bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HA-tag CD63 is a novel conditional transgenic approach to track extracellular vesicle interactions with sperm and their transfer at conception
Authors: Morgan Christopher P. , Meadows Victoria E. , Marx-Rattner Ruth , Cisse Yasmine M. , Bale Tracy L.
Published: January 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a unique mode of intercellular communication capable of specificity in transmitting signals and cargo to coordinate local and distant cellular functions. A key example of this is the essential role that EVs secreted by epithelial cells lining the lumen of the male reproductive tract play in post-spermatogenic sperm maturation. We recently showed in a preclinical mouse model that this fundamental process had a causal role in somatic-to-germline transmission of biological information regarding prior stress experience capable of altering the rate of fetal development. However, critical mechanistic questions remain unanswered as to the processes by which signaling occurs between EVs and sperm, and whether EVs or their cargo are delivered at conception and are detectable in the early embryo. Unfortunately, notable methodological limitations shared across EV biology, particularly in the isolation and labeling of EVs, complicate efforts to answer these important questions as well as questions on EV targeting specificity and mechanisms. In our current studies, we developed a novel approach to track EVs using a conditional transgenic construct designed to label EVs via conditional Cre-induced hemagglutinin (HA) tagging of the EV endogenous tetraspanin, CD63. In our exhaustive validation steps, this internal small molecular weight tag did not affect EV secretion or functionality, a common problem found in the previous design of EV tags using larger molecular weight proteins, including fluorescent proteins. Utilizing a stably transfected immortalized epididymal epithelial cell line, we first validated key parameters of the conditional HA-tagged protein packaged into secreted EVs. Importantly, we systematically confirmed that expression of the CD63-HA had no impact on the production, size distribution, or surface charge of secreted EVs, nor did it alter the tetraspanin or miRNA composition of these EVs. We also utilized the CD63-HA EVs to verify physical interactions with sperm. Finally, using in vitro fertilization we produced some of the first images confirming sperm delivered EV cargo at conception and still detectable in the early-stage embryo. As such, this construct serves as a methodological advance and as a valuable tool, with applications in the study of EV function across biomedical research areas.
Deficiency of transcription factor Nkx6.1 does not prevent insulin secretion in INS-1E cells
Authors: Pavluch Vojtěch , Engstová Hana , Špačková Jitka , Ježek Petr
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic-β-cell-specifying transcription factor Nkx6.1, indispensable for embryonic development of the pancreatic epithelium and commitment to β-cell lineage, directly controls the expression of a glucose transporter (Glut2), pyruvate carboxylase (Pcx), and genes for insulin processing (endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase-1β, Ero1lb; zinc transporter-8, Slc30a8). The Nkx6.1 decline in aging diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats contributes to β-cell trans-differentiation into δ-cells. Elucidating further Nkx6.1 roles, we studied Nkx6.1 ablation in rat INS-1E cells, prepared by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing from single colonies. INS-1ENkx6.1–/– cells exhibited unchanged glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), moderately decreased phosphorylating/non-phosphorylating respiration ratios at high glucose; unchanged but delayed ATP-elevation responses to glucose; delayed uptake of fluorescent glucose analog, but slightly improved cytosolic Ca2+-oscillations, induced by glucose; despite approximately halved Glut2, Pcx, Ero1lb, and Slc30a8 expression, and reduced nuclear receptors Nr4a1 and Nr4a3. Thus, ATP synthesis was time-compensated, despite the delayed GLUT2-mediated glucose uptake and crippled pyruvate-malate redox shuttle (owing to the PCX-deficiency) in INS-1ENkx6.1–/– cells. Nkx6.1 thus controls the expression of genes that are not essential for acute insulin secretion, the function of which can be compensated for. Considerations that Nkx6.1 deficiency is an ultimate determinant of β-cell pathology beyond cell trans-(de-)differentiation or β-cell identity are not supported by our results.
Association between socio-economic status and non-communicable disease risk in young adults from Kenya, South Africa, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Mtintsilana Asanda , Craig Ashleigh , Mapanga Witness , Dlamini Siphiwe N. , Norris Shane A.
Published: January 2023

