bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signatures of hot carriers and hot phonons in the re-entrant metallic and semiconducting states of Moiré-gapped graphene
Authors: Nathawat Jubin , Mansaray Ishiaka , Sakanashi Kohei , Wada Naoto , Randle Michael D. , Yin Shenchu , He Keke , Arabchigavkani Nargess , Dixit Ripudaman , Barut Bilal , Zhao Miao , Ramamoorthy Harihara , Somphonsane Ratchanok , Kim Gil-Ho , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Aoki Nobuyuki , Han Jong E. , Bird Jonathan P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStacking of graphene with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) can dramatically modify its bands from their usual linear form, opening a series of narrow minigaps that are separated by wider minibands. While the resulting spectrum offers strong potential for use in functional (opto)electronic devices, a proper understanding of the dynamics of hot carriers in these bands is a prerequisite for such applications. In this work, we therefore apply a strategy of rapid electrical pulsing to drive carriers in graphene/h-BN heterostructures deep into the dissipative limit of strong electron-phonon coupling. By using electrical gating to move the chemical potential through the “Moiré bands”, we demonstrate a cyclical evolution between metallic and semiconducting states. This behavior is captured in a self-consistent model of non-equilibrium transport that considers the competition of electrically driven inter-band tunneling and hot-carrier scattering by strongly non-equilibrium phonons. Overall, our results demonstrate how a treatment of the dynamics of both hot carriers and hot phonons is essential to understanding the properties of functional graphene superlattices.
Anisotropy oxidation behavior and mechanism of textured Ti3(SiAl)C2 ceramic
Authors: He Guangqi , Zhang Xintao , Wang Wenting , Ma Ke , Zuo Jun , Li Meishuan , Liu Changsheng , Xu Jingjun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAdjusting the grain growth orientation may be a feasible way to improve the oxidation resistance. In this work, textured Ti3(SiAl)C2 ceramic was successfully fabricated via the spark plasma sintering technique. The crystal orientation and microstructure were investigated by XRD combined with EBSD. The oxidation behavior of textured Ti3(SiAl)C2 was investigated at 1000–1300 °C for 10 h. The results showed that the oxidation was significantly anisotropic and the surface parallel to the compression direction exhibited better oxidation resistance below 1200 °C. The improved oxidation resistance was primarily attributed to the formation of passivated Al2O3 scale by rapid out-diffusion of Al elements on the orientated (hko) planes in textured Ti3(SiAl)C2. The formation of oxide scales was strongly dependent on the crystallographic orientation of Ti3(SiAl)C2.
DBS-evoked cortical responses index optimal contact orientations and motor outcomes in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Spooner Rachel K. , Bahners Bahne H. , Schnitzler Alfons , Florin Esther 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlthough subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a highly-effective treatment for alleviating motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), clinicians currently lack reliable neurophysiological correlates of clinical outcomes for optimizing DBS parameter settings, which may contribute to treatment inefficacies. One parameter that could aid DBS efficacy is the orientation of current administered, albeit the precise mechanisms underlying optimal contact orientations and associated clinical benefits are not well understood. Herein, 24 PD patients received monopolar stimulation of the left STN during magnetoencephalography and standardized movement protocols to interrogate the directional specificity of STN-DBS current administration on accelerometer metrics of fine hand movements. Our findings demonstrate that optimal contact orientations elicit larger DBS-evoked cortical responses in the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, and importantly, are differentially predictive of smoother movement profiles in a contact-dependent manner. Moreover, we summarize traditional evaluations of clinical efficacy (e.g., therapeutic windows, side effects) for a comprehensive review of optimal/non-optimal STN-DBS contact settings. Together, these data suggest that DBS-evoked cortical responses and quantitative movement outcomes may provide clinical insight for characterizing the optimal DBS parameters necessary for alleviating motor symptoms in patients with PD in the future.
