bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined person classification with airborne optical sectioning
Authors: Kurmi Indrajit , Schedl David C. , Bimber Oliver
Published: March 2022

Fully autonomous drones have been demonstrated to find lost or injured persons under strongly occluding forest canopy. Airborne optical sectioning (AOS), a novel synthetic aperture imaging technique, together with deep-learning-based classification enables high detection rates under realistic search-and-rescue conditions. We demonstrate that false detections can be significantly suppressed and true detections boosted by combining classifications from multiple AOS—rather than single—integral images. This improves classification rates especially in the presence of occlusion. To make this possible, we modified the AOS imaging process to support large overlaps between subsequent integrals, enabling real-time and on-board scanning and processing of groundspeeds up to 10 m/s.
Rapid DNA origami nanostructure detection and classification using the YOLOv5 deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Chiriboga Matthew , Green Christopher M. , Hastman David A. , Mathur Divita , Wei Qi , Díaz Sebastían A. , Medintz Igor L. , Veneziano Remi
Published: March 2022

The intra-image identification of DNA structures is essential to rapid prototyping and quality control of self-assembled DNA origami scaffold systems. We postulate that the YOLO modern object detection platform commonly used for facial recognition can be applied to rapidly scour atomic force microscope (AFM) images for identifying correctly formed DNA nanostructures with high fidelity. To make this approach widely available, we use open-source software and provide a straightforward procedure for designing a tailored, intelligent identification platform which can easily be repurposed to fit arbitrary structural geometries beyond AFM images of DNA structures. Here, we describe methods to acquire and generate the necessary components to create this robust system. Beginning with DNA structure design, we detail AFM imaging, data point annotation, data augmentation, model training, and inference. To demonstrate the adaptability of this system, we assembled two distinct DNA origami architectures (triangles and breadboards) for detection in raw AFM images. Using the images acquired of each structure, we trained two separate single class object identification models unique to each architecture. By applying these models in sequence, we correctly identified 3470 structures from a total population of 3617 using images that sometimes included a third DNA origami structure as well as other impurities. Analysis was completed in under 20 s with results yielding an F1 score of 0.96 using our approach.
Regulatory network-based model to simulate the biochemical regulation of chondrocytes in healthy and osteoarthritic environments
Authors: Segarra-Queralt Maria , Neidlin Michael , Tio Laura , Monfort Jordi , Monllau Joan Carles , González Ballester Miguel Á. , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Piella Gemma , Noailly Jérôme
Published: March 2022

In osteoarthritis (OA), chondrocyte metabolism dysregulation increases relative catabolic activity, which leads to cartilage degradation. To enable the semiquantitative interpretation of the intricate mechanisms of OA progression, we propose a network-based model at the chondrocyte level that incorporates the complex ways in which inflammatory factors affect structural protein and protease expression and nociceptive signals. Understanding such interactions will leverage the identification of new potential therapeutic targets that could improve current pharmacological treatments. Our computational model arises from a combination of knowledge-based and data-driven approaches that includes in-depth analyses of evidence reported in the specialized literature and targeted network enrichment. We achieved a mechanistic network of molecular interactions that represent both biosynthetic, inflammatory and degradative chondrocyte activity. The network is calibrated against experimental data through a genetic algorithm, and 81% of the responses tested have a normalized root squared error lower than 0.15. The model captures chondrocyte-reported behaviors with 95% accuracy, and it correctly predicts the main outcomes of OA treatment based on blood-derived biologics. The proposed methodology allows us to model an optimal regulatory network that controls chondrocyte metabolism based on measurable soluble molecules. Further research should target the incorporation of mechanical signals.
Genetic and virulence characteristics of a Raoultella planticola isolate resistant to carbapenem and tigecycline
Authors: Li Ying , Qiu Yichuan , Gao Yan , Chen Wenbi , Li Chengwen , Dai Xiaoyi , Zhang Luhua
Published: March 2022

Raoultella planticola is an emerging pathogen causing several infections in humans, and its roles in the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain uncharacterized. In this study, a carbapenem and tigecycline-resistant R. planticola isolate was recovered from hospital sewage. It carried nine plasmids, bearing 30 ARGs, including one blaKPC-2 and two blaNDM-1. It also contained a plasmid-borne efflux pump gene cluster, tmexCD1-toprJ, conferring resistance to tigecycline. Analysis of plasmid sequences revealed that both blaNDM-1-carrying plasmids were highly similar to those recovered from humans, reinforcing the close relatedness of environmental and clinical isolates. We also identified that plasmid bearing blaNDM-1 or tmexCD1-toprJ1 was transferable, and can be stabilized in the host bacteria, indicating that the R. planticola isolate has a considerable potential in the dissemination of ARGs. Besides, we found that this isolate could produce biofilm and was virulent in a Galleria mellonella infection model. In conclusion, our study shows the convergence of virulence and multidrug resistance in a R. planticola isolate. This potentially virulent superbug may disseminate into its receiving rivers, and finally to humans through cross-contamination during recreation activities or daily use of water, which poses a risk to public health.
Comparative analysis of the daily brain transcriptomes of Asian particolored bat
Authors: Zhang Guoting , Chu Yujia , Jiang Tinglei , Li Jingjing , Feng Lei , Wu Hui , Wang Hui , Feng Jiang
Published: March 2022

