bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptionally High Emplacement Rate of the Afar Mantle Plume Head
Authors: Eid B. , Lhuillier F. , Gilder S. A. , Pfänder J. A. , Gebru E. F. , Aßbichler D.
Published: November 2021

We investigated a 1‐km‐thick sequence of lava flows that erupted over the Afar plume axis in order to better understand the emplacement history of the ∼30 Ma Ethiopia‐Yemen Traps. Geochemical analyses reveal high‐titanium concentrations (TiO2 3.9 ± 0.5 wt%) in basalts close to picritic compositions. Indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar ages throughout the section define a weighted‐mean of 31.18 ± 0.28 Ma (95% confidence). This date, together with solely normal polarity magnetization directions in 68 geomagnetically independent horizons, constrain the eruption to within chron C12n, with a maximum duration of a few hundreds of kyr for the entire 1‐km‐thick section. The rate of geomagnetic secular variation used as a chronometer refines the duration to only a few tens of kyr, leading to a local extrusion rate of 4–13 km3/yr for the Afar plume head, which greatly exceeds the average rate of 0.3–1.2 km3/yr for the entire Ethiopia‐Yemen Traps.
The Interplay Between Seismic and Aseismic Slip Along the Chaman Fault Illuminated by InSAR
Authors: Dalaison M. , Jolivet R. , van Rijsingen E. M. , Michel S.
Published: November 2021

The 700‐km‐long Chaman fault (CF) marks the western edge of the plate boundary between India and Eurasia. Although global plate models predict 2.3–3.6 cm/yr left‐lateral motion between both plates, the fault is known to have hosted few earthquakes in historical times. Recent geodetic measurements attested the presence of aseismic slip locally. To detail the interplay between fast and slow slip along the CF, we build three Interferometric Synthetic‐Aperture Radar time series of ground deformation covering the whole fault length over 5 years (2014–2019). We find that most of the active fault trace slips aseismically and continuously. From south to north, we identify three creeping fault portions: the Nushki, Central, and Qalat segments of lengths between 80 and 130 km. The loading rate is 1.2 ± 0.3 cm/yr for the two southernmost portions, while it is about 0.7 ± 0.2 cm/yr for the Qalat segment. The Central segment and the nearby locked segments have hosted the largest known historical earthquakes on the CF, and three moderate magnitude earthquakes in our observation period. We image these earthquakes for which modeled slip at depth (Mw5–5.6), time series of surface slip and deformation patterns argue toward large triggered aseismic slip. The June 2018 event displays postseismic moment 3–15 times greater than coseismic moment. Over the two decades covered by geodetic observations, continuous or triggered aseismic slip dominates along most of the fault and co‐locates with earthquakes. We observe that fault geometrical complexities delimit active segments and may be responsible for the kilometer‐scale intertwining between seismic and aseismic events.
Organic Matter Accretion, Shallow Subsidence, and River Delta Sustainability
Authors: Keogh Molly E. , Törnqvist Torbjörn E. , Kolker Alexander S. , Erkens Gilles , Bridgeman Jonathan G.
Published: November 2021

Globally, mineral sediment supply to deltaic wetlands has generally decreased so these wetlands increasingly rely on accretion of organic matter to keep pace with relative sea‐level rise (RSLR). Because organic‐rich sediments tend to be more compressible than mineral‐dominated sediments, deltaic wetland strata are vulnerable to compaction and drowning. Using an unprecedented data set of almost 3,000 discrete bulk density and organic‐matter measurements, we examine organic‐rich facies from coastal Louisiana to quantify the thickness lost to compaction and investigate whether sediments are able to maintain sufficient volume for the associated wetlands to keep pace with RSLR. We find that organic content as well as overburden thickness and density (which together determine effective stress) strongly control sediment compaction. Most compaction occurs in the top 1–3 m and within the first 100–500 years after deposition. In settings with thick peat beds, successions up to 14 m thick have been compacted by up to ∼50%. We apply geotechnical modeling to examine the balance between elevation gained from accretion and elevation lost to compaction due to renewed sediment deposition over a 100‐year timescale. Wetlands overlying mineral‐dominated lithologies may support the weight of deposition and allow net elevation gain. Model results show that reintroduction of sediment to a representative Mississippi Delta wetland site will likely cause another ∼0.35–1.14 m of compaction but leave a net elevation gain of ∼0.01–1.75 m, depending on the sediment delivery rate and stiffness of underlying strata.
Climatic Controls on Soil Carbon Accumulation and Loss in a Dryland Ecosystems
Authors: Waring Bonnie G. , Smith Kenneth R. , Grote Edmund E. , Howell Armin , Reibold Robin , Tucker Colin L. , Reed Sasha C.
Published: November 2021

