bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An effective method to optimise plasma immersion ion implantation: Sensitivity analysis and design based on low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Chen Yuan , Xu Can , Wang Chun‐Hui , Bilek Marcela M. M. , Cheng Xinying
Published: March 2022

The performance of polymer surface treatment using plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) depends on many operating parameters, such as treatment duration, radiofrequency power, pulsed bias voltage and pulse repetition rate, and the ion fluence applied on the polymer surface. Currently, the identification of optimal operating parameters to achieve specific performance targets is heavily based on trail and error with extensive experimental testing. Herein, we present an optimisation method based on sensitivity analysis using polynomial chaos expansion and experimental design with Kriging surrogate model to greatly reduce the amount of experiments. The combined effects of PIII operating parameters on low‐density polyethylene surface modifications are investigated, demonstrating the validation and effectiveness of the method and design. The new approach offers highly accurate and computationally efficient way for achieving optimum radical density, wettability and optical transmittance that are important for biomedical applications.
A review on the potential use of natural products in overweight and obesity
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Yu , Wang Shuxuan , Shi Caihong , Wang Shuang , Wang Xin , Lü Xin
Published: March 2022

With the increase in unhealthy lifestyles, obesity is increasingly common, which could cause many metabolic diseases. In recent research, natural product extracts have shown tremendous potential antiobesity effects via different mechanisms. In this review, we focused on widely adopted extraction methods, bioactive ingredients types, and antiobesity mechanisms of natural product extracts in the recent reports. The extraction methods include solid–liquid extraction, microwave‐assisted extractions, and supercritical fluid extraction. Moreover, the bioactive ingredients identified in natural product extracts are phenolic compounds, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and terpenoids. These exert antiobesity effects through multiple mechanisms, including suppressing the appetite, increasing energy expenditure, inhibiting enzyme activity, modulating lipid homeostasis and adipocyte lifecycle, reducing oxidative and inflammation, and improving intestinal bacteria. However, the antiobesity effects of natural products require further evaluation. Furthermore, the improvement of the bioavailability and effective and safe human dose of these bioactive ingredients should be the focus of future work.
Psorachromene induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor growth in NSCLC cells harboring EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S
Authors: Wang Tong‐Hong , Leu Yann‐Lii , Chen Chin‐Chuan , Li Hsin‐Jung , Yang Shuenn‐Chen , Huang Kuo‐Yen , Chen Chi‐Yuan
Published: March 2022

The extracts from Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. corylifolia) seeds have been shown to display antitumor activity. To date, the prospects of this plant and its active compounds in the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we identified a novel psorachromene compound that displays selective cytotoxic effects on all NSCLC cells tested, including NSCLC cells harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation mutants (H1975L858R/T790M and H1975‐MS35L858R/T790M/C797S). Psorachromene induces G1 arrest in NSCLC cells harboring wild‐type EGFR but induces apoptosis in NSCLC cells harboring activating EGFR mutations. Psorachromene inhibits activated EGFR signaling and kinase activity and suppresses tumor growth of implanted H1975‐MS35L858R/T790M/C797S cells in nude mice. Molecular docking analysis revealed that psorachromene could form stronger bonds with mutant EGFR than wild‐type EGFR, which might account for the greater cytotoxic effects observed in NSCLC cells harboring activating EGFR mutations (H1975 and H1975‐MS35) than wild‐type EGFR (A549). In conclusion, it is suggested that psorachromene is an attractive agent to be further explored for its use in the treatment of NSCLC patients harboring EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S.
Fast and Selective Methyl Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution on 3D BiOCl Microspheres
Authors: Dong Lihong , Chunyi Zhou B. S.
Published: March 2022

Three dimensional BiOCl microspheres self‐assembled by nanoplates were fabricated by one step hydrothermal route in water and glycerol mixed solvent. Negatively charged surfaces of the nanoplates make these BiOCl microspheres possess excellent selectivity for cationic dyes removal. The removal efficiency of BiOCl microspheres is almost not affected by pH, and high removal efficiency of 96 % still remains even though at a pH of 2. Another merit of the BiOCl microspheres is their high adsorption rate, and only 2∼20 min is needed to get adsorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB reaches 146.4 mg g−1. The used BiOCl microspheres can be regenerated by a simple process, and 75 % removal efficiency is maintained after five adsorption‐regeneration cycles. Overall, benefitting from their ultrafast rate, high adsorption capability, simple fabrication, good regenerability, and environment friendly nature, the BiOCl microspheres can be adopted as an effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Benzoquinolizidines
Authors: Alekszi‐Kaszás Anna , Käfer‐Beke Klára , Varga Tamás R. , Bényei Attila , Kovács Tibor , Mándi Attila , Kurtán Tibor , Simon András , Nemes Péter
Published: March 2022

An enantioselective domino Michael addition‐cyclization‐dehydration sequence was performed in the reaction of a 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐ylideneethanenitrile derivative and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes using cinchona‐ and diphenylprolinol‐type organocatalyts. The D2PM‐TMS organocatalyst was found to show the best performance up to 95 % enantiomeric excess. The resultant 6,7‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrido[2,1‐a]isoquinolines was reduced by catalytic hydrogenation to produce benzo[c]quinolizidines diastereoselectively with three chirality centers, the skeleton of which is a comman structural motif in alkaloids. The stereochemistry of products was studied by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and solution TDDFT‐ECD and DFT‐VCD approaches. With the aid of VCD and ECD calculations, characteristic VCD and ECD transitions were identified, which reported the absolute configuration of the tricyclic skeleton by simple comparison regardless the different C‐2 substituents.
Observation of Cobalt Species Evolution in Mesoporous Carbon by In‐Situ STEM‐HAADF Imaging and Related Hydrogenation Process
Authors: Sun Yunhao , Niu Qiang , Yang Shize , Zhang Pengfei
Published: March 2022

