bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Seasonal Uplift in the Argentière Glacier (Mont Blanc Area, France)
Authors: Vincent Christian , Gilbert Adrien , Walpersdorf Andrea , Gimbert Florent , Gagliardini Olivier , Jourdain Bruno , Roldan Blasco Juan Pedro , Laarman Olivier , Piard Luc , Six Delphine , Moreau Luc , Cusicanqui Diego , Thibert Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

The hydromechanical processes by which basal water controls sliding at the glacier bed are poorly known, despite glacier basal motion being responsible for a large part of ice flux in temperate alpine glaciers. Previous studies suggest that sliding strongly relates to the quantity of water being stored at the ice‐bedrock interface. However, this water storage is difficult to quantify accurately on the basis of surface‐motion observations, given that uplift can also be affected by changes in vertical‐strain rates and sliding velocity change. Here, we use a comprehensive data set of in situ measurements performed over 2 years on the Argentière Glacier in the French Alps to investigate the relationships between horizontal and vertical velocities, basal sliding, subglacial runoff and bed separation. We observe strikingly large uplifts varying spatially between 0.20 and 0.90 m over the winter/spring seasons between January and June and with a consistent spatial pattern from 1 year to another. We show, based on observations and three dimensional ice‐flow modeling, that these large uplifts cannot be explained solely by changes in strain rates or in sliding up an inclined bed. Our results reveal that more than 80% of the observed uplift is related to enhanced bed separation through cavitation, allowing us to estimate the volume occupied by water‐filled subglacial cavities. Our interpretation of uplift being mainly caused by increased cavitation is also consistent with an associated increase in the observed surface horizontal velocity. These findings provide important observational constraints for testing subglacial hydrological models.
Post‐Rifting Relaxation During 2015–2020 Following the Bárðarbunga‐Holuhraun Dike Intrusion and Eruption in Iceland
Authors: Li Siqi , Grapenthin Ronni , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Drouin Vincent , Hreinsdóttir Sigrún , Ófeigsson Benedikt G.
Published: July 2022

Post‐rifting ground deformation may be driven by viscoelastic relaxation of stresses generated by dike intrusions. The single‐dike intrusion of the 2014–2015 Bárðarbunga eruption in Iceland presents an opportunity for a detailed study of this process. We use continuous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) velocity fields to analyze the 2015–2020 post‐rifting deformation, showing uplift on both sides of the dike and horizontal displacement away from the dike after correcting for background deformation. Two GNSS stations experience baseline lengthening at a rate of 19 mm/yr in the direction perpendicular to the strike of the dike. A two‐layer viscoelastic model with a 0.4 × 1019 Pa s viscoelastic half‐space overlain by an 18 km thick elastic layer best explains the observed horizontal and vertical InSAR and GNSS displacements. The model misfit space shows a second regime of good fit, likely driven by deformation near the dike that may result from cooling compaction of the emplaced dike.
Sex-specific changes in metabolism during the transition from chow to high-fat diet feeding are abolished in response to dieting in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Oraha Jennifer , Enriquez Ronaldo F. , Herzog Herbert , Lee Nicola J.
Published: July 2022

Background/Objective

Female mice are often excluded from diet-induced obesity studies as they are more resistant to the obesifying effects of a high-fat diet (HFD). However, the underlying mechanisms behind this sex disparity may actually have important implications for the development and management of obesity in humans. Therefore, we systematically investigated the immediate sex-specific effects of transitioning to a HFD in C57BL/6J mice as well as monitored whether these effects are altered after sustained HFD feeding and whether sex affects the response to a return to chow, representative of dieting.

Methods

Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis of body composition, indirect calorimetry measurements, and qPCR analysis of hypothalamic and brainstem regions were performed on male and female C57BL/6J mice.

Results

HFD had immediate and dramatic effects in males, increasing fat mass by 58% in the first 3 days. The resistance to the obesifying effect of HFD in females was linked both to an ability to maintain activity levels as well as to an immediate and significantly enhanced reduction in respiratory quotient (RQ), suggesting a greater ability to utilise fat in the diet as a source of fuel. Mechanistically, this sex disparity may be at least partially due to inherent sex differences in the catabolic (POMC/CART) versus anabolic (NPY/AgRP) neurological signalling pathways. Interestingly, the reintroduction of chow following HFD had immediate and consistent responses between the sexes with body composition and most metabolic parameters normalised within 3 days. However, both sexes displayed elevated hypothalamic Npy levels reminiscent of starvation. The difference in RQ seen between the sexes on HFD was immediately abolished suggesting similar abilities to burn fat reserves for fuel.

