bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum apolipoprotein A-I potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of lysocin E against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hamamoto Hiroshi , Panthee Suresh , Paudel Atmika , Ishii Kenichi , Yasukawa Jyunichiro , Su Jie , Miyashita Atsushi , Itoh Hiroaki , Tokumoto Kotaro , Inoue Masayuki , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: November 2021

Lysocin E is a lipopeptide with antibiotic activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. For unclear reasons, the antibacterial activity of lysocin E in a mouse systemic infection model is higher than expected from in vitro results, and the in vitro activity is enhanced by addition of bovine serum. Here, we confirm that serum from various species, including humans, increases lysocin E antimicrobial activity, and identify apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) as an enhancing factor. ApoA-I increases the antibacterial activity of lysocin E when added in vitro, and the antibiotic displays reduced activity in ApoA-I gene knockout mice. Binding of ApoA-I to lysocin E is enhanced by lipid II, a cell-wall synthesis precursor found in the bacterial membrane. Thus, the antimicrobial activity of lysocin E is potentiated through interactions with host serum proteins and microbial components.
Spatial coherence of room-temperature monolayer WSe2 exciton-polaritons in a trap
Authors: Shan Hangyong , Lackner Lukas , Han Bo , Sedov Evgeny , Rupprecht Christoph , Knopf Heiko , Eilenberger Falk , Beierlein Johannes , Kunte Nils , Esmann Martin , Yumigeta Kentaro , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Klembt Sebastian , Höfling Sven , Kavokin Alexey V. , Tongay Sefaattin , Schneider Christian , Antón-Solanas Carlos
Published: November 2021

The emergence of spatial and temporal coherence of light emitted from solid-state systems is a fundamental phenomenon intrinsically aligned with the control of light-matter coupling. It is canonical for laser oscillation, emerges in the superradiance of collective emitters, and has been investigated in bosonic condensates of thermalized light, as well as exciton-polaritons. Our room temperature experiments show the strong light-matter coupling between microcavity photons and excitons in atomically thin WSe2. We evidence the density-dependent expansion of spatial and temporal coherence of the emitted light from the spatially confined system ground-state, which is accompanied by a threshold-like response of the emitted light intensity. Additionally, valley-physics is manifested in the presence of an external magnetic field, which allows us to manipulate K and K’ polaritons via the valley-Zeeman-effect. Our findings validate the potential of atomically thin crystals as versatile components of coherent light-sources, and in valleytronic applications at room temperature.
A Brainstem reticulotegmental neural ensemble drives acoustic startle reflexes
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Fan Sijia , Xiao Dan , Dong Hui , Xu Guangwei , Wan Zhikun , Ma Yuqian , Wang Zhen , Xue Tian , Zhou Yifeng , Li Yulong , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2021

The reticulotegmental nucleus (RtTg) has long been recognized as a crucial component of brainstem reticular formation (RF). However, the function of RtTg and its related circuits remain elusive. Here, we report a role of the RtTg in startle reflex, a highly conserved innate defensive behaviour. Optogenetic activation of RtTg neurons evokes robust startle responses in mice. The glutamatergic neurons in the RtTg are significantly activated during acoustic startle reflexes (ASR). Chemogenetic inhibition of the RtTg glutamatergic neurons decreases the ASR amplitudes. Viral tracing reveals an ASR neural circuit that the cochlear nucleus carrying auditory information sends direct excitatory innervations to the RtTg glutamatergic neurons, which in turn project to spinal motor neurons. Together, our findings describe a functional role of RtTg and its related neural circuit in startle reflexes, and demonstrate how the RF connects auditory system with motor functions.
Supramolecular tessellations by the exo-wall interactions of pagoda[4]arene
Authors: Han Xiao-Ni , Han Ying , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: November 2021

Supramolecular tessellation has gained increasing interest in supramolecular chemistry for its structural aesthetics and potential applications in optics, magnetics and catalysis. In this work, a new kind of supramolecular tessellations (STs) have been fabricated by the exo-wall interactions of pagoda[4]arene (P4). ST with rhombic tiling pattern was first constructed by P4 itself through favorable π···π interactions between anthracene units of adjacent P4. Notably, various highly ordered STs with different tiling patterns have been fabricated based on exo-wall charge transfer interactions between electron-rich P4 and electron-deficient guests including 1,4-dinitrobenzene, terephthalonitrile and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile. Interestingly, solvent modulation and guest selection played a crucial role in controlling the molecular arrangements in the co-crystal superstructures. This work not only proves that P4 is an excellent macrocyclic building block for the fabrication of various STs, but also provides a new perspective and opportunity for the design and construction of supramolecular two-dimensional organic materials.
Constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTORC1 pathway sustains the m.3243 A > G mtDNA mutation
Authors: Chung Chih-Yao , Singh Kritarth , Kotiadis Vassilios N. , Valdebenito Gabriel E. , Ahn Jee Hwan , Topley Emilie , Tan Joycelyn , Andrews William D. , Bilanges Benoit , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Yuneva Mariia , Duchen Michael R.
Published: November 2021

