bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A GPCR-based yeast biosensor for biomedical, biotechnological, and point-of-use cannabinoid determination
Authors: Miettinen Karel , Leelahakorn Nattawat , Almeida Aldo , Zhao Yong , Hansen Lukas R. , Nikolajsen Iben E. , Andersen Jens B. , Givskov Michael , Staerk Dan , Bak Søren , Kampranis Sotirios C. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEukaryotic cells use G-protein coupled receptors to sense diverse signals, ranging from chemical compounds to light. Here, we exploit the remarkable sensing capacity of G-protein coupled receptors to construct yeast-based biosensors for real-life applications. To establish proof-of-concept, we focus on cannabinoids because of their neuromodulatory and immunomodulatory activities. We construct a CB2 receptor-based biosensor, optimize it to achieve high sensitivity and dynamic range, and prove its effectiveness in three applications of increasing difficulty. First, we screen a compound library to discover agonists and antagonists. Second, we analyze 54 plants to discover a new phytocannabinoid, dugesialactone. Finally, we develop a robust portable device, analyze body-fluid samples, and confidently detect designer drugs like JWH-018. These examples demonstrate the potential of yeast-based biosensors to enable diverse applications that can be implemented by non-specialists. Taking advantage of the extensive sensing repertoire of G-protein coupled receptors, this technology can be extended to detect numerous compounds.
The importance of DNAPKcs for blunt DNA end joining is magnified when XLF is weakened
Authors: Cisneros-Aguirre Metztli , Lopezcolorado Felicia Wednesday , Tsai Linda Jillianne , Bhargava Ragini , Stark Jeremy M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCanonical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ) factors can assemble into a long-range (LR) complex with DNA ends relatively far apart that contains DNAPKcs, XLF, XRCC4, LIG4, and the KU heterodimer and a short-range (SR) complex lacking DNAPKcs that has the ends positioned for ligation. Since the SR complex can form de novo, the role of the LR complex (i.e., DNAPKcs) for chromosomal EJ is unclear. We have examined EJ of chromosomal blunt DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and found that DNAPKcs is significantly less important than XLF for such EJ. However, weakening XLF via disrupting interaction interfaces causes a marked requirement for DNAPKcs, its kinase activity, and its ABCDE-cluster autophosphorylation sites for blunt DSB EJ. In contrast, other aspects of genome maintenance are sensitive to DNAPKcs kinase inhibition in a manner that is not further enhanced by XLF loss (i.e., suppression of homology-directed repair and structural variants, and IR-resistance). We suggest that DNAPKcs is required to position a weakened XLF in an LR complex that can transition into a functional SR complex for blunt DSB EJ, but also has distinct functions for other aspects of genome maintenance.
Low-cost synthesis of small molecule acceptors makes polymer solar cells commercially viable
Authors: Fu Hongyuan , Yao Jia , Zhang Ming , Xue Lingwei , Zhou Qiuju , Li Shangyu , Lei Ming , Meng Lei , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Li Yongfang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe acceptor-donor-acceptor (A–D–A) or A–DA’D–A structured small molecule acceptors (SMAs) have triggered substantial progress for polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, the high−cost of the SMAs impedes the commercial viability of such renewable energy, as their synthesis via the classical pyridine-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation usually suffers from low reaction efficiency and tedious purifying work-up. Herein, we developed a simple and cheap boron trifluoride etherate-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation for addressing this challenge, and found that the coupling of the aldehyde-terminated D unit and the A-end groups could be quantitatively finished in the presence of acetic anhydride within 15 minutes at room temperature. Compared with the conventional method, the high reaction efficiency of our method is related to the germinal diacetate pathway that is thermodynamically favorable to give the final products. For those high performing SMAs (such as ITIC-4F and Y6), the cost could be reduced by 50% compared with conventional preparation. In addition to the application in PSCs, our synthetic approach provides a facile and low-cost access to a wide range of D–A organic semiconductors for emerging technologies.
