bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New covalent bonding ability for proteins
Authors: Cao Li , Wang Lei
Published: November 2021

To expand protein's covalent bonding ability, latent bioreactive unnatural amino acids have been designed and genetically encoded into proteins, which react with specific natural amino acid residues through proximity‐enabled bioreactivity. The resultant new covalent bonds can be selectively created within and between proteins in vitro, in cells, and in vivo. Offering diverse properties previously unattainable, these covalent linkages have been harnessed to enhance protein properties, to modulate protein function, to probe ligand–receptor binding, to identify elusive protein interactions, and to develop covalent protein drugs. Selective introduction of covalent bonds into proteins is affording novel avenues for biological studies, synthetic biology, and biotherapeutics.
In‐Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Observation of Germanium Growth on Freestanding Graphene: Unfolding Mechanism of 3D Crystal Growth During Van der Waals Epitaxy
Authors: Diallo Thierno Mamoudou , Aziziyan Mohammad Reza , Arvinte Roxana , Harmand Jean‐Christophe , Patriarche Gilles , Renard Charles , Fafard Simon , Arès Richard , Boucherif Abderraouf
Published: November 2021

Breakthroughs in cutting‐edge research fields such as hetero‐integration of materials and the development of quantum devices are heavily bound to the control of misfit strain during heteroepitaxy. While remote epitaxy offers one of the most intriguing avenues, demonstrations of functional hybrid heterostructures are hardly possible without a deep understanding of the nucleation and growth kinetics of 3D crystals on graphene and their mutual interactions. Here, the kinetics of such processes from real‐time observations of germanium (Ge) growth on freestanding single layer graphene (SLG) using in‐situ transmission electron microscopy are unraveled. This powerful technique provides a unique opportunity to observe new and yet unexplored phenomena, which are not accessible to the standard ex situ characterizations. Through direct observations, remote interactions are elucidated between Ge crystals through the graphene layer in double heterostructures of Ge/graphene/Ge. Notably, the data show real‐time evidence of vertical Ge atoms diffusion through the graphene layer. This phenomenon is attributed to the remote interactions of Ge atoms through the graphene lattice, due to its interatomic interaction transparency. Additionally, key mechanisms governing nucleation and initial growth in graphene were systematically determined. These findings enlighten the growth mechanism of graphene and provide a new pathway for disruptive hybrid semiconductor‐graphene devices.
Critical Role of Phosphorus in Hollow Structures Cobalt‐Based Phosphides as Bifunctional Catalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Ning , Luo Jiangshui , Han Xu , Feng Shihui , Guo Wei , Xie Sijie , Zhou Zhenyu , Subramanian Palaniappan , Wan Kai , Arbiol Jordi , Zhang Chi , Liu Shaomin , Xu Maowen , Zhang Xuan , Fransaer Jan
Published: November 2021

Cobalt phosphides electrocatalysts have great potential for water splitting, but the unclear active sides hinder the further development of cobalt phosphides. Wherein, three different cobalt phosphides with the same hollow structure morphology (CoP‐HS, CoP2‐HS, CoP3‐HS) based on the same sacrificial template of ZIF‐67 are prepared. Surprisingly, these cobalt phosphides exhibit similar OER performances but quite different HER performances. The identical OER performance of these CoPx‐HS in alkaline solution is attributed to the similar surface reconstruction to CoOOH. CoP‐HS exhibits the best catalytic activity for HER among these CoPx‐HS in both acidic and alkaline media, originating from the adjusted electronic density of phosphorus to affect absorption–desorption process on H. Moreover, the calculated ΔGH* based on P‐sites of CoP‐HS follows a quite similar trend with the normalized overpotential and Tafel slope, indicating the important role of P‐sites for the HER process. Moreover, CoP‐HS displays good performance (cell voltage of 1.67 V at a current density of 50 mA cm−2) and high stability in 1 M KOH. For the first time, this work detailly presents the critical role of phosphorus in cobalt‐based phosphides for water splitting, which provides the guidance for future investigations on transition metal phosphides from material design to mechanism understanding.
Rapid Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis and Electrode Optimization of Organic Anode Materials in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Desai Aamod V. , Rainer Daniel N. , Pramanik Atin , Cabañero Joel M. , Morris Russell E. , Armstrong Anthony Robert
Published: November 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries are commanding increasing attention owing to their promising electrochemical performance and sustainability. Organic electrode materials (OEMs) complement such technologies as they can be sourced from biomass and recycling them is environmentally friendly. Organic anodes based on sodium carboxylates have exhibited immense potential, except the limitation of current synthesis methods concerning upscaling and energy costs. In this work, a rapid and energy efficient microwave‐assisted synthesis for organic anodes is presented using sodium naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylate as a model compound. Optimizing the synthesis and electrode composition enables the compound to deliver a reversible initial capacity of ≈250 mAh g–1 at a current density of 25 mA g–1 with a high initial Coulombic efficiency (≈78%). The capacity is stable over 400 cycles and the compound also exhibits good rate performance. The successful demonstration of this rapid synthesis may facilitate the transition to preparing organic battery materials by scalable, efficient methods.
Potential of Recombinant Raw Starch‐Degrading Enzyme from Escherichia coli for Sugar Syrup and Bioethanol Productions Using Broken Rice Powder as Substrate
Authors: Lomthong Thanasak , Saelee Kittiphong , Trakarnpaiboon Srisakul , Siripornvisal Sirirat , Kitpreechavanich Vichien
Published: November 2021

