bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The GLEAM 4-Jy Sample: The brightest radio-sources in the southern sky
Authors: White Sarah
Published: January 2021

Low-frequency radio emission allows powerful active galactic nuclei (AGN) to be selected in a way that is unaffected by dust obscuration and orientation of the jet axis. It also reveals past activity (e.g. radio lobes) that may not be evident at higher frequencies. Currently, there are too few “radio-loud” galaxies for robust studies in terms of redshift-evolution and/or environment. Hence our use of new observations from the Murchison Widefield Array (the SKA-Low precursor), over the southern sky, to construct the GLEAM 4-Jy Sample (1,860 sources at S151MHz > 4 Jy). This sample is dominated by AGN and is 10 times larger than the heavily relied-upon 3CRR sample (173 sources at S178MHz > 10 Jy) of the northern hemisphere. In order to understand how AGN influence their surroundings and the way galaxies evolve, we first need to correctly identify the galaxy hosting the radio emission. This has now been completed for the GLEAM 4-Jy Sample – through repeated visual inspection and extensive checks against the literature – forming a valuable, legacy dataset for investigating relativistic jets and their interplay with the environment.
Howusu Metric Tensor - problems and prospects
Authors: Ekpe Ekpe Obini
Published: January 2021

A new metric tensor proposed by Howusu is presented. Problems associated with the metric tensor are pointed out. Some of the good aspects of the Howusu Metric are also outlined. It is argued that Howusu Metric holds some promise in generating healthy academic debate.
Progress of astronomy in Tanzania
Authors: Jiwaji Noorali
Published: January 2021

A summary in a timeline of astronomy developments over the past several decades and listing major achievements and current work will be presented.
Experiences of online exposure-based treatment with parental support for teenagers with excessive worry
Authors: Wahlund Tove , Wallhem Michaela , Serlachius Eva , Engberg Hedvig
Published: January 2021

Worry is a common symptom that can become excessive and is related to several negative health outcomes. Our research group recently developed an online treatment for teenagers with excessive worry with a parallel programme for their parents. The treatment is characterized by a specific focus on exposure to uncertainty and other avoided stimuli, and includes a substantial amount of parental involvement. The aim of this study was to explore how teenagers and their parents experienced the treatment, especially how they perceived working independently with exposure tasks, parental involvement in the treatment programme, and a fixed treatment format. An experienced, independent clinical psychologist interviewed eight teenagers and nine parents in total. The verbatim transcripts were analysed with thematic analysis and two main themes emerged: ‘Seeing the worry in a new light’ and ‘Changing within a set format’, which both consisted of three subthemes. Based on the analysis, we concluded that teenagers can work actively with exposure and experience it as helpful even though it can be difficult and strange at first, and that parental involvement can be perceived as beneficial by both teenagers and their parents. While the online format placed a substantial responsibility on the families, and some would have wanted additional therapist support, working independently with one’s difficulties was acceptable.

Key learning aims

(1)

To learn about experienced benefits and obstacles of exposure in the treatment of worry.

(2)

To learn about teenagers’ experiences of working independently with exposure.

(3)

To consider the impact of parental involvement in psychological treatments for teenagers.

(4)

To consider pros and cons of online treatment for teenagers and their parents.

(5)

To consider the use of qualitative research approaches to inform further development of psychological treatments for teenagers with excessive worry.
Band degeneracy enhanced thermoelectric performance in layered oxyselenides by first-principles calculations
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Menglu , Xiao Haiyan , Gao Zhibin , Liu Zijiang , Zu Xiaotao , Li Sean , Qiao Liang
Published: January 2021

Band degeneracy is effective in optimizing the power factors of thermoelectric (TE) materials by enhancing the Seebeck coefficients. In this study, we demonstrate this effect in model systems of layered oxyselenide family by the density functional theory (DFT) combined with semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory. TE transport performance of layered LaCuOSe and BiCuOSe are fully compared. The results show that due to the larger electrical conductivities caused by longer electron relaxation times, the n-type systems show better TE performance than p-type systems for both LaCuOSe and BiCuOSe. Besides, the conduction band degeneracy of LaCuOSe leads to a larger Seebeck coefficient and a higher optimal carrier concentration than n-type BiCuOSe, and thus a higher power factor. The optimal figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.46 for n-type LaCuOSe is 22% larger than that of 1.2 for n-type BiCuOSe. This study highlights the potential of wide band gap material LaCuOSe for highly efficient TE applications, and demonstrates that inducing band degeneracy by cations substitution is an effective way to enhance the TE performance of layered oxyselenides.
Machine-learned interatomic potentials for alloys and alloy phase diagrams
Authors: Rosenbrock Conrad W. , Gubaev Konstantin , Shapeev Alexander V. , Pártay Livia B. , Bernstein Noam , Csányi Gábor , Hart Gus L. W.
Published: January 2021

