bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mismatching integration-enabled strains and defects engineering in LDH microstructure for high-rate and long-life charge storage
Authors: Guo Wei , Dun Chaochao , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Yang Feipeng , Kuang Wenzheng , Xie Yuanyang , Li Shaofeng , Wang Zhao , Yu Jinhe , Fu Guosheng , Guo Jinghua , Marcus Matthew A. , Urban Jeffrey J. , Zhang Qiuyu , Qiu Jieshan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDH) have been extensively investigated for charge storage, however, their development is hampered by the sluggish reaction dynamics. Herein, triggered by mismatching integration of Mn sites, we configured wrinkled Mn/NiCo-LDH with strains and defects, where promoted mass & charge transport behaviors were realized. The well-tailored Mn/NiCo-LDH displays a capacity up to 518 C g−1 (1 A g−1), a remarkable rate performance (78%@100 A g−1) and a long cycle life (without capacity decay after 10,000 cycles). We clarified that the moderate electron transfer between the released Mn species and Co2+ serves as the pre-step, while the compressive strain induces structural deformation with promoted reaction dynamics. Theoretical and operando investigations further demonstrate that the Mn sites boost ion adsorption/transport and electron transfer, and the Mn-induced effect remains active after multiple charge/discharge processes. This contribution provides some insights for controllable structure design and modulation toward high-efficient energy storage.
Structure-guided unlocking of NaX reveals a non-selective tetrodotoxin-sensitive cation channel
Authors: Noland Cameron L. , Chua Han Chow , Kschonsak Marc , Heusser Stephanie Andrea , Braun Nina , Chang Timothy , Tam Christine , Tang Jia , Arthur Christopher P. , Ciferri Claudio , Pless Stephan Alexander , Payandeh Jian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUnlike classical voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, NaX has been characterized as a voltage-insensitive, tetrodotoxin-resistant, sodium (Na+)-activated channel involved in regulating Na+ homeostasis. However, NaX remains refractory to functional characterization in traditional heterologous systems. Here, to gain insight into its atypical physiology, we determine structures of the human NaX channel in complex with the auxiliary β3-subunit. NaX reveals structural alterations within the selectivity filter, voltage sensor-like domains, and pore module. We do not identify an extracellular Na+-sensor or any evidence for a Na+-based activation mechanism in NaX. Instead, the S6-gate remains closed, membrane lipids fill the central cavity, and the domain III-IV linker restricts S6-dilation. We use protein engineering to identify three pore-wetting mutations targeting the hydrophobic S6-gate that unlock a robust voltage-insensitive leak conductance. This constitutively active NaX-QTT channel construct is non-selective among monovalent cations, inhibited by extracellular calcium, and sensitive to classical NaV channel blockers, including tetrodotoxin. Our findings highlight a functional diversity across the NaV channel scaffold, reshape our understanding of NaX physiology, and provide a template to demystify recalcitrant ion channels.
Trajectory of immune evasion and cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Phuong H. D. , Wasser Martin , Tan Chong Teik , Lim Chun Jye , Lai Hannah L. H. , Seow Justine Jia Wen , DasGupta Ramanuj , Phua Cheryl Z. J. , Ma Siming , Yang Jicheng , Suthen Sheena D/O , Tam Wai Leong , Lim Tony K. H. , Yeong Joe , Leow Wei Qiang , Pang Yin Huei , Soon Gwyneth , Loh Tracy Jiezhen , Wan Wei Keat , Chan Chung Yip , Cheow Peng Chung , Toh Han Chong , Kow Alfred , Dan Yock Young , Kam Juinn Huar , Iyer Shridhar , Madhavan Krishnakumar , Chung Alexander , Bonney Glenn K. , Goh Brian K. P. , Fu Naiyang , Yu Victor C. , Zhai Weiwei , Albani Salvatore , Chow Pierce K. H. , Chew Valerie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractImmune evasion is key to cancer initiation and later at metastasis, but its dynamics at intermediate stages, where potential therapeutic interventions could be applied, is undefined. Here we show, using multi-dimensional analyses of resected tumours, their adjacent non-tumour tissues and peripheral blood, that extensive immune remodelling takes place in patients with stage I to III hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We demonstrate the depletion of anti-tumoural immune subsets and accumulation of immunosuppressive or exhausted subsets along with reduced tumour infiltration of CD8 T cells peaking at stage II tumours. Corresponding transcriptomic modification occur in the genes related to antigen presentation, immune responses, and chemotaxis. The progressive immune evasion is validated in a murine model of HCC. Our results show evidence of ongoing tumour-immune co-evolution during HCC progression and offer insights into potential interventions to reverse, prevent or limit the progression of the disease.