Conclusions

C57BL/6J mice have markedly different sex-specific behavioural and metabolic responses to the introduction as well as the sustained intake of a HFD, but consistent responses to a dieting situation.
Signaling pathways involved in ischemic stroke: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Qin Chuan , Yang Sheng , Chu Yun-Hui , Zhang Hang , Pang Xiao-Wei , Chen Lian , Zhou Luo-Qi , Chen Man , Tian Dai-Shi , Wang Wei
Published: July 2022

Ischemic stroke is caused primarily by an interruption in cerebral blood flow, which induces severe neural injuries, and is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Thus, it is of great necessity to further detailly elucidate the mechanisms of ischemic stroke and find out new therapies against the disease. In recent years, efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, including cellular excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell death processes, and neuroinflammation. In the meantime, a plethora of signaling pathways, either detrimental or neuroprotective, are also highly involved in the forementioned pathophysiology. These pathways are closely intertwined and form a complex signaling network. Also, these signaling pathways reveal therapeutic potential, as targeting these signaling pathways could possibly serve as therapeutic approaches against ischemic stroke. In this review, we describe the signaling pathways involved in ischemic stroke and categorize them based on the pathophysiological processes they participate in. Therapeutic approaches targeting these signaling pathways, which are associated with the pathophysiology mentioned above, are also discussed. Meanwhile, clinical trials regarding ischemic stroke, which potentially target the pathophysiology and the signaling pathways involved, are summarized in details. Conclusively, this review elucidated potential molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways underlying ischemic stroke, and summarize the therapeutic approaches targeted various pathophysiology, with particular reference to clinical trials and future prospects for treating ischemic stroke.
Functional characterization of the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapy in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Grüninger Patricia K. , Uhl Franziska , Herzog Heike , Gentile Gaia , Andrade-Martinez Marta , Schmidt Tobias , Han Kyuho , Morgens David W. , Bassik Michael C. , Cleary Michael L. , Gorka Oliver , Zeiser Robert , Groß Olaf , Duque-Afonso Jesús
Published: July 2022

B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALL) are characterized by the activation of signaling pathways, which are involved in survival and proliferation of leukemia cells. Using an unbiased shRNA library screen enriched for targeting signaling pathways, we identified MTOR as the key gene on which human B-ALL E2A-PBX1+ RCH-ACV cells are dependent. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we investigated whether B-ALL cells depend on MTOR upstream signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT and the complexes MTORC1 or MTORC2 for proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the combined inhibition of MTOR and AKT shows a synergistic effect on decreased cell proliferation in B-ALL with different karyotypes. Hence, B-ALL cells were more dependent on MTORC2 rather than MTORC1 complex in genetic assays. Using cell metabolomics, we identified changes in mitochondrial fuel oxidation after shRNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of MTOR. Dependence of the cells on fatty acid metabolism for their energy production was increased upon inhibition of MTOR and associated upstream signaling pathways, disclosing a possible target for a combination therapy. In conclusion, B-ALL are dependent on the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway and the combination of specific small molecules targeting this pathway appears to be promising for the treatment of B-ALL patients.
A novel mechanism for macrophage pyroptosis in rheumatoid arthritis induced by Pol β deficiency
Authors: Gu Lili , Sun Yuling , Wu Ting , Chen Ge , Tang Xiaojun , Zhao Lianfeng , He Lingfeng , Hu Zhigang , Sun Lingyun , Pan Feiyan , Yin Zhimin , Guo Zhigang
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and inflammatory autoimmune disease. Macrophage pyroptosis, a proinflammatory form of cell death, is critically important in RA; however, the detailed mechanism underlying pyroptosis induction is not yet well understood. Here, we report that DNA polymerase β (Pol β), a key enzyme in base excision repair, plays a pivotal role in RA pathogenesis. Our data shows that Pol β expression is significantly decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from active RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, and Pol β deficiency increases the incidence of RA, macrophage infiltration, and bone destruction in CIA mouse models. In vitro, experiments showed that Pol β deficiency exacerbated macrophage pyroptosis induced by LPS plus ATP, while overexpression of Pol β inhibited macrophage pyroptosis. Further characterization revealed that Pol β knockout resulted in DNA damage accumulation and cytosolic dsDNA leakage, which activated the cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of NLRP3, IL-1 β, and IL-18. In conclusion, our findings clarify the influence of Pol β on the development of RA and provide a detailed explanation for the STING-NF-κB pathway to induce macrophage pyroptosis.
The inequality labor loss risk from future urban warming and adaptation strategies
Authors: He Cheng , Zhang Yuqiang , Schneider Alexandra , Chen Renjie , Zhang Yan , Ma Weichun , Kinney Patrick L. , Kan Haidong
Published: July 2022

Heat-induced labor loss is a major economic cost related to climate change. Here, we use hourly heat stress data modeled with a regional climate model to investigate the heat-induced labor loss in 231 Chinese cities. Results indicate that future urban heat stress is projected to cause an increase in labor losses exceeding 0.20% of the total account gross domestic product (GDP) per year by the 2050s relative to the 2010s. In this process, certain lower-paid sectors could be disproportionately impacted. The implementation of various urban adaptation strategies could offset 10% of the additional economic loss per year and help reduce the inequality-related impact on lower-paid sectors. So future urban warming can not only damage cities as a whole but can also contribute to income inequality. The implication of adaptation strategies should be considered in regard to not only cooling requirements but also environmental justice.
Clinical relevance of molecular characteristics in Burkitt lymphoma differs according to age
Authors: Burkhardt Birgit , Michgehl Ulf , Rohde Jonas , Erdmann Tabea , Berning Philipp , Reutter Katrin , Rohde Marius , Borkhardt Arndt , Burmeister Thomas , Dave Sandeep , Tzankov Alexandar , Dugas Martin , Sandmann Sarah , Fend Falko , Finger Jasmin , Mueller Stephanie , Gökbuget Nicola , Haferlach Torsten , Kern Wolfgang , Hartmann Wolfgang , Klapper Wolfram , Oschlies Ilske , Richter Julia , Kontny Udo , Lutz Mathias , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Siebert Reiner , von Stackelberg Arend , Strahm Brigitte , Woessmann Wilhelm , Zimmermann Martin , Zapukhlyak Myroslav , Grau Michael , Lenz Georg
Published: July 2022

