bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral reactivity determines root effects on soil organic carbon
Authors: Liang Guopeng , Stark John , Waring Bonnie Grace
Published: August 2023

Modern conceptual models of soil organic carbon (SOC) cycling focus heavily on the microbe-mineral interactions that regulate C stabilization. However, the formation of ‘stable’ (i.e. slowly cycling) soil organic matter, which consists mainly of microbial residues associated with mineral surfaces, is inextricably linked to C loss through microbial respiration. Therefore, what is the net impact of microbial metabolism on the total quantity of C held in the soil? To address this question, we constructed artificial root-soil systems to identify controls on C cycling across the plant-microbe-mineral continuum, simultaneously quantifying the formation of mineral-associated C and SOC losses to respiration. Here we show that root exudates and minerals interacted to regulate these processes: while roots stimulated respiratory C losses and depleted mineral-associated C pools in low-activity clays, root exudates triggered formation of stable C in high-activity clays. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between the formation of mineral-associated C and respiration. This suggests that the growth of slow-cycling C pools comes at the expense of C loss from the system.
Proximity superconductivity in atom-by-atom crafted quantum dots
Authors: Schneider Lucas , Ton Khai That , Ioannidis Ioannis , Neuhaus-Steinmetz Jannis , Posske Thore , Wiesendanger Roland , Wiebe Jens
Published: August 2023

Gapless materials in electronic contact with superconductors acquire proximity-induced superconductivity in a region near the interface1,2. Numerous proposals build on this addition of electron pairing to originally non-superconducting systems and predict intriguing phases of matter, including topological3–7, odd-frequency8, nodal-point9 or Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov10 superconductivity. Here we investigate the most miniature example of the proximity effect on only a single spin-degenerate quantum level of a surface state confined in a quantum corral11 on a superconducting substrate, built atom by atom by a scanning tunnelling microscope. Whenever an eigenmode of the corral is pitched close to the Fermi energy by adjusting the size of the corral, a pair of particle–hole symmetric states enters the gap of the superconductor. We identify these as spin-degenerate Andreev bound states theoretically predicted 50 years ago by Machida and Shibata12, which had—so far—eluded detection by tunnel spectroscopy but were recently shown to be relevant for transmon qubit devices13,14. We further find that the observed anticrossings of the in-gap states are a measure of proximity-induced pairing in the eigenmodes of the quantum corral. Our results have direct consequences on the interpretation of impurity-induced in-gap states in superconductors, corroborate concepts to induce superconductivity into surface states and further pave the way towards superconducting artificial lattices.
Direct observation of the conformational states of PIEZO1
Authors: Mulhall Eric M. , Gharpure Anant , Lee Rachel M. , Dubin Adrienne E. , Aaron Jesse S. , Marshall Kara L. , Spencer Kathryn R. , Reiche Michael A. , Henderson Scott C. , Chew Teng-Leong , Patapoutian Ardem
Published: August 2023

PIEZOs are mechanosensitive ion channels that convert force into chemoelectric signals1,2 and have essential roles in diverse physiological settings3. In vitro studies have proposed that PIEZO channels transduce mechanical force through the deformation of extensive blades of transmembrane domains emanating from a central ion-conducting pore4–8. However, little is known about how these channels interact with their native environment and which molecular movements underlie activation. Here we directly observe the conformational dynamics of the blades of individual PIEZO1 molecules in a cell using nanoscopic fluorescence imaging. Compared with previous structural models of PIEZO1, we show that the blades are significantly expanded at rest by the bending stress exerted by the plasma membrane. The degree of expansion varies dramatically along the length of the blade, where decreased binding strength between subdomains can explain increased flexibility of the distal blade. Using chemical and mechanical modulators of PIEZO1, we show that blade expansion and channel activation are correlated. Our findings begin to uncover how PIEZO1 is activated in a native environment. More generally, as we reliably detect conformational shifts of single nanometres from populations of channels, we expect that this approach will serve as a framework for the structural analysis of membrane proteins through nanoscopic imaging.
Platelet factors attenuate inflammation and rescue cognition in ageing
Authors: Schroer Adam B. , Ventura Patrick B. , Sucharov Juliana , Misra Rhea , Chui M. K. Kirsten , Bieri Gregor , Horowitz Alana M. , Smith Lucas K. , Encabo Katriel , Tenggara Imelda , Couthouis Julien , Gross Joshua D. , Chan June M. , Luke Anthony , Villeda Saul A.
Published: August 2023

Identifying therapeutics to delay, and potentially reverse, age-related cognitive decline is critical in light of the increased incidence of dementia-related disorders forecasted in the growing older population1. Here we show that platelet factors transfer the benefits of young blood to the ageing brain. Systemic exposure of aged male mice to a fraction of blood plasma from young mice containing platelets decreased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus at the transcriptional and cellular level and ameliorated hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairments. Circulating levels of the platelet-derived chemokine platelet factor 4 (PF4) (also known as CXCL4) were elevated in blood plasma preparations of young mice and humans relative to older individuals. Systemic administration of exogenous PF4 attenuated age-related hippocampal neuroinflammation, elicited synaptic-plasticity-related molecular changes and improved cognition in aged mice. We implicate decreased levels of circulating pro-ageing immune factors and restoration of the ageing peripheral immune system in the beneficial effects of systemic PF4 on the aged brain. Mechanistically, we identified CXCR3 as a chemokine receptor that, in part, mediates the cellular, molecular and cognitive benefits of systemic PF4 on the aged brain. Together, our data identify platelet-derived factors as potential therapeutic targets to abate inflammation and rescue cognition in old age.
Spatiotemporal adaptive attention graph convolution network for city-level air quality prediction
Authors: Liu Hexiang , Han Qilong , Sun Hui , Sheng Jingyu , Yang Ziyu
Published: August 2023