Separate luminous structures leading positive leader steps
Authors: Huang Shengxin , Chen Weijiang , Fu Zhong , Fu Yufei , Xiang Nianwen , Qiu Xinjie , Shi Weidong , Cheng Dengfeng , Zhang Zhiyuan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe physics governing the propagation of lightning leaders and long spark leaders is still not well understood. Positive and negative leaders seem to behave differently. Negative leaders develop in a step manner, guided by the separate luminous structures termed space stems and space leaders. Positive leaders, on the other hand, are generally thought to have no separate luminous structure involved in their propagation. However, a separate luminous structure observed in a positive leader discharge had been reported in recent literature, suggesting that positive leaders may similarly do steps to negative leaders under certain conditions. Here we report the observation of the positive leader step led by a separate luminous structure at high humidity in laboratory lightning-like discharges. We also found the streamer-like common zone connecting the primary leader channel with the separate luminous structure, as well as the bi-directional development of the separate luminous structure. We hope that these findings would contribute to a better understanding of the nature underlying positive long spark leaders and lightning leaders.
The 22q11.2 region regulates presynaptic gene-products linked to schizophrenia
Authors: Nehme Ralda , Pietiläinen Olli , Artomov Mykyta , Tegtmeyer Matthew , Valakh Vera , Lehtonen Leevi , Bell Christina , Singh Tarjinder , Trehan Aditi , Sherwood John , Manning Danielle , Peirent Emily , Malik Rhea , Guss Ellen J. , Hawes Derek , Beccard Amanda , Bara Anne M. , Hazelbaker Dane Z. , Zuccaro Emanuela , Genovese Giulio , Loboda Alexander A. , Neumann Anna , Lilliehook Christina , Kuismin Outi , Hamalainen Eija , Kurki Mitja , Hultman Christina M. , Kähler Anna K. , Paulo Joao A. , Ganna Andrea , Madison Jon , Cohen Bruce , McPhie Donna , Adolfsson Rolf , Perlis Roy , Dolmetsch Ricardo , Farhi Samouil , McCarroll Steven , Hyman Steven , Neale Ben , Barrett Lindy E. , Harper Wade , Palotie Aarno , Daly Mark , Eggan Kevin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIt is unclear how the 22q11.2 deletion predisposes to psychiatric disease. To study this, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells from deletion carriers and controls and utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce the heterozygous deletion into a control cell line. Here, we show that upon differentiation into neural progenitor cells, the deletion acted in trans to alter the abundance of transcripts associated with risk for neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. In excitatory neurons, altered transcripts encoded presynaptic factors and were associated with genetic risk for schizophrenia, including common and rare variants. To understand how the deletion contributed to these changes, we defined the minimal protein-protein interaction network that best explains gene expression alterations. We found that many genes in 22q11.2 interact in presynaptic, proteasome, and JUN/FOS transcriptional pathways. Our findings suggest that the 22q11.2 deletion impacts genes that may converge with psychiatric risk loci to influence disease manifestation in each deletion carrier.
Copper-catalyzed regio- and stereo-selective hydrosilylation of terminal allenes to access (E)-allylsilanes
Authors: Chen Shaowei , He Xiaoqian , Jin Yi , Lan Yu , Shen Xiao 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRegioselectivity and stereoselectivity control in hydrosilylation of terminal allenes is challeging. Although the selective synthesis of vinylsilanes, branched allylsilanes or linear (Z)-allylsilanes have been achieved, transition-metal catalyzed hydrosilylation of terminal allenes to access (E)-allylsilane is difficult. Herein, we report a copper-catalyzed selective hydrosilylation reaction of terminal allenes to access (E)-allylsilanes under mild reaction conditions. The reaction shows broad substrate scope, representing an efficient method to prepare trisubstituted (E)-allylsilanes through hydrosilylation reaction of allenes and can also be applied in the synthesis of disubstituted (E)-allylsilanes. The mechanism study reveals that the E-selectivity is kinetically controlled by the catalyst but not by the thermodynamically isomerization of the (Z)-isomer.