Daily rhythms are found in almost all organisms, and they comprise one of the most basic characteristics of living things. Daily rhythms are generated and mainly regulated by circadian clock. Bats have attracted interest from researchers because of their unique biological characteristics. However, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of daily rhythms in bats. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to uncover the daily rhythms of gene expression in the brains of Asian particolored bats over the 24-h day. Accordingly, four collected time points corresponding to four biological states, rest, sleep, wakefulness, and active, were selected. Several groups of genes with different expression levels in these four states were obtained suggested that different physiological processes were active at various biological states, including drug metabolism, signaling pathways, and the circadian rhythm. Furthermore, downstream analysis of all differentially expressed genes in these four states suggested that groups of genes showed daily rhythms in the bat brain. Especially for Per1, an important circadian clock gene was identified with rhythmic expression in the brain of Asian particolored bat. In summary, our study provides an overview of the brain transcriptomic differences in different physiological states over a 24-h cycle.
Urbanization influences the distribution, enrichment, and ecological health risk of heavy metals in croplands
Authors: Rezapour Salar , Siavash Moghaddam Sina , Nouri Amin , Khosravi Aqdam Kamal
Published: March 2022

The contamination of urban soils with heavy elements due to the rapid development of urbanization and urban services has become a major environmental and human health challenge. This study provides insight into the urbanization controls on combined pollution severity and health risk potential of heavy metals in corn-cultivated urban versus non-urban soils. A multifaceted assessment was conducted using enrichment factor (EF), ecological risk (ER), bioconcentration factor (BCF), transmission factor (TF), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The results indicate a significant increase in the concentration of all metals in urban farmlands. When compared to the non-urban soils, EF implies a significant increase of all metals in the urban soil, downgrading this index from minimal enrichment (EF < 2) in the control soils to moderate enrichment (2 ≤ EF < 5) in the urban soils. Likewise, the average ER value showed an increase in the urban soils than in the control soils in the order of Fluvisols (66.6%) > Regosols (66.1%) > Cambisols (59.8%) > Calcisols (47%). The BCF and TF values for different elements decreased in the order of Cd (0.41–0.92) > Cu (0.1–0.23) > Zn (0.1–0.18) > Ni (0.01–0.03) > Pb (0.005–0.011) and Zn (0.75–0.94) > Cu (0.72–0.85) > Pb (0.09–0.63) > Cd (0.17–0.22) > Ni (0.01–0.21), respectively, which indicates that certain metals were not mobilized to the extent that they had been accumulated in the plant roots. The total carcinogenic risk was ranged from 5.88E−05 to 1.17E−04 for children and from 1.17E−04 to 2.30E−04 for adults, which implies a greater associated health risk for children.
The Hippo effector YAP1/TEAD1 regulates EPHA3 expression to control cell contact and motility
Authors: Al-Mathkour Marwah M. , Dwead Abdulrahman M. , Alp Esma , Boston Ava M. , Cinar Bekir
Published: March 2022

The EPHA3 protein tyrosine kinase, a member of the ephrin receptor family, regulates cell fate, cell motility, and cell–cell interaction. These cellular events are critical for tissue development, immunological responses, and the processes of tumorigenesis. Earlier studies revealed that signaling via the STK4-encoded MST1 serine-threonine protein kinase, a core component of the Hippo pathway, attenuated EPHA3 expression. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which MST1 regulates EPHA3. Our findings have revealed that the transcriptional regulators YAP1 and TEAD1 are crucial activators of EPHA3 transcription. Silencing YAP1 and TEAD1 suppressed the EPHA3 protein and mRNA levels. In addition, we identified putative TEAD enhancers in the distal EPHA3 promoter, where YAP1 and TEAD1 bind and promote EPHA3 expression. Furthermore, EPHA3 knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 technology reduced cell–cell interaction and cell motility. These findings demonstrate that EPHA3 is transcriptionally regulated by YAP1/TEAD1 of the Hippo pathway, suggesting that it is sensitive to cell contact-dependent interactions.
Inhibition of the hexamerization of SARS-CoV-2 endoribonuclease and modeling of RNA structures bound to the hexamer
Authors: Tran Duy Phuoc , Taira Yuta , Ogawa Takumi , Misu Ryoga , Miyazawa Yoshiki , Kitao Akio
Published: March 2022

