bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal modelling and simulation of oil palm fresh fruit bunch harvesting
Authors: Chan Yon Sin , Teo Yu Xuan , Gouwanda Darwin , Nurzaman Surya Girinatha , Gopalai Alpha Agape , Thannirmalai Subbiah
Published: May 2022

Oil palm harvesting is a labor-intensive activity and yet it was rarely investigated. Studies showed that complementing human motion analysis with musculoskeletal modelling and simulation can provide valuable information about the dynamics of the joints and muscles. Therefore, this study aims to be the first to create and evaluate an upper extremity musculoskeletal model of the oil palm harvesting motion and to assess the associated Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk. Tests were conducted at a Malaysia oil palm plantation. Six Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) were used to collect kinematics of the back, shoulder and elbow joints and to measure the muscle activations of longissimus, multifidus, biceps and triceps. The simulated joint angles and muscle activations were validated against the commercial motion capture tool and sEMG, respectively. The muscle forces, joint moments and activations of rectus abdominis, iliocostalis, external oblique, internal oblique and latissimus dorsi were investigated. Findings showed that the longissimus, iliocostalis and rectus abdominis were the primary muscles relied on during harvesting. The harvesters were exposed to a higher risk of MSD while performing back flexion and back rotation. These findings provide insights into the dynamical behavior of the upper extremity muscles and joints that can potentially be used to derive ways to improve the ergonomics of oil palm harvesting, minimize the MSD risk and to design and develop assistive engineering and technological devices or tools for this activity.
Exploring phylogenetic relationships within the subgenera of Bambusa based on DNA barcodes and morphological characteristics
Authors: Wang An Ke , Lu Qi Fan , Zhu Zhen Xian , Liu Sheng Hui , Zhong Hao , Xiao Zi Zhang , Zou Yue Guo , Gu Li Jian , Du Xu Hua , Cai Han Jiang , Bi Yu Fang
Published: May 2022

The genus Bambusa belongs to the subtribe Bambusinae and the subfamily Bambusoideae. The subgenera of Bambusa has not been satisfactorily circumscribed, and this remains a major taxonomic issue. Simultaneously, genera such as Dendrocalamus and Gigantochloa have not been confidently assigned to Bambusa. Here, the phylogenetic relationships among subgenera were investigated using five chloroplast DNA markers (rpl32-trnL, rpl16, matK, rbcL, and trnH-psbA) for a sample of 50 ingroup and 16 outgroup species. A total of 186 key morphological descriptors were studied for the 50 ingroup species. The results indicated that five chloroplast DNA markers were possible to distinguish Bambusa species from other species and divide them into several clusters. Phylogenetic analyses conducted using morphological descriptors and a combined marker (rpl32-trnL+rpl16) revealed three and five distinct lineages, respectively, among the currently recognized Bambusa species. The branching pattern of the dendrogram was not completely consistent with the classical taxonomic classification of Bambusa. In addition, not all varieties and cultivars were clustered with McClure classifications. As the maximum parsimony topology and morphological analyses were inconsistent, some clustering results overlapped. Overall, the results obtained here do not support the current classification of the Bambusa subgenera.
A machine learning approach to predict resilience and sickness absence in the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lieslehto Johannes , Rantanen Noora , Oksanen Lotta-Maria A. H. , Oksanen Sampo A. , Kivimäki Anne , Paju Susanna , Pietiäinen Milla , Lahdentausta Laura , Pussinen Pirkko , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Lehtonen Lasse , Lallukka Tea , Geneid Ahmed , Sanmark Enni
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced unprecedented workloads and personal health risks leading to mental disorders and surges in sickness absence. Previous work has shown that interindividual differences in psychological resilience might explain why only some individuals are vulnerable to these consequences. However, no prognostic tools to predict individual HCW resilience during the pandemic have been developed. We deployed machine learning (ML) to predict psychological resilience during the pandemic. The models were trained in HCWs of the largest Finnish hospital, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS, N = 487), with a six-month follow-up, and prognostic generalizability was evaluated in two independent HCW validation samples (Social and Health Services in Kymenlaakso: Kymsote, N = 77 and the City of Helsinki, N = 322) with similar follow-ups never used for training the models. Using the most predictive items to predict future psychological resilience resulted in a balanced accuracy (BAC) of 72.7–74.3% in the HUS sample. Similar performances (BAC = 67–77%) were observed in the two independent validation samples. The models' predictions translated to a high probability of sickness absence during the pandemic. Our results provide the first evidence that ML techniques could be harnessed for the early detection of COVID-19-related distress among HCWs, thereby providing an avenue for potential targeted interventions.
The effects of aqueous extract from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) peel on the growth and physiological characteristics of Dolichospermum flos-aquae
Authors: Yan Jin , Xu Peiyao , Zhang Fengrui , Huang Xinyue , Cao Yanmin , Zhang Shenghua
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the increasing Dolichospermum (Anabaena) blooms pose a major threat to the aquatic environment and public health worldwide. The use of naturally derived chemicals from plants to control cyanobacteria blooms has recently received a tremendous amount of attention. This study investigates the possibility of transforming watermelon peel (WMP) into a biological resource to allelopathically inhibit Dolichospermum flos-aquae blooms. The results demonstrated that the growth of D. flos-aquae was efficiently restricted by the aqueous extract of watermelon peel (WMPAE) in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell viability decreased quickly, intracellular structural damage occurred, chlorophyll a in algal cells degraded, and photosynthesis was clearly inhibited. At the same time, the levels of reactive oxygen species in viable cells increased significantly, as did malondialdehyde levels, indicating that WMPAE elucidated strong oxidative stress and corresponding damage to D. flos-aquae. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) levels increased in all treatment groups, which represents an adaptive response indicative of the development of resistance to WMPAE stress and oxidative damage. Despite this, WMPAE had clear inhibitory effects on D. flos-aquae. These findings provide fundamental information on an allelopathic system that could be a novel and attractive approach for suppressing D. flos-aquae blooms in small aquatic environments, especially aquaculture ponds.
Neural activity of the auditory cortex predicts speech recognition of patients with asymmetric hearing loss after cochlear implantation
Authors: Speck Iva , Arndt Susan , Thurow Johannes , Rau Alexander , Aschendorff Antje , Meyer Philipp T. , Frings Lars , Blazhenets Ganna
Published: May 2022