We introduce machine-learned potentials for Ag-Pd to describe the energy of alloy configurations over a wide range of compositions. We compare two different approaches. Moment tensor potentials (MTPs) are polynomial-like functions of interatomic distances and angles. The Gaussian approximation potential (GAP) framework uses kernel regression, and we use the smooth overlap of atomic position (SOAP) representation of atomic neighborhoods that consist of a complete set of rotational and permutational invariants provided by the power spectrum of the spherical Fourier transform of the neighbor density. Both types of potentials give excellent accuracy for a wide range of compositions, competitive with the accuracy of cluster expansion, a benchmark for this system. While both models are able to describe small deformations away from the lattice positions, SOAP-GAP excels at transferability as shown by sensible transformation paths between configurations, and MTP allows, due to its lower computational cost, the calculation of compositional phase diagrams. Given the fact that both methods perform nearly as well as cluster expansion but yield off-lattice models, we expect them to open new avenues in computational materials modeling for alloys.
Accurate simulation of surfaces and interfaces of ten FCC metals and steel using Lennard–Jones potentials
Authors: Kanhaiya Krishan , Kim Seonghan , Im Wonpil , Heinz Hendrik
Published: January 2021

The earlier integration of validated Lennard–Jones (LJ) potentials for 8 fcc metals into materials and biomolecular force fields has advanced multiple research fields, for example, metal–electrolyte interfaces, recognition of biomolecules, colloidal assembly of metal nanostructures, alloys, and catalysis. Here we introduce 12-6 and 9-6 LJ parameters for classical all-atom simulations of 10 further fcc metals (Ac, Ca (α), Ce (γ), Es (β), Fe (γ), Ir, Rh, Sr (α), Th (α), Yb (β)) and stainless steel. The parameters reproduce lattice constants, surface energies, water interfacial energies, and interactions with (bio)organic molecules in 0.1 to 5% agreement with experiment, as well as qualitative mechanical properties under standard conditions. Deviations are reduced up to a factor of one hundred in comparison to earlier Lennard–Jones parameters, embedded atom models, and density functional theory. We also explain a quantitative correlation between atomization energies from experiments and surface energies that supports parameter development. The models are computationally very efficient and applicable to an exponential space of alloys. Compatibility with a wide range of force fields such as the Interface force field (IFF), AMBER, CHARMM, COMPASS, CVFF, DREIDING, OPLS-AA, and PCFF enables reliable simulations of nanostructures up to millions of atoms and microsecond time scales. User-friendly model building and input generation are available in the CHARMM-GUI Nanomaterial Modeler. As a limitation, deviations in mechanical properties vary and are comparable to DFT methods. We discuss the incorporation of reactivity and features of the electronic structure to expand the range of applications and further increase the accuracy.
On strong-scaling and open-source tools for analyzing atom probe tomography data
Authors: Kühbach Markus , Bajaj Priyanshu , Zhao Huan , Çelik Murat H. , Jägle Eric A. , Gault Baptiste
Published: January 2021

The development of strong-scaling computational tools for high-throughput methods with an open-source code and transparent metadata standards has successfully transformed many computational materials science communities. While such tools are mature already in the condensed-matter physics community, the situation is still very different for many experimentalists. Atom probe tomography (APT) is one example. This microscopy and microanalysis technique has matured into a versatile nano-analytical characterization tool with applications that range from materials science to geology and possibly beyond. Here, data science tools are required for extracting chemo-structural spatial correlations from the reconstructed point cloud. For APT and other high-end analysis techniques, post-processing is mostly executed with proprietary software tools, which are opaque in their execution and have often limited performance. Software development by members of the scientific community has improved the situation but compared to the sophistication in the field of computational materials science several gaps remain. This is particularly the case for open-source tools that support scientific computing hardware, tools which enable high-throughput workflows, and open well-documented metadata standards to align experimental research better with the fair data stewardship principles. To this end, we introduce paraprobe, an open-source tool for scientific computing and high-throughput studying of point cloud data, here exemplified with APT. We show how to quantify uncertainties while applying several computational geometry, spatial statistics, and clustering tasks for post-processing APT datasets as large as two billion ions. These tools work well in concert with Python and HDF5 to enable several orders of magnitude performance gain, automation, and reproducibility.
Machine learning for perovskite materials design and discovery
Authors: Tao Qiuling , Xu Pengcheng , Li Minjie , Lu Wencong
Published: January 2021

The development of materials is one of the driving forces to accelerate modern scientific progress and technological innovation. Machine learning (ML) technology is rapidly developed in many fields and opening blueprints for the discovery and rational design of materials. In this review, we retrospected the latest applications of ML in assisting perovskites discovery. First, the development tendency of ML in perovskite materials publications in recent years was organized and analyzed. Second, the workflow of ML in perovskites discovery was introduced. Then the applications of ML in various properties of inorganic perovskites, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites and double perovskites were briefly reviewed. In the end, we put forward suggestions on the future development prospects of ML in the field of perovskite materials.
Multi-omic regulatory networks capture downstream effects of kinase inhibition in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Young Albert T. , Carette Xavier , Helmel Michaela , Steen Hanno , Husson Robert N. , Quackenbush John , Platig John
Published: January 2021

