bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absolute measurement of cellular activities using photochromic single-fluorophore biosensors and intermittent quantification
Authors: Bierbuesse Franziska , Bourges Anaïs C. , Gielen Vincent , Mönkemöller Viola , Vandenberg Wim , Shen Yi , Hofkens Johan , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Campbell Robert E. , Moeyaert Benjamien , Dedecker Peter 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGenetically-encoded biosensors based on a single fluorescent protein are widely used to visualize analyte levels or enzymatic activities in cells, though usually to monitor relative changes rather than absolute values. We report photochromism-enabled absolute quantification (PEAQ) biosensing, a method that leverages the photochromic properties of biosensors to provide an absolute measure of the analyte concentration or activity. We develop proof-of-concept photochromic variants of the popular GCaMP family of Ca2+ biosensors, and show that these can be used to resolve dynamic changes in the absolute Ca2+ concentration in live cells. We also develop intermittent quantification, a technique that combines absolute aquisitions with fast fluorescence acquisitions to deliver fast but fully quantitative measurements. We also show how the photochromism-based measurements can be expanded to situations where the absolute illumination intensities are unknown. In principle, PEAQ biosensing can be applied to other biosensors with photochromic properties, thereby expanding the possibilities for fully quantitative measurements in complex and dynamic systems.
High-energy and durable lithium metal batteries using garnet-type solid electrolytes with tailored lithium-metal compatibility
Authors: Kim Sewon , Kim Ju-Sik , Miara Lincoln , Wang Yan , Jung Sung-Kyun , Park Seong Yong , Song Zhen , Kim Hyungsub , Badding Michael , Chang JaeMyung , Roev Victor , Yoon Gabin , Kim Ryounghee , Kim Jung-Hwa , Yoon Kyungho , Im Dongmin , Kang Kisuk 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLithium metal batteries using solid electrolytes are considered to be the next-generation lithium batteries due to their enhanced energy density and safety. However, interfacial instabilities between Li-metal and solid electrolytes limit their implementation in practical batteries. Herein, Li-metal batteries using tailored garnet-type Li7-xLa3-aZr2-bO12 (LLZO) solid electrolytes is reported, which shows remarkable stability and energy density, meeting the lifespan requirements of commercial applications. We demonstrate that the compatibility between LLZO and lithium metal is crucial for long-term stability, which is accomplished by bulk dopant regulating and dopant-specific interfacial treatment using protonation/etching. An all-solid-state with 5 mAh cm−2 cathode delivers a cumulative capacity of over 4000 mAh cm−2 at 3 mA cm−2, which to the best of our knowledge, is the highest cycling parameter reported for Li-metal batteries with LLZOs. These findings are expected to promote the development of solid-state Li-metal batteries by highlighting the efficacy of the coupled bulk and interface doping of solid electrolytes.
Diverse synthesis of C2-linked functionalized molecules via molecular glue strategy with acetylene
Authors: Yang Bo , Lu Shaodong , Wang Yongdong , Zhu Shifa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAs the simplest alkyne and an abundant chemical feedstock, acetylene is an ideal two-carbon building block. However, in contrast to substituted alkynes, catalytic methods to incorporate acetylene into fine chemicals are quite limited. Herein, we developed a photoredox-catalyzed synthetic protocol for diverse C2-linked molecules via a molecular glue strategy using gaseous acetylene under mild conditions. Initiated by addition of an acyl radical to acetylene, two cascade transformations follow. One involves a double addition for the formation of 1,4-diketones and the other where the intermediate vinyl ketone is intercepted by a radical formed from a heterocycle. In addition to making two new C-C bonds, two C-H bonds are also created in two mechanistically distinct ways: one via a C-H abstraction and the other via protonation. This system offers a reliable and safe way to incorporate gaseous acetylene into fine chemicals and expands the utility of acetylene in organic synthesis.
Mitogenome of the extinct Desert ‘rat-kangaroo’ times the adaptation to aridity in macropodoids
Authors: Westerman Michael , Loke Stella , Tan Mun Hua , Kear Benjamin P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe evolution of Australia’s distinctive marsupial fauna has long been linked to the onset of continent-wide aridity. However, how this profound climate change event affected the diversification of extant lineages is still hotly debated. Here, we assemble a DNA sequence dataset of Macropodoidea—the clade comprising kangaroos and their relatives—that incorporates a complete mitogenome for the Desert ‘rat-kangaroo’, Caloprymnus campestris. This enigmatic species went extinct nearly 90 years ago and is known from a handful of museum specimens. Caloprymnus is significant because it was the only macropodoid restricted to extreme desert environments, and therefore calibrates the group’s specialisation for increasingly arid conditions. Our robustly supported phylogenies nest Caloprymnus amongst the bettongs Aepyprymnus and Bettongia. Dated ancestral range estimations further reveal that the Caloprymnus-Bettongia lineage originated in nascent xeric settings during the middle to late Miocene, ~ 12 million years ago (Ma), but subsequently radiated into fragmenting mesic habitats after the Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene. This timeframe parallels the ancestral divergences of kangaroos in woodlands and forests, but predates their adaptive dispersal into proliferating dry shrublands and grasslands from the late Miocene to mid-Pleistocene, after ~ 7 Ma. We thus demonstrate that protracted changes in both climate and vegetation likely staged the emergence of modern arid zone macropodoids.
