bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing Buried Interface via Synergistic Effect of Fluorine and Sulfonyl Functional Groups Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gong Cheng , Zhang Cong , Zhuang Qixin , Li Haiyun , Yang Hua , Chen Jiangzhao , Zang Zhigang
Published: December 2022

The interfacial defects and energy barrier are main reasons for interfacial nonradiative recombination. In addition, poor perovskite crystallization and incomplete conversion of PbI2 to perovskite restrict further enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of the devices using sequential deposition. Herein, a buried interface stabilization strategy that relies on the synergy of fluorine (F) and sulfonyl (S=O) functional groups is proposed. A series of potassium salts containing halide and non-halogen anions are employed to modify SnO2/perovskite buried interface. Multiple chemical bonds including hydrogen bond, coordination bond and ionic bond are realized, which strengthens interfacial contact and defect passivation effect. The chemical interaction between modification molecules and perovskite along with SnO2 heightens incessantly as the number of S=O and F augments. The chemical interaction strength between modifiers and perovskite as well as SnO2 gradually increases with the increase in the number of S=O and F. The defect passivation effect is positively correlated with the chemical interaction strength. The crystallization kinetics is regulated through the compromise between chemical interaction strength and wettability of substrates. Compared with Cl−, all non-halogen anions perform better in crystallization optimization, energy band regulation and defect passivation. The device with potassium bis (fluorosulfonyl) imide achieves a tempting efficiency of 24.17%.
Graphene Bridge Heterostructure Devices for Negative Differential Transconductance Circuit Applications
Authors: Lee Minjong , Kim Tae Wook , Park Chang Yong , Lee Kimoon , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Kim Min-gu , Hwang Do Kyung , Lee Young Tack
Published: December 2022

Two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) material-based heterostructure devices have been widely studied for high-end electronic applications owing to their heterojunction properties. In this study, we demonstrate graphene (Gr)-bridge heterostructure devices consisting of laterally series-connected ambipolar semiconductor/Gr-bridge/n-type molybdenum disulfide as a channel material for field-effect transistors (FET). Unlike conventional FET operation, our Gr-bridge devices exhibit non-classical transfer characteristics (humped transfer curve), thus possessing a negative differential transconductance. These phenomena are interpreted as the operating behavior in two series-connected FETs, and they result from the gate-tunable contact capacity of the Gr-bridge layer. Multi-value logic inverters and frequency tripler circuits are successfully demonstrated using ambipolar semiconductors with narrow- and wide-bandgap materials as more advanced circuit applications based on non-classical transfer characteristics. Thus, we believe that our innovative and straightforward device structure engineering will be a promising technique for future multi-functional circuit applications of 2D nanoelectronics.
Chemical compositions of bivalves shells: Anadara senilis, Crassostrea gasar, and Mytilus edulis and their potential for a sustainable circular economy
Authors: Elegbede Isa , Lawal-Are Aderonke , Favour Ogunlana , Jolaosho T. , Goussanou Appolinaire
Published: December 2022

The paradigm termed circular blue economy has become a concept that is greatly associated with the utilization of marine resources to ensure continued sustainability. Several constraints and limitations related to plants and plant products means human needs to look beyond green economy. The chemical constituents of animals also allow researchers to evaluate their growth and development. This study evaluates the proximate and chemical compositions of Anadara senilis, Crassostrea gasar, and Mytilus edulis, with emphasizes on their calcium and calcium carbonate contents and industrial importance. A total of 270 live bivalve samples were collected from March to May 2021 from Lagos Lagoon harbour. Each bivalve sample collected was opened to separate the flesh from the species’ shell, sun-dried and transported to the laboratory for analysis. One-way analysis of variance was adopted to estimate the significance level at 5% (P < 0.05). Post-HOC LSD test was performed to verify the disparity of mean. The results of this study revealed that Mytilus edulis shells had the highest moisture, crude protein, and crude fat at 1.15 ± 0.05%, 4.29 ± 0.43%, and 0.96 ± 0.15%, respectively and showed significant difference (P < 0.05). Anadara senilis shells had high levels of calcium (51.00 ± 2.87 mg/kg), magnesium (0.59 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and calcium carbonate (60.91 ± 2.50 mg/kg). Due to the high Ca and CaCO3 contents obtained, these shells can be processed alongside other biomaterials into food supplements, animal feeds, dental products, plant nutrient supplements, ornamental purpose, construction, agricultural industries among others. These would enhance the development of cottage industries, promotes farming of shell animals, help to alleviate the unemployment crisis and creation of wealth from substances which would have been regarded as waste.
Rethinking the beginning of the ‘nuclear age’ through telling feminist nuclear stories
Authors: Considine Laura
Published: December 2022