There is a pressing need for global health preventions to curb the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Utilising multi-country study designs can improve our understanding of how socio-economic context shapes the aetiology of NCDs, and this has great potential to advance global health interventions. We examined the association between socio-economic status (SES) and NCD risk, and the potential confounding effects of smoking and alcohol intake in young adults (18–35-year-olds) from Kenya, South Africa (SA), and the United Kingdom (UK). Our study was a cross-sectional online survey that included 3000 respondents (n = 1000 per country, 50% women) conducted in April 2022. We utilised information on twelve NCDs to classify respondents as having “no condition”, “one condition”, and “multimorbidity” (having two or more conditions). A total household asset score was calculated and used as a proxy of SES, and subsequently categorised into quintiles (Q1–Q5; lowest-highest). Ordered logistic regression was used to test the associations between NCD risk and exposure variables. In the UK sample, we found that those in the second lowest SES quintile (Q2) had lower odds of developing NCDs than their lowest SES counterparts (Q1). In contrast, South African and Kenyan youth with a SES score between middle and highest quintiles (Q3–Q5) were more likely to develop NCDs than the lowest SES quintile group. In all countries, smoking and/or alcohol intake were associated with higher odds of developing NCDs, and showed some confounding effects on the SES-NCD relationships. Specifically, in Kenya, the risk of developing NCD was more than two times higher in those in the middle (Q3) SES group (OR 2.493; 95% CI 1.519–4.091; p < 0.001) compared to their lowest (Q1) SES counterparts. After adjusting for smoking and alcohol, the ORs of middle (Q3) SES group changed from 2.493 to 2.241 (1.360–3.721; p = 0.002). Overall, we found that the strength and direction of SES-NCD associations differed within and between countries. This study highlights how different SES contexts shape the risk of NCDs among young adults residing in countries at different levels of economic development.
An optimized modeling for in-situ stresses based on Rhino accurate modeling and large-scale transverse isotropic theory
Authors: Song Weihua , Jiao Huice , Xu Xiaotian , He Ping
Published: January 2023

In-situ stresses are significantly important for underground mining geotechnical design and coal seam gas management in underground coal mines. Aiming at regions with geological structures, this paper proposes an in-situ stress inversion method combining Rhino precise modeling and transverse isotropy theory, and tests it near the Guodishan fault. The results show that the application of Rhino precise modeling and transversely isotropic model in in-situ stress inversion shows advantages in improving the accuracy of in-situ stress calculation. In addition, based on the inversion analysis of in-situ stress near the Guodishan fault, we believe that the fault structure has a significant impact on the distribution of in-situ stress. Within the elevation range of − 400 m to − 800 m, the horizontal stress and vertical stress of the footwall are greater than those of the hanging wall. Moreover, the K ratio near the fault is generally less than 1, but the K ratio in the footwall is usually greater than that in the hanging wall, indicating that the tectonic stress has a stronger influence on the footwall. It is worth noting that the stress gradient near the fault is higher, which may lead to higher disaster risk.
Dichloromethane replacement: towards greener chromatography via Kirkwood–Buff integrals
Authors: Lynch Julie , Sherwood James , McElroy C. Rob , Murray Jane , Shimizu Seishi
Published: January 2023

Four sustainable esters are recommended in the replacement of DCM in TLC applications wherein the specific and non-specific molecular interactions underlying these measurements are quantified using a rigorous statistical thermodynamic framework.
Unlike RNA-TBA (rTBA), iso-rTBA, the 2′–5′-linked RNA-thrombin-binding aptamer, is a functional equivalent of TBA
Authors: Wagh Atish A. , Kumar Vaijayanti A. , Ravindranathan Sapna , Fernandes Moneesha
Published: January 2023

2′–5′-Linked RNA thrombin-binding aptamer (iso-rTBA) folds into a stable antiparallel G-quadruplex that can efficiently inhibit clotting and resist nuclease degradation.
Iridium-incorporated Co3O4with lattice expansion for energy-efficient green hydrogen production coupled with glycerol valorization
Authors: Xu You , Liu Tiantian , Shi Keke , Yu Hongjie , Deng Kai , Wang Ziqiang , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: January 2023

Incorporation of Ir cations into Co3O4could cause a lattice expansion effect and thus promote both the hydrogen evolution reaction and the glycerol oxidation reaction.
Missing puzzle in crystal engineering: 2-pyridone and [1,3,5]-triazine-2,4-diamine, the two most common cyclic hydrogen bonding sticky sites, in a single core
Authors: Abidi Adela , Fortin Emmanuelle , Larocque Kariane , Essalhi Mohamed , Dissem Nour , Chartrand Daniel , Maris Thierry , Duong Adam
Published: January 2023

Herein, we report a facile method for the synthesis of eight structurally diverse compounds 1–8 bearing hydrogen bonding functional group – diaminotriazine (DAT) along with pyridine and polyether groups for 1–4 and DAT linked via C–C bond to a 2-pyridone for 5–8.
Switch from local to global aromatic character in Möbius carbon nanobelts upon dioxidation. Evaluation of magnetic behavior in neutral and charged species
Authors: Macleod-Carey Desmond , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: January 2023

πAromatic circuits involving 198 electrons.
A guide for the characterization of organic electrochemical transistors and channel materials
Authors: Ohayon David , Druet Victor , Inal Sahika
Published: January 2023

The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) is one of the most versatile bioelectronic devices. This review is a guide for how to characterize OECTs and monitor the mixed charge transport and swelling properties of the OECT channel materials.
Construction of a g-C3N4-driven photocatalytic system for boosted biomass-derived alcohol oxidation: a promising route towards sustainable biomass valorization
Authors: Cui Jifang , Lu Xuebin , Guo Mengyan , Zhang Ming , Sun Linhao , Xiong Jian , Zhang Rui , Li Xiaoyun , Qiao Yina , Li Dan , Guo Mingyu , Yu Zhihao
Published: January 2023

