bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery and structure of a widespread bacterial ABC transporter specific for ergothioneine
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Giovanni , Legg Katherine A. , Walsh Brenna J. C. , Pis Diez Cristian M. , Edmonds Katherine A. , Giedroc David P.
Published: December 2022

L-Ergothioneine (ET), the 2-thioimidazole derivative of trimethylhistidine, is biosynthesized by select fungi and bacteria, notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and functions as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. The extent to which ET broadly functions in bacterial cells unable to synthesize it is unknown. Here we show that spd_1642-1643 in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive respiratory pathogen, encodes an ET uptake ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, designated EgtU. The solute binding domain (SBD) of EgtU, EgtUC, binds ET with high affinity and exquisite specificity in a cleft between the two subdomains, with cation-π interactions engaging the betaine moiety and a network of water molecules that surround the thioimidazole ring. EgtU is highly conserved among known quaternary amine compound-specific transporters and widely distributed in Firmicutes, including the human pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, as BilEB, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. ET increases the chemical diversity of the low molecular weight thiol pool in Gram-positive human pathogens and may contribute to antioxidant defenses in the infected host.
Intracellular galectin-3 is a lipopolysaccharide sensor that promotes glycolysis through mTORC1 activation
Authors: Chen Xing , Yu Chunyu , Liu Xinhua , Liu Beibei , Wu Xiaodi , Wu Jiajing , Yan Dong , Han Lulu , Tang Zifan , Yuan Xinyi , Wang Jianqiu , Wang Yue , Liu Shumeng , Shan Lin , Shang Yongfeng
Published: December 2022

How the carbohydrate binding protein galectin-3 might act as a diabetogenic and tumorogenic factor remains to be investigated. Here we report that intracellular galectin-3 interacts with Rag GTPases and Ragulator on lysosomes. We show that galectin-3 senses lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to facilitate the interaction of Rag GTPases and Ragulator, leading to the activation of mTORC1. We find that the lipopolysaccharide/galectin-3-Rag GTPases/Ragulator-mTORC1 axis regulates a cohort of genes including GLUT1, and HK2, and PKM2 that are critically involved in glucose uptake and glycolysis. Indeed, galectin-3 deficiency severely compromises LPS-promoted glycolysis. Importantly, the expression of HK2 is significantly reduced in diabetes patients. In multiple types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), galectin-3 is highly expressed, and its level of expression is positively correlated with that of HK2 and PKM2 and negatively correlated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Our study unravels that galectin-3 is a sensor of LPS, an important modulator of the mTORC1 signaling, and a critical regulator of glucose metabolism.
Whole genome sequencing identifies structural variants contributing to hematologic traits in the NHLBI TOPMed program
Authors: Wheeler Marsha M. , Stilp Adrienne M. , Rao Shuquan , Halldórsson Bjarni V. , Beyter Doruk , Wen Jia , Mihkaylova Anna V. , McHugh Caitlin P. , Lane John , Jiang Min-Zhi , Raffield Laura M. , Jun Goo , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Metcalf Ginger , Yao Yao , Bis Joshua B. , Chami Nathalie , de Vries Paul S. , Desai Pinkal , Floyd James S. , Gao Yan , Kammers Kai , Kim Wonji , Moon Jee-Young , Ratan Aakrosh , Yanek Lisa R. , Almasy Laura , Becker Lewis C. , Blangero John , Cho Michael H. , Curran Joanne E. , Fornage Myriam , Kaplan Robert C. , Lewis Joshua P. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Morrison Alanna C. , Preuss Michael , Psaty Bruce M. , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Tang Hua , Tracy Russell P. , Boerwinkle Eric , Abecasis Goncalo R. , Blackwell Thomas W. , Smith Albert V. , Johnson Andrew D. , Mathias Rasika A. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Conomos Matthew P. , Li Yun , Þorsteinsdóttir Unnur , Magnússon Magnús K. , Stefansson Kari , Pankratz Nathan D. , Bauer Daniel E. , Auer Paul L. , Reiner Alex P.
Published: December 2022

Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of single nucleotide variants and small indels that contribute to variation in hematologic traits. While structural variants are known to cause rare blood or hematopoietic disorders, the genome-wide contribution of structural variants to quantitative blood cell trait variation is unknown. Here we utilized whole genome sequencing data in ancestrally diverse participants of the NHLBI Trans Omics for Precision Medicine program (N = 50,675) to detect structural variants associated with hematologic traits. Using single variant tests, we assessed the association of common and rare structural variants with red cell-, white cell-, and platelet-related quantitative traits and observed 21 independent signals (12 common and 9 rare) reaching genome-wide significance. The majority of these associations (N = 18) replicated in independent datasets. In genome-editing experiments, we provide evidence that a deletion associated with lower monocyte counts leads to disruption of an S1PR3 monocyte enhancer and decreased S1PR3 expression.
Association of wearable device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity with mortality
Authors: Stamatakis Emmanuel , Ahmadi Matthew N. , Gill Jason M. R. , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Gibala Martin J. , Doherty Aiden , Hamer Mark
Published: December 2022