Air pollution is a leading cause of human diseases. Accurate air quality predictions are critical to human health. However, it is difficult to extract spatiotemporal features among complex spatiotemporal dependencies effectively. Most existing methods focus on constructing multiple spatial dependencies and ignore the systematic analysis of spatial dependencies. We found that besides spatial proximity stations, functional similarity stations, and temporal pattern similarity stations, the shared spatial dependencies also exist in the complete spatial dependencies. In this paper, we propose a novel deep learning model, the spatiotemporal adaptive attention graph convolution model, for city-level air quality prediction, in which the prediction of future short-term series of PM2.5 readings is preferred. Specifically, we encode multiple spatiotemporal dependencies and construct complete spatiotemporal interactions between stations using station-level attention. Among them, we design a Bi-level sharing strategy to extract shared inter-station relationship features between certain stations efficiently. Then we extract multiple spatiotemporal features with multiple decoders, which it is extracted from the complete spatial dependencies between stations. Finally, we fuse multiple spatiotemporal features with a gating mechanism for multi-step predictions. Our model achieves state-of-the-art experimental results in several real-world datasets.
COVID-19 associated bacterial infections in intensive care unit: a case control study
Authors: Kaçmaz Bahar , Keske Şiran , Sişman Uluman , Ateş Sena Tuğana , Güldan Mustafa , Beşli Yeşim , Palaoğlu Erhan , Çakar Nahit , Ergönül Önder
Published: August 2023

We described the secondary bacterial infections (SBI) among COVID-19 patients in comparison with non-COVID-19 patients. We performed a retrospective case–control study between January 01, 2020 and April 01, 2022. Including the adult patients, who stayed ≥ 72 h in intensive care unit (ICU). In total 405 patients were included, 135 had (33.3%) COVID-19, with similar age and gender. The length of stay in ICU was not different (11.4 vs 8.2, p = 0.109), however mean intubation days were higher among COVID-19 cases (6.5 vs 3.8, p = 0.005), SBI were more common among COVID-19 cases (34% vs 10.7%, p < 0.001). Among the patients with pneumonia, the rate of gram-positive bacteria was higher in COVID-19 group than the control group (39% vs 5%, p = 0.006). The predictors for SBI were having COVID-19 (OR: 2.3, Cl 1.25–4.32, p = 0.008), days of intubation (OR: 1.05, Cl 1.01–1.10, p = 0.004), and being male (OR: 2, Cl 1.12–3.58, p = 0.018). The predictors of mortality were COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, Cl 1.28–4.42, p = 0.006), days of intubation (OR: 1.06, Cl 1.03–1.09, p < 0.001), active hematologic malignancy (OR: 3.1, Cl: 1.33–7.28, p = 0.09), active solid tumors (OR: 2.44, Cl 1.21–4.91, p = 0.012), and coronary artery diseases (OR: 1.8, Cl 1.01–3.52, p = 0.045). The most common SBI in COVID-19 patients were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. No carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales related infections were detected in COVID-19 patients.
Nomogram for prognosis of elderly patients with cervical cancer who receive combined radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Wenjuan , Xia Xiaoyi , Xie Xingyun , Wei Yuting , Wu Rongrong , Cai Wenjie , Hong Jinsheng
Published: August 2023

This retrospective study identified prognostic factors to help guide the clinical treatment of elderly patients (≥ 65 years) with cervical cancer who had undergone radiotherapy. A personalized model to predict 3- and 5-years survival was developed. A review was conducted of 367 elderly women with cervical cancer (staged II–III) who had undergone radiotherapy in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for survival analysis that considered age, hemoglobin, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, pathologic type, stage, pelvic lymph node metastasis status, and others. A nomogram was constructed to predict the survival rates. The median follow-up time was 71 months (4–118 months). The 3- (5-) years overall, progression-free, local recurrence-free, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were, respectively, 91.0% (84.4%), 92.3% (85.9%), 99.18% (99.01%), and 99.18% (97.82%). The following were significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival: tumor size, pre-treatment hemoglobin, chemotherapy, and pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the line chart was 0.699 (95% CI 0.652–0.746). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for 3- and 5-years survival were 0.751 and 0.724. The nomogram was in good concordance with the actual survival rates. The independent prognostic factors for overall survival in elderly patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy were: tumor size, pre-treatment hemoglobin, chemotherapy, and pelvic lymph node metastasis. The novel prognostic nomogram based on these factors showed good concordance with the actual survival rates and can be used to guide personalized clinical treatment.
Assessing the thermal efficiency and emission reduction potential of alcohol-based fuel curing equipment in tobacco-curing
Authors: Ren Ke , Ji Xinwei , Chen Yi , Luo Huilong , Su Jiaen , Jiang Yonglei
Published: August 2023