We present feasible regulation strategies of a g-C3N4-based photocatalytic system for selective oxidation of biomass-derived alcohols for better biomass valorization.
Development of carboxymethyl chitosan-coated zein/soy lecithin nanoparticles for the delivery of resveratrol
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Yangjia , Wu Zhenyao , Li Jie , Li Junjian , Deng Shiming , Liu Guijin
Published: January 2023

Novel carboxymethyl chitosan-coated zein/soy lecithin nanoparticles (ZLC NPs) were rationally fabricated for the delivery of resveratrol. ZLC NPs improved the dissolution, antioxidant activity and storage stability of resveratrol greatly.
Palladium-catalyzed alkyne hydrocarbonylation under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrosilane
Authors: Luo Yu , Wang Xilong , Liu Qianwen , He Yimiao , Li Jing , Luo Shuang , Zhu Qiang
Published: January 2023

An ultramild reaction condition for the hydrocarbonylation of alkynes, which is performed under atmospheric pressure of CO in the absence of acids, has been developed.
Supramolecular structural control: photochemical reactions between styrylpyridine derivative and cucurbit[7,8]urils
Authors: Yuan Shang-Wei , Wu Heng , Yang Xi Nan , Yang Mao-Xia , Luo Yang , Min Wen , Lu Zhen-Feng , Redshaw Carl , Tao Zhu , Xiao Xin
Published: January 2023

The use of cucurbit[n]urils to control the photochemical reactions of styrylpyridine salts has become a new strategy in supramolecular chemistry.
Heteroleptic copper(i) complexes bearing functionalized 1H-pyrazole-bipyridine ligands: synthesis, photophysical properties, crystal structures, and applications in halogen sensing
Authors: Tong Jin , Zhao Li-Rong , Zhang Jin , Wang Xia-Yan , Yu Yan-Min , Yu Shu-Yan
Published: January 2023

Supramolecular Cu(i) complexes are synthesized from 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives containing anion binding 1H-pyrazole and their applications in halogen sensing are studied.
Ratiometric fluorescence detection of doxorubicin by R-CQDs based on the inner filter effect and fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Zhou Zhilin , Wang Jianghua , Sun Qiyao , Zhang Jiyue , Tao Tingxian , Fu Yingqiang
Published: January 2023

R-CQDs were prepared by successfully modifying rhodamine 6G on the surface of hydrothermally synthesized carbon quantum dots, and R-CQDs achieved ratiometric fluorescence detection of doxorubicin by internal filtration effect and fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Sustainable synthesis of structures containing quinoxaline-pseudopeptide-triazole pharmacophoresviaa one-pot six-component reaction
Authors: Farhid Hassan , Araghi Hanieh Mohammadi , Shaabani Ahmad , Notash Behrouz
Published: January 2023

An economical method based on the higher-order MCRs approach has been developed for the unification of quinoxaline-pseudopeptide-triazole pharmacophores in a sole structure.
Natural sesquiterpene quinone/quinols: chemistry, biological activity, and synthesis
Authors: Tian Xin-Hui , Hong Li-Li , Jiao Wei-Hua , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: January 2023

This review summarizes 196 reports related to 558 new sesquiterpene quinone/quinols spanning the years 2010–2021.
Albumin-based nanoparticle for dual-modality imaging of the lymphatic system
Authors: Li Mingze , Zhang Yundong , Ma Jinli , Du Jianshi
Published: January 2023

The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs.
Enantioselective Suzuki cross-coupling of 1,2-diboryl cyclopropanes
Authors: Teresa Javier , Velado Marina , Fernández de la Pradilla Roberto , Viso Alma , Lozano Blanca , Tortosa Mariola
Published: January 2023

The catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,2-bis-boronates through a Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling provides a powerful tool for the preparation of enantioenriched cyclopropyl boronates.
Interplay between steric and hydrodynamic interactions for ellipsoidal magnetic nanoparticles in a polymer suspension
Authors: Kreissl Patrick , Holm Christian , Weeber Rudolf
Published: January 2023

We study how ellipsoidal magnetic nanoparticles couple to a polymer suspension using computer simulations: while for anisotropic particles, steric interactions with the polymers are important, hydrodynamic interactions dominate.
Aggregation structure of chiral cubic liquid crystals revealed by X-ray diffraction utilizing a new algorithm
Authors: Oka Toshihiko , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Kutsumizu Shoichi , Saito Kazuya
Published: January 2023

A recently developed crystallographic algorithm revealed an unexpected interwoven network structure in chiral thermotropic liquid crystals of achiral rodlike molecules. The two networks are homochiral in network geometry and molecular arrangement.
A Conscious Approach to Decannulation: Clinical Application of a One-Way Speaking Valve With Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: López Ashley Muñoz , Nichols Marilouise E.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

This article compiles evidence to provide reasoning to advocate for early intervention with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) by a speech-language pathologist to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medical care in long-term management and rehabilitation. This article highlights the challenges of this patient population not demonstrating weaning and decannulation successes compared to other tracheostomized groups. DoC are significantly underserved diagnosis. This review highlights special considerations for optimizing and enhancing speech-language pathology early interventions to reduce the instance of misdiagnosis and to improve functional outcomes. Review of the literature resulted in a compilation of best practices.