LC3B is an RNA-binding protein to trigger rapid mRNA degradation during autophagy
Authors: Hwang Hyun Jung , Ha Hongseok , Lee Ban Seok , Kim Bong Heon , Song Hyun Kyu , Kim Yoon Ki 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLC3/ATG8 has long been appreciated to play a central role in autophagy, by which a variety of cytoplasmic materials are delivered to lysosomes and eventually degraded. However, information on the molecular functions of LC3 in RNA biology is very limited. Here, we show that LC3B is an RNA-binding protein that directly binds to mRNAs with a preference for a consensus AAUAAA motif corresponding to a polyadenylation sequence. Autophagic activation promotes an association between LC3B and target mRNAs and triggers rapid degradation of target mRNAs in a CCR4-NOT–dependent manner before autolysosome formation. Furthermore, our transcriptome-wide analysis reveals that PRMT1 mRNA, which encodes a negative regulator of autophagy, is one of the major substrates. Rapid degradation of PRMT1 mRNA by LC3B facilitates autophagy. Collectively, we demonstrate that LC3B acts as an RNA-binding protein and an mRNA decay factor necessary for efficient autophagy.
Conversion of twisted light to twisted excitons using carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zang Xiaoning , Singh Nirpendra , Lusk Mark T. , Schwingenschlögl Udo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCarbon nanotubes are explored as a means of coherently converting the orbital angular momentum of light to an excitonic form that is more amenable to quantum information processing. An analytical analysis, based on dynamical conductivity, is used to show that orbital angular momentum is conserved, modulo N, for a carbon nanotube illuminated by radially polarized, twisted light. This result is numerically demonstrated using real-time time-dependent density functional theory which captures the absorption of twisted light and the subsequent transfer of twisted excitons. The results suggest that carbon nanotubes are promising candidates for constructing optoelectronic circuits in which quantum information is more readily processed while manifested in excitonic form.
A programmable encapsulation system improves delivery of therapeutic bacteria in mice
Authors: Harimoto Tetsuhiro , Hahn Jaeseung , Chen Yu-Yu , Im Jongwon , Zhang Joanna , Hou Nicholas , Li Fangda , Coker Courtney , Gray Kelsey , Harr Nicole , Chowdhury Sreyan , Pu Kelly , Nimura Clare , Arpaia Nicholas , Leong Kam W. , Danino Tal 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLiving bacteria therapies have been proposed as an alternative approach to treating a broad array of cancers. In this study, we developed a genetically encoded microbial encapsulation system with tunable and dynamic expression of surface capsular polysaccharides that enhances systemic delivery. Based on a small RNA screen of capsular biosynthesis pathways, we constructed inducible synthetic gene circuits that regulate bacterial encapsulation in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. These bacteria are capable of temporarily evading immune attack, whereas subsequent loss of encapsulation results in effective clearance in vivo. This dynamic delivery strategy enabled a ten-fold increase in maximum tolerated dose of bacteria and improved anti-tumor efficacy in murine models of cancer. Furthermore, in situ encapsulation increased the fraction of microbial translocation among mouse tumors, leading to efficacy in distal tumors. The programmable encapsulation system promises to enhance the therapeutic utility of living engineered bacteria for cancer.
