bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A selective and atom-economic rearrangement of uridine by cascade biocatalysis for production of pseudouridine
Authors: Pfeiffer Martin , Ribar Andrej , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs a crucial factor of their therapeutic efficacy, the currently marketed mRNA vaccines feature uniform substitution of uridine (U) by the corresponding C-nucleoside, pseudouridine (Ψ), in 1-N-methylated form. Synthetic supply of the mRNA building block (1-N-Me-Ψ−5’-triphosphate) involves expedient access to Ψ as the principal challenge. Here, we show selective and atom-economic 1N-5C rearrangement of β-d-ribosyl on uracil to obtain Ψ from unprotected U in quantitative yield. One-pot cascade transformation of U in four enzyme-catalyzed steps, via d-ribose (Rib)-1-phosphate, Rib-5-phosphate (Rib5P) and Ψ-5’-phosphate (ΨMP), gives Ψ. Coordinated function of the coupled enzymes in the overall rearrangement necessitates specific release of phosphate from the ΨMP, but not from the intermediary ribose phosphates. Discovery of Yjjg as ΨMP-specific phosphatase enables internally controlled regeneration of phosphate as catalytic reagent. With driving force provided from the net N-C rearrangement, the optimized U reaction yields a supersaturated product solution (∼250 g/L) from which the pure Ψ crystallizes (90% recovery). Scale up to 25 g isolated product at enzyme turnovers of ∼105 mol/mol demonstrates a robust process technology, promising for Ψ production. Our study identifies a multistep rearrangement reaction, realized by cascade biocatalysis, for C-nucleoside synthesis in high efficiency.
Ultra-stretchable and biodegradable elastomers for soft, transient electronics
Authors: Han Won Bae , Ko Gwan-Jin , Lee Kang-Gon , Kim Donghak , Lee Joong Hoon , Yang Seung Min , Kim Dong-Je , Shin Jeong-Woong , Jang Tae-Min , Han Sungkeun , Zhou Honglei , Kang Heeseok , Lim Jun Hyeon , Rajaram Kaveti , Cheng Huanyu , Park Yong-Doo , Kim Soo Hyun , Hwang Suk-Won 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs rubber-like elastomers have led to scientific breakthroughs in soft, stretchable characteristics-based wearable, implantable electronic devices or relevant research fields, developments of degradable elastomers with comparable mechanical properties could bring similar technological innovations in transient, bioresorbable electronics or expansion into unexplored areas. Here, we introduce ultra-stretchable, biodegradable elastomers capable of stretching up to ~1600% with outstanding properties in toughness, tear-tolerance, and storage stability, all of which are validated by comprehensive mechanical and biochemical studies. The facile formation of thin films enables the integration of almost any type of electronic device with tunable, suitable adhesive strengths. Conductive elastomers tolerant/sensitive to mechanical deformations highlight possibilities for versatile monitoring/sensing components, particularly the strain-tolerant composites retain high levels of conductivities even under tensile strains of ~550%. Demonstrations of soft electronic grippers and transient, suture-free cardiac jackets could be the cornerstone for sophisticated, multifunctional biodegradable electronics in the fields of soft robots and biomedical implants.
Magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroics probed by optical second harmonic generation
Authors: Xu Shuai , Wang Jiesu , Chen Pan , Jin Kuijuan , Ma Cheng , Wu Shiyao , Guo Erjia , Ge Chen , Wang Can , Xu Xiulai , Yao Hongbao , Wang Jingyi , Xie Donggang , Wang Xinyan , Chang Kai , Bai Xuedong , Yang Guozhen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMagnetoelectric coupling, as a fundamental physical nature and with the potential to add functionality to devices while also reducing energy consumption, has been challenging to be probed in freestanding membranes or two-dimensional materials due to their instability and fragility. In this paper, we report a magnetoelectric coupling probed by optical second harmonic generation with external magnetic field, and show the manipulation of the ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orders by the magnetic and thermal fields in BiFeO3 films epitaxially grown on the substrates and in the freestanding ones. Here we define an optical magnetoelectric-coupling constant, denoting the ability of controlling light-induced nonlinear polarization by the magnetic field, and found the magnetoelectric-coupling was suppressed by strain releasing but remain robust against thermal fluctuation for freestanding BiFeO3.
