bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The acquisition of molecular drivers in pediatric therapy-related myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Schwartz Jason R. , Ma Jing , Kamens Jennifer , Westover Tamara , Walsh Michael P. , Brady Samuel W. , Robert Michael J. , Chen Xiaolong , Montefiori Lindsey , Song Guangchun , Wu Gang , Wu Huiyun , Branstetter Cristyn , Hiltenbrand Ryan , Walsh Michael F. , Nichols Kim E. , Maciaszek Jamie L. , Liu Yanling , Kumar Priyadarshini , Easton John , Newman Scott , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Mullighan Charles G. , Pounds Stanley , Zhang Jinghui , Gruber Tanja , Ma Xiaotu , Klco Jeffery M.
Published: February 2021

Pediatric therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (tMN) occur in children after exposure to cytotoxic therapy and have a dismal prognosis. The somatic and germline genomic alterations that drive these myeloid neoplasms in children and how they arise have yet to be comprehensively described. We use whole exome, whole genome, and/or RNA sequencing to characterize the genomic profile of 84 pediatric tMN cases (tMDS: n = 28, tAML: n = 56). Our data show that Ras/MAPK pathway mutations, alterations in RUNX1 or TP53, and KMT2A rearrangements are frequent somatic drivers, and we identify cases with aberrant MECOM expression secondary to enhancer hijacking. Unlike adults with tMN, we find no evidence of pre-existing minor tMN clones (including those with TP53 mutations), but rather the majority of cases are unrelated clones arising as a consequence of cytotoxic therapy. These studies also uncover rare cases of lineage switch disease rather than true secondary neoplasms.
Pd-catalyzed formal Mizoroki–Heck coupling of unactivated alkyl chlorides
Authors: Lee Geun Seok , Kim Daeun , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: February 2021

The use of alkyl chlorides in Pd-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions remains an unsolved problem despite their significant potential for synthetic utility and applicability. The combination of the high thermodynamic barrier of alkyl chloride activation and kinetic propensity of alkylpalladium complexes to undergo undesired β-hydride elimination provides significant challenges. Herein, a variety of alkyl chlorides, even tertiary chlorides, are shown to efficiently participate in Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reactions with excellent functional group compatibility under mild reaction conditions via photoinduced Pd catalysis. The reaction is applied to late-stage functionalizations of diverse biologically significant scaffolds and iterative double Mizoroki–Heck annulations, affording high molecular complexity in a single step. Notably, studies on the kinetic isotope effects in combination with density functional theory (DFT)-computations completely exclude the involvement of a previously proposed β-hydride elimination in the catalytic cycle, revealing that the chlorine atom transfer process is the key catalytic turnover step. This distinctive single-electron transfer mediated reaction pathway resolves a longstanding challenge in traditional two-electron based Pd-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling with alkyl electrophiles, wherein the β-hydride elimination is involved in the formation of both the desired product and undesired by-products.
Multiple mechanisms drive genomic adaptation to extreme O2 levels in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Iranmehr Arya , Stobdan Tsering , Zhou Dan , Zhao Huiwen , Kryazhimskiy Sergey , Bafna Vineet , Haddad Gabriel G.
Published: February 2021

To detect the genomic mechanisms underlying evolutionary dynamics of adaptation in sexually reproducing organisms, we analyze multigenerational whole genome sequences of Drosophila melanogaster adapting to extreme O2 conditions over an experiment conducted for nearly two decades. We develop methods to analyze time-series genomics data and predict adaptive mechanisms. Here, we report a remarkable level of synchronicity in both hard and soft selective sweeps in replicate populations as well as the arrival of favorable de novo mutations that constitute a few asynchronized sweeps. We additionally make direct experimental observations of rare recombination events that combine multiple alleles on to a single, better-adapted haplotype. Based on the analyses of the genes in genomic intervals, we provide a deeper insight into the mechanisms of genome adaptation that allow complex organisms to survive harsh environments.
Interpenetrating interfaces for efficient perovskite solar cells with high operational stability and mechanical robustness
Authors: Dong Qingshun , Zhu Chao , Chen Min , Jiang Chen , Guo Jingya , Feng Yulin , Dai Zhenghong , Yadavalli Srinivas K. , Hu Mingyu , Cao Xun , Li Yuqian , Huang Yizhong , Liu Zheng , Shi Yantao , Wang Liduo , Padture Nitin P. , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: February 2021

The perovskite solar cell has emerged rapidly in the field of photovoltaics as it combines the merits of low cost, high efficiency, and excellent mechanical flexibility for versatile applications. However, there are significant concerns regarding its operational stability and mechanical robustness. Most of the previously reported approaches to address these concerns entail separate engineering of perovskite and charge-transporting layers. Herein we present a holistic design of perovskite and charge-transporting layers by synthesizing an interpenetrating perovskite/electron-transporting-layer interface. This interface is reaction-formed between a tin dioxide layer containing excess organic halide and a perovskite layer containing excess lead halide. Perovskite solar cells with such interfaces deliver efficiencies up to 22.2% and 20.1% for rigid and flexible versions, respectively. Long-term (1000 h) operational stability is demonstrated and the flexible devices show high endurance against mechanical-bending (2500 cycles) fatigue. Mechanistic insights into the relationship between the interpenetrating interface structure and performance enhancement are provided based on comprehensive, advanced, microscopic characterizations. This study highlights interface integrity as an important factor for designing efficient, operationally-stable, and mechanically-robust solar cells.
Chromatin accessibility of circulating CD8+ T cells predicts treatment response to PD-1 blockade in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Gwanghun , Kim Sangjib , Sim Ji Hyun , Choi Jiyeob , Kim Minji , Kwon Minsuk , Ye Sang-Kyu , Lee Dong-Sup , Cho Seung Woo , Kim Seung Tae , Lee Jeeyun , Kim Hang-Rae
Published: February 2021

