bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron-phonon coupling and vibrational properties of size-selected linear carbon chains by resonance Raman scattering
Authors: Marabotti P. , Tommasini M. , Castiglioni C. , Serafini P. , Peggiani S. , Tortora M. , Rossi B. , Li Bassi A. , Russo V. , Casari C. S.
Published: August 2022

UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of size-selected linear sp-carbon chains unveils vibrational overtones and combinations up to the fifth order. Thanks to the tunability of the synchrotron source, we excited each H-terminated polyyne (HCnH withn = 8,10,12) to the maxima of its vibronic absorption spectrum allowing us to precisely determine the electronic and vibrational structure of the ground and excited states for the main observed vibrational mode. Selected transitions are shown to enhance specific overtone orders in the Raman spectrum in a specific way that can be explained by a simple analytical model based on Albrecht’s theory of resonance Raman scattering. The determined Huang–Rhys factors indicate a strong and size-dependent electron-phonon coupling increasing with the sp-carbon chain length.
Organization of the gravity-sensing system in zebrafish
Authors: Liu Zhikai , Hildebrand David G. C. , Morgan Joshua L. , Jia Yizhen , Slimmon Nicholas , Bagnall Martha W.
Published: August 2022

Motor circuits develop in sequence from those governing fast movements to those governing slow. Here we examine whether upstream sensory circuits are organized by similar principles. Using serial-section electron microscopy in larval zebrafish, we generated a complete map of the gravity-sensing (utricular) system spanning from the inner ear to the brainstem. We find that both sensory tuning and developmental sequence are organizing principles of vestibular topography. Patterned rostrocaudal innervation from hair cells to afferents creates an anatomically inferred directional tuning map in the utricular ganglion, forming segregated pathways for rostral and caudal tilt. Furthermore, the mediolateral axis of the ganglion is linked to both developmental sequence and neuronal temporal dynamics. Early-born pathways carrying phasic information preferentially excite fast escape circuits, whereas later-born pathways carrying tonic signals excite slower postural and oculomotor circuits. These results demonstrate that vestibular circuits are organized by tuning direction and dynamics, aligning them with downstream motor circuits and behaviors.
A hybrid triboelectric nanogenerator for enhancing corrosion prevention of metal in marine environment
Authors: Wu Menzhen , Guo Wenxi , Dong Shigang , Liu Andeng , Cao Yanhui , Xu Zijie , Lin Changjian , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

A hybrid spherical triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TENG) with both solid-solid and solid-liquid contact modes is successfully constructed to collect wave energy for highly efficient cathodic protection of metals in marine. To maximize collection of wave energy, the S-TENG is designed to simultaneously capture friction energy from inside and outside the device with different working modes, achieving a short circuit current density of 186 mA m−3 and open circuit voltage of 88.9 V, respectively. It indicates that the potential drop of stainless steel (304SS) and organically coated carbon steel (Q235CS) coupled with the S-TENG are about 410 mV and 930 mV, respectively, which is suitable for their cathodic protection in marine environment. It is demonstrated that our S-TENG as a low-cost and environmentally friendly self-powered approach is promising to effectively converts wave energy for electrochemical cathodic protection in marine.
Stigmasterol attenuates hepatic steatosis in rats by strengthening the intestinal barrier and improving bile acid metabolism
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Gu Yuyan , Jiang Jing , Cui Xiaobing , Cheng Saibo , Liu Linling , Huang Zhiyong , Liao Rongxin , Zhao Peng , Yu Jieying , Wang Jing , Jia Yuhua , Jin Wen , Zhou Fenghua
Published: August 2022

Stigmasterol (ST) has been shown to improve both lipid and bile acid (BA) metabolism. However, the mechanism(s) by which ST prevents dyslipidemia via BA metabolism, and the potential involvement of other regulatory mechanisms, remains unclear. Here, we found that ST treatment effectively alleviates lipid metabolism disorder induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Moreover, we also show that fecal microbiota transplantation from ST-treated rats displays similar protective effects in rats fed on an HFD. Our data confirm that the gut microbiota plays a key role in attenuating HFD-induced fat deposition and metabolic disorders. In particular, ST reverses HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis in rats by reducing the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Allobaculum bacteria in the gut. In addition, ST treatment also modifies the serum and fecal BA metabolome profiles in rats, especially in CYP7A1 mediated BA metabolic pathways. Furthermore, chenodeoxycholic acid combined with ST improves the therapeutic effects in HFD-induced dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. In addition, this treatment strategy also alters BA metabolism profiles via the CYP7A1 pathway and gut microbiota. Taken together, ST exerts beneficial effects against HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and obesity with the underlying mechanism being partially related to both the reprogramming of the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of BAs in enterohepatic circulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study of the anti-obesity effects of ST and consideration of the gut microbiota as a potential target for the treatment of HFD-induced dyslipidemia.
Harmonized nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin from 1980 to 2018
Authors: Krasovich Emma , Lau Peiley , Tseng Jeanette , Longmate Julia , Bell Kendon , Hsiang Solomon
Published: August 2022