Bringing a feminist perspective to the global politics of nuclear weapons not only allows us to expand who and what counts as worthy of study in nuclear politics, but also contests core ideas and narratives that have shaped the literature to date. This paper asks how telling feminist nuclear stories rooted in an understanding of the everyday impacts of nuclear weapons challenges the traditional nuclear history. The standard history of ‘the bomb’ focuses on the military-industrial development of the Manhattan Project in the context of World War II, focusing on the figure of the elite male scientist as embodying the unique moral dilemmas of a new ‘nuclear age’. Feminist stories of the development of the first atomic weapons can instead illuminate the marginalised bodies and expansive, everyday harms of the development of nuclear weapons technology, altering both the timeline and the space of nuclear politics.
Chitosan Induces Sorghum Tolerance to Water Deficits by Positively Regulating Photosynthesis and the Production of Primary Metabolites, Osmoregulators, and Antioxidants
Authors: Ávila Roniel Geraldo , Magalhães Paulo César , Vitorino Luciana Cristina , Bessa Layara Alexandre , de Souza Kamila Rezende Dázio , Queiroz Raphael Barros , Jakelaitis Adriano , Teixeira Marconi Batista
Published: December 2022

Current climate change scenarios require strategies that mitigate the effects of water deficits. Given that chitosan stimulates induced resistance responses, we tested the hypothesis that foliar application of this polysaccharide can have positive effects on the primary metabolite, antioxidant, and osmoregulatory metabolisms of sorghum, mitigating the effects of water deficit on grain yield. Sorghum plants were cultivated under either irrigated or water-deficit conditions and were either treated or untreated with chitosan, and we assessed the following responses: water potential, gas exchange, nutritional status, biosynthesis of primary and osmoregulatory metabolites, the activity of the antioxidant system constituents, and hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents. An active methodology was used to impose water stress on plants grown in pots with 20 kg of soil, 06 replications per treatment. Sorghum plants subjected to water deficit that were treated with chitosan exhibited higher stomatal conductance and transpiration than the untreated plants. Water restriction reduced the nutrient contents of leaves, but in the irrigated plants, chitosan treatment increased the tissue contents of certain nutrients and leaf concentrations of total proteins and total amino acids. In the plants under water-deficit conditions that were treated with chitosan, an elevated photosynthetic rate contributed to an increase in carbohydrate accumulation and a higher production of panicle and grain dry biomass compared with the untreated plants. The activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase also increased in response to chitosan. Overall, chitosan was effective in enhancing the water deficit tolerance of sorghum plants cultivated under water-deficit conditions by 57%. With this work, we generate perspectives for studies focusing on the development of water-deficit-resistant sorghum lineages, by means of chitosan elicitation.
Tuning the pen: poetry writing and patronage networks around the end of the Byzantine empire
Authors: Kubina Krystina
Published: December 2022

The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople not only destroyed the Byzantine Empire as a political entity but caused the collapse of patronage networks vital to all aspects of Byzantine cultural life, including literary production. After 1453 authors had to seek sources of support under new lords and divergent cultural imperatives: Ottoman Constantinople, Crete, and humanist Italy became major centres of Greek poetic production and intellectual life. Through the analysis of poems by George Amiroutzes, Michael Apostoles, Bessarion, Andronikos Kallistos, and others, this article examines how these authors adapted their compositions to new communities, substantially transforming their (literary) identity.
Turbulent channel flow of suspensions of neutrally buoyant particles over porous media
Authors: Mirbod Parisa , Abtahi Seyedmehdi , Moradi Bilondi Abbas , Rosti Marco Edoardo , Brandt Luca
Published: December 2022

This study discusses turbulent suspension flows of non-Brownian, non-colloidal, neutrally buoyant and rigid spherical particles in a Newtonian fluid over porous media with particles too large to penetrate and move through the porous layer. We consider suspension flows with the solid volume fraction

${{\varPhi _b}}$

ranging from 0 to 0.2, and different wall permeabilities, while porosity is constant at 0.6. Direct numerical simulations with an immersed boundary method are employed to resolve the particles and flow phase, with the volume-averaged Navier–Stokes equations modelling the flow within the porous layer. The results show that in the presence of particles in the free-flow region, the mean velocity and the concentration profiles are altered with increasing porous layer permeability because of the variations in the slip velocity and wall-normal fluctuations at the suspension-porous interface. Furthermore, we show that variations in the stress condition at the interface significantly affect the particle near-wall dynamics and migration toward the channel core, thereby inducing large modulations of the overall flow drag. At the highest volume fraction investigated here,

${{\varPhi _b}}= 0.2$

, the velocity fluctuations and the Reynolds shear stress are found to decrease, and the overall drag increases due to the increase in the particle-induced stresses.
Reflection and transmission of a Kelvin–Helmholtz wave incident on a shock in a jet
Authors: Mancinelli Matteo , Martini Eduardo , Jaunet Vincent , Jordan Peter , Towne Aaron , Gervais Yves
Published: December 2022

Screech tones in supersonic jets are underpinned by resonance between downstream-travelling Kelvin–Helmholtz waves and upstream-travelling acoustic waves. Specifically, recent works suggest that the relevant acoustic waves are guided within the jet and are described by a discrete mode of the linearised Euler equations. However, the reflection mechanism that converts downstream-travelling waves into upstream-travelling waves, and vice versa, has not been thoroughly addressed, leading to missing physics within most resonance models. In this work, we investigate the reflection and transmission of waves generated by the interaction between a Kelvin–Helmholtz wave and a normal shock in an under-expanded jet using a mode-matching approach. Both vortex-sheet and finite-thickness shear-layer models are explored, quantifying the impact of the shear layer in the reflection process. This approach could enable more quantitative predictions of resonance phenomena in jets and other fluid systems.
(EXTRA)ORDINARY EQUIVALENCES WITH THE ASCENDING/DESCENDING SEQUENCE PRINCIPLE
Authors: FIORI-CARONES MARTA , MARCONE ALBERTO , SHAFER PAUL , SOLDÀ GIOVANNI
Published: December 2022