Patients with asymmetric hearing loss show an asymmetry of glucose metabolism of the primary auditory cortex (PAC). We investigated whether this asymmetry could serve as an objective predictor for speech recognition with CI. Nine patients underwent 18FDG PET prior to CI surgery. Average normalized 18FDG uptake of 25% of voxels with highest uptake was calculated for the PAC employing a probabilistic atlas and cerebellar cortex as reference. Differences in glucose metabolism of the PAC were assessed by an asymmetry index (AI-PAC). We tested the correlation between outcome of CI surgery (6 months post implantation), AI-PAC and clinical predictors. Pre-operative AI-PAC showed a positive correlation with speech recognition with CI (significant for sentences and numbers; trend for monosyllabic words). With a pre-operative AI-PAC ≥ 4.2%, patients reached good CI outcome in sentence recognition of 59–90% and number recognition of 90–100% and less favorable CI outcome in monosyllabic word recognition of 25–45%. Age at symptom onset was significantly associated with all measures of speech recognition, while deafness duration was only associated with sentence recognition. AI-PAC allows for a reliable and quantitative pre-operative prediction of early improvement in speech recognition after CI. 18FDG PET may be a valuable addition to the objective pre-operative assessment of CI candidates. Further studies in larger cohorts and with longer follow-up times are needed.
RT-qPCR-based tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection in pooled saliva samples for massive population screening to monitor epidemics
Authors: Różański Michał , Walczak-Drzewiecka Aurelia , Witaszewska Jolanta , Wójcik Ewelina , Guziński Arkadiusz , Zimoń Bogumił , Matusiak Rafał , Kazimierczak Joanna , Borowiec Maciej , Kania Katarzyna , Paradowska Edyta , Pawełczyk Jakub , Dziadek Jarosław , Dastych Jarosław
Published: May 2022

Swab, RT-qPCR tests remain the gold standard of diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 infections. These tests are costly and have limited throughput. We developed a 3-gene, seminested RT-qPCR test with SYBR green-based detection designed to be oversensitive rather than overspecific for high-throughput diagnostics of populations. This two-tier approach depends on decentralized self-collection of saliva samples, pooling, 1st-tier testing with highly sensitive screening test and subsequent 2nd-tier testing of individual samples from positive pools with the IVD test. The screening test was able to detect five copies of the viral genome in 10 µl of isolated RNA with 50% probability and 18.8 copies with 95% probability and reached Ct values that were highly linearly RNA concentration-dependent. In the side-by-side comparison, the screening test attained slightly better results than the commercially available IVD-certified RT-qPCR diagnostic test DiaPlexQ (100% specificity and 89.8% sensitivity vs. 100% and 73.5%, respectively). Testing of 1475 individual clinical samples pooled in 374 pools of four revealed 0.8% false positive pools and no false negative pools. In weekly prophylactic testing of 113 people within 6 months, a two-tier testing approach enabled the detection of 18 infected individuals, including several asymptomatic individuals, with substantially lower cost than individual RT-PCR testing.
Tracking COVID-19 urban activity changes in the Middle East from nighttime lights
Authors: Stokes Eleanor C. , Román Miguel O.
Published: May 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have enacted widespread physical distancing measures to prevent and control virus transmission. Quantitative, spatially-disaggregated information about the population-scale shifts in activity that have resulted from these measures is extremely scarce, particularly for regions outside of Europe and the US. Public health institutions often must make decisions about control measures with limited region-specific data about how they will affect societal behavior, patterns of exposure, and infection outcomes. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band (VIIRS DNB), a new-generation space-borne low-light imager, has the potential to track changes in human activity, but the capability has not yet been applied to a cross-country analysis of COVID-19 responses. Here, we examine multi-year (2015–2020) daily time-series data derived from NASA’s Black Marble VIIRS nighttime lights product (VNP46A2) covering 584 urban areas, in 17 countries in the Middle East to understand how communities have adhered to COVID-19 measures in the first 4 months of the pandemic. Nighttime lights capture the onset of national curfews and lockdowns well, but also expose the inconsistent response to control measures both across and within countries. In conflict-afflicted countries, low adherence to lockdowns and curfews was observed, highlighting the compound health and security threats that fragile states face. Our findings show how satellite measurements can aid in assessing the public response to physical distancing policies and the socio-cultural factors that shape their success, especially in fragile and data-sparse regions.
Socioecology shapes child and adolescent time allocation in twelve hunter-gatherer and mixed-subsistence forager societies
Authors: Lew-Levy Sheina , Reckin Rachel , Kissler Stephen M. , Pretelli Ilaria , Boyette Adam H. , Crittenden Alyssa N. , Hagen Renée V. , Haas Randall , Kramer Karen L. , Koster Jeremy , O’Brien Matthew J. , Sonoda Koji , Surovell Todd A. , Stieglitz Jonathan , Tucker Bram , Lavi Noa , Ellis-Davies Kate , Davis Helen E.
Published: May 2022