Non-structural protein 15 (Nsp15) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) forms a homo hexamer and functions as an endoribonuclease. Here, we propose that Nsp15 activity may be inhibited by preventing its hexamerization through drug binding. We first explored the stable conformation of the Nsp15 monomer as the global free energy minimum conformation in the free energy landscape using a combination of parallel cascade selection molecular dynamics (PaCS-MD) and the Markov state model (MSM), and found that the Nsp15 monomer forms a more open conformation with larger druggable pockets on the surface. Targeting the pockets with high druggability scores, we conducted ligand docking and identified compounds that tightly bind to the Nsp15 monomer. The top poses with Nsp15 were subjected to binding free energy calculations by dissociation PaCS-MD and MSM (dPaCS-MD/MSM), indicating the stability of the complexes. One of the identified pockets, which is distinctively bound by inosine analogues, may be an alternative binding site to stabilize viral RNA binding and/or an alternative catalytic site. We constructed a stable RNA structure model bound to both UTP and alternative binding sites, providing a reasonable proposed model of the Nsp15/RNA complex.
Characterizations of botanical attractant of Halyomorpha halys and selection of relevant deorphanization candidates via computational approach
Authors: Zhong Yong-Zhi , Xie Ming-Hui , Huang Cong , Zhang Xue , Cao Li , Chen Hao-Liang , Zhang Feng , Wan Fang-Hao , Han Ri-Chou , Tang Rui
Published: March 2022

Halyomorpha halyshas been recognized as a global cross-border pest species. Along with well-established pheromone trapping approaches, there have been many attempts to utilize botanical odorant baits for field monitoring. Due to sensitivity, ecological friendliness, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale implementation, the selection of botanical volatiles as luring ingredients and/or synergists forH. halysis needed. In the current work, botanical volatiles were tested by olfactometer and electrophysiological tests. Results showed that linalool oxide was a potential candidate for application as a behavioral modifying chemical. It drove remarkable attractiveness towardH. halysadults in Y-tube assays, as well as eliciting robust electroantennographic responsiveness towards antennae. A computational pipeline was carried out to screen olfactory proteins related to the reception of linalool oxide. Simulated docking activities of fourH. halysodorant receptors and two odorant binding proteins to linalool oxide and nerolidol were performed. Results showed that all tested olfactory genes were likely to be involved in plant volatile-sensing pathways, and they tuned broadly to tested components. The current work provides insights into the later development of field demonstration strategies using linalool oxide and its molecular targets.
Analysis of swallowing in infants and adults using speckle pattern analysis
Authors: Shahmoon Raz , Tamir Yitav , Beiderman Yevgeny , Agdarov Sergey , Beiderman Yafim , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: March 2022

The ability to detect and evaluate ingestion is especially important in toddlers. The development of new methods for detecting and accurately measuring ingestion is therefore extremely important. One of the methods allowing such measurements is speckle pattern analyses, a well-known phenomenon in coherent imaging. The method allows extraction of various medical parameters, such as blood pulse pressure, temporal signature of heartbeats and breath. The current work contains further development and application of the speckle tracking technique for remote detection and quantification of swallowing and distinguishing between sucking and swallowing to identify feeding disorders in infants and elderly individuals.
A sampling-guided unsupervised learning method to capture percolation in complex networks
Authors: Mimar Sayat , Ghoshal Gourab
Published: March 2022

The use of machine learning methods in classical and quantum systems has led to novel techniques to classify ordered and disordered phases, as well as uncover transition points in critical phenomena. Efforts to extend these methods to dynamical processes in complex networks is a field of active research. Network-percolation, a measure of resilience and robustness to structural failures, as well as a proxy for spreading processes, has numerous applications in social, technological, and infrastructural systems. A particular challenge is to identify the existence of a percolation cluster in a network in the face of noisy data. Here, we consider bond-percolation, and introduce a sampling approach that leverages the core-periphery structure of such networks at a microscopic scale, using onion decomposition, a refined version of the k-core. By selecting subsets of nodes in a particular layer of the onion spectrum that follow similar trajectories in the percolation process, percolating phases can be distinguished from non-percolating ones through an unsupervised clustering method. Accuracy in the initial step is essential for extracting samples with information-rich content, that are subsequently used to predict the critical transition point through the confusion scheme, a recently introduced learning method. The method circumvents the difficulty of missing data or noisy measurements, as it allows for sampling nodes from both the core and periphery, as well as intermediate layers. We validate the effectiveness of our sampling strategy on a spectrum of synthetic network topologies, as well as on two real-word case studies: the integration time of the US domestic airport network, and the identification of the epidemic cluster of COVID-19 outbreaks in three major US states. The method proposed here allows for identifying phase transitions in empirical time-varying networks.
Influence of freezing and heating conditions on grape seed flavan-3-ol extractability, oxidation, and galloylation pattern
Authors: VanderWeide Joshua , Del Zozzo Filippo , Nasrollahiazar Esmaeil , Kennedy James A. , Peterlunger Enrico , Rustioni Laura , Sabbatini Paolo
Published: March 2022