Mismatch repair proteins play a role in ATR activation upon temozolomide treatment in MGMT-methylated glioblastoma
Authors: Ganesa Sachita , Sule Amrita , Sundaram Ranjini K. , Bindra Ranjit S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe methylation status of the O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter has been widely accepted as a prognostic biomarker for treatment with the alkylator, temozolomide (TMZ). In the absence of promoter methylation, the MGMT enzyme removes O6-methylguanine (O6-meG) lesions. In the setting of MGMT-promoter methylation (MGMT-), the O6-meG lesion activates the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway which functions to remove the damage. Our group reported that loss of MGMT expression via MGMT promoter silencing modulates activation of ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3 related protein (ATR) in response to TMZ treatment, which is associated with synergistic tumor-cell killing. Whether or not MMR proteins are involved in ATR activation in MGMT-cells upon alkylation damage remains poorly understood. To investigate the function of MMR in ATR activation, we created isogenic cell lines with knockdowns of the individual human MMR proteins MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), MutS homolog 6 (MSH6), MutS homolog 3 (MSH3), MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), and PMS1 homolog 2 (PMS2). Here, we demonstrate that MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2, specifically, are involved in the activation of the ATR axis after TMZ exposure, whereas MSH3 is likely not. This study elucidates a potential mechanistic understanding of how the MMR system is involved in ATR activation by TMZ in glioblastoma cells, which is important for targeting MMR-mutated cancers.
Photoluminescent, “ice-cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures
Authors: Bai Xue , Purcell-Milton Finn , Kehoe Daniel K. , Gun’ko Yurii K. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCopper based ternary and quaternary quantum confined nanostructures have attracted huge attention over recent years due to their potential applications in photonics, photovoltaics, imaging, sensing and other areas. However, anisotropic nanoheterostructures of this type are still poorly explored to date, despite numerous predictions of the distinctive optical properties of these highly fluorescent heavy metal free nanostructures. Here, we report new fluorescent multicomponent Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures with a unique anisotropic “ice-cream cone” like morphology. These nanostructures have been prepared with a seeded growth technique and exhibit distinct photophysical properties with maximum emission in the visible range (≈ 640 nm) and long photoluminescence lifetimes (τaverage ≥ 300 ns). In depth time interval studies have been carried out to better understand the step by step growth mechanism of this distinct “ice-cream cone” like geometry. We have demonstrated that the crystal structure evolution from the zinc blende Cu–In–S core to the wurtzite “ice cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanocrystals plays a key role in the origin of this morphology. This research opens new possibilities to produce unique fluorescent Cu-based multicomponent anisotropic heteronanostructures, while also offering a distinctive insight into the design of bespoke nanostructures, which could find a range of potential applications.
Novel hybridization- and tag-based error-corrected method for sensitive ctDNA mutation detection using ion semiconductor sequencing
Authors: Tjensvoll Kjersti , Lapin Morten , Gilje Bjørnar , Garresori Herish , Oltedal Satu , Forthun Rakel Brendsdal , Molven Anders , Rozenholc Yves , Nordgård Oddmund 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCirculating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a clinically useful tool for cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. However, ctDNA detection is complicated by low DNA concentrations and technical challenges. Here we describe our newly developed sensitive method for ctDNA detection on the Ion Torrent sequencing platform, which we call HYbridization- and Tag-based Error-Corrected sequencing (HYTEC-seq). This method combines hybridization-based capture with molecular tags, and the novel variant caller PlasmaMutationDetector2 to eliminate background errors. We describe the validation of HYTEC-seq using control samples with known mutations, demonstrating an analytical sensitivity down to 0.1% at > 99.99% specificity. Furthermore, to demonstrate the utility of this method in a clinical setting, we analyzed plasma samples from 44 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, revealing mutations in 57% of the patients at allele frequencies as low as 0.23%.