A key issue distinguishing prominent evolutionary models of human life history is whether prolonged childhood evolved to facilitate learning in a skill- and strength-intensive foraging niche requiring high levels of cooperation. Considering the diversity of environments humans inhabit, children’s activities should also reflect local social and ecological opportunities and constraints. To better understand our species’ developmental plasticity, the present paper compiled a time allocation dataset for children and adolescents from twelve hunter-gatherer and mixed-subsistence forager societies (n = 690; 3–18 years; 52% girls). We investigated how environmental factors, local ecological risk, and men and women’s relative energetic contributions were associated with cross-cultural variation in child and adolescent time allocation to childcare, food production, domestic work, and play. Annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and net primary productivity were not strongly associated with child and adolescent activity budgets. Increased risk of encounters with dangerous animals and dehydration negatively predicted time allocation to childcare and domestic work, but not food production. Gender differences in child and adolescent activity budgets were stronger in societies where men made greater direct contributions to food production than women. We interpret these findings as suggesting that children and their caregivers adjust their activities to facilitate the early acquisition of knowledge which helps children safely cooperate with adults in a range of social and ecological environments. These findings compel us to consider how childhood may have also evolved to facilitate flexible participation in productive activities in early life.
Anti-nucleocapsid antibodies enhance the production of IL-6 induced by SARS-CoV-2 N protein
Authors: Nakayama Emi E. , Kubota-Koketsu Ritsuko , Sasaki Tadahiro , Suzuki Keita , Uno Kazuko , Shimizu Jun , Okamoto Toru , Matsumoto Hisatake , Matsuura Hiroshi , Hashimoto Shoji , Tanaka Toshio , Harada Hiromasa , Tomita Masafumi , Kaneko Mitsunori , Yoshizaki Kazuyuki , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: May 2022

A cytokine storm induces acute respiratory distress syndrome, the main cause of death in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, the detailed mechanisms of cytokine induction due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain unclear. To examine the cytokine production in COVID-19, we mimicked the disease in SARS-CoV-2-infected alveoli by adding the lysate of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells to cultured macrophages or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myeloid cells. The cells secreted interleukin (IL)-6 after the addition of SARS-CoV-2-infected cell lysate. Screening of 25 SARS-CoV-2 protein-expressing plasmids revealed that the N protein-coding plasmid alone induced IL-6 production. The addition of anti-N antibody further enhanced IL-6 production, but the F(ab’)2 fragment did not. Sera from COVID-19 patients also enhanced IL-6 production, and sera from patients with severer disease induced higher levels of IL-6. These results suggest that anti-N antibody promotes IL-6 production in SARS-CoV-2-infected alveoli, leading to the cytokine storm of COVID-19.
The 2D:4D index is associated with the development of excess body weight in adults, but not with the rate of weight loss following bariatric surgery
Authors: Iljin Aleksandra , Antoszewski Bogusław , Szewczyk Tomasz , Sitek Aneta
Published: May 2022

2D:4D finger length ratio is a proxy of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Prenatal testosterone decreases and prenatal estrogens increase this index. In the current study we investigated whether the 2D:4D index, as a marker of the prenatal hormonal environment, is associated with the development of overweight and obesity in adults, and whether is it correlated with the rate of weight loss in patients after bariatric surgery. We tested 125 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), 125 adults with overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and 153 persons with normal body weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) of both sexes. We have found that the development of excessive body weight in men and women, and fat accumulation in the upper arms, thighs and lower legs in women with obesity (but not men) are associated with increased prenatal estrogen exposure. This relationship indicates a new area of activity in the field of obesity prevention. Moreover, it seems that the 2D:4D index (especially of the right hand) may be a useful factor in early prediction of the risk of developing excessive body weight in humans. The rate of weight loss after bariatric surgery is independent of prenatal exposure to sex hormones.
Decoration of green synthesized S, N-GQDs and CoFe2O4 on halloysite nanoclay as natural substrate for electrochemical hydrogen storage application
Authors: Ghiyasiyan-Arani Maryam , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: May 2022