Predictive and prognostic value of leptin status in asthma
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhu Ruochen , Shi Wenjing , Mao Song 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAsthma is closely associated with inflammation. We evaluated the predictive and prognostic value of leptin status in asthma. We searched the electronic databases for articles that determined the leptin level in asthma cases through May 2020. We compared the differences of leptin level between asthma and non-asthma controls, as well as between severe and mild asthma cases. We also investigated the impact of age and gender on these differences by using meta-regression analysis. 59 studies were included in our pooled analysis. Asthma cases demonstrated significantly higher leptin level than that in non-asthma controls among overall populations (SMD:1.061, 95% CI: 0.784–1.338, p < 10−4), Caucasians (SMD:0.287, 95% CI: 0.125–0.448, p = 0.001), Asians (SMD:1.500, 95% CI: 1.064–1.936, p < 10−4) and Africans (SMD: 8.386, 95% CI: 6.519–10.253, p < 10−4). Severe asthma cases showed markedly higher leptin level than that in mild asthma cases among overall populations (SMD:1.638, 95% CI: 0.952–2.323, p < 10–4) and Asians (SMD:2.600, 95% CI: 1.854–3.345, p < 10–4). No significant difference of leptin level between severe and mild asthma was observed in Caucasians (SMD:−0.819, 95% CI: −1.998–0.360, p = 0.173). Cumulative analyses yielded similar results regarding the difference of leptin status between asthma and non-asthma controls, as well as between severe and mild asthma cases among overall populations. Age and male/ female ratio were not associated with the difference of leptin status between asthma and non-asthma controls (coefficient:−0.031, 95% CI: −0.123–0.061, p = 0.495; coefficient:0.172, 95% CI: −2.445–2.789, p = 0.895), as well as between severe and mild asthma cases among overall populations (coefficient:−0.072, 95% CI: −0.208–0.063, p = 0.279; coefficient: 2.373, 95% CI: −0.414–5.161, p = 0.090). Asthma demonstrated significantly higher level of leptin than that in non-asthma controls among overall populations, Caucasians, Asians and Africans. Severe asthma cases showed markedly higher leptin level than that in mild cases among overall populations and Asians. Leptin may be a risk predictor and prognostic marker of asthma. Early monitoring and intervention of leptin may be needed for asthma.
Flexomagnetic noncollinear state with a plumb line shape spin configuration in edged two-dimensional magnetic CrI3
Authors: Qiu Guotao , Li Zongjin , Zhou Kun , Cai Yongqing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe flexomagnetic effect involves the coupling of inhomogeneous mechanical and magnetic excitations to generate exotic spin orders. The intrinsic edge stress associated with lifting of periodic degeneracy at surfaces or edges in nanostructures facilitates the flexocoupling effects. Here, we combine first-principles calculation and Maximum Information Coefficient (MIC) statistics to quantitatively reveal the impact of bending on the geometries, spin ordering state, and exchange interactions in chromium triiodide (CrI3) nanoribbons. Our results reveal a divergent magnetic ground state at small curvature but a plumb line shape noncollinear state at large curvatures. More importantly, our work establishes a gradient dependence of the exchange coupling on the locally asymmetric bending angles of the Cr-I-Cr hinge, governed by the coupling of the t2g and eg states of Cr. The superexchange gradient accompanied with the bending-induced inhomogeneous deformation sheds light on the evolution of magnetic ordering associated with asymmetric coordinating systems for sensors and spintronics.
VEGF dose controls the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in engineered bone
Authors: Grosso Andrea , Lunger Alexander , Burger Maximilian G. , Briquez Priscilla S. , Mai Francesca , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Schaefer Dirk J. , Banfi Andrea , Di Maggio Nunzia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) physiologically regulates both angiogenesis and osteogenesis, but its application in bone tissue engineering led to contradictory outcomes. A poorly understood aspect is how VEGF dose impacts the coordination between these two processes. Taking advantage of a unique and highly tunable platform, here we dissected the effects of VEGF dose over a 1,000-fold range in the context of tissue-engineered osteogenic grafts. We found that osteo-angiogenic coupling is exquisitely dependent on VEGF dose and that only a tightly defined dose range could stimulate both vascular invasion and osteogenic commitment of progenitors, with significant improvement in bone formation. Further, VEGF dose regulated Notch1 activation and the induction of a specific pro-osteogenic endothelial phenotype, independently of the promotion of vascular invasion. Therefore, in a therapeutic perspective, fine-tuning of VEGF dose in the signaling microenvironment is key to ensure physiological coupling of accelerated vascular invasion and improved bone formation.