Wearable devices can capture unexplored movement patterns such as brief bursts of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) that is embedded into everyday life, rather than being done as leisure time exercise. Here, we examined the association of VILPA with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality in 25,241 nonexercisers (mean age 61.8 years, 14,178 women/11,063 men) in the UK Biobank. Over an average follow-up of 6.9 years, during which 852 deaths occurred, VILPA was inversely associated with all three of these outcomes in a near-linear fashion. Compared with participants who engaged in no VILPA, participants who engaged in VILPA at the sample median VILPA frequency of 3 length-standardized bouts per day (lasting 1 or 2 min each) showed a 38%–40% reduction in all-cause and cancer mortality risk and a 48%–49% reduction in CVD mortality risk. Moreover, the sample median VILPA duration of 4.4 min per day was associated with a 26%–30% reduction in all-cause and cancer mortality risk and a 32%–34% reduction in CVD mortality risk. We obtained similar results when repeating the above analyses for vigorous physical activity (VPA) in 62,344 UK Biobank participants who exercised (1,552 deaths, 35,290 women/27,054 men). These results indicate that small amounts of vigorous nonexercise physical activity are associated with substantially lower mortality. VILPA in nonexercisers appears to elicit similar effects to VPA in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise.
Estimation of population variance under ranked set sampling method by using the ratio of supplementary information with study variable
Authors: Alam Rabail , Hanif Muhammad , Shahbaz Saman Hanif , Shahbaz Muhammad Qaiser
Published: December 2022

In biological and medical research, the cost and collateral damage caused during the collection and measurement of a sample are the reasons behind a compromise on the inference with a fixed and accepted approximation error. The ranked set sampling (RSS) performs better in such scenarios, and the use of auxiliary information even enhances the performance of the estimators. In this study, two generalized classes of estimators are proposed to estimate the population variance using RSS and information of auxiliary variable. The bias and mean square errors of the proposed classes of estimators are derived up to first order of approximation. Some special cases of one of the proposed class of estimators are also considered in the presence of available population parameters. A simulation study was conducted to see the performance of the members of the proposed family by using various sample sizes. The real-life data application is done to estimate the variance of gestational age of fetuses with supplementary information. The results showed that RSS design is a more accurate method than simple random sampling, to determine the population variance of hard-to-measure or destructive sampling units.
Ab initio determination on diffusion coefficient and viscosity of FeNi fluid under Earth’s core condition
Authors: Li Wei-Jie , Li Zi , Ma Zhe , Zhang Ping , Lu Yong , Wang Cong , Jia Qian , Cheng Xue-Bin , Hu Han-Dong
Published: December 2022

The Earth’s outer core is mainly composed of Fe and Ni. The geodynamo of the Earth’s core are closely correlated with the transport properties of the fluid in the Earth’s core. We selected the typical FeNi fluid, and systemically calculated its diffusion coefficient and viscosity under Earth’s core condition by quantum molecular dynamics simulation. The diffusion coefficients are almost constant along the core adiabatic curve. The self-diffusion coefficients of Ni along the core adiabatic curve range from 2.47 × 10−9 to 3.37 × 10−9 m2s−1. The diffusion coefficient increases with temperature increase, while viscosity decrease with temperature increase. The calculations on the transport properties suggest that the Ni impurities have a negligible effect on the diffusion coefficient and viscosity of Earth’s core.
An LBS and agent-based simulator for Covid-19 research
Authors: Du Hang , Yuan Zhenming , Wu Yingfei , Yu Kai , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: December 2022

The mobility data of citizens provide important information on the epidemic spread including Covid-19. However, the privacy versus security dilemma hinders the utilization of such data. This paper proposed a method to generate pseudo mobility data on a per-agent basis, utilizing the actual geographical environment data provided by LBS to generate the agent-specific mobility trajectories and export them as GPS-like data. Demographic characteristics such as behavior patterns, gender, age, vaccination, and mask-wearing status are also assigned to the agents. A web-based data generator was implemented, enabling users to make detailed settings to meet different research needs. The simulated data indicated the usability of the proposed methods.
Pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic and immunological role of PAQR4
Authors: Wang Kaibin , Meng Jinhuan , Wang Xudong , Yan Mo , Liu Shuaibing , Yang Shaobo , Xu Shengxian , Liu Dongze , Li Changying , Yang Kuo
Published: December 2022

Progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 4 (PAQR4) is a protein-coding gene. Recent studies have shown that PAQR4 is related to the development of multiple cancers. However, there is no systematic pan-cancer analysis of this gene. In this study, the expression of PAQR4, correlations with clinical prognosis, immune situation, and its potential molecular functions and mechanisms in pan-cancer were explored by bioinformatics analysis. The Cancer Genome Atlas was applied to investigate the relations between PAQR4 and clinical features, prognostic effects, and tumor immune microenvironment. R software was used to perform statistical analysis and figure creation. The expression of PAQR4 in BLCA and KIRC was validated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and its function was explored by cellular experiments. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PAQR4 was up-regulated in multiple cancers and related to poor prognosis. The high expression of PAQR4 was closely associated with high tumor stage, immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability in different cancer types. In addition, the high expression of PAQR4 also indicated involvement in the immune regulatory pathways. The involvement of PAQR4 in the immune regulation of different tumors was confirmed by GSEA enrichment analysis. Moreover, PAQR4 was highly expressed in bladder cancer and renal clear cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer and renal clear cell carcinoma cell lines were significantly decreased after the knockdown of PAQR4. This study elucidated the role of PAQR4 in carcinogenesis as well as tumor immunity. PAQR4 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in a variety of cancers.
Efficacy and feasibility of the BREATHE asthma intervention with American Indian children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: O’Leary Rae A. , O’Leary Marcia A. , Torgerson Dara G. , Mettler Raeann D. , Enright Kendra J. , Best Lyle G.
Published: December 2022