Arid and semiarid ecosystems drive year‐to‐year variability in the strength of the terrestrial carbon (C) sink, yet there is uncertainty about how soil C gains and losses contribute to this variation. To address this knowledge gap, we embedded C‐depleted soil mesocosms, containing litter or biocrust C inputs, within an in situ dryland ecosystem warming experiment. Over the course of one year, changes in microbial biomass and total soil organic C pools were monitored alongside hourly measurements of soil CO2 flux. We also developed a biogeochemical model to explore the mechanisms that gave rise to observed soil C dynamics. Field data and model simulations demonstrated that water exerted much stronger control on soil biogeochemistry than temperature, with precipitation events triggering large CO2 pulses and transport of litter‐ and biocrust‐derived C into the soil profile. We expected leaching of organic matter would result in steady accumulation of C within the mineral soil over time. Instead, the size of the total organic C pool fluctuated throughout the year, largely in response to microbial growth: increases in the size of microbial biomass were negatively correlated with the quantity of C residing in the top 2 cm, where most biogeochemical changes were observed. Our data and models suggest that microbial responses to precipitation events trigger rapid metabolism of dissolved organic C inputs, which strongly limit accumulation of autotroph‐derived C belowground. Accordingly, changes in the magnitude and/or frequency of precipitation events in this dryland ecosystem could have profound impacts on the strength of the soil C sink.
Bacterial response to spatial gradients of algal-derived nutrients in a porous microplate
Authors: Kim Hyungseok , Kimbrel Jeffrey A , Vaiana Christopher A , Wollard Jessica R , Mayali Xavier , Buie Cullen R
Published: November 2021

Photosynthetic microalgae are responsible for 50% of the global atmospheric CO2 fixation into organic matter and hold potential as a renewable bioenergy source. Their metabolic interactions with the surrounding microbial community (the algal microbiome) play critical roles in carbon cycling, but due to methodological limitations, it has been challenging to examine how community development is influenced by spatial proximity to their algal host. Here we introduce a copolymer-based porous microplate to co-culture algae and bacteria, where metabolites are constantly exchanged between the microorganisms while maintaining physical separation. In the microplate, we found that the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum accumulated to cell abundances ~20 fold higher than under normal batch conditions due to constant replenishment of nutrients through the porous structure. We also demonstrate that algal-associated bacteria, both single isolates and complex communities, responded to inorganic nutrients away from their host as well as organic nutrients originating from the algae in a spatially predictable manner. These experimental findings coupled with a mathematical model suggest that host proximity and algal culture growth phase impact bacterial community development in a taxon-specific manner through organic and inorganic nutrient availability. Our novel system presents a useful tool to investigate universal metabolic interactions between microbes in aquatic ecosystems.
Fast non-line-of-sight imaging with high-resolution and wide field of view using synthetic wavelength holography
Authors: Willomitzer Florian , Rangarajan Prasanna V. , Li Fengqiang , Balaji Muralidhar M. , Christensen Marc P. , Cossairt Oliver
Published: November 2021

The presence of a scattering medium in the imaging path between an object and an observer is known to severely limit the visual acuity of the imaging system. We present an approach to circumvent the deleterious effects of scattering, by exploiting spectral correlations in scattered wavefronts. Our Synthetic Wavelength Holography (SWH) method is able to recover a holographic representation of hidden targets with sub-mm resolution over a nearly hemispheric angular field of view. The complete object field is recorded within 46 ms, by monitoring the scattered light return in a probe area smaller than 6 cm × 6 cm. This unique combination of attributes opens up a plethora of new Non-Line-of-Sight imaging applications ranging from medical imaging and forensics, to early-warning navigation systems and reconnaissance. Adapting the findings of this work to other wave phenomena will help unlock a wider gamut of applications beyond those envisioned in this paper.
Seasonal mixed layer depth shapes phytoplankton physiology, viral production, and accumulation in the North Atlantic
Authors: Diaz Ben P. , Knowles Ben , Johns Christopher T. , Laber Christien P. , Bondoc Karen Grace V. , Haramaty Liti , Natale Frank , Harvey Elizabeth L. , Kramer Sasha J. , Bolaños Luis M. , Lowenstein Daniel P. , Fredricks Helen F. , Graff Jason , Westberry Toby K. , Mojica Kristina D. A. , Haëntjens Nils , Baetge Nicholas , Gaube Peter , Boss Emmanuel , Carlson Craig A. , Behrenfeld Michael J. , Van Mooy Benjamin A. S. , Bidle Kay D.
Published: November 2021

Seasonal shifts in phytoplankton accumulation and loss largely follow changes in mixed layer depth, but the impact of mixed layer depth on cell physiology remains unexplored. Here, we investigate the physiological state of phytoplankton populations associated with distinct bloom phases and mixing regimes in the North Atlantic. Stratification and deep mixing alter community physiology and viral production, effectively shaping accumulation rates. Communities in relatively deep, early-spring mixed layers are characterized by low levels of stress and high accumulation rates, while those in the recently shallowed mixed layers in late-spring have high levels of oxidative stress. Prolonged stratification into early autumn manifests in negative accumulation rates, along with pronounced signatures of compromised membranes, death-related protease activity, virus production, nutrient drawdown, and lipid markers indicative of nutrient stress. Positive accumulation renews during mixed layer deepening with transition into winter, concomitant with enhanced nutrient supply and lessened viral pressure.
Survival of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon knockout fragments in the interstellar medium
Authors: Gatchell Michael , Ameixa João , Ji MingChao , Stockett Mark H. , Simonsson Ansgar , Denifl Stephan , Cederquist Henrik , Schmidt Henning T. , Zettergren Henning
Published: November 2021