Water quality monitoring can inform policies that address pollution; however, inconsistent measurement and reporting practices render many observations incomparable across bodies of water, thereby impeding efforts to characterize spatial patterns and long-term trends in pollution. Here, we harmonized 9.2 million publicly available monitor readings from 226 distinct water monitoring authorities spanning the entirety of the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB) in the United States. We created the Standardized Nitrogen and Phosphorus Dataset (SNAPD), a novel dataset of 4.8 million standardized observations for nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds from 107 thousand sites during 1980–2018. To the best of our knowledge, this dataset represents the largest record of these pollutants in a single river network where measurements can be compared across time and space. We addressed numerous well-documented issues associated with the reporting and interpretation of these water quality data, heretofore unaddressed at this scale, and our approach to water quality data processing can be applied to other nutrient compounds and regions.
Two multi-temporal datasets to track debris flow after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Wang Lei , Chang Ming , Le Jian , Xiang Lanlan , Ni Zhang
Published: August 2022

We provide two datasets for tracking the debris flow induced by the 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake on a section of the Longmen mountains on the eastern side of the Tibetan plateau (Sichuan, China). The database was obtained through a literature review and field survey reports in the epicenter area, combined with high-resolution remote sensing image and extensive data collection and processing. The first dataset covers an area of 892 km2, including debris flows from 2008 to 2020 (an updated version). 186 debris flows affecting 79 watersheds were identified. 89 rainfall stations were collected to determine the rainfall events for the post-earthquake debris flow outbreak. The second database is a list of mitigation measures for post-earthquake debris flows, including catchment name, check dam number, coordinates, construction time, and successful mitigation date. The datasets can aid different applications, including the early warning and engineering prevention of post-earthquake debris flow, as well as provide valuable data support for research in related disciplines.
Synthesis and characterization of biopolyurethane crosslinked with castor oil-based hyperbranched polyols as polymeric solid–solid phase change materials
Authors: Lee Joo Hyung , Kim Seong Hun
Published: August 2022

Novel crosslinking bio polyurethane based polymeric solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCM) were synthesized using castor oil (CO) based hyperbranched polyols as crosslinkers. CO-based hyperbranched polyols were synthesized by grafting 1-mercaptoethanol or α–thioglycerol via a thiol-ene click reaction method (coded as COM and COT, respectively). Subsequently, the three SSPCMs were synthesized by a two-step prepolymer method. Polyethylene glycol was used as the phase change material in the SSPCMs, while the CO-based hyperbranched polyols and two types of diisocyanate (hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate) served as the molecular frameworks. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the successful synthesis of the SSPCMs. The solid–solid transition of the prepared SSPCMs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and polarized optical microscopy. The thermal transition properties of the SSPCMs were analyzed by differential scanning microscopy. The isocyanate and crosslinker types had a significant influence on the phase transition properties. The SSPCM samples prepared using HDI and COT exhibited the highest phase transition enthalpy of 126.5 J/g. The thermal cycling test and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that SSPCMs exhibit outstanding thermal durability. Thus, the novel SSPCMs based on hyperbranched polyols have great potential for application as thermal energy storage materials.
Impact of 24-epibrassinolide, spermine, and silicon on plant growth, antioxidant defense systems, and osmolyte accumulation of maize under water stress
Authors: Ghasemi Azizolah , Farzaneh Salim , Moharramnejad Sajjad , Sharifi Raouf Seyed , Youesf Ahmed Fathy , Telesinski Arkadiusz , Kalaji Hazem M. , Mojski Jacek
Published: August 2022

The effect of triad application of the phytohormone 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), the polyamine spermine (Spm), and the element silicon (Si) has not yet been considered on plant growth and behavior in water-stressed conditions. We aimed to evaluate the impact of single/dual/triad application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), spermine (Spm), and silicon (Si) on the growth, photosynthetic metabolites, and antioxidant enzymes in the maize plant exposed to water stress. This study was conducted as a potential drought resistance system and plants' maintenance against oxidative damage. In this regard, one maize hybrid (Paya) was grown under well-watered and water-deficit conditions (interrupted irrigation at the flowering and the filling seed stages) with and without foliar spraying of EBL, Spm, and/or Si. Drought conditions remarkably reduced growth, productivity, water-related content (RWC), and chlorophyll content. However, the dual and triad applications of EBL (0.1 mg L−1), Spm (25 mg L−1), and Si (7 mg L−1) significantly improved the above parameters. Water stress considerably augmented the levels of H2O2 and MDA. Their content in stress-subjected plants was significantly reduced by triad application. In water-stressed circumstances and after foliar treatments, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase as well as the amounts of total soluble proteins, phenolic compounds, proline, and glycine betaine all improved. Overall, triad application increased the plant's drought resistance and diminished ROS accumulation by raising the scavenging via the enhanced activity of the antioxidant enzymes.
Transfer learning strategies for solar power forecasting under data scarcity
Authors: Sarmas Elissaios , Dimitropoulos Nikos , Marinakis Vangelis , Mylona Zoi , Doukas Haris
Published: August 2022