While survival has improved for Burkitt lymphoma patients, potential differences in outcome between pediatric and adult patients remain unclear. In both age groups, survival remains poor at relapse. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study in a large pediatric cohort, including 191 cases and 97 samples from adults. WhileTP53andCCND3mutation frequencies are not age related, samples from pediatric patients showed a higher frequency of mutations inID3,DDX3X, ARID1AandSMARCA4, while several genes such asBCL2andYY1AP1are almost exclusively mutated in adult patients. An unbiased analysis reveals a transition of the mutational profile between 25 and 40 years of age. Survival analysis in the pediatric cohort confirms thatTP53mutations are significantly associated with higher incidence of relapse (25 ± 4% versus 6 ± 2%, p-value 0.0002). This identifies a promising molecular marker for relapse incidence in pediatric BL which will be used in future clinical trials.
Programmable synthetic cell networks regulated by tuneable reaction rates
Authors: Zambrano Adrian , Fracasso Giorgio , Gao Mengfei , Ugrinic Martina , Wang Dishi , Appelhans Dietmar , deMello Andrew , Tang T-Y. Dora
Published: July 2022

Coupled compartmentalised information processing and communication via molecular diffusion underpin network based population dynamics as observed in biological systems. Understanding how both compartmentalisation and communication can regulate information processes is key to rational design and control of compartmentalised reaction networks. Here, we integrate PEN DNA reactions into semi-permeable proteinosomes and characterise the effect of compartmentalisation on autocatalytic PEN DNA reactions. We observe unique behaviours in the compartmentalised systems which are not accessible under bulk conditions; for example, rates of reaction increase by an order of magnitude and reaction kinetics are more readily tuneable by enzyme concentrations in proteinosomes compared to buffer solution. We exploit these properties to regulate the reaction kinetics in two node compartmentalised reaction networks comprised of linear and autocatalytic reactions which we establish by bottom-up synthetic biology approaches.
Effect of spin-orbit coupling on the high harmonics from the topological Dirac semimetal Na3Bi
Authors: Tancogne-Dejean Nicolas , Eich Florian G. , Rubio Angel
Published: July 2022

In this work, we performed extensive first-principles simulations of high-harmonic generation in the topological Diract semimetal Na3Bi using a first-principles time-dependent density functional theory framework, focusing on the effect of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the harmonic response. We also derived an analytical model describing the microscopic mechanism of strong-field dynamics in presence of spin-orbit coupling, starting from a locally U(1) × SU(2) gauge-invariant Hamiltonian. Our results reveal that SOC: (i) affects the strong-field excitation of carriers to the conduction bands by modifying the bandstructure of Na3Bi, (ii) makes each spin channel reacts differently to the driven laser by modifying the electron velocity (iii) changes the emission timing of the emitted harmonics. Moreover, we show that the SOC affects the harmonic emission by directly coupling the charge current to the spin currents, paving the way to the high-harmonic spectroscopy of spin currents in solids.
The Timed Up and Go test predicts frailty in patients with COPD
Authors: Albarrati Ali M. , Gale Nichola S. , Munnery Margaret M. , Reid Natasha , Cockcroft John R. , Shale Dennis J.
Published: July 2022

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a global measure of mobility and has the ability to detect frail individuals. Frail patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are usually undiagnosed. We hypothesised that the TUG would identify frail patients with COPD. Frailty was assessed in 520 patients diagnosed with COPD and 150 controls using a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment questionnaire and frailty index (FI) was derived. The TUG was used to assess physical mobility. All participants were assessed for lung function and body composition. A ROC curve was used to identify how well TUG discriminates between frail and non-frail patients with COPD. The patients with COPD and controls were similar in age, sex and BMI but the patients with COPD were more frail, mean ± SD FI 0.16 ± 0.08 than controls 0.05 ± 0.03, P < 0.001. Frail patients with COPD had a greater TUG time (11.55 ± 4.03 s) compared to non-frail patients (9.2 ± 1.6 sec), after controlling for age and lung function (F = 15.94, P < 0.001), and both were greater than the controls (8.3 ± 1.2 sec), P < 0.001. The TUG discriminated between frail and non-frail patients with COPD with an area under the curve of 72 (95% CI: 67–76), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 2.67 (95% CI:1.5–4.6), P < 0.001. The TUG showed the ability to discriminate between frail and non-frail patients with COPD, independent of age and severity of the airflow obstruction. The TUG is a simple, easy and quick measure that could be easily applied in restricted settings to screen for frailty in COPD.
Effective pathogen removal in sustainable natural fiber Moringa filters
Authors: Samineni Laxmicharan , De Respino Sophie , Tu Yu-Ming , Chowdhury Ratul , Mohanty Rashmi Prava , Oh Hyeonji , Geitner Michael , Alberg Claire Hartwig , Roman-White Abigail , McKinzie Sarine , Lemus Camila , Massey Joy , Ghosh Debadyuti , Truskett Thomas M. , Velegol Stephanie , Kumar Manish
Published: July 2022