Mutations of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) cause a range of profoundly debilitating clinical conditions for which treatment options are very limited. Most mtDNA diseases show heteroplasmy – tissues express both wild-type and mutant mtDNA. While the level of heteroplasmy broadly correlates with disease severity, the relationships between specific mtDNA mutations, heteroplasmy, disease phenotype and severity are poorly understood. We have carried out extensive bioenergetic, metabolomic and RNAseq studies on heteroplasmic patient-derived cells carrying the most prevalent disease related mtDNA mutation, the m.3243 A > G. These studies reveal that the mutation promotes changes in metabolites which are associated with the upregulation of the PI3K-Akt-mTORC1 axis in patient-derived cells and tissues. Remarkably, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K, Akt, or mTORC1 reduced mtDNA mutant load and partially rescued cellular bioenergetic function. The PI3K-Akt-mTORC1 axis thus represents a potential therapeutic target that may benefit people suffering from the consequences of the m.3243 A > G mutation.
Tuning structural isomers of phenylenediammonium to afford efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Yi , Rakstys Kasparas , Mahata Arup , Franckevicius Marius , Mosconi Edoardo , Skackauskaite Raminta , Ding Bin , Brooks Keith G. , Usiobo Onovbaramwen Jennifer , Audinot Jean-Nicolas , Kanda Hiroyuki , Driukas Simonas , Kavaliauskaite Gabriele , Gulbinas Vidmantas , Dessimoz Marc , Getautis Vytautas , De Angelis Filippo , Ding Yong , Dai Songyuan , Dyson Paul J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: November 2021

Organic halide salt passivation is considered to be an essential strategy to reduce defects in state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This strategy, however, suffers from the inevitable formation of in-plane favored two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers with impaired charge transport, especially under thermal conditions, impeding photovoltaic performance and device scale-up. To overcome this limitation, we studied the energy barrier of 2D perovskite formation from ortho-, meta- and para-isomers of (phenylene)di(ethylammonium) iodide (PDEAI2) that were designed for tailored defect passivation. Treatment with the most sterically hindered ortho-isomer not only prevents the formation of surficial 2D perovskite film, even at elevated temperatures, but also maximizes the passivation effect on both shallow- and deep-level defects. The ensuing PSCs achieve an efficiency of 23.9% with long-term operational stability (over 1000 h). Importantly, a record efficiency of 21.4% for the perovskite module with an active area of 26 cm2 was achieved.
Shape shifter: redirection of prolate phage capsid assembly by staphylococcal pathogenicity islands
Authors: Hawkins N’Toia C. , Kizziah James L. , Penadés José R. , Dokland Terje
Published: November 2021

Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) are molecular parasites that hijack helper phages for their transfer. SaPIbov5, the prototypical member of a family of cos type SaPIs, redirects the assembly of ϕ12 helper capsids from prolate to isometric. This size and shape shift is dependent on the SaPIbov5-encoded protein Ccm, a homolog of the ϕ12 capsid protein (CP). Using cryo-electron microscopy, we have determined structures of prolate ϕ12 procapsids and isometric SaPIbov5 procapsids. ϕ12 procapsids have icosahedral end caps with Tend = 4 architecture and a Tmid = 14 cylindrical midsection, whereas SaPIbov5 procapsids have T = 4 icosahedral architecture. We built atomic models for CP and Ccm, and show that Ccm occupies the pentameric capsomers in the isometric SaPIbov5 procapsids, suggesting that preferential incorporation of Ccm pentamers prevents the cylindrical midsection from forming. Our results highlight that pirate elements have evolved diverse mechanisms to suppress phage multiplication, including the acquisition of phage capsid protein homologs.
Distinct SARS-CoV-2 antibody reactivity patterns elicited by natural infection and mRNA vaccination
Authors: Assis Rafael , Jain Aarti , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Algis , Khan Saahir , Palma Anton , Parker Daniel M. , Chau Anthony ,   Specimen Collection Group, Hosseinian Sina , Vasudev Milind , Au Connie , Powers Kathleen , Birring Paramveer S. , Chin Brandon , Andary Rana , Obiero Joshua M. , Tifrea Delia , Leung Amanda , Grabar Christina , Muqolli Fjolla , Khalil Ghali , Escobar Jessica Colin , Ventura Jenny , Davies D. Huw , Albala Bruce , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Schubl Sebastian , Felgner Philip L.
Published: November 2021

We analyzed data from two ongoing COVID-19 longitudinal serological surveys in Orange County, CA., between April 2020 and March 2021. A total of 8476 finger stick blood specimens were collected before and after a vaccination campaign. IgG levels were determined using a multiplex antigen microarray containing antigens from SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS, Common CoV, and Influenza. Twenty-six percent of specimens from unvaccinated Orange County residents in December 2020 were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive; out of 852 seropositive individuals 77 had symptoms and 9 sought medical care. The antibody response was predominantly against nucleocapsid (NP), full length, and S2 domain of spike. Anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) reactivity was low and not cross-reactive against SARS S1 or SARS RBD. A vaccination campaign at the University of California Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC) started on December, 2020 and 6724 healthcare workers were vaccinated within 3 weeks. Seroprevalence increased from 13% pre-vaccination to 79% post-vaccination in January, 93% in February, and 99% in March. mRNA vaccination induced higher antibody levels than natural exposure, especially against the RBD domain and cross-reactivity against SARS RBD and S1 was observed. Nucleocapsid protein antibodies can be used to distinguish vaccinees to classify pre-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Previously infected individuals developed higher antibody titers to the vaccine than non pre-exposed individuals. Hospitalized patients in intensive care with severe disease reach significantly higher antibody levels than mild cases, but lower antibody levels compared to the vaccine. These results indicate that mRNA vaccination rapidly induces a much stronger and broader antibody response than SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Zn(II) binding causes interdomain changes in the structure and flexibility of the human prion protein
Authors: Gielnik Maciej , Taube Michał , Zhukova Lilia , Zhukov Igor , Wärmländer Sebastian K. T. S. , Svedružić Željko , Kwiatek Wojciech M. , Gräslund Astrid , Kozak Maciej
Published: November 2021