Although tumor genomic profiling has identified small subsets of gastric cancer (GC) patients with clinical benefit from anti-PD-1 treatment, not all responses can be explained by tumor sequencing alone. We investigate epigenetic elements responsible for the differential response to anti-PD-1 therapy by quantitatively assessing the genome-wide chromatin accessibility of circulating CD8+ T cells in patients’ peripheral blood. Using an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq), we identify unique open regions of chromatin that significantly distinguish anti-PD-1 therapy responders from non-responders. GC patients with high chromatin openness of circulating CD8+ T cells are significantly enriched in the responder group. Concordantly, patients with high chromatin openness at specific genomic positions of their circulating CD8+ T cells demonstrate significantly better survival than those with closed chromatin. Here we reveal that epigenetic characteristics of baseline CD8+ T cells can be used to identify metastatic GC patients who may benefit from anti-PD-1 therapy.
Towards plant resistance to viruses using protein-only RNase P
Authors: Gobert Anthony , Quan Yifat , Arrivé Mathilde , Waltz Florent , Da Silva Nathalie , Jomat Lucile , Cohen Mathias , Jupin Isabelle , Giegé Philippe
Published: February 2021

Plant viruses cause massive crop yield loss worldwide. Most plant viruses are RNA viruses, many of which contain a functional tRNA-like structure. RNase P has the enzymatic activity to catalyze the 5′ maturation of precursor tRNAs. It is also able to cleave tRNA-like structures. However, RNase P enzymes only accumulate in the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts rather than cytosol where virus replication takes place. Here, we report a biotechnology strategy based on the re-localization of plant protein-only RNase P to the cytosol (CytoRP) to target plant viruses tRNA-like structures and thus hamper virus replication. We demonstrate the cytosol localization of protein-only RNase P in Arabidopsis protoplasts. In addition, we provide in vitro evidences for CytoRP to cleave turnip yellow mosaic virus and oilseed rape mosaic virus. However, we observe varied in vivo results. The possible reasons have been discussed. Overall, the results provided here show the potential of using CytoRP for combating some plant viral diseases.
Laser-induced layers peeling of sputtering coatings at 1064 nm wavelength
Authors: Guo Kesheng , Wang Yanzhi , Chen Ruiyi , Zhang Yuhui , Sytchkova Anna , Zhu Meiping , Yi Kui , He Hongbo , Shao Jianda
Published: February 2021

Large-scale layers peeling after the laser irradiation of dual ion beam sputtering coatings is discovered and a model is established to explain it. The laser damage morphologies relate to the laser fluence, showing thermomechanical coupling failure at low energy and coating layers separation at high energy. High-pressure gradients appear in the interaction between laser and coatings, resulting in large-scale layer separation. A two-step laser damage model including defect-induced damage process and ionized air wave damage process is proposed to explain the two phenomena at different energy. At relatively high energies (higher than 20 J/cm2), ionization of the air can be initiated, leading to a peeling off effect. The peeling effect is related to the thermomechanical properties of the coating materials.
Topographical mapping of the mechanical characteristics of the human neurocranium considering the role of individual layers
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Safavi Sarah , Scholze Mario , Li Kai Chun , Waddell John Neil , Busse Björn , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels
Published: February 2021

The site-dependent load-deformation behavior of the human neurocranium and the load dissipation within the three-layered composite is not well understood. This study mechanically investigated 257 human frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital neurocranial bone samples at an age range of 2 to 94 years, using three-point bending tests. Samples were tested as full-thickness three-layered composites, as well as separated with both diploë attached and removed. Right temporal samples were the thinnest samples of all tested regions (median < 5 mm; p < 0.001) and withstood lowest failure loads (median < 762 N; p < 0.001). Outer tables were thicker and showed higher failure loads (median 2.4 mm; median 264 N) than inner tables (median 1.7 mm, p < 0.001; median 132 N, p = 0.003). The presence of diploë attached to outer and inner tables led to a significant reduction in bending strength (with diploë: median < 60 MPa; without diploë: median > 90 MPa, p < 0.001). Composites (r = 0.243, p = 0.011) and inner tables with attached diploë (r = 0.214, p = 0.032) revealed positive correlations between sample thickness and age. The three-layered composite is four times more load-resistant compared to the outer table and eight times more compared to the inner table.
Homologous laminar organization of the mouse and human subiculum
Authors: Bienkowski Michael S. , Sepehrband Farshid , Kurniawan Nyoman D. , Stanis Jim , Korobkova Laura , Khanjani Neda , Clark Kristi , Hintiryan Houri , Miller Carol A. , Dong Hong-Wei
Published: February 2021