We analyze the axiomatic strength of the following theorem due to Rival and Sands [28] in the style of reverse mathematics. Every infinite partial order P of finite width contains an infinite chain C such that every element of P is either comparable with no element of C or with infinitely many elements of C. Our main results are the following. The Rival–Sands theorem for infinite partial orders of arbitrary finite width is equivalent to
$\mathsf {I}\Sigma ^0_{2} + \mathsf {ADS}$
over
$\mathsf {RCA}_0$
. For each fixed
$k \geq 3$
, the Rival–Sands theorem for infinite partial orders of width
$\leq \!k$
is equivalent to
$\mathsf {ADS}$
over
$\mathsf {RCA}_0$
. The Rival–Sands theorem for infinite partial orders that are decomposable into the union of two chains is equivalent to
$\mathsf {SADS}$
over
$\mathsf {RCA}_0$
. Here
$\mathsf {RCA}_0$
denotes the recursive comprehension axiomatic system,
$\mathsf {I}\Sigma ^0_{2}$
denotes the
$\Sigma ^0_2$
induction scheme,
$\mathsf {ADS}$
denotes the ascending/descending sequence principle, and
$\mathsf {SADS}$
denotes the stable ascending/descending sequence principle. To the best of our knowledge, these versions of the Rival–Sands theorem for partial orders are the first examples of theorems from the general mathematics literature whose strength is exactly characterized by
$\mathsf {I}\Sigma ^0_{2} + \mathsf {ADS}$
, by
$\mathsf {ADS}$
, and by
$\mathsf {SADS}$
. Furthermore, we give a new purely combinatorial result by extending the Rival–Sands theorem to infinite partial orders that do not have infinite antichains, and we show that this extension is equivalent to arithmetical comprehension over
$\mathsf {RCA}_0$
.
A 33,000-year paleohydrological record from Sanamere Lagoon, north-eastern tropical savannas of Australia
Authors: Rivera-Araya Maria , Rowe Cassandra , Ulm Sean , Bird Michael I.
Published: December 2022

There are very few records of past terrestrial environmental change of any time period for the Australian tropical savannas. Here we document the hydrological development of Sanamere Lagoon, north Queensland, from a 1.72 m sediment sequence with a basal age of ca. 33 ka. We measure a variety of proxies reflecting environmental change within and around the lagoon, including grain size, elemental and diatom abundance, and carbon and nitrogen isotope composition. By integrating the interpretation of multiple proxies, we show that regional climatic events, such as the reactivation of the monsoon at 15 ka and sea-level rise ending at 7 ka, are reflected in local ecosystem change and a diversity of biogeochemical responses in Sanamere Lagoon. This record makes a significant contribution to the development of records of environmental change from an under-studied region in tropical Australia through the Holocene to the LGM and beyond—a step towards enabling a more detailed understanding of regional monsoon (paleo)dynamics. In particular, this study highlights nuances in the effect of Indonesian-Australian Summer monsoon dynamics in a region less affected by sea level and continental shelf drowning complexities.
Are Stealth Democrats Really Committed to Democracy? Process Preferences Revisited
Authors: Bloeser Andrew J. , Williams Tarah , Crawford Candaisy , Harward Brian M.
Published: December 2022

Scholarship on “stealth democracy” finds that many citizens want to avoid the debate and conflict that often come with democratic governance. This scholarship has argued that citizens adopt this posture because they are uncomfortable with disagreement and desire a more expedient political process that enables leaders to make decisions without discussion or compromise. We revisit this argument in light of recent political developments that suggest another reason why citizens may desire a more expedient political process. We examine the possibility that some citizens are not merely uncomfortable with disagreement but also want leaders who will aggressively protect them and champion their interests. Using a nationally representative survey, we ask citizens about their preferences for stealth democracy. We also ask questions that tap into their willingness to support leaders who would “bend the rules for supporters” and take aggressive action against political opponents. We find that a substantial component of the electorate continues to prefer a stealth version of democracy. However, we also find that many “stealth democrats” are willing to support leadership practices that would threaten or even undermine democratic norms. We argue that this evidence indicates that, in recent years, many citizens who appear to desire “stealth democracy” pose a threat to democracy itself.
A Boundary of White Inclusion: The Role of Religion in Ethnoracial Assignment
Authors: d’Urso Amanda Sahar
Published: December 2022