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a mainly α-helical 208-residue protein located in the pre- and postsynaptic membranes. For unknown reasons, PrPC can undergo a structural transition into a toxic, β-sheet rich scrapie isoform (PrPSc) that is responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Metal ions seem to play an important role in the structural conversion. PrPC binds Zn(II) ions and may be involved in metal ion transport and zinc homeostasis. Here, we use multiple biophysical techniques including optical and NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and small angle X-ray scattering to characterize interactions between human PrPC and Zn(II) ions. Binding of a single Zn(II) ion to the PrPC N-terminal domain via four His residues from the octarepeat region induces a structural transition in the C-terminal α-helices 2 and 3, promotes interaction between the N-terminal and C-terminal domains, reduces the folded protein size, and modifies the internal structural dynamics. As our results suggest that PrPC can bind Zn(II) under physiological conditions, these effects could be important for the physiological function of PrPC.
Experimental and computational chemical studies on the corrosion inhibitive properties of carbonitrile compounds for carbon steel in aqueous solutions
Authors: Fouda Abd El-Aziz S. , El-Askalany Abdelmonem H. , Molouk Ahmed F. S. , Elsheikh Niveen S. , Abousalem Ashraf S.
Published: November 2021

The present work aims to study 6-amino-4-aryl-2-oxo-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives namely: 6-Amino-2-oxo-1,4-diphenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (PdC-H), 6-Amino-2-oxo-1-phenyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (PdC-Me) and 6-Amino-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxo-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (PdC-OH) as corrosion inhibitors to provide protection for carbon steel in a molar hydrochloric acid medium. Chemical measurements such as (weight loss) and electrochemical techniques such as (Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Electron frequency modulation) were applied to characterize the inhibitory properties of the synthesized derivatives. The adsorption of these derivatives on the carbon steel surface was confirmed by Attenuated Total Refraction Infrared (ATR-IR), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Our findings revealed that the tested derivatives have corrosion inhibition power, which increased significantly from 75.7 to 91.67% on the addition of KI (PdC-OH:KI = 1:1) to inhibited test solution with PdC-OH derivative at 25 °C. The adsorption process on the metal surface follows the Langmuir adsorption model. XPS analysis showed that the inhibitor layer consists of an iron oxide/hydroxide mixture in which the inhibitor molecules are incorporated. Computational chemical theories such as DFT calculations and Mont Carlo simulation have been performed to correlate the molecular properties of the investigated inhibitors with experimental efficiency. The theoretical speculation by Dmol3 corroborates with the results from the experimental findings.
Desiccation-induced fibrous condensation of CAHS protein from an anhydrobiotic tardigrade
Authors: Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Aoki Kazuhiro , Watanabe Hiroki , Song Chihong , Nishimura Seiji , Satoh Tadashi , Yanaka Saeko , Ganser Christian , Tanaka Sae , Schnapka Vincent , Goh Ean Wai , Furutani Yuji , Murata Kazuyoshi , Uchihashi Takayuki , Arakawa Kazuharu , Kato Koichi
Published: November 2021

Anhydrobiosis, one of the most extensively studied forms of cryptobiosis, is induced in certain organisms as a response to desiccation. Anhydrobiotic species has been hypothesized to produce substances that can protect their biological components and/or cell membranes without water. In extremotolerant tardigrades, highly hydrophilic and heat-soluble protein families, cytosolic abundant heat-soluble (CAHS) proteins, have been identified, which are postulated to be integral parts of the tardigrades’ response to desiccation. In this study, to elucidate these protein functions, we performed in vitro and in vivo characterizations of the reversible self-assembling property of CAHS1 protein, a major isoform of CAHS proteins from Ramazzottius varieornatus, using a series of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. We found that CAHS1 proteins homo-oligomerized via the C-terminal α-helical region and formed a hydrogel as their concentration increased. We also demonstrated that the overexpressed CAHS1 proteins formed condensates under desiccation-mimicking conditions. These data strongly suggested that, upon drying, the CAHS1 proteins form oligomers and eventually underwent sol–gel transition in tardigrade cytosols. Thus, it is proposed that the CAHS1 proteins form the cytosolic fibrous condensates, which presumably have variable mechanisms for the desiccation tolerance of tardigrades. These findings provide insights into molecular strategies of organisms to adapt to extreme environments.
The ability of physical activity in reducing mortality risks and cardiovascular loading and in extending life expectancy in patients with COPD
Authors: Shu Chin-Chung , Lee June-Han , Tsai Min-Kuang , Su Ta-Chen , Wen Chi Pang
Published: November 2021