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to adapt to diverse stresses in its host environment is crucial for pathogenesis. Two essential Mtb serine/threonine protein kinases, PknA and PknB, regulate cell growth in response to environmental stimuli, but little is known about their downstream effects. By combining RNA-Seq data, following treatment with either an inhibitor of both PknA and PknB or an inactive control, with publicly available ChIP-Seq and protein–protein interaction data for transcription factors, we show that the Mtb transcription factor (TF) regulatory network propagates the effects of kinase inhibition and leads to widespread changes in regulatory programs involved in cell wall integrity, stress response, and energy production, among others. We also observe that changes in TF regulatory activity correlate with kinase-specific phosphorylation of those TFs. In addition to characterizing the downstream regulatory effects of PknA/PknB inhibition, this demonstrates the need for regulatory network approaches that can incorporate signal-driven transcription factor modifications.
A review of the impact of environmental factors on the fate and transport of coronaviruses in aqueous environments
Authors: Paul Diplina , Kolar Praveen , Hall Steven G.
Published: January 2021

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. This virus spreads predominantly by human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets. However, the presence of this virus in the fecal and anal swabs of infected patients has triggered the need for research into its waterborne transmission. The various environmental factors that impact the persistence of coronavirus in different water matrices include temperature, UV exposure, organic matter, disinfectants as well as adversarial microorganisms. This review summarizes the most recent research data on the effect of various factors on coronavirus in aqueous environments. The available data suggest that: (i) increasing temperature decreases the overall persistence of the virus; (ii) the presence of organic matter can increase the survivability of coronavirus; (iii) chlorine is the most effective and economic disinfectant; (iv) membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment plants are hosts of competitive microorganisms that can inactivate coronaviruses; (v) ultraviolet irradiation is another effective option for virus inactivation. However, the inactivation disinfection kinetics of coronaviruses are yet to be fully understood. Thus, further research is needed to understand its fate and transport with respect to the water cycle so that effective strategies can be adopted to curb its effects. These strategies may vary based on geographic, climatic, technical, and social conditions around the globe. This paper explores possible approaches and especially the conditions that local communities and authorities should consider to find optimal solutions that can limit the spread of this virus.
Time-ordered comorbidity correlations identify patients at risk of mis- and overdiagnosis
Authors: Jørgensen Isabella Friis , Brunak Søren
Published: January 2021

Diagnostic errors are common and can lead to harmful treatments. We present a data-driven, generic approach for identifying patients at risk of being mis- or overdiagnosed, here exemplified by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been estimated that 5–60% of all COPD cases are misdiagnosed. High-throughput methods are therefore needed in this domain. We have used a national patient registry, which contains hospital diagnoses for 6.9 million patients across the entire Danish population for 21 years and identified statistically significant disease trajectories for COPD patients. Using 284,154 patients diagnosed with COPD, we identified frequent disease trajectories comprising time-ordered comorbidities. Interestingly, as many as 42,459 patients did not present with these time-ordered, common comorbidities. Comparison of the individual disease history for each non-follower to the COPD trajectories, demonstrated that 9597 patients were unusual. Survival analysis showed that this group died significantly earlier than COPD patients following a trajectory. Out of the 9597 patients, we identified one subgroup comprising 2185 patients at risk of misdiagnosed COPD without the typical events of COPD patients. In all, 10% of these patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, and it seems likely that they are underdiagnosed for lung cancer as their laboratory test values and survival pattern are similar to such patients. Furthermore, only 4% had a lung function test to confirm the COPD diagnosis. Another subgroup with 2368 patients were found to be at risk of “classically” overdiagnosed COPD that survive >5.5 years after the COPD diagnosis, but without the typical complications of COPD.
Single-cell transcriptomics following ischemic injury identifies a role for B2M in cardiac repair
Authors: Molenaar Bas , Timmer Louk T. , Droog Marjolein , Perini Ilaria , Versteeg Danielle , Kooijman Lieneke , Monshouwer-Kloots Jantine , de Ruiter Hesther , Gladka Monika M. , van Rooij Eva
Published: January 2021

The efficiency of the repair process following ischemic cardiac injury is a crucial determinant for the progression into heart failure and is controlled by both intra- and intercellular signaling within the heart. An enhanced understanding of this complex interplay will enable better exploitation of these mechanisms for therapeutic use. We used single-cell transcriptomics to collect gene expression data of all main cardiac cell types at different time-points after ischemic injury. These data unveiled cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity and changes in cellular function during cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, we established potential intercellular communication networks after ischemic injury. Follow up experiments confirmed that cardiomyocytes express and secrete elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin in response to ischemic damage, which can activate fibroblasts in a paracrine manner. Collectively, our data indicate phase-specific changes in cellular heterogeneity during different stages of cardiac remodeling and allow for the identification of therapeutic targets relevant for cardiac repair.
Evidence of two deeply divergent co-existing mitochondrial genomes in the Tuatara reveals an extremely complex genomic organization
Authors: Macey J. Robert , Pabinger Stephan , Barbieri Charles G. , Buring Ella S. , Gonzalez Vanessa L. , Mulcahy Daniel G. , DeMeo Dustin P. , Urban Lara , Hime Paul M. , Prost Stefan , Elliott Aaron N. , Gemmell Neil J.
Published: January 2021