Accurately forecasting solar plants production is critical for balancing supply and demand and for scheduling distribution networks operation in the context of inclusive smart cities and energy communities. However, the problem becomes more demanding, when there is insufficient amount of data to adequately train forecasting models, due to plants being recently installed or because of lack of smart-meters. Transfer learning (TL) offers the capability of transferring knowledge from the source domain to different target domains to resolve related problems. This study uses the stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model with three TL strategies to provide accurate solar plant production forecasts. TL is exploited both for weight initialization of the LSTM model and for feature extraction, using different freezing approaches. The presented TL strategies are compared to the conventional non-TL model, as well as to the smart persistence model, at forecasting the hourly production of 6 solar plants. Results indicate that TL models significantly outperform the conventional one, achieving 12.6% accuracy improvement in terms of RMSE and 16.3% in terms of forecast skill index with 1 year of training data. The gap between the two approaches becomes even bigger when fewer training data are available (especially in the case of a 3-month training set), breaking new ground in power production forecasting of newly installed solar plants and rendering TL a reliable tool in the hands of self-producers towards the ultimate goal of energy balancing and demand response management from an early stage.
A virtual evaluation of options for managing risk of hospital congestion with minimum intervention
Authors: Hou Wanxin , Qin Shaowen , Thompson Campbell Henry
Published: August 2022

Hospital congestion is a common problem for the healthcare sector. However, existing approaches including hospital resource optimization and process improvement might lead to huge cost of human and physical structure changes. This study evaluated less disruptive interventions based on a hospital simulation model and offer objective reasoning to support hospital management decisions. This study tested a congestion prevention method that estimates hospital congestion risk level (R), and activates minimum intervention when R is above certain threshold, using a virtual hospital created by simulation modelling. The results indicated that applying a less disruptive intervention is often enough, and more cost effective, to reduce the risk level of hospital congestion. Moreover, the virtual implementation approach enabled testing of the method at a more detailed level, thereby revealed interesting findings difficult to achieve theoretically, such as discharging extra two medical inpatients, rather than surgical inpatients, a day earlier on days when R is above the threshold, would bring more benefits in terms of congestion reduction for the hospital.
Optimized production and fluorescent labeling of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles
Authors: Gourdelier Manon , Swain Jitendriya , Arone Coline , Mouttou Anita , Bracquemond David , Merida Peggy , Saffarian Saveez , Lyonnais Sébastien , Favard Cyril , Muriaux Delphine
Published: August 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA enveloped virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that conducted in 6 million deaths worldwide so far. SARS-CoV-2 particles are mainly composed of the 4 main structural proteins M, N, E and S to form 100 nm diameter viral particles. Based on productive assays, we propose an optimal transfected plasmid ratio mimicking the viral RNA ratio in infected cells. This allows SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particle (VLPs) formation composed of the viral structural proteins M, N, E and mature S. Furthermore, fluorescent or photoconvertible VLPs were generated by adding a fluorescent protein tag on N or M mixing with unlabeled viral proteins and characterized by western blots, atomic force microscopy coupled to fluorescence and immuno-spotting. Thanks to live fluorescence and super-resolution microscopies, we quantified VLPs size and concentration. SARS-CoV-2 VLPs present a diameter of 110 and 140 nm respectively for MNE-VLPs and MNES-VLPs with a concentration of 10e12 VLP/ml. In this condition, we were able to establish the incorporation of the Spike in the fluorescent VLPs. Finally, the Spike functionality was assessed by monitoring fluorescent MNES-VLPs docking and internalization in human pulmonary cells expressing or not the receptor hACE2. Results show a preferential maturation of S on N(GFP) labeled VLPs and an hACE2-dependent VLP internalization and a potential fusion in host cells. This work provides new insights on the use of non-fluorescent and fluorescent VLPs to study and visualize the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle in a safe environment (BSL-2 instead of BSL-3). Moreover, optimized SARS-CoV-2 VLP production can be further adapted to vaccine design strategies.
COVID-19 mortality surveillance in Lebanon
Authors: Abou-Abbas Linda , Nasser Zeina , Baaklini Mario , Cheaito Lina , Karout Jeanette , Sweidan Hawraa , Jouni Abbas , Ghosn Nada , Hassan Hamad
Published: August 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Epidemiological surveillance program of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has launched a rapid surveillance system for collecting COVID-19-related mortality data. In this study, we document the Lebanese experience of COVID-19 mortality surveillance and provide an analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed deaths. The implementation of the rapid COVID-19 mortality surveillance system, data sources, and data collection were described. A retrospective descriptive analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases occurring in Lebanon between February 20, 2020, and September 15, 2021, was performed. Epidemiological curves of Covid-19 confirmed cases and deaths as well as the geographic distribution map of mortality rates were generated. Between February 21, 2020, and September 15, 2021, a total of 8163 COVID-19-related deaths were reported with a predominance of males (60.4%). More than 60% were aged 70 years or above. Of all deaths, 84% occurred at hospitals and 16% at home. The overall cumulative mortality rate was 119.6 per 100,000. The overall case fatality ratio (CRF) was 1.3%. Of the total deaths, 82.2% had at least one underlying medical condition. The top reported COVID-19 comorbidities associated with COVID-19-related deaths are cardiovascular diseases including hypertension (59.1%), diabetes (37.2%), kidney diseases including dialysis (11%), cancer (6.7%), and lung diseases (6.3%). The CFR was 30.9% for kidney diseases, 20.2% for cancer, 20.2% for lung diseases, 18.1% for liver diseases, 14% for diabetes, and 12.2% for cardiovascular diseases. Considering the limited human and financial resources in Lebanon due to the economic and political crisis, the rapid mortality surveillance system can be considered successful. Improving this system is important and would contribute to better detection of deaths from emerging and re-emerging diseases during health crises.
Modelling representations in speech normalization of prosodic cues
Authors: Si Chen , Zhang Caicai , Lau Puiyin , Yang Yike , Li Bei
Published: August 2022