For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of physical activity in reducing COPD mortality and heart loading and in extending life expectancy remains unclear. Participants in comprehensive medical screening were recruited with spirometry on everyone. We analyzed physical activity volume calculated from intensity, duration and frequency of self-reported exercise history. Deaths were identified from the National Death File. The impacts of physical activity on mortality, heart rate and life expectancy were analyzed. Among the cohort of 483,603 adults, 32,535 had spirometry-determined COPD, indicating an adjusted national prevalence of 11.4% (male) and 9.8% (female). On the average, COPD increased all-cause mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.44 and loss of 6.0 years in life expectancy. Almost two thirds (65%) of the causes of deaths were extra-pulmonary, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and kidney diseases. In addition, COPD was associated with increases in heart rate proportionate to its severity, which led to higher mortality. Participants with COPD who were fully active physically could reduce mortality and have improved heart rates as compared with those without physical activity. In addition, their life expectancy could be extended close to those of the no COPD but inactive cohort. Fully active physical activity can help patients with COPD overcome most of the mortality risks, decrease heart rate, and achieve a life expectancy close to that of patients without COPD. The effectiveness of physical activity on COPD is facilitated by its systemic nature beyond lung disease.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in four major US metropolitan areas and nationwide
Authors: El-Mohandes Ayman , White Trenton M. , Wyka Katarzyna , Rauh Lauren , Rabin Kenneth , Kimball Spencer H. , Ratzan Scott C. , Lazarus Jeffrey V.
Published: November 2021

This study assesses attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the predictive value of COVID-VAC, a novel scale, among adults in the four largest US metropolitan areas and nationally. A 36-item survey of 6037 Americans was conducted in mid-April 2021. The study reports factors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among: (1) already vaccinated; (2) unvaccinated but willing to accept a vaccine; and (3) unvaccinated and unwilling to vaccinate. More than 20% were unwilling to vaccinate, expressing concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety and questioning the disease’s severity. Poverty, working outside of the home and conservative political views are predictors of unwillingness. Conversely, those who either personally tested positive for COVID-19, or had a family member who did so, were more likely to accept vaccination. Majorities of all respondents supported vaccination mandates for employees and university students. Respondents preferred to receive vaccines in their doctor´s office. Lower income and conservative ideology, but not race, were strongly associated with vaccine unwillingness. The predictive value of COVID-VAC was demonstrated. While vaccination mandates are likely to be accepted, additional effective, targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake are needed urgently.
Aeromagnetic and digital elevation model constraints on the structural framework of southern margin of the Middle Niger Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Salawu Naheem Banji
Published: November 2021

High resolution aeromagnetic anomaly and topographic data using enhancement filtering techniques have resulted in better understanding of the nature of structures at the margins of the Middle Niger Basin. Due to the lack of structural data, the gold deposits within the margins of the Middle Niger Basin were variably excavated, leading to land degradation. The newly-produced structural map highly constrained the mineralization, which makes the study area and its periphery safe for gold exploration. Structural map has been produced from the integration of derivative maps to assess the pattern of surface and subsurface structural features within the studied area. The structural map unravels structural features with major and minor structural trends, in addition to a prominent crustal partitioning, characterized by the Ifewara shear zone. These structural features correlate very well with known gold mineralized locations and also predict new zones for structurally controlled gold and associated mineralization. The structural patterns are directly related with tectonic episodes in the basement. In fact, the Ifewara shear zone appears more pronounced on the total gradient and 3-D Euler deconvolution maps, which reveal various lineaments within the shear zone. The topographic maps (digital elevation model) clearly shows the surface morphology of the region under study while the resulting shaded-relief map reveal the continuity of the deduced magnetic lineaments that coincide with the valleys of River Niger which exploits zones of weakness from the lineaments. The results suggest high sensitivity of fluvial network to deduced lineaments with possible significant implication for alluvial gold mineralization.
Aerial high-throughput phenotyping of peanut leaf area index and lateral growth
Authors: Sarkar Sayantan , Cazenave Alexandre-Brice , Oakes Joseph , McCall David , Thomason Wade , Abbott Lynn , Balota Maria
Published: November 2021

Leaf area index (LAI) is the ratio of the total one-sided leaf area to the ground area, whereas lateral growth (LG) is the measure of canopy expansion. They are indicators for light capture, plant growth, and yield. Although LAI and LG can be directly measured, this is time consuming. Healthy leaves absorb in the blue and red, and reflect in the green regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Aerial high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) may enable rapid acquisition of LAI and LG from leaf reflectance in these regions. In this paper, we report novel models to estimate peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) LAI and LG from vegetation indices (VIs) derived relatively fast and inexpensively from the red, green, and blue (RGB) leaf reflectance collected with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In addition, we evaluate the models’ suitability to identify phenotypic variation for LAI and LG and predict pod yield from early season estimated LAI and LG. The study included 18 peanut genotypes for model training in 2017, and 8 genotypes for model validation in 2019. The VIs included the blue green index (BGI), red-green ratio (RGR), normalized plant pigment ratio (NPPR), normalized green red difference index (NGRDI), normalized chlorophyll pigment index (NCPI), and plant pigment ratio (PPR). The models used multiple linear and artificial neural network (ANN) regression, and their predictive accuracy ranged from 84 to 97%, depending on the VIs combinations used in the models. The results concluded that the new models were time- and cost-effective for estimation of LAI and LG, and accessible for use in phenotypic selection of peanuts with desirable LAI, LG and pod yield.
Association of a simple SACAF score with bystander witnessed sudden death due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in a multicenter cohort
Authors: Wu Mei-Yao , Wen Ming-Shien , Chen Mien-Cheng , Tsai Chia-Ti , Wu Tsu-Juey , Lee Wei-Chieh , Lin Yen-Nien , Chang Shih-Sheng , Chang Kuan-Cheng
Published: November 2021

