OSCAR‐based scheme and an improved scheme including the salinity effect. It is demonstrated that the thermohaline effects are generally dominated by the temperature role, but the salinity effect plays a non‐negligible role near the dateline and in the far eastern Pacific. The thermohaline effects are quantified and highlighted on seasonal and interannual time scales. For annual mean surface currents, temperature and salinity effects work together to weaken zonal currents north of the equator, with their reduced amplitude by about half. Seasonally, the thermohaline effects are dominant in spring due to the weakened wind effect. Interannually, the salinity effect explains up to 25% of the total variance in the far eastern equatorial Pacific. This study highlights the substantial contributions of thermohaline anomalies to surface current variabilities, in which salinity can play an important contributing role.
Fire and Ice: The Impact of Wildfire‐Affected Albedo and Irradiance on Glacier Melt
Authors: Aubry‐Wake Caroline , Bertoncini André , Pomeroy John W.
Published: April 2022

Wildfire occurrence and severity is predicted to increase in the upcoming decades with severe negative impacts on human societies. The impacts of upwind wildfire activity on glacier melt, a critical source of freshwater for downstream environments, were investigated through analysis of field and remote sensing observations and modeling experiments for the 2015–2020 melt seasons at the well‐instrumented Athabasca Glacier in the Canadian Rockies. Upwind wildfire activity influenced surface glacier melt through both a decrease in the surface albedo from deposition of soot on the glacier and through the impact of smoke on atmospheric conditions above the glacier. Athabasca Glacier on‐ice weather station observations show days with dense smoke were warmer than clear, non‐smoky days, and sustained a reduction in surface shortwave irradiance of 103 W m−2 during peak shortwave irradiance and an increase in longwave irradiance of 10 W m−2, producing an average 15 W m−2 decrease in net radiation. Albedo observed on‐ice gradually decreased after the wildfires started, from a summer average of 0.29 in 2015 before the wildfires to as low as 0.16 in 2018 after extensive wildfires and remained low for two more melt seasons without substantial upwind wildfires. Reduced all‐wave irradiance partly compensated for the increase in melt due to lowered albedo in those seasons when smoke was detected above Athabasca Glacier. In melt seasons without smoke, the suppressed albedo increased melt by slightly more than 10% compared to the simulations without fire‐impacted albedo, increasing melt by 0.42 m. w.e. in 2019 and 0.37 m. w.e. in 2020.
Chronicling the Hottest, Coldest, Windiest, and Rainiest Weather
Authors: Sterin Alex , Jones Phillip , Trewin Blair , Krahenbuhl Daniel , Cerveny Randall
Published: April 2022

The World Meteorological Organization verifies and documents record-setting temperatures, winds, lightning, and more, offering snapshots of Earth’s extremes and hints about its changing climate.
Satellites Reveal Slow Shift of the Entire Boreal Biome
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: April 2022

According to a new study, warmer temperatures and high soil nitrogen levels are causing Earth’s largest land biome to advance northward.
Structural color printing via polymer-assisted photochemical deposition
Authors: Choi Shinhyuk , Zhao Zhi , Zuo Jiawei , Faruque Hossain Mansur Resalat , Yao Yu , Wang Chao
Published: April 2022

Structural color printings have broad applications due to their advantages of long-term sustainability, eco-friendly manufacturing, and ultra-high resolution. However, most of them require costly and time-consuming fabrication processes from nanolithography to vacuum deposition and etching. Here, we demonstrate a new color printing technology based on polymer-assisted photochemical metal deposition (PPD), a room temperature, ambient, and additive manufacturing process without requiring heating, vacuum deposition or etching. The PPD-printed silver films comprise densely aggregated silver nanoparticles filled with a small amount (estimated <20% volume) of polymers, producing a smooth surface (roughness 2.5 nm) even better than vacuum-deposited silver films (roughness 2.8 nm) at ~4 nm thickness. Further, the printed composite films have a much larger effective refractive index n (~1.90) and a smaller extinction coefficient k (~0.92) than PVD ones in the visible wavelength range (400 to 800 nm), therefore modulating the surface reflection and the phase accumulation. The capability of PPD in printing both ultra-thin (~5 nm) composite films and highly reflective thicker film greatly benefit the design and construction of multilayered Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity structures to exhibit vivid and saturated colors. We demonstrated programmed printing of complex pictures of different color schemes at a high spatial resolution of ~6.5 μm by three-dimensionally modulating the top composite film geometries and dielectric spacer thicknesses (75 to 200 nm). Finally, PPD-based color picture printing is demonstrated on a wide range of substrates, including glass, PDMS, and plastic, proving its broad potential in future applications from security labeling to color displays.
HspBP1 is a dual function regulatory protein that controls both DNA repair and apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Youn Cha Kyung , Lee Jung-Hee , Hariharasudhan Gurusamy , Kim Hong Beum , Kim Jeeho , Lee Sumi , Lim Sung-Chul , Yoon Sang-Pil , Park Sang-Gon , Chang In-Youb , You Ho Jin
Published: April 2022