Metal decorated‐mesoporous carbons (MMCs) has attractive features from both mesoporous materials (large pore size, high pore volume) and metal species (reactive surface). Cobalt@mesoporous carbon (Co@MC) catalyst was successfully manufactured by mechanochemical synthesis method for hydrogenation of phenol to prepare cyclohexanone. Unlike traditional hard‐templating and soft‐templating methods, the essence of this strategy lies in the combination of carbonization and ligand‐protected metal reduction. By using Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and N2 adsorption‐desorption, Co@MC catalyst was well studied. In particular, the effect of calcination temperature in terms of growth and aggregation of cobalt species was detailly explored by in‐situ scanning transmission electron microscopy‐high angle angular dark field. A series of mesoporous carbons with cobalt species readily tuned from clusters to nanoparticles were measured in phenol hydrogenation (Conv. Phenol: >99 %, Sel. Cyclohexanone: >99 %).
Facile and High‐Yielding Synthesis of C(3)‐Aminoisoindolinones Under Metal Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Surya Prakash Rao H. , Prabhakaran J. , Kaloor Uthara
Published: March 2022

C(3)‐Aminoisoindolinones have attracted the attention of medicinal chemists due to their unique and stable N−C−N substructure and possibilities for facile and scalable synthesis of combinatorial libraries. We discovered that para‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), an organic protic acid, efficiently catalyzes condensation of isoindolinone‐3‐ols with primary and secondary amines to furnish C(3) N‐substituted isoindolinones in high yields. The N−C bond formation reaction is highly efficient and experimentally simple. The method replaces known transition metal catalysts involving Cu, Pt, Pd or Au. It works efficiently for both intra‐ and inter‐molecular variants. Furthermore, it is amenable for synthesis of C(3)‐aminoisoindolinones with free N(2) via photolytic deprotection of the 2‐nitrobenzyl group. We have demonstrated application of the method for synthesis of a variety of medicinally relevant bicyclic and tricyclic C(3)‐aminoisoindolinones.
Porous Structure Controlling the Selectivity of Oxygen Reduction Reaction on N‐Doped Carbon in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Gan Zheng‐Tao , Hu Hao , Gao Guang‐Hao , Mi Jian‐Li
Published: March 2022

N‐doped carbon materials have been regarded as potential replacements for Pt‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the exact catalytic mechanisms are still not completely understood and there is a controversy about which type of N determines the selectivity of the reaction. This study reports a simple pyrolysis method to prepare hierarchical porous‐structured N‐doped graphene using 4‐nitroimidazole as both C and N sources without the presence of two‐dimensional template. The as‐prepared N‐doped graphene exhibits efficient four‐electron transfer pathway for ORR with an onset potential of 0.943 V, a half‐wave potential of 0.823 V, and a limiting current density of 5.58 mA cm−2 in 0.1 M KOH solution. In contrast, N‐doped platelet‐like carbon consisted mainly of micropores prefers the two‐electron pathway with a high selectivity toward peroxide generation over 90 % at potential range of 0.20–0.62 V. We demonstrate that the ORR selectivity is dependent on the H2O transfer dynamics which are controlled by the porous structure. Sluggish H2O transfer rate induces HO2− formation, whereas fast H2O transfer rate ensures the desired four‐electron pathway. This study gives further insight into the ORR selectivity and provides feasible strategies for fabricating N‐doped carbon materials as promising catalysts for either four‐electron oxygen reduction or H2O2 production in alkaline solution.
3D‐Printed Micro Lens‐in‐Lens for In Vivo Multimodal Microendoscopy
Authors: Li Jiawen , Thiele Simon , Kirk Rodney W. , Quirk Bryden C. , Hoogendoorn Ayla , Chen Yung Chih , Peter Karlheinz , Nicholls Stephen J. , Verjans Johan W. , Psaltis Peter J. , Bursill Christina , Herkommer Alois M. , Giessen Harald , McLaughlin Robert A.
Published: March 2022

Multimodal microendoscopes enable co‐located structural and molecular measurements in vivo, thus providing useful insights into the pathological changes associated with disease. However, different optical imaging modalities often have conflicting optical requirements for optimal lens design. For example, a high numerical aperture (NA) lens is needed to realize high‐sensitivity fluorescence measurements. In contrast, optical coherence tomography (OCT) demands a low NA to achieve a large depth of focus. These competing requirements present a significant challenge in the design and fabrication of miniaturized imaging probes that are capable of supporting high‐quality multiple modalities simultaneously. An optical design is demonstrated which uses two‐photon 3D printing to create a miniaturized lens that is simultaneously optimized for these conflicting imaging modalities. The lens‐in‐lens design contains distinct but connected optical surfaces that separately address the needs of both fluorescence and OCT imaging within a lens of 330 µm diameter. This design shows an improvement in fluorescence sensitivity of >10x in contrast to more conventional fiber‐optic design approaches. This lens‐in‐lens is then integrated into an intravascular catheter probe with a diameter of 520 µm. The first simultaneous intravascular OCT and fluorescence imaging of a mouse artery in vivo is reported.
Black‐Yellow Bandgap Trade‐Off During Thermal Stability Tests in Low‐Temperature Eu‐Doped CsPbI3
Authors: Valastro Salvatore , Mannino Giovanni , Smecca Emanuele , Bongiorno Corrado , Sanzaro Salvatore , Deretzis Ioannis , La Magna Antonino , Jena Ajay Kumar , Miyasaka Tsutomu , Alberti Alessandra
Published: March 2022