How do White Americans operationalize Whiteness? This article argues that religion, in conjunction with country of origin, alters how self-identified White Americans assign ethnoracial labels to other groups. To test the role of religion in White assignment, this article uses the case of Muslims and of Americans from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Although MENA individuals are legally classified as White in the United States, they are subjected to racialization and often conflated with Muslims. Using an historical analysis of racial prerequisite court cases and a survey experiment, I find that country of origin and religion play separate, additive roles in racial assignment decisions, both historically and today. These findings also extend to perceived skin tone. This is important because many of the benefits that come from being White depend on whether others perceive an individual as White. Understanding the constitutive parts of Whiteness compels research to be specific when discussing White people and why some “White” people are excluded.
The sirtuin family in health and disease
Authors: Wu Qi-Jun , Zhang Tie-Ning , Chen Huan-Huan , Yu Xue-Fei , Lv Jia-Le , Liu Yu-Yang , Liu Ya-Shu , Zheng Gang , Zhao Jun-Qi , Wei Yi-Fan , Guo Jing-Yi , Liu Fang-Hua , Chang Qing , Zhang Yi-Xiao , Liu Cai-Gang , Zhao Yu-Hong
Published: December 2022

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are nicotine adenine dinucleotide(+)-dependent histone deacetylases regulating critical signaling pathways in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and are involved in numerous biological processes. Currently, seven mammalian homologs of yeast Sir2 named SIRT1 to SIRT7 have been identified. Increasing evidence has suggested the vital roles of seven members of the SIRT family in health and disease conditions. Notably, this protein family plays a variety of important roles in cellular biology such as inflammation, metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, etc., thus, it is considered a potential therapeutic target for different kinds of pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other conditions. Moreover, identification of SIRT modulators and exploring the functions of these different modulators have prompted increased efforts to discover new small molecules, which can modify SIRT activity. Furthermore, several randomized controlled trials have indicated that different interventions might affect the expression of SIRT protein in human samples, and supplementation of SIRT modulators might have diverse impact on physiological function in different participants. In this review, we introduce the history and structure of the SIRT protein family, discuss the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of seven members of the SIRT protein family, elaborate on the regulatory roles of SIRTs in human disease, summarize SIRT inhibitors and activators, and review related clinical studies.
Coal dust nanoparticles induced pulmonary fibrosis by promoting inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway driven by IGF1/ROS-mediated AKT/GSK3β signals
Authors: Zhang Yinci , Liang Jiaojiao , Cao Niandie , Gao Jiafeng , Song Li , Tang Xiaolong
Published: December 2022

Pneumoconiosis is the most common and serious disease among coal miners. In earlier work on this subject, we documented that coal dust (CD) nanoparticles (CD-NPs) induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) more profoundly than did CD micron particles (CD-MPs), but the mechanism has not been thoroughly studied. Based on the GEO database, jveen, STRING, and Cytoscape tools were used to screen hub genes regulating PF. Particle size distribution of CD were analyzed with Malvern nanoparticle size potentiometer. Combining 8 computational methods, we found that IGF1, POSTN, MMP7, ASPN, and CXCL14 may act as hub genes regulating PF. Based on the high score of IGF1 and its important regulatory role in various tissue fibrosis, we selected it as the target gene in this study. Activation of the IGF1/IGF1R axis promoted CD-NPs-induced PF, and inhibition of the axis activation had the opposite effect in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, activation of the IGF1/IGF1R axis induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) to accelerate PF. High-throughput gene sequencing based on lung tissue suggested that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the NF-kB signaling pathway play a key role in PF. Also, ROS induced inflammation and EMT by the activation of the NF-kB/NLRP3 axis to accelerate PF. ROS can induce the activation of AKT/GSK3β signaling, and inhibition of it can inhibit ROS-induced inflammation and EMT by the NF-kB/NLRP3 axis, thereby inhibiting PF. CD-NPs induced PF by promoting inflammation and EMT via the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway driven by IGF1/ROS-mediated AKT/GSK3β signals. This study provides a valuable experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.
p53 regulates lysosomal membrane permeabilization as well as cytoprotective autophagy in response to DNA-damaging drugs
Authors: Yamashita Gai , Takano Naoharu , Kazama Hiromi , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Miyazawa Keisuke
Published: December 2022