The Hsp70-binding protein 1 (HspBP1) belongs to a family of co-chaperones that regulate Hsp70 activity and whose biological significance is not well understood. In the present study, we show that when HspBP1 is either knocked down or overexpressed in BRCA1-proficient breast cancer cells, there were profound changes in tumorigenesis, including anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro and in tumor formation in xenograft models. However, HspBP1 did not affect tumorigenic properties in BRCA1-deficient breast cancer cells. The mechanisms underlying HspBP1-induced tumor suppression were found to include interactions with BRCA1 and promotion of BRCA1-mediated homologous recombination DNA repair, suggesting that HspBP1 contributes to the suppression of breast cancer by regulating BRCA1 function and thereby maintaining genomic stability. Interestingly, independent of BRCA1 status, HspBP1 facilitates cell survival in response to ionizing radiation (IR) by interfering with the association of Hsp70 and apoptotic protease-activating factor-1. These findings suggest that decreased HspBP1 expression, a common occurrence in high-grade and metastatic breast cancers, leads to genomic instability and enables resistance to IR treatment.
TNFAIP8 protein functions as a tumor suppressor in inflammation-associated colorectal tumorigenesis
Authors: Lou Yunwei , Tian Xueqin , Sun Chen , Song Miaomiao , Han Meijuan , Zhao Yuxin , Song Yaru , Song Xiangfeng , Zhang Wen , Chen Youhai H. , Wang Hui
Published: April 2022

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8 or TIPE) is a member of the TNFAIP8 family. While TIPE was broadly considered to be pro-cancerous, its precise roles in carcinogenesis especially those of the intestinal tract are not clear. Here, we show that genetic deletion of TIPE in mice exacerbated chemical-induced colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer. Loss of TIPE exacerbated inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated dysbiosis, leading to the activation of NF-κB and STAT3, and it also accelerated dysplasia, DNA damage and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. We further show that colon microbiota were essential for increased tumor growth and progression in Tipe−/− mice. The tumor suppressive function of TIPE originated primarily from the non-hematopoietic compartment. Importantly, TIPE was downregulated in human colorectal cancers, and patients with low levels of Tipe mRNA were associated with reduced survival. These results indicate that TIPE serves as an important modulator of colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer.
Zoonotic origin of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium malariae from African apes
Authors: Plenderleith Lindsey J. , Liu Weimin , Li Yingying , Loy Dorothy E. , Mollison Ewan , Connell Jesse , Ayouba Ahidjo , Esteban Amandine , Peeters Martine , Sanz Crickette M. , Morgan David B. , Wolfe Nathan D. , Ulrich Markus , Sachse Andreas , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian H. , Shaw George M. , Hahn Beatrice H. , Sharp Paul M.
Published: April 2022

The human parasite Plasmodium malariae has relatives infecting African apes (Plasmodium rodhaini) and New World monkeys (Plasmodium brasilianum), but its origins remain unknown. Using a novel approach to characterise P. malariae-related sequences in wild and captive African apes, we found that this group comprises three distinct lineages, one of which represents a previously unknown, highly divergent species infecting chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas across central Africa. A second ape-derived lineage is much more closely related to the third, human-infective lineage P. malariae, but exhibits little evidence of genetic exchange with it, and so likely represents a separate species. Moreover, the levels and nature of genetic polymorphisms in P. malariae indicate that it resulted from the zoonotic transmission of an African ape parasite, reminiscent of the origin of P. falciparum. In contrast, P. brasilianum falls within the radiation of human P. malariae, and thus reflects a recent anthroponosis.
DNA sequence-dependent formation of heterochromatin nanodomains
Authors: Thorn Graeme J. , Clarkson Christopher T. , Rademacher Anne , Mamayusupova Hulkar , Schotta Gunnar , Rippe Karsten , Teif Vladimir B.
Published: April 2022