The recombinant raw starch‐degrading enzyme (LsA175) which harbors the lsa175 gene from Laceyella sacchari LP175 is optimized for expression in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant strain provides an alternative avenue for enzyme production in a stirrer fermenter with tolerance to shear force and avoids losing stability by protease existing in the native strain. The maximum enzyme production at 4472±112 U g−1 cell dry weight is obtained using the optimum conditions at 22 °C, 1.0 mM IPTG, and 24 h of induction temperature, Isopropyl β‐ d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration, and induction time, respectively. The enzyme production of 4545 ± 89.8 U g−1 cell dry weight is obtained by batch fermentation in a 2.0 L stirrer fermenter and 5329 ± 86.1 U g−1 cell dry weight by continued glucose feeding with high bacterial cell concentration. The uncooked broken rice powder (200 g L−1) is hydrolyzed by crude recombinant LsA175 (300 U mL−1) at 50 °C for 12 h without the addition of exogenous glucoamylase (GA), yielding 86 ± 1.79 g L−1 reducing sugar. The bioethanol production resulting from modified simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with Kluyveromyces marxianus DMKU‐KS07 at 42 °C gave 71.4±4.35 g L−1 ethanol with 88.24% of theoretical ethanol yield. LsA175 presents engaging performances regarding sugar syrup and bioethanol production, which can diminish the cost of production and energy consumption.
LEF-1 Controls Cell Cycle Progression in Airway Basal Cells to Regulate Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Jensen-Cody Chandler W. , Crooke Adrianne K. , Rotti Pavana G. , Ievlev Vitaly , Shahin Weam , Park Soo-Yeun , Lynch Thomas J. , Engelhardt John F.
Published: November 2021

The mammalian airways are lined by a continuous epithelial layer that is maintained by diverse populations of resident multipotent stem cells. These stem cells are responsible for replenishing the epithelium both at homeostasis and following injury, making them promising targets for stem cell and genetic-based therapies for a variety of respiratory diseases. However, the mechanisms that regulate when and how these stem cells proliferate, migrate, and differentiate remains incompletely understood. Here, we find that the high mobility group (HMG) domain transcription factor Lef-1 regulates proliferation and differentiation of mouse tracheal basal cells. We demonstrate that conditional deletion of Lef-1 stalls basal cell proliferation at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle, and that Lef-1 knockout cells are unable to maintain luminal tracheal cell types in long-term air-liquid interface culture. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Lef-1 knockout (Lef-1KO) results in downregulation of key DNA damage response and cell cycle progression genes, including the kinase Chek1. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of Chek1 is sufficient to stall basal cell self-renewal in a similar fashion as Lef-1 deletion. Notably, the cell cycle block imposed by Lef-1KO in vitro is transient and basal cells eventually compensate to proliferate normally in a Chek1-independent manner. Finally, Lef-1KO cells were unable to fully regenerate tracheal epithelium following injury in vivo. These findings reveal that Lef-1 is essential for proper basal cell function. Thus, modulating Lef-1 function in airway basal cells may have applications in regenerative medicine.
Enteric mesenchymal cells support the growth of postnatal enteric neural stem cells
Authors: Stavely Rhian , Bhave Sukhada , Ho Wing Lam N. , Ahmed Minhal , Pan Weikang , Rahman Ahmed A. , Ulloa Jessica , Bousquet Nicole , Omer Meredith , Guyer Richard , Nagy Nandor , Goldstein Allan M. , Hotta Ryo
Published: November 2021

Interplay between embryonic enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) and enteric mesenchymal cells (EMCs) in the embryonic gut is essential for normal development of the enteric nervous system. Disruption of these interactions underlies the pathogenesis of intestinal aganglionosis in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). ENSC therapy has been proposed as a possible treatment for HSCR, but whether the survival and development of postnatal-derived ENSCs similarly rely on signals from the mesenchymal environment is unknown and has important implications for developing protocols to expand ENSCs for cell transplantation therapy. Enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs) and EMCs were cultured from the small intestine of Wnt1-Rosa26-tdTomato mice. EMCs promoted the expansion of ENCDCs 9.5-fold by inducing ENSC properties, including expression of Nes, Sox10, Sox2, and Ngfr. EMCs enhanced the neurosphere-forming ability of ENCDCs, and this persisted after withdrawal of the EMCs. These effects were mediated by paracrine factors and several ligands known to support neural stem cells were identified in EMCs. Using the optimized expansion procedures, neurospheres were generated from small intestine of the Ednrb −/− mouse model of HSCR. These ENSCs had similar proliferative and migratory capacity to Ednrb +/+ ENSCs, albeit neurospheres contained fewer neurons. ENSCs derived from Ednrb −/− mice generated functional neurons with similar calcium responses to Ednrb +/+ ENSCs and survived after transplantation into the aganglionic colon of Ednrb −/− recipients. EMCs act as supporting cells to ENSCs postnatally via an array of synergistically acting paracrine signaling factors. These properties can be leveraged to expand autologous ENSCs from patients with HSCR mutations for therapeutic application.
Expression levels and activation status of Yap splicing isoforms determine self-renewal and differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Wang Xueyue , Ruan Yan , Zhang Junlei , Tian Yanping , Liu Lianlian , Wang JiaLi , Liu Gaoke , Cheng Yuda , Xu Yixiao , Yang Yi , Yu Meng , Zhao Binyu , Zhang Yue , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Jiangjun , Wu Wei , He Ping , Xiao Lan , Xiong Jiaxiang , Jian Rui
Published: November 2021