Sex differences in brainstem structure volumes in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Aoyama Shintaro , Okuda Hiroto , Furuzawa Natsu , Yoneda Hirokage , Fujikane Daisuke , Takai Kentaro , Kuramitsu Ayumi , Muto Yukimasa , Sugiyama Shunsuke , Shioiri Toshiki , Ohi Kazutaka 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPatients with schizophrenia (SZ) display moderate reductions in brainstem volumes, including the midbrain, pons, superior cerebellar peduncle, and medulla oblongata. Here, we investigated alterations in brainstem volumes between SZ patients and healthy controls (HCs) stratified by sex. T1-weighted MRI brain scans were processed with FreeSurfer v6.0 in 156 SZ patients (61 males/95 females) and 205 HCs (133/72). Of the brainstem structures, pons volumes were significantly reduced, particularly in male SZ patients. The decreased pons volumes were correlated with lower levels of education but not duration of illness in male patients. These findings suggest that the reduction in pons volume in male patients might be occurred before or around the onset of the disorder.
Systems serology-based comparison of antibody effector functions induced by adjuvanted vaccines to guide vaccine design
Authors: Loos Carolin , Coccia Margherita , Didierlaurent Arnaud M. , Essaghir Ahmed , Fallon Jonathan K. , Lauffenburger Douglas , Luedemann Corinne , Michell Ashlin , van der Most Robbert , Zhu Alex Lee , Alter Galit , Burny Wivine 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe mechanisms by which antibodies confer protection vary across vaccines, ranging from simple neutralization to functions requiring innate immune recruitment via Fc-dependent mechanisms. The role of adjuvants in shaping the maturation of antibody-effector functions remains under investigated. Using systems serology, we compared adjuvants in licensed vaccines (AS01B/AS01E/AS03/AS04/Alum) combined with a model antigen. Antigen-naive adults received two adjuvanted immunizations followed by late revaccination with fractional-dosed non-adjuvanted antigen (NCT00805389). A dichotomy in response quantities/qualities emerged post-dose 2 between AS01B/AS01E/AS03 and AS04/Alum, based on four features related to immunoglobulin titers or Fc-effector functions. AS01B/E and AS03 induced similar robust responses that were boosted upon revaccination, suggesting that memory B-cell programming by the adjuvanted vaccinations dictated responses post non-adjuvanted boost. AS04 and Alum induced weaker responses, that were dissimilar with enhanced functionalities for AS04. Distinct adjuvant classes can be leveraged to tune antibody-effector functions, where selective vaccine formulation using adjuvants with different immunological properties may direct antigen-specific antibody functions.
Hepatitis C virus E1 and modified E2 delivered from an mRNA vaccine induces protective immunity
Authors: Patra Tapas , Meyer Keith , Haga Yuki , Reagan Erin K. , Weissman Drew , Ray Ranjit 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is characterized by a high number of chronic cases due to an impairment of protective innate and adaptive immune responses. Here, we examined the contribution of the individual ectodomains of E1, E2, or a modified E2 with reduced CD81 binding and an inserted N-linked glycosylation site in combination as vaccine antigen mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The induction of a protective immune response to surrogate recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) expressing homologous HCV glycoprotein(s) challenge infection in a BALB/c mouse model was observed. Vaccination with a mRNA-LNP expressing soluble E1 (sE1) significantly reduced vv/HCV titer in the mouse ovary. However, the addition of sE2 mRNA-LNP for immunization impaired the efficacy of the sE1 construct. Further analysis showed that Th1 related cytokine responses to the sE1 mRNA-LNP were significantly altered in the presence of sE2 following co-immunization. Evaluation of immunogenicity revealed that the use of modified sE2F442NYT nucleoside mRNA-LNP vaccine results in an improved cellular immune response, IgG2a isotype switching, enhanced total IgG, and an increase in the neutralizing antibody response against HCV pseudotype virus. HCV cross genotype specific reactivity to peptides representing conserved E2 specific linear epitopes were enhanced in modified E2 vaccinated animal sera. In the absence of a suitable immunocompetent small animal model for HCV infection, protection from surrogate HCV vaccinia challenge infection model was observed in the immunized mice as compared to sE1 alone or an unmodified sE2 mRNA-LNP vaccine. Inclusion of sE1 with modified sE2F442NYT as mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate appeared to be beneficial for protection.