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with high active sites are used as natural layered mineral supports. Sulfur- and nitrogen-co doped graphene quantum dots (S, N-GQDs) as conductive additive and CoFe2O4 as the electrocatalyst was decorated on a HNT support to design an effective and environmentally friendly active material. Herein, an eco-friendly CoFe2O4/S, N-GQDs/HNTs nanocomposite is fabricated via a green hydrothermal method to equip developed hydrogen storage sites and to allow for quick charge transportation for hydrogen storage utilization. The hydrogen storage capacity of pure HNTs was 300 mAhg−1 at a current density of 1 mA after 20 cycles, while that of S, N-GQD-coated HNTs (S, N-GQDs/HNTs) was 466 mAhg−1 under identical conditions. It was also conceivable to increase the hydrogen sorption ability through the spillover procedure by interlinking CoFe2O4 in the halloysite nanoclay. The hydrogen storage capacity of the CoFe2O4/HNTs was 450 mAhg−1, while that of the representative designed nanocomposites of CoFe2O4/S, N-GQDs/HNTs was 600 mAhg−1. The halloysite nano clay and treated halloysite show potential as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage in alkaline media; in particular, ternary CoFe2O4/S, N-GQD/HNT nanocomposites prove developed hydrogen sorption performance in terms of presence of conductive additive, physisorption, and spillover mechanisms.
Mitochondrial TrxR2 regulates metabolism and protects from metabolic disease through enhanced TCA and ETC function
Authors: Chocron E. Sandra , Mdaki Kennedy , Jiang Nisi , Cropper Jodie , Pickering Andrew M.
Published: May 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Mitochondrial redox state is highly impactful to metabolic function but the mechanism driving this is unclear. We generated a transgenic mouse which overexpressed the redox enzyme Thioredoxin Reductase 2 (TrxR2), the rate limiting enzyme in the mitochondrial thioredoxin system. We found augmentation of TrxR2 to enhance metabolism in mice under a normal diet and to increase resistance to high-fat diet induced metabolic dysfunction by both increasing glucose tolerance and decreasing fat deposition. We show this to be caused by increased mitochondrial function which is driven at least in part by enhancements to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain function. Our findings demonstrate a role for TrxR2 and mitochondrial thioredoxin as metabolic regulators and show a critical role for redox enzymes in controlling functionality of key mitochondrial metabolic systems.
Defoliation-induced changes in foliage quality may trigger broad-scale insect outbreaks
Authors: De Grandpré Louis , Marchand Maryse , Kneeshaw Daniel D. , Paré David , Boucher Dominique , Bourassa Stéphane , Gervais David , Simard Martin , Griffin Jacob M. , Pureswaran Deepa S.
Published: May 2022

Top-down effects, like predation, are drivers of insect outbreaks, but bottom-up effects, like host nutritional quality, also influence outbreaks and could in turn be altered by insect-caused defoliation. We evaluated the prediction that herbivory leads to a positive feedback on outbreak severity as nutrient concentration in plant tissues increases through improved soil nutrient availability from frass and litter deposition. Over seven years of a spruce budworm outbreak, we quantified litter nutrient fluxes, soil nitrogen availability, and host tree foliar nutrient status along a forest susceptibility gradient. As the outbreak progressed, both soil nutrient fluxes and availability increased which, in turn, improved foliage quality in surviving host trees. This is consistent with boosted insect fitness and increased population density and defoliation as outbreaks grow. Our results suggest that a positive bottom-up feedback to forest ecosystems from defoliation may result in conditions favorable to self-amplifying population dynamics in insect herbivores that can contribute to driving broad-scale outbreaks.
Peripheral NOD-like receptor deficient inflammatory macrophages trigger neutrophil infiltration into the brain disrupting daytime locomotion
Authors: Kwon Victoria , Cai Peiwen , Dixon Cameron T. , Hamlin Victoria , Spencer Caroline G. , Rojas Alison M. , Hamilton Matthew , Shiau Celia E.
Published: May 2022

Inflammation is known to disrupt normal behavior, yet the underlying neuroimmune interactions remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether inappropriate macrophage-evoked inflammation alters CNS control of daily-life animal locomotion using a set of zebrafish mutants selected for specific macrophage dysfunction and microglia deficiency. Large-scale genetic and computational analyses revealed that NOD-like receptor nlrc3l mutants are capable of normal motility and visuomotor response, but preferentially swim less in the daytime, suggesting possible low motivation rather than physical impairment. Examining their brain activities and structures implicates impaired dopaminergic descending circuits, where neutrophils abnormally infiltrate. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion recovered daytime locomotion. Restoring wild-type macrophages reversed behavioral and neutrophil aberrations, while three other microglia-lacking mutants failed to phenocopy nlrc3l mutants. Overall, we reveal how peripheral inflammatory macrophages with elevated pro-inflammatory cues (including il1β, tnfα, cxcl8a) in the absence of microglia co-opt neutrophils to infiltrate the brain, thereby potentially enabling local circuitry modulation affecting daytime locomotion.
Surface acoustic wave coupling between micromechanical resonators
Authors: Kähler Hendrik , Platz Daniel , Schmid Silvan
Published: May 2022