So far, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are still the most widely used fuels, and the emissions of SO2, NOX and particulate matter produced from their combustion have a serious influence on the air. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a clean fuel. In this study, the bulk curing barns were equipped with different fuel equipment, Barn A used traditional coal heating equipment; Barn B used biomass briquettes fuel (BBF) integrated heating equipment; Barn C equipped with alcohol-based fuel (ABF) heating equipment. The temperature of the outer surface of the heating equipment, the exhaust gas of the chimney, and the curing heat efficiency and energy consumption were analyzed. Compared with the barn BBF and barn coal, the barn ABF can meet the flue-cured tobacco curing highest temperature requirements of 68 °C, the accuracy of the target dry bulb temperature (DBT) curve during the curing of flue-cured tobacco was 93.4%. At the same time, during ABF combustion, the emissions of CO2 and CO were 40.82% and 0.19%, respectively. However, no emissions of NOX, SO2, and H2S were detected in the chimney exhaust. Compared with the barn BBF and barn coal, the thermal efficiency of barn ABF heating equipment in the barn was increased by 44.78% and 86.28%, respectively. Additionally, the coast per kilogram of dry tobacco was reduced by 19.44% and 45.28%, respectively. Therefore, compared to barn coal and barn BBF, the barn ABF can control temperature changes more accurately, and shows an obvious advantage in environmental protection and heat utilization efficiency.
Estimation of disability free life expectancy in non small cell lung cancer based on real world data
Authors: Lin Shin-Mao , Yang Szu-Chun , Wu Tzu-I. , Wang Jung-Der , Liu Li-Fan
Published: August 2023

To quantify the societal impact of disability in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this study estimated the disability-free life expectancy (DFLE), loss-of-DFLE and explored their associations with quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and loss-of-QALE. We interlinked national databases and applied a rolling-over algorithm to estimate the lifetime survival function for patients with NSCLC. Using the EuroQOL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and Barthel index (BI), we repeatedly measured the quality-of-life and disability functions of NSCLC patients who visited our hospital from 2011 to 2020. Age-, sex-matched referents were simulated from lifetables of the same calendar year of diagnosis. We categorized BI scores ≤ 70 as in need of long-term care and constructed linear mixed models to estimate the utility values and disability scores. We collected 960 cases and 3088 measurements. The proportions of measurements without disability at age 50–64 and in stage I–IIIa, 50–64 and stage IIIb–IV, 65–89 and stage I–IIIa and 65–89 and stage IIIb–IV were 97.3%, 89.3%, 94.8%,78.3%, corresponding to DFLEs of 15.3, 2.4, 6.8, 1.2 years and losses-of-DFLE of 8.1, 20.7, 4.0, 8.6 years, respectively, indicating that advanced stage had a stronger effect than old age. Survivors in advanced stages showed increased demands for assistance in almost all subitems. The DFLEs seemed to be approximate to the QALEs and the latter were shorter than the former due to discomfort and depression. From a societal perspective, future health technology assessment should consider the impact of lifetime duration of functional disability. Early diagnosis of NSCLC may decrease the burden of long-term care.
Assessing demographic and economic vulnerabilities to sea level rise in Bangladesh via a nighttime light-based cellular automata model
Authors: Mitra Bijoy , Rahman Syed Masiur , Uddin Mohammed Sakib , Mahmud Khaled , Islam Md Kamrul , Arifuzzaman Md , Hafizur Rahman MM , Rahman Muhammad Muhitur
Published: August 2023

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report (AR6) forecasts a sea level rise (SLR) of up to 2 m by 2100, which poses significant risks to regional geomorphology. As a country with a rapidly developing economy and substantial population, Bangladesh confronts unique challenges due to its extensive floodplains and 720 km-long Bay of Bengal coastline. This study uses nighttime light data to investigate the demographic repercussions and potential disruptions to economic clusters arising from land inundation attributable to SLR in the Bay of Bengal. By using geographical information system (GIS)-based bathtub modeling, this research scrutinizes potential risk zones under three selected shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. The analysis anticipates that between 0.8 and 2.8 thousand km2 of land may be inundated according to the present elevation profile, affecting 0.5–2.8 million people in Bangladesh by 2150. Moreover, artificial neural network (ANN)-based cellular automata modeling is used to determine economic clusters at risk from SLR impacts. These findings emphasize the urgency for land planners to incorporate modeling and sea inundation projections to tackle the inherent uncertainty in SLR estimations and devise effective coastal flooding mitigation strategies. This study provides valuable insights for policy development and long-term planning in coastal regions, especially for areas with a limited availability of relevant data.
Hedyotis diffusa–Sculellaria barbata (HD–SB) suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer cells via the hsa_circ_0039933/hsa-miR-204-5p/wnt11 axis
Authors: Zhu Danye , Yuan Shanmin , Chen Cong
Published: August 2023