In cool-climate viticulture, the short growing season can influence grape seed maturation by reducing the apparent oxidation of flavan-3-ol monomers and associated increase in seed browning. A reduction in seed maturation increases the potential extraction of flavan-3-ol monomers into wine during maceration operations, heightening bitterness. Here, we carried out a 2 × 2 factorial experiment to test the ability of freezing and heating treatments to advance maturation (decrease flavan-3-ol, improve browning) of (Vitis viniferaL.) Pinot noir and Cabernet Sauvignon seeds over a 24-h incubation period. Only freezing significantly increased seed browning in both cultivars. Subsequent correlations with seed flavan-3-ol monomer concentrations suggest that freezing enhanced the oxidation of these compounds. Interestingly, natural ripening and freezing reduced galloylated flavan-3-ol monomers to a greater extent than non-galloylated ones. This study provides new information regarding the susceptibility of flavan-3-ol monomers to freezing and heating, and also suggests that freezing can advance the maturation the seeds of under-ripe redviniferagrapes.
First-in-class trispecific VHH-Fc based antibody with potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and variants
Authors: Titong Allison , Gallolu Kankanamalage Sachith , Dong Jianbo , Huang Betty , Spadoni Nicholas , Wang Bo , Wright Meredith , Pham Keegan L. J. , Le Anh Hai , Liu Yue
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants have persisted in this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the vaccines have greatly reduced the COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and death, about half of the world remain unvaccinated due to various reasons. Furthermore, the duration of the immunity gained from COVID-19 vaccination is still unclear. Therefore, there is a need for innovative prophylactic and treatment measures. In response to this need, we previously reported on the successful computer-aided development of potent VHH-based multispecific antibodies that were characterized in vitro. Here, we evaluated in vivo efficacy and safety of the lead trispecific VHH-Fc, ABS-VIR-001. Importantly, our data showed that ABS-VIR-001 treatment prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection and death when provided as an intranasal prophylaxis in a humanized ACE-2 mouse model. In addition, ABS-VIR-001 post-exposure treatment was shown to greatly reduce viral loads by as much as 50-fold. A detailed panel of metabolic and cellular parameters demonstrated that ABS-VIR-001 treatment was overall comparable to the PBS treatment, indicating a favorable safety profile. Notably, our inhibition studies show that ABS-VIR-001 continued to demonstrate unwavering efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 mutants, associated with key variants including Delta and Omicron, owing to its multiple epitope design. Lastly, we rigorously tested and confirmed the excellent thermostability of ABS-VIR-001 when heated to 45 °C for up to 4 weeks. Taken together, our study suggests that ABS-VIR-001 is an efficacious and durable prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment for COVID-19 with promising safety and manufacturability features for global distribution.
Single versus double bundle in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Pintore Andrea , Spiezia Filippo , Oliva Francesco , Hildebrand Frank , Maffulli Nicola
Published: March 2022

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction can be performed using single bundle (SB) and double bundle (DB) techniques. The present study investigated whether DB PCL reconstruction is superior to SB reconstruction in terms of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and joint stability. In December 2021 Embase, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus databases were accessed. All clinical trials comparing SB versus DB reconstruction to address PCL insufficiency in skeletally mature patients were considered. Data from 483 procedures were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 31.0 (28.0 to 107.6) months, and the mean timespan between injury and surgery was 11.3 (6 to 37) months. The mean age of the patients was 29.3 ± 3.8 years. 85 of 483 patients (18%) were women. At a mean of 31.0 months post reconstruction, ROM (P = 0.03) was slightly greater in the SB group, while the Tegner score (P = 0.03) and the Telos stress (P = 0.04) were more favorable in the DB cohort. Similarity was found in instrumental laxity (P = 0.4) and Lysholm score (P = 0.3). The current evidence does not support the use of DB techniques for PCL reconstruction. Both methods could restore knee stability and motion with satisfactory short term patient reported outcome measures. Further high quality clinical trials are required to validate these results on a larger scale.
Implementation of arbitrary polyhedral elements for automatic dynamic analyses of three-dimensional structures
Authors: Zhou Lei , Li Jianbo , Lin Gao
Published: March 2022

The transition from the geometry to the mesh can be rather difficult, manual and time-consuming, especially for the large scale complex structures. The procedure of mesh generation needs massive human intervention making the automatic engineering analyses of structures from CAD geometry models hardly possible. This paper focuses on implementing a polyhedron element with arbitrary convex topology based on the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM) in ABAQUS on the strength of the interface of UEL (the subroutine to define a general user-defined element) for automatic dynamic analyses of three-dimensional structures. This implementation empowers ABAQUS to analyze any model with arbitrary polyhedron elements. When the geometry of a structure is obtained from CAD, the dynamic analyses can be launched seamlessly and automatically. Cases of a cantilever subjected to a dynamic harmonic excitation with the traditional hexahedron element and this polyhedron element are compared to verify the accuracy of the UEL. Taking a practical example of the Soil-Structure Interaction analysis of a Nuclear Power Plant, the applicability and performance of this implementation are tested. The results of the two examples confirm that this polyhedron element based on SBFEM can be more accurate using much less degrees of freedom and its implementation in ABAQUS is robust and compatible.
A critical role of an oxygen-responsive gene for aerobic nitrogenase activity in Azotobacter vinelandii and its application to Escherichia coli
Authors: Takimoto Ren , Tatemichi Yuki , Aoki Wataru , Kosaka Yuishin , Minakuchi Hiroyoshi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Kuroda Kouichi
Published: March 2022