The coupling of micro- or nanomechanical resonators via a shared substrate is intensively exploited to built systems for fundamental studies and practical applications. So far, the focus has been on devices operating in the kHz regime with a spring-like coupling. At resonance frequencies above several 10 MHz, wave propagation in the solid substrate becomes relevant. The resonators act as sources for surface acoustic waves (SAWs), and it is unknown how this affects the coupling between them. Here, we present a model for MHz frequency resonators interacting by SAWs, which agrees well with finite element method simulations and recent experiments of coupled micro-pillars. In contrast to the well-known strain-induced spring-like coupling, the coupling via SAWs is not only dispersive but also dissipative. This can be exploited to realize high quality phonon cavities, an alternative to acoustic radiation shielding by, e.g. phononic crystals.
Friction in clay-bearing faults increases with the ionic radius of interlayer cations
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Lockner David A. , Solum John , Davatzes Nicholas C.
Published: May 2022

Smectite can dramatically reduce the strength of crustal faults and may cause creep on natural faults without great earthquakes; however, the frictional mechanism remains unexplained. Here, our shear experiments reveal systematic increase in shear strength with the increase of the ionic radius of interlayer cations among lithium-, sodium-, potassium-, rubidium-, and cesium-montmorillonites, a smectite commonly found in faults. Using density-functional-theory calculations, we find that relatively small sodium ions fit in the ditrigonal cavities on the montmorillonite surfaces, resulting in weakening of interlayer repulsion during sliding. On the other hand, relatively large potassium ions do not fit in the ditrigonal cavities, resulting in a larger resistance to sliding due to electrostatic repulsion between potassium ions. Calculated shear strength is consistent with our shear experiments by considering the partial dehydration of the frictional contact area. These results provide the basis for developing a quantitative model of smectite-bearing fault rheology.
Pseudodynamic analysis of heart tube formation in the mouse reveals strong regional variability and early left–right asymmetry
Authors: Esteban Isaac , Schmidt Patrick , Desgrange Audrey , Raiola Morena , Temiño Susana , Meilhac Sigolène M. , Kobbelt Leif , Torres Miguel
Published: May 2022

Understanding organ morphogenesis requires a precise geometrical description of the tissues involved in the process. The high morphological variability in mammalian embryos hinders the quantitative analysis of organogenesis. In particular, the study of early heart development in mammals remains a challenging problem due to imaging limitations and complexity. Here, we provide a complete morphological description of mammalian heart tube formation based on detailed imaging of a temporally dense collection of mouse embryonic hearts. We develop strategies for morphometric staging and quantification of local morphological variations between specimens. We identify hot spots of regionalized variability and identify Nodal-controlled left–right asymmetry of the inflow tracts as the earliest signs of organ left–right asymmetry in the mammalian embryo. Finally, we generate a three-dimensional+t digital model that allows co-representation of data from different sources and provides a framework for the computer modeling of heart tube formation
Resolving nanoscopic structuring and interfacial THz dynamics in setting cements
Authors: Song Fu V. , Yang Bin , Di Tommaso Devis , Donnan Robert S. , Chass Gregory A. , Yada Rickey Y. , Farrar David H. , Tian Kun V.
Published: May 2022

The setting dynamics of commercial cements were tracked non-destructively by THz spectroscopy probing interfacial dynamics and neutron scattering resolving structural evolutions over 1–30 nm, with trends made comprehensible by computational models.
A novel lateral flow immunoassay strip based on a label-free magnetic Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2 nanocomposite for rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Du Juan , Liu Kai , Liu Jialei , Zhao Dianbo , Bai Yanhong
Published: May 2022

Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2 was prepared and acted as both a magnetic separation capture probe and a lateral flow immunoassay label for the detection of L. monocytogenes in food samples.
Covalently attached intercalators restore duplex stability and splice-switching activity to triazole-modified oligonucleotides
Authors: Dysko Anna , Baker Ysobel R. , McClorey Graham , Wood Matthew J. A. , Fenner Sabine , Williams Glynn , El-Sagheer Afaf , Brown Tom
Published: May 2022

Oligonucleotides can bind to mRNA and alter gene expression, but require backbone modifications for clinical use. We show that attaching pyrene or anthraquinone to the ribose sugar next to an artificial triazole backbone restores duplex stability and splice switching ability in cells.
Interpretation of anomalously long crosslinks in ribosome crosslinking reveals the ribosome interaction in stationary phase E. coli
Authors: Misal Santosh A. , Zhao Bingqing , Reilly James P.
Published: May 2022

Ultra-long crosslinks in E. coli ribosomes were identified from the dimers, trimers, and tetramers using four peptide fragmentation methods. Sucrose density gradient and electron microscopy analysis confirmed ribosome dimers and trimers.
Insight into the surface property modification-enhanced C3N4 performance of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Cai Wei , Cui Jian , Li Kang , Zhang Zhicheng , Xie Huifang , Zhong Qin , Qu Hongxia
Published: May 2022

The surface properties of the catalyst have an important influence on the process of heterogeneous reactions.
Stereoelectronically-induced allosteric binding: shape complementarity promotes positive cooperativity in fullerene/buckybowl complexes
Authors: Larsen Eric S. , Ahumada Guillermo , Sultane Prakash R. , Bielawski Christopher W.
Published: May 2022

A buckybowl formed a tight 2 : 1 supramolecular complex with C60 in the solid-state as well as in solution.
Crystal engineering and structural diversity of 2-aminopyridinium hypodiphosphates obtained by crystallization and dehydration
Authors: Budzikur Daria , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Ślepokura Katarzyna
Published: May 2022