American Indian (AI) children experience significant disparities in asthma prevalence, severity, and burden of disease, yet few asthma education interventions are tested in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the BREATHE intervention with parents and AI children, during a 3-year follow-up period (n = 108), using a randomized controlled design. Children with asthma identified by electronic medical records (EMR) were screened and matched with 2 controls. The intervention included an initial educational and 24 months of follow-up. The control group continued their usual care. The primary outcome was the frequency of EMR documented, emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalization for respiratory complaints. There was no statistical difference in mean primary outcomes (1.34 (1.98) vs 1.22 (1.95), − 0.88 to 0.63, 95% CI of the difference, p = 0.75), nor percent with any ED visit or hospitalization (29/53, 55% vs 30/55, 54%, p = 0.99) between the intervention or control groups respectively. After 365 days, there was a borderline significant difference in time to primary outcome. Although limited in power, the present study did not demonstrate a persistent effect of this intervention. We recommend that AI pediatric asthma interventions are culturally-designed, use feasible procedures, and repeat education at least every 12 months.
Photon extraction enhancement of praseodymium ions in gallium nitride nanopillars
Authors: Sato Shin-ichiro , Li Shuo , Greentree Andrew D. , Deki Manato , Nishimura Tomoaki , Watanabe Hirotaka , Nitta Shugo , Honda Yoshio , Amano Hiroshi , Gibson Brant C. , Ohshima Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Lanthanoid-doped Gallium Nitride (GaN) integrated into nanophotonic technologies is a promising candidate for room-temperature quantum photon sources for quantum technology applications. We manufactured praseodymium (Pr)-doped GaN nanopillars of varying size, and showed significantly enhanced room-temperature photon extraction efficiency compared to unstructured Pr-doped GaN. Implanted Pr ions in GaN show two main emission peaks at 650.3 nm and 651.8 nm which are attributed to 3P0-3F2 transition in the 4f-shell. The maximum observed enhancement ratio was 23.5 for 200 nm diameter circular pillars, which can be divided into the emitted photon extraction enhancement by a factor of 4.5 and the photon collection enhancement by a factor of 5.2. The enhancement mechanism is explained by the eigenmode resonance inside the nanopillar. Our study provides a pathway for Lanthanoid-doped GaN nano/micro-scale photon emitters and quantum technology applications.
Land use and land cover changes influence the land surface temperature and vegetation in Penang Island, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Akomolafe Gbenga F. , Rosazlina Rusly
Published: December 2022

The ecological changes in vegetation and land of an area can be monitored and managed through the assessment of its past and present land use and land cover (LULC). In this study, we assessed the changes in the LULC of Penang Island between 2010 and 2021. We also determined the corresponding impacts on the land surface temperature (LST) and vegetation index in the form of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 were selected for the study. The LULC types were classified using both supervised and unsupervised multivariate maximum likelihood techniques. The LULC change analysis revealed a considerable increase in the urbanized areas (45.71%), a slight increase in the forests (1.57%) and a sizeable reduction in the agricultural/herbaceous areas (− 33.49) of the city within the stipulated period. The urbanized areas were observed to have the highest LST in 2010 and 2021 (28.75–34.0 °C) followed by the bare land (29.76–29 °C). The increase in temperature could have been driven by the reduction in the greenness of the city coupled with the openness of vegetation cover. Similarly, strong positive correlations were observed between the LST and NDVI in the urbanized areas (R2 = 0.92), and bare lands (R2 = 0.86). We, therefore, hypothesize that urbanization is the main driver of the LULC changes on Penang Island.
Influence of naps on sedentary time and physical activity in early childhood
Authors: St. Laurent Christine W. , Lokhandwala Sanna , Allard Tamara , Ji Angela , Riggins Tracy , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: December 2022

The objective was to determine if, in preschool-aged children, (1) nap habituality is associated with sedentary time and physical activity (movement behaviors), (2) nap physiology is associated with movement behaviors, and (3) if missing a nap, compared to taking a nap, affects movement behaviors on the same day and subsequent day. A within-subjects (44 children; 4.2 ± 0.6 years; 55.6% female), at-home study examined two experimental conditions (one afternoon each of nap- and wake-promotion with order counterbalanced) one week apart. Movement behaviors were derived from wrist-worn actigraphy (12.1 ± 3.1 days). Average movement behaviors were calculated from the overall study period with experimental days excluded. Movement behaviors were also extracted for the same day and the subsequent day of the two experimental conditions. Polysomnography was recorded during the nap-promoted condition. Children were classified as non-, intermediate-, or habitual-nappers. Although average movement behaviors were different between nap habituality groups, differences were not significant. There were no associations between movement behaviors and nap sleep stages, and no effects for nap condition or condition by nap habituality on same or next day movement behaviors. Findings do not suggest that naps and movement behaviors are related in children. Although a single missed nap was not detrimental to same or next day movement behaviors, future studies should explore effects of multiple days of subsequent nap restriction to examine potential cumulative effects.
3D printing of cellulose nanocrystals based composites to build robust biomimetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: N’Gatta Kanga Marius , Belaid Habib , El Hayek Joelle , Assanvo Edja Florentin , Kajdan Marilyn , Masquelez Nathalie , Boa David , Cavaillès Vincent , Bechelany Mikhael , Salameh Chrystelle
Published: December 2022