Animal mitochondrial genomic polymorphism occurs as low-level mitochondrial heteroplasmy and deeply divergent co-existing molecules. The latter is rare, known only in bivalvian mollusks. Here we show two deeply divergent co-existing mt-genomes in a vertebrate through genomic sequencing of the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), the sole-representative of an ancient reptilian Order. The two molecules, revealed using a combination of short-read and long-read sequencing technologies, differ by 10.4% nucleotide divergence. A single long-read covers an entire mt-molecule for both strands. Phylogenetic analyses suggest a 7–8 million-year divergence between genomes. Contrary to earlier reports, all 37 genes typical of animal mitochondria, with drastic gene rearrangements, are confirmed for both mt-genomes. Also unique to vertebrates, concerted evolution drives three near-identical putative Control Region non-coding blocks. Evidence of positive selection at sites linked to metabolically important transmembrane regions of encoded proteins suggests these two mt-genomes may confer an adaptive advantage for an unusually cold-tolerant reptile.
Detection of genetic variation and base modifications at base-pair resolution on both DNA and RNA
Authors: Wang Zhen , Maluenda Jérôme , Giraut Laurène , Vieille Thibault , Lefevre Andréas , Salthouse David , Radou Gaël , Moulinas Rémi , Astete Sandra , D’Avezac Pol , Smith Geoff , André Charles , Allemand Jean-François , Bensimon David , Croquette Vincent , Ouellet Jimmy , Hamilton Gordon
Published: January 2021

Accurate decoding of nucleic acid variation is critical to understand the complexity and regulation of genome function. Here we use a single-molecule magnetic tweezer (MT) platform to identify sequence variation and map a range of important epigenetic base modifications with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision in the same single molecules of DNA or RNA. We have also developed a highly specific amplification-free CRISPR-Cas enrichment strategy to isolate genomic regions from native DNA. We demonstrate enrichment of DNA from both E. coli and the FMR1 5’UTR coming from cells derived from a Fragile X carrier. From these kilobase-length enriched molecules we could characterize the differential levels of adenine and cytosine base modifications on E. coli, and the repeat expansion length and methylation status of FMR1. Together these results demonstrate that our platform can detect a variety of genetic, epigenetic, and base modification changes concomitantly within the same single molecules.
SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal the wide range of the humoral immune response to virus
Authors: Dogan Mikail , Kozhaya Lina , Placek Lindsey , Gunter Courtney , Yigit Mesut , Hardy Rachel , Plassmeyer Matthew , Coatney Paige , Lillard Kimberleigh , Bukhari Zaheer , Kleinberg Michael , Hayes Chelsea , Arditi Moshe , Klapper Ellen , Merin Noah , Liang Bruce Tsan-Tang , Gupta Raavi , Alpan Oral , Unutmaz Derya
Published: January 2021

Development of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n = 115) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma at up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which were also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also possessed NAbs against SARS-CoV Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.
Hallmarks of primary neurulation are conserved in the zebrafish forebrain
Authors: Werner Jonathan M. , Negesse Maraki Y. , Brooks Dominique L. , Caldwell Allyson R. , Johnson Jafira M. , Brewster Rachel M.
Published: January 2021

Primary neurulation is the process by which the neural tube, the central nervous system precursor, is formed from the neural plate. Incomplete neural tube closure occurs frequently, yet underlying causes remain poorly understood. Developmental studies in amniotes and amphibians have identified hingepoint and neural fold formation as key morphogenetic events and hallmarks of primary neurulation, the disruption of which causes neural tube defects. In contrast, the mode of neurulation in teleosts has remained highly debated. Teleosts are thought to have evolved a unique mode of neurulation, whereby the neural plate infolds in absence of hingepoints and neural folds, at least in the hindbrain/trunk where it has been studied. Using high-resolution imaging and time-lapse microscopy, we show here the presence of these morphological landmarks in the zebrafish anterior neural plate. These results reveal similarities between neurulation in teleosts and other vertebrates and hence the suitability of zebrafish to understand human neurulation.
Mutational burden and chromosomal aneuploidy synergistically predict survival from radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jia Qingzhu , Chu Qian , Zhang Anmei , Yu Jing , Liu Fangfang , Qian Kaiyu , Xiao Yu , Wang Xue , Yang Ying , Zhao Yi , He Ji , Li Guanghui , Wan Yisong Y. , Xie Conghua , Zhu Bo
Published: January 2021