The subiculum is the major output component of the hippocampal formation and one of the major brain structures most affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Our previous work revealed a hidden laminar architecture within the mouse subiculum. However, the rotation of the hippocampal longitudinal axis across species makes it unclear how the laminar organization is represented in human subiculum. Using in situ hybridization data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we demonstrate that the human subiculum also contains complementary laminar gene expression patterns similar to the mouse. In addition, we provide evidence that the molecular domain boundaries in human subiculum correspond to microstructural differences observed in high resolution MRI and fiber density imaging. Finally, we show both similarities and differences in the gene expression profile of subiculum pyramidal cells within homologous lamina. Overall, we present a new 3D model of the anatomical organization of human subiculum and its evolution from the mouse.
The hidden waves in the ECG uncovered revealing a sound automated interpretation method
Authors: Rueda Cristina , Larriba Yolanda , Lamela Adrian
Published: February 2021

A novel approach for analysing cardiac rhythm data is presented in this paper. Heartbeats are decomposed into the five fundamental P, Q, R, S and T waves plus an error term to account for artifacts in the data which provides a meaningful, physical interpretation of the heart’s electric system. The morphology of each wave is concisely described using four parameters that allow all the different patterns in heartbeats to be characterized and thus differentiated This multi-purpose approach solves such questions as the extraction of interpretable features, the detection of the fiducial marks of the fundamental waves, or the generation of synthetic data and the denoising of signals. Yet the greatest benefit from this new discovery will be the automatic diagnosis of heart anomalies as well as other clinical uses with great advantages compared to the rigid, vulnerable and black box machine learning procedures, widely used in medical devices. The paper shows the enormous potential of the method in practice; specifically, the capability to discriminate subjects, characterize morphologies and detect the fiducial marks (reference points) are validated numerically using simulated and real data, thus proving that it outperforms its competitors.
Targeting galectin-3 with a high-affinity antibody for inhibition of high-grade serous ovarian cancer and other MUC16/CA-125-expressing malignancies
Authors: Stasenko Marina , Smith Evan , Yeku Oladapo , Park Kay J. , Laster Ian , Lee Kwangkook , Walderich Sven , Spriggs Elizabeth , Rueda Bo , Weigelt Britta , Zamarin Dmitriy , Rao Thapi Dharma , Spriggs David R.
Published: February 2021

The lectin, galectin-3 (Gal3), has been implicated in a variety of inflammatory and oncogenic processes, including tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The interactions of Gal3 and MUC16 represent a potential targetable pathway for the treatment of MUC16-expressing malignancies. We found that the silencing of Gal3 in MUC16-expressing breast and ovarian cancer cells in vitro inhibited tumor cell invasion and led to attenuated tumor growth in murine models. We therefore developed an inhibitory murine monoclonal anti–Gal3 carbohydrate-binding domain antibody, 14D11, which bound human and mouse Gal3 but did not bind human Galectins-1, -7, -8 or -9. Competition studies and a docking model suggest that the 14D11 antibody competes with lactose for the carbohydrate binding pocket of Gal3. In MUC16-expressing cancer cells, 14D11 treatment blocked AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and led to inhibition of cancer cell Matrigel invasion. Finally, in experimental animal tumor models, 14D11 treatment led to prolongation of overall survival in animals bearing flank tumors, and retarded lung specific metastatic growth by MUC16 expressing breast cancer cells. Our results provide evidence that antibody based Gal3 blockade may be a viable therapeutic strategy in patients with MUC16-expressing tumors, supporting further development of human blocking antibodies against Gal3 as potential cancer therapeutics.
High levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol results in synaptic plasticity alterations in the hippocampus
Authors: Loera-Valencia Raul , Vazquez-Juarez Erika , Muñoz Alberto , Gerenu Gorka , Gómez-Galán Marta , Lindskog Maria , DeFelipe Javier , Cedazo-Minguez Angel , Merino-Serrais Paula
Published: February 2021

Alterations in brain cholesterol homeostasis in midlife are correlated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, global cholesterol-lowering therapies have yielded mixed results when it comes to slowing down or preventing cognitive decline in AD. We used the transgenic mouse model Cyp27Tg, with systemically high levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH) to examine long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region, combined with dendritic spine reconstruction of CA1 pyramidal neurons to detect morphological and functional synaptic alterations induced by 27-OH high levels. Our results show that elevated 27-OH levels lead to enhanced LTP in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. This increase is correlated with abnormally large dendritic spines in the stratum radiatum. Using immunohistochemistry for synaptopodin (actin-binding protein involved in the recruitment of the spine apparatus), we found a significantly higher density of synaptopodin-positive puncta in CA1 in Cyp27Tg mice. We hypothesize that high 27-OH levels alter synaptic potentiation and could lead to dysfunction of fine-tuned processing of information in hippocampal circuits resulting in cognitive impairment. We suggest that these alterations could be detrimental for synaptic function and cognition later in life, representing a potential mechanism by which hypercholesterolemia could lead to alterations in memory function in neurodegenerative diseases.
Pupil dilation reflects the authenticity of received nonverbal vocalizations
Authors: Cosme Gonçalo , Rosa Pedro J. , Lima César F. , Tavares Vânia , Scott Sophie , Chen Sinead , Wilcockson Thomas D. W. , Crawford Trevor J. , Prata Diana
Published: February 2021