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are drawing increasing attention in the fields of biomedicine and healthcare owing to their durability, biocompatibility, biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties. Herein, we fabricated using fused deposition modelling technology 3D composite scaffolds from polylactic acid (PLA) and CNC extracted fromFicus thonningii. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the printed scaffolds exhibit interconnected pores with an estimated average pore size of approximately 400 µm. Incorporating 3% (w/w) of CNC into the composite improved PLA mechanical properties (Young's modulus increased by ~ 30%) and wettability (water contact angle decreased by ~ 17%). The mineralization process of printed scaffolds using simulated body fluid was validated and nucleation of hydroxyapatite confirmed. Additionally, cytocompatibility tests revealed that PLA and CNC-based PLA scaffolds are non-toxic and compatible with bone cells. Our design, based on rapid 3D printing of PLA/CNC composites, combines the ability to control the architecture and provide improved mechanical and biological properties of the scaffolds, which opens perspectives for applications in bone tissue engineering and in regenerative medicine.
Improving service efficiency and throughput of cardiac surgery patients using Monte Carlo simulation: a queueing setting
Authors: Mohammadi Tayeb , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Faradmal Javad , Sadeghifar Majid , Manafi Babak , Mahjub Hossein
Published: December 2022

Bed occupancy rate (BOR) is important for healthcare policymakers. Studies showed the necessity of using simulation approach when encountering complex real-world problems to plan the optimal use of resources and improve the quality of services. So, the aim of the present study is to estimate average length of stay (LOS), BOR, bed blocking probability (BBP), and throughput of patients in a cardiac surgery department (CSD) using simulation models. We studied the behavior of a CSD as a complex queueing system at the Farshchian Hospital. In the queueing model, customers were patients and servers were beds in intensive care unit (ICU) and post-operative ward (POW). A computer program based on the Monte Carlo simulation, using Python software, was developed to evaluate the behavior of the system under different number of beds in ICU and POW. The queueing simulation study showed that, for a fixed number of beds in ICU, BOR in POW decreases as the number of beds in POW increases and LOS in ICU increases as the number of beds in POW decreases. Also, based on the available data, the throughput of patients in the CSD during 800 days was 1999 patients. Whereas, the simulation results showed that, 2839 patients can be operated in the same period. The results of the simulation study clearly demonstrated the behavior of the CSD; so, it must be mentioned, hospital administrators should design an efficient plan to increase BOR and throughput of patients in the future.
Time inhomogeneous quantum dynamical maps
Authors: Chruściński Dariusz
Published: December 2022

We discuss a wide class of time inhomogeneous quantum evolution which is represented by two-parameter family of completely positive trace-preserving maps. These dynamical maps are constructed as infinite series of jump processes. It is shown that such dynamical maps satisfy time inhomogeneous memory kernel master equation which provides a generalization of the master equation involving the standard convolution. Time-local (time convolution-less) approach is discussed as well. Finally, the comparative analysis of traditional time homogeneous versus time inhomogeneous scenario is provided.
Study on the inhibitory mechanism of dehydrogenated antioxidants on coal spontaneous combustion
Authors: Zhang Xun , Yu Chen , Lu Bing , Gao Fei , Shan Chuan , Zou Jiahui
Published: December 2022

In order to comprehensively and systematically analyze the reasons why antioxidant inhibitors can scavenge free radicals in coal and inhibit coal spontaneous combustion, this paper studies the effects of VC, TBHQ, EGCG and BHT on coal spontaneous combustion by means of coal spontaneous combustion characteristics experiments and quantum chemical simulation methods. The low-temperature oxidation characteristics of coal were studied through temperature-programmed experiments. The results showed that the CO emission of coal samples with antioxidants was significantly lower than that of raw coal. At 170 °C, the maximum decrease was 37.74%. Fourier infrared test showed that compared with the coal samples without antioxidant treatment, the adsorption strength of hydroxyl structure and oxygen-containing functional groups of the treated coal samples was significantly reduced. The area percentages of hydroxyl and methylene changed significantly, decreased by 7.14% and 6.46%, respectively. Subsequently, molecular models of four antioxidants were constructed using quantum chemical theory, and their Mulliken charges, BDE values ​and frontier orbitals were calculated according to density functional theory (DFT), and the active sites and inhibition mechanisms of antioxidants were discussed. The results showed that H9 of VC, H33 of EGCG, H1 of TBHQ and H40 of BHT all had strong ability to scavenge oxygen-containing free radicals, and their order of strength was TBHQ > BHT > EGCG > VC. Antioxidant inhibitors mainly reduce the number of active free radicals by removing the peroxide groups in the initial stage of the coal oxygen reaction, and remove the hydroxyl groups to prevent the further spontaneous combustion of coal and inhibit the low temperature oxidation process of coal.
A study of pressure-driven flow in a vertical duct near two current-carrying wires using finite volume technique
Authors: Ali Kashif , Jamshed Wasim , Suriya Uma Devi S. , Ibrahim Rabha W. , Ahmad Sohail , Tag El Din El Sayed M.
Published: December 2022