The mammalian epigenome contains thousands of heterochromatin nanodomains (HNDs) marked by di- and trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3), which have a typical size of 3–10 nucleosomes. However, what governs HND location and extension is only partly understood. Here, we address this issue by introducing the chromatin hierarchical lattice framework (ChromHL) that predicts chromatin state patterns with single-nucleotide resolution. ChromHL is applied to analyse four HND types in mouse embryonic stem cells that are defined by histone methylases SUV39H1/2 or GLP, transcription factor ADNP or chromatin remodeller ATRX. We find that HND patterns can be computed from PAX3/9, ADNP and LINE1 sequence motifs as nucleation sites and boundaries that are determined by DNA sequence (e.g. CTCF binding sites), cooperative interactions between nucleosomes as well as nucleosome-HP1 interactions. Thus, ChromHL rationalizes how patterns of H3K9me2/3 are established and changed via the activity of protein factors in processes like cell differentiation.
Open-channel microfluidics via resonant wireless power transfer
Authors: Ertsgaard Christopher T. , Yoo Daehan , Christenson Peter R. , Klemme Daniel J. , Oh Sang-Hyun
Published: April 2022

Open-channel microfluidics enables precise positioning and confinement of liquid volume to interface with tightly integrated optics, sensors, and circuit elements. Active actuation via electric fields can offer a reduced footprint compared to passive microfluidic ensembles and removes the burden of intricate mechanical assembly of enclosed systems. Typical systems actuate via manipulating surface wettability (i.e., electrowetting), which can render low-voltage but forfeits open-microchannel confinement. The dielectric polarization force is an alternative which can generate open liquid microchannels (sub-100 µm) but requires large operating voltages (50–200 VRMS) and low conductivity solutions. Here we show actuation of microchannels as narrow as 1 µm using voltages as low as 0.5 VRMS for both deionized water and physiological buffer. This was achieved using resonant, nanoscale focusing of radio frequency power and an electrode geometry designed to abate surface tension. We demonstrate practical fluidic applications including open mixing, lateral-flow protein labeling, filtration, and viral transport for infrared biosensing—known to suffer strong absorption losses from enclosed channel material and water. This tube-free system is coupled with resonant wireless power transfer to remove all obstructing hardware — ideal for high-numerical-aperture microscopy. Wireless, smartphone-driven fluidics is presented to fully showcase the practical application of this technology.
Enhancement of prime editing via xrRNA motif-joined pegRNA
Authors: Zhang Guiquan , Liu Yao , Huang Shisheng , Qu Shiyuan , Cheng Daolin , Yao Yuan , Ji Quanjiang , Wang Xiaolong , Huang Xingxu , Liu Jianghuai
Published: April 2022

The prime editors (PEs) have shown great promise for precise genome modification. However, their suboptimal efficiencies present a significant technical challenge. Here, by appending a viral exoribonuclease-resistant RNA motif (xrRNA) to the 3′-extended portion of pegRNAs for their increased resistance against degradation, we develop an upgraded PE platform (xrPE) with substantially enhanced editing efficiencies in multiple cell lines. A pan-target average enhancement of up to 3.1-, 4.5- and 2.5-fold in given cell types is observed for base conversions, small deletions, and small insertions, respectively. Additionally, xrPE exhibits comparable edit:indel ratios and similarly minimal off-target editing as the canonical PE3. Of note, parallel comparison of xrPE to the most recently developed epegRNA-based PE system shows their largely equivalent editing performances. Our study establishes a highly adaptable platform of improved PE that shall have broad implications.
Absolute measurement of cellular activities using photochromic single-fluorophore biosensors and intermittent quantification
Authors: Bierbuesse Franziska , Bourges Anaïs C. , Gielen Vincent , Mönkemöller Viola , Vandenberg Wim , Shen Yi , Hofkens Johan , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Campbell Robert E. , Moeyaert Benjamien , Dedecker Peter
Published: April 2022

Genetically-encoded biosensors based on a single fluorescent protein are widely used to visualize analyte levels or enzymatic activities in cells, though usually to monitor relative changes rather than absolute values. We report photochromism-enabled absolute quantification (PEAQ) biosensing, a method that leverages the photochromic properties of biosensors to provide an absolute measure of the analyte concentration or activity. We develop proof-of-concept photochromic variants of the popular GCaMP family of Ca2+ biosensors, and show that these can be used to resolve dynamic changes in the absolute Ca2+ concentration in live cells. We also develop intermittent quantification, a technique that combines absolute aquisitions with fast fluorescence acquisitions to deliver fast but fully quantitative measurements. We also show how the photochromism-based measurements can be expanded to situations where the absolute illumination intensities are unknown. In principle, PEAQ biosensing can be applied to other biosensors with photochromic properties, thereby expanding the possibilities for fully quantitative measurements in complex and dynamic systems.
High-energy and durable lithium metal batteries using garnet-type solid electrolytes with tailored lithium-metal compatibility
Authors: Kim Sewon , Kim Ju-Sik , Miara Lincoln , Wang Yan , Jung Sung-Kyun , Park Seong Yong , Song Zhen , Kim Hyungsub , Badding Michael , Chang JaeMyung , Roev Victor , Yoon Gabin , Kim Ryounghee , Kim Jung-Hwa , Yoon Kyungho , Im Dongmin , Kang Kisuk
Published: April 2022