Therapeutic radiation can result in substantially different survival outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Measures for identification of patients who can benefit most throughout radiotherapy remain limited. In this retrospective study, survival analysis was performed based on a discovery cohort from TCGA and a validation cohort from three independent hospitals. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and chromosomal aneuploidy (ANE) were derived from the whole exome sequencing (WES) data from treatment-naïve tumors. Integrated risk scores were derived from TMB and ANE by a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. TCGA reveal that TMB and ANE are associated positively and negatively, respectively, with survival throughout radiotherapy. Additionally, the synergistically predictive significance of these two genomic alterations, in differing responders and non-responders to radiotherapy is identified. These biomarkers may have clinical potential to improve personalized treatment management by rationally identifying highly likely responders to therapeutic radiation in patients with NSCLC.
The level of oncogenic Ras determines the malignant transformation of Lkb1 mutant tissue in vivo
Authors: Rackley Briana , Seong Chang-Soo , Kiely Evan , Parker Rebecca E. , Rupji Manali , Dwivedi Bhakti , Heddleston John M. , Giang William , Anthony Neil , Chew Teng-Leong , Gilbert-Ross Melissa
Published: January 2021

The genetic and metabolic heterogeneity of RAS-driven cancers has confounded therapeutic strategies in the clinic. To address this, rapid and genetically tractable animal models are needed that recapitulate the heterogeneity of RAS-driven cancers in vivo. Here, we generate a Drosophila melanogaster model of Ras/Lkb1 mutant carcinoma. We show that low-level expression of oncogenic Ras (RasLow) promotes the survival of Lkb1 mutant tissue, but results in autonomous cell cycle arrest and non-autonomous overgrowth of wild-type tissue. In contrast, high-level expression of oncogenic Ras (RasHigh) transforms Lkb1 mutant tissue resulting in lethal malignant tumors. Using simultaneous multiview light-sheet microcopy, we have characterized invasion phenotypes of Ras/Lkb1 tumors in living larvae. Our molecular analysis reveals sustained activation of the AMPK pathway in malignant Ras/Lkb1 tumors, and demonstrate the genetic and pharmacologic dependence of these tumors on CaMK-activated Ampk. We further show that LKB1 mutant human lung adenocarcinoma patients with high levels of oncogenic KRAS exhibit worse overall survival and increased AMPK activation. Our results suggest that high levels of oncogenic KRAS is a driving event in the malignant transformation of LKB1 mutant tissue, and uncovers a vulnerability that may be used to target this aggressive genetic subset of RAS-driven tumors.
Synergistic impacts of global warming and thermohaline circulation collapse on amphibians
Authors: Velasco Julián A. , Estrada Francisco , Calderón-Bustamante Oscar , Swingedouw Didier , Ureta Carolina , Gay Carlos , Defrance Dimitri
Published: January 2021

Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity are a prominent area of research in climate change. However, little is known about the effects of abrupt climate change and climate catastrophes on them. The probability of occurrence of such events is largely unknown but the associated risks could be large enough to influence global climate policy. Amphibians are indicators of ecosystems’ health and particularly sensitive to novel climate conditions. Using state-of-the-art climate model simulations, we present a global assessment of the effects of unabated global warming and a collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) on the distribution of 2509 amphibian species across six biogeographical realms and extinction risk categories. Global warming impacts are severe and strongly enhanced by additional and substantial AMOC weakening, showing tipping point behavior for many amphibian species. Further declines in climatically suitable areas are projected across multiple clades, and biogeographical regions. Species loss in regional assemblages is extensive across regions, with Neotropical, Nearctic and Palearctic regions being most affected. Results underline the need to expand existing knowledge about the consequences of climate catastrophes on human and natural systems to properly assess the risks of unabated warming and the benefits of active mitigation strategies.
Multimodal in vivo recording using transparent graphene microelectrodes illuminates spatiotemporal seizure dynamics at the microscale
Authors: Driscoll Nicolette , Rosch Richard E. , Murphy Brendan B. , Ashourvan Arian , Vishnubhotla Ramya , Dickens Olivia O. , Johnson A. T. Charlie , Davis Kathryn A. , Litt Brian , Bassett Danielle S. , Takano Hajime , Vitale Flavia
Published: January 2021