Yap is the key effector of Hippo signaling; however, its role in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains controversial. Here, we identify two Yap splicing isoforms (Yap472 and Yap488), which show equal expression levels but heterogeneous distribution in ESCs. Knockout (KO) of both isoforms reduces ESC self-renewal, accelerates pluripotency exit, but arrests terminal differentiation, while overexpression of each isoform leads to the reverse phenotype. The effect of both Yap isoforms on self-renewal is Teads-dependent and mediated by c-Myc. Nonetheless, different isoforms are found to affect overlapping yet distinct genes, and confer different developmental potential to Yap-KO cells, with Yap472 exerting a more pronounced biological effect and being more essential for neuroectoderm differentiation. Constitutive activation of Yaps, particularly Yap472, dramatically upregulates p53 and Cdx2, inducing trophectoderm trans-differentiation even under self-renewal conditions. These findings reveal the combined roles of different Yap splicing isoforms and mechanisms in regulating self-renewal efficiency and differentiation potential of ESCs.
High-Mobility Group At-Hook 1 Mediates the Role of Nuclear Factor I/X in Osteogenic Differentiation Through Activating Canonical Wnt Signaling
Authors: Wu Xiaowen , Wang Xiaochen , Shan Liying , Zhou Jie , Zhang Xin , Zhu Endong , Yuan Hairui , Wang Baoli
Published: November 2021

It was previously reported that the loss of the transcription factor nuclear factor I/X (NFIX) gene in mice impaired endochondral ossification and mineralization in bone. However, the cellular and molecular basis for the defect remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated if and how NFIX regulates osteoblast differentiation. Nfix mRNA was induced during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies revealed that NFIX induced osteoblast differentiation and impaired adipocyte formation from progenitor cells. RNA-seq and promoter analysis revealed that NFIX transcriptionally stimulated the expression of high-mobility group AT-Hook 1 (HMGA1). We then demonstrated that HMGA1 stimulated osteogenic differentiation of progenitor cells at the expense of adipogenic differentiation. The effect of Nfix siRNA on the differentiation of progenitor cells could be attenuated when HMGA1 was simultaneously overexpressed. Further investigations revealed the stimulatory effect of NFIX and HMGA1 on canonical wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) signaling. HMGA1 transcriptionally activates the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5. Finally, in vivo transfection of Nfix siRNA to the marrow of mice reduced osteoblasts and increased fat accumulation in the marrow, and inactivated HMGA1/β-catenin signaling in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This study suggests that HMGA1 plays a role in osteoblast commitment and mediates the function of NFIX through transcriptionally activating canonical Wnt signaling.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Derived Functional Osteoblasts Exhibit Therapeutic Efficacy in a Murine Model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Kang In-Hong , Baliga Uday K. , Wu Yongren , Mehrotra Shikhar , Yao Hai , LaRue Amanda C. , Mehrotra Meenal
Published: November 2021

Currently, there is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)—a debilitating pediatric skeletal dysplasia. Herein we show that hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapy holds promise in treating OI. Using single-cell HSC transplantation in lethally irradiated oim/oim mice, we demonstrate significant improvements in bone morphometric, mechanics, and turnover parameters. Importantly, we highlight that HSCs cause these improvements due to their unique property of differentiating into osteoblasts/osteocytes, depositing normal collagen—an attribute thus far assigned only to mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. To confirm HSC plasticity, lineage tracing was done by transplanting oim/oim with HSCs from two specific transgenic mice—VavR, in which all hematopoietic cells are GFP+ and pOBCol2.3GFP, where GFP is expressed only in osteoblasts/osteocytes. In both models, transplanted oim/oim mice demonstrated GFP+ HSC-derived osteoblasts/osteocytes in bones. These studies unequivocally establish that HSCs differentiate into osteoblasts/osteocytes, and HSC transplantation can provide a new translational approach for OI.
Two DNA Binding Domains of MGA Act in Combination to Suppress Ectopic Activation of Meiosis-Related Genes in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Uranishi Kousuke , Hirasaki Masataka , Kitamura Yuka , Mizuno Yosuke , Nishimoto Masazumi , Suzuki Ayumu , Okuda Akihiko
Published: November 2021