The black γ‐phase of CsPbI3 with its bandgap at ≈1.75 eV can enable the take‐off of tandem solar cells as soon as intrinsic instability to the yellow δ‐phase is solved. Here, a black γ‐phase is formed at low temperature (80–90 °C) by incorporating Eu through EuCl3 or EuI2. It is forced to become yellow by thermal heating under nitrogen. It is demonstrated how spectroscopic ellipsometry and the related critical points analysis provide a new diagnostic tool to monitor the transformation through the bandgap footprint. As two sides of the same coin, the consumption of the black γ‐phase and the growth of the yellow δ‐phase are addressed and modeled in the range of 60–100 °C using the Avrami's theory. This approach allows extracting the activation energies of the phase transformation that are 0.95 eV versus 1.15 eV using EuI2 and EuCl3, respectively. In situ transmission electron microscopy analyses combined with fast marching simulations highlight that the phase transformation occurs through constant nucleation and growth. Europium has indeed the capability to tackle those processes and to extend the durability of the black γ‐phase at 30 °C in N2 to ≈250 days, hugely above the one observed without Eu (≈hours).
High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells via Simulation Interactive Technology
Authors: Wang Weijian , Yu Gang , Attique Sanam , Ye Weizhen
Published: March 2022

CsPbBr3 film possesses high stability and easy manufacturing characteristics, rendering it attractive for applications in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, optical loss and energy level matching of different material layers are still the major factors, limiting the performance of PSCs. Herein, the finite element method (FEM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations composed of simulation interaction technology are used to study the effects of different electron transport layer and hole transport layer materials on the optical performance of different PSC configurations. The effect of the charge transport layer (CTL) material and CsPbBr3 on the energy level matching and charge transport of the device is explained. The FEM simulation results show that inorganic CTL materials produce less parasitic absorption than the organic materials. The DFT calculation results give the microscopic design rules of the CTL material. In addition, PSCs with a light‐trapping structure are designed, which effectively suppressed surface reflection. Finally, through the screening of CTL materials and the design of advanced light‐trapping structures, the photocurrent of PSCs is increased by 69.8% (from 5.30 to 9.00 mA cm−2). This work provides a novel model for the screening of CTL materials for inorganic PSCs.
Passivation of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Monolayers with a Surface‐Confined Atomically Thick Sulfur Layer
Authors: Wang Xiaojian , Feng Qingliang , Xu Shichen , Shang Jing , Zhao Yan , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Xi , Chen Liling , Lei Xingfeng , Li Chun , Kou Liangzhi , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2022

Surface passivation can eliminate the charge doping of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) during the device fabrication, which is important for the large‐scale production of ultra‐stable materials and high‐performance devices. The uniformity and atomical thickness of the passivating layers with a low dielectric constant (κ) are essentials to preserving the intrinsic properties of monolayer TMDs in harsh environments. Herein, a surface‐confined mechanism is developed to encapsulate TMDs monolayers by atomically thin sulfur layers with high spatial homogeneity (named S–MX2). The bottom bilayer S atoms are strongly confined by the upper S monolayers when the low‐κ S reaches three layers on the surface of TMDs, which spontaneously renders the uniform distribution on a large scale. The intrinsic electrical and optical properties of monolayer S–MX2 are well maintained and show excellent long‐term stability under harsh environments. Herein this work, a way to eliminate surface doping of monolayer TMDs for their practical application in large‐area‐integrated circuits is provided.
Spontaneous pulmonary haemorrhage in a standing sedated horse
Authors: Calero Rodriguez Abraham , de Grauw Janny
Published: March 2022

A 615 kg, 20‐year‐old, male, neutered Dutch warmblood horse was admitted for complete removal of incisor teeth under sedation. The horse was sedated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg) and several intravenous detomidine boli (total dose of 0.008 mg/kg), followed by detomidine constant rate of infusion. At the beginning of the surgery (47 minutes after starting sedation), the horse retched and coughed out haemorrhagic fluid. Surgery was discontinued and profuse bleeding started from the nostrils. Mild hypoxaemia (PaO2 = 63.4 mmHg) was observed. Oxygen therapy by nasal canula (10 L/min) was started, detomidine constant rate of infusion stopped and antagonised with atipamezole given intravenously to effect (total dose of 0.14 mg/kg). The horse also received tranexamic acid. Pulmonary haemorrhage was suspected after tracheal‐bronchoscopic examination. Fresh whole‐blood transfusion was initiated (estimated blood loss: 4 L). Bleeding reduced gradually during the following 2 hours and the horse was monitored in the intensive care unit, with supplemented nasal oxygen. During the following 2 days, oxygen administration was gradually reduced and finally discontinued. The nasal bleeding resumed 8 days after the initial episode, but the horse was euthanased due to the uncertainty of the prognosis.
Frame-semantische Präliminarien
Authors: Neumair Phillip Alexander
Published: March 2022