For heating, ventilation or air conditioning purposes in massive multistory building constructions, ducts are a common choice for air supply, return, or exhaust. Rapid population expansion, particularly in industrially concentrated areas, has given rise to a tradition of erecting high-rise buildings in which contaminated air is removed by making use of vertical ducts. For satisfying the enormous energy requirements of such structures, high voltage wires are used which are typically positioned near the ventilation ducts. This leads to a consequent motivation of studying the interaction of magnetic field (MF) around such wires with the flow in a duct, caused by vacuum pump or exhaust fan etc. Therefore, the objective of this work is to better understand how the established (thermally and hydrodynamically) movement in a perpendicular square duct interacts with the MF formed by neighboring current-carrying wires. A constant pressure gradient drives the flow under the condition of uniform heat flux across the unit axial length, with a fixed temperature on the duct periphery. After incorporating the flow assumptions and dimensionless variables, the governing equations are numerically solved by incorporating a finite volume approach. As an exclusive finding of the study, we have noted that MF caused by the wires tends to balance the flow reversal due to high Raleigh number. The MF, in this sense, acts as a balancing agent for the buoyancy effects, in the laminar flow regime
Evaluation of the relationship between the collapsed mechanism and excavation method in tunnels excavated in schists
Authors: Aygar Ebu Bekir
Published: December 2022

The problems experienced in tunnels excavated under high cover in graphitic schists generally vary according to the squeezing mechanism. During the tunnel excavation, slips occur on the slickenside surfaces in the tunnel face from time to time and collapse occurs. Most of the time, failures in the support systems are observed due to the squeezing mechanism in the long term in the sections whose tunnel excavations have been completed. In addition, if tunnel excavations are carried out from both entrance faces, it is possible to encounter excessive deformations at the junction points of the tunnels. Especially on weak ground, the importance of the distances between the stages increases in the case of opening the tunnels in the form of top heading, bench, and invert gradually. As a tunnel excavation method, excavation in stages directly affects the stability of the tunnel. Within the scope of this study, the collapsed mechanism in the junction area of the tunnels of the T6 tunnel is examined. For this purpose, 3-dimensional numerical analysis are performed with the Flac3d program. Analysis results are compared with site deformation measurements. As a result, an excavation methodology is proposed for the junction area of tunnels in weak ground.
Diverse mycorrhizal maize inbred lines differentially modulate mycelial traits and the expression of plant and fungal phosphate transporters
Authors: Giovannini Luca , Sbrana Cristiana , Giovannetti Manuela , Avio Luciano , Lanubile Alessandra , Marocco Adriano , Turrini Alessandra
Published: December 2022

Food production is heavily dependent on soil phosphorus (P), a non-renewable mineral resource essential for plant growth and development. Alas, about 80% is unavailable for plant uptake. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may promote soil P efficient use, although the mechanistic aspects are yet to be completely understood. In this study, plant and fungal variables involved in P acquisition were investigated in maize inbred lines, differing for mycorrhizal responsiveness and low-P tolerance, when inoculated with the symbiont Rhizoglomus irregulare (synonym Rhizophagus irregularis). The expression patterns of phosphate transporter (PT) genes in extraradical and intraradical mycelium (ERM/IRM) and in mycorrhizal and control maize roots were assessed, together with plant growth responses and ERM extent and structure. The diverse maize lines differed in plant and fungal accumulation patterns of PT transcripts, ERM phenotypic traits and plant performance. Mycorrhizal plants of the low-P tolerant maize line Mo17 displayed increased expression of roots and ERM PT genes, compared with the low-P susceptible line B73, which revealed larger ERM hyphal densities and interconnectedness. ERM structural traits showed significant correlations with plant/fungal expression levels of PT genes and mycorrhizal host benefit, suggesting that both structural and functional traits are differentially involved in the regulation of P foraging capacity in mycorrhizal networks.
Determination of cobalt in chamomile tea samples at trace levels by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after poly(vinyl alcohol)-magnetic hydrogel based dispersive solid phase extraction
Authors: Karlıdağ Nazime Ebrar , Demirel Rabia , Serbest Hakan , Turak Fatma , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: December 2022

In this study, an analytical strategy was proposed for the determination of cobalt at trace levels by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) system after magnetic hydrogel based dispersive solid phase extraction (MH-DSPE).
Endogenous stimulus-responsive nitric oxide releasing bioactive liposome for a multilayered drug-eluting balloon
Authors: Seo Hyo Jeong , Rhim Won-Kyu , Baek Seung-Woon , Kim Jun Yong , Kim Da-Seul , Han Dong Keun
Published: December 2022

Drug eluting balloon (DEB) system has been designed to enable synergistic therapeutic effects with nitric oxide while reducing the amount of cytostatic drug (EVL), along with the various advantages expected by using a multilayer coating strategy.
Reactivity of quinone methides with carbenes generated from α-diazocarbonyl compounds and related compounds
Authors: Happy Sharma , Junaid Mohammad , Yadagiri Dongari
Published: December 2022