Lithium metal batteries using solid electrolytes are considered to be the next-generation lithium batteries due to their enhanced energy density and safety. However, interfacial instabilities between Li-metal and solid electrolytes limit their implementation in practical batteries. Herein, Li-metal batteries using tailored garnet-type Li7-xLa3-aZr2-bO12 (LLZO) solid electrolytes is reported, which shows remarkable stability and energy density, meeting the lifespan requirements of commercial applications. We demonstrate that the compatibility between LLZO and lithium metal is crucial for long-term stability, which is accomplished by bulk dopant regulating and dopant-specific interfacial treatment using protonation/etching. An all-solid-state with 5 mAh cm−2 cathode delivers a cumulative capacity of over 4000 mAh cm−2 at 3 mA cm−2, which to the best of our knowledge, is the highest cycling parameter reported for Li-metal batteries with LLZOs. These findings are expected to promote the development of solid-state Li-metal batteries by highlighting the efficacy of the coupled bulk and interface doping of solid electrolytes.
Diverse synthesis of C2-linked functionalized molecules via molecular glue strategy with acetylene
Authors: Yang Bo , Lu Shaodong , Wang Yongdong , Zhu Shifa
Published: April 2022

As the simplest alkyne and an abundant chemical feedstock, acetylene is an ideal two-carbon building block. However, in contrast to substituted alkynes, catalytic methods to incorporate acetylene into fine chemicals are quite limited. Herein, we developed a photoredox-catalyzed synthetic protocol for diverse C2-linked molecules via a molecular glue strategy using gaseous acetylene under mild conditions. Initiated by addition of an acyl radical to acetylene, two cascade transformations follow. One involves a double addition for the formation of 1,4-diketones and the other where the intermediate vinyl ketone is intercepted by a radical formed from a heterocycle. In addition to making two new C-C bonds, two C-H bonds are also created in two mechanistically distinct ways: one via a C-H abstraction and the other via protonation. This system offers a reliable and safe way to incorporate gaseous acetylene into fine chemicals and expands the utility of acetylene in organic synthesis.
Mitogenome of the extinct Desert ‘rat-kangaroo’ times the adaptation to aridity in macropodoids
Authors: Westerman Michael , Loke Stella , Tan Mun Hua , Kear Benjamin P.
Published: April 2022

The evolution of Australia’s distinctive marsupial fauna has long been linked to the onset of continent-wide aridity. However, how this profound climate change event affected the diversification of extant lineages is still hotly debated. Here, we assemble a DNA sequence dataset of Macropodoidea—the clade comprising kangaroos and their relatives—that incorporates a complete mitogenome for the Desert ‘rat-kangaroo’, Caloprymnus campestris. This enigmatic species went extinct nearly 90 years ago and is known from a handful of museum specimens. Caloprymnus is significant because it was the only macropodoid restricted to extreme desert environments, and therefore calibrates the group’s specialisation for increasingly arid conditions. Our robustly supported phylogenies nest Caloprymnus amongst the bettongs Aepyprymnus and Bettongia. Dated ancestral range estimations further reveal that the Caloprymnus-Bettongia lineage originated in nascent xeric settings during the middle to late Miocene, ~ 12 million years ago (Ma), but subsequently radiated into fragmenting mesic habitats after the Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene. This timeframe parallels the ancestral divergences of kangaroos in woodlands and forests, but predates their adaptive dispersal into proliferating dry shrublands and grasslands from the late Miocene to mid-Pleistocene, after ~ 7 Ma. We thus demonstrate that protracted changes in both climate and vegetation likely staged the emergence of modern arid zone macropodoids.
Mismatch repair proteins play a role in ATR activation upon temozolomide treatment in MGMT-methylated glioblastoma
Authors: Ganesa Sachita , Sule Amrita , Sundaram Ranjini K. , Bindra Ranjit S.
Published: April 2022

