bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sinking Trichodesmium fixes nitrogen in the dark ocean
Authors: Benavides Mar , Bonnet Sophie , Le Moigne Frédéric A C , Armin Gabrielle , Inomura Keisuke , Hallstrøm Søren , Riemann Lasse , Berman-Frank Ilana , Poletti Emilie , Garel Marc , Grosso Olivier , Leblanc Karine , Guigue Catherine , Tedetti Marc , Dupouy Cécile 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The photosynthetic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is widely distributed in the surface low latitude ocean where it contributes significantly to N2 fixation and primary productivity. Previous studies found nifH genes and intact Trichodesmium colonies in the sunlight-deprived meso- and bathypelagic layers of the ocean (200–4000 m depth). Yet, the ability of Trichodesmium to fix N2 in the dark ocean has not been explored. We performed 15N2 incubations in sediment traps at 170, 270 and 1000 m at two locations in the South Pacific. Sinking Trichodesmium colonies fixed N2 at similar rates than previously observed in the surface ocean (36–214 fmol N cell−1 d−1). This activity accounted for 40 ± 28% of the bulk N2 fixation rates measured in the traps, indicating that other diazotrophs were also active in the mesopelagic zone. Accordingly, cDNA nifH amplicon sequencing revealed that while Trichodesmium accounted for most of the expressed nifH genes in the traps, other diazotrophs such as Chlorobium and Deltaproteobacteria were also active. Laboratory experiments simulating mesopelagic conditions confirmed that increasing hydrostatic pressure and decreasing temperature reduced but did not completely inhibit N2 fixation in Trichodesmium. Finally, using a cell metabolism model we predict that Trichodesmium uses photosynthesis-derived stored carbon to sustain N2 fixation while sinking into the mesopelagic. We conclude that sinking Trichodesmium provides ammonium, dissolved organic matter and biomass to mesopelagic prokaryotes.
COVID-19 and risk of neurodegenerative disorders: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Chunyu , Liu Jiayan , Lin Junyu , Shang Huifang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEmerging evidence has suggested a close correlation between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether there exists a causal association and the effect direction remains unknown. To examine the causative role of COVID-19 in the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, we estimated their genetic correlation, and then conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity of COVID-19, as well as six major neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. We identified a significant and positive genetic correlation between hospitalization of COVID-19 and AD (genetic correlation: 0.23,P = 8.36E–07). Meanwhile, hospitalization of COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher risk of AD (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03,P: 1.19E–03). Consistently, susceptibility (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09,P: 9.30E–03) and severity (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02,P: 0.012) of COVID-19 were nominally associated with higher risk of AD. The results were robust under all sensitivity analyses. These results demonstrated that COVID-19 could increase the risk of AD. Future development of preventive or therapeutic interventions could attach importance to this to alleviate the complications of COVID-19.