Organic–inorganic salts and ionic co-crystals of hypodiphosphoric acid (H4P2O6) with 2-aminopyridine (2ap) are reported and the dehydration of water-containing substances to produce new crystal forms otherwise inaccessible is described.
Synthesis of large single crystals of analcime in a template-free system
Authors: Sun Lang , Xu Xintong , Sun Dalin , Chu Shaowen , Chen Jiaqi , Shi Wentao , Lu Juan , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: May 2022

Large single ANA crystals with perfect icositetrahedral morphology have been synthesized under a simple system without templates and hydrofluoric acid.
Kinetics of CF3CH2OCH3 (HFE-263fb2), CHF2CF2CH2OCH3 (HFE-374pcf), and CF3CF2CH2OCH3 (HFE-365mcf3) with OH radicals, IR absorption cross sections, and global warming potentials
Authors: Blázquez Sergio , Espinosa Sara , Antiñolo María , Albaladejo José , Jiménez Elena
Published: May 2022

The T-dependence of the gas-phase reactivity of HFEs towards OH and the estimation of their GWP(100 years) have been investigated.
Predicting the Raman spectra of ferroelectric phases in two-dimensional Ga2O3 monolayer
Authors: Deng Zexiang
Published: May 2022

We investigate the vibrational properties and Raman spectra of the two-dimensional Ga2O3 monolayer, using density functional theory.
Chemical potential, derivative discontinuity, fractional electrons, jump of the Kohn–Sham potential, atoms as thermodynamic open systems, and other (mis)conceptions of the density functional theory of electrons in molecules
Authors: Baerends E. J.
Published: May 2022

Objections are raised against the straight-line behavior of the energy for fractional electron number and its basis in thermodynamical (grand canonical ensemble) considerations. It is not “the exact DFT for noninteger electron systems”.
Theoretical insights into molecular design of hot-exciton based thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules
Authors: Jacob Jesni M. , Ravva Mahesh Kumar
Published: May 2022

We examine and analyse the core concepts in molecular design for hot-exciton-based TADF molecules using DFT methods. We demonstrated the structure-property relationships and suggested a design strategy for producing multiple hot-exciton channels to improve RISC efficiency.
Preferential growth of perovskite BaTiO3 thin films on Gd3Ga5O12(100) and Y3Fe5O12(100) oriented substrates by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Ruf Thomas , Merker Stefan , Syrowatka Frank , Trempler Philip , Schmidt Georg , Lorenz Michael , Grundmann Marius , Denecke Reinhard
Published: May 2022

Preferentially (110)-oriented BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films can be achieved by PLD on Y3Fe5O12 (YIG)(100) or Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG)(100) substrates, while on other substrate orientations polycrystalline films are observed.
Eco-friendly synthesis of carbon nanotubes and their cancer theranostic applications
Authors: Mostafavi Ebrahim , Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S. , Khatami Mehrdad , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Recent developments in eco-friendly synthesis, cancer theranostic applications, and biocompatibility/cytotoxicity issues of CNTs are discussed, with emphasis on important challenges and future perspectives.
D–A–D structured triphenylamine fluorophore with bright dual-state emission for reversible mechanofluorochromism and trace water detection
Authors: Huang Ze , Tang Fang , Ding Aixiang , He Felicia , Duan Rui-Huan , Huang Jianyan , Kong Lin , Yang Jiaxiang
Published: May 2022

A donor–acceptor–donor-structured triphenylamine chromophore showing bright dual-state emission (DSE) has been synthesized and demonstrated multi-stimuli responsive properties, including water response, mechanochromism, and solvatochromism.
Ice-assisted electron-beam lithography for MoS2 transistors with extremely low-energy electrons
Authors: Yao Guangnan , Zhao Ding , Hong Yu , Zheng Rui , Qiu Min
Published: May 2022

Extremely low-energy electrons with an in situ formed protecting layer are beneficial to reduce damages in ice-assisted electron-beam lithography. MoS2 field effect transistors with ohmic contacts have been successfully fabricated in this way.
Electrochemical sensor based on polyoxometalate immobilized using a layer-by-layer assembly process to detect 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine
Authors: Yu Xiaoxia , Pei Jianye , Bi Lihua
Published: May 2022

An electrochemical sensor for the detection of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was developed by utilizing the reversible redox properties of W-containing polyoxometalates.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling studies of oxoacetamide warhead containing indole-quinazolinone based novel hybrid analogues as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors
Authors: Auti Prashant S. , Nandi Arijit , Kumari Vijeta , Paul Atish T.
Published: May 2022

A novel series of indolyl oxoacetamide-quinazolinone hybrid analogues (9aa–9df) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory potential that may lead to efficient anti-obesity agents.
Polyoxometalate-based composite cluster with core–shell structure: Co4(PW9)2@graphdiyne as stable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution and its mechanism research
Authors: Sun Hao , Jing Chaojun , Shang Wenhui , Wang Fei , Zeng Muling , Ju Shijie , Li Kai , Jia Zhiyu
Published: May 2022

Co4(PW9)2@GDY is composed of polyoxometalate (POM) and graphdiyne (GDY), which exhibits excellent electrochemical performance for oxygen evolution reaction. This is due to its strong electron-transfer ability and higher conductivity of GDY.
Harmonizing biosynthesis with post-ingestive modifications to understand the ecological functions of plant natural products
Authors: Li Jiancai , Baldwin Ian T. , Li Dapeng
Published: May 2022