Lysosomes are single-membraned organelles that mediate the intracellular degradation of macromolecules. Various stress can induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), translocating intralysosomal components, such as cathepsins, to the cytoplasm, which induces lysosomal-dependent cell death (LDCD). This study reports that p53 regulates LMP in response to DNA-damaging drugs. Treating wild-typeTP53A549 cells with DNA-damaging drugs (namely, doxorubicin, carboplatin, and etoposide) induced LMP and accelerated cell death more rapidly than treatingTP53-knockout (KO) A549 cells. This suggested p53-dependent LMP and LDCD induction in response to DNA damage. LMP was induced by p53-dependent BID upregulation and activation, followed by translocation of truncated BID to lysosomes. Simultaneously, autophagy for damaged lysosome elimination (lysophagy) was activated via the p53–mTOR–TEFB/TFE3 pathways in response to DNA damage. These data suggested the dichotomous nature of p53 for LMP regulation; LMP induction and repression via the p53–BID axis and p53–mTOR–TFEB/TFE3 pathway, respectively. Blocking autophagy with hydroxychloroquine or azithromycin as well asATG5KO enhanced LMP and LDCD induction after exposure to DNA-damaging drugs. Furthermore, lysosomal membrane stabilization using U18666A, a cholesterol transporter Niemann-Pick disease C1 (NPC1) inhibitor, suppressed LMP as well as LDCD in wild-typeTP53, but not inTP53-KO, A549 cells. Thus, LMP is finely regulated by TP53 after exposure to DNA-damaging drugs.
Genomics and phenomics of body mass index reveals a complex disease network
Authors: Huang Jie , Huffman Jennifer E. , Huang Yunfeng , Do Valle Ítalo , Assimes Themistocles L. , Raghavan Sridharan , Voight Benjamin F. , Liu Chang , Barabási Albert-László , Huang Rose D. L. , Hui Qin , Nguyen Xuan-Mai T. , Ho Yuk-Lam , Djousse Luc , Lynch Julie A. , Vujkovic Marijana , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Tang Hua , Damrauer Scott M. , Reaven Peter D. , Miller Donald , Phillips Lawrence S. , Ng Maggie C. Y. , Graff Mariaelisa , Haiman Christopher A. , Loos Ruth J. F. , North Kari E. , Yengo Loic , Smith George Davey , Saleheen Danish , Gaziano J. Michael , Rader Daniel J. , Tsao Philip S. , Cho Kelly , Chang Kyong-Mi , Wilson Peter W. F. ,   VA Million Veteran Program, Sun Yan V. , O’Donnell Christopher J.
Published: December 2022

Elevated body mass index (BMI) is heritable and associated with many health conditions that impact morbidity and mortality. The study of the genetic association of BMI across a broad range of common disease conditions offers the opportunity to extend current knowledge regarding the breadth and depth of adiposity-related diseases. We identify 906 (364 novel) and 41 (6 novel) genome-wide significant loci for BMI among participants of European (N~1.1 million) and African (N~100,000) ancestry, respectively. Using a BMI genetic risk score including 2446 variants, 316 diagnoses are associated in the Million Veteran Program, with 96.5% showing increased risk. A co-morbidity network analysis reveals seven disease communities containing multiple interconnected diseases associated with BMI as well as extensive connections across communities. Mendelian randomization analysis confirms numerous phenotypes across a breadth of organ systems, including conditions of the circulatory (heart failure, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation), genitourinary (chronic renal failure), respiratory (respiratory failure, asthma), musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems that are deeply interconnected within and across the disease communities. This work shows that the complex genetic architecture of BMI associates with a broad range of major health conditions, supporting the need for comprehensive approaches to prevent and treat obesity.
The urban built environment and adult BMI, obesity, and diabetes in Latin American cities
Authors: Anza-Ramirez Cecilia , Lazo Mariana , Zafra-Tanaka Jessica Hanae , Avila-Palencia Ione , Bilal Usama , Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Knoll Carolyn , Lopez-Olmedo Nancy , Mazariegos Mónica , Moore Kari , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Sarmiento Olga L. , Stern Dalia , Tumas Natalia , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: December 2022

Latin America is the world’s most urbanized region and its heterogeneous urban development may impact chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the association of built environment characteristics at the sub-city —intersection density, greenness, and population density— and city-level —fragmentation and isolation— with body mass index (BMI), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data from 93,280 (BMI and obesity) and 122,211 individuals (T2D) was analysed across 10 countries. Living in areas with higher intersection density was positively associated with BMI and obesity, whereas living in more fragmented and greener areas were negatively associated. T2D was positively associated with intersection density, but negatively associated with greenness and population density. The rapid urban expansion experienced by Latin America provides unique insights and vastly expand opportunities for population-wide urban interventions aimed at reducing obesity and T2D burden.
TAPE-seq is a cell-based method for predicting genome-wide off-target effects of prime editor
Authors: Kwon Jeonghun , Kim Minyoung , Bae Seungmin , Jo Anna , Kim Youngho , Lee Jungjoon K.
Published: December 2022

Prime editors (PEs) are powerful tools that widen the possibilities for sequence modifications during genome editing. Although methods based on the analysis of Cas9 nuclease or nickase activity have been used to predict genome-wide off-target activities of PEs, no tool that directly uses PEs for this purpose has been reported yet. In this study, we present a cell-based assay, named TAgmentation of Prime Editor sequencing (TAPE-seq), that provides genome-wide off-target candidates for PEs. TAPE-seq analyses are successfully performed using many different versions of PEs. The TAPE-seq predictions are compared with results from two other off-site prediction methods, Cas9 nuclease-based GUIDE-seq and Cas9 nickase-based Digenome-seq (nDigenome-seq). TAPE-seq shows a lower miss rate, and a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared to the other methods. TAPE-seq also identified valid off-target sites that were missed by the other methods.
Baseline cerebral structural morphology predict freezing of gait in early drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Yuting , Huang Xiaofei , Ruan Xiuhang , Duan Dingna , Zhang Yihe , Yu Shaode , Chen Amei , Wang Zhaoxiu , Zou Yujian , Xia Mingrui , Wei Xinhua
Published: December 2022