The ability to infer the authenticity of other’s emotional expressions is a social cognitive process taking place in all human interactions. Although the neurocognitive correlates of authenticity recognition have been probed, its potential recruitment of the peripheral autonomic nervous system is not known. In this work, we asked participants to rate the authenticity of authentic and acted laughs and cries, while simultaneously recording their pupil size, taken as proxy of cognitive effort and arousal. We report, for the first time, that acted laughs elicited higher pupil dilation than authentic ones and, reversely, authentic cries elicited higher pupil dilation than acted ones. We tentatively suggest the lack of authenticity in others’ laughs elicits increased pupil dilation through demanding higher cognitive effort; and that, reversely, authenticity in cries increases pupil dilation, through eliciting higher emotional arousal. We also show authentic vocalizations and laughs (i.e. main effects of authenticity and emotion) to be perceived as more authentic, arousing and contagious than acted vocalizations and cries, respectively. In conclusion, we show new evidence that the recognition of emotional authenticity can be manifested at the level of the autonomic nervous system in humans. Notwithstanding, given its novelty, further independent research is warranted to ascertain its psychological meaning.
Capturing yeast associated with grapes and spontaneous fermentations of the Negro Saurí minority variety from an experimental vineyard near León
Authors: González-Alonso Isora , Walker Michelle Elisabeth , Vallejo-Pascual María-Eva , Naharro-Carrasco Gérmán , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: February 2021

‘Microbial terroir’ relates to the influence of autochthonous yeasts associated with a grape cultivar on the resultant wine. Geographic region, vineyard site and topography, climate and vintage influence the biodiversity of these microbial communities. Current research focus attempts to correlate their ‘microbial fingerprint’ to the sensorial and chemical characteristics of varietal wines from distinct geographical wine regions. This study focuses on the minor red grape variety, Negro Saurí, which has seen a resurgence in the León Appellation of Origin in Spain as a varietal wine. An experimental vineyard at Melgarajo S.A. (42° 15′ 48.68_N 5° 9′ 56.66_W) was sampled over four consecutive vintages, with autochthonous yeasts being isolated from grapes, must and pilot-scale un-inoculated fermentations, and identified by ITS sequencing. Forty-nine isolates belonging toMetschnikowia pulcherrima,Lachancea thermotolerans,Hanseniaspora uvarumandTorulaspora delbrueckiiwere isolated from grapes and must, and early stages of fermentation dependent on seasonal variation.Saccharomyces cerevisiaepredominated throughout fermentation, as a heterogeneous and dynamic population, with seven major biotypes identified amongst 110 isolates across four consecutive vintages. Twenty-fourS. cerevisiaeisolates representing five strains dominated in two or more vintages. Their persistence through fermentation warrants further validation of their oenological properties as starter cultures.
Highly conductive anion exchange membranes based on polymer networks containing imidazolium functionalised side chains
Authors: Abouzari-Lotf Ebrahim , Jacob Mohan V. , Ghassemi Hossein , Zakeri Masoumeh , Nasef Mohamed Mahmoud , Abdolahi Yadollah , Abbasi Ali , Ahmad Arshad
Published: February 2021

Two novel types of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) having imidazolium-type functionalised nanofibrous substrates were prepared using the facile and potentially scalable method. The membranes’ precursors were prepared by graft copolymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) onto syndiotactic polypropylene (syn-PP) and polyamide-66 (PA-66) nanofibrous networks followed by crosslinking with 1,8-octanediamine, thermal treatment and subsequent functionalisation of imidazolium groups. The obtained membranes displayed an ion exchange capacity (IEC) close to 1.9 mmol g–1 and ionic (OH-) conductivity as high as 130 mS cm–1 at 80 °C. This was coupled with a reasonable alkaline stability representing more than 70% of their original conductivity under accelerated degradation test in 1 M KOH at 80 °C for 360 h. The effect of ionomer binder on the performance of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in AEM fuel cell was evaluated with the optimum membrane. The MEA showed a power density of as high as 440 mW cm−2 at a current density is 910 mA cm−2 with diamine crosslinked quaternized polysulfone (DAPSF) binder at 80 °C with 90% humidified H2 and O2 gases. Such performance was 2.3 folds higher than the corresponding MEA performance with quaternary ammonium polysulfone (QAPS) binder at the same operating conditions. Overall, the newly developed membrane was found to possess not only an excellent combination of physico-chemical properties and a reasonable stability but also to have a facile preparation procedure and cheap ingredients making it a promising candidate for application in AEM fuel cell.
Fish ecotyping based on machine learning and inferred network analysis of chemical and physical properties
Authors: Wei Feifei , Ito Kengo , Sakata Kenji , Asakura Taiga , Date Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Jun
Published: February 2021

Functional diversity rather than species richness is critical for the understanding of ecological patterns and processes. This study aimed to develop novel integrated analytical strategies for the functional characterization of fish diversity based on the quantification, prediction and integration of the chemical and physical features in fish muscles. Machine learning models with an improved random forest algorithm applied on 1867 muscle nuclear magnetic resonance spectra belonging to 249 fish species successfully predicted the mobility patterns of fishes into four categories (migratory, territorial, rockfish, and demersal) with accuracies of 90.3–95.4%. Markov blanket-based feature selection method with an ecological–chemical–physical integrated network based on the Bayesian network inference algorithm highlighted the importance of nitrogen metabolism, which is critical for environmental adaptability of fishes in nutrient-rich environments, in the functional characterization of fish biodiversity. Our study provides valuable information and analytical strategies for fish home-range assessment on the basis of the chemical and physical characterization of fish muscle, which can serve as an ecological indicator for fish ecotyping and human impact monitoring.
Mechanism of karyopherin-β2 binding and nuclear import of ALS variants FUS(P525L) and FUS(R495X)
Authors: Gonzalez Abner , Mannen Taro , Çağatay Tolga , Fujiwara Ayano , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Niesman Ashley B. , Brautigam Chad A. , Chook Yuh Min , Yoshizawa Takuya
Published: February 2021