Laboratory studies play a crucial role in understanding the chemical nature of the interstellar medium (ISM), but the disconnect between experimental timescales and the timescales of reactions in space can make a direct comparison between observations, laboratory, and model results difficult. Here we study the survival of reactive fragments of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) coronene, where individual C atoms have been knocked out of the molecules in hard collisions with He atoms at stellar wind and supernova shockwave velocities. Ionic fragments are stored in the DESIREE cryogenic ion-beam storage ring where we investigate their decay for up to one second. After 10 ms the initially hot stored ions have cooled enough so that spontaneous dissociation no longer takes place at a measurable rate; a majority of the fragments remain intact and will continue to do so indefinitely in isolation. Our findings show that defective PAHs formed in energetic collisions with heavy particles may survive at thermal equilibrium in the interstellar medium indefinitely, and could play an important role in the chemistry in there, due to their increased reactivity compared to intact or photo-fragmented PAHs.
Efficient biosynthesis of nucleoside cytokinin angustmycin A containing an unusual sugar system
Authors: Yu Le , Zhou Wenting , She Yixuan , Ma Hongmin , Cai You-Sheng , Jiang Ming , Deng Zixin , Price Neil P. J. , Chen Wenqing
Published: November 2021

Angustmycin A has anti-mycobacterial and cytokinin activities, and contains an intriguing structure in which an unusual sugar with C5′-C6′ dehydration is linked to adenine via an N-glycosidic bond. However, the logic underlying the biosynthesis of this molecule has long remained obscure. Here, we address angustmycin A biosynthesis by the full deciphering of its pathway. We demonstrate that AgmD, C, A, E, and B function as d-allulose 6-phosphate 3-epimerase, d-allulose 6-phosphate pyrophosphokinase, adenine phosphoallulosyltransferase, phosphoribohydrolase, and phosphatase, respectively, and that these collaboratively catalyze the relay reactions to biosynthesize angustmycin C. Additionally, we provide evidence that AgmF is a noncanonical dehydratase for the final step to angustmycin A via a self-sufficient strategy for cofactor recycling. Finally, we have reconstituted the entire six-enzyme pathway in vitro and in E. coli leading to angustmycin A production. These results expand the enzymatic repertoire regarding natural product biosynthesis, and also open the way for rational and rapid discovery of other angustmycin related antibiotics.
DHX15-independent roles for TFIP11 in U6 snRNA modification, U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP assembly and pre-mRNA splicing fidelity
Authors: Duchemin Amandine , O’Grady Tina , Hanache Sarah , Mereau Agnès , Thiry Marc , Wacheul Ludivine , Michaux Catherine , Perpète Eric , Hervouet Eric , Peixoto Paul , Ernst Felix G. M. , Audic Yann , Dequiedt Franck , Lafontaine Denis L. J. , Mottet Denis
Published: November 2021

The U6 snRNA, the core catalytic component of the spliceosome, is extensively modified post-transcriptionally, with 2’-O-methylation being most common. However, how U6 2’-O-methylation is regulated remains largely unknown. Here we report that TFIP11, the human homolog of the yeast spliceosome disassembly factor Ntr1, localizes to nucleoli and Cajal Bodies and is essential for the 2’-O-methylation of U6. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TFIP11 knockdown reduces the association of U6 snRNA with fibrillarin and associated snoRNAs, therefore altering U6 2′-O-methylation. We show U6 snRNA hypomethylation is associated with changes in assembly of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP leading to defects in spliceosome assembly and alterations in splicing fidelity. Strikingly, this function of TFIP11 is independent of the RNA helicase DHX15, its known partner in yeast. In sum, our study demonstrates an unrecognized function for TFIP11 in U6 snRNP modification and U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP assembly, identifying TFIP11 as a critical spliceosome assembly regulator.
Deep learning for the prediction of early on-treatment response in metastatic colorectal cancer from serial medical imaging
Authors: Lu Lin , Dercle Laurent , Zhao Binsheng , Schwartz Lawrence H.
Published: November 2021

In current clinical practice, tumor response assessment is usually based on tumor size change on serial computerized tomography (CT) scan images. However, evaluation of tumor response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is limited because morphological change in tumor may occur earlier than tumor size change. Here we present an analysis utilizing a deep learning (DL) network to characterize tumor morphological change for response assessment in mCRC patients. We retrospectively analyzed 1,028 mCRC patients who were prospectively included in the VELOUR trial (NCT00561470). We found that DL network was able to predict early on-treatment response in mCRC and showed better performance than its size-based counterpart with C-Index: 0.649 (95% CI: 0.619,0.679) vs. 0.627 (95% CI: 0.567,0.638), p = 0.009, z-test. The integration of DL network with size-based methodology could further improve the prediction performance to C-Index: 0.694 (95% CI: 0.661,0.720), which was superior to size/DL-based-only models (all p < 0.001, z-test). Our study suggests that DL network could provide a noninvasive mean for quantitative and comprehensive characterization of tumor morphological change, which may potentially benefit personalized early on-treatment decision making.
Fast spin-valley-based quantum gates in Si with micromagnets
Authors: Huang Peihao , Hu Xuedong
Published: November 2021