Single-cell adaptations shape evolutionary transitions to multicellularity in green algae
Authors: Cornwallis Charlie K. , Svensson-Coelho Maria , Lindh Markus , Li Qinyang , Stábile Franca , Hansson Lars-Anders , Rengefors Karin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe evolution of multicellular life has played a pivotal role in shaping biological diversity. However, we know surprisingly little about the natural environmental conditions that favour the formation of multicellular groups. Here we experimentally examine how key environmental factors (predation, nitrogen and water turbulence) combine to influence multicellular group formation in 35 wild unicellular green algae strains (19 Chlorophyta species). All environmental factors induced the formation of multicellular groups (more than four cells), but there was no evidence this was adaptive, as multicellularity (% cells in groups) was not related to population growth rate under any condition. Instead, population growth was related to extracellular matrix (ECM) around single cells and palmelloid formation, a unicellular life-cycle stage where two to four cells are retained within a mother-cell wall after mitosis. ECM production increased with nitrogen levels resulting in more cells being in palmelloids and higher rates of multicellular group formation. Examining the distribution of 332 algae species across 478 lakes monitored over 55 years, showed that ECM and nitrogen availability also predicted patterns of obligate multicellularity in nature. Our results highlight that adaptations of unicellular organisms to cope with environmental challenges may be key to understanding evolutionary routes to multicellular life.
Direct observation of Earth’s spectral long-wave feedback parameter
Authors: Roemer Florian E. , Buehler Stefan A. , Brath Manfred , Kluft Lukas , John Viju O. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe spectral long-wave feedback parameter represents how Earth’s outgoing long-wave radiation adjusts to temperature changes and directly impacts Earth’s climate sensitivity. Most research so far has focused on the spectral integral of the feedback parameter. Spectrally resolving the feedback parameter permits inferring information about the vertical distribution of long-wave feedbacks, thus gaining a better understanding of the underlying processes. However, investigations of the spectral long-wave feedback parameter have so far been limited mostly to model studies. Here we show that it is possible to directly observe the global mean all-sky spectral long-wave feedback parameter using satellite observations of seasonal and interannual variability. We find that spectral bands subject to strong water-vapour absorption exhibit a substantial stabilizing net feedback. We demonstrate that part of this stabilizing feedback is caused by the change of relative humidity with warming, the radiative fingerprints of which can be directly observed. Therefore, our findings emphasize the importance of better understanding processes affecting the present distribution and future trends in relative humidity. This observational constraint on the spectral long-wave feedback parameter can be used to evaluate the representation of long-wave feedbacks in global climate models and to better constrain Earth’s climate sensitivity.
Orthogonal cytokine engineering enables novel synthetic effector states escaping canonical exhaustion in tumor-rejecting CD8+ T cells
Authors: Corria-Osorio Jesus , Carmona Santiago J. , Stefanidis Evangelos , Andreatta Massimo , Ortiz-Miranda Yaquelin , Muller Tania , Rota Ioanna A. , Crespo Isaac , Seijo Bili , Castro Wilson , Jimenez-Luna Cristina , Scarpellino Leonardo , Ronet Catherine , Spill Aodrenn , Lanitis Evripidis , Romero Pedro , Luther Sanjiv A. , Irving Melita , Coukos George 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo date, no immunotherapy approaches have managed to fully overcome T-cell exhaustion, which remains a mandatory fate for chronically activated effector cells and a major therapeutic challenge. Understanding how to reprogram CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes away from exhausted effector states remains an elusive goal. Our work provides evidence that orthogonal gene engineering of T cells to secrete an interleukin (IL)-2 variant binding the IL-2Rβγ receptor and the alarmin IL-33 reprogrammed adoptively transferred T cells to acquire a novel, synthetic effector state, which deviated from canonical exhaustion and displayed superior effector functions. These cells successfully overcame homeostatic barriers in the host and led—in the absence of lymphodepletion or exogenous cytokine support—to high levels of engraftment and tumor regression. Our work unlocks a new opportunity of rationally engineering synthetic CD8+ T-cell states endowed with the ability to avoid exhaustion and control advanced solid tumors.