The Terrific Skink bite force suggests insularity as a likely driver to exceptional resource use
Authors: Jowers Michael J. , Simone Yuri , Herrel Anthony , Cabezas M. Pilar , Xavier Raquel , Holden Magaly , Boistel Renaud , Murphy John C. , Santin Mathieu , Caut Stephane , Auguste Renoir J. , van der Meijden Arie , Andreone Franco , Ineich Ivan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNatural history museum collections hold extremely rare, extinct species often described from a single known specimen. On occasions, rediscoveries open new opportunities to understand selective forces acting on phenotypic traits. Recent rediscovery of few individuals of Bocourt´s Terrific Skink Phoboscincus bocourti, from a small and remote islet in New Caledonia allowed to genetically identify a species of land crab in its diet. To explore this further, we CT- and MRI-scanned the head of the holotype, the only preserved specimen dated to about 1870, segmented the adductor muscles of the jaw and bones, and estimated bite force through biomechanical models. These data were compared with those gathered for 332 specimens belonging to 44 other skink species. Thereafter we recorded the maximum force needed to generate mechanical failure of the exoskeleton of a crab specimen. The bite force is greater than the prey hardness, suggesting that predation on hard-shelled crabs may be an important driver of performance. The high bite force seems crucial to overcome low or seasonal variations in resource availability in these extreme insular environments. Phoboscincus bocourti appears to be an apex predator in a remote and harsh environment and the only skink known to predate on hard-shelled land crabs.
Circulating Lipocalin-2 level is positively associated with cognitive impairment in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pinyopornpanish Kanokporn , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Kumfu Sirinart , Angkurawaranon Salita , Yarach Uten , Buawangpong Nida , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe association between Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and cognition in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to evaluate whether serum LCN2 levels are associated with the alteration of cognitive function in patients with MetS. The total of 191 non-demented participants with MetS were enrolled onto the study in 2015, and a cohort study was conducted in a subpopulation in 2020. After adjustment for sex, age, waist circumference, creatinine levels, and HbA1C, an association between the higher serum LCN2 levels and the lower Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores was observed (B = − 0.045; 95%CI − 0.087, − 0.004; p 0.030). A total of 30 participants were followed-up in 2020. Serum LCN2 levels were decreased in correlation with age (23.31 ± 12.32 ng/ml in 2015 and 15.98 ± 11.28 ng/ml in 2020, p 0.024), while other metabolic parameters were unchanged. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were conducted on a subsample of patients in 2020 (n = 15). Associations between high serum LCN2 levels from 2015 and 2020 and changes in brain volume of hippocampus and prefrontal cortex from 2020 have been observed. These findings suggest a relationship between changes of the level of circulating LCN2, cognitive impairment, and changes in brain volume in patients with MetS. However, further investigation is still needed to explore the direct effect of circulating LCN2 on the cognition of MetS patients.
SARS-CoV-2 host prediction based on virus-host genetic features
Authors: Kawashima Irina Yuri , Lopez Maria Claudia Negret , Cunha Marielton dos Passos , Hashimoto Ronaldo Fumio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe genetic diversity of the Coronaviruses gives them different biological abilities, such as infect different cells and/or organisms, a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, their different routes of dispersion, and viral transmission in a specific host. In recent decades, different Coronaviruses have emerged that are highly adapted for humans and causing serious diseases, leaving their host of unknown origin. The viral genome information is particularly important to enable the recognition of patterns linked to their biological characteristics, such as the specificity in the host-parasite relationship. Here, based on a previously computational tool, the Seq2Hosts, we developed a novel approach which uses new variables obtained from the frequency of spike-Coronaviruses codons, the Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU) to shed new light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) host specificity. By using the RSCU obtained from nucleotide sequences before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we assessed the possibility of know the hosts capable to be infected by these new emerging species, which was first identified infecting humans during 2019 in Wuhan, China. According to the model trained and validated using sequences available before the pandemic, bats are the most likely the natural host to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, as previously suggested in other studies that searched for the host viral origin.