Freezing of gait (FOG) greatly impacts the daily life of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, predictors of FOG in early PD are limited. Moreover, recent neuroimaging evidence of cerebral morphological alterations in PD is heterogeneous. We aimed to develop a model that could predict the occurrence of FOG using machine learning, collaborating with clinical, laboratory, and cerebral structural imaging information of early drug-naïve PD and investigate alterations in cerebral morphology in early PD. Data from 73 healthy controls (HCs) and 158 early drug-naïve PD patients at baseline were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative cohort. The CIVET pipeline was used to generate structural morphological features with T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). Five machine learning algorithms were calculated to assess the predictive performance of future FOG in early PD during a 5-year follow-up period. We found that models trained with structural morphological features showed fair to good performance (accuracy range, 0.67–0.73). Performance improved when clinical and laboratory data was added (accuracy range, 0.71–0.78). For machine learning algorithms, elastic net-support vector machine models (accuracy range, 0.69–0.78) performed the best. The main features used to predict FOG based on elastic net-support vector machine models were the structural morphological features that were mainly distributed in the left cerebrum. Moreover, the bilateral olfactory cortex (OLF) showed a significantly higher surface area in PD patients than in HCs. Overall, we found that T1WI morphometric markers helped predict future FOG occurrence in patients with early drug-naïve PD at the individual level. The OLF exhibits predominantly cortical expansion in early PD.
A neural network assisted 171Yb+ quantum magnetometer
Authors: Chen Yan , Ban Yue , He Ran , Cui Jin-Ming , Huang Yun-Feng , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can , Casanova Jorge
Published: December 2022

A versatile magnetometer must deliver a readable response when exposed to target fields in a wide range of parameters. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that the combination of171Yb+ atomic sensors with adequately trained neural networks enables us to investigate target fields in distinct challenging scenarios. In particular, we characterize radio frequency (RF) fields in the presence of large shot noise, including the limit case of continuous data acquisition via single-shot measurements. Furthermore, by incorporating neural networks we significantly extend the working regime of atomic magnetometers into scenarios in which the RF driving induces responses beyond their standard harmonic behavior. Our results indicate the benefits to integrate neural networks at the data processing stage of general quantum sensing tasks to decipher the information contained in the sensor responses.
Informing quantum materials discovery and synthesis using X-ray micro-computed tomography
Authors: Pressley Lucas A. , Edey Dave , Hanna Romy , Chae Sieun , Heron John T. , Khan Mojammel A. , McQueen Tyrel M.
Published: December 2022

The presence of inclusions, twinning, and low-angle grain boundaries, demanded to exist by the third law of thermodynamics, drive the behavior of quantum materials. Identification and quantification of these structural complexities often requires destructive techniques. X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) uses high-energy X-rays to non-destructively generate 3D representations of a material with micron/nanometer precision, taking advantage of various contrast mechanisms to enable the quantification of the types and number of inhomogeneities. We present case studies of µCT informing materials design of electronic and quantum materials, and the benefits to characterizing inclusions, twinning, and low-angle grain boundaries as well as optimizing crystal growth processes. We discuss recent improvements in µCT instrumentation that enable elemental analysis and orientation to be obtained on crystalline samples. The benefits of µCT as a non-destructive tool to analyze bulk samples should encourage the community to adapt this technology into everyday use for quantum materials discovery.
Transport behaviors of topological band conduction in KTaO3’s two-dimensional electron gases
Authors: Zou Yuting , Shin Hyungki , Wei Haoran , Fan Yiyan , Davidson Bruce A. , Guo Er-Jia , Chen Qihong , Zou Ke , Cheng Zhi Gang
Published: December 2022

Two-dimensional electron gas systems (2DEGs) generated at the oxide interfaces that exhibit rich physics phenomena opened up an era for oxide-based electronics, photonics, and spintronics. The recent discovery of superconductivity plus the strong spin-orbital coupling naturally existing in the 2DEGs of KTaO3(KTO) made KTO an exciting platform for the interplay of the electronic and spin degrees of freedom to create exotic physical properties. By directly placing KTO’s 2DEGs next to another strongly-correlated oxide with nontrivial topological nodes, we reveal the anomalous effects which were induced by the topological states in the electronic transport properties of the KTO’s 2DGEs, due to the electronic reconstruction caused by the proximity effect. This adds an additional prospect to the functions of KTO heterostructures.
Transplanting rejuvenated blood stem cells extends lifespan of aged immunocompromised mice
Authors: Montserrat-Vazquez Sara , Ali Noelle J. , Matteini Francesca , Lozano Javier , Zhaowei Tu , Mejia-Ramirez Eva , Marka Gina , Vollmer Angelika , Soller Karin , Sacma Mehmet , Sakk Vadim , Mularoni Loris , Mallm Jan Philipp , Plass Mireya , Zheng Yi , Geiger Hartmut , Florian M. Carolina
Published: December 2022