The methylation status of the O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter has been widely accepted as a prognostic biomarker for treatment with the alkylator, temozolomide (TMZ). In the absence of promoter methylation, the MGMT enzyme removes O6-methylguanine (O6-meG) lesions. In the setting of MGMT-promoter methylation (MGMT-), the O6-meG lesion activates the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway which functions to remove the damage. Our group reported that loss of MGMT expression via MGMT promoter silencing modulates activation of ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3 related protein (ATR) in response to TMZ treatment, which is associated with synergistic tumor-cell killing. Whether or not MMR proteins are involved in ATR activation in MGMT-cells upon alkylation damage remains poorly understood. To investigate the function of MMR in ATR activation, we created isogenic cell lines with knockdowns of the individual human MMR proteins MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), MutS homolog 6 (MSH6), MutS homolog 3 (MSH3), MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), and PMS1 homolog 2 (PMS2). Here, we demonstrate that MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2, specifically, are involved in the activation of the ATR axis after TMZ exposure, whereas MSH3 is likely not. This study elucidates a potential mechanistic understanding of how the MMR system is involved in ATR activation by TMZ in glioblastoma cells, which is important for targeting MMR-mutated cancers.
Photoluminescent, “ice-cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures
Authors: Bai Xue , Purcell-Milton Finn , Kehoe Daniel K. , Gun’ko Yurii K.
Published: April 2022

Copper based ternary and quaternary quantum confined nanostructures have attracted huge attention over recent years due to their potential applications in photonics, photovoltaics, imaging, sensing and other areas. However, anisotropic nanoheterostructures of this type are still poorly explored to date, despite numerous predictions of the distinctive optical properties of these highly fluorescent heavy metal free nanostructures. Here, we report new fluorescent multicomponent Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures with a unique anisotropic “ice-cream cone” like morphology. These nanostructures have been prepared with a seeded growth technique and exhibit distinct photophysical properties with maximum emission in the visible range (≈ 640 nm) and long photoluminescence lifetimes (τaverage ≥ 300 ns). In depth time interval studies have been carried out to better understand the step by step growth mechanism of this distinct “ice-cream cone” like geometry. We have demonstrated that the crystal structure evolution from the zinc blende Cu–In–S core to the wurtzite “ice cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanocrystals plays a key role in the origin of this morphology. This research opens new possibilities to produce unique fluorescent Cu-based multicomponent anisotropic heteronanostructures, while also offering a distinctive insight into the design of bespoke nanostructures, which could find a range of potential applications.
Novel hybridization- and tag-based error-corrected method for sensitive ctDNA mutation detection using ion semiconductor sequencing
Authors: Tjensvoll Kjersti , Lapin Morten , Gilje Bjørnar , Garresori Herish , Oltedal Satu , Forthun Rakel Brendsdal , Molven Anders , Rozenholc Yves , Nordgård Oddmund
Published: April 2022

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a clinically useful tool for cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. However, ctDNA detection is complicated by low DNA concentrations and technical challenges. Here we describe our newly developed sensitive method for ctDNA detection on the Ion Torrent sequencing platform, which we call HYbridization- and Tag-based Error-Corrected sequencing (HYTEC-seq). This method combines hybridization-based capture with molecular tags, and the novel variant caller PlasmaMutationDetector2 to eliminate background errors. We describe the validation of HYTEC-seq using control samples with known mutations, demonstrating an analytical sensitivity down to 0.1% at > 99.99% specificity. Furthermore, to demonstrate the utility of this method in a clinical setting, we analyzed plasma samples from 44 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, revealing mutations in 57% of the patients at allele frequencies as low as 0.23%.
Circadian motor activity of non-dominant hand reaches acrophase later than dominant hand
Authors: Natale Vincenzo , Fabbri Marco , Martoni Monica , Tonetti Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Motor activity during the first half of nocturnal sleep is lateralized to the non-dominant hand. What remains is to determine which account could explain this phenomenon: the more pronounced homeostatic deactivation of the dominant hemisphere or the circadian asymmetry in the hemispheric activation. To better understand the nature of these motor asymmetries, we performed an ecological study assessing the circadian motor activity in 34 evening, 52 intermediate, and 27 morning types. We observed a significant circadian phase delay of the 24-h motor activity pattern of the left hand in comparison to the right hand, regardless of chronotype. Moreover, we replicated higher motor activity in the left hand in comparison to the right hand in late evening that reached statistical significance only in evening and intermediate types. Analysing motor activity around bedtime and wake-up time, we observed a reverse pattern between circadian typologies: evening types showed higher activity in the left hand in comparison to the right hand before bedtime, while morning types showed significantly higher motor activity in the right hand in comparison to the left after wake-up time. Results support the hypothesis of a different circadian phase relationship between the two hemispheres.
Forecast of peak attainment and imminent decline after 2017 of oral cancer incidence in men in Taiwan
Authors: Jhuang Jing-Rong , Su Shih-Yung , Chiang Chun-Ju , Yang Ya-Wen , Lin Li-Ju , Hsu Tsui-Hsia , Lee Wen-Chung
Published: April 2022