The novel and uncovered reactivity of o-quinone methides, p-quinone methides, aza-o-quinone methides, and indolyl-2-methides with carbenes generated from α-diazocarbonyl compounds and related compounds is discussed.
Aluminium catalysed oligomerisation in cement-forming silicate systems
Authors: Salha Mohammed S. , Yada Rickey Y. , Farrar David H. , Chass Gregory A. , Tian Kun V. , Bodo Enrico
Published: December 2022

A peek into how aluminium substitution promotes cement chain growth in both neutral and anionic conditions, through its flexible coordinate geometry.
Fabrication of cellulose paper-based counter electrodes for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pervaiz Hina , Khan Zuhair S. , Shahzad Nadia , Ali Ghulam , Iqbal Naseem , Javed Sofia
Published: December 2022

Flexible DSSCs made with paper-based counter electrodes. The PCE of the produced FDSSC based on low-cost hierarchical structured CuInS2/PEDOT: PSS/Cellulose paper counter electrode is 1.06%, which is comparable to Pt/Paper-based FDSSC.
Structural evolution and electronic properties of neutral and anionic TiASil (A = Sc, Ti; l ≤ 12): relatively stable TiASi4 as a structural unit
Authors: Lu Qing-Hua , Lu Jun , Li Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2022

Molecular orbitals (MO) and the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps (HLgs) of neutral TiASi4 clusters (A = Sc, Ti).
In situ morphology transformation and oxygen vacancy-engineering to upgrade Pd-catalyzed hydrogen production with unprecedented activity and durability
Authors: Zhang Xumei , Zhu Yinghai , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: December 2022

In situ electron and morphological transitions drive spherical Co3O4 nanoparticles into sheet-like Co3O4, generating abundant oxygen vacancies during AB hydrolysis, and upgrading Pd-catalyzed hydrogen production with unprecedented activity and durability.
Texture formation in W-type hexaferrite by cold compaction of non-magnetic interacting anisotropic shaped precursor crystallites
Authors: Knudsen Cecilie G. , Mørch Mathias I. , Christensen Mogens
Published: December 2022

Crystallites of the W-type hexaferrites, Sr(Ni1−xZnx)2Fe16O27 (x = 0, 0.5, 1) have been aligned through a simple synthesis process taking advantage of easy alignment of non-magnetic interacting, anisotropic-shaped precursor crystallites of goethite.
Effects of manganese on the catalytic performance of CuCo catalysts for direct conversion of CO/CO2 to higher alcohols
Authors: Shao Fangjun , Cheng Jiaxu , Song Xin , Wei Zhongzhe , Zhong Xing , Yao Zihao , Wang Hong , Sun Xiangdong , Li Aiyun , Wang Jianguo
Published: December 2022

The catalytic conversion of CO or CO/CO2 mixtures to higher alcohols (HAs) using hydrogenation reactions remains challenging in C1 chemistry and it is also one of the most promising reactions for the utilization of non-petroleum resources.
The effect of B-site doping in all-inorganic CsPbIxBr3−x absorbers on the performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Akman Erdi , Ozturk Teoman , Xiang Wanchun , Sadegh Faranak , Prochowicz Daniel , Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Yadav Pankaj , Yilmaz Mucahit , Akin Seckin
Published: December 2022

The B-site doping strategy ranks as a powerful approach to improve the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. This article reviews the key roles of B-site doping strategy in all-inorganic perovskite films.
Marine chitin upcycling with immobilized chitinolytic enzymes: current state and prospects
Authors: Charoenpol Ailada , Crespy Daniel , Schulte Albert , Suginta Wipa
Published: December 2022

Immobilized chitinase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidases, chitin deacetylases and chitosanases enable ecofriendly enzymic conversion of chitin and its derivative, chitosan, into low-molecular weight sugars known as chitooligosaccharides (COSs).
A sustainable waste-to-protein system to maximise waste resource utilisation for developing food- and feed-grade protein solutions
Authors: Piercy Ellen , Verstraete Willy , Ellis Peter R. , Banks Mason , Rockström Johan , Smith Pete , Witard Oliver C. , Hallett Jason , Hogstrand Christer , Knott Geoffrey , Karwati Ai , Rasoarahona Henintso Felamboahangy , Leslie Andrew , He Yiying , Guo Miao
Published: December 2022

Analysis of an integrated waste-to-protein system for a sustainable protein future to ameliorate the rising global hunger pandemic.
Studying the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs on atherosclerosis by optofluidic imaging on a chip
Authors: Deng Yunjie , Tay Hui Min , Zhou Yuqi , Fei Xueer , Tang Xuke , Nishikawa Masako , Yatomi Yutaka , Hou Han Wei , Xiao Ting-Hui , Goda Keisuke
Published: December 2022

Optofluidic imaging on a chip is developed for studying the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs on atherosclerosis.
Incorporation of methylene blue into mesoporous silica nanoparticles for singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Xu Jianan , Pelluau Tristan , Monnereau Cyrille , Guari Yannick , Bonneviot Laurent , Rodríguez-Pizarro Montserrat , Albela Belén
Published: December 2022