Semaphorin 5A suppresses ferroptosis through activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cheng Qi , Chen Mo , Liu Mengdan , Chen Xin , Zhu Lingjiang , Xu Jieying , Xue Jing , Wu Huaxiang , Du Yan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAbnormal activation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs) plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the mechanism of which remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to comprehensively and systematically explore the mechanism for Semaphorin 5A-mediated abnormal SF activation in RA. Here, we found that Semaphorin 5A levels were significantly higher in synovial fluid and synovial tissue from RA patients compared with osteoarthritis patients. We further found that the mRNA level and protein abundance of Plexin-A1 was elevated in RA SFs compared with OA SFs, while Plexin-B3 expression showed no significant difference. The increased Semaphorin 5A in RA synovial fluid was mainly derived from CD68+ synovial macrophages, and the elevation led to increased binding between Semaphorin 5A and its receptors, thereby promoting cytokine secretion, proliferation, and migration, and decreasing apoptosis. Moreover, the effect of Semaphorin 5A on enhancing activation (cytokine secretion, cell proliferation and migration) and reducing apoptosis of SFs was significantly abolished after knockdown of Plexin-A1 and Plexin-B3 by small interfering RNA. Transcriptome sequencing and protein array detection revealed that Semaphorin 5A activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited ferroptosis. Morphologically, transmission electron microscopy results showed that Semaphorin 5A could significantly eliminate the mitochondrial diminution, membrane density increased and crest ruptured of SFs induced by ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Mechanistically, Semaphorin 5A enhanced GPX4 expression and SREBP1/SCD-1 signaling by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thus suppressing ferroptosis of RA SFs. In conclusion, our study provided the first evidence that elevated Semaphorin 5A in RA synovial fluid promotes SF activation by suppressing ferroptosis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Add drop multiplexers for terahertz communications using two-wire waveguide-based plasmonic circuits
Authors: Cao Yang , Nallappan Kathirvel , Xu Guofu , Skorobogatiy Maksim 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTerahertz (THz) band is considered to be the next frontier in wireless communications. The emerging THz multiplexing techniques are expected to dramatically increase the information capacity of THz communications far beyond a single channel limit. In this work, we explore the THz frequency-division multiplexing modality enabled by an add-drop multiplexer (ADM) design. Based on modular two-wire plasmonic waveguides fabricated using additive manufacturing and metallization techniques, we demonstrate four-port THz ADMs containing grating-loaded side couplers for operation at ~140 GHz carrier frequency. Particular attention is paid to the design of plasmonic waveguide Bragg gratings and directional couplers capable of splitting broadband THz light into spectral and spatial domains. Finally, we demonstrate multi/demultiplexing of THz signals with bit rates up to 6 Gbps using the developed ADMs. We believe that the proposed plasmonic circuits hold strong potential to provide robust integrated solutions for analog signal processing in the upcoming THz communications.
Computational imaging of moving objects obscured by a random corridor via speckle correlations
Authors: Shi Tian , Li Liangsheng , Cai He , Zhu Xianli , Shi Qingfan , Zheng Ning 
Published: July 2022

AbstractComputational imaging makes it possible to reconstruct hidden objects through random media and around corners, which is of fundamental importance in various fields. Despite recent advances, computational imaging has not been studied in certain types of random scenarios, such as tortuous corridors filled with random media. We refer to this category of complex environment as a ’random corridor’, and propose a reduced spatial- and ensemble-speckle intensity correlation (RSESIC) method to image a moving object obscured by a random corridor. Experimental results show that the method can reconstruct the image of a centimeter-sized hidden object with a sub-millimeter resolution by a low-cost digital camera. The imaging capability depends on three system parameters and can be characterized by the correlation fidelity (CF). Furthermore, the RSESIC method is able to recover the image of objects even for a single pixel containing the contribution of about 102 speckle grains, which overcomes the theoretical limitation of traditional speckle imaging methods. Last but not least, when the power attenuation of speckle intensity leads to serious deterioration of CF, the image of hidden objects can still be reconstructed by the corrected intensity correlation.
A monomeric mycobacteriophage immunity repressor utilizes two domains to recognize an asymmetric DNA sequence
Authors: McGinnis Reliza J. , Brambley Chad A. , Stamey Brandon , Green William C. , Gragg Kimberly N. , Cafferty Erin R. , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Hammel Michal , Hollis Thomas J. , Miller Justin M. , Gainey Maria D. , Wallen Jamie R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRegulation of bacteriophage gene expression involves repressor proteins that bind and downregulate early lytic promoters. A large group of mycobacteriophages code for repressors that are unusual in also terminating transcription elongation at numerous binding sites (stoperators) distributed across the phage genome. Here we provide the X-ray crystal structure of a mycobacteriophage immunity repressor bound to DNA, which reveals the binding of a monomer to an asymmetric DNA sequence using two independent DNA binding domains. The structure is supported by small-angle X-ray scattering, DNA binding, molecular dynamics, and in vivo immunity assays. We propose a model for how dual DNA binding domains facilitate regulation of both transcription initiation and elongation, while enabling evolution of other superinfection immune specificities.
Inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cell arginase-1 production enhances T-cell-based immunotherapy against Cryptococcus neoformans infection
Authors: Li Ya-Nan , Wang Zhong-Wei , Li Fan , Zhou Ling-Hong , Jiang Yan-Shan , Yu Yao , Ma Hui-Hui , Zhu Li-Ping , Qu Jie-Ming , Jia Xin-Ming 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCryptococcosis is a potentially lethal disease that is primarily caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, treatment options for cryptococcosis are limited. Here, we show glucuronoxylomannan, the major polysaccharide component of C. neoformans, induces the recruitment of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice and patients with cryptococcosis. Depletion of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells enhances host defense against C. neoformans infection. We identify C-type lectin receptor-2d recognizes glucuronoxylomannan to potentiate the immunosuppressive activity of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells by initiating p38-mediated production of the enzyme arginase-1, which inhibits T-cell mediated antifungal responses. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of arginase-1 expression by a specific inhibitor of p38, SB202190, or an orally available receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, vandetanib, significantly enhances T-cell mediated antifungal responses against cryptococcosis. These data reveal a crucial suppressive role of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells during cryptococcosis and highlight a promising immunotherapeutic application by inhibiting arginase-1 production to combat infectious diseases.
Controlled activation of cortical astrocytes modulates neuropathic pain-like behaviour
Authors: Takeda Ikuko , Yoshihara Kohei , Cheung Dennis L. , Kobayashi Tomoko , Agetsuma Masakazu , Tsuda Makoto , Eto Kei , Koizumi Schuichi , Wake Hiroaki , Moorhouse Andrew J. , Nabekura Junichi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractChronic pain is a major public health problem that currently lacks effective treatment options. Here, a method that can modulate chronic pain-like behaviour induced by nerve injury in mice is described. By combining a transient nerve block to inhibit noxious afferent input from injured peripheral nerves, with concurrent activation of astrocytes in the somatosensory cortex (S1) by either low intensity transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or via the chemogenetic DREADD system, we could reverse allodynia-like behaviour previously established by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). Such activation of astrocytes initiated spine plasticity to reduce those synapses formed shortly after PSL. This reversal from allodynia-like behaviour persisted well beyond the active treatment period. Thus, our study demonstrates a robust and potentially translational approach for modulating pain, that capitalizes on the interplay between noxious afferents, sensitized central neuronal circuits, and astrocyte-activation induced synaptic plasticity.
Local bifurcation with spin-transfer torque in superparamagnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Funatsu Takuya , Kanai Shun , Ieda Jun’ichi , Fukami Shunsuke , Ohno Hideo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractModulation of the energy landscape by external perturbations governs various thermally-activated phenomena, described by the Arrhenius law. Thermal fluctuation of nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions with spin-transfer torque (STT) shows promise for unconventional computing, whereas its rigorous representation, based on the Néel-Arrhenius law, has been controversial. In particular, the exponents for thermally-activated switching rate therein, have been inaccessible with conventional thermally-stable nanomagnets with decade-long retention time. Here we approach the Néel-Arrhenius law with STT utilising superparamagnetic tunnel junctions that have high sensitivity to external perturbations and determine the exponents through several independent measurements including homodyne-detected ferromagnetic resonance, nanosecond STT switching, and random telegraph noise. Furthermore, we show that the results are comprehensively described by a concept of local bifurcation observed in various physical systems. The findings demonstrate the capability of superparamagnetic tunnel junction as a useful tester for statistical physics as well as sophisticated engineering of probabilistic computing hardware with a rigorous mathematical foundation.