Circadian motor activity of non-dominant hand reaches acrophase later than dominant hand
Authors: Natale Vincenzo , Fabbri Marco , Martoni Monica , Tonetti Lorenzo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMotor activity during the first half of nocturnal sleep is lateralized to the non-dominant hand. What remains is to determine which account could explain this phenomenon: the more pronounced homeostatic deactivation of the dominant hemisphere or the circadian asymmetry in the hemispheric activation. To better understand the nature of these motor asymmetries, we performed an ecological study assessing the circadian motor activity in 34 evening, 52 intermediate, and 27 morning types. We observed a significant circadian phase delay of the 24-h motor activity pattern of the left hand in comparison to the right hand, regardless of chronotype. Moreover, we replicated higher motor activity in the left hand in comparison to the right hand in late evening that reached statistical significance only in evening and intermediate types. Analysing motor activity around bedtime and wake-up time, we observed a reverse pattern between circadian typologies: evening types showed higher activity in the left hand in comparison to the right hand before bedtime, while morning types showed significantly higher motor activity in the right hand in comparison to the left after wake-up time. Results support the hypothesis of a different circadian phase relationship between the two hemispheres.
Forecast of peak attainment and imminent decline after 2017 of oral cancer incidence in men in Taiwan
Authors: Jhuang Jing-Rong , Su Shih-Yung , Chiang Chun-Ju , Yang Ya-Wen , Lin Li-Ju , Hsu Tsui-Hsia , Lee Wen-Chung 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOral cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men in Taiwan. The age-standardized incidence rate of oral cancer among men in Taiwan has increased since 1980 and became six times greater in 2014. To enable effective public health planning for oral cancer, research on the projection of oral cancer burden is essential. We conducted an age-period-cohort analysis on the incidence of oral cancer among men in Taiwan from 1997 to 2017 and extrapolated the trend to 2025. We found that the period trends for young adults aged between 25 and 44 have already peaked before 2017; the younger, the earlier, and then the trends declined. The cohort trends have peaked roughly at the 1972 birth cohort and then declined for all ages. Despite the increasing trend in the age-standardized incidence rate for oral cancer among men in Taiwan from 1997 to 2017, we forecast a peak attained, an imminent decline after 2017, and a decrease of 8.4% in age-standardized incidence rate from 2017 to 2025. The findings of this study contribute to developing efficient and comprehensive strategies for oral cancer prevention and control.
Bayesian network meta-analysis of face masks' impact on human physiology
Authors: Litwinowicz Kamil , Choroszy Marcin , Ornat Maciej , Wróbel Anna , Waszczuk Ewa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSeveral concerns regarding the safety of face masks use have been propounded in public opinion. The objective of this review is to examine if these concerns find support in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of physiological responses to the use of face masks. We have performed a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analyses to investigate physiological responses to the use of face masks. The study has been registered with PROSPERO (C RD42020224791). Obtained results were screened using our exclusion and inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using the GeMTC and meta R packages. We have identified 26 studies meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria, encompassing 751 participants. The use of face masks was not associated with significant changes in pulsoxymetrically measured oxygen saturation, even during maximal-effort exercises. The only significant physiological responses to the use of face masks during low-intensity activities were a slight increase in heart rate, mildly elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (not meeting criteria for hypercarbia), increased temperature of facial skin covered by the mask, and subsequent increase of the score in the rating of heat perception, with N95 filtering facepiece respirators having a greater effect than surgical masks. In high-intensity conditions, the use of face masks was associated with decreased oxygen uptake, ventilation, and RR. Face masks are safe to use and do not cause significant alterations in human physiology. The increase in heart rate stems most likely from increased respiratory work required to overcome breathing resistance. The increase in carbon dioxide is too small to be clinically relevant. An increased rating of heat perception when using face masks results from higher temperature of facial skin covered by the mask.
Self-completion method of endoscopic submucosal dissection using the Endosaber for treating colorectal neoplasms (with video)
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Yamakawa Shun , Ichijima Ryoji , Suzuki Sho , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Minoda Yosuke , Ihara Eikichi , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is effective for the treatment of colorectal neoplasms. We have developed a self-completion ESD (S-ESD) using Endosaber without requiring additional instruments or assistance. This prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of S-ESD for colorectal neoplasms. Patients with colorectal neoplasms measuring 20–40 mm in size were enrolled. A single operator, without assistance, performed ESD using only the Endosaber. The primary outcome was the success rate of S-ESD. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, the rates of en bloc, complete, and curative resection, and complication rates, including the incidence of perforation and delayed bleeding. In total, 15 patients with 15 lesions were enrolled. The median size of the resected lesions was 28 mm (interquartile range 25–29 mm). S-ESD success rate of 100% was achieved. The median procedure time was 44 min (29.5–53.5 min). We observed en bloc, complete, and curative resection rates of 100%, 93.3%, and 86.7%, respectively, and a complication rate of 6.7% (perforation: 0%, delayed bleeding: 6.7%). S-ESD for colorectal neoplasms was successfully performed with favorable treatment outcomes and low complication rates. S-ESD reduces the number of devices and extent of assistance, making S-ESD a simple and cost-effective procedure.