Die Frame-Semantik erfasst die Bedeutung sprachlicher Einheiten, indem sie die Frage stellt, welches Wissen Sprecher_innen und Rezipient_innen kognitiv zur Verfügung haben (müssen), um eine solche sprachliche Einheit (Wörter, Phrasen, Sätze, Texte) verstehen und gebrauchen zu können. Dabei vereint dieser Begriff eine Vielzahl an Forschungsansätzen, die sich teils erheblich voneinander unterscheiden. Für die Einführung des Frame-Begriffs in die linguistische Semantik zeichnet Charles Fillmore verantwortlich, der sich in seiner Konzeption der Frame-Semantik insbesondere an semantischen Rollen orientierte. Andere linguistische Ansätze orientieren sich stärker am kognitionspsychologischen Frame-Konzept. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Frame als kognitives Repräsentationsformat verstanden, das Wissen organisiert und strukturiert. In Anlehnung an die Frame-Theorie der Künstlichen-Intelligenz-Forschung werden die Strukturkonstituenten eines Frames als Leerstellen, Füllwerte und Standardwerte bezeichnet. Leerstellen werden in der konkreten „Verwendung“ des Frames (etwa beim Verstehen sprachlicher Ausdrücke) mit Füllwerten ausgefüllt. Fungieren bestimmte Werte häufig als Füllwerte der Leerstellen, verfestigen sich diese kognitiv (also im Frame selbst) und werden zu Standardwerten. Die Konzeption der Standardwerte trägt den impliziten Voraussetzungen und Annahmen, die wir beim sprachlichen Austausch machen, Rechnung, weshalb sie bezogen auf die Untersuchung eines Diskursausschnittes von großem Nutzen sind. Zudem ist die Perspektivierung von Sachverhalten als Funktion von Frames in der vorliegenden Untersuchung von großer Bedeutung.
Schluss: Zusammenfassung und Ausblick
Authors: Neumair Phillip Alexander
Published: March 2022

Die Analyse zeigt: Steht der Ausdruck Geflüchtete_r in einem engen konzeptuellen wie sprachlichen Verhältnis zu dem zwar nicht unproblematisierbaren, jedoch zukunftsorientierten sowie konstruktiven Themenkomplex der Integration, kennzeichnen Flüchtling eine stärkere Passivität der Bezeichneten sowie, in Verbindung dazu, der Umgang politischer Akteur_innen mit den Bezeichneten. Migrant_in gleicht sich hinsichtlich des kognitiv-semantischen wie epistemischen Gehalts und auch quantitativ stark an Flüchtling an. Der Nutzen von Frames als Analyseinstrumente als auch Veranschaulichungsmodelle von Wissen wird insofern dargelegt, als an sprachlichen Beispielen deutlich wird: Frames sind zu betrachten als gebrauchs- und erfahrungsbasierte Netzwerke, deren epistemischer Gehalt (d.h. die Beschaffenheit ihrer Leerstellen inklusive der Bedingungen, die diese an die Beschaffenheit der Füllwerte stellen, und die Beschaffenheit der Füllungen selbst) aus der Interaktion mit der Welt und Wahrnehmung der Welt durch die Sprachteilhaber_innen emergiert.
A Dedicated Tool for Presurgical Mapping of Brain Tumors and Mixed-Reality Navigation During Neurosurgery
Authors: Chiacchiaretta Piero , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Caulo Massimo , Navarra Riccardo , Baldiraghi Gaia , Rolandi Davide , Luzzi Sabino , Del Maestro Mattia , Galzio Renato , Ferretti Antonio
Published: March 2022

Brain tumor surgery requires a delicate tradeoff between complete removal of neoplastic tissue while minimizing loss of brain function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have emerged as valuable tools for non-invasive assessment of human brain function and are now used to determine brain regions that should be spared to prevent functional impairment after surgery. However, image analysis requires different software packages, mainly developed for research purposes and often difficult to use in a clinical setting, preventing large-scale diffusion of presurgical mapping. We developed a specialized software able to implement an automatic analysis of multimodal MRI presurgical mapping in a single application and to transfer the results to the neuronavigator. Moreover, the imaging results are integrated in a commercially available wearable device using an optimized mixed-reality approach, automatically anchoring 3-dimensional holograms obtained from MRI with the physical head of the patient. This will allow the surgeon to virtually explore deeper tissue layers highlighting critical brain structures that need to be preserved, while retaining the natural oculo-manual coordination. The enhanced ergonomics of this procedure will significantly improve accuracy and safety of the surgery, with large expected benefits for health care systems and related industrial investors.
Seismic behaviour of cross vaults with different brick pattern
Authors: Alforno M. , Venuti F. , Monaco A. , Calderini C.
Published: March 2022