Our previous study confirmed that the combination ofHedyotis diffusa(HD) andScutellaria barbata(SB) significantly inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation and the WNT signaling pathway. However, the exact molecular modulation remains unclear. In this study, colorectal cancer cells (SW620) were treated with 1 mg/mL HD–SB for 24 h, and high-throughput sequencing of circRNAs was performed. The level of hsa_circ_0039933 in three colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29, SW620, and HCT116) was verified by qPCR. After transfection of hsa_circ_0039933 overexpression plasmids or small interfering RNAs, CCK8, apoptosis, cell migration, and cell invasion were utilized to evaluate the function of hsa_circ_0039933 in the progression of colorectal cancer cells. We identified hsa_circ_0039933, which was downregulated in HD–SB-induced colorectal cancer cells and positively related to colorectal cancer progression. In SW620 cells with relatively high expression of hsa_circ_0039933, interfering with the expression of hsa_circ_0039933 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of SW620 cells. In HCT116 cells with relatively low expression of hsa_circ_0039933, overexpression of hsa_circ_0039933 promoted the proliferation and invasion and migration ability of HCT116. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0039933 targeted hsa-miR-204-5p to increase the expression of wnt11, leading to the activation of the Wnt pathway, thereby promoting the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. This work revealed the potential molecular mechanism of HD–SB for the treatment of colorectal cancer, which was to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway through the hsa_circ_0039933/hsa-miR-204-5p/wnt11 axis, then suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion in the colorectal cancer cell.
The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, salivary factors exacerbate the clinical outcome of Heartland virus disease in a small animal model
Authors: Reynolds Erin S. , Wooldridge Jacob T. , Stevenson Heather L. , Thangamani Saravanan
Published: August 2023

Heartland virus was first isolated in 2009 from two patients in Missouri and is transmitted by the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. To understand disease transmission and pathogenesis, it is necessary to develop an animal model which utilizes the natural route of transmission and manifests in a manner similar to documented human cases. Herein we describe our investigations on identifying A129 mice as the most appropriate small animal model for HRTV pathogenesis that mimics human clinical outcomes. We further investigated the impact of tick saliva in enhancing pathogen transmission and clinical outcomes. Our investigations revealed an increase in viral load in the groups of mice that received both virus and tick salivary gland extract (SGE). Spleens of all infected mice showed extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH), depleted white pulp, and absence of germinal centers. This observation mimics the splenomegaly observed in natural human cases. In the group that received both HRTV and tick SGE, the clinical outcome of HRTV infection was exacerbated compared to HRTV only infection. EH scores and the presence of viral antigens in spleen were higher in mice that received both HRTV and tick SGE. In conclusion, we have developed a small animal model that mimics natural human infection and also demonstrated the impact of tick salivary factors in exacerbating the HRTV infection.
Security risk assessment of projects in high-risk areas based on attack-defense game model
Authors: Yao Yifan , Chen Wenjing
Published: August 2023

Assessing the security risk of projects in high-risk areas is particularly important. This paper develops a security risk assessment model for projects in high-risk areas based on the target loss probability model and Bayesian game model. This model is modeled from the perspective of attack-defense confrontation and addresses the issue that traditional risk assessment focuses on the analysis of the attacker yet neglects to analyze the defender—the defender’s optimum defensive information is not quantitatively determined. The risk level, optimum defensive resource value, and optimum defensive strategy of the project are determined through the analysis of a project in the high-risk area. This enables the project’s risk manager to adjust the defensive resources reasonably and optimally, confirming the objectivity and feasibility of the model and offering a new benchmark for security risk assessment, which has significant practical implications.
A comparative study of workability classes using seven case studies of engineering-geological investigations of sewer systems in Northern Moravia
Authors: Marschalko Marian , Zięba Zofia , Kubáč Jan , Růžičková Kateřina , Matušková Simona , Dąbrowska Jolanta , Sysala David
Published: August 2023

While the main focus of numerous engineering-geological investigations is to determine load-bearing capacity and settlement in engineering structures, this article aims to point at the specificity of sewer system engineering-geological investigations, which focuses on workability of soils and rocks. The study deals with workability class assessment of seven different sewer system localities. The significance of this research lies in the mutual comparison of workability class assessment of these seven localities in terms of two different workability standards. Each of the standards represents an independent model of assessment and classification of workability. The first standard (CSN 73 1001) classifies soils and rocks into seven workability classes, while the second (EN ISO 14688) comprises only three workability classes. Each of the approaches has its advantages and disadvantages. In comparison to the first one, the second standard permits faster and easier classification of rocks, but may be less fair to investors or developers when considering the real engineering-geological conditions and costs of implementation. Rocks were newly classified into three (easy, medium and difficult) categories of earthwork realization difficulty. In the study, 33 layers were classified in the category of easy realization of earthworks, 8 layers in the category of a medium degree of earthwork realization difficulty, and two layers in the category of a difficult realization of earthworks.
Facemask analyses for the non-invasive detection of chronic and acute P. aeruginosa lung infections using nanoparticle-based immunoassays
Authors: Delgado-Cano David , Clemente Antonio , Adrover-Jaume Cristina , Vaquer Andreu , López Meritxell , Martínez Rocío , Roig Isabel M. , Iglesias Amanda , Cosío Borja G. , de la Rica Roberto
Published: August 2023

We present a method for detecting respiratory infections caused by P. aeruginosa that involves analyzing facemasks worn by patients with a nanoparticle-based biosensor. The obtained colorimetric signals are related to the bacterial load in lungs.
Optimisation of plutonium separations using TEVA cartridges and ICP-MS/MS analysis for applicability to large-scale studies in tropical soils
Authors: Dowell Sophia M. , Barlow Thomas S. , Chenery Simon R. , Humphrey Olivier S. , Isaboke Job , Blake William H. , Osano Odipo , Watts Michael J.
Published: August 2023