Gauging mixed climate extreme value distributions in tropical cyclone regions
Authors: O’Grady J. G. , Stephenson A. G. , McInnes K. L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn tropical cyclone (TC) regions, tide gauge or numerical hindcast records are usually of insufficient length to have sampled sufficient cyclones to enable robust estimates of the climate of TC-induced extreme water level events. Synthetically-generated TC populations provide a means to define a broader set of plausible TC events to better define the probabilities associated with extreme water level events. The challenge is to unify the estimates of extremes from synthetically-generated TC populations with the observed records, which include mainly non-TC extremes resulting from tides and more frequently occurring atmospheric-depression weather and climate events. We find that extreme water level measurements in multiple tide gauge records in TC regions, some which span more than 100 years, exhibit a behaviour consistent with the combining of two populations, TC and non-TC. We develop an equation to model the combination of two populations of extremes in a single continuous mixed climate (MC) extreme value distribution (EVD). We then run statistical simulations to show that long term records including both historical and synthetic events can be better explained using MC than heavy-tailed generalised EVDs. This has implications for estimating extreme water levels when combining synthetic cyclone extreme sea levels with hindcast water levels to provide actionable information for coastal protection.
Design and implementation of a highly accurate spatiotemporal monitoring and early warning platform for air pollutants based on IPv6
Authors: Yang Rongjin , Hao Xuejie , Zhao Long , Yin Lizeyan , Liu Lu , Li Xiuhong , Liu Qiang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe development of industry has brought about the pollution of the atmospheric environment. Pollution is harmful to people's health. Realizing the real-time monitoring of atmospheric environmental quality parameters can improve the above-mentioned effects. China's existing environmental monitoring systems focus on the accuracy of the system hardware itself for assessment, lack of data analysis and forecasting and early warning, and cannot provide managers and ordinary people with decision-making and activity guidance. This paper develops an IPV6-based high-spatial–temporal precision air pollutant monitoring and early warning platform. The feasibility of the system is verified through networking tests, operation tests, and early warning tests. Through actual data analysis and comparison, it is concluded that the monitoring system has field feasibility, and the atmospheric environment monitoring for the target observation area has achieved the desired observation function. This system integrates GIS technology and B/S architecture to analyze changes in the regional environment to provide support for regional environmental air quality management. The forecast and early warning module constructed by combining the weight method of the influence of different input factors on the environmental quality index and minute-level observations can provide technical support for the government to improve the level of supervision.
Uncertainty quantification of granular computing-neural network model for prediction of pollutant longitudinal dispersion coefficient in aquatic streams
Authors: Ghiasi Behzad , Noori Roohollah , Sheikhian Hossein , Zeynolabedin Amin , Sun Yuanbin , Jun Changhyun , Hamouda Mohamed , Bateni Sayed M. , Abolfathi Soroush 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDischarge of pollution loads into natural water systems remains a global challenge that threatens water and food supply, as well as endangering ecosystem services. Natural rehabilitation of contaminated streams is mainly influenced by the longitudinal dispersion coefficient, or the rate of longitudinal dispersion (Dx), a key parameter with large spatiotemporal fluctuations that characterizes pollution transport. The large uncertainty in estimation of Dx in streams limits the water quality assessment in natural streams and design of water quality enhancement strategies. This study develops an artificial intelligence-based predictive model, coupling granular computing and neural network models (GrC-ANN) to provide robust estimation of Dx and its uncertainty for a range of flow-geometric conditions with high spatiotemporal variability. Uncertainty analysis of Dx estimated from the proposed GrC-ANN model was performed by alteration of the training data used to tune the model. Modified bootstrap method was employed to generate different training patterns through resampling from a global database of tracer experiments in streams with 503 datapoints. Comparison between the Dx values estimated by GrC-ANN to those determined from tracer measurements shows the appropriateness and robustness of the proposed method in determining the rate of longitudinal dispersion. The GrC-ANN model with the narrowest bandwidth of estimated uncertainty (bandwidth-factor = 0.56) that brackets the highest percentage of true Dx data (i.e., 100%) is the best model to compute Dx in streams. Considering the significant inherent uncertainty reported in the previous Dx models, the GrC-ANN model developed in this study is shown to have a robust performance for evaluating pollutant mixing (Dx) in turbulent environmental flow systems.