Cross masonry vaults are common structural elements in historical buildings. They are largely diffused in all European countries, including those characterized by higher levels of seismicity. Although they have been constructed for centuries, they represent some of the most vulnerable elements of traditional architecture, especially with reference to horizontal loads. The understanding of their structural behaviour under seismic loading is a crucial aspect for the accurate assessment of the safety of historical buildings. In the present work, the seismic response of cross masonry vaults is analysed through the Finite Element Method (FEM) and static non-linear analyses considering the effect of different brick patterns and boundary conditions. A simplified micro-modelling approach is adopted for the generation of the FEM models and two different brick arrangements are considered, i.e., radial bricks and diagonal bricks, which are the most widespread in European cross vaults. Two different boundary conditions are assumed in order to simulate a vault with and without lateral confinement. Static non-linear analyses are performed by monotonically incrementing a lateral acceleration until collapse. Results are analysed in terms of maximum load factor, stiffness, ductility, crack pattern and damage mechanisms. The analysis of the results shows that not only boundary conditions, but also the brick pattern strongly influences the vault seismic response both in terms of stiffness and ductility as well as in terms of global capacity.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Reduced Microglial Activation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Alleviate Depression-Like Behaviour Via the GAS5/EZH2/SOCS3/NRF2 Axis
Authors: Li Junnan , Gao Wei , Zhao Zhonghui , Li Yannan , Yang Lixuan , Wei Wei , Ren Feifei , Li Yang , Yu Yao , Duan Wenzhe , Li Jingchun , Dai Baoan , Guo Rongjuan
Published: March 2022

Ginsenoside Rg1 is the principal active ingredient in ginseng. The antidepressant effects of Rg1 have been validated; however, the specific underlying mechanism of this effect needs further research. Rats were subjected to the chronic restraint stress (CRS) depression model. Rg1, or a positive control drug, was administered to the rats. Depression-like behaviours were evaluated through behavioural experiments. Cytokine, mRNA, protein, ATP, and mitochondria DNA levels were detected using the indicated methods. Lentivirus-packaged plasmids were injected into the rat brain for GAS5 overexpression or knockdown. In vitro mitochondrial dysfunction was evaluated by detecting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. Direct interaction between GAS5 and EZH2 was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assay. The enrichment of EZH2 and H3K27me3 was evaluated through chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time PCR. Rg1 treatment alleviated depression-like behaviours, microglial activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in CRS rats. Similarly, GAS5 knockdown revealed a similar protective effect of Rg1 treatment. GAS5 overexpression in the rat brain compromised the protective effect of Rg1 treatment. Moreover, Rg1 treatment or GAS5 knockdown attenuated microglial activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. Mechanically, GAS5 was suppressed SOCS3 and NRF2 expression by facilitating EZH2-mediated transcriptional repression. Rg1 attenuated microglial activation and improved mitochondrial dysfunction in depression by downregulating GAS5 expression. Mechanically, GAS5 might regulate microglial activation and mitochondrial dysfunction via the epigenetic suppression of NRF2 and SOCS3.
The Social Contract, the Game of Life and the Shadow of the Future
Authors: Skyrms Brian
Published: March 2022

Ken Binmore’s (1994, 1998) treatment of his Game of Life as a bargaining game and his treatment of morality as an equilibrium selection device for that game, are examined in the context of repeated games with both infinite and finite horizon. With a finite horizon, there are three different viable approaches. They differ in the way they impact his treatment of morality.
Amending a tropical Arenosol: increasing shares of biochar and clay improve the nutrient sorption capacity
Authors: Beusch Christine , Melzer Dennis , Cierjacks Arne , Kaupenjohann Martin
Published: March 2022

Tropical Arenosols may be challenging for agricultural use, particularly in semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the addition of increasing shares of biochar and clay on the nutrient sorption capacity of a tropical Arenosol. In batch equilibrium experiments, the sorption of ammonium-N ($$\hbox {NH}_{4}^{+}{\text{-N}}$$

NH

4

+

-N

), nitrate-N ($$\text {NO}_{3}^{-}{\text{-N}}$$

NO

3

-

-N

), potassium ($$\text {K}^{+}$$

K
+

), and phosphate-P ($$\text {PO}_{4}^{3-}{\text{-P}}$$

PO

4

3
-

-P

) was quantified for mixtures of an Arenosol with increasing shares of biochar and clay (1%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 100%) and the unmixed Arenosol, biochar, and clay. The mid-temperature biochar was produced from Prosopis juliflora feedstock; the clayey material was taken from the sedimentary parent material of a temporarily dry lake. Only the Arenosol–biochar mixture with 10% biochar addition and the biochar increased the $$\text {NH}_{4}^{+}{\text{-N}}$$

NH

4

+

-N

maximum sorption capacity ($$q_{max}$$

q

max

) of the Arenosol, by 34% and 130%, respectively. The $$q_{max}$$

q

max

of $$\text {PO}_{4}^{3-}{\text{-P}}$$

PO

4

3
-

-P

slightly increased with ascending biochar shares (1–10%) by 14%, 30%, 26%, and 42%, whereas the undiluted biochar released $$\text {PO}_{4}^{3-}{\text{-P}}$$

PO

4

3
-

-P

. Biochar addition slightly reduced $$\text {NO}_{3}^{-}{\text{-N}}$$

NO

3

-

-N

release from the Arenosol but strongly induced $$\text {K}^{+}$$

K
+

release. On the other hand, clay addition of 10% and clay itself augmented $$q_{max}$$

q

max

of $$\text {NH}_{4}^{+}{\text{-N}}$$

NH

4

+

-N

by 30% and 162%; ascending clay rates (1–100%) increased $$q_{max}$$

q

max

for $$\text {PO}_{4}^{3-}{\text{-P}}$$

PO

4

3
-

-P

by 78%, 130%, 180%, 268%, and 712%. Clay rates above 5% improved $$\text {K}^{+}$$