Tailoring the metal electrode morphology via electrochemical protocol optimization for long-lasting aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Li Qing , Chen Ao , Wang Donghong , Zhao Yuwei , Wang Xiaoqi , Jin Xu , Xiong Bo , Zhi Chunyi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAqueous zinc metal batteries are a viable candidate for cost-effective energy storage. However, the cycle life of the cell is adversely affected by the morphological evolution of the metal electrode surface upon prolonged cycling. Here, we investigate different electrochemical protocols to favour the formation of stable zinc metal electrode surface morphologies. By coupling electrochemical and optical microscopy measurements, we demonstrate that an initial zinc deposition on the metal electrode allows homogeneous stripping and plating processes during prolonged cycling in symmetric Zn||Zn cell. Interestingly, when an initially plated zinc metal electrode is tested in combination with a manganese dioxide-based positive electrode and a two molar zinc sulfate aqueous electrolyte solution in coin cell configuration, a specific discharge capacity of about 90 mAh g−1can be delivered after 2000 cycles at around 5.6 mA cm−2and 25 °C.
Hydroxyl radicals dominate reoxidation of oxide-derived Cu in electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Mu Shijia , Lu Honglei , Wu Qianbao , Li Lei , Zhao Ruijuan , Long Chang , Cui Chunhua 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCuδ+ sites on the surface of oxide-derived copper (OD-Cu) are of vital importance in electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the underlying reason for the dynamically existing Cuδ+ species, although thermodynamically unstable under reductive CO2RR conditions, remains uncovered. Here, by using electron paramagnetic resonance, we identify the highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals (OH•) formed at room temperature in HCO3- solutions. In combination with in situ Raman spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and isotope-labelling, we demonstrate a dynamic reduction/reoxidation behavior at the surface of OD-Cu and reveal that the fast oxygen exchange between HCO3- and H2O provides oxygen sources for the formation of OH• radicals. In addition, their continuous generations can cause spontaneous oxidation of Cu electrodes and produce surface CuOx species. Significantly, this work suggests that there is a “seesaw-effect” between the cathodic reduction and the OH•-induced reoxidation, determining the chemical state and content of Cuδ+ species in CO2RR. This insight is supposed to thrust an understanding of the crucial role of electrolytes in CO2RR.
Approaches for handling high-dimensional cluster expansions of ionic systems
Authors: Yang Julia H. , Chen Tina , Barroso-Luque Luis , Jadidi Zinab , Ceder Gerbrand 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDisordered multicomponent systems attract great interest due to their engineering design flexibility and subsequent rich space of properties. However, detailed characterization of the structure and atomic correlations remains challenging and hinders full navigation of these complex spaces. A lattice cluster expansion is one tool to obtain configurational and energetic resolution. While in theory a cluster expansion can be applied to any system of any dimensionality, the method has primarily been used in binary systems or ternary alloys. Here we apply cluster expansions in high-component ionic systems, setting up the largest cluster expansion ever attempted to our knowledge. In doing so, we address and discuss challenges specific to high-component ionic systems, namely charge state assignments, structural relaxations, and rank-deficient systems. We introduce practical procedures to make the fitting and analysis of complex systems tractable, providing guidance for future computational studies of disordered ionic systems.
Nanomechanical cat states generated by a dc voltage-driven Cooper pair box qubit
Authors: Radić Danko , Choi Sang-Jun , Park Hee Chul , Suh Junho , Shekhter Robert I. , Gorelik Leonid Y. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe study a nanoelectromechanical system consisting of a Cooper pair box qubit performing nanomechanical vibrations between two bulk superconductors. We demonstrate that a bias voltage applied to the superconductors may generate states represented by entanglement between qubit states and quantum ’cat states’, i.e. a superposition of the coherent states of the nanomechanical oscillator. We characterize the formation and development of such states in terms of the corresponding Wigner function and entropy of entanglement. Also, we propose an experimentally feasible detection scheme for the effect, in which the average current that attains the specific features created by the entanglement is measured.
Limits on atomic qubit control from laser noise
Authors: Day Matthew L. , Low Pei Jiang , White Brendan , Islam Rajibul , Senko Crystal 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTechnical noise present in laser systems can limit their ability to perform high fidelity quantum control of atomic qubits. The ultimate fidelity floor for atomic qubits driven with laser radiation is due to spontaneous emission from excited energy levels. The goal is to suppress the technical noise from the laser source to below the spontaneous emission floor such that it is no longer a limiting factor. It has been shown that the spectral structure of control noise can have a large influence on achievable control fidelities, while prior studies of laser noise contributions have been restricted to noise magnitudes. Here, we study the unique spectral structure of laser noise and introduce a metric that determines when a stabilised laser source has been optimised for quantum control of atomic qubits. We find requirements on stabilisation bandwidths that can be orders of magnitude higher than those required to simply narrow the linewidth of a laser. The introduced metric, theχ-separation line, provides a tool for the study and engineering of laser sources for quantum control of atomic qubits below the spontaneous emission floor.