Although the physiological meaning of the high potential of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for meiotic entry is not understood, a rigid safeguarding system is required to prevent ectopic onset of meiosis. PRC1.6, a non-canonical PRC1, is known for its suppression of precocious and ectopic meiotic onset in germ cells and ESCs, respectively. MGA, a scaffolding component of PRC1.6, bears two distinct DNA-binding domains termed bHLHZ and T-box. However, it is unclear how this feature contributes to the functions of PRC1.6. Here, we demonstrated that both domains repress distinct sets of genes in murine ESCs, but substantial numbers of meiosis-related genes are included in both gene sets. In addition, our data demonstrated that bHLHZ is crucially involved in repressing the expression of Meiosin, which plays essential roles in meiotic entry with Stra8, revealing at least part of the molecular mechanisms that link negative and positive regulation of meiotic onset.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Sequencing Analyses of Cell Heterogeneity During Osteogenesis of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qu Rongmei , He Kai , Fan Tingyu , Yang Yuchao , Mai Liyao , Lian Zhiwei , Zhou Zhitao , Peng Yan , Khan Asmat Ullah , Sun Bing , Huang Xiaolan , Ouyang Jun , Pan Xinghua , Dai Jingxing , Huang Wenhua
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their multilineage differentiation potential with immune-modulatory properties. The molecular underpinnings of differentiation remain largely undefined. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular features of chemically induced osteogenesis from MSC isolated from human adipose tissue (human adipose MSCs, hAMSCs) using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). We found that a near complete differentiation of osteogenic clusters from hAMSCs under a directional induction. Both groups of cells are heterogeneous, and some of the hAMSCs cells are intrinsically prepared for osteogenesis, while variant OS clusters seems in cooperation with a due division of the general function. We identified a set of genes related to cell stress response highly expressed during the differentiation. We also characterized a series of transitional transcriptional waves throughout the process from hAMSCs to osteoblast and specified the unique gene networks and epigenetic status as key markers of osteogenesis.
Rotation and moment redistribution capacity of fiber‐reinforced concrete beams: Parametric analysis and code compliance
Authors: Nogales Alejandro , Tošić Nikola , de la Fuente Albert
Published: November 2021

Fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC) has been proved to be a competitive solution for structural purposes. Extensive research has highlighted the benefits of adding fibers on the post‐cracking strength, reduced crack spacing and crack width, and improved durability, among others. However, these aspects are related to serviceability limit states, and significant work remains to be done in terms of ultimate limit state behavior of FRC members. As recent publications have emphasized, reinforced concrete beams with low reinforcement ratios may result in a reduction of deformation capacity and, hence, to a loss of ductility. To further investigate this topic, this paper presents the results of a numerical parametric study of simply and continuous supported hybrid‐reinforced concrete (HRC) beams made with different amounts of fibers and reinforcement ratios. The deformation, rotational, and moment redistribution capacity of those were assessed by means of a finite‐element model previously calibrated using experimental results available in the literature. The results showed that there is a significant reduction of rotation capacity and moment redistribution for lightly reinforced (hybrid) members. Finally, the paper contains practical recommendations in terms of minimum reinforcement ratios that guarantee adequate rotation and redistribution capacity of HRC members. As such, the results of this study can provide a contribution toward more reliable structural designs of HRC members.
Thymol and carvacrol supplementation in poultry health and performance
Authors: Gholami‐Ahangaran Majid , Ahmadi‐Dastgerdi Asiye , Azizi Shahrzad , Basiratpour Asal , Zokaei Maryam , Derakhshan Masoud
Published: November 2021

Background

Thymol and carvacrol as natural essential oils and phenol compounds are components derived from some medicinal plants, such as thyme and oregano species.

Objectives

The increasing demands in organic and healthy meat and egg consumption in human society have made it necessary to
consider alternative natural compounds for the replacement of chemical compounds in poultry production. The chemical
compounds can remain in meat and eggs and cause complications in human health. Therefore, these natural compounds can be fed with a higher safety in poultry production with specific effects. In this regard, the role of thymol and carvacrol as natural compounds in the poultry production has been discussed in the review.

Methods

In this study, by searching for keywords related to thymol and carvacrol in poultry production in Google Scholar database, the articles related to different aspects of the biological effects of these two phytogenes in poultry production were selected and analyzed.

Results

A review of previous studies has shown that thymol and carvacrol possess a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, modulating of immunity response and regulating of the gut microbial population. Also, in meat type chickens can promote growth and influence feed utilization. The beneficial effect of this compound was evaluated in hepatic toxicity and demonstrated as a hepatoprotective compound in chickens. Furthermore, these compounds can affect the behavior of layers and influence egg composition, eggshell thickness, and the sensory quality of eggs.