Mutations in the RNA-binding protein FUS cause familial amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Several mutations that affect the proline-tyrosine nuclear localization signal (PY-NLS) of FUS cause severe juvenile ALS. FUS also undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to accumulate in stress granules when cells are stressed. In unstressed cells, wild type FUS resides predominantly in the nucleus as it is imported by the importin Karyopherin-β2 (Kapβ2), which binds with high affinity to the C-terminal PY-NLS of FUS. Here, we analyze the interactions between two ALS-related variants FUS(P525L) and FUS(R495X) with importins, especially Kapβ2, since they are still partially localized to the nucleus despite their defective/missing PY-NLSs. The crystal structure of the Kapβ2·FUS(P525L)PY-NLS complex shows the mutant peptide making fewer contacts at the mutation site, explaining decreased affinity for Kapβ2. Biochemical analysis revealed that the truncated FUS(R495X) protein, although missing the PY-NLS, can still bind Kapβ2 and suppresses LLPS. FUS(R495X) uses its C-terminal tandem arginine-glycine-glycine regions, RGG2 and RGG3, to bind the PY-NLS binding site of Kapβ2 for nuclear localization in cells when arginine methylation is inhibited. These findings suggest the importance of the C-terminal RGG regions in nuclear import and LLPS regulation of ALS variants of FUS that carry defective PY-NLSs.
Cholesterol as a modulator of cannabinoid receptor CB2 signaling
Authors: Yeliseev Alexei , Iyer Malliga R. , Joseph Thomas T. , Coffey Nathan J. , Cinar Resat , Zoubak Lioudmila , Kunos George , Gawrisch Klaus
Published: February 2021

Signaling through integral membrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is influenced by lipid composition of cell membranes. By using novel high affinity ligands of human cannabinoid receptor CB2, we demonstrate that cholesterol increases basal activation levels of the receptor and alters the pharmacological categorization of these ligands. Our results revealed that (2-(6-chloro-2-((2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carbonyl)imino)benzo[d]thiazol-3(2H)-yl)ethyl acetate ligand (MRI-2646) acts as a partial agonist of CB2 in membranes devoid of cholesterol and as a neutral antagonist or a partial inverse agonist in cholesterol-containing membranes. The differential effects of a specific ligand on activation of CB2 in different types of membranes may have implications for screening of drug candidates in a search of modulators of GPCR activity. MD simulation suggests that cholesterol exerts an allosteric effect on the intracellular regions of the receptor that interact with the G-protein complex thereby altering the recruitment of G protein.
Trends in osteoporosis and mean bone density among type 2 diabetes patients in the US from 2005 to 2014
Authors: Xu Yingke , Wu Qing
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to examine how bone health changed among T2DM patients in the past decade. Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005–2006 to 2013–2014 were analyzed to examine the trends of bone mineral density (BMD) and the prevalence trends of osteoporosis osteopenia among T2DM patients and non-diabetic people aged 40 years and older. The age- and BMI-adjusted mean BMD of the femur neck for the four NHANES cycles decreased linearly in both T2DM patients and non-diabetic people (both Plinear trend ≤ 0.009). Among women with T2DM, the mean BMD in 2013–2014 was significantly lower than that in 2005–2006, even after adjusting for multiple covariates. During 2005–2014, the prevalence of osteoporosis among T2DM patients and non-diabetic people increased but with no significant linear trend (both Plinear trend > 0.05), while the prevalence of osteopenia in the two populations increased linearly (both Plinear trend < 0.04). Age- and BMI-adjusted mean BMD decreased in 2013–2014 in patients with T2DM and non-diabetic people, while the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia increased in both groups.
Evaluation of the usefulness of saliva for mosaic loss of chromosome Y analysis
Authors: Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Takuro , Tsutae Wataru , Gan Pamela Hui Peng , Baran Iri Sato , Horie Shigeo
Published: February 2021

Mosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY) in leukocytes has attracted much attention as an emerging biomarker of aging and aging-related diseases. We evaluated the usefulness of saliva for mLOY analysis and showed that saliva-derived mLOY is significantly associated with aging and increased physical activity, but not with smoking. While these data support the robust association between saliva-derived mLOY and aging, caution is required when comparing data from saliva-derived and blood-derived mLOY.
Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a risk indicator for eGFR loss in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Jehn Ulrich , Schütte-Nütgen Katharina , Henke Ute , Pavenstädt Hermann , Suwelack Barbara , Reuter Stefan
Published: February 2021