Oral cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men in Taiwan. The age-standardized incidence rate of oral cancer among men in Taiwan has increased since 1980 and became six times greater in 2014. To enable effective public health planning for oral cancer, research on the projection of oral cancer burden is essential. We conducted an age-period-cohort analysis on the incidence of oral cancer among men in Taiwan from 1997 to 2017 and extrapolated the trend to 2025. We found that the period trends for young adults aged between 25 and 44 have already peaked before 2017; the younger, the earlier, and then the trends declined. The cohort trends have peaked roughly at the 1972 birth cohort and then declined for all ages. Despite the increasing trend in the age-standardized incidence rate for oral cancer among men in Taiwan from 1997 to 2017, we forecast a peak attained, an imminent decline after 2017, and a decrease of 8.4% in age-standardized incidence rate from 2017 to 2025. The findings of this study contribute to developing efficient and comprehensive strategies for oral cancer prevention and control.
Bayesian network meta-analysis of face masks' impact on human physiology
Authors: Litwinowicz Kamil , Choroszy Marcin , Ornat Maciej , Wróbel Anna , Waszczuk Ewa
Published: April 2022

Several concerns regarding the safety of face masks use have been propounded in public opinion. The objective of this review is to examine if these concerns find support in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of physiological responses to the use of face masks. We have performed a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analyses to investigate physiological responses to the use of face masks. The study has been registered with PROSPERO (C RD42020224791). Obtained results were screened using our exclusion and inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using the GeMTC and meta R packages. We have identified 26 studies meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria, encompassing 751 participants. The use of face masks was not associated with significant changes in pulsoxymetrically measured oxygen saturation, even during maximal-effort exercises. The only significant physiological responses to the use of face masks during low-intensity activities were a slight increase in heart rate, mildly elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (not meeting criteria for hypercarbia), increased temperature of facial skin covered by the mask, and subsequent increase of the score in the rating of heat perception, with N95 filtering facepiece respirators having a greater effect than surgical masks. In high-intensity conditions, the use of face masks was associated with decreased oxygen uptake, ventilation, and RR. Face masks are safe to use and do not cause significant alterations in human physiology. The increase in heart rate stems most likely from increased respiratory work required to overcome breathing resistance. The increase in carbon dioxide is too small to be clinically relevant. An increased rating of heat perception when using face masks results from higher temperature of facial skin covered by the mask.
Self-completion method of endoscopic submucosal dissection using the Endosaber for treating colorectal neoplasms (with video)
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Yamakawa Shun , Ichijima Ryoji , Suzuki Sho , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Minoda Yosuke , Ihara Eikichi , Gotoda Takuji
Published: April 2022

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is effective for the treatment of colorectal neoplasms. We have developed a self-completion ESD (S-ESD) using Endosaber without requiring additional instruments or assistance. This prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of S-ESD for colorectal neoplasms. Patients with colorectal neoplasms measuring 20–40 mm in size were enrolled. A single operator, without assistance, performed ESD using only the Endosaber. The primary outcome was the success rate of S-ESD. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, the rates of en bloc, complete, and curative resection, and complication rates, including the incidence of perforation and delayed bleeding. In total, 15 patients with 15 lesions were enrolled. The median size of the resected lesions was 28 mm (interquartile range 25–29 mm). S-ESD success rate of 100% was achieved. The median procedure time was 44 min (29.5–53.5 min). We observed en bloc, complete, and curative resection rates of 100%, 93.3%, and 86.7%, respectively, and a complication rate of 6.7% (perforation: 0%, delayed bleeding: 6.7%). S-ESD for colorectal neoplasms was successfully performed with favorable treatment outcomes and low complication rates. S-ESD reduces the number of devices and extent of assistance, making S-ESD a simple and cost-effective procedure.
The impact of Tamarix invasion on the soil physicochemical properties
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Mlahlwa Asiphe V. , Elbasit Mohamed A. M. Abd , Newete Solomon W.
Published: April 2022