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a major threat to public health worldwide. OHCA patients presenting initial shockable ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) rhythm have a better survival rate. We sought to develop a simple SACAF score to discriminate VT/VF from non-VT/VF OHCAs based on the Taiwan multicenter hospital-based registry database. We analyzed the in- and pre-hospital data, including demographics, baseline comorbidities, response times, automated external defibrillator information, and the 12-lead ECG recording closest to the OHCA event in bystander-witnessed OHCA patients. Among the 461 study patients, male sex (OR 2.54, 95% CI = 1.32–4.88, P = 0.005), age ≤ 65 years (OR 2.78, 95% CI = 1.64–4.70, P < 0.001), cardiovascular diseases (OR 2.97, 95% CI = 1.73–5.11, P < 0.001), and atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR 2.36, 95% CI = 1.17–4.76, P = 0.017) were independent risk factors for VT/VF OHCA (n = 81) compared with non-VT/VF OHCA (n = 380). A composite SACAF score was developed (male Sex, Age ≤ 65 years, Cardiovascular diseases, and AF) and compared with the performance of a modified CHA2DS2-VASc score (Cardiovascular diseases, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, female Sex category). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the SACAF was 0.739 (95% CI = 0.681–0.797, P < 0.001), whereas the AUC of the modified CHA2DS2-VASc was 0.474 (95% CI = 0.408–0.541, P = 0.464). A SACAF score of ≥ 2 was useful in discriminating VT/VF from non-VT/VF OHCAs with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.60. In conclusion, the simple SACAF score appears to be useful in discriminating VT/VF from non-VT/VF bystander-witnessed OHCAs and the findings may also shed light on future mechanistic evaluation.
Genetic fusion of P450 BM3 and formate dehydrogenase towards self-sufficient biocatalysts with enhanced activity
Authors: Kokorin Arsenij , Parshin Pavel D. , Bakkes Patrick J. , Pometun Anastasia A. , Tishkov Vladimir I. , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: November 2021

Fusion of multiple enzymes to multifunctional constructs has been recognized as a viable strategy to improve enzymatic properties at various levels such as stability, activity and handling. In this study, the genes coding for cytochrome P450 BM3 from B. megaterium and formate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas sp. were fused to enable both substrate oxidation catalyzed by P450 BM3 and continuous cofactor regeneration by formate dehydrogenase within one construct. The order of the genes in the fusion as well as the linkers that bridge the enzymes were varied. The resulting constructs were compared to individual enzymes regarding substrate conversion, stability and kinetic parameters to examine whether fusion led to any substantial improvements of enzymatic properties. Most noticeably, an activity increase of up to threefold was observed for the fusion constructs with various substrates which were partly attributed to the increased diflavin reductase activity of the P450 BM3. We suggest that P450 BM3 undergoes conformational changes upon fusion which resulted in altered properties, however, no NADPH channeling was detected for the fusion constructs.
Visuo-proprioceptive integration and recalibration with multiple visual stimuli
Authors: Debats Nienke B. , Heuer Herbert , Kayser Christoph
Published: November 2021

To organize the plethora of sensory signals from our environment into a coherent percept, our brain relies on the processes of multisensory integration and sensory recalibration. We here asked how visuo-proprioceptive integration and recalibration are shaped by the presence of more than one visual stimulus, hence paving the way to study multisensory perception under more naturalistic settings with multiple signals per sensory modality. We used a cursor-control task in which proprioceptive information on the endpoint of a reaching movement was complemented by two visual stimuli providing additional information on the movement endpoint. The visual stimuli were briefly shown, one synchronously with the hand reaching the movement endpoint, the other delayed. In Experiment 1, the judgments of hand movement endpoint revealed integration and recalibration biases oriented towards the position of the synchronous stimulus and away from the delayed one. In Experiment 2 we contrasted two alternative accounts: that only the temporally more proximal visual stimulus enters integration similar to a winner-takes-all process, or that the influences of both stimuli superpose. The proprioceptive biases revealed that integration—and likely also recalibration—are shaped by the superposed contributions of multiple stimuli rather than by only the most powerful individual one.
Metacyclogenesis defects and gene expression hallmarks of histone deacetylase 4-deficient Trypanosoma cruzi cells
Authors: Picchi-Constante Gisele Fernanda Assine , Guerra-Slompo Eloise Pavão , Tahira Ana Carolina , Alcantara Monica Visnieski , Amaral Murilo Sena , Ferreira Arthur Schveitzer , Batista Michel , Batista Cassiano Martin , Goldenberg Samuel , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin
Published: November 2021