Pathogen contamination of water has a massive impact on global human health. In particular, viruses pose unique challenges to water treatment techniques due to their small size and presence in water as both individual virions and when absorbed onto larger particles. Low-energy water treatment processes such as media filtration are not capable of completely removing viruses owing to their small size. Hence, less sustainable processes with high chemical or energy consumption such as chemical disinfection, ultraviolet irradiation, and membrane filtration are usually required. To overcome high energy and/or chemical requirements for virus treatment, designs for sustainable fiber filters fabricated from minimally processed natural materials for efficient virus (MS2) and bacteria (E. coli) removal are presented in this work. These filters were created by functionalizing readily accessible natural fibers including cotton, silk, and flax with a simple aqueous extract containing cationic proteins from Moringa oleifera seeds. The proposed filters offer a comprehensive low cost, low energy, and low environmental impact solution for pathogen removal from water with removals of >7log10 (99.99999%) for viruses and bacteria.
A male steroid controls female sexual behaviour in the malaria mosquito
Authors: Peng Duo , Kakani Evdoxia G. , Mameli Enzo , Vidoudez Charles , Mitchell Sara N. , Merrihew Gennifer E. , MacCoss Michael J. , Adams Kelsey , Rinvee Tasneem A. , Shaw W. Robert , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: July 2022

Insects, unlike vertebrates, are widely believed to lack male-biased sex steroid hormones1. In the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, the ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) appears to have evolved to both control egg development when synthesized by females2 and to induce mating refractoriness when sexually transferred by males3. Because egg development and mating are essential reproductive traits, understanding how Anopheles females integrate these hormonal signals can spur the design of new malaria control programs. Here we reveal that these reproductive functions are regulated by distinct sex steroids through a sophisticated network of ecdysteroid-activating/inactivating enzymes. We identify a male-specific oxidized ecdysteroid, 3-dehydro-20E (3D20E), which safeguards paternity by turning off female sexual receptivity following its sexual transfer and activation by dephosphorylation. Notably, 3D20E transfer also induces expression of a reproductive gene that preserves egg development during Plasmodium infection, ensuring fitness of infected females. Female-derived 20E does not trigger sexual refractoriness but instead licenses oviposition in mated individuals once a 20E-inhibiting kinase is repressed. Identifying this male-specific insect steroid hormone and its roles in regulating female sexual receptivity, fertility and interactions with Plasmodium parasites suggests the possibility for reducing the reproductive success of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
A transcriptomic axis predicts state modulation of cortical interneurons
Authors: Bugeon Stéphane , Duffield Joshua , Dipoppa Mario , Ritoux Anne , Prankerd Isabelle , Nicoloutsopoulos Dimitris , Orme David , Shinn Maxwell , Peng Han , Forrest Hamish , Viduolyte Aiste , Reddy Charu Bai , Isogai Yoh , Carandini Matteo , Harris Kenneth D.
Published: July 2022

Transcriptomics has revealed that cortical inhibitory neurons exhibit a great diversity of fine molecular subtypes1–6, but it is not known whether these subtypes have correspondingly diverse patterns of activity in the living brain. Here we show that inhibitory subtypes in primary visual cortex (V1) have diverse correlates with brain state, which are organized by a single factor: position along the main axis of transcriptomic variation. We combined in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of mouse V1 with a transcriptomic method to identify mRNA for 72 selected genes in ex vivo slices. We classified inhibitory neurons imaged in layers 1–3 into a three-level hierarchy of 5 subclasses, 11 types and 35 subtypes using previously defined transcriptomic clusters3. Responses to visual stimuli differed significantly only between subclasses, with cells in the Sncg subclass uniformly suppressed, and cells in the other subclasses predominantly excited. Modulation by brain state differed at all hierarchical levels but could be largely predicted from the first transcriptomic principal component, which also predicted correlations with simultaneously recorded cells. Inhibitory subtypes that fired more in resting, oscillatory brain states had a smaller fraction of their axonal projections in layer 1, narrower spikes, lower input resistance and weaker adaptation as determined in vitro7, and expressed more inhibitory cholinergic receptors. Subtypes that fired more during arousal had the opposite properties. Thus, a simple principle may largely explain how diverse inhibitory V1 subtypes shape state-dependent cortical processing.
A time-resolved, multi-symbol molecular recorder via sequential genome editing
Authors: Choi Junhong , Chen Wei , Minkina Anna , Chardon Florence M. , Suiter Chase C. , Regalado Samuel G. , Domcke Silvia , Hamazaki Nobuhiko , Lee Choli , Martin Beth , Daza Riza M. , Shendure Jay
Published: July 2022