Conclusion

It seems that with the increasing demand for healthy protein products, these compounds can be used to improve performance as a substitute alternative for chemical compounds in healthy poultry farms.
Description of the CT evolution of pyothorax and a caudal mediastinal paraesophageal empyema in a cat
Authors: Gruget Emeline , Cabon Quentin , Gory Guillaume
Published: November 2021

A 15‐year‐old domestic cat presented with restrictive dyspnoea and pyrexia. Thoracic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) revealed a caudal mediastinal paraesophageal empyema associated with pyothorax, pleuritis and pericardial effusion. No foreign body was visible. The bacteriology was positive for Fusobacterium nucleatum. Medical treatment was initiated and consisted of bilateral drainage/lavage of the pleural cavity and intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid followed by oral administration. A second CT scan performed on Day 7 showed regression of the lesion and confirmed the effectiveness of the medical treatment. Thoracic drains were removed on Day 8, and antibiotic treatment stopped 3 weeks postdiagnosis. A CT scan performed at 6 weeks postdiagnosis revealed complete regression of the lesions.
Introduction: Is Russia’s Role in the International Agri-Food System Sustainable?
Authors: Wegren Stephen K. , Nilssen Frode
Published: November 2021

This introductory chapter examines the question whether Russia’s increased role in the international agri-food system is sustainable. Russia’s role in the international food trade system has changed from being a food importer to an importer and exporter. The first section discusses several factors that impact food imports: food production; knowledge-based innovation; politicalisation of food trade policy; and population and consumption. The second part examines factors that affect food exports: agri-food export policy; climate change; foreign competition; infrastructure; and regional foreign demand. The final section provides an outlook for the future, concluding that Russia will remain a food importer although the structure of imported commodities and trading partners will continue to evolve. Absent a major climatological disaster or significant economic downturn, we express cautious optimism that Russia will continue as a major food exporter.
Chapter 9: Russia’s Agri-Food Trade with the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Heigermoser Maximilian , Jaghdani Tinoush Jamali , Götz Linde
Published: November 2021

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the top destination for Russian food exports, grains in particular. Focusing on Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, this chapter shows that Russia’s food trade with MENA countries is strongly affected by bilateral political relations. Russia banned most food imports from Turkey over a political conflict in 2016. In the same year, improved intergovernmental cooperation with Saudi Arabia resulted in a diversification of Russia’s food exports to the Gulf country, and in 2019, Iran’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) led to increasing food trade with Russia. Food imports in MENA countries are usually managed by powerful state trading enterprises (STEs), which recurrently disapprove food products originating from Russia based on non-adherence to food quality standards. Our analysis shows that Russia is successfully working to open additional destination markets, while simultaneously impeding imports of food products that it aims to produce domestically.
Covariant color-kinematics duality
Authors: Cheung Clifford , Mangan James
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We show that color-kinematics duality is a manifest property of the equations of motion governing currents and field strengths. For the nonlinear sigma model (NLSM), this insight enables an implementation of the double copy at the level of fields, as well as an explicit construction of the kinematic algebra and associated kinematic current. As a byproduct, we also derive new formulations of the special Galileon (SG) and Born-Infeld (BI) theory.

For Yang-Mills (YM) theory, this same approach reveals a novel structure — covariant color-kinematics duality — whose only difference from the conventional duality is that 1/□ is replaced with covariant 1/D2. Remarkably, this structure implies that YM theory is itself the covariant double copy of gauged biadjoint scalar (GBAS) theory and an F3 theory of field strengths encoding a corresponding kinematic algebra and current. Directly applying the double copy to equations of motion, we derive general relativity (GR) from the product of Einstein-YM and F3 theory. This exercise reveals a trivial variant of the classical double copy that recasts any solution of GR as a solution of YM theory in a curved background.

Covariant color-kinematics duality also implies a new decomposition of tree-level amplitudes in YM theory into those of GBAS theory. Using this representation we derive a closed-form, analytic expression for all BCJ numerators in YM theory and the NLSM for any number of particles in any spacetime dimension. By virtue of the double copy, this constitutes an explicit formula for all tree-level scattering amplitudes in YM, GR, NLSM, SG, and BI.
Krankheitsmodifizierende Therapieansätze bei der Huntington-Krankheit
Authors: Frank Wiebke , Lindenberg Katrin S. , Mühlbäck Alzbeta , Lewerenz Jan , Landwehrmeyer G. Bernhard
Published: November 2021