The optimisation of a TEVA column separation provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective method with low achievable detection limits, applicable to the detection of ultra-trace fallout Pu in African soils.
Tf2O/DMSO-mediated dual activation of aryl phosphinate to access various aryl phosphonates
Authors: Yue Hui-Qi , Shi Da-Wei , Li Ming , Gao Si-Qi , Sun Mu-Xin , Zhang Shun , Yang Shang-Dong , Yang Bin
Published: August 2023

A metal-free strategy for the dual activation of aryl phosphinate to access various aryl phosphonates.
Sequential self-assembly of calix[4]resorcinarene-based heterobimetallic Cd8Pt8 nano-Saturn complexes
Authors: He Lipeng , Li Lijie , Wang Shi-Cheng , Chan Yi-Tsu
Published: August 2023

Through a predesigned selective metal–ligand coordination strategy, the successful quantitative construction of calix[4]resorcinarene-based heterobimetallic Cd8Pt8 nano-Saturn complexes has been achieved.
Perspectives on recent advancements in energy harvesting, sensing and bio-medical applications of piezoelectric gels
Authors: Vijayakanth Thangavel , Shankar Sudha , Finkelstein-Zuta Gal , Rencus-Lazar Sigal , Gilead Sharon , Gazit Ehud
Published: August 2023

This review highlights the recent progress in piezoelectric gels (also known as PiezoGels) comprised of polymers, ceramic oxides and supramolecular piezoelectric materials used for energy harvesting, sensing and wound dressing.
Photomechanical effects based on a one-dimensional Zn coordination polymer crystal driven by [4 + 4] cycloaddition
Authors: Chen Yanlin , Yu Chunjiao , Zhu Xiaotong , Yu Qi
Published: August 2023

A one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer with anthracene photoactive groups exhibiting photomechanical behavior due to structure transfer. The actuation behavior was significantly magnified by adding crystals in a polymer membrane.
Preparation of a novel Bi9O7.5S6/SnS composite film with improved photoelectric properties
Authors: Luo Tianhong , Wang Jing , Liu Zhanqiang , Chen Shu , Hou Jingshan , Fang Yongzheng , Huang Yanwei , Zhang Ganghua
Published: August 2023

Improved visible-light photoelectric response and photostability were achieved by forming a type-II heterojunction in a Bi9O7.5S6/SnS composite film.
Making the connections: physical and electric interactions in biohybrid photosynthetic systems
Authors: Yang Ying , Liu Lu-Ning , Tian Haining , Cooper Andrew I. , Sprick Reiner Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Biohybrid systems of synthetic materials and microorganisms can be obtained using a range of assembly strategies based on their interactions. This influences charge transfer between the components and their efficiency for solar fuels generation.
A multi-omics analysis strategy reveals the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa and its application
Authors: Deng Haotian , Zhu Jinyan , Li Li , Meng Xianjun
Published: August 2023

Combination of proteomics and metabolomics reveals the antibacterial mechanism of AMAs against Escherichia coli O157:H7.
Synthesis of lamellar O-doped ZnIn2S4 on layered g-C3N4 for boosted charge transfer and photocatalytic performances
Authors: Yan Xu , Ma Mengxia , Mao Yanli , Kang Haiyan , Yan Qun , Zhou Jieqiang , Song Zhongxian , Pan Long , Zhang Yiming , Li Yanna , Cui Leqi , Zhu Han , Pang Dandan
Published: August 2023

The formation schematic is representative of the CN/O-doped ZIS composite. First, the pure g-C3N4 powder was prepared by directly calcining melamine in a muffle furnace. Then CN/O-doped ZIS composites were prepared via hydrothermal method.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of a zinc oxide–pyrrole–thiophene nanocomposite as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline
Authors: War Jahangir Ahmad , Chisti Hamida-Tun-Nisa
Published: August 2023

Adsorption of tetracycline (TC) from wastewater by the nanocomposite adsorbent material ZnO–Py–Th.
Fuel-assisted polyol reduction for highly transparent and efficient Pt counter electrodes in bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yolthida Kantapa , Long Dang Xuan , Alvien Ghifari M. , Hong Jongin
Published: August 2023

Organic fuels allowed for manufacturing highly transparent and efficient Pt counter electrodes.
WOx nanoparticles coupled with nitrogen-doped porous carbon toward electrocatalytic N2 reduction
Authors: Lu Zhaobing , Wang Hui , Tao Yinghao , Zhu Sheng , Hao Weiju , Liu Xinjuan , Min Yulin , Fan Jinchen
Published: August 2023

WOx nanoparticles coupled with nitrogen-doped porous carbon (WOx/NPC) via W–N bonding were prepared via one-step thermal pyrolysis. WOx/NPC could deliver a high NH3 yield of 46.8 μg h−1 mg−1 and a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 10.2%.
Visible light-driven photocatalytic thiol–ene/yne reactions using anisotropic 1D Bi2S3 nanorods: a green synthetic approach
Authors: Ali Haider , Mahto Bhagirath , Barhoi Ashok , Hussain Sahid
Published: August 2023

Anisotropic 1D Bi2S3 nanorods were made using the polyol method and subsequently utilized for visible-light-driven photocatalytic thiol ene/yne click reaction. A wide variety of substrates was explored and scaled up to the gram scale.
Anion-assisted supramolecular polymerization of luminescent organic π-conjugated chromophores in a moderately polar solvent: tunable nanostructures and their corresponding effects on electronic properties
Authors: Ali Sk Mursed , Sk Sujauddin , Sengupta Ankita , Santra Subrata , Barman Souvik , Sepay Nayim , Molla Mijanur Rahaman
Published: August 2023