An electron spin qubit in silicon quantum dots holds promise for quantum information processing due to the scalability and long coherence. An essential ingredient to recent progress is the employment of micromagnets. They generate a synthetic spin–orbit coupling (SOC), which allows high-fidelity spin manipulation and strong interaction between an electron spin and cavity photons. To scaled-up quantum computing, multiple technical challenges remain to be overcome, including controlling the valley degree of freedom, which is usually considered detrimental to a spin qubit. Here, we show that it is possible to significantly enhance the electrical manipulation of a spin qubit through the effect of constructive interference and the large spin-valley mixing. To characterize the quality of spin control, we also studied spin dephasing due to charge noise through spin-valley mixing. The competition between the increased control strength and spin dephasing produces two sweet-spots, where the quality factor of the spin qubit can be high. Finally, we reveal that the synthetic SOC leads to distinctive spin relaxation in silicon, which explains recent experiments.
Adult spiny mice (Acomys) exhibit endogenous cardiac recovery in response to myocardial infarction
Authors: Peng Hsuan , Shindo Kazuhiro , Donahue Renée R. , Gao Erhe , Ahern Brooke M. , Levitan Bryana M. , Tripathi Himi , Powell David , Noor Ahmed , Elmore Garrett A. , Satin Jonathan , Seifert Ashley W. , Abdel-Latif Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Complex tissue regeneration is extremely rare among adult mammals. An exception, however, is the superior tissue healing of multiple organs in spiny mice (Acomys). While Acomys species exhibit the remarkable ability to heal complex tissue with minimal scarring, little is known about their cardiac structure and response to cardiac injury. In this study, we first examined baseline Acomys cardiac anatomy and function in comparison with commonly used inbred and outbred laboratory Mus strains (C57BL6 and CFW). While our results demonstrated comparable cardiac anatomy and function between Acomys and Mus, Acomys exhibited a higher percentage of cardiomyocytes displaying distinct characteristics. In response to myocardial infarction, all animals experienced a comparable level of initial cardiac damage. However, Acomys demonstrated superior ischemic tolerance and cytoprotection in response to injury as evidenced by cardiac functional stabilization, higher survival rate, and smaller scar size 50 days after injury compared to the inbred and outbred mouse strains. This phenomenon correlated with enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, increased angiogenesis, and medium vessel maturation in the peri-infarct and infarct regions. Overall, these findings demonstrate augmented myocardial preservation in spiny mice post-MI and establish Acomys as a new adult mammalian model for cardiac research.
Validity of predictive equations for 24-h urinary sodium excretion at the population and individual levels among Chinese adults aged 18–69 years
Authors: Du Xiaofu , Fang Le , Guo Jing , Chen Xiangyu , Su Shuoci , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2021

Spot urine (SU) collection is a convenient method commonly used for sodium estimation, but its validity in predicting 24-h urinary sodium (24-hUNa) excretion has not been thoroughly evaluated among the general population. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the validity of eight existing methods in predicting 24-hUNa excretion by using SU samples among Chinese adults. We analyzed 1424 representative individuals aged 18 to 69 years. We compared the measured and estimated measurements of 24-hUNa at the population level by examining bias, the correlation, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Bland–Altman plots and analyzed the relative and absolute differences and misclassification at the individual level. The bias for all methods was significant (allp < 0.001), among which the smallest bias was − 7.9 mmol for the Toft formula and the largest bias was − 53.8 mmol for the Mage formula. Correlation coefficients were all less than 0.380, all formulas exhibited an area under the ROC curve below 0.683, and the Bland–Altman plots indicated slightly high dispersion of the estimation biases at higher sodium levels regardless of the formula. The proportions of relative differences > 40% for the eight methods were all over one-third, the proportions of absolute differences > 51.3 mmol/24 h (3 g/day NaCl) were all over 40%, and the misclassification rates (7, 10, and 13 g/day NaCl as cutoff points) were all over 65%. Caution remains due to poor validity between estimated and actual measurements when using the eight formulas to obtain a plausible estimation for surveillance of the Chinese population sodium excretion, and the results do not support the application of SU to estimate sodium intake at the individual level due to its poor performance with respect to classification.
Light-stimulus intensity modulates startle reflex habituation in larval zebrafish
Authors: Beppi Carolina , Beringer Giorgio , Straumann Dominik , Bögli Stefan Yu
Published: November 2021

The startle reflex in larval zebrafish describes a C-bend of the body occurring in response to sudden, unexpected, stimuli of different sensory modalities. Alterations in the startle reflex habituation (SRH) have been reported in various human and animal models of neurological and psychiatric conditions and are hence considered an important behavioural marker of neurophysiological function. The amplitude, offset and decay constant of the auditory SRH in larval zebrafish have recently been characterised, revealing that the measures are affected by variation in vibratory frequency, intensity, and interstimulus-interval. Currently, no study provides a model-based analysis of the effect of physical properties of light stimuli on the visual SRH. This study assessed the effect of incremental light-stimulus intensity on the SRH of larval zebrafish through a repeated-measures design. Their total locomotor responses were normalised for the time factor, based on the behaviour of a (non-stimulated) control group. A linear regression indicated that light intensity positively predicts locomotor responses due to larger SRH decay constants and offsets. The conclusions of this study provide important insights as to the effect of light properties on the SRH in larval zebrafish. Our methodology and findings constitute a relevant reference framework for further investigation in translational neurophysiological research.
Epidemiologic potentials and correlational analysis of Vibrio species and virulence toxins from water sources in greater Bushenyi districts, Uganda
Authors: Onohuean Hope , Okoh Anthony I. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U.
Published: November 2021