Different strategies to incorporate methylene blue (MB) into silica nanoparticles are described, leading to either its monomeric or dimeric form. The supported photosensitizer displays increased ability to generate 1O2 with regard to MB in solution.
Developing bulky P-alkene ligands: stabilization of copper complexes with 14 valence electrons
Authors: Grasruck Alexander , Parla Giorgio , Heineman Frank W. , Langer Jens , Herrera Alberto , Frieß Sybille , Schmid Günter , Dorta Romano
Published: December 2022

The superbulky P-alkene ligand 21 is prepared from dibenzoazepine and stabilizes the highly unsaturated cationic Cu(i)-complex 26.
Nanocrystalline TiO2/Ti3C2Tx MXene composites with a tunable work function prepared using atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma
Authors: Vida Július , Gemeiner Pavol , Pavličková Michaela , Mazalová Martina , Souček Pavel , Plašienka Dušan , Homola Tomáš
Published: December 2022

We present a rapid and low-temperature (70 °C) route for the preparation of crystalline TiO2 on Ti3C2Tx MXene surfaces using atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma. Reactive oxygen species from plasma break the MXene structure and form TiO2 nanoparticles.
Centimetre-scale single crystal α-MoO3: oxygen assisted self-standing growth and low-energy consumption synaptic devices
Authors: Shan Xin , Wu Zeyu , Xie Yangyang , Lin Xin , Zhou Baozeng , Zhang Yupeng , Yan Xiaobing , Ren Tianling , Wang Fang , Zhang Kailiang
Published: December 2022

The centimeter-scale single crystal α-MoO3 was developed via oxygen assisted self-standing growth. The Ti/α-MoO3/Au memristor simulated synaptic properties and achieved low-energy consumption conductance update.
A semi-fluid multi-functional binder for a high-performance silicon anode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Hui , Liu Xiaoxi , Sun Wenlu , Xu Guanghui , Tong Yihong , Xu Hongyuan , Li Jiawei , Kong Zhao , Wang Yong , Lin Zhiyong , Jin Hong , Chen Hongwei
Published: December 2022

Design of the semi-fluidic binder for silicon anodes via small-molecule tuning strategy.
Ion-mediated control of structural integrity and reconfigurability of DNA nanostructures
Authors: Bednarz Aleksandra , Sønderskov Steffan Møller , Dong Mingdong , Birkedal Victoria
Published: December 2022

DNA origami structural integrity is investigated in the presence of various ions at the global and local scales following folding, post-assembly ion exchange and post-assembly ion-driven reconfiguration.
Deazaflavin cofactor boosts earthworms Henlea bioluminescence
Authors: Petushkov Valentin N. , Vavilov Matvey V. , Ivanov Igor A. , Ziganshin Rustam H. , Rodionova Natalia S. , Yampolsky Ilia V. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S. , Dubinnyi Maxim A.
Published: December 2022

The unexpected structure of the Henlea deazaflavine bioluminescence activator and Michaelis–Menten plot of its activation factor superimposed over a bioluminescent Henlea sp. worm.
B(C6F5)3-catalyzed metal-free hydrogenation of 2-oxazolones
Authors: Cui Guangyu , Feng Xiangqing , Du Haifeng
Published: December 2022

The first metal-free hydrogenation of 2-oxazolones was realized to afford a variety of 2-oxazolidinones in 70–98% yields, in which an enamine to imine isomerization was involved.
Synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives via aromatic nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen
Authors: Zasada Aleksandra , Brześkiewicz Jakub , Antoniak Damian , Bechcicka Małgorzata , Loska Rafał , Mąkosza Mieczysław
Published: December 2022

Vicarious nucleophilic substitution allows for direct functionalization of the quinoxaline ring, particularly in quinoxaline N-oxide, with substituents containing nitrile, ester, amide or sulfone groups, as well as fluorine atoms.
Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of naphthols and electron-rich phenols with 2-aryl-3H-indol-3-ones
Authors: Ma Tao , He Yonghui , Qiao Xiu-Xiu , Zou Chang-Peng , Wu Xi-Xi , Li Ganpeng , Zhao Xiao-Jing
Published: December 2022

Herein, we describe a challenging organocatalytic asymmetric aza- Friedel–Crafts reaction of naphthols/phenols with cyclic-ketimines attached to neutral functional group, achieving enantiomerically enriched chiral aminonaphthols.
Highly soluble fluorinated polyimides with promising gas transport performance and optical transparency
Authors: Lai Shiqing , Shi Yufei , Wu Weilian , Wei Bowen , Liu Chanjuan , Zhou Li , Huang Xiaohua
Published: December 2022

A series of fluorinated polyimides based on 2,2-bis(4-(4-minophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)hexafluoropropane (BASA) have excellent thermal stability, good solubility, high hydrophobic, and promising gas transport property.
Chemistry–mechanics–geometry coupling in positive electrode materials: a scale-bridging perspective for mitigating degradation in lithium-ion batteries through materials design
Authors: Santos David A. , Rezaei Shahed , Zhang Delin , Luo Yuting , Lin Binbin , Balakrishna Ananya R. , Xu Bai-Xiang , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: December 2022

The design of next-generation positive intercalation battery cathodes will leverage chemistry—mechanics—geometry coupling to mitigate stress, unlock more accessible storage capacity, and prolong cycle life.
Correction: Conjugated polyelectrolytes for stable perovskite solar cells based on methylammonium lead triiodide
Authors: Kim Yong Ryun , Kim Juae , Kim Heejoo , Back Hyungcheol , Kim Geunjin , Gu Ayeong , Nam Chang-Yong , Kim Ju-Hyeon , Suh Hongsuk , Lee Kwanghee
Published: December 2022