Declining tropical cyclone frequency under global warming
Authors: Chand Savin S. , Walsh Kevin J. E. , Camargo Suzana J. , Kossin James P. , Tory Kevin J. , Wehner Michael F. , Chan Johnny C. L. , Klotzbach Philip J. , Dowdy Andrew J. , Bell Samuel S. , Ramsay Hamish A. , Murakami Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAssessing the role of anthropogenic warming from temporally inhomogeneous historical data in the presence of large natural variability is difficult and has caused conflicting conclusions on detection and attribution of tropical cyclone (TC) trends. Here, using a reconstructed long-term proxy of annual TC numbers together with high-resolution climate model experiments, we show robust declining trends in the annual number of TCs at global and regional scales during the twentieth century. The Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) dataset is used for reconstruction because, compared with other reanalyses, it assimilates only sea-level pressure fields rather than utilize all available observations in the troposphere, making it less sensitive to temporal inhomogeneities in the observations. It can also capture TC signatures from the pre-satellite era reasonably well. The declining trends found are consistent with the twentieth century weakening of the Hadley and Walker circulations, which make conditions for TC formation less favourable.
A closed Candidatus Odinarchaeum chromosome exposes Asgard archaeal viruses
Authors: Tamarit Daniel , Caceres Eva F. , Krupovic Mart , Nijland Reindert , Eme Laura , Robinson Nicholas P. , Ettema Thijs J. G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAsgard archaea have recently been identified as the closest archaeal relatives of eukaryotes. Their ecology, and particularly their virome, remain enigmatic. We reassembled and closed the chromosome of Candidatus Odinarchaeum yellowstonii LCB_4, through long-range PCR, revealing CRISPR spacers targeting viral contigs. We found related viruses in the genomes of diverse prokaryotes from geothermal environments, including other Asgard archaea. These viruses open research avenues into the ecology and evolution of Asgard archaea.
Biosynthesis of saponin defensive compounds in sea cucumbers
Authors: Thimmappa Ramesha , Wang Shi , Zheng Minyan , Misra Rajesh Chandra , Huang Ancheng C. , Saalbach Gerhard , Chang Yaqing , Zhou Zunchun , Hinman Veronica , Bao Zhenmin , Osbourn Anne 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSoft-bodied slow-moving sea creatures such as sea stars and sea cucumbers lack an adaptive immune system and have instead evolved the ability to make specialized protective chemicals (glycosylated steroids and triterpenes) as part of their innate immune system. This raises the intriguing question of how these biosynthetic pathways have evolved. Sea star saponins are steroidal, while those of the sea cucumber are triterpenoid. Sterol biosynthesis in animals involves cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to lanosterol by the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) enzyme lanosterol synthase (LSS). Here we show that sea cucumbers lack LSS and instead have two divergent OSCs that produce triterpene saponins and that are likely to have evolved from an ancestral LSS by gene duplication and neofunctionalization. We further show that sea cucumbers make alternate sterols that confer protection against self-poisoning by their own saponins. Collectively, these events have enabled sea cucumbers to evolve the ability to produce saponins and saponin-resistant sterols concomitantly.
City-level impact of extreme temperatures and mortality in Latin America
Authors: Kephart Josiah L. , Sánchez Brisa N. , Moore Jeffrey , Schinasi Leah H. , Bakhtsiyarava Maryia , Ju Yang , Gouveia Nelson , Caiaffa Waleska T. , Dronova Iryna , Arunachalam Saravanan , Diez Roux Ana V. , Rodríguez Daniel A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractClimate change and urbanization are rapidly increasing human exposure to extreme ambient temperatures, yet few studies have examined temperature and mortality in Latin America. We conducted a nonlinear, distributed-lag, longitudinal analysis of daily ambient temperatures and mortality among 326 Latin American cities between 2002 and 2015. We observed 15,431,532 deaths among ≈2.9 billion person-years of risk. The excess death fraction of total deaths was 0.67% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.74%) for heat-related deaths and 5.09% (95% CI 4.64–5.47%) for cold-related deaths. The relative risk of death was 1.057 (95% CI 1.046–1.067%) per 1 °C higher temperature during extreme heat and 1.034 (95% CI 1.028–1.040%) per 1 °C lower temperature during extreme cold. In Latin American cities, a substantial proportion of deaths is attributable to nonoptimal ambient temperatures. Marginal increases in observed hot temperatures are associated with steep increases in mortality risk. These risks were strongest among older adults and for cardiovascular and respiratory deaths.