Fabrication of triboelectric polymer films via repeated rheological forging for ultrahigh surface charge density
Authors: Liu Zhaoqi , Huang Yunzhi , Shi Yuxiang , Tao Xinglin , He Hezhi , Chen Feida , Huang Zhao-Xia , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu , Qu Jin-Ping 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTriboelectric polymer with high charge density is the foundation to promote the wide range of applications of triboelectric nanogenerators. This work develops a method to produce triboelectric polymer based on repeated rheological forging. The fluorinated ethylene propylene film fabricated by repeated forging method not only has excellent mechanical properties and good transmittance, but also can maintain an ultrahigh tribo-charge density. Based on the film with a thickness of 30 μm, the output charge density from contact-separation nanogenerator reaches 352 μC·m−2. Then, the same film is applied for the nanogenerator with air-breakdown mode and a charge density of 510 μC·m−2 is further achieved. The repeated forging method can effectively regulate the composition of surface functional groups, the crystallinity, and the dielectric constants of the fluorinated ethylene propylene, leading to the superior capability of triboelectrification. Finally, we summarize the key parameters for elevating the electrification performance on the basis of molecular structure and related fabrication crafts, which can guide the further development of triboelectric polymers.
Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of grain yield at the county level in Shandong Province, China
Authors: He Huanhuan , Ding Rijia , Tian Xinpeng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractChina’s food security has always been a high priority issue on the political agenda with rapid urbanization affecting agricultural land, and it is challenged by several factors, such as human activities, social politics and policy. Shandong is an important grain-producing province and the second most populous province in China. In this paper, the spatiotemporal characteristics of grain yield and their potential influencing factors were explored at the county level in Shandong by using panel data over a 19-year period. The location Gini coefficient (L-Gini) and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) were used to study the spatial agglomeration characteristics of grain yield, and spatial regression methods (SRMs) were used to analyse the influencing factors. The results indicated that grain yield increased from 38.3 million metric tons to 53.2 million metric tons in 2000–2018, with a growth rate of approximately 28.0%. The increase in grain yield in Shandong was due to the driving effect of radiation from high-yield counties to surrounding moderate-yield counties. This revealed an upward trend of spatial polarization in Shandong’s grain yield. In 2000–2018, the L-Gini and global Moran’s I increased from 0.330 to 0.479 and from 0.369 to 0.528, respectively. The number of counties in high-high (HH) and low-low (LL) agglomeration areas increased, and the spatial polarization effect was significant. SRMs analysis showed that irrigation investment and non-grain attention have significant positive and negative effects on grain production, respectively. The spatial relationship between grain yield and its influencing factors was explored to provide a reference for formulating scientific and rational agricultural policies.
Tissue volume estimation and age prediction using rapid structural brain scans
Authors: Hobday Harriet , Cole James H. , Stanyard Ryan A. , Daws Richard E. , Giampietro Vincent , O’Daly Owen , Leech Robert , Váša František 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe multicontrast EPImix sequence generates six contrasts, including a T1-weighted scan, in ~1 min. EPImix shows comparable diagnostic performance to conventional scans under qualitative clinical evaluation, and similarities in simple quantitative measures including contrast intensity. However, EPImix scans have not yet been compared to standard MRI scans using established quantitative measures. In this study, we compared conventional and EPImix-derived T1-weighted scans of 64 healthy participants using tissue volume estimates and predicted brain-age. All scans were pre-processed using the SPM12 DARTEL pipeline, generating measures of grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume. Brain-age was predicted using brainageR, a Gaussian Processes Regression model previously trained on a large sample of standard T1-weighted scans. Estimates of both global and voxel-wise tissue volume showed significantly similar results between standard and EPImix-derived T1-weighted scans. Brain-age estimates from both sequences were significantly correlated, although EPImix T1-weighted scans showed a systematic offset in predictions of chronological age. Supplementary analyses suggest that this is likely caused by the reduced field of view of EPImix scans, and the use of a brain-age model trained using conventional T1-weighted scans. However, this systematic error can be corrected using additional regression of T1-predicted brain-age onto EPImix-predicted brain-age. Finally, retest EPImix scans acquired for 10 participants demonstrated high test-retest reliability in all evaluated quantitative measurements. Quantitative analysis of EPImix scans has potential to reduce scanning time, increasing participant comfort and reducing cost, as well as to support automation of scanning, utilising active learning for faster and individually-tailored (neuro)imaging.