The lack of invariance problem in speech perception refers to a fundamental problem of how listeners deal with differences of speech sounds produced by various speakers. The current study is the first to test the contributions of mentally stored distributional information in normalization of prosodic cues. This study starts out by modelling distributions of acoustic cues from a speech corpus. We proceeded to conduct three experiments using both naturally produced lexical tones with estimated distributions and manipulated lexical tones with f0 values generated from simulated distributions. State of the art statistical techniques have been used to examine the effects of distribution parameters in normalization and identification curves with respect to each parameter. Based on the significant effects of distribution parameters, we proposed a probabilistic parametric representation (PPR), integrating knowledge from previously established distributions of speakers with their indexical information. PPR is still accessed during speech perception even when contextual information is present. We also discussed the procedure of normalization of speech signals produced by unfamiliar talker with and without contexts and the access of long-term stored representations.
Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) ameliorates hyperthyroid-induced cardiac hypertrophy in male rats through modulation of miR-377, let-7 b, autophagy, and fibrotic signaling pathways
Authors: Khamis Tarek , Alsemeh Amira Ebrahim , Abdullah Doaa M.
Published: August 2022

Hyperthyroidism is associated with cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) is a new combined drug that has shown promise for the treatment of hyperthyroidism-associated heart failure; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the contributions of epigenetic regulation, remain unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of LCZ696 and the potential contributions of microRNA regulation in a rat model of hyperthyroidism-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by intraperitoneal administration of levothyroxine. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four equal groups (15 rats each): control, cardiac hypertrophy (CH), CH + valsartan, and CH + LCZ696. Treatment with LCZ696 or valsartan significantly improved hemodynamic abnormalities, normalized serum concentrations of natriuretic peptide, fibroblast growth factor-23, and cardiac inflammatory markers compared to CH group rats. Treatment with LCZ696 or valsartan also normalized myocardial expression levels of autophagy markers, fibrotic markers, PPAR-ϒ, mir-377, and let-7b. In addition, both valsartan and LCZ696 ameliorated collagen deposition, ventricular degeneration, and various ultrastructural abnormalities induced by levothyroxine. The beneficial effects of LCZ696 were superior to those of valsartan alone. The superior efficacy of LCZ696 may be explained by the stronger modulation of miR-377 and let-7b.
Influence of temperature gradient of slab track on the dynamic responses of the train-CRTS III slab track on subgrade nonlinear coupled system
Authors: Xu Qingyuan , Sun Shengwei , Xu Yi , Hu Changlin , Chen Wei , Xu Lei
Published: August 2022

Temperature is an important load for ballastless track. However, there is little research on the system dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient of ballastless track. Considering the moving train, temperature gradient of slab track, gravity of slab track, and the contact nonlinearity between interfaces of slab track, a dynamic model for a high-speed train runs along the CRTS III slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in ANSYS. The system dynamic responses under the temperature gradient of slab track with different amplitudes are theoretically investigated with the model. The results show that: (1) The proportions of the initial force and stress caused by the temperature gradient of slab track are different for different calculation items. The initial fastener tension force and positive slab bending stress have large proportions exceeding 50%. (2) The maximum dynamic responses for slab track are not uniform along the track. The maximum slab bending stress, slab acceleration, concrete base acceleration appear in the slab middle, at the slab end, and at the concrete base end, respectively. (3) The maximum accelerations of track components appear when the fifth or sixth wheel passes the measuring point, and at least two cars should be used. (4) The temperature gradient of slab track has a small influence on the car body acceleration. However, the influences on the slab acceleration, concrete base acceleration, fastener tension force are large, and the influence on the slab bending stress is huge.
Intracellular hemin is a potent inhibitor of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv10.1
Authors: Sahoo Nirakar , Yang Kefan , Coburger Ina , Bernert Alisa , Swain Sandip M. , Gessner Guido , Kappl Reinhard , Kühl Toni , Imhof Diana , Hoshi Toshinori , Schönherr Roland , Heinemann Stefan H.
Published: August 2022