K
+

sorption; however, no $$q_{max}$$

q

max

values could be derived. Sorption of $$\text {NO}_{3}^{-}{\text{-N}}$$

NO

3

-

-N

remained unaffected by clay amendment. Overall, clay addition proved to enhance the nutrient sorption capacity of the Arenosol more effectively than biochar; nonetheless, both materials may be promising amendments to meliorate sandy soils for agricultural use in the semi-arid tropics.
TaxoMulti: Rule-Based Expert System to Customize Product Taxonomies for Multi-Channel E-commerce
Authors: Angermann Heiko
Published: March 2022

Taxonomies are used as product categories to facilitate users navigating through an e-commerce portal with the help of hierarchically structured concepts. However, the identical taxonomy is shown to each customer regardless of the channel used. This is challenging for the customers in terms of user experience, as the screen size is rigid, and has not a flexible format like a printed catalog. Simply reducing the taxonomy as suggested in existing works is not sufficient, as it leads to semantic misrepresentation of the product domain. To overcome the inflexibility of product taxonomies, the rule-based expert system TaxoMulti is presented in this paper. The main objectives of our descriptive research are the formulation of the taxonomy over- and undersize problem in multi-channel context, before different types of flexible mediator concepts are discussed that allow overcoming these challenges. Using our novel method, marketing experts can now provide different taxonomies including the same semantics to be shown on different channels. The method is implemented using logic programming, allowing the integration of an inference engine utilizing background knowledge without changing the underlying logic of the used information (management) system. The comprehensive experiments on three public and private databases highlight the improvement when adding different types of mediator concepts for the adaption process. Compared to existing best performing works in related fields, TaxoMulti has achieved an improvement of + 26.31 % for the reduction of the taxonomy, + 60 % for the enlargement of the taxonomy, and + 21.21 % in terms of flexibility.
Liquiritin Relieves Oxygen-Glucose Reperfusion-Induced Neuronal Injury via Inhibition of the p38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liao Liangying , Zhang Zhanwei
Published: March 2022

In traditional Chinese medicine, liquiritin, an active component of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Fabaceae, has several pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. The present study aimed to explore the protective functions and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of liquiritin on nerve injury induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with varying concentrations of liquiritin for different periods of time, and 3-(45)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-35-di-phenytetrazoliumromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were employed to determine the levels of cell viability and damage. Subsequently, cells were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation to establish an ischemia/reperfusion injury model. The results revealed that liquiritin protected SH-SY5Y cells from oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced damage by improving viability and reducing apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Liquiritin inhibited activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. In addition, treatment with a p38MAPK-specific agonist reversed the protective effects of liquiritin.

Graphical abstract
Variability in the psychological impact of four waves of COVID-19: a time-series study of 60 000 text-based counseling sessions
Authors: Chan Christian S. , Yang Chi-Ting , Xu Yucan , He Lihong , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: March 2022

Background

Continuous exposure to stressors can lead to vulnerability and, in some cases, resilience. This study examined the variation in its psychological impact across the first four waves of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

Methods

Transcripts from Open Up, an online text-based counseling service, between January 2019 and January 2021 were analyzed (N= 60 775). We identified COVID-19 mentioned sessions using keywords and further categorized them into those that also mentioned symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) and those that did not. Autoregressive integrated moving average models were used to analyze the associations between the severity of the outbreak and the mention of COVID-19 and CMDs.

Results

Results revealed that the pandemic led to increased psychological distress. Compared to prior to its advent, more people sought help in the initial months of the outbreak. Furthermore, associations were found between the severity of the outbreak and the number of help-seeker mentioning the pandemic, as well as between the outbreak severity and the number of help-seekers disclosing psychological distress. However, these relationships were not uniform across the four waves of outbreaks; a dissociation between outbreak severity and help-seekers' concern was found in the fourth wave.

Conclusion

As the pandemic waxes and wanes, people may become habituated to its psychological toll. This may be interpreted as a form of resilience. Instead of worsening with time, the psychological impact of COVID-19 may reduce with repeated exposure.
Ayn and the Actor
Authors: Sözer Özdemir Şebnem
Published: March 2022

The works of Ideogram Théâtre offer a concrete example of how the Sufi teaching of Anatolia (tasavvuf) might today inspire a distinctive approach to the actor’s art. With actors who are not only doers but also witnesses of the truth behind their actions, Ideogram Théâtre makes visible the Sufi concept of ayn, which considers each human being a mirror of truth for another. Through their work, the essence of the 700‐year‐old ritual performance of semâ lives on the theatre stage.
Uranium Isotopic Composition and Constraints on the Provenance of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau's Surface Dust
Authors: Jiao Xiaoyu , Dong Zhiwen , Parteli Eric J. R. , Brahney Janice , Wei Ting , Augusto Marcelli , Nie Junsheng , Ren Jiawen , Qin Xiang
Published: March 2022