We presented anion assisted self-assembly of an organic semiconductor in a moderately polar solvent by overcoming solvent–solute H-bonding interactions. The morphology transition on the anion scale leads a pathway of tunable electrical conductivity.
Chalcogen atom abstraction from NCE− (E = O, S, Se) and i-Pr2S by the excited state of a luminescent tricyano osmium(vi) nitride
Authors: Wang Li-Xin , Zhou Miaomiao , Liu Lu-Lu , Xiang Jing , Liu Ji-Yan , Lau Kai-Chung , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: August 2023

The unprecedented chalcogen atom abstraction from stable inorganic anions NCE− and organic sulphide i-Pr2S was developed by the excited state osmium nitride complex (OsN*).
Assessment of sample freezing as a preservation technique for analysing the molecular composition of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems
Authors: Fonvielle Jeremy A. , Felgate Stacey L. , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Hawkes Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2023

We assess the effect of sample freezing on the data collected from dissolved organic matter samples by high resolution mass spectrometry, and find that this preservation technique is appropriate if necessary.
On the role of functional groups in the formation of diazonium based covalent attachments: dendritic vs. layer-by-layer growth
Authors: Huynh Thi Mien Trung , Tahara Kazukuni , De Feyter Steven , Phan Thanh Hai
Published: August 2023

Different mechanisms of multilayered growth observed upon electrografting aryl diazonium derivatives on graphitic substrates are assigned to the role of the substituent's nature.
Axially chiral styrene-based organocatalysts and their application in asymmetric cascade Michael/cyclization reaction
Authors: Hao Yu , Li Zi-Hao , Ma Zhi-Gang , Liu Ru-Xin , Ge Rui-Tian , Li Quan-Zhe , Ding Tong-Mei , Zhang Shu-Yu
Published: August 2023

A series of axially chiral styrene-based organocatalysts were designed, synthesized, and applied in asymmetric cascade Michael/cyclization reactions. These catalysts controlled the stereoselectivities through π–π interactions and multiple H-bonds.
New insights on Fe–N–C catalyst structure from valence-to-core X-ray emission and absorption spectroscopies
Authors: Saveleva Viktoriia A. , Retegan Marius , Kumar Kavita , Maillard Frédéric , Glatzel Pieter
Published: August 2023

Various spectroscopic techniques have been extensively applied, both ex situ and in situ/operando, to study the structure of the Fe–N–C group of catalysts, promising materials for fuel cell applications.
Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors
Authors: Jiang Lingfeng , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhao Dongfang , Guo Jinhong , Ma Xing , Wang Yong
Published: August 2023

In this review, we delved into an elaborate exposition of different detection principles reliant on micro/nanomotors (MNMs), explore the challenges encountered by MNMs under distinct detection principles, and discuss potential future solutions.
Oxidative chemical vapor deposition for synthesis and processing of conjugated polymers: a critical review
Authors: Dianatdar Afshin , Bose Ranjita K.
Published: August 2023

Oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) has developed progressively in the last two decades as a solvent-free (or dry) methodology for synthesis and thin film deposition of conjugated polymers.
Facile fabrication of a highly-conductive hydrogel through filling with polyiodide
Authors: Zhu Ji-Hua , Yu Hongtao , Meng Hong
Published: August 2023

The significant improvement of the conductivity of a PAM hydrogel by polyiodide has been demonstrated, which leads to a simple, time-saving, scalable strategy to design and prepare a superior conductive hydrogel.
Orientation preference control: a novel approach for tailoring molecular electronic functionalities
Authors: Wang Xintai , Li Xiaoying , Ning Shanglong , Ismael Ali
Published: August 2023

Orientation preference control: molecules transitioning from a mixture of foot-standing and hand-standing to exclusively foot-standing.
Are fibrinaloid microclots a cause of autoimmunity in Long Covid and other post-infection diseases?
Authors: Kell Douglas B. , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: August 2023

It is now well established that the blood-clotting protein fibrinogen can polymerise into an anomalous form of fibrin that is amyloid in character; the resultant clots and microclots entrap many other molecules, stain with fluorogenic amyloid stains, are rather resistant to fibrinolysis, can block up microcapillaries, are implicated in a variety of diseases including Long COVID, and have been referred to as fibrinaloids. A necessary corollary of this anomalous polymerisation is the generation of novel epitopes in proteins that would normally be seen as ‘self’, and otherwise immunologically silent. The precise conformation of the resulting fibrinaloid clots (that, as with prions and classical amyloid proteins, can adopt multiple, stable conformations) must depend on the existing small molecules and metal ions that the fibrinogen may (and is some cases is known to) have bound before polymerisation. Any such novel epitopes, however, are likely to lead to the generation of autoantibodies. A convergent phenomenology, including distinct conformations and seeding of the anomalous form for initiation and propagation, is emerging to link knowledge in prions, prionoids, amyloids and now fibrinaloids. We here summarise the evidence for the above reasoning, which has substantial implications for our understanding of the genesis of autoimmunity (and the possible prevention thereof) based on the primary process of fibrinaloid formation.
Prognostic value and immune landscapes of immunogenic cell death-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Wanying , Shu Kexin , Cai Chenxi , Ding Jiatong , Zhang Xin , Zhang Wenxiong , Wang Kang
Published: August 2023

Background: Both immunogenic cell death (ICD) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are strongly associated with tumor development, but the mechanism of action of ICD-associated lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Methods: We collected data from 365 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We formulated a prognostic signature of ICD-associated lncRNAs and a nomogram to predict prognosis. To explore the potential mechanisms and provide clinical guidance, survival analysis, enrichment analysis, tumor microenvironment analysis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and drug sensitivity prediction were conducted based on the subgroups obtained from the risk score.