Heme, an iron-protoporphyrin IX complex, is a cofactor bound to various hemoproteins and supports a broad range of functions, such as electron transfer, oxygen transport, signal transduction, and drug metabolism. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of heme as a non-genomic modulator of ion channel functions. Here, we show that intracellular free heme and hemin modulate human ether à go-go (hEAG1, Kv10.1) voltage-gated potassium channels. Application of hemin to the intracellular side potently inhibits Kv10.1 channels with an IC50 of about 4 nM under ambient and 63 nM under reducing conditions in a weakly voltage-dependent manner, favoring inhibition at resting potential. Functional studies on channel mutants and biochemical analysis of synthetic and recombinant channel fragments identified a heme-binding motif CxHx8H in the C-linker region of the Kv10.1 C terminus, with cysteine 541 and histidines 543 and 552 being important for hemin binding. Binding of hemin to the C linker may induce a conformational constraint that interferes with channel gating. Our results demonstrate that heme and hemin are endogenous modulators of Kv10.1 channels and could be exploited to modulate Kv10.1-mediated cellular functions.
Human serum albumin (HSA) regulates the expression of histone-like nucleoid structure protein (H-NS) in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Escalante Jenny , Nishimura Brent , Tuttobene Marisel R. , Subils Tomás , Pimentel Camila , Georgeos Nardin , Sieira Rodrigo , Bonomo Robert A. , Tolmasky Marcelo E. , Ramirez Maria Soledad
Published: August 2022

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Acinetobacter baumannii is listed among the most threatening pathogens. A. baumannii is mainly a nosocomial pathogen with a distinctive ability to survive in multiple environments. These characteristics together with this bacterium’s ability to acquire antibiotic resistance determinants make it a notorious pathogen. The presence of human serum albumin (HSA) is associated with modification of expression levels in numerous genes. The presence of HSA in the culture medium is also correlated with a reduction in levels of the global suppressor histone-like nucleoid structure protein, H-NS. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the wild type and isogenic Δhns strains cultured in lysogeny broth (LB) in the presence or absence of HSA revealed that the expression of a subset of eleven genes are modified in the Δhns cultured in LB and the wild-type strain in the presence of HSA, pointing out these genes as candidates to be regulated by the presence of HSA through H-NS. Six and five of these genes were up- or down-regulated, respectively. Three of these genes have functions in quorum sensing (acdA, kar and fadD), one in quorum quenching (aidA), two in stress response (katE, ywrO), three in metabolism (phaC, yedL1, and yedL2), one in biofilm formation (csuAB), and one in β-oxidation of fatty acids (fadA). The regulation of these genes was assessed by: (i) transcriptional analysis and qPCR at the transcriptional level; and (ii) by determining the phenotypic characteristics of each function. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that HSA-mediated reduction of H-NS levels may be one very important regulatory circuit utilized by A. baumannii to adapt to selected environments, such as those where HSA-containing human fluids are abundant.
High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is associated with an increased risk of incident early-onset vasomotor symptoms
Authors: Choi Hye Rin , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Yejin , Kang Jeonggyu , Kwon Min-Jung , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga-Young , Kim Kye-Hyun , Kim Hoon , Hong Yun Soo , Zhao Di , Cho Juhee , Guallar Eliseo , Park Hyun-Young , Ryu Seungho
Published: August 2022

We investigated the associations between serum lipid profiles and risk of early-onset vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) in premenopausal women. This cohort study comprised 2,540 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years without VMSs at baseline (median follow-up: 4.4 years). VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Korean version). Early-onset VMSs were defined as VMSs that occurred premenopause; moderate/severe VMSs were defined as a score of ≥ 3 points (range: 0 to 6, 6 being most bothersome). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the development of VMSs across the lipid levels. Higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were positively associated with increased risk of early-onset VMSs. Compared to the < 100 mg/dL LDL group, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident VMSs were 1.19 (1.03–1.37) and 1.20 (1.03–1.40) in participants with LDL cholesterol levels of 100–129 mg/dL and ≥ 130 mg/dL, respectively (Pfor trend = 0.027). The multivariable-adjusted HR for incident moderate/severe VMSs was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.08–1.73) in participants with LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL, compared to those with LDL < 100 mg/dL. Meanwhile, triglycerides and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not significantly associated with early-onset VMSs risk in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women with high serum LDL cholesterol concentrations had a higher risk of incident early-onset VMSs. Further studies should confirm our findings and examine whether LDL-lowering interventions reduce the risk of early-onset VMSs among women during menopause transition.
High-performance paper-based biocathode fabricated by screen-printing an improved mesoporous carbon ink and by oriented immobilization of bilirubin oxidase
Authors: Loew Noya , Shitanda Isao , Goto Himeka , Watanabe Hikari , Mikawa Tsutomu , Tsujimura Seiya , Itagaki Masayuki
Published: August 2022