Correction for ‘Conjugated polyelectrolytes for stable perovskite solar cells based on methylammonium lead triiodide’ by Yong Ryun Kim et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, 10, 3321–3329, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA10185D.
Quasi-opsonin conjugated lipase-sensitive micelles activate macrophages against facultative intracellular bacterial infection
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Wang Yajie , Zou Jiahui , Wang Hui , Li Xuechun , Huang Ying , Hu Enshi , Guan Zhiyu , Quan Danyi , Liu Jianping , Zhang Wenli
Published: December 2022

Chloramphenicol-loaded micelles, assembled by a bacterial lipase-sensitive polymer with a conjugate of the LBP analog and biotin as a ligand, could eliminate drug-resistant S. typhimurium with quasi-opsonization and maintain inflammatory homeostasis.
Engineering aluminosilicate's photochromism by quantum chemistry
Authors: Colinet Pauline , Le Bahers Tangui
Published: December 2022

The influence of the chemical composition of sodalite minerals on their photochromic properties is evaluated based on quantum chemical calculations.
A case study on the thermal-stability of polymerized small molecular acceptor-based polymer solar cells
Authors: Qin Hongmei , Ju Shijie , Su Wenyan , Zhao Baofeng , Fan Qunping , Bi Zhaozhao , Zhang Sen , Yu Jifa , Lu Guanghao , Hou Ji-Ting , Ma Wei , Gao Chao , Li Yuxiang
Published: December 2022

A case study on the thermal stability of polymerized small molecular acceptor (P50-γ) based PSCs was present. And the result demonstrated the thermal-disaggregation process of polymer donor PBDB-T plays a dominant role in the degenerative efficiency.
A Framework for Integrating Speech-Language Pathology in an Interdisciplinary Awake Craniotomy Program for Brain Tumor Resection
Authors: Connelly Katherine , Gurd Lauren , Noll Kyle R. , Prabhu Sujit , Kumar Vinodh A. , Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this work was to detail the interdisciplinary awake craniotomy program model at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center integrating speech-language pathology and neuropsychology in the pre-, intra-, and postoperative settings to monitor and maximize expressive and receptive language skills among patients undergoing brain tumor resection.

Conclusions:

This report outlines the MD Anderson clinical protocols and procedures, with focus on the clinical methods of the speech-language pathologist in pre-, intra-, and postoperative interventions. Case examples are summarized to illustrate dynamic features of implementing this protocol. An intradisciplinary team approach to treatment of patients with brain tumor and specifically those undergoing awake craniotomy may improve care and quality of life.
Priority‐aware intelligent device access management for carbon footprint monitoring in sustainable cites and society
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Liu Pengju , Wang Zhao , Liao Haijun , Zhou Zhenyu , Xu Guangyuan , Wang Zhenti , Qin Yan
Published: December 2022

Carbon footprint monitoring provides significant basis for computing facilities to improve the computing efficiency and reduce the energy cost, which can enable low/zero carbon computing and facilitate the construction of sustainable cites. Massive sensing devices access to 5G base station to transmit collected carbon emission data, which requires intelligent access management. Fast uplink grant possesses the advantages of reducing signalling overhead and access conflicts while facing the problems of incomplete information and difficulty in guaranteeing priority constraint. This paper examines, the maximum access queuing delay minimization problem is formulated under the long‐term service priority constraint and the short‐term access management constraint. First, Lyapunov optimization is leveraged to decouple the long‐term service priority constraint and short‐term access management optimization, and decompose the long‐term stochastic optimization problem into a series of short‐term deterministic problems. Then, a priority‐aware deep Q‐network (DQN)‐based fast uplink grant access management (PDAC) algorithm is proposed to achieve intelligent access management with differentiated service priority requirements. PDAC utilizes DQN to handle non‐convex high‐dimensional optimization problem with service priority constraint to achieve intelligent access management and priority awareness. Simulation results demonstrate that PDAC outperforms the existing algorithms in access queuing delay, buffer queue backlog, and priority deficit fluctuation.
Supply and demand balance control of electrical submersible linear motor for offshore oil exploitation
Authors: Wang Yao , Du Jinhua , Yang Kun
Published: December 2022

A supply and demand balance control method for an electrical submersible linear motor utilised in offshore oil exploitation is proposed in this study. The permanent magnet linear motor is replaced by an electrical submersible linear motor based on switched reluctance linear motor. The sensorless control method further enhances the stability of the oil exploitation system. Meanwhile, a supply and demand balance control method is proposed to maintain the fullness of the submersible plunger pump within an ideal range. An established speed function allows the speed of the electrical submersible linear motor to dynamically alter in response to the change in oil deliverability and increasing the system's production. Additionally, maintaining the fullness of the submersible plunger pump within the ideal range helps simplify the model and increase computation accuracy. Finally, the supply and demand balance control method is validated and compared with the intermittent oil exploitation control method by simulations and experiments. Results from the simulations and experiments indicate that the proposed method can increase the production of the offshore oil exploitation system in addition to causing the motor to follow changes in oil deliverability and adjust the speed.