DNA is naturally well suited to serve as a digital medium for in vivo molecular recording. However, contemporary DNA-based memory devices are constrained in terms of the number of distinct ‘symbols’ that can be concurrently recorded and/or by a failure to capture the order in which events occur1. Here we describe DNA Typewriter, a general system for in vivo molecular recording that overcomes these and other limitations. For DNA Typewriter, the blank recording medium (‘DNA Tape’) consists of a tandem array of partial CRISPR–Cas9 target sites, with all but the first site truncated at their 5′ ends and therefore inactive. Short insertional edits serve as symbols that record the identity of the prime editing guide RNA2 mediating the edit while also shifting the position of the ‘type guide’ by one unit along the DNA Tape, that is, sequential genome editing. In this proof of concept of DNA Typewriter, we demonstrate recording and decoding of thousands of symbols, complex event histories and short text messages; evaluate the performance of dozens of orthogonal tapes; and construct ‘long tape’ potentially capable of recording as many as 20 serial events. Finally, we leverage DNA Typewriter in conjunction with single-cell RNA-seq to reconstruct a monophyletic lineage of 3,257 cells and find that the Poisson-like accumulation of sequential edits to multicopy DNA tape can be maintained across at least 20 generations and 25 days of in vitro clonal expansion.
Biosynthesis of strychnine
Authors: Hong Benke , Grzech Dagny , Caputi Lorenzo , Sonawane Prashant , López Carlos E. Rodríguez , Kamileen Mohamed Omar , Hernández Lozada Néstor J. , Grabe Veit , O’Connor Sarah E.
Published: July 2022

Strychnine is a natural product that, through isolation, structural elucidation and synthetic efforts, shaped the field of organic chemistry. Currently, strychnine is used as a pesticide to control rodents1because of its potent neurotoxicity2,3. The polycyclic architecture of strychnine has inspired chemists to develop new synthetic transformations and strategies to access this molecular scaffold4, yet it is still unknown how plants create this complex structure. Here we report the biosynthetic pathway of strychnine, along with the related molecules brucine and diaboline. Moreover, we successfully recapitulate strychnine, brucine and diaboline biosynthesis inNicotiana benthamianafrom an upstream intermediate, thus demonstrating that this complex, pharmacologically active class of compounds can now be harnessed through metabolic engineering approaches.
Fatigue dataset of high-entropy alloys
Authors: Chen Shiyi , Fan Xuesong , Steingrimsson Baldur , Xiong Qingang , Li Weidong , Liaw Peter K.
Published: July 2022

Fatigue failure of metallic structures is of great concern to industrial applications. A material will not be practically useful if it is prone to fatigue failures. To take the advantage of lately emerged high-entropy alloys (HEAs) for designing novel fatigue-resistant alloys, we compiled a fatigue database of HEAs from the literature reported until the beginning of 2022. The database is subdivided into three categories, i.e., low-cycle fatigue (LCF), high-cycle fatigue (HCF), and fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR), which contain 15, 23, and 28 distinct data records, respectively. Each data record in any of three categories is characteristic of a summary, which is comprised of alloy compositions, key fatigue properties, and additional information influential to, or interrelated with, fatigue (e.g., material processing history, phase constitution, grain size, uniaxial tensile properties, and fatigue testing conditions), and an individual dataset, which makes up the original fatigue testing curve. Some representative individual datasets in each category are graphically visualized. The dataset is hosted in an open data repository, Materials Cloud.
LepTraits 1.0 A globally comprehensive dataset of butterfly traits
Authors: Shirey Vaughn , Larsen Elise , Doherty Andra , Kim Clifford A. , Al-Sulaiman Faisal T. , Hinolan Jomar D. , Itliong Micael Gabriel A. , Naive Mark Arcebal K. , Ku Minji , Belitz Michael , Jeschke Grace , Barve Vijay , Lamas Gerardo , Kawahara Akito Y. , Guralnick Robert , Pierce Naomi E. , Lohman David J. , Ries Leslie
Published: July 2022

Here, we present the largest, global dataset of Lepidopteran traits, focusing initially on butterflies (ca. 12,500 species records). These traits are derived from field guides, taxonomic treatments, and other literature resources. We present traits on wing size, phenology,voltinism, diapause/overwintering stage, hostplant associations, and habitat affinities (canopy, edge, moisture, and disturbance). This dataset will facilitate comparative research on butterfly ecology and evolution and our goal is to inspire future research collaboration and the continued development of this dataset.
The interplay of chemical structure, physical properties, and structural design as a tool to modulate the properties of melanins within mesopores
Authors: Pira Alessandro , Amatucci Alberto , Melis Claudio , Pezzella Alessandro , Manini Paola , d’Ischia Marco , Mula Guido
Published: July 2022

The design of modern devices that can fulfil the requirements for sustainability and renewable energy applications calls for both new materials and a better understanding of the mixing of existing materials. Among those, surely organic–inorganic hybrids are gaining increasing attention due to the wide possibility to tailor their properties by accurate structural design and materials choice. In this work, we’ll describe the tight interplay between porous Si and two melanic polymers permeating the pores. Melanins are a class of biopolymers, known to cause pigmentation in many living species, that shows very interesting potential applications in a wide variety of fields. Given the complexity of the polymerization process beyond the formation and structure, the full understanding of the melanins' properties remains a challenging task. In this study, the use of a melanin/porous Si hybrid as a tool to characterize the polymer’s properties within mesopores gives new insights into the conduction mechanisms of melanins. We demonstrate the dramatic effect induced on these mechanisms in a confined environment by the presence of a thick interface. In previous studies, we already showed that the interactions at the interface between porous Si and eumelanin play a key role in determining the final properties of composite materials. Here, thanks to a careful monitoring of the photoconductivity properties of porous Si filled with melanins obtained by ammonia-induced solid-state polymerization (AISSP) of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) or 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), we investigate the effect of wet, dry, and vacuum cycles of storage from the freshly prepared samples to months-old samples. A computational study on the mobility of water molecules within a melanin polymer is also presented to complete the understanding of the experimental data. Our results demonstrate that: (a) the hydration-dependent behavior of melanins is recovered in large pores (≈ 60 nm diameter) while is almost absent in thinner pores (≈ 20 nm diameter); (b) DHN-melanin materials can generate higher photocurrents and proved to be stable for several weeks and more sensitive to the wet/dry variations.
Whole-body transcriptome analysis provides insights into the cascade of sequential expression events involved in growth, immunity, and metabolism during the molting cycle in Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Xiao , Fu Yuanyuan , Fang Wei , Wang Chunlin
Published: July 2022

The molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic process of crab molting are still poorly understood at the individual level. We investigated global expression changes in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, at the transcriptome level and revealed a cascade of sequential expression events for genes involved in various aspects of the molting process using whole-body sequencing of juvenile crabs. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) produced 139.49 Gb of clean reads and 20,436 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different molting stages. The expression patterns for genes involved in several molecular events critical for molting, such as cuticle reconstruction, cytoskeletal structure remodeling, hormone regulation, immune responses, and metabolism, were characterized and considered as mechanisms underlying molting in S. paramamosain. Among these genes, we identified 10,695 DEGs in adjacent molting stages. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that significantly enriched pathways included structural constituents of cuticle, binding and chitin metabolic processes, steroid hormone biosynthesis, insulin resistance, and amino sugar metabolic processes. The expression profiles of 12 functional genes detected via RNA-seq were corroborated via real-time RT-PCR assays. The results revealed gene expression profiles across the molting cycle and identified possible activation pathways for future investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Assessing the impact of free-roaming dog population management through systems modelling
Authors: Smith Lauren M. , Quinnell Rupert J. , Goold Conor , Munteanu Alexandru M. , Hartmann Sabine , Collins Lisa M.
Published: July 2022

Free-roaming dogs can present significant challenges to public health, wildlife conservation, and livestock production. Free-roaming dogs may also experience poor health and welfare. Dog population management is widely conducted to mitigate these issues. To ensure efficient use of resources, it is critical that effective, cost-efficient, and high-welfare strategies are identified. The dog population comprises distinct subpopulations characterised by their restriction status and level of ownership, but the assessment of dog population management often fails to consider the impact of the interaction between subpopulations on management success. We present a system dynamics model that incorporates an interactive and dynamic system of dog subpopulations. Methods incorporating both fertility control and responsible ownership interventions (leading to a reduction in abandonment and roaming of owned dogs, and an increase in shelter adoptions) have the greatest potential to reduce free-roaming dog population sizes over longer periods of time, whilst being cost-effective and improving overall welfare. We suggest that future management should be applied at high levels of coverage and should target all sources of population increase, such as abandonment, births, and owners of free-roaming dogs, to ensure effective and cost-efficient reduction in free-roaming dog numbers.
Hsa-miR-143-3p inhibits Wnt-β-catenin and MAPK signaling in human corneal epithelial stem cells
Authors: Kalaimani Lavanya , Devarajan Bharanidharan , Namperumalsamy Venkatesh Prajna , Veerappan Muthukkaruppan , Daniels Julie T. , Chidambaranathan Gowri Priya
Published: July 2022

Our previous study demonstrated hsa-miR-143-3p as one of the highly expressed miRNAs in enriched corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs). Hence this study aims to elucidate the regulatory role of hsa-miR-143-3p in the maintenance of stemness in CESCs. The target genes of hsa-miR-143-3p were predicted and subjected to pathway analysis to select the targets for functional studies. Primary cultured limbal epithelial cells were transfected with hsa-miR-143-3p mimic, inhibitor or scrambled sequence using Lipofectamine 3000. The transfected cells were analysed for (i) colony forming potential, (ii) expression of stem cell (SC) markers/ transcription factors (ABCG2, NANOG, OCT4, KLF4, ΔNp63), (iii) differentiation marker (Cx43), (iv) predicted five targets of hsa-miR-143-3p (DVL3, MAPK1, MAPK14, KRAS and KAT6A), (v) MAPK signaling regulators and (vi) Wnt-β-catenin signaling regulators by qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and/or Western blotting. High expression of hsa-miR-143-3p increased the colony forming potential (10.04 ± 1.35%, p < 0.001) with the ability to form holoclone-like colonies in comparison to control (3.33 ± 0.71%). The mimic treated cells had increased expression of SC markers but reduced expression of Cx43 and hsa-miR-143-3p targets involved in Wnt-β-catenin and MAPK signaling pathways. The expression of β-catenin, active β-catenin and ERK2 in hsa-miR-143-3p inhibitor transfected cells were higher than the control cells and the localized nuclear expression indicated the activation of Wnt and MAPK signaling. Thus, the probable association of hsa-miR-143-3p in the maintenance of CESCs through inhibition of Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways was thus indicated.
Expression pattern of Stomatin-domain proteins in the peripheral olfactory system
Authors: Gonzalez-Velandia Kevin Y. , Hernandez-Clavijo Andres , Menini Anna , Dibattista Michele , Pifferi Simone
Published: July 2022