Since nitrogenase is irreversibly inactivated within a few minutes after exposure to oxygen, current studies on the heterologous expression of nitrogenase are limited to anaerobic conditions. This study comprehensively identified genes showing oxygen-concentration-dependent expression only under nitrogen-fixing conditions in Azotobacter vinelandii, an aerobic diazotroph. Among the identified genes, nafU, with an unknown function, was greatly upregulated under aerobic nitrogen-fixing conditions. Through replacement and overexpressing experiments, we suggested that nafU is involved in the maintenance of nitrogenase activity under aerobic nitrogenase activity. Furthermore, heterologous expression of nafU in nitrogenase-producing Escherichia coli increased nitrogenase activity under aerobic conditions by 9.7 times. Further analysis of NafU protein strongly suggested its localization in the inner membrane and raised the possibility that this protein may lower the oxygen concentration inside the cells. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms for maintaining stable nitrogenase activity under aerobic conditions in A. vinelandii and provide a platform to advance the use of nitrogenase under aerobic conditions.
Kluai Hin (Musa sapientum Linn.) peel as a source of functional polyphenols identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and its potential antidiabetic function
Authors: Tongkaew Patthamawadee , Tohraman Anna , Bungaramphai Ramlatee , Mitrpant Chalermchai , Aydin Ebru
Published: March 2022

To date, information on the polyphenolic composition of Kluai Hin banana peel and pulp and the potential antidiabetic activity of its major active compounds is limited. This study aimed to identify polyphenols in extracts of fresh and freeze-dried Kluai Hin banana peel and pulp (methanol:water; M:W, 80:20 for flavonoids and acetone:water:acetic acid; A:W:A, 50:49:1 for phenolic acids) by RP-HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Additionally, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities was investigated with crude extracts from Kluai Hin banana peel and pulp, and compared with its major polyphenols ((+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin and gallic acid) and the antidiabetic drug acarbose. (−)-Gallocatechin was the most abundant polyphenol and was detected in all fresh and freeze-dried pulp and peel extracts by RP-HPLC-DAD. Furthermore, unidentified polyphenol peaks of Kluai Hin were further explored by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The A:W:A fresh peel extract contained more total phenolic content (811.56 mg GAE/100 g) than the freeze-dried peel (565.03 mg GAE/100 g). A:W:A extraction of the fresh and freeze-dried peel of exhibited IC50 values for α-amylase activity 2.66 ± 0.07 mg/ml and 2.97 ± 0.00 mg/ml, respectively, but its inhibitory activity was lower than acarbose (IC50 = 0.25 ± 0.01 mg/ml). Peel extracts inhibited α-glucosidase activity, whereas pulp extracts had no effect. In addition, all standards, except gallocatechin, activated α-amylase activity, while, gallocatechin inhibited α-glucosidase activity better than acarbose. Therefore, we propose a further investigation into the use of Kluai Hin banana peel as a potential functional food for the management of postprandial glycaemic response to reduce diabetes risk and in the management of diabetes with a commercial drug.
Astrocyte-secreted chordin-like 1 regulates spine density after ischemic injury
Authors: Blanco-Suarez Elena , Allen Nicola J.
Published: March 2022

Ischemic injury occurs when the brain is deprived of blood flow, preventing cells from receiving essential nutrients. The injury core is the brain region directly deprived and is surrounded by the peri-infarct area, the region with recovery potential. In the peri-infarct area neurons undergo acute loss of dendritic spines, which modifies synaptic plasticity and determines neuronal survival. Astrocytes can be protective or detrimental to the ischemic injury response depending on the specific stage, yet we lack clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Chordin-like 1 (Chrdl1) is an astrocyte-secreted protein that promotes synaptic maturation and limits experience-dependent plasticity in the mouse visual cortex. Given this plasticity-limiting function we asked if Chrdl1 regulates the response to ischemic injury, modelled using photothrombosis (PT). We find that Chrdl1 mRNA is upregulated in astrocytes in the peri-infarct area in both acute and sub-acute phases post-PT. To determine the impact of increased Chrdl1 on the response to PT we analyzed Chrdl1 knock-out mice. We find that absence of Chrdl1 prevents ischemia-induced spine loss in the peri-infarct area and reduces cell death in the core, without impacting gliosis. These findings highlight the important role of astrocyte-secreted proteins in regulating structural plasticity in response to brain ischemic injuries.
Yield improvement of Gracilaria tenuistipitata by optimizing different aspects in coast of cox’s bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Bokhtiar S. M. , Ali M. A. , Chowdhury M. A. Z. , Ahmed K. U. , Hassan M. K. , Ahmed M. , Bhuiyan M. S. , Mashuk O. F. , Rahman M. M. , Salam M. A. , Rafiquzzaman S. M. , Hossain Md Faruque
Published: March 2022