Trypanosoma cruzi—the causative agent of Chagas disease—like other kinetoplastids, relies mostly on post-transcriptional mechanisms for regulation of gene expression. However, trypanosomatids undergo drastic changes in nuclear architecture and chromatin structure along their complex life cycle which, combined with a remarkable set of reversible histone post-translational modifications, indicate that chromatin is also a target for control of gene expression and differentiation signals in these organisms. Chromatin-modifying enzymes have a direct impact on gene expression programs and DNA metabolism. In this work, we have investigated the function of T. cruzi histone deacetylase 4 (TcHDAC4). We show that, although TcHDAC4 is not essential for viability, metacyclic trypomastigote TcHDAC4 null mutants show a thin cell body and a round and less condensed nucleus located very close to the kinetoplast. Sixty-four acetylation sites were quantitatively evaluated, which revealed H2AT85ac, H4K10ac and H4K78ac as potential target sites of TcHDAC4. Gene expression analyses identified three chromosomes with overrepresented regions of differentially expressed genes in the TcHDAC4 knockout mutant compared with the wild type, showing clusters of either up or downregulated genes. The adjacent chromosomal location of some of these genes indicates that TcHDAC4 participates in gene expression regulation during T. cruzi differentiation.
Symmetry-protected solitons and bulk-boundary correspondence in generalized Jackiw–Rebbi models
Authors: Oh Chang-geun , Han Sang-Hoon , Cheon Sangmo
Published: November 2021

We investigate the roles of symmetry and bulk-boundary correspondence in characterizing topological edge states in generalized Jackiw–Rebbi (JR) models. We show that time-reversal (T), charge-conjugation (C), parity (P), and discrete internal field rotation ($$Z_n$$

Z
n

) symmetries protect and characterize the various types of edge states such as chiral and nonchiral solitons via bulk-boundary correspondence in the presence of the multiple vacua. As two representative models, we consider the JR model composed of a single fermion field having a complex mass and the generalized JR model with two massless but interacting fermion fields. The JR model shows nonchiral solitons with the $$Z_2$$

Z
2

rotation symmetry, whereas it shows chiral solitons with the broken $$Z_2$$

Z
2

rotation symmetry. In the generalized JR model, only nonchiral solitons can emerge with only $$Z_2$$

Z
2

rotation symmetry, whereas both chiral and nonchiral solitons can exist with enhanced $$Z_4$$

Z
4

rotation symmetry. Moreover, we find that the nonchiral solitons have C, P symmetries while the chiral solitons do not, which can be explained by the symmetry-invariant lines connecting degenerate vacua. Finally, we find the symmetry correspondence between multiply-degenerate global vacua and solitons such that T, C, P symmetries of a soliton inherit from global minima that are connected by the soliton, which provides a novel tool for the characterization of topological solitons.
Analysing the distance decay of community similarity in river networks using Bayesian methods
Authors: Dias Filipe S. , Betancourt Michael , Rodríguez-González Patricia María , Borda-de-Água Luís
Published: November 2021

The distance decay of community similarity (DDCS) is a pattern that is widely observed in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Niche-based theories argue that species are sorted in space according to their ability to adapt to new environmental conditions. The ecological neutral theory argues that community similarity decays due to ecological drift. The continuum hypothesis provides an intermediate perspective between niche-based theories and the neutral theory, arguing that niche and neutral factors are at the opposite ends of a continuum that ranges from competitive to stochastic exclusion. We assessed the association between niche-based and neutral factors and changes in community similarity measured by Sorensen’s index in riparian plant communities. We assessed the importance of neutral processes using network distances and flow connection and of niche-based processes using Strahler order differences and precipitation differences. We used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to determine which perspective is best supported by the results. We used dataset composed of 338 vegetation censuses from eleven river basins in continental Portugal. We observed that changes in Sorensen indices were associated with network distance, flow connection, Strahler order difference and precipitation difference but to different degrees. The results suggest that community similarity changes are associated with environmental and neutral factors, supporting the continuum hypothesis.
Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates axonal loss in different courses of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Fitzgerald Kathryn C. , Oakley Jonathan , Ponirakis Georgios , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , George Pooja , Deleu Dirk , Canibano Beatriz G. , Akhtar Naveed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Own Ahmed , Malik Taimur , Russakoff Daniel B. , Mankowski Joseph L. , Misra Stuti L. , McGhee Charles N. J. , Calabresi Peter , Saidha Shiv , Kamran Saadat , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: November 2021

Axonal loss is the main determinant of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to assess the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in detecting corneal axonal loss in different courses of MS. The results were confirmed by two independent segmentation methods. 72 subjects (144 eyes) [(clinically isolated syndrome (n = 9); relapsing–remitting MS (n = 20); secondary-progressive MS (n = 22); and age-matched, healthy controls (n = 21)] underwent CCM and assessment of their disability status. Two independent algorithms (ACCMetrics; and Voxeleron deepNerve) were used to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (ACCMetrics only), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD). Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared to controls, patients with MS had significantly lower CNFD (34.76 ± 5.57 vs. 19.85 ± 6.75 fibers/mm2, 95% CI − 18.24 to − 11.59, P < .0001), CNFL [for ACCMetrics: 19.75 ± 2.39 vs. 12.40 ± 3.30 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 8.94 to − 5.77, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 21.98 ± 2.76 vs. 14.40 ± 4.17 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 9.55 to − 5.6, P < .0001] and CNFrD [for ACCMetrics: 1.52 ± 0.02 vs. 1.45 ± 0.04, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.05, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 1.29 ± 0.03 vs. 1.19 ± 0.07, 95% − 0.13 to − 0.07, P < .0001]. Corneal nerve parameters were comparably reduced in different courses of MS. There was excellent reproducibility between the algorithms. Significant corneal axonal loss is detected in different courses of MS including patients with clinically isolated syndrome.
Selection and stability validation of reference gene candidates for transcriptional analysis in Rousettus aegyptiacus
Authors: Friedrichs Virginia , Balkema-Buschmann Anne , Dorhoi Anca , Pei Gang
Published: November 2021