The prognostic significance of suPAR in various kidney diseases has recently been demonstrated. Its role in transplantation-specific outcomes is still largely unknown. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the prognostic relevance of suPAR in patients before and one year after kidney transplantation (KTx). We included 100 patients who had received a kidney transplantation between 2013 and 2015. The plasma concentration of suPAR was measured by ELISA assay. In recipients of living donations (LD), pre-transplant suPAR levels were significantly lower than those of recipients of deceased donations (DD). After KTx, suPAR levels significantly declined in LD and DD recipients, without a detectable difference between both groups any more. Higher suPAR levels in recipients one year after KTx were associated with a more severe eGFR loss in the following three years in multivariable cox-regression (n = 82, p = 0.021). suPAR-levels above 6212 pg/ml one year after KTx are associated with eGFR loss > 30%, which occurred almost twice as fast as in patients with suPAR ≤ 6212 pg/ml (p < 0.001). Hence, suPAR level at one year mark might be a risk indicator of increased eGFR loss.
The acute transcriptional responses to dietary methionine restriction are triggered by inhibition of ternary complex formation and linked to Erk1/2, mTOR, and ATF4
Authors: Stone Kirsten P. , Ghosh Sujoy , Kovalik Jean Paul , Orgeron Manda , Wanders Desiree , Sims Landon C. , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: February 2021

The initial sensing of dietary methionine restriction (MR) occurs in the liver where it activates an integrated stress response (ISR) that quickly reduces methionine utilization. The ISR program is regulated in part by ATF4, but ATF4’s prototypical upstream regulator, eIF2α, is not acutely activated by MR. Bioinformatic analysis of RNAseq and metabolomics data from liver samples harvested 3 h and 6 h after initiating MR shows that general translation is inhibited at the level of ternary complex formation by an acute 50% reduction of hepatic methionine that limits formation of initiator methionine tRNA. The resulting ISR is induced by selective expression of ATF4 target genes that mediate adaptation to reduced methionine intake and return hepatic methionine to control levels within 4 days of starting the diet. Complementary in vitro experiments in HepG2 cells after knockdown of ATF4, or inhibition of mTOR or Erk1/2 support the conclusion that the early induction of genes by MR is partially dependent on ATF4 and regulated by both mTOR and Erk1/2. Taken together, these data show that initiation of dietary MR induces an mTOR- and Erk1/2-dependent stress response that is linked to ATF4 by the sharp, initial drop in hepatic methionine and resulting repression of translation pre-initiation.
Lanthanide clusters of phenanthroline containing a pyridine–pyrazole based ligand: magnetism and cell imaging
Authors: De Avik , Bala Sukhen , Saha Sayan , Das Krishna Sundar , Akhtar Sohel , Adhikary Amit , Ghosh Arijit , Huang Guo-Zhang , Chowdhuri Srijita Paul , Das Benu Brata , Tong Ming-Liang , Mondal Raju
Published: February 2021

In this contribution, we report the synthesis, characterization and luminescence–magnetic properties of Ln-clusters (Ln = Gd3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+) using a new pyridine–pyrazole functionalized ligand fitted with a chromophoric phenanthroline backbone. We have applied the luminescence property of clusters for cancer cell imaging.
Chemistry of group 5 metallaboranes with heterocyclic thiol ligands: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Prakash Rini , Haridas Anagha , Bakthavachalam K. , Roisnel Thierry , Halet Jean-François , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: February 2021

New synthetic methods for the Ta-aziridine species [Cp*TaBH(C7H4NS2)CH2S2NC6H4] and the 16-electron half-sandwich complex [Cp*TaCl3{κ2-N,S-C6H4SNCS}] having κ2-N,S coordination mode have been developed.
A-site cation with high vibrational motion in ABX3 perovskite effectively induces dielectric phase transition
Authors: Wang Yu-Zhen , Zhang Zhi-Xu , Su Chang-Yuan , Zhang Tie , Fu Da-Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2021

A hybrid perovskite material with dielectric phase transition obtained by the introduction of a moving group.
Enhanced piezocapacitive response in zinc oxide tetrapod–poly(dimethylsiloxane) composite dielectric layer for flexible and ultrasensitive pressure sensor
Authors: Hsieh Gen-Wen , Ling Shih-Rong , Hung Fan-Ting , Kao Pei-Hsiu , Liu Jian-Bin
Published: February 2021

Zinc oxide tetrapod is introduced for the first time within a poly(dimethylsiloxane) dielectric matrix for the formation of ultrasensitive piezocapacitive pressure sensors.
Group-IV(A) Janus dichalcogenide monolayers and their interfaces straddle gigantic shear and in-plane piezoelectricity
Authors: Nandi Pradip , Rawat Ashima , Ahammed Raihan , Jena Nityasagar , De Sarkar Abir
Published: February 2021

Broken inversion symmetry induces in-plane (d22) and shear piezoelectricity (d15) in Janus GeSSe (SnSSe) monolayers. Application of uniaxial tensile strain and formation of homo-bilayer raise them colossally to 267 pm V−1 and 604 pm V−1, respectively.
Structural influence of a dichalcogenopheno-1,3,4-chalcogenodiazole comonomer on the optoelectronic properties of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated polymers
Authors: Kang Boseok , Lee Ye Seul , Hwa JunHo , Dongbo Zhang , Cho Kilwon , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: February 2021

Dichalcogenopheno-1,3,4-chalcogenodiazole units are newly designed and introduced into dithienyl diketopyrrolopyrrole-based copolymers showing promising optoelectronic characteristics.
The activation efficiency of mechanophores can be modulated by adjacent polymer composition
Authors: Kumar Sourabh , Stauch Tim
Published: February 2021