Adequate water supply is one of the public health issues among the population living in low-income settings. Vibriosis remain a significant health challenge drawing the attention of both healthcare planners and researchers in South West districts of Uganda. Intending to clamp down the disease cases in the safest water deprive locality, we investigated the virulent toxins as contaminants and epidemiologic potentials of Vibrio species recovered from surface waters in greater Bushenyi districts, Uganda. Surface water sources within 46 villages located in the study districts were obtained between June and October 2018. Standard microbiological and molecular methods were used to analyse samples. Our results showed that 981 presumptive isolates retrieved cell counts of 10–100 CFU/g, with, with (640) 65% confirmed as Vibrio genus using polymerase chain reaction, which is distributed as follows; V. vulnificus 46/640 (7.2%), V. fluvialis 30/594 (5.1), V. parahaemolyticus 21/564 (3.7), V. cholera 5/543 (0.9), V. alginolyticus 62/538 (11.5) and V. mimicus 20/476 (4.2). The virulence toxins observed were heat-stable enterotoxin (stn) 46 (82.10%), V. vulnificus virulence gene (vcgCPI) 40 (87.00%), extracellular haemolysin gene {vfh 21 (70.00)} and Heme utilization protein gene {hupO 5 (16.70)}. The cluster analysis depicts hupO (4.46% n = 112); vfh (18.75%, n = 112); vcgCPI and stn (35.71%, & 41.07%, n = 112). The principal component analysis revealed the toxins (hupO, vfh) were correlated with the isolate recovered from Bohole water (BW) source, while (vcgCPI, stn) toxins are correlated with natural raw water (NRW) and open springs (OS) water sources isolates. Such observation indicates that surface waters sources are highly contaminated with an odds ratio of 1.00, 95% CI (70.48–90.5), attributed risk of (aR = 64.29) and relative risk of (RR = 73.91). In addition, it also implies that the surface waters sources have > 1 risk of contamination with vfh and > six times of contamination with hupO (aR = 40, − 66). This is a call of utmost importance to the population, which depends on these water sources to undertake appropriate sanitation, personal hygienic practices and potential measures that ensure water quality.
A data-driven approach to increasing the lifetime of IoT sensor nodes
Authors: Suryavansh Shikhar , Benna Abu , Guest Chris , Chaterji Somali
Published: November 2021

Data transmission accounts for significant energy consumption in wireless sensor networks where streaming data is generated by the sensors. This impedes their use in many settings, including livestock monitoring over large pastures (which forms our target application). We present Ambrosia, a lightweight protocol that utilizes a window-based timeseries forecasting mechanism for data reduction. Ambrosia employs a configurable error threshold to ensure that the accuracy of end applications is unaffected by the data transfer reduction. Experimental evaluations using LoRa and BLE on a real livestock monitoring deployment demonstrate 60% reduction in data transmission and a 2 $$\times$$×increase in battery lifetime.
Children's mental and behavioral health, schooling, and socioeconomic characteristics during school closure in France due to COVID-19: the SAPRIS project
Authors: Monnier Maëva , Moulin Flore , Thierry Xavier , Vandentorren Stéphanie , Côté Sylvana , Barbosa Susana , Falissard Bruno , Plancoulaine Sabine , Charles Marie-Aline , Simeon Thierry , Geay Bertrand , Marchand Laetitia , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Melchior Maria , Rouquette Alexandra ,   the SAPRIS study group, Bajos Nathalie , Carrat Fabrice , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Charles Marie-Aline , Jusot Florence , Martin Claude , Meyer Laurence , Pailhé Ariane , Rouquette Alexandra , Severi Gianluca , Spire Alexis , Touvier Mathilde , Zins Marie , Galera Cédric
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 limitation strategies have led to widespread school closures around the world. The present study reports children’s mental health and associated factors during the COVID-19 school closure in France in the spring of 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the SAPRIS project set up during the COVID-19 pandemic in France. Using multinomial logistic regression models, we estimated associations between children’s mental health, children’s health behaviors, schooling, and socioeconomic characteristics of the children’s families. The sample consisted of 5702 children aged 8–9 years, including 50.2% girls. In multivariate logistic regression models, children’s sleeping difficulties were associated with children’s abnormal symptoms of both hyperactivity-inattention (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.05; 95% Confidence Interval 1.70–2.47) and emotional symptoms (aOR 5.34; 95% CI 4.16–6.86). Factors specifically associated with abnormal hyperactivity/inattention were: male sex (aOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.90–2.76), access to specialized care prior to the pandemic and its suspension during school closure (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.21–1.88), abnormal emotional symptoms (aOR 4.06; 95% CI 3.11–5.29), being unschooled or schooled with assistance before lockdown (aOR 2.13; 95% CI 1.43–3.17), and tutoring with difficulties or absence of a tutor (aOR 3.25; 95% CI 2.64–3.99; aOR 2.47; 95% CI 1.48–4.11, respectively). Factors associated with children’s emotional symptoms were the following: being born pre-term (aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03–1.73), COVID-19 cases among household members (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.08–2.73), abnormal symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention (aOR 4.18; 95% CI 3.27–5.34) and modest income (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.07–1.96; aOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.01–1.84). Multiple characteristics were associated with elevated levels of symptoms of hyperactivity-inattention and emotional symptoms in children during the period of school closure due to COVID-19. Further studies are needed to help policymakers to balance the pros and cons of closing schools, taking into consideration the educational and psychological consequences for children.
Need for discriminating between diagnostic and screening efficacy to estimate a biomarker based on case control and cohort studies
Authors: Hui Liu
Published: November 2021