Conclusions:

This article highlights evidence to support early intervention with DoC that can be directly applied to decannulation protocols for this patient population. The best practice in the care of patients with severe acquired brain injury should include speech-language pathology in the acute and rehabilitation phases. More research is needed in the profession to maximize skilled intervention and to improve prognosis in patients with DoC.
Three-dimensional evolution of radiative circumbinary discs: The size and shape of the inner cavity
Authors: Pierens Arnaud , Nelson Richard P.
Published: January 2023

In this study we present the results of 3D hydrodynamical simulations of circumbinary discs that orbit around analogues of the Kepler-16 and Kepler-34 systems, including the effect of stellar heating and radiative cooling on the thermal disc structure. We find that, compared to their 2D counterparts, the structures of the cavities in 3D circumbinary disc models appear to reach a quasi-stationary state more rapidly, and in a subset of our runs the evidence for this is unambiguous. Furthermore, the sizes and eccentricities of the inner cavity are smaller in 3D compared to 2D. We attribute this difference to enhanced spiral wave dissipation in disc regions above the midplane, where the cooling time is of the order of the dynamical timescale, resulting in smaller inner cavity sizes in 3D disc models. Our results suggest that migrating planets should park closer to the central binary in 3D models of circumbinary discs, and point to the importance of including the 3D structure when simulating circumbinary discs and planets.
Dynamical tides in Jupiter and the role of interior structure
Authors: Lin Yufeng
Published: January 2023

Context. The Juno spacecraft has obtained highly accurate tidal Love numbers, which provide important constraints on the tidal response and interior structure of Jupiter.

Aims. In order to exploit these observations, it is necessary to develop an approach to accurately calculate the tidal response of Jupiter for a given interior model and to investigate the role of the interior structure.

Methods. We directly solve the linearized tidal equations of a compressible, self-gravitating, rotating, and viscous fluid body using a pseudo-spectral method. The Coriolis force is fully taken into account, but the centrifugal effect is neglected. We are able to simultaneously obtain the real and imaginary parts of the tidal Love numbers for a given planetary interior model.

Results. We calculated the tidal responses for three simplified interior models of Jupiter which may contain a compact rigid core or an extended dilute core. All of the models we consider can explain the fractional correction ∆k22 ≈ −4% due to dynamical tides, but they all have difficulties reconciling the observed ∆k42 ≈ −11% for the high-degree tidal Love number. We show that the Coriolis force significantly modifies gravity modes in an extended dilute core at the tidal frequency relevant to the Galilean satellites. We demonstrate that the existence of a thin stable layer in the outer region would also influence the tidal responses of Jupiter.
Multi-patch epidemic models with general exposed and infectious periods
Authors: Pang Guodong , Pardoux Étienne
Published: January 2023

We study multi-patch epidemic models where individuals may migrate from one patch to another in either of the susceptible, exposed/latent, infectious and recovered states. We assume that infections occur both locally with a rate that depends on the patch as well as “from distance” from all the other patches. The migration processes among the patches in either of the four states are assumed to be Markovian, and independent of the exposed and infectious periods. These periods have general distributions, and are not affected by the possible migrations of the individuals. The infection “from distance” aspect introduces a new formulation of the infection process, which, together with the migration processes, brings technical challenges in proving the functional limit theorems. Generalizing the methods in Pang and Pardoux [Ann. Appl. Probab. 32 (2022) 1615–1665], we establish a functional law of large number (FLLN) and a function central limit theorem (FCLT) for the susceptible, exposed/latent, infectious and recovered processes. In the FLLN, the limit is determined by a set of Volterra integral equations. In the special case of deterministic exposed and infectious periods, the limit becomes a system of ODEs with delays. In the FCLT, the limit is given by a set of stochastic Volterra integral equations driven by a sum of independent Brownian motions and continuous Gaussian processes with an explicit covariance structure.
E-Learning quality assurance is an act of symbolic control in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Masengu Reason , Muchenje Chenjerai , Ruzive Benson , Hadian Azadeh
Published: January 2023

There has been a dominance of e-learning Quality Assurance (QA) discourse since the adoption and increased usage of e-learning by HEIs. Research has shown that majority of graduates from HEIs were failing to meet industry expectation due to explicit mismatch between industry expectation and HEIs offering. This study aims to establish how e learning QA can act as a symbolic control in HEIs. The study used systematic literature review research methodology to understand the how e-learning quality assurance can be guaranteed in HEIs. The results of the study proposed a framework to be adopted and used by HEIs for e-learning QA. Of interest to note in the framework is the -e-learning QA was difficulty in HEIs due to the following aspects financial resources, culture, technological advancement, IT skills, leadership, staff retention, resistance to change and employee involvement. This study recommends that HEIs need to put the much-needed infrastructure, financial resources, develop the IT skills and benchmark their practices with international standards to effectively ensure e-learning QA.
Tracking Students’ Progress using Big Data Analytics to enhance student’s Employability: A Review
Authors: Al Yousufi Anfal , Naidu Vikas Rao , Jesrani Karan , Dattana Vishal
Published: January 2023