Halloysite nanotubes for regulating thermodynamics and kinetics of polysulfone/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) membranes with enhanced permeability
Authors: Kadanyo Sania , Matindi Christine N. , Gumbi Nozipho N. , Dlamini Derrick S. , Hu Yunxia , Cui Zhenyu , He Benqiao , Mamba Bhekie B. , Li Jianxin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractControlling membrane morphology is crucial to improving the mechanical strength (MS) and hydrophilicity of porous membranes. Here we report on the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) free of macrovoids via non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Hydrophilic Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) were mixed with Hydrophobic polysulfone (PSF) in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to fabricate MMMs. The results showed the formation of PSF/EVOH-MMMs with a spongy structure when the content of HNTs varied from 0.06- 0.12 wt.%, owing to the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between PSF, EVOH, PEG, and HNTs, confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MS of MMMs with 0.12 wt.% HNTs was increased 2.2-fold (up to 6.22 MPa), while the contact angle (CA) was lowest at 47.42 ± 1.9°. In addition, the water permeability increased by a factor of 1.7 up to 419 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. The rejection rates of MMMs (M12) for oil and BSA were >90% and >95%, respectively. While the MMMs had > 90% flux recovery for both oil and BSA. We predict that this study will provide a method for controlling dope thermodynamics, formation dynamics, and morphology of MMMs while maintaining promising properties for improved separation performance.
Metal oxide single-component light-powered micromotors for photocatalytic degradation of nitroaromatic pollutants
Authors: Peng Xia , Urso Mario , Pumera Martin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMass transfer is a key parameter in heterogeneous reactions. Micro/nanomachines, a promising technology for environmental applications, significantly enhance the performance of conventional purification treatments because of the active motion ability and thus enhanced diffusion (superdiffusion) of these photocatalysts, which in turn leads to dramatically improved mass transfer and higher degradation capability compared to stationary microparticles. However, the design of micromotors generally involves noble metals, for instance, Au and Pt, to achieve an effective autonomous motion. Considering the expensive fabrication cost and complicated steps, we present Pt-free single-component light-powered WO3 micromotors capable of enhanced diffusion and effective degradation of nitroaromatic compounds in water. These microswimmers, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, which is highly scalable at low cost, followed by calcination, exhibit fuel-free light-driven motion due to asymmetric light irradiation. Picric acid (PA) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) were selected as representative nitroaromatic contaminants and photocatalytically decomposed by WO3 micromotors thanks to the close contact with the micromotors promoted by their self-propulsion. This work provides a low-cost, sustainable, scalable method for enhancing mass transfer by creating moving catalysts with broad application potential for water cleanup.
A multi-organoid platform identifies CIART as a key factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Tang Xuming , Xue Dongxiang , Zhang Tuo , Nilsson-Payant Benjamin E. , Carrau Lucia , Duan Xiaohua , Gordillo Miriam , Tan Adrian Y. , Qiu Yunping , Xiang Jenny , Schwartz Robert E. , tenOever Benjamin R. , Evans Todd , Chen Shuibing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCOVID-19 is a systemic disease involving multiple organs. We previously established a platform to derive organoids and cells from human pluripotent stem cells to model SARS-CoV-2 infection and perform drug screens1,2. This provided insight into cellular tropism and the host response, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating SARS-CoV-2 infection remain poorly defined. Here we systematically examined changes in transcript profiles caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection at different multiplicities of infection for lung airway organoids, lung alveolar organoids and cardiomyocytes, and identified several genes that are generally implicated in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, including CIART, the circadian-associated repressor of transcription. Lung airway organoids, lung alveolar organoids and cardiomyocytes derived from isogenic CIART−/− human pluripotent stem cells were significantly resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection, independently of viral entry. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis further validated the decreased levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection in ciliated-like cells of lung airway organoids. CUT&RUN, ATAC-seq and RNA-sequencing analyses showed that CIART controls SARS-CoV-2 infection at least in part through the regulation of NR4A1, a gene also identified from the multi-organoid analysis. Finally, transcriptional profiling and pharmacological inhibition led to the discovery that the Retinoid X Receptor pathway regulates SARS-CoV-2 infection downstream of CIART and NR4A1. The multi-organoid platform identified the role of circadian-clock regulation in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which provides potential therapeutic targets for protection against COVID-19 across organ systems.