Recent data show that Stomatin-like protein 3 (STOML3), a member of the stomatin-domain family, is expressed in the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) where it modulates both spontaneous and evoked action potential firing. The protein family is constituted by other 4 members (besides STOML3): STOM, STOML1, STOML2 and podocin. Interestingly, STOML3 with STOM and STOML1 are expressed in other peripheral sensory neurons: dorsal root ganglia. In here, they functionally interact and modulate the activity of the mechanosensitive Piezo channels and members of the ASIC family. Therefore, we investigated whether STOM and STOML1 are expressed together with STOML3 in the OSNs and whether they could interact. We found that all three are indeed expressed in ONSs, although STOML1 at very low level. STOM and STOML3 share a similar expression pattern and STOML3 is necessary for STOM to properly localize to OSN cilia. In addition, we extended our investigation to podocin and STOML2, and while the former is not expressed in the olfactory system, the latter showed a peculiar expression pattern in multiple cell types. In summary, we provided a first complete description of stomatin-domain protein family in the olfactory system, highlighting the precise compartmentalization, possible interactions and, finally, their functional implications.
Enrichment of 150Nd for neutrinoless double-beta decay detection
Authors: Suryanarayana M. V.
Published: July 2022

A 562 nm–627 nm–597 nm three-step resonant photoionization scheme has been studied using the density matrix formalism for the enrichment of 150Nd in weighable quantities for the neutrinoless double-beta decay detection. The effect of bandwidth of the excitation laser and charge exchange collisions, on the production rates and degree of enrichment has also been studied. Optimum conditions for the efficient enrichment of 150Nd isotope have been derived. It has been shown that it might be possible to produce 50 kg of 66% enriched 150Nd isotope in about five months (16 h/day) using the conditions derived through this investigation. This enables to reach the 0νββ decay half-life limit of ≈ 1.8 × 1025 year for the 150Nd isotope.
Comprehensive short and long read sequencing analysis for the Gaucher and Parkinson’s disease-associated GBA gene
Authors: Toffoli Marco , Chen Xiao , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Lee Chiao-Yin , Mullin Stephen , Higgins Abigail , Koletsi Sofia , Garcia-Segura Monica Emili , Sammler Esther , Scholz Sonja W. , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Eberle Michael A. , Proukakis Christos
Published: July 2022

GBA variants carriers are at increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD). The presence of pseudogene GBAP1 predisposes to structural variants, complicating genetic analysis. We present two methods to resolve recombinant alleles and other variants in GBA: Gauchian, a tool for short-read, whole-genome sequencing data analysis, and Oxford Nanopore sequencing after PCR enrichment. Both methods were concordant for 42 samples carrying a range of recombinants and GBAP1-related mutations, and Gauchian outperformed the GATK Best Practices pipeline. Applying Gauchian to sequencing of over 10,000 individuals shows that copy number variants (CNVs) spanning GBAP1 are relatively common in Africans. CNV frequencies in PD and LBD are similar to controls. Gains may coexist with other mutations in patients, and a modifying effect cannot be excluded. Gauchian detects more GBA variants in LBD than PD, especially severe ones. These findings highlight the importance of accurate GBA analysis in these patients.
Combining visible-light induction and copper catalysis for chemo-selective nitrene transfer for late-stage amination of natural products
Authors: Xing Qi , Jiang Ding , Zhang Jiayin , Guan Liangyu , Li Ting , Zhao Yi , Di Man , Chen Huangcan , Che Chao , Zhu Zhendong
Published: July 2022

Nitrene transfer chemistry is an effective strategy for introducing C–N bonds, which are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and diverse bioactive natural products. The development of chemical methodology that can functionalize unique sites within natural products through nitrene transfer remains a challenge in the field. Herein, we developed copper catalyzed chemoselective allylic C–H amination and catalyst-free visible-light induced aziridination of alkenes through nitrene transfer. In general, both reactions tolerate a wide range of functional groups and occur with predictable regioselectivity. Furthermore, combination of these two methods enable the intermolecular chemo-selective late-stage amination of biologically active natural products, leading to C–H amination or C=C aziridination products in a tunable way. A series of control experiments indicate two-step radical processes were involved in both reaction systems.
Correlated disorder as a way towards robust superconductivity
Authors: Neverov Vyacheslav D. , Lukyanov Alexander E. , Krasavin Andrey V. , Vagov Alexei , Croitoru Mihail D.
Published: July 2022

Ordinary superconductors are widely assumed insensitive to small concentrations of random nonmagnetic impurities, whereas strong disorder suppresses superconductivity and even makes superconductor-insulator transition occur. In between these limiting cases, a most fascinating regime can take place where disorder enhances superconductivity. Hitherto, almost all theoretical studies have been conducted under the assumption that disorder is completely independent and random. In real materials, however, positions of impurities and defects tend to correlate with each other. This work shows that these correlations have a strong impact on superconductivity making it more robust and less sensitive to the disorder potential. Superconducting properties can therefore be controlled not only by the overall density of impurities and defects, but by their spatial correlations as well.
Forces that control self-organization of chemically-propelled Janus tori
Authors: Wang Jiyuan , Huang Mu-Jie , Baker-Sediako Remmi D. , Kapral Raymond , Aranson Igor S.
Published: July 2022