Bats are the only mammals capable of powered flight and their body temperature can reach up to 42 °C during flight. Additionally, bats display robust type I IFN interferon (IFN-I) responses and some species constitutively express IFN-α. Reference genes with stable expression under temperature oscillations and IFN-I release are therefore critical for normalization of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data in bats. The expression stability of reference genes in Rousettus aegyptiacus remains elusive, although this species is frequently used in the infection research. We selected ACTB, EEF1A1, GAPDH and PGK1 as candidate reference genes and evaluated their expression stability in various tissues and cells from this model bat species upon IFN-I treatment at 35 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C by qRT-PCR. We employed two statistical algorithms, BestKeeper and NormFinder, and found that EEF1A1 exhibited the highest expression stability under all tested conditions. ACTB and GAPDH displayed unstable expression upon temperature change and IFN-I treatment, respectively. By normalizing to EEF1A1, we uncovered that GAPDH expression was significantly induced by IFN-I in R. aegyptiacus. Our study identifies EEF1A1 as the most suitable reference gene for qRT-PCR studies upon temperature changes and IFN-I treatment and unveils the induction of GAPDH expression by IFN-I in R. aegyptiacus. These findings are pertinent to other bat species and may be relevant for non-volant mammals that show physiological fluctuations of core body temperature.
Age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for predicting mortality and disease severity in children with infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eun Sohyun , Kim Haemin , Kim Ha Yan , Lee Myeongjee , Bae Go Eun , Kim Heoungjin , Koo Chung Mo , Kim Moon Kyu , Yoon Seo Hee
Published: November 2021

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) for predicting mortality and disease severity in pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed infection. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Eleven studies with a total of 172,569 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of the age-adjusted qSOFA for predicting mortality and disease severity were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.81), 0.71 (95% CI 0.36–0.91), and 6.57 (95% CI 4.46–9.67), respectively. The area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.733. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality were 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.79) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.21–0.92), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease severity were 0.73 (95% CI 0.21–0.97) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.11–0.98), respectively. The performance of the age-adjusted qSOFA for predicting mortality and disease severity was better in emergency department patients than in intensive care unit patients. The age-adjusted qSOFA has moderate predictive power and can help in rapidly identifying at-risk children, but its utility may be limited by its insufficient sensitivity.
Vulnerability assessment of agricultural production systems to drought stresses using robustness measures
Authors: Cruz Marangely Gonzalez , Hernandez E. Annette , Uddameri Venkatesh
Published: November 2021

Intensification of droughts in agricultural areas threaten global food security. The impacts of drought stresses vary widely across a region, not only due to climate variability but also due to heterogeneous soil and groundwater buffering capacities which protect against droughts. An innovative drought vulnerability index was developed by reconciling the negative effects of drought stresses against the robustness offered by hydrologic buffers. Indicators for climate stresses, soil and groundwater buffering capacities were defined using physical principles and integrated using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework. The framework was applied to delineate drought vulnerability of agricultural production systems and evaluate current cropping choices across the High Plains region of the US that is underlain by the Ogallala Aquifer. Current crop growth choices appeared to be compatible with the intrinsic drought vulnerabilities with cotton and sorghum grown in higher vulnerability areas and corn and soybean produced in areas with lower vulnerability. Nearly 50% of the aquifer region fell in the transition zone exhibiting medium to high vulnerabilities warranting the need for better water management to adapt to a changing climate.
Sex differences in metabolic pathways are regulated by Pfkfb3 and Pdk4 expression in rodent muscle
Authors: Christianto Antonius , Baba Takashi , Takahashi Fumiya , Inui Kai , Inoue Miki , Suyama Mikita , Ono Yusuke , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Morohashi Ken-ichirou
Published: November 2021

Skeletal muscles display sexually dimorphic features. Biochemically, glycolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation occur preferentially in the muscles of males and females, respectively. However, the mechanisms of the selective utilization of these fuels remains elusive. Here, we obtain transcriptomes from quadriceps type IIB fibers of untreated, gonadectomized, and sex steroid-treated mice of both sexes. Analyses of the transcriptomes unveil two genes, Pfkfb3 (phosphofructokinase-2) and Pdk4 (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4), that may function as switches between the two sexually dimorphic metabolic pathways. Interestingly, Pfkfb3 and Pdk4 show male-enriched and estradiol-enhanced expression, respectively. Moreover, the contribution of these genes to sexually dimorphic metabolism is demonstrated by knockdown studies with cultured type IIB muscle fibers. Considering that skeletal muscles as a whole are the largest energy-consuming organs, our results provide insights into energy metabolism in the two sexes, during the estrus cycle in women, and under pathological conditions involving skeletal muscles.
Asymmetric bias-induced barrier lowering as an alternative origin of current rectification in geometric diodes
Authors: Bai Mengmeng , Zhao Yanqing , Xu Shuting , Tang Tao , Guo Yao
Published: November 2021