Loss of PRMT2 in myeloid cells in normoglycemic mice phenocopies impaired regression of atherosclerosis in diabetic mice
Authors: Vurusaner Beyza , Thevkar-Nages Prashanth , Kaur Ravneet , Giannarelli Chiara , Garabedian Michael J. , Fisher Edward A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe regression, or resolution, of inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques is impaired in diabetes. However, the factors mediating this effect remain incomplete. We identified protein arginine methyltransferase 2 (PRMT2) as a protein whose expression in macrophages is reduced in hyperglycemia and diabetes. PRMT2 catalyzes arginine methylation to target proteins to modulate gene expression. Because PRMT2 expression is reduced in cells in hyperglycemia, we wanted to determine whether PRMT2 plays a causal role in the impairment of atherosclerosis regression in diabetes. We, therefore, examined the consequence of deleting PRMT2 in myeloid cells during the regression of atherosclerosis in normal and diabetic mice. Remarkably, we found significant impairment of atherosclerosis regression under normoglycemic conditions in mice lacking PRMT2 (Prmt2−/−) in myeloid cells that mimic the decrease in regression of atherosclerosis in WT mice under diabetic conditions. This was associated with increased plaque macrophage retention, as well as increased apoptosis and necrosis. PRMT2-deficient plaque CD68+ cells under normoglycemic conditions showed increased expression of genes involved in cytokine signaling and inflammation compared to WT cells. Consistently, Prmt2−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) showed an increased response of proinflammatory genes to LPS and a decreased response of inflammation resolving genes to IL-4. This increased response to LPS in Prmt2−/− BMDMs occurs via enhanced NF-kappa B activity. Thus, the loss of PRMT2 is causally linked to impaired atherosclerosis regression via a heightened inflammatory response in macrophages. That PRMT2 expression was lower in myeloid cells in plaques from human subjects with diabetes supports the relevance of our findings to human atherosclerosis.
Characteristics of IgG4-related disease complicated with allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis: a large cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Shi Qianyu , Ning Xiaoran , Li Huijuan , Ma Xiangbo , Wang Kunkun , Bian Wenjie , Zhang Yuxin , Xia Jiao , Zheng Xiaodan , Liu Yanying , Li Zhanguo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn clinical practice, we found that IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR)/chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) seemed to have unique characteristics different from patients with IgG4-RD alone. In this study, demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of IgG4-RD patients complicated with AR/CRS were investigated. We retrospectively analyzed 756 IgG4-RD patients who were recruited in four medical centers from 2009 to 2021. We divided 756 IgG4-RD patients into 2 groups: the case group included IgG4-RD patients complicated with AR/CRS, and the control group included IgG4-RD patients without AR/CRS. 411 patients were complicated with AR/CRS among 756 IgG4-RD patients. Multiple organs involvement (≥ 3, p < 0.0001, OR 3.585 (95% CI 2.655–4.839)) and other types of allergic disease (p < 0.0001, OR 2.007 (95% CI 1.490–2.693)) were more common in the case group. Patients in the case group had a higher level of serum IgG4 (650 mg/dL vs 385 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), IgE (347 mg/dL vs 98 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) and ESR (14 mm/h vs 12 mm/h, p < 0.05). High IgE level (p < 0.01, OR 1.003 (95% CI 1.001–1.005)) and other types of allergic disease (p < 0.05, OR 3.196 (95% CI 1.146–8.908)) were risk factors for patients in the case group, in which most patients had nasal manifestations before the diagnosis of IgG4-RD. The median time interval from nasal symptoms appearance to IgG4-RD diagnosis was − 120 and − 90 months for patients complicated with AR and CRS, respectively. IgG4-RD patients are often complicated with AR/CRS and have distinct characteristics, which appear to be a subgroup of IgG4-RD. The data suggests a pathogenic association of IgG4-RD and AR/CRS.