In this study, the performance of a paper-based, screen-printed biofuel cell with mesoporous MgO-templated carbon (MgOC) electrodes was improved in two steps. First, a small amount of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was added to the MgOC ink. Next, the cathode was modified with bilirubin prior to immobilizing the bilirubin oxidase (BOD). The CMC increased the accessibility of the mesopores of the MgOC, and subsequently, the performance of both the bioanode and biocathode. CMC also likely increased the stability of the electrodes. The pre-modification with bilirubin improved the orientation of the BOD, which facilitated direct electron transfer. With these two steps, an open circuit potential of 0.65 V, a maximal current density of 1.94 mA cm−2, and a maximal power density of 465 μW cm−2 was achieved with lactate oxidase as bioanode enzyme and lactate as fuel. This is one of the highest reported performances for a biofuel cell.
Metabolite biomarker discovery for human gastric cancer using dried blood spot mass spectrometry metabolomic approach
Authors: Wu Xue , Ao Huaixuan , Gao Hui , Zhu Zhitu
Published: August 2022

As one of the most common malignancies, gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China. GC is asymptomatic in early stages, and the majority of GC mortality is due to delayed symptoms. It is an urgent task to find reliable biomarkers for the identification of GC in order to improve outcomes. A combination of dried blood spot sampling and direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS) technology was used to measure blood metabolic profiles for 166 patients with GC and 183 healthy individuals, and 93 metabolites including amino acids, carnitine/acylcarnitines and their derivatives, and related ratios were quantified. Multiple algorithms were used to characterize the changes of metabolic profiles in patients with GC compared to healthy individuals. A biomarker panel was identified in training set, and assessed by tenfold cross-validation and external test data set. After systematic selection of 93 metabolites, a biomarker panel consisting of Ala, Arg, Gly, Orn, Tyr/Cit, Val/Phe, C4-OH, C5/C3, C10:2 shows the potential to distinguish patients with GC from healthy individuals in tenfold cross-validation model (sensitivity: 0.8750, specificity: 0.9006) and test set (sensitivity: 0.9545, specificity: 0.8636). This metabolomic analysis makes contribution to the identification of disease-associated biomarkers and to the development of new diagnostic tools for patients with GC.
An integrative analysis to reveal that CLEC2B and ferroptosis may bridge the gap between psoriatic arthritis and cancer development
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Tao Xiaohua , Ding Xiaoxia
Published: August 2022

Patients with cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are reported with increased cancer risk, but the underlying mechanism is less clear, especially the association between the presence of PsA and cancer risk. Motivated by the role of ferroptosis in the progression of cancers as well as inflammation response in psoriasis, this experiment attempts to investigate the relationship between ferroptosis regulators and hub genes in PsA by bioinformatic analysis. The findings revealed an exclusive correlation between CISD1 (ferroptosis regulator) and CLEC2B (hub gene) in PsA group as well as multiple cancer types. Furthermore, CLEC2B was discovered differentially expressed in a variety of cancers and is closely associated with immune cell infiltration as well as immune checkpoints. These results indicate that ferroptosis may act as a bridge between psoriatic arthritis and the onset of certain malignancies.
Hole doping in a negative charge transfer insulator
Authors: Patel Ranjan Kumar , Patra Krishnendu , Ojha Shashank Kumar , Kumar Siddharth , Sarkar Sagar , Saha Akash , Bhattacharya Nandana , Freeland John W. , Kim Jong-Woo , Ryan Philip J. , Mahadevan Priya , Middey Srimanta
Published: August 2022

RENiO3 is a negative charge transfer energy system and exhibits a temperature-driven metal-insulator transition (MIT), which is also accompanied by a bond disproportionation (BD) transition. In order to explore how hole doping affects the BD transition, we have investigated the electronic structure of single-crystalline thin films of Nd1−xCaxNiO3 by synchrotron based experiments and ab-initio calculations. Here we show that for a small value of x, the doped holes are localized on one or more Ni sites around the dopant Ca2+ ions, while the BD state for the rest of the lattice remains intact. The effective charge transfer energy (Δ) increases with Ca concentration and the formation of BD phase is not favored above a critical x, suppressing the insulating phase. Our present study firmly demonstrates that the appearance of BD mode is essential for the MIT of the RENiO3 series.
Topological transitions in the presence of random magnetic domains
Authors: Sun Huimin , Huang Yu , Zhang Peng , He Mengyun , Fu Yu , Wang Kang L. , He Qing Lin
Published: August 2022

The Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition is a topological transition driven by topological defects at a characteristic temperature, below which vortex-antivortex pairs bound and dissociate into free vortices above. Such transitions have been observed in superfluid helium films, superconducting films, quantum Hall systems, planar Josephson junction arrays, graphene, and frustrated magnets. Here we report the BKT-like transition in a quantum anomalous Hall insulator film. This system is a 2D ferromagnet with broken time-reversal symmetry, which results in quantized chiral/antichiral edge states around the boundaries of the magnetic domains/antidomains. The bindings and unbindings of these domain-antidomain pairs can take the roles played by vortex-antivortex pairs while the chirality takes over the vorticity, which drive the system to undergo the BKT-like transition. This multidomain network can be manipulated by coherent/competitive mechanisms like the applied dc current, perpendicular magnetic field, and temperature, the combination of which forms a line of critical points.
Highly sensitive trace oxygen sensing based on far-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Ai Xinyu , Zhang Yungang , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: August 2022