Chemical modifications of the linking units between a mechanophore and the polymer backbone can significantly enhance or reduce the rupture force of the mechanophore.
Ultra-stretchable and multifunctional wearable electronics for superior electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical therapy and biomotion monitoring
Authors: Zhai Wei , Wang Chunfeng , Wang Shuo , Li Jiannan , Zhao Yi , Zhan Pengfei , Dai Kun , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: February 2021

TAMF exhibits outstanding electromagnetic shielding, excellent Joule heating, high breathability and favorable mechanosensation performances.
Antibacterial biomaterials in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Zheng-Yang , Gao Shan , Zhang Ya-Wen , Zhou Ru-Bing , Zhou Fang
Published: February 2021

Bone infection is a devastating disease characterized by recurrence, drug-resistance, and high morbidity, that has prompted clinicians and scientists to develop novel approaches to combat it.
ESIPT-AIE active Schiff base based on 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzo-thiazole applied as multi-functional fluorescent chemosensors
Authors: Zheng Han-Wen , Kang Yang , Wu Min , Liang Qiong-Fang , Zheng Jian-Quan , Zheng Xiang-Jun , Jin Lin-Pei
Published: February 2021

For AIE-ESIPT-active compounds, their steric hindrance, rotatable aromatic rings and isomerism should be considered when sensing metal ions.
Synthesis of benzofused cyclobutaoxepanones via intramolecular annulation of o-cinnamyl chalcones
Authors: Chang Meng-Yang , Tsai Min-Chen
Published: February 2021

Baylis–Hillman type intramolecular stereoselective annulation of o-cinnamyloxy chalcones provides tricyclic benzofused cyclobutaoxepanones via two kinds of [2 + 2] cyclizations. Diversified reaction conditions have been investigated for one-pot facile, high-yield transformation.
Genomics-driven discovery of a new cyclodepsipeptide from the guanophilic fungusAmphichorda guana
Authors: Liang Min , Lyu Hai-Ning , Ma Zi-Ying , Li Er-Wei , Cai Lei , Yin Wen-Bing
Published: February 2021

By genome mining and LC-MS analysis, a novel cyclodepsipeptide isaridin H (1) and seven known analogs were isolated and genetically identified from a guanophilic fungusAmphichorda guana.
Ultralight hybrid silica aerogels derived from supramolecular hydrogels self-assembled from insoluble nano building blocks
Authors: Liu Zongjian , Liu Ling , Zhong Zhenggen , Ran Yuanyuan , Xi Jianing , Wang Jin
Published: February 2021

Physical hydrogels self-assembled from GO and SiO2–NH2 nanoparticles are observed, and they could be transferred into corresponding ultralow density aerogels.
Mechanochemical generation of acid-degradable poly(enol ether)s
Authors: Yang Jinghui , Xia Yan
Published: February 2021

A mechanically responsive polymer system that is hydrolytically stable without stress, but unmasks enol ether backbone linkages under force to allow facile hydrolytic degradation.
How planets grow by pebble accretion
Authors: Ormel Chris W. , Vazan Allona , Brouwers Marc G.
Published: February 2021

During their formation, planets form large, hot atmospheres due to the ongoing accretion of solids. It has been customary to assume that all solids end up at the center, constituting a “core” of refractory materials, whereas the envelope remains metal-free. However, recent work, as well as observations by the Juno mission, indicate that the distinction may not be so clear cut. Indeed, small silicate, pebble-sized particles will sublimate in the atmosphere when they hit the sublimation temperature (T ~ 2000 K). In this paper we extend previous analytical work to compute the properties of planets within such a pebble accretion scenario. We conduct 1D numerical calculations of the atmosphere of an accreting planet, solving the stellar structure equations, augmented by a nonideal equation of state that describes a hydrogen and helium-silicate vapor mixture. Calculations terminate at the point where the total mass in metal is equal to that of the H+He gas, which we numerically confirm as the onset of runaway gas accretion. When pebbles sublimate before reaching the core, insufficient (accretion) energy is available to mix dense, vapor-rich lower layers with the higher layers of lower metallicity. A gradual structure in which Z decreases with radius is therefore a natural outcome of planet formation by pebble accretion. We highlight, furthermore, that (small) pebbles can act as the dominant source of opacity, preventing rapid cooling and presenting a channel for (mini-)Neptunes to survive in gas-rich disks. Nevertheless, once pebble accretion subsides, the atmosphere rapidly clears followed by runaway gas accretion. We consider atmospheric recycling to be the most probable mechanism to have stalled the growth of the envelopes of these planets.
The relation between Lyαabsorbers and local galaxy filaments
Authors: Bouma S. J. D. , Richter P. , Wendt M.
Published: February 2021

Context.The intergalactic medium (IGM) is believed to contain the majority of baryons in the universe and to trace the same dark matter structure as galaxies, forming filaments and sheets. Lyαabsorbers, which sample the neutral component of the IGM, have been extensively studied at low and high redshift, but the exact relation between Lyαabsorption, galaxies, and the large-scale structure is observationally not well constrained.

Aims.In this study, we aim at characterising the relation between Lyαabsorbers and nearby over-dense cosmological structures (galaxy filaments) at recession velocities Δv ≤ 6700 km s−1by using archival observational data from various instruments.