Neurological disorders such as epilepsy arise from disrupted brain networks. Our capacity to treat these disorders is limited by our inability to map these networks at sufficient temporal and spatial scales to target interventions. Current best techniques either sample broad areas at low temporal resolution (e.g. calcium imaging) or record from discrete regions at high temporal resolution (e.g. electrophysiology). This limitation hampers our ability to understand and intervene in aberrations of network dynamics. Here we present a technique to map the onset and spatiotemporal spread of acute epileptic seizures in vivo by simultaneously recording high bandwidth microelectrocorticography and calcium fluorescence using transparent graphene microelectrode arrays. We integrate dynamic data features from both modalities using non-negative matrix factorization to identify sequential spatiotemporal patterns of seizure onset and evolution, revealing how the temporal progression of ictal electrophysiology is linked to the spatial evolution of the recruited seizure core. This integrated analysis of multimodal data reveals otherwise hidden state transitions in the spatial and temporal progression of acute seizures. The techniques demonstrated here may enable future targeted therapeutic interventions and novel spatially embedded models of local circuit dynamics during seizure onset and evolution.
Glacial melt disturbance shifts community metabolism of an Antarctic seafloor ecosystem from net autotrophy to heterotrophy
Authors: Braeckman Ulrike , Pasotti Francesca , Hoffmann Ralf , Vázquez Susana , Wulff Angela , Schloss Irene R. , Falk Ulrike , Deregibus Dolores , Lefaible Nene , Torstensson Anders , Al-Handal Adil , Wenzhöfer Frank , Vanreusel Ann
Published: January 2021

Climate change-induced glacial melt affects benthic ecosystems along the West Antarctic Peninsula, but current understanding of the effects on benthic primary production and respiration is limited. Here we demonstrate with a series of in situ community metabolism measurements that climate-related glacial melt disturbance shifts benthic communities from net autotrophy to heterotrophy. With little glacial melt disturbance (during cold El Niño spring 2015), clear waters enabled high benthic microalgal production, resulting in net autotrophic benthic communities. In contrast, water column turbidity caused by increased glacial melt run-off (summer 2015 and warm La Niña spring 2016) limited benthic microalgal production and turned the benthic communities net heterotrophic. Ongoing accelerations in glacial melt and run-off may steer shallow Antarctic seafloor ecosystems towards net heterotrophy, altering the metabolic balance of benthic communities and potentially impacting the carbon balance and food webs at the Antarctic seafloor.
Cardiac-specific loss of mitoNEET expression is linked with age-related heart failure
Authors: Furihata Takaaki , Takada Shingo , Kakutani Naoya , Maekawa Satoshi , Tsuda Masaya , Matsumoto Junichi , Mizushima Wataru , Fukushima Arata , Yokota Takashi , Enzan Nobuyuki , Matsushima Shouji , Handa Haruka , Fumoto Yoshizuki , Nio-Kobayashi Junko , Iwanaga Toshihiko , Tanaka Shinya , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Sabe Hisataka , Kinugawa Shintaro
Published: January 2021

Heart failure (HF) occurs frequently among older individuals, and dysfunction of cardiac mitochondria is often observed. We here show the cardiac-specific downregulation of a certain mitochondrial component during the chronological aging of mice, which is detrimental to the heart. MitoNEET is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, encoded by CDGSH iron sulfur domain 1 (CISD1). Expression of mitoNEET was specifically downregulated in the heart and kidney of chronologically aged mice. Mice with a constitutive cardiac-specific deletion of CISD1 on the C57BL/6J background showed cardiac dysfunction only after 12 months of age and developed HF after 16 months; whereas irregular morphology and higher levels of reactive oxygen species in their cardiac mitochondria were observed at earlier time points. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which cardiac mitochondria may gradually lose their integrity during natural aging, and shed light on an uncharted molecular basis closely related to age-associated HF.
Hadal trenches are dynamic hotspots for early diagenesis in the deep sea
Authors: Glud Ronnie N. , Berg Peter , Thamdrup Bo , Larsen Morten , Stewart Heather A. , Jamieson Alan J. , Glud Anni , Oguri Kazumasa , Sanei Hamed , Rowden Ashley A. , Wenzhöfer Frank
Published: January 2021

The deepest part of the global ocean, hadal trenches, are considered to act as depocenters for organic material. Relatively high microbial activity has been demonstrated in the deepest sections of some hadal trenches, but the deposition dynamics are thought to be spatially and temporally variable. Here, we explore sediment characteristics and in-situ benthic oxygen uptake along two trenches with contrasting surface primary productivity: the Kermadec and Atacama trenches. We find that benthic oxygen consumption varies by a factor of about 10 between hadal sites but is in all cases intensified relative to adjacent abyssal plains. The benthic oxygen uptake of the two trench regions reflects the difference in surface production, whereas variations within each trench are modulated by local deposition dynamics. Respiratory activity correlates with the sedimentary inventories of organic carbon and phytodetrital material. We argue that hadal trenches represent deep sea hotspots for early diagenesis and are more diverse and dynamic environments than previously recognized.
Stress engineering for reducing the injection current induced blue shift in InGaN-based red light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yao Weizhen , Wang Lianshan , Meng Yulin , Yang Shaoyan , Liu Xianglin , Niu Huidan , Wang Zhanguo
Published: January 2021

Red LEDs with a small blue shift are fabricated by using a stress engineering strategy through the growth of the pre-stained InGaN layer and dual-wavelength QWs on a cone-shape patterned sapphire substrate.
Recent advances in stimuli-responsive polymers for sensing and actuation
Authors: Hu Liang , Shu Tong , Wan Yu , Fang Changhao , Gao Feng , Serpe Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) are capable of changing their solubility, conformation, and volume in response to external stimuli. Here, we detail how SRPs can be used for sensing and actuation, and focus on the response mechanism.
Valorization of poly(butylene succinate) to tetrahydrofuran via one-pot catalytic hydrogenolysis
Authors: Zhang Hang , Kang Shimin , Fu Jinxia , He Yunbing , Huang Xiangxuan , Chang Jie , Xu Yongjun
Published: January 2021