High-sensitivity trace oxygen sensing was achieved by far-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy on the maximum optical path (L1) of the measurement system, with a detection limit as low as 12 ppm.
A benzophenoxazine-based NIR fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen sulfide and imaging in living cells
Authors: Yin Wenzhu , Wang Hongjing , Ma Fang , Xu Zeyu , Lu Yu , Zhou Mingxu , Deng Bihua , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Jinqiu
Published: August 2022

Fluorescence probe NRDNP exhibits excellent sensing performance toward H2S with about 80-fold fluorescence enhancement. The excellent sensitivity and a detection limit of 19 nM make it application for fluorescence imaging of H2S in living cells.
Characterization and predictive modeling potential of aging time of roasted coffee using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lázaro Maisa Cristina , Ferreira Ednaldo José , Gomes Neto José Anchieta , Ferreira Edilene Cristina
Published: August 2022

FTIR-ATR and logistic regression model estimating aging time (shelf life) and detecting frauds of repacking or tampering with labels of roasted coffee.
DNA-mediated assembly of a gold-nanoparticle film with controllable sonic behavior detected by novel electric-induced ultrasound
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Jie , Lu Yunhao , Guo Zhaobin , Jiang Qing , Sun Jianfei
Published: August 2022

DNA-functionalized GNPs were employed as building blocks to establish two-dimensional films via LBL assembly and their sonic behavior could be regulated through altering the sequence of SH-DNA and linker DNA in a controllable manner detected by electric-induced ultrasound.
Regulation of iron and cadmium uptake in rice roots by iron(iii) oxide nanoparticles: insights from iron plaque formation, gene expression, and nanoparticle accumulation
Authors: Huang Guoyong , Pan Dandan , Wang Milan , Zhong Songxiong , Huang Yingmei , Li Fangbai , Li Xiaomin , Xing Baoshan
Published: August 2022

Fe2O3 nanoparticles alleviated Cd uptake mainly via down-regulation of OsNRAMP5, OsCd1, OsIRT1 and OsIRT2 in roots, while the contribution of the enhanced formation of Fe plaque was minor.
Hydrodeoxygenation of lignin related phenolic monomers in polar organic electrolyte via electrocatalysis in a stirred slurry catalytic reactor
Authors: Wijaya Yanuar Philip , Smith Kevin J. , Kim Chang Soo , Gyenge Előd L.
Published: August 2022

Electrocatalytic hydrodeoxygenation of cerulignol and creosol producing cycloalkanes can be achieved under mild conditions in a stirred slurry reactor using an acid–polar organic solvent–salt electrolyte system.
Zirconium-catalysed hydrosilylation of esters and depolymerisation of polyester plastic waste
Authors: Kobylarski Marie , Donnelly Liam J. , Berthet Jean-Claude , Cantat Thibault
Published: August 2022

A general and practical procedure for the catalytic reduction of esters has been developed using the classical Schwartz's reagent (Cp2Zr(H)Cl) as a catalyst.
Boosting ammonia synthesis over MoO2 by Li intercalation
Authors: Gao Zhuoyang , Tan Ruike , Pan Ziye , Li Jiayang , Zhan Qingyun , Li Zhenlu , Xiong Qingchuan , Mu Xiaoyue , Li Lu
Published: August 2022

An efficient and robust ammonia synthesis is achieved over lithiated MoO2−x nanosheets with Fe loading. Li+ insertion results in the downshift of the d-band center, which markedly decreases the affinity to NHx (x = 0–2) and apparent activation energy simultaneously.
A niobium polyoxometalate–folic acid conjugate as a hybrid drug for cancer therapeutics
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad , Yadollahi Bahram
Published: August 2022

A new hybrid compound has been synthesized by the covalent grafting of (Bu4N)5H4[P2W15Nb3O62] to folic acid and used selectively against human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells.
Influence of ultra-micropore volume of activated carbons prepared from noble mung bean on the adsorption properties of CO2, CH4, and N2
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Jun , Balathanigaimani M. S. , Choi Young Hyeon , Yoon Soon-Do , Shim Wang-Geun
Published: August 2022

In this study, mung bean-based nanoporous activated carbons with different pore properties were prepared by varying the mass ratio of activating agent (KOH) and activation temperature.
Citric acid-induced room temperature self-healing polysiloxane elastomers with tunable mechanical properties and untraditional AIE fluorescence
Authors: Gao Jing-Han , Wan Baoquan , Zheng Ming-Sheng , Zha Jun-Wei
Published: August 2022