The production and emission of aeolian dust can provide key information on the contemporary and historical links between geological evolution and climate. Here we use 234U/238U isotope ratios and the uranium (U) comminution age method on samples collected from Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (TP) surface dust and glacier snowpack/cryoconites to determine the erosion and potential transport provenance of the dust, regardless of petrological origin. The spatial variation of the (234U/238U) isotope ratios of TP dust showed relatively high values in the Songpan‐Ganzi‐Hoh Xil, Himalayan and the Kunlun‐Qaidam‐Qilian terranes, while showing relatively low (234U/238U) values in Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes, but among all samples the highest value appeared in the glaciation zone. Dust collected from nearby glacial areas with rugged terrain (e.g., the Qilian and Himalayan Mountains) have higher (234U/238U) values than those collected in the topologically flat non‐glacial areas. These differences are consistent with elevated erosion rates and dust comminution‐transport processes in glacial areas, which yield a major source for large quantities of fresh comminuted particles. Compared to sediments from other regions of the globe, the (234U/238U) values of the typical aeolian sinks (such as loess on the Loess Plateau and ice core dust, etc.) are generally lower in comparison to areas with high elevations where erosion rates are high. The (234U/238U) isotope values of TP dust tend to fall between the high‐elevation sites and the dust sinks, indicating the combined influence of short comminution times (tectonics, landscape dynamics, and glacial erosion) and long residence time on the TP. When compared with other central Asian dust sources, U‐Nd‐Sr isotope signatures in TP dust are distinct and can be thus used as an effective tracer of dust provenance. Using U isotopes, we show that dust originating from the TP undergoes long‐range transport and constitutes potentially significant component of the Asian and Northern Hemisphere atmospheric dust load.
Annual Variations of Isoprene and Other Non‐Methane Hydrocarbons in the Jiaozhou Bay on the East Coast of North China
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jun , Liang Hao‐Rui , Zhuang Guang‐Chao , Wu Ying‐Cui , Li Si‐Tong , Zhang Hong‐Hai , Montgomery Andrew , Yang Gui‐Peng
Published: March 2022

Non‐methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and the ocean is a source of NMHCs in the atmosphere. Here, we investigated the annual variations of NMHCs concentrations and fluxes (i.e., ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and isoprene) in the semi‐enclosed shallow waters of Jiaozhou Bay from September 2016 to August 2017. Ethylene is the most abundant NMHCs, with an annual average concentration of 487.7 ± 239.3 pmol L−1. The concentrations of other NMHCs were lower; the average concentrations for ethane, propane, propylene, and isoprene were 87.0 ± 49.0, 65.7 ± 22.9, 127.4 ± 77.8, and 60.5 ± 47.1 pmol L−1, respectively. NMHCs concentrations varied largely between seasons and higher abundance were observed in summer. The correlations between NMHCs and environmental variables such as chlorophyll a (Chl‐a), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were ambiguous, and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested nutrients contributed significantly to total variation. These results indicated that the control of NMHCs could be more complex in dynamic and anthropogenically impacted estuarine systems, which could be a result of multiple processes involving phytoplankton release, photochemical production, riverine input, and so forth. The average annual sea‐to‐air fluxes of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and isoprene were 105.9–298.3, 583.5–1,337.0, 36.7–95.2, 85.2–389.6, and 25.2–182.4 nmol m−2 d−1, respectively. Although coastal and estuarine environments only account for a minor fraction of the global ocean (0.26%–0.39%), NMHC emissions from these areas could influence regional atmospheric chemistry and may be relatively important for global budgets (ethane, 1.70%; ethylene, 1.54%; propane, 1.29%; propylene, 0.87%; isoprene, 3.17%).
Light amplified oxidative stress in tumor microenvironment by carbonized hemin nanoparticles for boosting photodynamic anticancer therapy
Authors: Lin Liyun , Pang Wen , Jiang Xinyan , Ding Shihui , Wei Xunbin , Gu Bobo
Published: March 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which utilizes light excite photosensitizers (PSs) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently ablate cancer cells or diseased tissue, has attracted a great deal of attention in the last decades due to its unique advantages. However, the advancement of PDT is restricted by the inherent characteristics of PS and tumor microenvironment (TME). It is urgent to explore high-performance PSs with TME regulation capability and subsequently improve the therapeutic outcomes. Herein, we reported a newly engineered PS of polymer encapsulated carbonized hemin nanoparticles (P-CHNPs) via a facile synthesis procedure for boosting photodynamic anticancer therapy. Solvothermal treatment of hemin enabled the synthesized P-CHNPs to enhance oxidative stress in TME, which could be further amplified under light irradiation. Excellent in vitro and in vivo PDT effects were achieved due to the improved ROS (hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen) generation efficiency, hypoxia relief, and glutathione depletion. Moreover, the superior in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and boosted PDT effect make the P-CHNPs a potential therapeutic agent for future translational research.
A monolithically sculpted van der Waals nano-opto-electro-mechanical coupler
Authors: Zhang Tongyao , Wang Hanwen , Xia Xiuxin , Yan Ning , Sha Xuanzhe , Huang Jinqiang , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Zhu Mengjian , Wang Lei , Gao Jiantou , Liang Xilong , Qin Chengbing , Xiao Liantuan , Sun Dongming , Zhang Jing , Han Zheng , Li Xiaoxi
Published: March 2022

The nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS) are a class of hybrid solid devices that hold promises in both classical and quantum manipulations of the interplay between one or more degrees of freedom in optical, electrical and mechanical modes. To date, studies of NOEMS using van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are very limited, although vdW materials are known for emerging phenomena such as spin, valley, and topological physics. Here, we devise a universal method to easily and robustly fabricate vdW heterostructures into an architecture that hosts opto-electro-mechanical couplings in one single device. We demonstrated several functionalities, including nano-mechanical resonator, vacuum channel diodes, and ultrafast thermo-radiator, using monolithically sculpted graphene NOEMS as a platform. Optical readout of electric and magnetic field tuning of mechanical resonance in a CrOCl/graphene vdW NOEMS is further demonstrated. Our results suggest that the introduction of the vdW heterostructure into the NOEMS family will be of particular potential for the development of novel lab-on-a-chip systems.
Active swimming and transport by currents observed in Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) acoustically tracked in the western North Pacific
Authors: Fukuda Nobuto , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Yokouchi Kazuki , Kurogi Hiroaki , Okazaki Makoto , Miyake Yoichi , Watanabe Tomowo , Chow Seinen
Published: March 2022

The mechanisms of oceanic animal migration remain enigmatic. Adult Japanese eels start their long-distance oceanic migration from coastal areas to breed near the West Mariana Ridge. We tracked acoustically tagged eels released in the Kuroshio Current (KC) area near Japan (five silver-phase eels, three of which had impaired swim bladders) and a tropical/subtropical (TS) area near/in the spawning area (two yellow-phase and three silver-phase eels). We analyzed their active swimming and transport by water currents. The strong flow of the KC dominated the eels’ movements in the north, and TS area; their swimming influenced their movements. In the KC area, greater distances were covered at night than during the day, because eels swam in shallower layers with strong currents at night. Three and one eel in the TS and KC area in the upper 400 m showed counterclockwise and clockwise movements around the time of solar culmination, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that eels released at middle latitudes (20°–34° N) generally swam southward through currents, whereas those released at low latitudes (12°–13° N) generally swam northward through currents. Our study suggests the influence of the surrounding current and a potential effect of solar cues on the movements of Japanese eels.
Computed tomography based analyses of body mass composition in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer patients undergoing first line treatment with pertuzumab and trastuzumab
Authors: Palleschi Michela , Prochowski Iamurri Andrea , Scarpi Emanuela , Mariotti Marita , Maltoni Roberta , Mannozzi Francesca , Barone Domenico , Paganelli Giovanni , Casi Michela , Giampalma Emanuela , De Giorgi Ugo , Rocca Andrea
Published: March 2022

Body composition parameters (BCp) have been associated with outcome in different tumor types. However, their prognostic value in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (BC) receiving first line treatment with dual anti-HER2 antibody blockade is unknown. Preclinical evidences suggest that adipocytes adjacent to BC cells can influence response to anti-HER2 treatments. We retrospectively analyzed Computed Tomography (CT)-based BCp from 43 patients with HER2-positive metastatic BC who received first line pertuzumab/trastuzumab-based treatment between May 2009 and March 2020. The impact of baseline CT-based BCp on progression-free survival (PFS) was tested using Kaplan–Meier estimates and univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. We found a significantly worse PFS for patients with high baseline subcutaneous fat index (median 7.9 vs 16.1 months, p = 0.047, HR = 2.04, 95%CI 1–4.17) and for those with high total abdominal fat index (8.1 vs 18.8 months, p = 0.030, HR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.06–4.46). Patients with baseline sarcopenia did not show shorter PFS compared to those without sarcopenia (10.4 vs 9.2 months, p = 0.960, HR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.47–2.03). Total abdominal fat index remained a significant predictor of PFS at multivariate analysis. Our findings suggest that a high quantity of total abdominal fat tissue is a poor prognostic factor in patients receiving trastuzumab/pertuzumab-based first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic BC.
Optimization of cerebrospinal fluid microbial DNA metagenomic sequencing diagnostics
Authors: Olausson Josefin , Brunet Sofia , Vracar Diana , Tian Yarong , Abrahamsson Sanna , Meghadri Sri Harsha , Sikora Per , Lind Karlberg Maria , Jakobsson Hedvig E. , Tang Ka-Wei
Published: March 2022

Infection in the central nervous system is a severe condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite ample testing, the majority of encephalitis and meningitis cases remain undiagnosed. Metagenomic sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid has emerged as an unbiased approach to identify rare microbes and novel pathogens. However, several major hurdles remain, including establishment of individual limits of detection, removal of false positives and implementation of universal controls. Twenty-one cerebrospinal fluid samples, in which a known pathogen had been positively identified by available clinical techniques, were subjected to metagenomic DNA sequencing. Fourteen samples contained minute levels of Epstein-Barr virus. The detection threshold for each sample was calculated by using the total leukocyte content in the sample and environmental contaminants found in the bioinformatic classifiers. Virus sequences were detected in all ten samples, in which more than one read was expected according to the calculations. Conversely, no viral reads were detected in seven out of eight samples, in which less than one read was expected according to the calculations. False positive pathogens of computational or environmental origin were readily identified, by using a commonly available cell control. For bacteria, additional filters including a comparison between classifiers removed the remaining false positives and alleviated pathogen identification. Here we show a generalizable method for identification of pathogen species using DNA metagenomic sequencing. The choice of bioinformatic method mainly affected the efficiency of pathogen identification, but not the sensitivity of detection. Identification of pathogens requires multiple filtering steps including read distribution, sequence diversity and complementary verification of pathogen reads.