Die Huntington-Krankheit (HK) ist die häufigste monogenetische neurodegenerative Erkrankung und kann bereits im präklinischen Stadium zweifelsfrei diagnostiziert werden, zumindest in allen Fällen, bei denen die CAG-Expansionsmutation im Huntingtin-Gen (HTT) im Bereich der vollen Penetranz liegt. Wichtige Voraussetzungen für eine früh im Krankheitsprozess einsetzende und deshalb den weiteren Verlauf der Krankheit in klinisch relevanter Weise modifizierende Therapie sind damit gegeben und machen die HK zu einer Modellerkrankung für neuroprotektive Behandlungsansätze. In der Vergangenheit lag der Schwerpunkt auf dem Ausgleich vermuteter Neurotransmitterdefizite (GABA) analog zur Parkinson-Erkrankung und auf klassischen neuroprotektiven Strategien zur Beeinflussung hypothetischer gemeinsamer Endstrecken neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen (z. B. Exzitotoxizität, mitochondriale Dysfunktion, oxidativer Stress etc.). Mit der Entdeckung der krankheitsverursachendenHTT-Mutation im Jahr 1993 fokussierte sich die Therapieforschung zunehmend darauf, soweit proximal wie möglich in die pathophysiologische Ereigniskette einzugreifen. Ein wichtiger Ansatzpunkt ist hier dieHTT-mRNA mit dem Ziel, die Nachproduktion mutierter Huntingtin-Genprodukte zu senken und damit den Körper von deren schädigenden Auswirkungen zu entlasten; zu diesem Zweck sind verschiedene Behandlungsmodalitäten (einzelsträngige DNA und RNA, divalente RNA und Zinkfinger-Repressorkomplexe, oral verfügbare Spleißmodulatoren) entwickelt worden, die sich in der klinischen Prüfung (Phase I–III) oder in späten Stadien der präklinischen Entwicklung befinden. Zudem zeichnet sich ab, dass es möglich sein könnte, die Länge der somatisch instabilen, d. h. über die Lebenszeit v. a. im Hirngewebe zunehmende CAG-Mutation selbst zu beeinflussen und die Progression der HK hierdurch zu bremsen.
Industry 4.0, transition or addition in SMEs? A systematic literature review on digitalization for deviation management
Authors: Chavez Zuhara , Hauge Jannicke Baalsrud , Bellgran Monica
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has become a trendy topic in manufacturing industries worldwide. The definition is far from being comprehensible for small players, and the practical uptake is ambiguous. Transnational companies are often at the top in deploying I4.0 features, learning primarily from their experimentation. Alternatively, small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), given their less stable value chains and unsteady processes, tend to target most of their efforts on controlling disturbances and adopting solutions for deviation control. Such solutions can be features that set the path for SMEs to transition to I4.0. This paper aims to examine the reported degree of digitalization in implemented solutions in SMEs when handling deviations and analyze the integration of such solutions in their digital transformation process. Systematic literature review (SLR) is used to examine literature published up to and including January 2019. The results show a higher concentration on practical applications rather than on frameworks. Existing frameworks that focus on SMEs address particular elements of I4.0 rather than a gradual shift with a holistic view, increasing the deployment difficulty for SMEs. This paper identifies potential constraints in deployment if such a trend maintains for consecutive years.
Dolomitization of Late Norian carbonate deposits of restricted basin facies in the Keszthely Mts., Transdanubian Range, Hungary
Authors: Haas János , Budai Tamás , Hips Kinga , Czuppon György , Győri Orsolya , Horváth Anikó , Héja Gábor
Published: November 2021

In the Transdanubian Range (Hungary), a wide spectrum of Triassic dolomites is known. Mechanism of dolomitization of the platform carbonate successions was subject of a number of studies but the study of dolomitization of basinal carbonates is very limited. Petrographical and isotope–geochemical characteristics of the Upper Triassic dolomitized carbonate deposits, formed in a fault-controlled intraplatform basin, and interpretation of the dolomite-forming processes are presented in the current paper. From the latest Carnian to Middle Norian under semi-arid climatic conditions density-driven flux of seawater derived mesohaline fluids was the dominant mechanism of the near-surface pervasive dolomitization of the thick platform carbonate succession. In the late Middle Norian incipient rifting of the Alpine Tethys led to establishment of an extensional structural regime and onset of the formation of the Kössen Basin. In the study area, above the dolomitized platform carbonate succession, platform-derived carbonate sediments were accumulated in a fault-bounded, semi-restricted sub-basin of the Kössen Basin, whereas talus breccias and debrites were deposited near a basin-bounding master fault. The basin deposits (lower and upper members of the Rezi Dolomite Formation) were subject of early diagenetic dolomitization in shallow burial setting. Enhanced salinity seawater was the dolomitizing fluid; the synsedimentary fracturing may have promoted the fluid flow and thereby the dolomitization. Thick-bedded carbonates (middle member of the Rezi Dolomite Formation) representing a progradational tongue of the ambient platform are intercalated between the basin deposits. The dolomitization of this unit can be explained by the reflux model.
Morphing of soft tubes by anisotropic growth
Authors: Nardinocchi Paola , Teresi Luciano
Published: November 2021

We present a study of smart growth in layered cylindrical structures. We start from the characterization of a compatible growth field in an anisotropic growing tube with the aim to show a small perturbation in the compatible growth field that may produce a controlled deprivation of compatibility and localization of elastic energy storage in a composite structure made up of anisotropic growing tubes.
Robustness and static-positional accuracy of the SteamVR 1.0 virtual reality tracking system
Authors: Sansone Lucia Grazia , Stanzani Ronny , Job Mirko , Battista Simone , Signori Alessio , Testa Marco
Published: November 2021