The post-ingestive modifications in herbivores are essential to the function of plant specialized metabolites. Here, we highlight recent advances and discuss the prospects of functional study to plant natural products.
Achieving a highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction via a molecular Fe single atom catalyst
Authors: Wang Ming , Wu Yuxuan , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Yange , Wu Xingshun , Li Guang , Yang Li , Lin Yunxiang
Published: May 2022

Molecular FePc was successfully anchored on a defective mesoporous carbon matrix, which has led to axial charge polarization and promoted the oxygen reduction activity.
Visible light-mediated radical-cascade addition/cyclization of arylacrylamides with aldehydes to form quaternary oxindoles at room temperature
Authors: Sun Zhaozhao , Huang Huawen , Wang Qiaolin , Huang Chunyan , Mao Guojiang , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: May 2022

The visible light-induced oxidative radical cascade coupling of N-arylacrylamides with aldehydes using bromide as the hydrogen atom transfer agent to synthesize functional oxindoles is described.
Cisplatin and oleanolic acid Co-loaded pH-sensitive CaCO3nanoparticles for synergistic chemotherapy
Authors: Khan Muhammad Waseem , Zou Chenming , Hassan Said , Din Fakhar Ud , Abdoul Razak Mahaman Yacoubou , Nawaz Asif , Alam Zeb  , Wahab Abdul , Bangash Sudhair Abbas
Published: May 2022

Despite being one of the most potent anticancer agents, cisplatin (CDDP) clinical usage is limited owing to the acquired resistance and severe adverse effects including nephrotoxicity.
Tuning polymorphs of precipitated calcium carbonate from discarded eggshells: effects of polyelectrolyte and salt concentration
Authors: Azarian Mohammad Hossein , Sutapun Wimonlak
Published: May 2022

Tuned spherical vaterite calcium carbonate polymorphs have been precipitated from discarded eggshells and loaded with silver nanoparticles by in situ synthesis.
Pressure-induced phase transitions and electronic properties of Cd2V2O7
Authors: Díaz-Anichtchenko Daniel , Errandonea Daniel
Published: May 2022

Density-functional calculations predict the existence of two structural phase transitions under high-pressure in Cd2V2O7 pyrovanadate. The pressure influence on structural and electronic properties is described.
Magnesium-stabilised transition metal formyl complexes: structures, bonding, and ethenediolate formation
Authors: Parr Joseph M. , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: May 2022

Herein we report a comprehensive series of crystallographically characterised transition metal formyl complexes.
Metallic 1T-MoS2 coupled with MXene towards ultra-high rate-capabilities for supercapacitors
Authors: Wan Feng , Wang Xin , Tang Can , Jiang Chengzhong , Wang Weixin , Li Bing , Zhang Yongxing , Zhu Xuebin
Published: May 2022

A schematic diagram showing the synthesis of the 1T-MoS2/Ti3C2Tx heterostructure and the fast charge–discharge networks in the heterostructure.
En route to artificial photosynthesis: the role of polyoxometalate based photocatalysts
Authors: Paul Abhik , Adhikary Subhasis Das , Kapurwan Sandhya , Konar Sanjit
Published: May 2022

The role of polyoxometalate (POM) based photocatalysts in the journey to couple CO2 reduction with water oxidation in a single integrated system provides a substantial contribution in achieving the goal of making artificial photosynthesis a reality.
Efficient water oxidation using an Fe-doped nickel telluride–nickel phosphide electrocatalyst by partial phosphating
Authors: Tang Yu-Jia , Zou Yan , Zhu Dongdong
Published: May 2022

A facile partial phosphating strategy is reported to prepare an Fe-doped NiTe–Ni12P5catalyst on a nickel foam substrate using an Fe-doped NiTe nanosheet array precursor. Fe-NiTe–Ni12P5shows remarkable OER activity and stability in an alkaline electrolyte due to the synergistic effects among Fe-doping, NiTe, Ni12P5and the newly formed γ-NiOOH, which enable high explosion of active sites, well-modulated electronic structures, and promoted mass/charge transfer.
NiFe nanoparticles supported on N-doped graphene hollow spheres entangled with self-grown N-doped carbon nanotubes for liquid electrolyte/flexible all-solid-state rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Ma Yefei , Chen Weiheng , Jiang Zhongqing , Tian Xiaoning , WangGuo Xinyi , Chen Guangliang , Jiang Zhong-Jie
Published: May 2022

NiFe alloy NPs anchored in NGHS wrapped with self-grown NCNTs with a three-dimensional architecture was constructed successfully for ORR/OER bifunctional catalysis.
Combined photothermal–photodynamic therapy by indocyanine green loaded polydopamine nanoparticles enhances anti-mammary gland tumor efficacy
Authors: Liu Xu , Xu Na , Pu Ximing , Wang Juan , Liao Xiaoming , Huang Zhongbing , Yin Guangfu
Published: May 2022