The exotic Tamarix species, T. ramosissima and T. chinensis, were introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s reportedly either for ornamental or soil wind erosion control purposes in the mines. They are, however, currently invading several riparian ecosystems in the country and threatening its biodiversity and proper functioning. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the exotic Tamarix species on the soil physicochemical properties vis-à-vis the indigenous Tamarix at the Leeu River in the Western Cape Province, of South Africa where they are purvasive. Three transects were laid from the riverbank towards the outer land, where the exotic followed by the native Tamarix species predominantly occurred. Soil was sampled from three points per transect and three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) per point in winter and summer to determine selected soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg) concentrations under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly higher than those in the open land without Tamarix species. The salinity under the native and exotic Tamarix species was greater (P < 0.05) in the topsoils (0–10 cm) than in the deeper soils (20–30 cm) with 5.05 mS cm−1 and 4.73 mS cm−1, respectively. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was higher (P < 0.05) during the winter season under the exotic Tamarix species (5.05 mS cm−1) followed by the native species (4.73 mS cm−1) and it was the lowest in the control (0.16 mS cm−1) at 0–10 cm soil depth. Similarly, sodium and sodium absorption ratios (SAR) under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly greater than those in the control. The highest levels (P < 0.05) of TC were recorded at the topsoil (0–10 cm soil depth) under the exotic Tamarix species (1.17%), followed by the native Tamarix (1.07%) with the control recording the lowest (0.53%). There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in K, TC, TN and SOC concentrations at lower soil depths (20–30 cm). The soil texture was significantly affected by the Tamarix species. The soil bulk density was lower under the exotic Tamarix followed by native Tamarix species than the control soils. The soil volumetric water content was higher under the exotic Tamarix species compared to the control. This study concludes that the invasion of the exotic and native Tamarix species altered the soil properties underneath and created conducive soil conditions for their predominance.
scSPLAT, a scalable plate-based protocol for single cell WGBS library preparation
Authors: Raine Amanda , Lundmark Anders , Annett Alva , Wiman Ann-Christin , Cavalli Marco , Wadelius Claes , Bergin Claudia , Nordlund Jessica
Published: April 2022

DNA methylation is a central epigenetic mark that has diverse roles in gene regulation, development, and maintenance of genome integrity. 5 methyl cytosine (5mC) can be interrogated at base resolution in single cells by using bisulfite sequencing (scWGBS). Several different scWGBS strategies have been described in recent years to study DNA methylation in single cells. However, there remain limitations with respect to cost-efficiency and yield. Herein, we present a new development in the field of scWGBS library preparation; single cell Splinted Ligation Adapter Tagging (scSPLAT). scSPLAT employs a pooling strategy to facilitate sample preparation at a higher scale and throughput than previously possible. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the method by generating data from 225 single K562 cells and from 309 single liver nuclei and compare scSPLAT against other scWGBS methods.
Ag nanoparticles immobilized sulfonated polyethersulfone/polyethersulfone electrospun nanofiber membrane for the removal of heavy metals
Authors: Talukder Md Eman , Pervez Md. Nahid , Jianming Wang , Stylios George K. , Hassan Mohammad Mahbubul , Song Hongchen , Naddeo Vincenzo , Figoli Alberto
Published: April 2022

In this work, Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (EUOLstabilized silver nanoparticles (EUOL@AgNPs) incorporated sulfonated polyether sulfone (SPES)/polyethersulfone (PES) electrospun nanofiber membranes (SP ENMs) were prepared by electrospinning, and they were studied for the removal of lead (Pb(II)) and cadmium (Cd(II)) ions from aqueous solutions. The SP ENMs with various EUOL@AgNPs loadings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle (CA) measurements. The adsorption studies showed that the adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) was rapid, achieved equilibrium within 40 min and 60 min, respectively and fitted with non-linear pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics model. For Cd(II) and Pb(II), the Freundlich model described the adsorption isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) was 625 and 370.37 mg g−1 respectively at neutral pH. Coexisting anions of fluoride, chloride, and nitrate had a negligible influence on Cd(II) removal than the Pb(II). On the other hand, the presence of silicate and phosphate considerably affected Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption. The recyclability, regeneration, and reusability of the fabricated EUOL@AgNPs-SP ENMs were studied and they retained their high adsorption capacity up to five cycles. The DFT measurements revealed that SP-5 ENMs exhibited the highest adsorption selectivity for Cd(II) and the measured binding energies for Cd(II), Pb(II), are 219.35 and 206.26 kcal mol−1, respectively. The developed ENM adsorbent may find application for the removal of heavy metals from water.
Macrophage-derived IGF-1 protects the neonatal intestine against necrotizing enterocolitis by promoting microvascular development
Authors: Yan Xiaocai , Managlia Elizabeth , Zhao You-Yang , Tan Xiao-Di , De Plaen Isabelle G.
Published: April 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a deadly bowel necrotic disease of premature infants. Low levels of plasma IGF-1 predispose premature infants to NEC. While increasing evidence suggests that defective perinatal intestinal microvascular development plays a role in NEC, the involved mechanism remains incompletely understood. We report here that serum and intestinal IGF-1 are developmentally regulated during the perinatal period in mice and decrease during experimental NEC. Neonatal intestinal macrophages produce IGF-1 and promote endothelial cell sprouting in vitro via IGF-1 signaling. In vivo, in the neonatal intestine, macrophage-derived IGF-1 promotes VEGF expression and endothelial cell proliferation and protects against experimental NEC. Exogenous IGF-1 preserves intestinal microvascular density and protects against experimental NEC. In human NEC tissues, villous endothelial cell proliferation and IGF-1- producing macrophages are decreased compared to controls. Together, our results suggest that defective IGF-1-production by neonatal macrophages impairs neonatal intestinal microvascular development and predisposes the intestine to necrotizing enterocolitis.
Characterization of Cme and Yme thermostable Cas12a orthologs
Authors: Fuchs Ryan T. , Curcuru Jennifer L. , Mabuchi Megumu , Noireterre Audrey , Weigele Peter R. , Sun Zhiyi , Robb G. Brett
Published: April 2022