Heterologous expression of cry3Bb1 and cry3 genes for enhanced resistance against insect pests in cotton
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Mubashar , Mustafa Ghulam , Shoukat Fiza , Idrees Atif , Ali Arfan , Sharif Faiza , Shakeel Amir , Mo Huijuan , Youlu Yuan , Ali Qurban , Razzaq Abdul , Ren Maozhi , Li Fuguang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTransgenic technology played a crucial role in developing insect-resistant plants resulting in the reduced application of pesticides. This article reports the expression of two cry proteins (Cry3Bb1 and Cry3) in cotton for enhanced resistance against chewing insect pests. The aforementioned genes were synthetically developed and were cloned under appropriate regulatory sequences followed by transformation into Eagle-2 genotype (Gossypium hirsutum) of cotton through shoot apex-cut Agro-infiltration. The transgene integration was validated by polymerase chain reaction using primers flanking the aforementioned cry genes. Transgene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR using GADPH as a reference gene. The relative fold expression analyses revealed the highest expression of the transgene(s) in M1 plants, which is a 4.5-fold expression (Cry3 + Cry3Bb1) followed by M3 (fold expression, 3.0) (Cry3Bb1) and M2 (fold expression, 2.5) (Cry3) transformants of cotton. The confirmed transgenic plants were exposed to insect pests, pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), and army bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). Bioassay results revealed that 60% mortality was observed against pink bollworm, and 75% mortality was observed against army bollworm in transgenic plants containing both Cry3Bb1 and Cry3 genes (M1 transgenic plants). In M2 transgenic plants containing only the Cry3Bb1 gene, the mortality was observed to be 40% in the pink bollworm population, whereas 45% mortality was observed in the army bollworm population. In the case of M3 transgenic plants containing single gene-Cry3, the mortality was 20% in the pink bollworm population, whereas 30% mortality was observed in the army bollworm population. Almost no mortality was observed in non-transgenic Eagle-2 control plants. Hence, the developed cotton transformants have improved resistance against chewing insect pests.
Emergence of a mutation in the nucleocapsid gene of SARS-CoV-2 interferes with PCR detection in Canada
Authors: Isabel Sandra , Abdulnoor Mariana , Boissinot Karel , Isabel Marc R. , de Borja Richard , Zuzarte Philip C. , Sjaarda Calvin P. , R. Barker Kevin , Sheth Prameet M. , Matukas Larissa M. , Gubbay Jonathan B. , McGeer Allison J. , Mubareka Samira , Simpson Jared T. , Fattouh Ramzi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was met with rapid development of robust molecular-based detection assays. Many SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests target multiple genetic regions of the virus to maximize detection and protect against diagnostic escape. Despite the relatively moderate mutational rate of SARS-CoV-2, numerous mutations with known negative impact on diagnostic assays have been identified. In early 2021, we identified four samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a nucleocapsid (N) gene drop out on Cepheid Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay. Sequencing revealed a single common mutation in the N gene C29200T. Spatiotemporal analysis showed that the mutation was found in at least six different Canadian provinces from May 2020 until May 2021. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this mutation arose multiple times in Canadian samples and is present in six different variants of interest and of concern. The Cepheid testing platform is commonly used in Canada including in remote regions. As such, the existence of N gene mutation dropouts required further investigation. While commercial SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection assays have contributed immensely to the response effort, many vendors are reluctant to make primer/probe sequences publicly available. Proprietary primer/probe sequences create diagnostic ‘blind spots’ for global SARS-CoV-2 sequence monitoring and limits the ability to detect and track the presence and prevalence of diagnostic escape mutations. We hope that our industry partners will seriously consider making primer/probe sequences available, so that diagnostic escape mutants can be identified promptly and responded to appropriately to maintain diagnostic accuracy.