| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Zhu, R, et al.
(author)
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Force-tuned avidity of spike variant-ACE2 interactions viewed on the single-molecule level
- 2022
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In: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1, s. 7926-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent waves of COVID-19 correlate with the emergence of the Delta and the Omicron variant. We report that the Spike trimer acts as a highly dynamic molecular caliper, thereby forming up to three tight bonds through its RBDs with ACE2 expressed on the cell surface. The Spike of both Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant enhance and markedly prolong viral attachment to the host cell receptor ACE2, as opposed to the early Wuhan-1 isolate. Delta Spike shows rapid binding of all three Spike RBDs to three different ACE2 molecules with considerably increased bond lifetime when compared to the reference strain, thereby significantly amplifying avidity. Intriguingly, Omicron (B.1.1.529) Spike displays less multivalent bindings to ACE2 molecules, yet with a ten time longer bond lifetime than Delta. Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) Spike variants enhance and prolong viral attachment to the host, which likely not only increases the rate of viral uptake, but also enhances the resistance of the variants against host-cell detachment by shear forces such as airflow, mucus or blood flow. We uncover distinct binding mechanisms and strategies at single-molecule resolution, employed by circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants to enhance infectivity and viral transmission.
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| 15. |
- Qiao, Jixin, et al.
(author)
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An unknown source of reactor radionuclides in the Baltic Sea revealed by multi-isotope fingerprints
- 2021
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In: Nature Communications. - : Nature Research. - 2041-1723. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present an application of multi-isotopic fingerprints (i.e., U-236/U-238, U-233/U-236, U-236/I-129 and I-129/I-127) for the discovery of previously unrecognized sources of anthropogenic radioactivity. Our data indicate a source of reactor U-236 in the Baltic Sea in addition to inputs from the two European reprocessing plants and global fallout. This additional reactor U-236 may come from unreported discharges from Swedish nuclear research facilities as supported by high U-236 levels in sediment nearby Studsvik, or from accidental leakages of spent nuclear fuel disposed on the Baltic seafloor, either reported or unreported. Such leakages would indicate problems with the radiological safety of seafloor disposal, and may be accompanied by releases of other radionuclides. The results demonstrate the high sensitivity of multi-isotopic tracer systems, especially the U-233/U-236 signature, to distinguish environmental emissions of unrevealed radioactive releases for nuclear safeguards, emergency preparedness and environmental tracer studies. Anthropogenic activities lead to the accumulation of radioactive substances in the environment. Here the authors use multi-isotopic fingerprints of uranium and iodine to discover a previously unknown source of reactor uranium in the Baltic Sea, likely sourced from a Swedish nuclear facility.
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| 16. |
- Trnka, Miroslav, et al.
(author)
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Priority questions in multidisciplinary drought research
- 2018
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In: Climate Research (CR). - : Inter-Research Science Center. - 0936-577X .- 1616-1572. ; 75, s. 241-260
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Addressing timely and relevant questions across amultitude of spatio-temporal scales,state-of-the-art interdisciplinary drought research will likely increase in importance under projectedclimate change. Given the complexity of the various direct and indirect causes and consequences of adrier world, scientific tasks need to be coordinated efficiently. Drought-related research endeavorsranging from individual projects to global initiatives therefore require prioritization. Here, wepresent 60 priority questions for optimizing future drought research. This topical catalogue reflectsthe experience of 65 scholars from 21 countries and almost 20 fields of research in both naturalsciences and the humanities. The set of drought-related questions primarily covers drought monitoring,impacts, forecasting, climatology, adaptation, as well as planning and policy. The questionshighlight the increasingly important role of remote sensing techniques in drought monitoring, importanceof drought forecasting and understanding the relationships between drought parametersand drought impacts, but also challenges of drought adaptation and preparedness policies.
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