The impact of Tamarix invasion on the soil physicochemical properties
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Mlahlwa Asiphe V. , Elbasit Mohamed A. M. Abd , Newete Solomon W. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe exotic Tamarix species, T. ramosissima and T. chinensis, were introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s reportedly either for ornamental or soil wind erosion control purposes in the mines. They are, however, currently invading several riparian ecosystems in the country and threatening its biodiversity and proper functioning. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the exotic Tamarix species on the soil physicochemical properties vis-à-vis the indigenous Tamarix at the Leeu River in the Western Cape Province, of South Africa where they are purvasive. Three transects were laid from the riverbank towards the outer land, where the exotic followed by the native Tamarix species predominantly occurred. Soil was sampled from three points per transect and three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) per point in winter and summer to determine selected soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg) concentrations under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly higher than those in the open land without Tamarix species. The salinity under the native and exotic Tamarix species was greater (P < 0.05) in the topsoils (0–10 cm) than in the deeper soils (20–30 cm) with 5.05 mS cm−1 and 4.73 mS cm−1, respectively. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was higher (P < 0.05) during the winter season under the exotic Tamarix species (5.05 mS cm−1) followed by the native species (4.73 mS cm−1) and it was the lowest in the control (0.16 mS cm−1) at 0–10 cm soil depth. Similarly, sodium and sodium absorption ratios (SAR) under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly greater than those in the control. The highest levels (P < 0.05) of TC were recorded at the topsoil (0–10 cm soil depth) under the exotic Tamarix species (1.17%), followed by the native Tamarix (1.07%) with the control recording the lowest (0.53%). There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in K, TC, TN and SOC concentrations at lower soil depths (20–30 cm). The soil texture was significantly affected by the Tamarix species. The soil bulk density was lower under the exotic Tamarix followed by native Tamarix species than the control soils. The soil volumetric water content was higher under the exotic Tamarix species compared to the control. This study concludes that the invasion of the exotic and native Tamarix species altered the soil properties underneath and created conducive soil conditions for their predominance.
scSPLAT, a scalable plate-based protocol for single cell WGBS library preparation
Authors: Raine Amanda , Lundmark Anders , Annett Alva , Wiman Ann-Christin , Cavalli Marco , Wadelius Claes , Bergin Claudia , Nordlund Jessica 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDNA methylation is a central epigenetic mark that has diverse roles in gene regulation, development, and maintenance of genome integrity. 5 methyl cytosine (5mC) can be interrogated at base resolution in single cells by using bisulfite sequencing (scWGBS). Several different scWGBS strategies have been described in recent years to study DNA methylation in single cells. However, there remain limitations with respect to cost-efficiency and yield. Herein, we present a new development in the field of scWGBS library preparation; single cell Splinted Ligation Adapter Tagging (scSPLAT). scSPLAT employs a pooling strategy to facilitate sample preparation at a higher scale and throughput than previously possible. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the method by generating data from 225 single K562 cells and from 309 single liver nuclei and compare scSPLAT against other scWGBS methods.
Ag nanoparticles immobilized sulfonated polyethersulfone/polyethersulfone electrospun nanofiber membrane for the removal of heavy metals
Authors: Talukder Md Eman , Pervez Md. Nahid , Jianming Wang , Stylios George K. , Hassan Mohammad Mahbubul , Song Hongchen , Naddeo Vincenzo , Figoli Alberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this work, Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (EUOLstabilized silver nanoparticles (EUOL@AgNPs) incorporated sulfonated polyether sulfone (SPES)/polyethersulfone (PES) electrospun nanofiber membranes (SP ENMs) were prepared by electrospinning, and they were studied for the removal of lead (Pb(II)) and cadmium (Cd(II)) ions from aqueous solutions. The SP ENMs with various EUOL@AgNPs loadings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle (CA) measurements. The adsorption studies showed that the adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) was rapid, achieved equilibrium within 40 min and 60 min, respectively and fitted with non-linear pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics model. For Cd(II) and Pb(II), the Freundlich model described the adsorption isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) was 625 and 370.37 mg g−1 respectively at neutral pH. Coexisting anions of fluoride, chloride, and nitrate had a negligible influence on Cd(II) removal than the Pb(II). On the other hand, the presence of silicate and phosphate considerably affected Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption. The recyclability, regeneration, and reusability of the fabricated EUOL@AgNPs-SP ENMs were studied and they retained their high adsorption capacity up to five cycles. The DFT measurements revealed that SP-5 ENMs exhibited the highest adsorption selectivity for Cd(II) and the measured binding energies for Cd(II), Pb(II), are 219.35 and 206.26 kcal mol−1, respectively. The developed ENM adsorbent may find application for the removal of heavy metals from water.