Results: A prognostic signature of seven ICD-associated lncRNAs was constructed. Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival curves showed a more unfavorable outcome in high-risk patients. The nomogram had a higher predictive value than the nomogram constructed without the risk model. Enrichment analysis confirmed that risk lncRNAs were closely associated with cell proliferation and mitosis. Most of the immune checkpoints currently used in therapy (e.g., PDCD1 and CTLA4) appeared to be elevated in high-risk patients. Tumor microenvironment analysis showed differential expression of lymphocytes (including natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, etc.) in the high-risk group. TMB had a higher incidence of mutations in the high-risk group (P=0.004). Chemotherapy drug sensitivity prediction provides effective guidelines for individual therapy. RT-qPCR of human HCC tissues verified the accuracy of the model.

Conclusion: We constructed an effective prognostic signature for patients with HCC using seven ICD-lncRNAs, which provides guidance for the prognostic assessment and personalized treatment of patients.
A novel cogging torque measurement method for multi slot/pole permanent magnet motor
Authors: Zhu Wanwan , Yang Yukai , Song Hongzhou , Liu Yinan , Zheng Zaiping , Chen Yiguang
Published: August 2023

The adverse effect on speed ripple and vibration makes it necessary to evaluate the cogging torque. Due to the tolerance of stator and rotor stacks as well as nonuniform magnetization of permanent magnet, the amplitude of cogging torque is unequal in different rotor position. As a result, the verification of theoretical analysis becomes difficult. Therefore, the cogging torque average is used to weigh it. In view of the large least common multiple of multi slot/pole Permanent magnet motor, which means, there are multiple cogging torque cycles per rotor revolution, a cogging torque measurement method is proposed. Through simple devices such as arm, weight, digital gauge, resolver, and so on, the amplitude and period of cogging torque can be accurately measured without site restrictions. The correctness of the method is verified by simulation and experiment, and that can be used as a supplement to cogging torque evaluation for multi slot/pole PMM.
Pulmonary Implications of Filtering Various Mediators of Morbidity Found in Salvaged Blood
Authors: Webb David P. , Altenbern Charles P. , Tritt Charles , Downey Francis X. , Minkel Daniel
Published: August 2023

Leukocyte reduction of residual circuit blood following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been demonstrated to improve lung function and reduce the inflammatory response after surgery. In this study, the effect of lipid/leuko-reduction of salvaged blood on pulmonary function and the inflammatory response was examined. Fifteen patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to a lipid/leuko-reduced group or a control group. In addition, all residual circuit blood was transferred to the autotransfusion cell-processing device at the end of CPB to contribute a significant portion of the final washed product. In the lipid/leuko-reduced group (N = 10), all processed blood was passed through a lipid globule, C3a, microaggregate pre-filter, followed by a leukocyte removing filter. In the control group (N = 5), all processed blood was filtered using a 40/150 f.lil1 dual screen transfusion filter. The lipid/leuko-reduced group showed a significant decrease in pulmonary shunt fraction following reinfusion, whereas the control group did not. The lipid/leuko-reduced group also showed a trend towards decreased pulmonary vascular resistance and a blunting of the leukocytosis that develops following the reinfusion of salvaged blood and CPB, although these trends were not statistically significant. There were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to oxygenation index or circulating red blood cells following reinfusion. These results suggest that lipid/leuko-reducing salvaged blood improves postoperative lung function and is efficacious.
Experimental Evaluation of the Medtronic Maxima Forte Hollow Fiber Membrane Oxygenator
Authors: Mueller Xavier M. , Tevaearai Hendrick T. , Augstburger Monique , Horisberger Judith , von Segesser Ludwig K.
Published: August 2023

A new hollow fiber membrane oxygenator, the Medtronic Maxima Forté, was tested for gas transfer, blood path resistance and blood handling characteristics in a standardized setting with surviving animals.

Three calves (mean body weight: 71±9.6 kg) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass at a mean flow rate of 50 ml/kg/min for six hours. The circuit included the Maxima Forté oxygenator. The animals were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and then from the ventilator. After seven days, the animals were sacrificed electively.

Physiologic blood gas values could be maintained throughout perfusion in all animals. Mean pressure drop through the oxygenator varied between 49 mmHg and 66 mmHg. The respective baseline values for red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelets were 8.90±1.26 106/mm3, 7.46±3.17 103/mm3 · and 680±216 l03/mm3. Red blood cell and platelet counts dropped slightly to 7.26±1.61 106/mm3 and 400±126 l03/mm3 at the end of the bypass, whereas the white blood cell count increased up to 9.13±5.25 103/mm3. All three cell lines returned to near their baseline values after seven days. Blood trauma evaluated as a function of plasma hemoglobin (plasma Hb) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed stable values during all the perfusion time. Both peaked at 24 hours before returning to their baseline values at seven days. LDH showed a statistically significant variation: 3255 ± 693 IU at 24 hours versus 2029 ± 287 IU at baseline (p = 0.04). The variation of plasma Hb was not statistically significant (93.5 ± 7.7 µmol/1 at 24 hours versus 77.3 ± 52.3 µmol/1 at baseline) indicating a weak effect of the perfusion on blood trauma.