Poly(butylene succinate), a biodegradable plastic, was found to be an excellent source for producing valuable tetrahydrofuran (59.5 wt%), through a solventless catalytic hydrogenolysis process under mild conditions.
Students' understanding of molar concentration
Authors: Raviolo Andrés , Farré Andrea S. , Schroh Nayla Traiman
Published: January 2021

This article presents and discusses the results of a study that investigates university students’ comprehension of the concept of molar concentration, following teaching and evaluation of the subject. The specific problems underlying learning of this concept have not yet been focused on in sufficient detail or depth. A “Reasoning with molarity” questionnaire, which explores the logical–mathematical relationships between the variables n, V and M, was administered to 303 Argentine first-year university students. Results obtained from think-aloud interviews related to this questionnaire, which were performed with 18 students, are also analysed. These results reveal that approximately half the first-year university students have no clear conceptual understanding of molarity. The main difficulty arises in inverse proportionality tasks where the number of moles (extensive) and M (intensive) should be related qualitatively to determine which solution occupies the smallest volume. It was also established that much conceptual confusion, such as the lack of differentiation between n and M, lies behind the algorithmic, numerical solution strategy carried out exclusively by many students.
Recent trends in graphene supercapacitors: from large area to microsupercapacitors
Authors: Velasco Andres , Ryu Yu Kyoung , Boscá Alberto , Ladrón-de-Guevara Antonio , Hunt Elijah , Zuo Jinghan , Pedrós Jorge , Calle Fernando , Martinez Javier
Published: January 2021

In this perspective, the recent trends in graphene supercapacitor research are shown, from the use of pseudocapacitor elements to enhance the performance of large-area electrodes, to its miniaturization driven by versatile fabrication techniques.
Restructuring a gold nanocatalyst by electrochemical treatment to recover its H2 evolution catalytic activity
Authors: Tran Tien D. , Le Hoang V. , Le Ly T. , Nguyen Anh D. , Ung Thi Dieu Thuy , Tran Phong D.
Published: January 2021

Oxidation–reduction recycling induces a restructuring of Au nanoparticles. Reconstructed Au nanoparticles have a clean surface and high electrochemical surface area and therefore, display high H2 evolution catalytic activities.
A beginner’s guide to macromolecular crystallization
Authors: Gorrec Fabrice
Published: January 2021

Obtaining diffraction-quality crystals is currently the rate-limiting step in macromolecular X-ray crystallography of proteins, DNA, RNA or their complexes, in the vast majority of cases. Since each sample has different and specific characteristics – which is the reason for wanting to study every single one of them in the first place – crystallization conditions cannot be predicted. Hence, researchers must enable crystal nucleation and growth through experimentation and screening. The size, shape and surface of the sample or complexes of interest are often altered through genetic and biochemical manipulation to facilitate crystallization, based on bioinformatics analyses and trial and error. Pure samples are trialled against a very broad range of crystallization conditions. The currently predominant method to achieve crystallization is sitting drop vapour diffusion with nanolitre-class robotic liquid handlers. Once initial screening yields crystals, further optimization experiments are usually required to obtain larger and diffraction-quality crystals.
Design and analysis of different cooling schemes of a flux‐modulated permanent magnet in‐wheel motor for electric vehicle applications
Authors: Li Longnv , Zhu Gaojia , Zhao Yishuang , Jia Nan , Xue Ming , Li Yanbing
Published: January 2021

The flux‐modulated permanent magnet (FMPM) in‐wheel motor has provided a promising solution to drive electric vehicles (EVs) because of its salient features such as tight structure, high power (torque) density, and high transmission efficiency. But it easily causes excessive temperature rise and limits the torque output due to the poor heat dissipation capacity inside the in‐wheel cavity. In this regard, a 3D fluidic‐thermal coupled model integrating computational fluid dynamics and numerical heat transfer is proposed and validated by experimental results on a 2.1 kW, 1800 rpm PM motor prototype. The temperature rise distribution of a 22.6 kW, 600 rpm FMPM in‐wheel motor under an existing natural cooling structure is then numerically investigated. It is revealed that it is difficult to satisfy the thermal requirements of the motor using only natural cooling approach. Consequently, a self‐ventilated cooling system and a non‐contact lead‐in (NCLI) system are used to maintain the temperature rise. In addition, to further improve the heat dissipation capacity, the NCLI structure is modified with water cooling channels separated by orifice plates to limit the excessive motor temperature rise. The motor temperature rises under different cooling schemes are analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed cooling structures.
Spontaneous Preterm Birth: Is Prevention with Aspirin Possible?
Authors: Berger Richard , Kyvernitakis Ioannis , Maul Holger
Published: January 2021

Background The rate of preterm births in Germany is 8.6%, which is very high compared to other European countries. As preterm birth contributes significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality rates, the existing prevention strategies need to be optimized and expanded further. About ⅔ of all women with preterm birth have preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. They are bracketed together under the term “spontaneous preterm birth” as opposed to iatrogenic preterm birth, for example as a consequence of preeclampsia or fetal growth retardation. Recent studies suggest that low-dose aspirin does not just reduce the rate of iatrogenic preterm births but can also further reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm births. This review article presents the current state of knowledge.