The amount of data made available is enormous. Hence having a way to track both learners' progress and enable the institutions to identify and track their success rate, status, achievements, and weakness in comparison to other benchmarked institutions would allow them to be more proactive and progressive. Benchmarking would help check the performance rate of their learners, faculty and curriculum performance against similar ones for better insights into potential future enhancements. The end result would be to enable decision makers to detect, analyse, understand and predict the following: education progress, learners’ behaviour, and course outcomes. This research paper will provide an insight on various aspects of Big Data Analytics (BDA), for the above purpose by reviewing various practices being followed. Finally, authors will provide recommendations for successful implementation of BDA to track students’ performance and take necessary actions. This will be helpful in tracking their academic progress and hence enhance their employability skills by identifying the areas of improvements.
Exploring the relationship between social media knowledge platform (SMKP) using smart devices and the impact on students’ academic performances
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Zarine Robin
Published: January 2023

This research study is an attempt to investigate and recommend the applications and usefulness of social media as a knowledge sharing platform using smart mobile devices and students’ academic performances. Research literature reveals that further examination of this idea is a must as it is increasingly becoming an integral part and a current mandate for digital-era learners. This study is exploratory based on learners’ data which includes students from foundation, junior and senior courses at a university. The objective was to cognize learners’ perceptions on collaborative learning while using applications of social media knowledge platform and smart mobile devices. Structural Model approach is followed to validate the data and undertake the required analysis. The resulting analysis shows that a significantly positive relation exists between the available platforms of knowledge applications using smart devices and its substantial impact on students’ overall performances. In addition, it could be observed that generally students have positive and valuable perception on the use of social media knowledge platform and smart mobile devices in collaborative learning settings. Moreover, such settings encourage students-students’ interactions, studentsteachers’ interactions, and the growing trends of students to online experts’ interactions. Furthermore, it was noticed that these interactions improve students’ engagement with such platforms using smart devices, which consequently has significant positive impact on students’ academic performances. The findings propose the inculcation in students the positive role of the use of social media knowledge platforms using smart devices so to encourage collaborative learning, to enhance active learning, to be more dynamic & engaging, to broaden their domain-knowledge, and to promote academic researchoriented learning, which are all crucial for graduate employability.
Contemporary and Technology Based Assessment and Feedback for Student Enhanced Learning: A Case Study of Mechanical Engineering Department at Middle East College
Authors: Suhail Adeel H. , Guangul Fiseha M. , Kuckian Sachin
Published: January 2023

Assessment is an important part to identify the strengths and weaknesses of student learning. Various approaches for module delivery have been implemented, emphasizing the value of student participation and their role in the educational process. This provides an excellent strategy to evaluate students over time and improve their performances. In this study, performance-based assessment as a modern form of assessment presented and discussed. Students' work was gathered in portfolios (Microsoft OneNote) so that their performance, effort, and progress could be monitored and tracked along with the task requirements. Module delivery strategy as a case study is also presented accompanied with the assessment and feedback methods.

Additionally, the significance of incorporating students in the feedback process, increasing their capacity to appraise the quality of their own and their peers' work, and fostering their capacity to conduct self-evaluations and develop into independent learners were all covered in detail. The study shows that digitalize written comments to facilitate the feedback process particularly in case of high number of students, with specific and clear criteria will help to give the right feedback at the right time. Furthermore, conducting discussion sessions to get peer feedback and reflection indicated that the understanding of students on the given feedback was improved.
Visible-Light-Mediated Germanylation of Aryl Fluorides: Synthetic and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Lakhdar Sami , Magné Valentin , Bellanger Corentin , Hussein Aqeel A. , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie
Published: January 2023

We describe herein a metal-free synthesis of aryltriphenylgermanes from the reaction of triphenylgermane with fluoro(hetero)arenes in the presence of a base under blue light irradiation. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and tolerates a few functionalities. The scope and limitations of this unprecedented approach are analyzed based on preliminary mechanistic studies.
Accuracy of Advanced Active Robot for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Lee Han-Jun , Park Kwan Kyu , Park Yong-Beom , Choi Sung Wook , Kim Bong-Oh , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: January 2023

Although the accuracy of other types of robotic systems for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been assessed in cadaveric studies, no investigations have been performed to evaluate this newly advanced active robotic system. Therefore, the authors aimed to analyze the accuracy of bone resection in terms of thickness and alignment in a cadaveric study. Three cadaveric specimens (six knees) and an active robotic system (CUVIS Joint, CUREXO) were used in the study. Three surgeons with different experiences in robotic TKAs performed this cadaveric study using the same robotic protocol with two different implant designs. The thickness and angle of bone resection planes obtained from the optical tracking system and the difference between resection planes and the planning data were assessed to determine accuracy. With respect to the overall resection accuracy compared to the plan, the cutting depth accuracy was within 1.0 mm mean of root mean square (RMS), and the resection angle accuracy in terms of sagittal, coronal, and axial planes was within 1.0 degree mean RMS. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the planned and measured values in terms of the resection angles and cutting thickness. The hip–knee–ankle angle at postoperative evaluation was 0.7 degrees ± 0.7 degrees (RMS 1.0 degrees). This in vivo study suggests that the use of this newly advanced active robotic system for TKA demonstrates a high degree of accuracy in terms of resection thickness and alignment. This finding supports the clinical application of this advanced robotic system.