This research was designed to find out the effect of different factors such as influence of lunar cycle, harvesting interval, rope type and seeding gap on the production of G. tenuistipitata in coast of Cox’s Bazar. Duration of these experiments were sixty days and all the parameters were recorded fortnightly. Monitoring of water quality parameters indicated that salinity, temperature, transparency, pH and DO were suitable for seaweed cultivation. In determining lunar cycle effect, results envisaged that fresh yield was 14.43% increased when seeding and harvesting time was selected considering the moon cycle. Regarding the selection of harvesting interval, it was found that T3 (30 days interval) was the best to harvest the seaweed whereas T4 (40 days interval) showed decreasing trend in production. Our study also found that semi floating single line showed better yield performance compared to semi floating double line system. In case of influence on seeding gap, it has been found that 20 cm gap between two seed showed the highest yields followed by 10 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm, respectively. Overall, it can be concluded that yield of G. tenuistipitata in coast of Cox’s Bazar could be improved considering those factors.
Social housing status impacts rhesus monkeys’ affective responding in classic threat processing tasks
Authors: Charbonneau Joey A. , Amaral David G. , Bliss-Moreau Eliza
Published: March 2022

Individuals’ social contexts are broadly recognized to impact both their psychology and neurobiology. These effects are observed in people and in nonhuman animals who are the subjects for comparative and translational science. The social contexts in which monkeys are reared have long been recognized to have significant impacts on affective processing. Yet, the social contexts in which monkeys live as adults are often ignored and could have important consequences for interpreting findings, particularly those related to biopsychiatry and behavioral neuroscience studies. The extant nonhuman primate neuropsychological literature has historically tested individually-housed monkeys, creating a critical need to understand how social context might impact the outcomes of such experiments. We evaluated affective responding in adult rhesus monkeys living in four different social contexts using two classic threat processing tasks—a test of responsivity to objects and a test of responsivity to an unfamiliar human. These tasks have been commonly used in behavioral neuroscience for decades. Relative to monkeys with full access to a social partner, individually-housed monkeys had blunted reactivity to threat and monkeys who had limited contact with their partner were more reactive to some threatening stimuli. These results indicate that monkeys’ social housing contexts impact affective reactivity and point to the potential need to reconsider inferences drawn from prior studies in which the impacts of social context have not been considered.
Chronological expression and distribution of African swine fever virus p30 and p72 proteins in experimentally infected pigs
Authors: Oh Taehwan , Do Duy Tien , Lai Danh Cong , Nguyen Lan Thi , Lee Joo Young , Van Le Phan , Chae Chanhee
Published: March 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV), the causative agent of contagious hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars, has temporally regulated gene expression kinetics. The p30 and p72 major structural proteins are involved in viral entry each with different expression kinetics, but neither of their chronological expressions and distribution have been identified in virus-infected animals. Here, we found that both transcription and translation levels of p30 were significantly higher than those of p72 in target organs during the earlier infection-phase. Lymphocyte apoptosis/necrosis and angiectasia were observed as signs of early infection with acute African swine fever. These results show that the chronologically differential expression of ASFV structural proteins tends to be prominent in infected animals, and the p30 protein could play a role in the indication of acute lesions during early infection compared to the late-expressed p72 protein. In conclusion, we propose to consider the chronological expression dynamics of ASFV structural proteins in infected animals to understand virus pathogenesis and antigen targeting for vaccine development.
New insights into the micromixer with Cantor fractal obstacles through genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Xueye , Lv Honglin
Published: March 2022

This work is mainly to combine fractal principle with multi-objective genetic algorithm, and the multi-objective optimization of the Cantor fractal baffle micromixer is carried out. At different Reynolds numbers (Res), the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equation is employed to numerically analyze the fluid flow and mixing in the microchannel. We choose the ratio of the three parameters associated with the geometry of the micromixer as design variables, and take the mixing index and pressure drop at the outlet of the micromixer as two objective functions for optimization. For the parameter study of the design space, the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method is used as an experimental design technique, and it is used to select design points in the design space. We use the proxy modeling of the response surface analysis (RSA) to approximate the objective function. The genetic algorithm is used to get the Pareto optimal frontier of the micromixer. K-means clustering is used to classify the optimal solution set, and we select representative design variables from it. Through multi-objective optimization, when Re = 1 and 10, the optimized mixing efficiency of the micromixer increased by 20.59% and 14.07% compared with the reference design, respectively. And we also prove that this multi-objective optimization method is applicable to any Res.
Mechanical behavior and constitutive model for loess samples under simulated acid rain conditions
Authors: Ye Xia , Chen Cong , Liu Enlong , Di Baofeng , Yu Yanyang
Published: March 2022

Acid rain is mainly composed of sulfuric acid and nitric acid aqueous solutions, which can deteriorate the mechanical properties of soil and thus threaten the safety of soil engineerings. In this paper, the influence of sulfuric acid rain on mechanical properties of loess soil samples was studied. The diluted sulfuric acid solution has respectively pH 5.0, 4.0 and 3.0 to simulate the acid rain condition, and the triaxial compressional tests and scanning electron microscope were carried out to investigate the deteriorated properties and evolution of the microstructure of the saturated loess samples. The results demonstrated that acid rain made the porosity of loess samples larger, and changed the pore distribution and contacts of soil grains, so that the mechanical properties of loess samples varied in some degree. With the decrease of pH value, both the peak value of the deviatoric stress and volumetric contraction of loess samples decreased, which reduced the parameters of shear strength of loess samples. Furthermore, a framework of the chemical–mechanical model for loess under the action of acid rain was established, in which loess was considered as a porous medium material, and the influences of acid rain with different pH values were taken into account in the double-hardening constitutive model, and the model was also verified by the triaxial test results finally.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent the d-galactose-induced cognitive impairment by up-regulating the levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the mouse brain
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Chen Lei , Guo Xiaofei , Li Shan , He Xin , Pei Shengjie , Li Duo
Published: March 2022