The use of low-cost immersive virtual reality systems is rapidly expanding. Several studies started to analyse the accuracy of virtual reality tracking systems, but they did not consider in depth the effects of external interferences in the working area. In line with that, this study aimed at exploring the static-positional accuracy and the robustness to occlusions inside the capture volume of the SteamVR (1.0) tracking system. To do so, we ran 3 different tests in which we acquired the position of HTC Vive PRO Trackers (2018 version) on specific points of a grid drawn on the floor, in regular tracking conditions and with partial and total occlusions. The tracking system showed a high inter- and intra-rater reliability and detected a tilted surface with respect to the floor plane. Every acquisition was characterised by an initial random offset. We estimated an average accuracy of 0.5 ± 0.2 cm across the entire grid (XY-plane), noticing that the central points were more accurate (0.4 ± 0.1 cm) than the outer ones (0.6 ± 0.1 cm). For the Z-axis, the measurements showed greater variability and the accuracy was equal to 1.7 ± 1.2 cm. Occlusion response was tested using nonparametric Bland–Altman statistics, which highlighted the robustness of the tracking system. In conclusion, our results promote the SteamVR system for static measures in the clinical field. The computed error can be considered clinically irrelevant for exercises aimed at the rehabilitation of functional movements, whose several motor outcomes are generally measured on the scale of metres.
Spatio-temporal variation in stable isotope and elemental composition of key-species reflect environmental changes in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Liénart Camilla , Garbaras Andrius , Qvarfordt Susanne , Walve Jakob , Karlson Agnes M. L.
Published: November 2021

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term change in food web structure and nutrient cycling. We retrospectively analyse elemental composition (C, N and P) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in archived monitoring samples of two important taxa from the bottom of the food web; the filamentous ephemeral macroalgae Cladophora spp. and the blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from three contrasting regions in the Baltic Sea (coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic Proper, open sea central Baltic). The aim is to statistically link the observed spatial and interannual (8–24 years’ time-series) variability in elemental and isotope baselines with their biomass trends and to the oceanographic monitoring data reflecting the ongoing environmental changes (i.e., eutrophication and climate) in this system. We find clear differences in isotope baselines between the two major Baltic Sea basins. However, the temporal variation in Mytilus δ13C was similar among regions and, at the open sea station, mussels and algae δ13C also correlated over time, likely reflecting a global (Suess) effect, whereas δ15N of both taxa varied with local and regional dissolved nitrogen concentrations in water. δ15N in source amino acids allowed detection of diazotrophic N in Mytilus, which was masked in bulk δ15N. Finally, Cladophora N:P reflected regional nutrient levels in the water while P%, which differed for both taxa, was linked to food quality for Mytilus. This study highlights the potential of a multi-taxa and multi-stable isotope approach to understand nutrient dynamics and monitor long-term environmental changes.
A continuum of hate: delimiting the field of hate studies
Authors: Schweppe Jennifer , Perry Barbara
Published: November 2021

A relatively nascent discipline, the field of hate studies has been explored and theorised from a multiplicity of disciplinary contexts. However, the field is ill-defined, and the relationship between hate crime and other related concepts unexplored. Here, we consider the range of phenomena which might fall within or without the field of hate studies, initiating a discussion of the boundaries of the field. We signal both the continuities and discontinuities among and between an array of strategies intended to sort and maintain hierarchical relationships, with the purpose of provoking scholars in the field of hate studies to reflect on its scope.
A novel 5-ring multifocal electroretinography stimulus for detecting hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity
Authors: Tsang Adrian , Kanda Pushpinder , Gottlieb Chloe , Virgili Gianni , Kantungane Lynca , Coupland Stuart
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) shows great utility as a screening tool to detect early hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy, but its widespread use is limited by the lack of accessibility and long test duration. In this study, we evaluated a novel concentric 5-ring mfERG stimulus to provide a simplified and rapid protocol for screening HCQ toxicity.

Methods

Patients referred for HCQ retinopathy screening were consented to this observational cross-sectional study. Patients with amblyopia, high refractive error (more than 8 diopters), other retinal diseases precluding appropriate evaluation or history of retinal surgery were excluded. The data were collected from patients undergoing HCQ screening at a single center from July 2019 to March 2020. Patients were tested with the new concentric 5-ring mfERG stimulus, standard 61-hexagon mfERG stimulus, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and automated 10-2 visual fields. For the main outcome, the 5-ring mfERG was compared to 61-hexagon stimulus to determine the time-to-test completion and assess the association between ring (R1–R5) amplitude and ring ratio compared against cumulative dose, dose by real body weight and duration of therapy using Pearson correlation.

Results

In total, 52 patients (104 eyes; 5 males and 47 females) were recruited with a mean age of 59 years (range 23–85 years). The 5-ring protocol was markedly quicker to perform (1.3 ± 0.2 min; mean (SD)) compared to the 61-hexagon protocol (5.2 ± 0.6 min), p < 0.0001; n = 10 patients. The new R2/R5 ring ratio showed a moderate correlation with daily dose (r = − 0.640), cumulative dose (r = − 0.581) and duration of therapy (r = − 0.417). Similar correlations were observed with the new R2/R4 ring ratio which were not significantly different from the new R2/R5 correlation coefficients. The new R2/R5 ring ratio demonstrated a stronger correlation with daily (p = 0.002) and cumulative dose (p = 0.0001) compared to the 61-hexagon stimulus.