This study proposes the comprehensive index of biomarker (CIB), based on the consistency of a biomarker in case control (Youden index, J) and cohort studies (Crc), to evaluate biomarker efficacy. CIB was calculated as the mean of J and Crc. Analysis of the effect of sensitivity and specificity on CIB and ROC analysis of CIB were performed in simulated and actual datasets. J and CIB had similar values for high-probability events (say probability was 0.50), but there was a significant difference between J and CIB for low-probability events (say probability was 0.05). Therefore, as the subjects considered for diagnosis are usually symptomatic, the occurrence of a disease can be assumed to be a high-probability event. In contrast, as the subjects considered in screening for a disease are usually healthy and asymptomatic, the occurrence of a disease is assumed to be a low-probability event. Although J is the common index used to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness, unfortunately, the J value is significantly larger than CIB value in a low-probability event, showing overestimation for screening purpose. CIB could have more potential than J for determining the screening efficacy of a biomarker. The efficacy of a biomarker could differ for diagnostic, screening, predictive, and prognostic purposes, and it would be better to evaluate the efficacy of biomarkers for specific systems or contexts.
Silicon nanorod formation from powder feedstock through co-condensation in plasma flash evaporation and its feasibility for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Tanaka Akihiro , Ohta Ryoshi , Dougakiuchi Masashi , Tanaka Toshimi , Takeuchi Akira , Fukuda Kenichi , Kambara Makoto
Published: November 2021

Si nanowires/nanorods are known to enhance the cycle performance of the lithium-ion batteries. However, viable high throughput production of Si nanomaterials has not yet attained as it requires in general expensive gas source and low-rate and multiple-step approach. As one of the potential approaches, in this work, we report the fast-rate Si nanorod synthesis from low-cost powder source by the modified plasma flash evaporation and the fundamental principle of structural formation during gas co-condensation. In this process, while Si vapors are formed in high temperature plasma jet, molten copper droplets are produced separately at the low temperature region as catalysts for growth of silicon nanorods. Si rods with several micrometers long and a few hundred of nanometers in diameter were produced in a single process at rates up to 40 µm s−1. The growth of the Si nanorods from powder source is primarily characterized by the vapor–liquid–solid growth which is accelerated by the heat extraction at the growth point. The battery cells with the Si nanorods as the anode have shown that a higher capacity and better cyclability is achieved for the nanorods with higher aspect ratios.
Isoform specific anti-TGFβ therapy enhances antitumor efficacy in mouse models of cancer
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Budhu Sadna , Fitzgerald Kelly , Giese Rachel , Michel Adam O. , Holland Aliya , Campesato Luis Felipe , van Snick Jacques , Uyttenhove Catherine , Ritter Gerd , Wolchok Jedd D. , Merghoub Taha
Published: November 2021

TGFβ is a potential target in cancer treatment due to its dual role in tumorigenesis and homeostasis. However, the expression of TGFβ and its inhibition within the tumor microenvironment has mainly been investigated in stroma-heavy tumors. Using B16 mouse melanoma and CT26 colon carcinoma as models of stroma-poor tumors, we demonstrate that myeloid/dendritic cells are the main sources of TGFβ1 and TGFβ3. Depending on local expression of TGFβ isoforms, isoform specific inhibition of either TGFβ1 or TGFβ3 may be effective. The TGFβ signature of CT26 colon carcinoma is defined by TGFβ1 and TGFβ1 inhibition results in tumor delay; B16 melanoma has equal expression of both isoforms and inhibition of either TGFβ1 or TGFβ3 controls tumor growth. Using T cell functional assays, we show that the mechanism of tumor delay is through and dependent on enhanced CD8+ T cell function. To overcome the local immunosuppressive environment, we found that combining TGFβ inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade results in improved tumor control. Our data suggest that TGFβ inhibition in stroma poor tumors shifts the local immune environment to favor tumor suppression.
Transcriptional changes and the role of ONECUT1 in hPSC pancreatic differentiation
Authors: Heller Sandra , Li Zhijian , Lin Qiong , Geusz Ryan , Breunig Markus , Hohwieler Meike , Zhang Xi , Nair Gopika G. , Seufferlein Thomas , Hebrok Matthias , Sander Maike , Julier Cécile , Kleger Alexander , Costa Ivan G.
Published: November 2021

Cell type specification during pancreatic development is tightly controlled by a transcriptional and epigenetic network. The precise role of most transcription factors, however, has been only described in mice. To convey such concepts to human pancreatic development, alternative model systems such as pancreatic in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells can be employed. Here, we analyzed stage-specific RNA-, ChIP-, and ATAC-sequencing data to dissect transcriptional and regulatory mechanisms during pancreatic development. Transcriptome and open chromatin maps of pancreatic differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells provide a stage-specific pattern of known pancreatic transcription factors and indicate ONECUT1 as a crucial fate regulator in pancreas progenitors. Moreover, our data suggest that ONECUT1 is also involved in preparing pancreatic progenitors for later endocrine specification. The dissection of the transcriptional and regulatory circuitry revealed an important role for ONECUT1 within such network and will serve as resource to study human development and disease.
Designing successful monodentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric metal catalysis
Authors: Foster Daven , Borhanuddin S. M. , Dorta Reto
Published: November 2021