One goal of regenerative medicine is to rejuvenate tissues and extend lifespan by restoring the function of endogenous aged stem cells. However, evidence that somatic stem cells can be targeted in vivo to extend lifespan is still lacking. Here, we demonstrate that after a short systemic treatment with a specific inhibitor of the small RhoGTPase Cdc42 (CASIN), transplanting aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from treated mice is sufficient to extend the healthspan and lifespan of aged immunocompromised mice without additional treatment. In detail, we show that systemic CASIN treatment improves strength and endurance of aged mice by increasing the myogenic regenerative potential of aged skeletal muscle stem cells. Further, we show that CASIN modifies niche localization and H4K16ac polarity of HSCs in vivo. Single-cell profiling reveals changes in HSC transcriptome, which underlie enhanced lymphoid and regenerative capacity in serial transplantation assays. Overall, we provide proof-of-concept evidence that a short systemic treatment to decrease Cdc42 activity improves the regenerative capacity of different endogenous aged stem cells in vivo, and that rejuvenated HSCs exert a broad systemic effect sufficient to extend murine health- and lifespan.
Metabolic contributions to neuronal deficits caused by genomic disruption of schizophrenia risk gene SETD1A
Authors: Chong Zheng-Shan , Khong Zi Jian , Tay Shermaine Huiping , Ng Shi-Yan
Published: December 2022

Regulation of neuronal metabolism during early brain development is crucial for directing synaptic plasticity and proper circuit formation. Alterations in neuronal glycolysis or mitochondrial function are associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Recently, loss-of-function mutations in SETD1A, a histone methyltransferase, have been linked to increased schizophrenia risk and global developmental delay. Here, we show that heterozygous disruption of SETD1A in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons results in reduced neurite outgrowth and spontaneous activity, two phenotypes commonly associated with schizophrenia, as well as alterations in metabolic capacity. Furthermore, supplementing culture media with metabolic intermediates ameliorated changes in neurite outgrowth and spontaneous activity, suggesting that metabolic dysfunction contributes to neuronal phenotypes caused by SETD1A haploinsufficiency. These findings highlight a previously unknown connection between SETD1A function, metabolic regulation, and neuron development, and identifies alternative avenues for therapeutic development.
MOSAiC-ACA and AFLUX - Arctic airborne campaigns characterizing the exit area of MOSAiC
Authors: Mech Mario , Ehrlich André , Herber Andreas , Lüpkes Christof , Wendisch Manfred , Becker Sebastian , Boose Yvonne , Chechin Dmitry , Crewell Susanne , Dupuy Régis , Gourbeyre Christophe , Hartmann Jörg , Jäkel Evelyn , Jourdan Olivier , Kliesch Leif-Leonard , Klingebiel Marcus , Kulla Birte Solveig , Mioche Guillaume , Moser Manuel , Risse Nils , Ruiz-Donoso Elena , Schäfer Michael , Stapf Johannes , Voigt Christiane
Published: December 2022

Two airborne field campaigns focusing on observations of Arctic mixed-phase clouds and boundary layer processes and their role with respect to Arctic amplification have been carried out in spring 2019 and late summer 2020 over the Fram Strait northwest of Svalbard. The latter campaign was closely connected to the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition. Comprehensive datasets of the cloudy Arctic atmosphere have been collected by operating remote sensing instruments, in-situ probes, instruments for the measurement of turbulent fluxes of energy and momentum, and dropsondes on board the AWI research aircraft Polar 5. In total, 24 flights with 111 flight hours have been performed over open ocean, the marginal sea ice zone, and sea ice. The datasets follow documented methods and quality assurance and are suited for studies on Arctic mixed-phase clouds and their transformation processes, for studies with a focus on Arctic boundary layer processes, and for satellite validation applications. All datasets are freely available via the world data center PANGAEA.
Genome-wide studies of PAL genes in sorghum and their responses to aphid infestation
Authors: Pant Shankar , Huang Yinghua
Published: December 2022

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.25) plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the current knowledge about PAL proteins in sorghum is essentially lacking. Thus, in this study we aimed to analyze the PAL family genes in sorghum using a genome-wide approach and to explore the role of PAL genes in host plant resistance to aphids via SA-mediated defense signaling. Here, we report gene structural features of 8 PAL (SbPAL) genes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), their phylogeny, protein motifs and promoter analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the SbPAL genes were induced by sugarcane aphid (SCA) infestation and SbPAL exhibited differential gene expression in susceptible and resistant genotypes. PAL activity assays further validated upregulated expression of the SbPAL genes in a resistant genotype. In addition, exogenous application of SA reduced plant damage and suppressed aphid population growth and fecundity in susceptible genotype, suggesting that those SbPAL genes act as positive regulator of the SA-mediated defense signaling pathway to combat aphid pests in sorghum. This study provides insights for further examination of the defense role of PAL in sorghum against other pests and pathogens.
Soil chemical attributes in areas under conversion from forest to pasture in southern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Lima Alan Ferreira Leite , Campos Milton César Costa , Martins Thalita Silva , Silva Guilherme Abadia , Brito Wildson Benedito Mendes , dos Santos Luís Antônio Coutrim , de Oliveira Ivanildo Amorim , da Cunha José Maurício
Published: December 2022