The introduction of CA effective combines the self-healing and fluorescence characteristics, and provides a reliable method for the development of multifunctional PDMS.
Chemoselective ring-opening copolymerization of five-membered cyclic carbonates and carbonyl sulfide toward poly(thioether)s
Authors: Wang Ying , Xia Yanni , Hua Zhengjiang , Zhang Chengjian , Zhang Xinghong
Published: August 2022

A novel method for the preparation of poly(thioether)s by copolymerizing PC with COS is reported, which also expands the application of PC.
Non-flammable, dilute, and hydrous organic electrolytes for reversible Zn batteries
Authors: Ma Guoqiang , Miao Licheng , Yuan Wentao , Qiu Kaiyue , Liu Mengyu , Nie Xueyu , Dong Yang , Zhang Ning , Cheng Fangyi
Published: August 2022

A non-flammable, dilute, and hydrous organic electrolyte can homogenize Zn plating/stripping, suppress water decomposition, and form organic–inorganic hybrid interphase on Zn, thus contributing to highly reversible Zn metal batteries.
Modulation of conductance using light-induced morphological change of a layered π-structure
Authors: Chatterjee Sheelbhadra , Hossain Munshi Sahid , Molla Sariful , Bandyopadhyay Subhajit
Published: August 2022

Reversible light-induced switching of conductance through the aggregation–disaggregation of an organic metal-free system is demonstrated here.
A novel buffering fault‐tolerance approach for network on chip (NoC)
Authors: Jafarzadeh Nima , Jalili Ahmad , Alzubi Jafar A. , Rezaee Khosro , Liu Yang , Gheisari Mehdi , Sadeghi Bigham Bahram , Javadpour Amir
Published: August 2022

Network‐on‐Chip (NoC) is a key component in chip multiprocessors (CMPs) as it supports communication between many cores. NoC is a network‐based communication subsystem on an integrated circuit, most typically between modules in a system on a chip (SoC). Designing a reliable NoC against failures that can prevent failure using some measures or preventing error or system failure while failure happens and proper performance became a significant concern. For a reliable design against failures, first, the system should be analysed to discover the critical points. Hence, in this research, it is tried first to investigate the scale of fault tolerance effect on the mechanism in the router on the network by injecting simulated errors, and then these errors are prevented. As the major novelty, the authors implemented a router on a synchronised network and calculated the network buffering fault tolerance by injecting error in the buffer. Specifically, a new method for improving fault tolerance is proposed, which uses the existing resources efficiently. So, it does not impose any overhead on hardware and improves the error tolerance scale. The authors also evaluate it from different perspectives to show its superior performance.
NEFTSec: Networked federation testbed for cyber‐physical security of smart grid: Architecture, applications, and evaluation
Authors: Singh Vivek Kumar , Govindarasu Manimaran , Porschet Donald , Shaffer Edward , Berman Morris
Published: August 2022

As today's power grid is evolving into a densely interconnected cyber‐physical system (CPS), a high fidelity and multifaceted testbed environment is needed to perform cybersecurity experiments in a realistic grid environment. Traditional standalone CPS testbeds lack the ability to emulate complex cyber‐physical interdependencies between multiple smart grid domains in a real‐time environment. Therefore, there are ongoing research and development (R&D) efforts to develop an interconnected CPS testbed by sharing geographically dispersed testbed resources to perform distributed simulation while analysing simulation fidelity. This paper presents a networked federation testbed for cybersecurity evaluation of today's and emerging smart grid environments. Specifically, it presents two novel testbed architectures, including cyber federation and cyber‐physical federation, identifies R&D applications, and also describes testbed building blocks with experimental case studies. It also presents a novel co‐simulation interface algorithm to facilitate distributed simulation within cyber‐physical federation. The resources available at the PowerCyber CPS security testbed at Iowa State University (ISU) and the US Army Research Laboratory are utilised to develop this platform for performing multiple experimental case studies pertaining to wide‐area protection and control applications in power system. Finally, experimental results are presented to analyse the simulation fidelity and real‐time performance of the testbed federation.
Modelling and control of central air‐conditioning loads for power system emergency frequency control
Authors: Liu Meng , Tian Yuyang , Cheng Dingyi , Zhang Yan , Ding Lei
Published: August 2022

The physical model as well as the corresponding parameter identification method of central air conditioning load is proposed in this paper, based on which emergency control strategy of central air conditioning is designed to participate in emergency frequency control after the sudden large power loss in receiving end grid such as high voltage direct current (HVDC) blocking fault. Firstly, the basic principle of the central air conditioner is introduced. On this basis, the physical model of the central air conditioner which includes central air conditioning unit, temperature change of refrigerated inflow and outflow water, heat exchange between the cooling water of the fan coil and the room, indoor average temperature change as well as the proportion of the room in the open state are established. Moreover, combined with the central air‐conditioning model, a parameter identification method of the model is proposed. Then, the emergency control and flexible recovery strategy of central air‐conditioning are proposed. The application prospect of emergency control of central air conditioning in response stability control and low frequency load shedding (UFLS) after HVDC blocking faults of receiving power grid is discussed, respectively. The experimental platform is set up to verify the accuracy of the model and parameter identification method and the feasibility of emergency control.