Simulation-based estimates and projections of global, regional and country-level maternal mortality by cause, 1990–2050
Authors: Ward Zachary J. , Atun Rifat , King Gary , Sequeira Dmello Brenda , Goldie Sue J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMaternal mortality is a major global health challenge. Although progress has been made globally in reducing maternal deaths, measurement remains challenging given the many causes and frequent underreporting of maternal deaths. We developed the Global Maternal Health microsimulation model for women in 200 countries and territories, accounting for individual fertility preferences and clinical histories. Demographic, epidemiologic, clinical and health system data were synthesized from multiple sources, including the medical literature, Civil Registration Vital Statistics systems and Demographic and Health Survey data. We calibrated the model to empirical data from 1990 to 2015 and assessed the predictive accuracy of our model using indicators from 2016 to 2020. We projected maternal health indicators from 1990 to 2050 for each country and estimate that between 1990 and 2020 annual global maternal deaths declined by over 40% from 587,500 (95% uncertainty intervals (UI) 520,600–714,000) to 337,600 (95% UI 307,900–364,100), and are projected to decrease to 327,400 (95% UI 287,800–360,700) in 2030 and 320,200 (95% UI 267,100–374,600) in 2050. The global maternal mortality ratio is projected to decline to 167 (95% UI 142–188) in 2030, with 58 countries above 140, suggesting that on current trends, maternal mortality Sustainable Development Goal targets are unlikely to be met. Building on the development of our structural model, future research can identify context-specific policy interventions that could allow countries to accelerate reductions in maternal deaths.
A new open, high-resolution, multishell, diffusion-weighted imaging dataset of the living squirrel monkey
Authors: Orset Thomas , Royo Julie , Santin Mathieu David , Pouget Pierre , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAlthough very well adapted to brain study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) remains limited by the facilities and capabilities required to acquire data, especially for non-human primates. Addressing the data gaps resulting from these limitations requires making data more accessible and open. In contempt of the regular use of Saimiri sciureus in neuroscience research, in vivo diffusion has yet to be openly available for this species. Here we built and made openly available a unique new resource consisting of a high-resolution, multishell diffusion-weighted dataset in the anesthetized Saimiri sciureus. The data were acquired on 11 individuals with an 11.7 T MRI scanner (isotropic resolution of 400 µm3). This paper presents an overview of our dataset and illustrates some of its possible use through example analyses. To assess the quality of our data, we analyzed long-range connections (whole-brain tractography), microstructure (Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging), and axon diameter in the corpus callosum (ActiveAx). Constituting an essential new resource for primate evolution studies, all data are openly available.
Infrasound detection of approaching lahars
Authors: Johnson J. B. , Roca A. , Pineda A. , Mérida R. , Escobar-Wolf R. , Anderson J. F. , Mock J. , Bosa A. , Bejar G. , P. Waite G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractInfrasound may be used to detect the approach of hazardous volcanic mudflows, known as lahars, tens of minutes before their flow fronts arrive. We have analyzed signals from more than 20 secondary lahars caused by precipitation events at Fuego Volcano during Guatemala’s rainy season in May through October of 2022. We are able to quantify the capabilities of infrasound monitoring through comparison with seismic data, time lapse camera imagery, and high-resolution video of a well-recorded event on August 17. We determine that infrasound sensors, deployed adjacent to the lahar path and in small-aperture (10 s of meters) arrays, are particularly sensitive to remote detection of lahars, including small-sized events, at distances of at least 5 km. At Fuego Volcano these detections could be used to provide timely alerts of up to 30 min before lahars arrive at a downstream monitoring site, such as in the frequently impacted Ceniza drainage. We propose that continuous infrasound monitoring, from locations adjacent to a drainage, may complement seismic monitoring and serve as a valuable tool to help identify approaching hazards. On the other hand, infrasound arrays located a kilometer or more from the lahar path can be effectively used to track a lahar’s progression.