The south of the Brazilian Amazon is one of the largest cattle-producing regions in Brazil, however, most of the pastures are in low fertility soils. Thus, cattle breeders compensate for the low production of pastures, increasing the size of the areas, generating more deforestation and burning. These practices increase the chemical degradation process of Amazonian soils, making them increasingly infertile when improperly managed. With this, the objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts caused in the chemical attributes of soils, in areas under forest-to-pasture conversion, in the south of the Brazilian Amazon. The study was carried out in the district of União Bandeirantes, in an area of forest and two areas with pastures (brachiaria and mombaça grass). In the field, soil samples were collected at two depths (0.00–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m), to carry out chemical analyzes. Further, uni, bi and multivariate statistical analyzes were carried out, besides geostatistical analyzes were carried out to study spatial variability and management zones. The conversion of forest to pasture increased the pH and exchangeable bases levels, reducing the availability of exchangeable aluminum and potential acidity, however, it induces losses of phosphorus and organic carbon from the soil. Among the pasture environments, the mombaça grass area presented higher fertility. Greater spatial variability of chemical attributes was observed in the environment with mombaça grass, indicating greater heterogeneity in the distribution of attributes in the area. We attribute this behavior to the higher grazing intensity and the micro-reliefs in the area that direct the flow of water and nutrients.
Comparison of 24-month treatment outcomes between as-needed treatment and switching to treat-and-extend in type 3 macular neovascularization
Authors: Kim Jae Hui , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Chul Gu
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to compare 24-month treatment outcomes between patients with type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) treated using an as-needed regimen and those who switched to treat-and-extend (TAE). This retrospective study included 32 patients who were initially treated with an as-needed regimen but switched to TAE (TAE group) and 74 patients who were treated with an as-needed regimen throughout the follow-up period (as-needed group). The number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and degree of change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over 24 months were compared between the two groups. The incidence of fibrotic scarring, tears of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and subretinal hemorrhage was also evaluated. The number of anti-VEGF injections was higher in the TAE group (mean: 11.7) than in the as-needed group (mean: 6.9;P < 0.001). The BCVA outcome (measured using the mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]) was significantly better in the TAE group (mean improvement of logMAR 0.15) than in the as-needed group (mean deterioration of logMAR 0.15). The incidence of fibrotic scarring (6.3% vs. 18.9%), RPE tears (3.1% vs. 6.8%), and subretinal hemorrhage (0% vs. 9.5%) was relatively lower in the TAE group. Treatment outcomes of the TAE group were better than those of the as-needed group, suggesting that switching to the TAE regimen would be a useful approach for patients with type 3 MNV requiring efficient treatment.
Genome-wide association study of the response of patients with diabetic macular edema to intravitreal Anti-VEGF injection
Authors: Hong Eun Hee , Yeom Hoseok , Yu Hyo Seon , Park Jong Eun , Shin Yong Un , Bang So-Young , Cho Heeyoon
Published: December 2022

Diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of adult-onset blindness worldwide. Recently, intravitreal anti-VEGF injection has been used as a first-line treatment. This study analyzed the association between the genetic profile of patients with DME and their response to treatment. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were administered monthly for three months to Korean patients diagnosed with DME, who were classified into two groups depending on whether they responded to anti-VEGF therapy or showed recurrence within six months. Peripheral blood samples were used for genetic analyses. Genome-wide association analysis results sowed that the genes DIRC3 on chromosome 2 (rs16857280, p = 1.2 × 10–6), SLCO3A1 on chromosome 15 (rs12899055, p = 2.5 × 10–6), and RAB2A on chromosome 8 (rs2272620, p = 4.6 × 10–6) were associated with treatment response to intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. SLC35F1, TMEM132D, KIAA0368, HPCAL1, IGF2BP3, SPN2S, COL23A1, and CREB5 were also related to treatment response (p < 5.0 × 10–5). Using the KEGG pathway analysis, RAB2A and CREB5 were found to be associated with AMPK signaling related to VEGF (p = 0.018). The identified genetic biomarkers can elucidate the factors affecting patient response to intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and help select appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Subtle primes of in-group and out-group affiliation change votes in a large scale field experiment
Authors: Rubenson Daniel , Dawes Christopher T.
Published: December 2022

Identifying the influence of social identity over how individuals evaluate and interact with others is difficult in observational settings, prompting scholars to utilize laboratory and field experiments. These often take place in highly artificial settings or, if in the field, ask subjects to make evaluations based on little information. Here we conducted a large-scale (N = 405,179) field experiment in a real-world high-information context to test the influence of social identity. We collaborated with a popular football live score app during its poll to determine the world’s best football player for the 2017–2018 season. We randomly informed users of the nationality or team affiliation of players, as opposed to just providing their names, to prime in-group status. As a result of this subtle prime, we find strong evidence of in-group favoritism based on national identity. Priming the national identity of a player increased in-group voting by 3.6% compared to receiving no information about nationality. The effect of the national identity prime is greatest among individuals reporting having a strong national identity. In contrast, we do not find evidence of in-group favoritism based on team identity. Informing individuals of players’ team affiliations had no significant effect compared to not receiving any information and the effect did not vary by strength of team identity. We also find evidence of out-group derogation. Priming that a player who used to play for a user’s favorite team but now plays for a rival team reduces voting for that player by between 6.1 and 6.4%.