We present a concise overview on chiral monodentate NHC-metal structures that accomplish high levels of enantioselectivity (≥90% ee) in catalysis and give guidelines to their use and thoughts on the future of this field.
Construction of Fe-doped CoP with hybrid nanostructures as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Dai Haojiang , Liao Wenhao , Tong Xianfeng , Fu Yingyan , Qian Min , Chen Tianyun
Published: November 2021

Owing to the ionic doping and the partial phosphating strategies, Fe0.25-CoP catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic activity and durability for electrochemical water splitting.
Development of NIR emissive fully-fused bisboron complexes with π-conjugated systems including multiple azo groups
Authors: Nakamura Masashi , Gon Masayuki , Natsuda Shin-ichiro , Tamai Yasunari , Ohkita Hideo , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: November 2021

Conjugated systems including multiple boron-fused NN scaffolds are shown to be a novel framework for a near-infrared (NIR) emitter. One of the diastereomers of the complexes showed crystallization-induced emission enhancement (CIEE) in the NIR region.
Interconnected N-doped MXene spherical shells for highly efficient capacitive deionization
Authors: Zhang Gujia , Wang Luhua , Sa Rongjian , Xu Chao , Li Zhaohui , Wang Lianzhou
Published: November 2021

Three-dimensional interconnected N-doped Ti3C2Tx hollow spherical shells with abundant accessible space exhibit excellent capacitive deionization performance in asymmetric electrode systems.
The synthesis of a nanodrug using metal-based nanozymes conjugated with ginsenoside Rg3 for pancreatic cancer therapy
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxiong , Wu Jicheng , Zhang Kaixin , Guo Danjing , Hong Liangjie , Chen Xinhua , Wang Ben , Song Yujun
Published: November 2021

The coupling of nanozymes with ginsenoside Rg3 to form a nanodrug completely compensates for their respective defects and results in obvious anticancer synergistic effects, which provides a clear direction for the subsequent clinical application.
Transparent polycarbonate coated with CeO2 nanozymes repel Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 biofilms
Authors: Jegel Olga , Pfitzner Felix , Gazanis Athanasios , Oberländer Jennifer , Pütz Eva , Lange Martin , von der Au Marcus , Meermann Björn , Mailänder Volker , Klasen Alexander , Heermann Ralf , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

CeO2/polycarbonate nanocomposites are highly transparent and bacteria repellent.
The Wittig bioconjugation of maleimide derived, water soluble phosphonium ylides to aldehyde-tagged proteins
Authors: Hartmann Rafael W. , Pijnappel Matthijs , Nilvebrant Johan , Helgudottir Hildur Run , Asbjarnarson Arni , Traustadottir Gunnhildur Asta , Gudjonsson Thorarinn , Nygren Per-Åke , Lehmann Fredrik , Odell Luke R.
Published: November 2021

The novel bioconjugation method makes use of maleimides and tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) to conjugate small molecules to proteins via alkenes.
Transition metal complexes with functionalized indenyl phosphine ligands: structures and catalytic properties
Authors: Yuan Jia , Zhang Ying , Yu Hong , Wang Cuiying , Meng Sixuan , Chen Jian , Yu Guang-Ao , Che Chi-Ming
Published: November 2021

This review summarizes the recent development of the use and impact of indenyl phosphines in the coordination chemistry and transition-metal-catalysed transformations, especially in E–H (E = H, C, Si and B) bonds activation, and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.
Production of furans from C5 and C6 sugars in the presence of polar organic solvents
Authors: Ricciardi Luca , Verboom Willem , Lange Jean-Paul , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: November 2021

This review focuses on the application of polar organic solvents, particularly aprotic ones, as reaction environments for the dehydration of C5 and C6 biomass-based sugars, with the aim to boost reactivity and selectivity towards furans.
Simultaneous X-ray and radio observations of the transitional millisecond pulsar candidate CXOU J110926.4–650224
Authors: Coti Zelati F. , Hugo B. , Torres D. F. , de Martino D. , Papitto A. , Buckley D. A. H. , Russell T. D. , Campana S. , Van Rooyen R. , Bozzo E. , Ferrigno C. , Li J. , Migliari S. , Monageng I. , Rea N. , Serylak M. , Stappers B. W. , Titus N.
Published: November 2021