Geometric diodes, which take advantage of geometric asymmetry to achieve current flow preference, are promising for THz current rectification. Previous studies relate geometric diodes’ rectification to quantum coherent or ballistic transport, which is fragile and critical of the high-quality transport system. Here we propose a different physical mechanism and demonstrate a robust current rectification originating from the asymmetric bias induced barrier lowering, which generally applies to common semiconductors in normal environments. Key factors to the diode’s rectification are carefully analyzed, and an intrinsic rectification ability at up to 1.1 THz is demonstrated.
Hierarchical Fe–Mn binary metal oxide core–shell nano-polyhedron as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting
Authors: Li Yun-Wu , Su Shi-Kun , Yue Cai-Zhen , Shu Jun , Zhang Peng-Fang , Du Fang-Hui , Wang Su-Na , Ma Hui-Yan , Yin Jie , Shao Xin
Published: November 2021

A hierarchical Fe3O4@MnOx binary metal oxide core–shell nano-polyhedron executes excellent HER/OER bifunctional electrocatalytic activities due to abundant active sites and the synergistic effects of each component.
A wood-templated unidirectional piezoceramic composite for transmuscular ultrasonic wireless power transfer
Authors: Hong Ying , Jin Lihan , Wang Biao , Liao Junchen , He Bing , Yang Tian , Long Zhihe , Li Pengyu , Zhang Zhuomin , Liu Shiyuan , Lee Youngjin , Khoo Bee Luan , Yang Zhengbao
Published: November 2021

A flexible wood-templated piezoelectric ultrasonic energy harvester exhibits a high output voltage and power, demonstrating potential applications in implantable devices.
High-performance anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers with a current density of 7.68 A cm−2 and a durability of 1000 hours
Authors: Chen Nanjun , Paek Sae Yane , Lee Ju Yeon , Park Jong Hyeong , Lee So Young , Lee Young Moo
Published: November 2021

Poly(fluorenyl-co-aryl piperidinium)-based AEMWEs reach outstanding current density values of 7.68 A cm−2 at 2.0 V with a cell durability of 1000 h.
Polysaccharides from Sargassum fusiforme after UV/H2O2 degradation effectively ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis
Authors: Chen Xiaoyong , Li Xiong , Sun-Waterhouse Dongxiao , Zhu Biyang , You Lijun , Hileuskaya Kseniya
Published: November 2021

In this study, degraded polysaccharides from Sargassum fusiforme (PSF-T2) were prepared by UV/H2O2 treatment for 2 h, and its effects on ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis were evaluated using a mouse model.
An unusual self-assembling columnar mesogen prepared by tethering a planar naphthalenediimide acceptor to bent phenothiazine donors
Authors: Thériault Kim D. , Radford Chase L. , Nagabhushana Gowdaianapallya P. , Hogan David T. , Williams Vance E. , Kelly Timothy L. , Sutherland Todd C.
Published: November 2021

Tethering of two shape mismatched donors and acceptor leads to an unusual mesogen design.
High spin polarized Fe2 cluster combined with vicinal nonmetallic sites for catalytic ammonia synthesis from a theoretical perspective
Authors: Zhu Hongdan , Aarons Jolyon , Peng Qian
Published: November 2021

Compared to other Fen (n > 2) clusters, Fe2 cluster catalysts combined with vicinal nonmetallic sites are expected to be an ideal catalyst for ammonia synthesis with a lower N–H formation (0.47 eV) and N–N dissociation (0.50 eV) energy barrier at the same time.
Synthesis of functionalized diarylbenzofurans via Ru-catalyzed C–H activation and cyclization under air: rapid access to the polycyclic scaffold of diptoindonesin G
Authors: Ouyang Lufeng , Lin Zhigeng , Li Shiqi , Chen Baoyin , Liu Jidan , Shi Wen-Jing , Zheng Liyao
Published: November 2021

A method was developed for rapid assembly of 2,3-diarylbenzofuran-4-carboxylic acids from m-hydroxybenzoic acids and alkynes via Ru-catalyzed C–H alkenylation and cyclization, which was successfully applied for total synthesis of diptoindonesin G.
Effects of mixing temperature on the extrusion rheological behaviors of rubber-based compounds
Authors: Du Zhongjin , Du Yu , Gong Yankun , Liu Guizhi , Li Zhuo , Yu Guangshui , Zhao Shugao
Published: November 2021

The carbon black dispersity and rubber molecular weight change during the mixing process were the important factors determining the die swell behavior of the rubber compounds.
Ritter-type iodo(iii)amidation of unactivated alkynes for the stereoselective synthesis of multisubstituted enamides
Authors: Chai Jinkui , Ding Wei , Wang Chen , Ito Shingo , Wu Junliang , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: November 2021

Ritter-type trans-selective iodo(iii)amidation of internal alkynes with benziodoxole triflate and various nitriles has been achieved for the stereocontrolled synthesis of multisubstituted enamides.
Topological engineering of two-dimensional ionic liquid islands for high structural stability and CO2 adsorption selectivity
Authors: Wang Chenlu , Wang Yanlei , Gan Zhongdong , Lu Yumiao , Qian Cheng , Huo Feng , He Hongyan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: November 2021

Multi-scale simulations reveal the structure and properties of the two-dimensional ionic liquid islands supported by graphite, and the island edges show an ultrahigh adsorption selectivity for CO2 compared with CH4, CO, or N2.