The Medtronic Maxima Forté hollow fiber membrane oxygenator offered good gas exchange capabilities, a low pressure drop, and low blood trauma over a prolonged perfusion time of six hours in this evaluation.
Antithrombin III in Cardiac Surgery: An Outcome Study
Authors: Conley James C. , Plunkett Patrick F.
Published: August 2023

A retrospective study examined the impact, in heparin resistant patients (HRP), of lyophilized antithrombin III (ATIII) upon five patient outcomes: intensive care unit stay (ICU-S), 24 hour chest tube drainage (CTD in ml), blood and blood product usage (BPU), development of post-operative coagulopathy (PO-Coag), and reoperation for bleeding (Re-Op). Data was collected from the medical records of 311 patients admitted to the hospital between 12/15/95 and 10/24/96.

Subjects were divided into three groups based upon heparin resistance and hemostasis medication. Group 1 (n=l09) were HRP treated with increased heparin, Group 2 (n=100) were HRP receiving ATIII, and Group 3 (n=102) were non-HRP and served as controls. Group 2 was also subdivided by use of aminocaproic acid and time of ATIII administration.

No significant differences were found between the groups for PO-Coag. and Re-Op. However, significant reduction in CTD (p=0.05) was seen in the aminocaproic acid patients who were treated with ATIII pre-CPB or within the first 20 minutes of CPB. The CTD in this group was (419.37, ± 72.96) as compared to Group 1 (782.88, ± 360.94) and Group 3 (766.67, ± 407.56). Other Group 2 subgroups showed significant differences in BPU, ICU-S and CTD.

The results of this study support the notion that early identification and treatment of HRP with ATIII and aminocaproic acid may decrease postoperative blood loss.
Experimental Use of an Ultra-Low Prime Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit Utilizing Vacuum-Assisted Venous Drainage
Authors: Darling Edward , Kaemmer David , Lawson Scott , Smigla Greg , Collins Kevin , Shearer Ian , Jaggers James
Published: August 2023

In adult cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, vacuum assisted venous drainage has become a popular technique to augment venous return to the bypass circuit. The application of this technique in neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass surgery could be beneficial to the further miniaturization of neonatal circuitry by coupling radical repositioning of the oxygenator and pump console with decreasing line length.

This report communicates the use of an investigational, vacuum assisted venous drainage neonatal circuit that is positioned at patient level utilizing a modified pump console with elevated double head twin roller pumps. The circuit, including the oxygenator, arterial line, venous line, raceway tubing, and a functional level in the venous reservoir has a priming volume of 107 ml. Initial bench and animal tests have demonstrated that this technique may be clinically feasible in CPB applications. With vacuum assisted venous drainage, the goal of asanguinous neonatal cardiac surgery could become a reality. Safety issues must be adequately addressed to ensure that this technique does not impose unacceptable risks.
Perfusing the jehovah's Witness Patient with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Brown D. Mark
Published: August 2023

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon, yet dangerous side-effect of heparin therapy. The problems associated with the HIT patient while undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass increase dramatically when the patient is also of Jehovah's Witness faith. This case report depicts the techniques utilized and the decisions made over the course of a simple surgical procedure for an extremely high-risk patient.
Clinical Study of the Protective Effect of Exogenous Creatine Phosphate on Ischemic Myocardium during Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Dong Peiqing , Yang Jing , Pan Yuchun , Guan Yulong , He Meiling
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the myocardial protective effect of exogenous creatine phosphate (CP) added to cardioplegic solution for use in open heart surgery.

Ninety-eight patients were divided into a control group (n = 44) and a CP group (n =54). The spontaneous recovery rate of heart beat after aortic declamping was recorded and changes of serum enzymes including CPK, LDH, CPK-MB, HBDH, and AST were evaluated. The ultrastructural alterations of the myocardial tissue were observed in 4 patients (2 cases from each group) who had cardiac valve replacement.

The spontaneous recovery rate of heart beat in the CP group was significantly higher than the control group (39/54 versus 22/44 ), and the peak values of leakage of serum enzymes of the control group appeared earlier and receded later than those of the CP group. Electron microscope examination revealed better preservation of the ultrastructures of the myocardial tissue in the CP group than that of the control group. This data indicates that exogenous creatine phosphate added to the cardioplegic solution offers a better protective effect on the ischemic myocardium during open heart surgery.
Post Cardiopulmonary Bypass Bleeding: An Introductory Review
Authors: McCusker Kevin , Lee Soomyung
Published: August 2023

Cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has increased in both number and safety over the past four decades. Postoperative bleeding continues to be a major cause of perioperative morbidity. The reported incidence varies from 4-32%.

This paper reviews the preoperative evaluation and specific hemostasis defects associated with cardiac surgery and extracorporeal circulation. Monitoring of anticoagulation and coagulation, methods to decrease the alterations of the coagulation system, as well as the specific therapy for and risks of post-CPB bleeding are also discussed.