Peony seed oil and fish oil increased the docosahexaenoic acid content, which activated the TET activity, led to up-regulation of the 5hmc level, resulted in inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and then improved the cognitive function in d-gal-induced mice.
Copper-catalyzed ortho-alkenylation of quinoline N-oxides with alkynes
Authors: Jiang Linjuan , Hu Hui , Liu Yuanhong
Published: March 2022

A copper-catalyzed regioselective C-2 alkenylation of quinoline N-oxides with alkynes and pinacol diborane allows efficient access to a wide variety of deoxygenated 2-alkenyl quinolines with wide structural diversity.
Excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy for cell viability testing in UV-treated cell culture
Authors: Głowacz Klaudia , Skorupska Sandra , Grabowska-Jadach Ilona , Ciosek-Skibińska Patrycja
Published: March 2022

Excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy can be applied for label-free and non-destructive determination of cells viability, which is promising methodology for drug screening, biocompatibility testing, or pharmacodynamic studies.
Organic solvent-based thermo-electrochemical cells with an iron(ii/iii) triflate redox couple for use in harvesting low-grade waste heat at 100–200 °C
Authors: Asai Sohei , Lee Ji Ha , Yabuki Akihiro , Kang Soonchul
Published: March 2022

The need to harvest low-grade waste heat at 100–200 °C has attracted much attention.
A highly stable copper nano cluster on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots for the simultaneous electrochemical sensing of dopamine, serotonin, and nicotine: a possible addiction scrutinizing strategy
Authors: S. Saisree , J. S. Arya Nair , K. Y. Sandhya
Published: March 2022

CuNC@N-GQDs are synthesised from CuSO4, GSH and N-GQDs and utilised for the simultaneous electrochemical sensing of DA, SER and NIC.
Effects of high-temperature CeO2 calcination on the activity of Pt/CeO2 catalysts for oxidation of unburned hydrocarbon fuels
Authors: Lin Fan , Rappé Kenneth , Kovarik Libor , Song Miao , Li Xiaohong Shari , Engelhard Mark , Wang Yong
Published: March 2022

High temperature (800 °C) pre-calcination of CeO2 support decreases the surface defects and improves the mobility of surface lattice oxygen. As a result, the supported Pt clusters have higher oxygen coverage and superior HC oxidation activity.
Two bis-ligand-coordinated Zn(ii)-MOFs for luminescent sensing of ions, antibiotics and pesticides in aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhou Zhao-Di , Li Shi-Qi , Liu Yin , Du Bin , Shen Yuan-Yue , Yu Bao-Yi , Wang Chong-Chen
Published: March 2022

The fluorescence and pollutant sensing of two Zn-complexes was investigated, and the corresponding mechanism was proposed.
Multi-mode surface plasmon resonance absorber based on dart-type single-layer graphene
Authors: Chen Hao , Chen Zihao , Yang Hua , Wen Lianghua , Yi Zao , Zhou Zigang , Dai Bo , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Xianwen , Wu Pinghui
Published: March 2022

We propose a multi-mode surface plasmon resonance absorber based on dart-type single-layer graphene, it has advantages of polarization independence, tunability and high sensitivity. Four modes of polarization-independent perfect absorption are achieved at 3000–5000 nm.
TbKINX1B: a novel BILBO1 partner and an essential protein in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Perdomo Doranda , Berdance Elodie , Lallinger-Kube Gertrud , Sahin Annelise , Dacheux Denis , Landrein Nicolas , Cayrel Anne , Ersfeld Klaus , Bonhivers Mélanie , Kohl Linda , Robinson Derrick R.
Published: March 2022

The flagellar pocket (FP) of the pathogen Trypanosoma brucei is an important single copy structure that is formed by the invagination of the pellicular membrane. It is the unique site of endo- and exocytosis and is required for parasite pathogenicity. The FP consists of distinct structural sub-domains with the least explored being the flagellar pocket collar (FPC). TbBILBO1 is the first-described FPC protein of Trypanosoma brucei. It is essential for parasite survival, FP and FPC biogenesis. In this work, we characterize TbKINX1B, a novel TbBILBO1 partner. We demonstrate that TbKINX1B is located on the basal bodies, the microtubule quartet (a set of four microtubules) and the FPC in T. brucei. Down-regulation of TbKINX1B by RNA interference in bloodstream forms is lethal, inducing an overall disturbance in the endomembrane network. In procyclic forms, the RNAi knockdown of TbKINX1B leads to a minor phenotype with a small number of cells displaying epimastigote-like morphologies, with a misplaced kinetoplast. Our results characterize TbKINX1B as the first putative kinesin to be localized both at the basal bodies and the FPC with a potential role in transporting cargo along with the microtubule quartet.
Post-ERCP Bile Leak
Authors: Mathew Shibi , Zacharias Prakash , Kumar Lijesh , Kumar Arun , Mathews John , James Thomas , Ahamed Hasim , Mohmed Bilal , Philip Mathew
Published: March 2022