We developed novel ICG loaded polydopamine nanoparticles with a hyaluronate outer layer. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent photothermal conversion capacity and efficient singlet oxygen production. IIPH could significantly inhibit the growth of tumors by PTT–PDT.
Computing effective diffusivities in 3D time-dependent chaotic flows with a convergent Lagrangian numerical method
Authors: Wang Zhongjian , Xin Jack , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the convergence analysis for a robust stochastic structure-preserving Lagrangian numerical scheme in computing effective diffusivity of time-dependent chaotic flows, which are modeled by stochastic differential equations (SDEs). Our numerical scheme is based on a splitting method to solve the corresponding SDEs in which the deterministic subproblem is discretized using a structure-preserving scheme while the random subproblem is discretized using the Euler-Maruyama scheme. We obtain a sharp and uniform-in-time convergence analysis for the proposed numerical scheme that allows us to accurately compute long-time solutions of the SDEs. As such, we can compute the effective diffusivity for time-dependent chaotic flows. Finally, we present numerical results to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method in computing effective diffusivity for the time-dependent Arnold-Beltrami-Childress (ABC) flow and Kolmogorov flow in three-dimensional space.
Anti-adipogenic Effects of Sulforaphane-rich Ingredient with Broccoli Sprout and Mustard Seed in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Men Xiao , Han Xionggao , Lee Se-Jeong , Park Keun-Tae , Han Jong-Kwon , Choi Sun-Il , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: May 2022

Glucoraphanin (GRA) is a precursor of sulforaphane (SFN), which can be synthesized by the enzyme myrosinase. In this study, we developed and validated HPLC analytical methods for the
determination of GRA and SFN in mustard seed powder (MSP), broccoli sprout powder (BSP), and the MSP-BSP mixture powder (MBP), and evaluated their anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1
adipocytes. We found that the analysis methods were suitable for the determination of GRA and SFN in MSP, BSP, and MBP. The content of GRA in BSP was 131.11 ± 1.84 µmol/g, and the content of
SFN in MBP was 162.29 ± 1.24 µmol/g. In addition, BSP and MBP effectively decreased lipid accumulation content without any cytotoxicity. Both BSP and MBP significantly inhibited the
expression of adipogenic proteins and increased the expression of proteins related to lipolysis and lipid metabolism. BSP and MBP inhibited the expression of adipocyte protein 2 (aP2),
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and inhibited the expression of fatty
acid synthase (FAS) through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, BSP and MBP also increased the expression of the lipolysis-related proteins, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and
carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Moreover, MBP exerted anti-adipogenic to a greater extent than BSP in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
Long-Term Impedance Trend in Cochlear Implant Users with Genetically Determined Congenital Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Brotto Davide , Caserta Ezio , Sorrentino Flavia , Favaretto Niccolò , Marioni Gino , Martini Alessandro , Bovo Roberto , Gheller Flavia , Trevisi Patrizia
Published: May 2022

Abstract Background Impedance is a basic parameter registered at any cochlear implant (CI) fitting section. It is useful in monitoring electrode functioning and the status of the surrounding anatomical structures. Purpose The main aim of this
study is to evaluate the 5-year impedance-value trend in patients affected by congenital genetically determined profound hearing loss implanted with Cochlear Nucleus devices. Research Design Observational, retrospective, monocentric study. Study Sample Twenty-seven
consecutive patients (9 females: 12.0 ± 7.6 years old; range: 4.2‐40.4) with genetic diagnosis of GJB2 mutation causing congenital profound hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation from 2010 to 2020 with good auditory benefit. Intervention Impedance
values of the CIs were obtained from the CIs' programming software that registers those parameters for each follow-up section of each patient. Data Collection and Analysis Impedance values were measured over time (activation, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after cochlear implantation),
for each of the 22 electrodes, in common ground, monopolar 1, monopolar 2, and monopolar 1 + 2 stimulation modes. Results A significant variation was found between CI activation and 6-month follow-up. This difference was found for each of the 22 electrodes. Electrodes
1 to 4 showed higher impedance values compared with all other electrodes in each time interval. Repeated-measures analysis of variance ruled out significant variations in impedance values from 6-month to 5-year follow-up. Conclusions Impedance values were extremely stable after
activation, at least for the first 5 years. In these cases, even minimal impedance variations should be carefully evaluated for their possible implications on hearing performance.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Neurology
Authors: Hillis James M. , Bizzo Bernardo C.
Published: May 2022

Artificial intelligence is already innovating in the provision of neurologic care. This review explores key artificial intelligence concepts; their application to neurologic diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment; and challenges that await their broader adoption. The development of new diagnostic biomarkers, individualization of prognostic information, and improved access to treatment are among the plethora of possibilities. These advances, however, reflect only the tip of the iceberg for the ways in which artificial intelligence may transform neurologic care in the future.
Teleneurology and Health Disparities
Authors: Saadi Altaf , Mendizabal Adys , Mejia Nicte I.
Published: May 2022

The disparate access to, and use of, telemedicine reflects those of in-person health. These disparities are perpetuated as a result of individual, social, and structural factors like low digital literacy, unequal availability of broadband services, and systemic racism. This review focuses on extant literature on disparities in teleneurology, including racial or ethnic disparities, language inequities, and the global context. Understanding social and structural barriers to equitable access to quality teleneurology is critical to addressing and preventing health disparities, ensuring effective and equitable neurological care for all patients.