Level of Evidence Cadaveric study, Level V.
Synchronizing network systems in the presence of limited resources via edge snapping
Authors: Corso Alessandra , Gambuzza Lucia Valentina , De Lellis Pietro , Frasca Mattia
Published: January 2023

In this work, we propose a multilayer control protocol for the synchronization of network dynamical systems under limited resources. In addition to the layer where the interactions of the system take place, i.e., the backbone network, we propose a second, adaptive layer, where the edges are added or removed according to the edge snapping mechanism. Different from classic edge snapping, the inputs to the edge dynamics are modified to cap the number of edges that can be activated. After studying the local stability of the overall network dynamics, we illustrate the effectiveness of the approach on a network of Rössler oscillators and then show its robustness in a more general setting, exemplified with a model of the Italian high-voltage power grid.
Lagrangian mixing of pulsatile flows in constricted tubes
Authors: Barrere N. , Brum J. , Anzibar M. , Rinderknecht F. , Sarasúa L. G. , Cabeza C.
Published: January 2023

Several Lagrangian methods were used to analyze the mixing processes in an experimental model of a constricted artery under a pulsatile flow. Upstream Reynolds number Re was changed between 1187 and 1999, while the pulsatile period T was fixed at 0.96 s. Velocity fields were acquired using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry for a region of interest (ROI) located downstream of the constriction. The flow is composed of a central jet and a recirculation region near the wall where the vortex forms and sheds. To study the mixing processes, finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLE) fields and concentration maps were computed. Two Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) responsible for mixing fluid were found from FTLE ridges. A first LCS delimits the trailing edge of the vortex, separating the flow that enters the ROI between successive periods. A second LCS delimits the leading edge of the vortex. This LCS concentrates the highest particle agglomeration, as verified by the concentration maps. Moreover, from particle residence time maps, the probability of a fluid particle leaving the ROI before one cycle was measured. As Re increases, the probability of leaving the ROI increases from 0.6 to 0.95. Final position maps rf were introduced to evaluate the flow mixing between different subregions of the ROI. These maps allowed us to compute an exchange index between subregions, EI¯, which shows the main region responsible for the mixing increase with Re. Finally, by integrating the results of the different Lagrangian methods, a comprehensive description of the mixing and transport of the flow was provided.
Microinjection in C. elegans by direct penetration of elastomeric membranes
Authors: Lockery Shawn R. , Pop Stelian , Jussila Benjamin
Published: January 2023

The nematode worm C. elegans is widely used in basic and translational research. The creation of transgenic strains by injecting DNA constructs into the worm's gonad is an essential step in many C. elegans research projects. This paper describes the fabrication and use of a minimalist microfluidic chip for performing microinjections. The worm is immobilized in a tight-fitting microchannel, one sidewall of which is a thin elastomeric membrane through which the injection pipet penetrates to reach the worm. The pipet is neither broken nor clogged by passing through the membrane, and the membrane reseals when the pipet is withdrawn. Rates of survival and transgenesis are similar to those in the conventional method. Novice users found injections using the device easier to learn than the conventional method. The principle of direct penetration of elastomeric membranes is adaptable to microinjections in a wide range of organisms including cells, embryos, and other small animal models. It could, therefore, lead to a new generation of microinjection systems for basic, translational, and industrial applications.
Vibrationally resolved two-photon electronic spectra including vibrational pre-excitation: Theory and application to VIPER spectroscopy with two-photon excitation
Authors: Horz Maximiliane , Masood Hafiz M. A. , Brunst Hendrik , Cerezo Javier , Picconi David , Vormann Hannah , Niraghatam Madhava Shyam , van Wilderen Luuk J. G. W. , Bredenbeck Jens , Santoro Fabrizio , Burghardt Irene
Published: January 2023