A Mozambican marine protected area provides important habitat for vulnerable pelagic sharks
Authors: Murie Calum J. G. , Lebrato Mario , Lawrence Andrew , Brown James , Gavard Livia , Bowles Karen R. , Jije Mauro G. , Dicken Matt , Oliver Simon P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPelagic sharks play key roles in marine ecosystems, but are increasingly threatened by human extraction, habitat degradation and mismanagement. We investigated the use of protected and unprotected coastal habitats by bull (Carcharhinus leucas) and oceanic blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) sharks in southern Mozambique. Five INNOVASEA VR2W-69 kHz acoustic receivers were positioned in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP) as well as one to the south of the park’s boundaries. Seven receivers were also deployed 250 km south in the Inhambane estuary and on reef sites off Praia de Tofo. Twelve bull, and six oceanic blacktip sharks, were fitted with INNOVASEA V16 acoustic tags, which generated 933 detections of bull and 12,381 detections of oceanic blacktip sharks over a period of 1391 days. A generalised additive model was used to estimate the effects of seven spatiotemporal and environmental parameters on the frequency of each species’ detections. In general, calculated residency indices were highest around the locations monitored in the BANP and one unprotected location off Tofo. Both species were more abundant across the monitored sites, during the summer when water temperatures were ~ 27 °C, when the moon was < 50% illuminated, and when the tide was rising. Detections coincided with each species’ reproductive season indicating that both species may be reproductively active in the BANP region. Oceanic blacktip sharks were largely resident and so fisheries management may significantly benefit their population(s) around certain reef habitats in the BANP. The low residency and seasonal detections of bull sharks indicates that they may be transient and so effective conservation may require coordination between regional fisheries managers.
Molecular mechanism underlying the increased risk of colorectal cancer metastasis caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms in LI-cadherin gene
Authors: Yui Anna , Kuroda Daisuke , Maruno Takahiro , Nakakido Makoto , Nagatoishi Satoru , Uchiyama Susumu , Tsumoto Kouhei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLI-cadherin is a member of the cadherin superfamily. LI-cadherin mediates Ca2+-dependent cell–cell adhesion through homodimerization. A previous study reported two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the LI-cadherin-coding gene (CDH17). These SNPs correspond to the amino acid changes of Lys115 to Glu and Glu739 to Ala. Patients with colorectal cancer carrying these SNPs are reported to have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis than patients without the SNPs. Although proteins associated with metastasis have been identified, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of these proteins remain unclear, making it difficult to develop effective strategies to prevent metastasis. In this study, we employed biochemical assays and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the amino acid changes caused by the SNPs in the LI-cadherin-coding gene increase the risk of metastasis. Cell aggregation assays showed that the amino acid changes weakened the LI-cadherin-dependent cell–cell adhesion. In vitro assays demonstrated a decrease in homodimerization tendency and MD simulations suggested an alteration in the intramolecular hydrogen bond network by the mutation of Lys115. Taken together, our results indicate that the increased risk of lymph node metastasis is due to weakened cell–cell adhesion caused by the decrease in homodimerization tendency.