CRISPR-Cas12a proteins are RNA-guided endonucleases that cleave invading DNA containing target sequences adjacent to protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM). Cas12a orthologs have been repurposed for genome editing in non-native organisms by reprogramming them with guide RNAs to target specific sites in genomic DNA. After single-turnover dsDNA target cleavage, multiple-turnover, non-specific single-stranded DNA cleavage in trans is activated. This property has been utilized to develop in vitro assays to detect the presence of specific DNA target sequences. Most applications of Cas12a use one of three well-studied enzymes. Here, we characterize the in vitro activity of two previously unknown Cas12a orthologs. These enzymes are active at higher temperatures than widely used orthologs and have subtle differences in PAM preference, on-target cleavage, and trans nuclease activity. Together, our results enable refinement of Cas12a-based in vitro assays especially when elevated temperature is desirable.
Simultaneous triple-parametric optical mapping of transmembrane potential, intracellular calcium and NADH for cardiac physiology assessment
Authors: George Sharon A. , Lin Zexu , Efimov Igor R.
Published: April 2022

Investigation of the complex relationships and dependencies of multiple cellular processes that govern cardiac physiology and pathophysiology requires simultaneous dynamic assessment of multiple parameters. In this study, we introduce triple-parametric optical mapping to simultaneously image metabolism, electrical excitation, and calcium signaling from the same field of view and demonstrate its application in the field of drug testing and cardiovascular research. We applied this metabolism-excitation-contraction coupling (MECC) methodology to test the effects of blebbistatin, 4-aminopyridine and verapamil on cardiac physiology. While blebbistatin and 4-aminopyridine alter multiple aspects of cardiac function suggesting off-target effects, the effects of verapamil were on-target and it altered only one of ten tested parameters. Triple-parametric optical mapping was also applied during ischemia and reperfusion; and we identified that metabolic changes precede the effects of ischemia on cardiac electrophysiology.
A procedurally activatable nanoplatform for chemo/chemodynamic synergistic therapy
Authors: Han Wen , Wang Min , He Huaming , Jiang Yifan , Lu Chunhua , Tu Xiankun
Published: April 2022

The present work showed a H2O2/GSH procedurally activatable nanoplatform (Cu9S5-PEG/DOX NSs) as a vector of drugs released by responsive morphologic transformation and the co-activated Fenton agent for tumor-specific synergistic therapy.
In vitro evidence of oncofetal antigen and TLR-9 agonist co-delivery by alginate nanovaccines for liver cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Pei Mengyue , Li Huiyang , Zhu Yingwei , Lu Jian , Zhang Chuangnian
Published: April 2022

Antigen and adjuvant co-delivery nanovaccines were prepared to induce antigen-specific antitumor immune responses against liver cancer.
Underlying evidence for the health benefits of fermented foods in humans
Authors: Rul F. , Béra-Maillet C. , Champomier-Vergès M. C. , El-Mecherfi K. E. , Foligné B. , Michalski M. C. , Milenkovic D. , Savary-Auzeloux I.
Published: April 2022

Fermented foods (FFs) have been a part of our diets for millennia and comprise highly diverse products obtained from plants and animals all over the world: Mechanisms of action and impact of health status.
Three urban areas of China: a cohort study of maternal–infant factors and HM protein components
Authors: Chen Jingyao , Liu Yan , Zhao Junying , Jiang Tiemin , Xu Tao , Liu Bin , Liu Yanpin , Yang Baoyu , Li Ying , Zhang Xiaomei , Hou Juncai , Chen Lijun
Published: April 2022

This work studies the concentrations of proteins in human milk (HM) at different lactation periods and explores the influence of maternal–infant factors on the dynamics of HM proteins in a Chinese cohort.
Tannin as a renewable raw material for adhesive applications: a review
Authors: Dhawale Pritam V. , Vineeth S. K. , Gadhave Ravindra V. , Fatima M. J. Jabeen , Supekar Mrudul Vijay , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Raghavan Prasanth
Published: April 2022

Greener methods for the extraction and isolation of tannin, and it's state of art in adhesive technology.