Method A selective literature search up until April 2020 was done in PubMed, using the terms “randomized trial”, “randomized study”, “spontaneous preterm birth”, and “aspirin”.

Results Secondary analyses of prospective randomized studies on the prevention of preeclampsia with low-dose aspirin show that this intervention also significantly reduced the rate of spontaneous preterm births in both high-risk and low-risk patient populations. The results of the ASPIRIN trial, a prospective, randomized, double-blinded multicenter study carried out in six developing countries, also point in this direction, with the figures showing that the daily administration of 81 mg aspirin starting before 14 weeks of gestation lowered the preterm birth rate of nulliparous women without prior medical conditions by around 11% (11.6 vs. 13.1%; RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81 – 0.98, p = 0.012).

Conclusion Further studies on this issue are urgently needed. If these confirm the currently available results, then it would be worth discussing whether general aspirin prophylaxis for all pregnant women starting at the latest in 12 weeks of gestation is indicated.
Choice of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems May Affect Metrics: Clinically Relevant Differences in Times in Ranges
Authors: Freckmann Guido , Pleus Stefan , Schauer Sebastian , Link Manuela , Jendrike Nina , Waldenmaier Delia , Haug Cornelia , Stuhr Andreas
Published: January 2021

Background Continuous glucose monitoring-derived parameters are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess whether these parameters, as calculated from different continuous glucose monitoring systems worn in parallel, are comparable. In addition, clinical relevance of differences was investigated.

Methods A total of 24 subjects wore a FreeStyle Libre (A) and a Dexcom G5 (B) sensor in parallel for 7 days. Mean glucose, coefficient of variation, glucose management indicator and time spent in different glucose ranges were calculated for each system. Pairwise differences between the two different continuous glucose monitoring systems were computed for these metrics.

Results On average, the two CGM systems indicated an identical time in range (67.9±10.2 vs. 67.9±11.5%) and a similar coefficient of variation; both categorized as unstable (38.1±5.9 vs. 36.0±4.8%). In contrast, the mean time spent below and above range, as well as the individual times spent below, in and above range differed substantially. System A indicated about twice the time spent below range than system B (7.7±7.2 vs. 3.8±2.7%, p=0.003). This could have led to different therapy recommendations in approximately half of the subjects.

Discussion The differences in metrics found between the two continuous glucose monitoring systems may result in different therapy recommendations. In order to make adequate clinical decisions, measurement performance of CGM systems should be standardized and all available information, including the HbA1c, should be utilized.
Performance of Diagnostic Scores in Thrombotic Microangiopathy Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Monocentric Study
Authors: Mariotte Eric , Zafrani Lara , Fadlallah Jehane , Galicier Lionel , Ghrenassia Etienne , Kerhuel Lionel , Calvet Laure , Jong Audrey De , Lemiale Virginie , Valade Sandrine , Joly Bérangère S. , Stepanian Alain , Azoulay Elie , Darmon Michael
Published: January 2021

Early thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) recognition is critical as this disease is almost always lethal if not treated promptly with therapeutic plasma exchanges. Currently, as ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity is not widely available in emergency, scores have been developed to help differentiating TTP from other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). The aim of this work was to study the accuracy of these diagnostic scores in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Performance of both Coppo and PLASMIC scores was studied in a cohort of adult TMA patients requiring admission to one university hospital ICU from 2006 to 2017. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established, and confidence intervals of the area under the curve (AUC) were determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify parameters specifically associated with TTP, to compare diagnostic scores and to elaborate more accurate diagnostic models. During the study period, 154 TMA patients required ICU admission, including 99 (64.2%) TTP and 55 (35.7%) non-TTP patients. AUC under the ROC curve in predicting TTP was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.92) for the Coppo score, 0.67 (95% CI: 0.58–0.76) for the PLASMIC score, and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81–0.92) for platelet count alone. Platelet count ≤20 G/L, determined as the best cut-off rate for thrombocytopenia, performed similarly to the Coppo score and better than the PLASMIC score to differentiate TTP from non-TTP patients, both using AUC ROC curve and logistic regression. In a monocentric cohort of TMA patients requiring ICU admission, the PLASMIC score had limited performance for the diagnosis of TTP. The performance of the Coppo score was good but similar to a single highly discriminant item: platelet count ≤20 G/L at admission.