Following up on our previous work on vibrationally resolved electronic absorption spectra including the effect of vibrational pre-excitation [von Cosel et al., J. Chem. Phys. 147, 164116 (2017)], we present a combined theoretical and experimental study of two-photon-induced vibronic transitions in polyatomic molecules that are probed in the VIbrationally Promoted Electronic Resonance experiment using two-photon excitation (2P-VIPER). In order to compute vibronic spectra, we employ time-independent and time-dependent methods based on the evaluation of Franck–Condon overlap integrals and Fourier transformations of time-domain correlation functions, respectively. The time-independent approach uses a generalized version of the FCclasses method, while the time-dependent approach relies on the analytical evaluation of Gaussian moments within the harmonic approximation, including Duschinsky rotation effects. For the Coumarin 6 dye, two-dimensional 2P-VIPER experiments involving excitation to the lowest-lying singlet excited state (S1) are presented and compared with corresponding one-photon VIPER spectra. In both cases, coumarin ring modes and a CO stretch mode show VIPER activity, albeit with different relative intensities. Selective pre-excitation of these modes leads to a pronounced redshift of the low-frequency edge of the electronic absorption spectrum, which is a prerequisite for the VIPER experiment. Theoretical analysis underscores the role of interference between Franck–Condon and Herzberg–Teller effects in the two-photon experiment, which is at the root of the observed intensity distribution.
Data-based autonomously discovering method for nonlinear aerodynamic force of quasi-flat plate
Authors: Ma Teng , Cui Wei , Gao Tingting , Liu Shengyuan , Zhao Lin , Ge Yaojun
Published: January 2023

Expression of nonlinear aerodynamic phenomena and calculation of nonlinear aeroelastic response require accurate and concise aeroelastic force function. In this paper, a group sparse regression method is used to reveal the nonlinear mapping aerodynamics relationship between motion and force from data. The aeroelastic force function discovered by this method balances modeling accuracy and simplicity. A quasi-flat plate in coupled vertical–torsional harmonic motion is employed as an experimental object in this work. Aerodynamic motion-force dataset is collected by forced motion test in wind tunnel, including 484 cases. The sparse regression analytic result shows that αα̇,α3,α̇3 (α is torsional displacement) can represent the nonlinearity in aerodynamic for all cases, even wind speed, amplitude, amplitude ratio, frequency ratio, and angle of attack are in different combinations.
On the exactness of the universal backprojection formula for the spherical means Radon transform
Authors: Agranovsky M , Kunyansky L
Published: January 2023

The spherical means Radon transform

is defined by the integral of a function f in

R

n

over the sphere

S
(
x
,
r
)

of radius r centered at a x, normalized by the area of the sphere. The problem of reconstructing f from the data

where x belongs to a hypersurface

Γ
⊂

R

n

and

r
∈
(
0
,
∞
)

has important applications in modern imaging modalities, such as photo- and thermo- acoustic tomography. When Γ coincides with the boundary

∂
Ω

of a bounded (convex) domain

Ω
⊂

R

n

, a function supported within Ω can be uniquely recovered from its spherical means known on Γ. We are interested in explicit inversion formulas for such a reconstruction. If

Γ
=
∂
Ω

, such formulas are only known for the case when Γ is an ellipsoid (or one of its partial cases). This gives rise to a question: can explicit inversion formulas be found for other closed hypersurfaces Γ? In this article we prove, for the so-called ‘universal backprojection inversion formulas’, that their extension to non-ellipsoidal domains Ω is impossible, and therefore ellipsoids constitute the largest class of closed convex hypersurfaces for which such formulas hold.
Automatic ROI recognition and parameters selection for digital image correlation in measuring structures with complex shapes
Authors: Cheng Xiangnan , Xing Tongzhen , Zhou Shichao , Sun Chen , Ma Shaopeng , Chen Jubing
Published: January 2023

For the digital image correlation (DIC) method, the measurement of specimens with complex shapes may encounter difficulties due to the time-consuming recognition of region of interest (ROI), and the indeterminate parameter selection caused by the non-uniform deformation. This paper proposes an automatic DIC for the measurement of structures with complex shapes. An automatic ROI segmentation is developed by combining a convolutional neural network and image morphology, so the boundary of the specimen can be acquired accurately and efficiently. In dealing with the non-uniform deformation, a strain-related automatic selection of DIC parameters is developed, in which the sampling intervals and the subset sizes at different areas can be automatically determined. Both results of the simulated experiment and real experiment show that, by combing the two approaches with segmentation-aided DIC, the proposed automatic DIC can characterize the complex deformation including the boundary of the structures effectively.
Growth modification via indium surfactant for InGaN/GaN green LED
Authors: Md Taib M Ikram , Ahmad M A , Alias E A , Alhassan A I , Ajia I A , Muhammed M M , Roqan I S , DenBaars S P , Speck J S , Nakamura S , Zainal N
Published: January 2023