A 37-year-old female with no underlying comorbidities was referred for the evaluation of biliary stricture. Her magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a focal lesion in the left hepatic duct close to primary confluence causing a stricture and bilateral intrahepatic biliary radicle dilatation. Spyglass cholangioscopy was done and SpyBite biopsy was taken from the stricture. Repeated attempts at attaining deep cannulation of the right duct were unsuccessful. Patient developed right-sided abdominal pain the next day. Computed tomographic scan of the abdomen showed intra-abdominal fluid in the perihepatic region. Fluid was drained under ultrasound guidance. Though patient improved transiently, she had recurrence of pain after drain removal. A repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was done and a leak was noted at the junction of right anterior and posterior hepatic ducts. Stenting was done to right anterior, right posterior, and left hepatic ducts. Over the next few days, she improved symptomatically. Though complications are inherent during ERCP, bile duct injury leading to bile leak is rare. Special caution has to be taken in high-risk cases to prevent bile duct injury. Though post-ERCP bile leak is a rare complication, early recognition with a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt management are the key factors in minimizing morbidity and mortality.
Cognitive Deficits in Patients with COVID-19 Infection during Their Hospital Stay: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Sahoo Swapnajeet , Suman Arzoo , Mehra Aseem , Nehra Ritu , Bhalla Ashish , Puri Goverdhan Dutt , Grover Sandeep
Published: March 2022

Background The literature on presence of cognitive deficits in patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is emerging. However, the data on whether cognitive deficits have its onset during the acute phase of illness has not been evaluated extensively.

Aim This article estimates the level of cognitive functioning of patients with COVID-19 while they were admitted to COVID-designated wards. Secondary objectives were to assess the influence of medical comorbidities, severity of COVID-19 infection, and depressive and anxiety symptoms on cognitive functioning in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods Sixty-six clinically stable patients with COVID-19 infection were evaluated during their inpatient stay on Hindi Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (H-MoCA), Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination (HMSE) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire -7.

Results The mean age of the study participants was 39.85 (standard deviation [SD] 16.89) years and the participants were evaluated after 9.34 (SD 4.98; median 9.0) days of being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. About one-fourth (28.8%; n = 19) of the participants had cognitive impairment on HMSE and about two-fifths (n = 26; 39.39%) had cognitive impairment as per the cutoff used for H-MoCA. A higher level of cognitive deficits were seen among participants who were older, diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and those who required oxygen support during their hospital stay prior to assessment.

Conclusion Low cognitive score was found in one-fourth (28.8%) to two-fifths (39.9%) of the persons, depending on the assessment scale among those with acute COVID-19 infection. Low cognitive score was more prevalent among the elderly, those with diabetes mellitus, and those who required oxygen support prior to the assessment.
Liver Immunology, Immunotherapy, and Liver Cancers: Time for a Rethink?
Authors: Carroll Hailey K. , Duffy Austin G. , O'Farrelly Cliona
Published: March 2022

The complex immune system of the liver has a major role in tumor surveillance, but also partly explains why current immune therapies are poorly effective against liver cancers. Known primarily for its tolerogenic capacity, the hepatic immune repertoire also comprises diverse populations of armored immune cells with tumor surveillant roles. In healthy people, these work together to successfully identify malignant cells and prevent their proliferation, thus halting tumor formation. When frontline hepatic immune surveillance systems fail, compromised hepatic immunity, driven by obesity, infection, or other pathological factors, allows primary or secondary liver cancers to develop. Tumor growth promotes the normal tolerogenic immunological milieu of the liver, perhaps explaining why current immunotherapies fail to work. This review explores the complex local liver immune system with the hope of identifying potential therapeutic targets needed to best overcome immunological barriers in the liver to create an environment no longer hostile to immunotherapy for the treatment of liver cancer.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Khanna Laxmi , Agarwal Nandini
Published: March 2022

Introduction Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is defined as a state of impaired consciousness with subtle motor manifestations and ongoing seizure activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) for at least 30 minutes.

Objectives and Methods This study of nonconvulsive status epilepticus and its outcomes was a retrospective analysis of the continuous bedside EEG recordings of 100 patients over 2 years (Aug 2017–July 2019) at the Neurophysiology Department in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. There were two groups of patients in the study comprising of adults (72) and children (28). A comparison between the two groups was made based on the clinical presentation, etiology, EEG, MRI findings, treatment, and the consequences.

Results and Conclusions In adults, nonconvulsive status had a high mortality rate, while in children, the associated comorbidities dominated and contributed to residual neurological sequelae. Early diagnosis and treatment at any age is essential to prevent cognitive decline and psychomotor retardation. Presently, bedside and ambulatory EEG recordings are used to capture the dynamic and rhythmic features of the ictal EEG. Continuous EEG monitoring enables bedside assessment of the effectiveness of treatment.