Methods.We analyse 587 intervening Lyαabsorbers in the spectra of 302 extragalactic background sources obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) installed on theHubbleSpace Telescope (HST). We combine the absorption line information with galaxy data of five local galaxy filaments from the V8k catalogue.

Results.Along the 91 sightlines that pass close to a filament, we identify 215 (227) Lyαabsorption systems (components). Among these, 74 Lyαsystems are aligned in position and velocity with the galaxy filaments, indicating that these absorbers and the galaxies trace the same large-scale structure. The filament-aligned Lyαabsorbers have a ∼90% higher rate of incidence (d𝒩/dz = 189 for logN(H I) ≥ 13.2) and a slightly shallower column density distribution function slope (−β = −1.47) relative to the general Lyαpopulation atz = 0, reflecting the filaments’ matter over-density. The strongest Lyαabsorbers are preferentially found near galaxies or close to the axis of a filament, although there is substantial scatter in this relation. Our sample of absorbers clusters more strongly around filament axes than a randomly distributed sample would do (as confirmed by a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test), but the clustering signal is less pronounced than for the galaxies in the filaments.
Piano bass strings with reduced inharmonicity: theory and experiments
Authors: Dalmont Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2021

In modern straight pianos and half-grand pianos the inharmonicity due to the bending stiffness of the strings makes the sound of lower notes of poor quality. The question of whether this can be corrected has been addressed in a previous paper and it was shown on the basis of numerical simulations that this might be possible. In the present paper we show using analytical models that fixing a single mass near the end of the string is a simple and efficient solution. Indeed, the experiments show that theoretical predictions are relevant. So, in practice, on the basis of a simple formula involving the inharmonicity coefficient, it is easy to deduce the position of a given mass in order to reduce significantly the inharmonicity of the bass strings.
When Bingham meets Bratu: mathematical and computational investigations
Authors: Foss Frederick J. , Glowinski Roland
Published: February 2021

In this article, we discuss the numerical solution of the Bingham-Bratu-Gelfand (BBG) problem, a non-smooth nonlinear eigenvalue problem associated with the total variation integral and an exponential nonlinearity. Using the fact that one can view the nonlinear eigenvalue as a possible Lagrange multiplier associated with a constrained minimization problem from Calculus of Variations, we associate with the BBG problem an initial value problem (dynamical flow), well suited to time-discretization by operator-splitting. Various mathematical results are proved, including the convergence of a finite element approximation of the BBG problem. The operator-splitting/finite element methodology discussed in this article is robust and easy to implement. We validate the implementation by first solving the classical Bratu-Gelfand problem, obtaining and reporting results consistent with those found in the literature. We then explore the full capability of the implementation by solving the viscoplastic BBG problem, obtaining and reporting results for several values of the plasticity yield. We conclude by exhibiting and discussing the bifurcation diagrams corresponding to these same values of the plasticity yield, and by reporting and examining some finer details of the solver discovered during the course of our investigation.
Probing the earth’s interior with neutrinos
Authors: Van Elewyck Véronique , Coelho João , Kaminski Edouard , Maderer Lukas
Published: February 2021

Neutrinos, the lightest entities of the Standard Model of particle physics, can traverse matter like no other known particle. The advent of a new generation of neutrino telescopes is turning these elusive messengers into a new probe to investigate the structure and composition of the deep Earth.
Correlation of RF impedance with Ar plasma parameters in semiconductor etch equipment using inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Lee Nayeon , Kwon Ohyung , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: February 2021

The correlation of RF impedance with Ar plasma parameters was analyzed in semiconductor etch equipment using inductively coupled plasma. Since the impedance measured by a VI probe installed behind the RF bias matcher had information for plasma and structural parts of chamber simultaneously, the impedance was corrected by excluding transmission line and peripheral parts of the bias substrate. The corrected impedance was compared with plasma parameters, such as plasma density and electron temperature. The coefficient of determination between the corrected plasma resistance and the theoretical formula of the resistance for bulk plasma was over 0.9 unlike the resistance measured by the VI probe. It is expected that the corrected RF impedance can assist in monitoring the status of plasma and maintaining the quality of the etch process in semiconductor mass production lines.
Field- and laboratory-based methods of screening salt tolerant genotypes in rice
Authors: Gupta Amber , Shaw Birendra Prasad
Published: February 2021

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that lead to loss of billions of dollars in crop production worldwide. The growth of rice plant is severely affected and subsequently the yield is generally low in salt affected areas. Salinity affects rice primarily at the early vegetative stage by interfering with biochemical and physiological processes governing its growth and development. This review aims at summarising various morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular-based methods that are currently used in screening salt-tolerant rice genotypes at different growth stages with particular emphasis on screening of breeding lines, and also the effectiveness of these methods. Field and laboratory-based methods are described including visual screening of salt-induced injuries as per the IRRI’s standard evaluation system, salt-induced accumulation of ions, changes in the levels of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant, and image-based visual quantification of injuries, and molecular markers-based screening, which are lengthy and cumbersome. Among these methods currently available, this review highlights IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) estimation of shoot growth inhibition as a rapid and accurate method that can differentiate genotypes with the IC50 difference of only a few mm NaCl for the initial screening of a large number of rice germplasm and breeding lines.