In this work, indium (In) was introduced as a surfactant during growth of high temperature GaN quantum barriers (QBs) and GaN interlayer of InGaN/GaN green LEDs. A reference LED grown without In-surfactant was also included for comparison. Results suggested that the LED growth was improved by introducing the In-surfactant, especially during the growth of the GaN interlayer. The In-surfactant improved the morphology of the interlayer, hence allowed it to serve as a good surface growth for the LED. Moreover, the LED showed the lowest full width at half maximum of each x-ray diffraction satellite peak when the In-surfactant was introduced in the GaN interlayer, suggesting an effective way to improve the multi-quantum wells. The introduction of the In-surfactant in the GaN interlayer and GaN QBs growths shifted the emission wavelength of the corresponding LEDs towards red (λ
emission = 534 nm) with respect to the reference LED where λ
emission = 526 nm. Furthermore, the In-surfactant introduction reduced the forward voltage, V
f of the corresponding LEDs down to 4.56 V, compared to the reference LED with V
f of 5.33 V. It also allowed the LEDs to show faster carrier decay lifetime, and hence higher radiative recombination, particularly when it was introduced in the GaN interlayer growth.
A global distinct pp-wave spacetime
Authors: Carneiro F L , Ulhoa S C , da Rocha-Neto J F , Maluf J W
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to investigate a spacetime that ensues from the generalized pp-waves metric by a specific choice of parameters. We obtain an additional off-diagonal term in the standard pp-waves line element. The spacetime is classified according to Petrov’s classification. The gravitational field equations are solved and the solutions are obtained. In order to distinguish this new spacetime from the standard pp-waves, we evaluate a Burgers vector of this spacetime in a local Burgers circuit and we show the new spacetime to be globally distinct from the standard pp-waves spacetime. Hence, we find topological defects present in a particular class of Brinkmann waves.
Smoothing the surface roughness of aluminum nitride films obtained by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Baranova L V , Strunin V I
Published: January 2023

When producing aluminum nitride films used in radio electronic devices on bulk (BAW) and surface acoustic waves (SAW), such as resonators, filters, sensors, by magnetron sputtering, a problem arises due to the large surface roughness of the films, as a result of which acoustic waves scatter on irregularities and, as a result, deterioration of the resonance characteristics of the devices. In this paper, we study the possibility of improving the surface quality of aluminum nitride films by smoothing the surface roughness upon irradiation with a beam of cluster argon ions. It is shown that the effect of low-energy (10 V/atom) argon cluster ions leads to surface modification, removal of residual chemical contaminants in the near-surface layer, and additional smoothing of the film surface at an ultra-small thickness of the etched layer (<100 nm).
Employing template-directed CRISPR-based editing of theOsALSgene to create herbicide tolerance in Basmati rice
Authors: Zafar Kashaf , Khan Muhammad Zuhaib , Amin Imran , Mukhtar Zahid , Zafar Mehak , Mansoor Shahid
Published: January 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the primary food crops which contributes major portion of daily calorie intake. It is used as model crop for various genome editing studies. Basmati rice was also explored for establishing non-homologous end joining-based genome editing. But it was not clear whether homology-directed repair (HDR)-based genome editing can be done in Basmati rice. The current study was designed to establish HDR-based genome editing in Basmati rice to develop herbicide tolerance. There is severe weed spread when rice is grown via direct planted rice method in various countries to save labour and water resources. Therefore, the use of herbicides is necessary to control weeds. These herbicides can also affect cultivated rice which creates the need to develop herbicide-tolerant rice. In current study, we introduced a point mutation in Acetolactate Synthase gene to convert tryptophan to leucine at position 548. For this purpose, different constructs for HDR were tested with different RNA scaffold and orientation of repair templates. Out of four different architectures, the one having repair template identical to the target DNA strand precisely edited the target site. We successfully established template-directed CRISPR-Cas9 system in Super Basmati rice by detecting desired substitutions at the target site in Acetolactate Synthase locus. Moreover, this editing of Acetolactate Synthase gene resulted in the production of herbicide tolerance in Super Basmati rice. This study suggests that such type of HDR system can be used to precisely edit other genes for crop improvement.
The GENESIS-UV study on ultraviolet radiation exposure levels in 250 occupations to foster epidemiological and legislative efforts to combat nonmelanoma skin cancer
Authors: Wittlich Marc , Westerhausen Stephan , Strehl Benjamin , Versteeg Helmut , Stöppelmann Wiho 
Published: January 2023

Background

Several hundred million of the 3 billion formally employed people worldwide are at risk from high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Chronic light damage to the skin can lead to nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially when irradiation is too high and is acquired for decades. However, data with uniform metrics, high resolution over time and in-depth occupational profiles are not available.

Objectives

To build a worldwide usable matrix of UVR exposure in occupations and to show use cases for the data.

Methods

One thousand test persons were recruited to wear electronic data logger dosimeters during their working time for 7 months each. The measurements yielded 3.7 billion data points for around 48 000 days with high-quality data capture covering more than 250 occupations and 650 activities. Scientific evaluation of the data included daily and half-hourly means, geographical transfer calculations to the world, threshold exceedance quotas, transcriptome effects, and occupational disease estimates.

Results

A compendium for global use is presented. In-depth analyses and the resulting implications for research have been elaborated to directly link exposure data to effects in the human body. Interestingly, the annual irradiances of the different occupations span a wide range of values: from about 650 to 50 standard erythemal doses, with different distributions over the months. Detailed exposure data per occupation were derived, and the risk on an occupational or activity basis assuming different exposure level quotas was quantified. This showed that, for example, in temperate latitudes, all activities with a duration of > 2 h outdoors are associated with increased NMSC risk.

Conclusions

We offer our work to enable sound studies on the nature of ultraviolet-induced skin cancer, dose–response relationships, intermittency of skin exposure, and derivation of limit values. Sociological studies on prevention are now possible. Practitioners may use the findings for their daily work with employees.