STING signalling is terminated through ESCRT-dependent microautophagy of vesicles originating from recycling endosomes
Authors: Kuchitsu Yoshihiko , Mukai Kojiro , Uematsu Rei , Takaada Yuki , Shinojima Ayumi , Shindo Ruri , Shoji Tsumugi , Hamano Shiori , Ogawa Emari , Sato Ryota , Miyake Kensuke , Kato Akihisa , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Nishitani-Isa Masahiko , Izawa Kazushi , Nishikomori Ryuta , Yasumi Takahiro , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Uemura Takefumi , Barber Glen N. , Arai Hiroyuki , Waguri Satoshi , Taguchi Tomohiko 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStimulator of interferon genes (STING) is essential for the type I interferon response against a variety of DNA pathogens. Upon emergence of cytosolic DNA, STING translocates from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi where STING activates the downstream kinase TBK1, then to lysosome through recycling endosomes (REs) for its degradation. Although the molecular machinery of STING activation is extensively studied and defined, the one underlying STING degradation and inactivation has not yet been fully elucidated. Here we show that STING is degraded by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-driven microautophagy. Airyscan super-resolution microscopy and correlative light/electron microscopy suggest that STING-positive vesicles of an RE origin are directly encapsulated into Lamp1-positive compartments. Screening of mammalian Vps genes, the yeast homologues of which regulate Golgi-to-vacuole transport, shows that ESCRT proteins are essential for the STING encapsulation into Lamp1-positive compartments. Knockdown of Tsg101 and Vps4, components of ESCRT, results in the accumulation of STING vesicles in the cytosol, leading to the sustained type I interferon response. Knockdown of Tsg101 in human primary T cells leads to an increase the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. STING undergoes K63-linked ubiquitination at lysine 288 during its transit through the Golgi/REs, and this ubiquitination is required for STING degradation. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism that prevents hyperactivation of innate immune signalling, which operates at REs.
Structural resolution of a small organic molecule by serial X-ray free-electron laser and electron crystallography
Authors: Takaba Kiyofumi , Maki-Yonekura Saori , Inoue Ichiro , Tono Kensuke , Hamaguchi Tasuku , Kawakami Keisuke , Naitow Hisashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Yabashi Makina , Yonekura Koji 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStructure analysis of small crystals is important in areas ranging from synthetic organic chemistry to pharmaceutical and material sciences, as many compounds do not yield large crystals. Here we present the detailed characterization of the structure of an organic molecule, rhodamine-6G, determined at a resolution of 0.82 Å by an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL). Direct comparison of this structure with that obtained by electron crystallography from the same sample batch of microcrystals shows that both methods can accurately distinguish the position of some of the hydrogen atoms, depending on the type of chemical bond in which they are involved. Variations in the distances measured by XFEL and electron diffraction reflect the expected differences in X-ray and electron scatterings. The reliability for atomic coordinates was found to be better with XFEL, but the electron beam showed a higher sensitivity to charges.
Bipotent transitional liver progenitor cells contribute to liver regeneration
Authors: Pu Wenjuan , Zhu Huan , Zhang Mingjun , Pikiolek Monika , Ercan Caner , Li Jie , Huang Xiuzhen , Han Ximeng , Zhang Zhenqian , Lv Zan , Li Yan , Liu Kuo , He Lingjuan , Liu Xiuxiu , Heim Markus H. , Terracciano Luigi M. , Tchorz Jan S. , Zhou Bin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFollowing severe liver injury, when hepatocyte-mediated regeneration is impaired, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) can transdifferentiate into functional hepatocytes. However, the subset of BECs with such facultative tissue stem cell potential, as well as the mechanisms enabling transdifferentiation, remains elusive. Here we identify a transitional liver progenitor cell (TLPC), which originates from BECs and differentiates into hepatocytes during regeneration from severe liver injury. By applying a dual genetic lineage tracing approach, we specifically labeled TLPCs and found that they are bipotent, as they either differentiate into hepatocytes or re-adopt BEC fate. Mechanistically, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling orchestrate BEC-to-TLPC and TLPC-to-hepatocyte conversions, respectively. Together, our study provides functional and mechanistic insights into transdifferentiation-assisted liver regeneration.