Conclusions

In this exploratory study, our novel 5-ring mfERG protocol significantly shortened data acquisition time while providing comparable results to the standard 61-hexagon stimulus for detecting HCQ-induced electrophysiological changes that are correlated with HCQ dosages and treatment duration. Our protocol has the potential to be more clinically practical by simplifying routine screening.
The Puppy in the Pit: Osteobiography of an Eighteenth-Century Dog at the Three Cranes Tavern, Massachusetts
Authors: Quinlan Liz M.
Published: November 2021

Boston’s “Big Dig” construction project resulted in the excavation of multiple archaeological sites dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, including the Great House/Three Cranes Tavern in Charlestown, Massachusetts (USA). An otherwise unremarkable pit below the tavern foundation contained bones originally identified as a cat skeleton, which has subsequently been reidentified as a dog. This paper discusses site context, osteological evidence for the dog’s reclassification, and the shifts in cultural meaning this may indicate. Employing an osteobiographical approach, it draws together points of connection between the modern skeletal assessment, a series of 1980s excavations, and the motivations of eighteenth-century tavern inhabitants.
Socio-economic and spatial determinants of municipal cultural spending
Authors: Getzner Michael
Published: November 2021

The determinants of the expenditure of Austrian municipalities for cultural affairs are ascertained in a panel time series framework. The Austrian municipalities spend about € 93 per capita a year for cultural affairs (approximately 4% of the total municipal expenditure). The econometric estimations revealed that the size of the municipality, and various socio-economic, fiscal and political variables, are the main determinants of municipal cultural spending. The results of the estimations infer a rather small but nevertheless significant spatial dependence of cultural spending. An increase of 10% of cultural spending in the neighboring regions leads to an increase of 0.6–1.5% in a representative municipality (however, the potentially overlapping and contradicting reasons for spatial correlations could not be disentangled in this paper). In comparison to the spatial effects, the size of the municipality is a more significant predictor of municipal cultural spending. The larger cities provide many cultural goods and services to the surrounding areas by utilizing economies of scale and density. It can be concluded that municipalities, in particular in rural areas, should increase their efforts for co-operation in order to improve the efficiency of cultural spending.
Translation initiation from sequence variants of the bacteriophage T7 g10RBS in Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium fabrum
Authors: Benedict Alex B. , Chamberlain Joshua D. , Calvopina Diana G. , Griffitts Joel S.
Published: November 2021

Background

The bacteriophage T7 gene 10 ribosome binding site (g10RBS) has long been used for robust expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. This RBS consists of a Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence augmented by an upstream translational “enhancer” (Enh) element, supporting protein production at many times the level seen with simple synthetic SD-containing sequences. The objective of this study was to dissect the g10RBS to identify simpler derivatives that exhibit much of the original translation efficiency.

Methods and results

Twenty derivatives of g10RBS were tested using multiple promoter/reporter gene contexts. We have identified one derivative (which we call “CON_G”) that maintains 100% activity in E. coli and is 33% shorter. Further minimization of CON_G results in variants that lose only modest amounts of activity. Certain nucleotide substitutions in the spacer region between the SD sequence and initiation codon show strong decreases in translation. When testing these 20 derivatives in the alphaproteobacterium Agrobacterium fabrum, most supported strong reporter protein expression that was not dependent on the Enh.

Conclusions

The g10RBS derivatives tested in this study display a range of observed activity, including a minimized version (CON_G) that retains 100% activity in E. coli while being 33% shorter. This high activity is evident in two different promoter/reporter sequence contexts. The array of RBS sequences presented here may be useful to researchers in need of fine-tuned expression of recombinant proteins of interest.
Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Variation in Metabolites Associated with Nutritional Values in Tef Accessions
Authors: Girija Aiswarya , Yadav Rattan , Corke Fiona , Doonan John , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: November 2021

Tef (Eragrostis tef), is a gluten-free orphan cereal, crop of nutritional and economical significance. Here we used untargeted metabolomics to survey metabolite variation in 14 diverse tef accessions at 15-days post germination. Tef genotypes were classified into four metabolomic groups where variation was linked to flavones and flavonols. Further analysis on white seeded accessions shows variation related to sucrose and important vitamins, nicotinamides (vitamin B3) riboflavin (vitamin B2) and folate (vitamin B9). Coloured seeded accessions showed variation in metabolism related to amino acid and sugars. This study highlights the potential of metabolomics in exploring the nutritional traits in tef.
The dynamical essence of powers
Authors: Roselli Andrea , Austin Christopher
Published: November 2021

Powers are properties defined bywhat they do. The focus of the large majority of the powers literature has been mainly put on explicating the (multifaceted) results of the production of a power in certain (multifaceted) initial conditions: but all this causal complexity is bound to be—and, in fact, it has proved to be—quite difficult to handle. In this paper we take a different approach by focusing on the veryactivityof producing those multifaceted manifestations themselves. In this paper, we propose an original account of what the essence of a power consists in which stems from a radical reconceptualisation of power-causation according to which counterfactuals are to be explained away by powers, and not vice-versa. We call this approach thedynamical operator accountof powers. According to this account, the causal role of powers consists in their ensuring that the ontological transition from a stimulus S to a manifestation M happens. Powers thus have a dynamical essence which consists in the fundamental activity of generating the counterfactuals typically associated with them. We show that if one conceptualises this functional activity as the metaphysical fulcrum around which counterfactual-based causation revolves, one is granted not only an improved methodology to individuate powers but also a better understanding of their knowability, modality and directedness.