Morphologic analysis of the 1st and 2nd tarsometatarsal joint articular surfaces
Authors: Requist Melissa R. , Rolvien Tim , Barg Alexej , Lenz Amy L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis is used to treat a variety of injuries and deformities in the midfoot. However, the surgical technique has not been optimized, in part due to limited knowledge of morphologic features and variation in the related joints. Previous research has relied primarily on dissection-based anatomical analysis, but quantitative imaging may allow for a more sophisticated description of this complex. Here, we used quantitative micro-CT imaging to examine dimensions, distance maps, and curvature of the four articular surfaces in the first and second tarsometatarsal joints. Image segmentation, articular surface identification, and anatomic coordinate systems were all done with semi or fully automatic methods, and distance and size measurements were all taken utilizing these anatomic planes. Surface curvature was studied using Gaussian curvature and a newly defined measure of curvature similarity on the whole joint and on four subregions of each surface. These data show larger articular surfaces on the cuneiforms, rather than metatarsals, and define the generally tall and narrow articular surfaces seen in these joints. Curvature analysis shows minimally curved opposing convex surfaces. Our results are valuable for furthering knowledge of surgical anatomy in this poorly understood region of the foot.
Organic buffers act as reductants of abiotic and biogenic manganese oxides
Authors: Hausladen Debra M. , Peña Jasquelin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractProton activity is the master variable in many biogeochemical reactions. To control pH, laboratory studies involving redox-sensitive minerals like manganese (Mn) oxides frequently use organic buffers (typically Good’s buffers); however, two Good’s buffers, HEPES and MES, have been shown to reduce Mn(IV) to Mn(III). Because Mn(III) strongly controls mineral reactivity, avoiding experimental artefacts that increase Mn(III) content is critical to avoid confounding results. Here, we quantified the extent of Mn reduction upon reaction between Mn oxides and several Good’s buffers (MES, pKa = 6.10; PIPES, pKa = 6.76; MOPS, pKa = 7.28; HEPES, pKa = 7.48) and TRIS (pKa = 8.1) buffer. For δ-MnO2, Mn reduction was rapid, with up to 35% solid-phase Mn(III) generated within 1 h of reaction with Good’s buffers; aqueous Mn was minimal in all Good’s buffers experiments except those where pH was one unit below the buffer pKa and the reaction proceeded for 24 h. Additionally, the extent of Mn reduction after 24 h increased in the order MES < MOPS < PIPES < HEPES << TRIS. Of the variables tested, the initial Mn(II,III) content had the greatest effect on susceptibility to reduction, such that Mn reduction scaled inversely with the initial average oxidation number (AMON) of the oxide. For biogenic Mn oxides, which consist of a mixture of Mn oxides, bacterial cells and extracelluar polymeric substances, the extent of Mn reduction was lower than predicted from experiments using abiotic analogs and may result from biotic re-oxidation of reduced Mn or a difference in the reducibility of abiotic versus biogenic oxides. The results from this study show that organic buffers, including morpholinic and piperazinic Good’s buffers and TRIS, should be avoided for pH control in Mn oxide systems due to their ability to transfer electrons to Mn, which modifies the composition and reactivity of these redox-active minerals.
Biocompatible memristive device based on an agarose@gold nanoparticle-nanocomposite layer obtained from nature for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Kim Youngjin , An Jun Seop , Lee Donghee , Ryu Seong Yeon , Hwang Yoon-Chul , Kim Dae Hun , Kim Tae Whan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNatural, organic, materials-based artificial synaptic devices have been in the spotlight for wearable/flexible devices due to their lightweight, biocompatibility, and scalability. In this study, an electronic memristive device based on agarose extracted from plants in the Rhodophyceae class was fabricated, and its memory characteristics and analog data processing capabilities were evaluated. The Al/agarose@gold nanoparticle (AuNP) film/indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-structured memristive device exhibited reliable resistive switching characteristics with excellent retention with a large Ron/Roff ratio of 104. Also, analog conductance changes in our device were achieved with power consumption at the pJ level. This notable behavior could be maintained under mechanical deformations from a flat to a 4-mm bent state. In the recognition simulation based on the device's performance, an 91% accuracy and clear digit classification were achieved.