Control of the individual and collective behavior of self-propelled synthetic micro-objects has immediate application for nanotechnology, robotics, and precision medicine. Despite significant progress in the synthesis and characterization of self-propelled Janus (two-faced) particles, predictive understanding of their behavior remains challenging, especially if the particles have anisotropic forms. Here, by using molecular simulation, we describe the interactions of chemically-propelled microtori near a wall. The results show that a torus hovers at a certain distance from the wall due to a combination of gravity and hydrodynamic flows generated by the chemical activity. Moreover, electrostatic dipolar interactions between the torus and the wall result in a spontaneous tilt and horizontal translation, in a qualitative agreement with experiment. Simulations of the dynamics of two and four tori near a wall provide evidence for the formation of stable self-propelled bound states. Our results illustrate that self-organization at the microscale occurs due to a combination of multiple factors, including hydrodynamic, chemical, electrostatic and steric interactions.
Predicting the formation of fractionally doped perovskite oxides by a function-confined machine learning method
Authors: Zhai Ximei , Ding Fei , Zhao Zeyu , Santomauro Aaron , Luo Feng , Tong Jianhua
Published: July 2022

Fractionally doped perovskites oxides (FDPOs) have demonstrated ubiquitous applications such as energy conversion, storage and harvesting, catalysis, sensor, superconductor, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, magnetic, and luminescence. Hence, an accurate, cost-effective, and easy-to-use methodology to discover new compositions is much needed. Here, we developed a function-confined machine learning methodology to discover new FDPOs with high prediction accuracy from limited experimental data. By focusing on a specific application, namely solar thermochemical hydrogen production, we collected 632 training data and defined 21 desirable features. Our gradient boosting classifier model achieved a high prediction accuracy of 95.4% and a high F1 score of 0.921. Furthermore, when verified on additional 36 experimental data from existing literature, the model showed a prediction accuracy of 94.4%. With the help of this machine learning approach, we identified and synthesized 11 new FDPO compositions, 7 of which are relevant for solar thermochemical hydrogen production. We believe this confined machine learning methodology can be used to discover, from limited data, FDPOs with other specific application purposes.
Fluorescence monitoring of the degradation evolution of aliphatic polyesters
Authors: Li Yujie , Tian Rui , Wang Peili , Li Kaitao , Lu Chao
Published: July 2022

We propose a sensitive and reliable strategy for three-dimensional fluorescence monitoring and quantification for different reaction pathways of degradable aliphatic polyesters.
Electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction by a covalent non-metal graphene–fullerene hybrid
Authors: Chronopoulos Demetrios D. , Stangel Christina , Scheibe Magdalena , Čépe Klára , Tagmatarchis Nikos , Otyepka Michal
Published: July 2022

A metal-free electrocatalyst consisting of a covalently linked graphene–fullerene hybrid material was prepared following the chemistry of fluorographene, displaying improved hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalytic activity and high durability.
A flexible, ceramic-rich solid electrolyte for room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Hegde Guruprasad S. , Sundara Ramaprabhu
Published: July 2022

A method to produce a thin and flexible “polymer in ceramic” type sodium ion conductor film from an erstwhile brittle Na3Zr2Si2PO12 ceramic film is reported and its application in room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries is demonstrated.
A colorimetric and fluorometric probe for phenylhydrazine and its application in real samples
Authors: Zhang Zichang , Zhang Dan , Qi Qingrong , Li Zicheng , Huang Wencai
Published: July 2022

An aromatic aldehyde-based fluorescent probe for phenylhydrazine detection was developed and its application in real water samples was demonstrated.
Colorimetric detection of RNA fragments based on associated toehold-mediated reaction and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Wantong , Song Juanjuan , Zheng Hongzheng , Xu Xiaowen
Published: July 2022

A reverse transcription-free, label-free and enzyme-free colorimetric method is developed for RNA nucleic acid fragment detection. The method simultaneously responds to dual viral gene fragments and distinguishes single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Expedient Ni(OTf)2/visible light photoredox-catalyzed annulation of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with cyclic secondary amines
Authors: Karjee Pallab , Mishra Manmath , Debnath Bijoy , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: July 2022

Merging Ni/visible-light photocatalysis for the annulative coupling of donor–acceptor cyclopropane with cyclic secondary amine to furnish pyrrolotetrahydroisoquinoline structural scaffolds.
Tailoring diradicaloid properties of expanded isophlorinoids with systematic core-modification
Authors: Ambhore Madan D. , Shukla Pragati , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Anand Venkataramanarao G.
Published: July 2022

We describe a simple strategy to synthesize structurally diverse 38π diradicaloid expanded isophlorinoids with eigth heterocyclic rings.
Electrocatalytic activity of a β-Sb two-dimensional surface for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Mengya , Ren Xiaoyan , Li Shunfang , Zhang Yingjiu , Li Xinjian , Pang Rui , Shang Yuanyuan
Published: July 2022

First-principles calculations demonstrate that doping single layer antimonene with VI main group atoms will activate the HER activities of antimony atoms. Such effects can be explained by a valence band model.
Constructing high-performance TADF polymers from non-TADF monomers: a computational investigation
Authors: Li Ping , Zhou Cefeng , Zhang Yewen , Chen Cailin , Zheng Chao , Chen Runfeng
Published: July 2022

A computational investigation of polymerization site and substituent R effects on the construction of TADF polymers from non-TADF monomers.