Argonaute 2 is lost from neuromuscular junctions affected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in SOD1G93A mice
Authors: Shapiro Dillon , Massopust Ryan , Taetzsch Thomas , Valdez Gregorio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractmiRNAs are necessary for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) health; however, little is known about the proteins required for their activity in this regard. We examined expression of Argonaute 2 (Ago2) and miRNA biogenesis genes in skeletal muscles during development, following nerve injury and in the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. We found that these genes are enriched in neonate muscles and in adult muscles following nerve injury. Despite widespread NMJ deterioration, these genes were not increased in muscles of SOD1G93A mice. We also found that Ago2 distribution is linked to maturation, innervation, and health of NMJs. Ago2 increasingly concentrates in synaptic regions during NMJ maturation, disperses following experimental denervation and reconcentrates at the NMJ upon reinnervation. Similar to experimentally denervated muscles, a homogenous distribution of Ago2 was observed in SOD1G93A muscle fibers. To determine if Ago2 is necessary for the health of adult muscles, we excised Ago2 from Ago2fl/fl mice using adeno-associated virus mediated Cre recombinase expression. We observed modest changes in muscle histology after 3 months of Ago2 knockdown. Together, these data provide critical insights into the role of Ago2 and miRNA biogenesis genes in healthy and ALS-afflicted skeletal muscles and NMJs.
Two-dimensional biphenylene: a promising anchoring material for lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Al-Jayyousi Hiba Khaled , Sajjad Muhammad , Liao Kin , Singh Nirpendra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTrapping lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) on a material effectively suppresses the shuttle effect and enhances the cycling stability of Li–S batteries. For the first time, we advocate a recently synthesized two-dimensional material, biphenylene, as an anchoring material for the lithium-sulfur battery. The density functional theory calculations show that LiPSs bind with pristine biphenylene insubstantially with binding energy ranging from −0.21 eV to −1.22 eV. However, defect engineering through a single C atom vacancy significantly improves the binding strength (binding energy in the range −1.07 to −4.11 eV). The Bader analysis reveals that LiPSs and S8 clusters donate the charge (ranging from −0.05 e to −1.12 e) to the biphenylene sheet. The binding energy of LiPSs with electrolytes is smaller than those with the defective biphenylene sheet, which provides its potential as an anchoring material. Compared with other reported two-dimensional materials such as graphene, MXenes, and phosphorene, the biphenylene sheet exhibits higher binding energies with the polysulfides. Our study deepens the fundamental understanding and shows that the biphenylene sheet is an excellent anchoring material for lithium-sulfur batteries for suppressing the shuttle effect because of its superior conductivity, porosity, and strong anchoring ability.
Force-enhanced biophysical connectivity of platelet β3 integrin signaling through Talin is predicted by steered molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Su Shuixiu , Ling Yingchen , Fang Ying , Wu Jianhua 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPlatelet β3-integrin signaling through Talin is crucial in platelet transmembrane signaling, activation, adhesion, spreading and aggregation, and remains unclear in mechano-microenvironments. In order to examine Talin-β3 integrin biophysical connectivity, a series of “ramp-clamp” steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were performed on complex of F3 domain of Talin and cytoplasmic tail of β3 integrin to imitate different force-loads in platelet. Pull-induced allostery of the hydrophobic pocket in F3 domain might markedly enhance complex rupture-force (> 150pN) and slow down breakage of the complex; the complex should mechano-stable for its conformational conservation under loads (≤ 80pN); increasing force below 60pN would decrease the complex dissociation probability, and force-induced extension of β5 strand on Talin and binding site residues, ASP740 and ALA742 as well as Asn744, on β3-integrin were responsible for the force-enhanced linkage of the Talin-β3 integrin. Force might enhance biophysical connectivity of β3-integrin signaling through Talin by a catch bond mechanism, which be mediated by the force-induced allostery of complex at clamped stage. This work provides a novel insight into the force-regulated transmembrane β3-integrin signaling and its molecular basis for platelet activation, and exhibited a potential power of the present computer strategy in predicting mechanical regulation on ligand-receptor interaction under loads.