We present the results of simultaneous observations of the transitional millisecond pulsar (tMSP) candidate CXOU J110926.4–650224 with the XMM-Newton satellite and the MeerKAT telescope. The source was found at an average X-ray luminosity of LX ≃ 7 × 1033 erg s−1 over the 0.3−10 keV band (assuming a distance of 4 kpc) and displayed a peculiar variability pattern in the X-ray emission, switching between high, low and flaring modes on timescales of tens of seconds. A radio counterpart was detected at a significance of 7.9σ with an average flux density of ≃33 μJy at 1.28 GHz. It showed variability over the course of hours and emitted a ≃10-min long flare just a few minutes after a brief sequence of multiple X-ray flares. No clear evidence for a significant correlated or anticorrelated variability pattern was found between the X-ray and radio emissions over timescales of tens of minutes and longer. CXOU J110926.4–650224 was undetected at higher radio frequencies in subsequent observations performed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array, when the source was still in the same X-ray sub-luminous state observed before, down to a flux density upper limit of 15 μJy at 7.25 GHz (at 3σ). We compare the radio emission properties of CXOU J110926.4–650224 with those observed in known and candidate tMSPs and discuss physical scenarios that may account for its persistent and flaring radio emissions.
Fitting XMM-Newton observations of the AXP 1RXS J170849.0−400910 with four magnetar surface emission models, and predictions for X-ray polarization observations with IXPE
Authors: Krawczynski Henric , Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto , Mereghetti Sandro , Rigoselli Michela
Published: November 2021

Context. Phase-resolved spectral and spectropolarimetric X-ray observations of magnetars present us with the opportunity to test models of the origin of the X-ray emission from these objects, and to constrain the properties of the neutron star surface and atmosphere.

Aims. Our first aim is to use archival XMM-Newton observations of the magnetar 1RXS J170849.0−400910 to ascertain how well four emission models describe the phase-resolved XMM-Newton energy spectra. Our second aim is to evaluate the scientific potential of future spectropolarimetric observations of 1RXS J170849.0−400910 with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) scheduled for launch in late 2021. The most salient questions are whether IXPE is able to distinguish between the different emission models, and whether IXPE can unambiguously detect the signatures of quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects in strong magnetic fields.

Methods. We used numerical radiation transport calculations for a large number of different system parameters to predict the X-ray flux and polarization energy spectra of the source 1RXS J170849.0−400910. Based on the numerical results, we developed a new model to fit phase-resolved and phase-averaged X-ray spectral (i.e., XMM-Newton and IXPE) and spectropolarimetric (IXPE) data. In order to test the sensitivity of IXPE to strong-field QED effects, we fit a simulated IXPE observation with two versions of the model, i.e., with and without QED effects accounted for.

Results. The fixed-ions condensed surface model gives the best description of the phase-resolved XMM-Newton spectra, followed by the blackbody and free-ions condensed surface models. The magnetized atmosphere model gives a poor description of the data and seems to be largely excluded. Simulations show that the IXPE observations of sources such as 1RXS J170849.0−400910 will allow us to cleanly distinguish between high-polarization (blackbody, magnetized atmosphere) and low-polarization (condensed surface) models. If the blackbody or magnetized atmosphere models apply, IXPE can easily prove QED effects based on ∼200 ksec observations as studied here; longer IXPE observation times will be needed for a clear detection in the case of the condensed surface models.

Conclusions. The XMM-Newton data have such a good signal-to-noise ratio that they reveal some limitations of the theoretical models. Notwithstanding this caveat, the fits clearly favor the fixed-ions condensed surface and blackbody models over the free-ions condensed surface and magnetized atmosphere models. The IXPE polarization information will greatly help us to figure out how to improve the models. The first detection of strong-field QED effects in the signal from astrophysical sources seems possible if an adequate amount of time is dedicated to the observations.
Rotational and rovibrational spectroscopy of CD3OH with an account of CD3OH toward IRAS 16293−2422
Authors: Ilyushin V. V. , Müller H. S. P. , Jørgensen J. K. , Bauerecker S. , Maul C. , Bakhmat Y. , Alekseev E. A. , Dorovskaya O. , Vlasenko S. , Lewen F. , Schlemmer S. , Berezkin K. , Lees R. M.
Published: November 2021

Solar-type protostars have been shown to harbor highly deuterated complex organics, as evidenced, for instance, by the high relative abundances of doubly and triply deuterated isotopologs. While this degree of deuteration may provide important clues in studying the formation of these species, spectroscopic information on multiply deuterated isotopologs is often insufficient. In particular, searches for triply deuterated methanol, CD3OH, are hampered to a large extent by the lack of intensity information from a spectroscopic model. The aim of the present study is to develop a spectroscopic model of CD3OH in low-lying torsional states that is sufficiently accurate to facilitate further searches for CD3OH in space. We performed a new measurement campaign for CD3OH involving three spectroscopic laboratories that covers the 34 GHz−1.1 THz and the 20−900 cm−1 ranges. The analysis was performed using the torsion-rotation Hamiltonian model based on the rho-axis method. We determined a model that describes the ground and first excited torsional states of CD3OH, up to quantum numbers J ≤ 55 and Ka ≤ 23, and we derived a line list for radio-astronomical observations. The resulting line list is accurate up to at least 1.1 THz and should be sufficient for all types of radio-astronomical searches for this methanol isotopolog. This line list was used to search for CD3OH in data from the Protostellar Interferometric Line Survey of IRAS 16293−2422 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Specifically, CD3OH is securely detected in the data, with a large number of clearly separated and well-reproduced lines. We not only detected lines belonging to the ground torsional state, but also several belonging to the first excited torsional state. The derived column density of CD3OH and abundance relative to the non-deuterated isotopolog confirm the significant enhancement of this multiply deuterated variant. This finding is in line with other observations of multiply deuterated complex organic molecules and may serve as an important constraint on their formation models.