bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven discovery of Green’s functions with human-understandable deep learning
Authors: Boullé Nicolas , Earls Christopher J. , Townsend Alex
Published: March 2022

There is an opportunity for deep learning to revolutionize science and technology by revealing its findings in a human interpretable manner. To do this, we develop a novel data-driven approach for creating a human–machine partnership to accelerate scientific discovery. By collecting physical system responses under excitations drawn from a Gaussian process, we train rational neural networks to learn Green’s functions of hidden linear partial differential equations. These functions reveal human-understandable properties and features, such as linear conservation laws and symmetries, along with shock and singularity locations, boundary effects, and dominant modes. We illustrate the technique on several examples and capture a range of physics, including advection–diffusion, viscous shocks, and Stokes flow in a lid-driven cavity.
Rumen and lower gut microbiomes relationship with feed efficiency and production traits throughout the lactation of Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Monteiro Hugo F. , Zhou Ziyao , Gomes Marilia S. , Peixoto Phillip M. G. , Bonsaglia Erika C. R. , Canisso Igor F. , Weimer Bart C. , Lima Fabio S.
Published: March 2022

Fermentation of dietary nutrients in ruminants' gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an essential mechanism utilized to meet daily energy requirements. Especially in lactating dairy cows, the GI microbiome plays a pivotal role in the breakdown of indigestible plant polysaccharides and supply most AAs, fatty acids, and gluconeogenic precursors for milk synthesis. Although the contribution of the rumen microbiome to production efficiency in dairy cows has been widely researched over the years, variations throughout the lactation and the lower gut microbiome contribution to these traits remain poorly characterized. Therefore, we investigated throughout lactation the relationship between the rumen and lower gut microbiomes with production efficiency traits in Holstein cows. We found that the microbiome from both locations has temporal stability throughout lactation, yet factors such as feed intake levels played a significant role in shaping microbiome diversity. The composition of the rumen microbiome was dependent on feed intake. In contrast, the lower gut microbiome was less dependent on feed intake and associated with a potentially enhanced ability to digest dietary nutrients. Therefore, milk production traits may be more correlated with microorganisms present in the lower gut than previously expected. The current study's findings advance our understanding of the temporal relationship of the rumen and lower gut microbiomes by enabling a broader overview of the gut microbiome and production efficiency towards more sustainable livestock production.
Evidence for association of Vibrio echinoideorum with tissue necrosis on test of the green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Authors: Hira Jonathan , Stensvåg Klara
Published: March 2022

“Sea urchin lesion syndrome” is known as sea urchin disease with the progressive development of necrotic epidermal tissue and loss of external organs, including appendages on the outer body surface. Recently, a novel strain, Vibrio echinoideorum has been isolated from the lesion of green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), an economically important mariculture species in Norway. V. echinoideorum has not been reported elsewhere in association with green sea urchin lesion syndrome. Therefore, in this study, an immersion based bacterial challenge experiment was performed to expose sea urchins (wounded and non-wounded) to V. echinoideorum, thereby mimicking a nearly natural host–pathogen interaction under controlled conditions. This infection experiment demonstrated that only the injured sea urchins developed the lesion to a significant degree when exposed to V. echinoideorum. Pure cultures of the employed bacterial strain were recovered from the infected animals and its identity was confirmed by the MALDI-TOF MS spectra profiling. Additionally, the hemolytic phenotype of V. echinoideorum substantiated its virulence potential towards the host, and this was also supported by the cytolytic effect on red spherule cells of sea urchin. Furthermore, the genome sequence of V. echinoideorum was assumed to encode potential virulence genes and were subjected to in silico comparison with the established virulence factors of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio tasmaniensis. This comparative virulence profile provided novel insights about virulence genes and their putative functions related to chemotaxis, adherence, invasion, evasion of the host immune system, and damage of host tissue and cells. Thus, it supports the pathogenicity of V. echinoideorum. In conclusion, the interaction of V. echinoideorum with injured sea urchin facilitates the development of lesion syndrome and therefore, revealing its potentiality as an opportunistic pathogen.
Time crystal dynamics in a weakly modulated stochastic time delayed system
Authors: Tiana-Alsina Jordi , Masoller Cristina
Published: March 2022

Time crystal oscillations in interacting, periodically driven many-particle systems are highly regular oscillations that persist for long periods of time, are robust to perturbations, and whose frequency differs from the frequency of the driving signal. Making use of underlying similarities of spatially-extended systems and time-delayed systems (TDSs), we present an experimental demonstration of time-crystal-like behavior in a stochastic, weakly modulated TDS. We consider a semiconductor laser near threshold with delayed feedback, whose output intensity shows abrupt spikes at irregular times. When the laser current is driven with a small-amplitude periodic signal we show that the interaction of delayed feedback and modulation can generate long-range regularity in the timing of the spikes, which lock to the modulation and, despite the presence of noise, remain in phase over thousands of modulation cycles. With pulsed modulation we find harmonic and subharmonic locking, while with sinusoidal modulation, we find only subharmonic locking, which is a characteristic feature of time-crystal behavior.
Theophylline-encapsulated Nile Tilapia fish scale-based collagen nanoparticles effectively target the lungs of male Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Anwar Mohammed Moustapha , Shalaby Manal Aly , Saeed Hesham , Mostafa Haitham Mohammed , Hamouda Dalia Galal , Nounou Howaida
Published: March 2022

Nile Tilapia fish scale collagen has high biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, and low antigenicity. We assessed both the encapsulation efficiency of theophylline into Nile Tilapia fish scale-based collagen nanoparticles and their stability as a pulmonary drug delivery system in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The present study has demonstrated the successful encapsulation of theophylline into the synthesised nanoparticles as shown by spectrophotometric analysis, light microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles improves with increasing their concentrations. Intratracheal treatment of rats using theophylline-encapsulated nanoparticles reduced the levels of creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, compared to the control group. Nevertheless, nanoparticles combined with theophylline exhibited no effects on cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Histopathological examination revealed typical uniform and diffuse thickening of the alveolar walls with capillary oedema in treated rats. We concluded that the synthesised collagen nanoparticles appropriately target the lungs of male Sprague–Dawley rats when delivered via a nebuliser, showing good tolerability to lung cells. However, dose ratio of collagen nanoparticles to theophylline needs further evaluation. The nanoprecipitation method may be optimised to involve poorly water-soluble inhaled drugs, and avoid the drawbacks of traditional drug delivery.
Non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with chronic liver diseases: a prospective study
Authors: Thanapirom Kessarin , Suksawatamnuay Sirinporn , Tanpowpong Natthaporn , Chaopathomkul Bundit , Sriphoosanaphan Supachaya , Thaimai Panarat , Srisoonthorn Nunthiya , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Komolmit Piyawat
Published: March 2022

There is an urgent need of non-invasive tests (NITs) for monitoring treatment response and disease progression in chronic liver disease. Liver stiffness (LS) evaluated by transient elastography (TE), shear wave elastography (SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and serum markers e.g. APRI and FIB-4 scores were assessed at baseline and the 1-year follow-up. In all, 89 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with sustained virological response and 93 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients were included. There was a significantly strong correlation among imaging techniques. Using MRE as the reference standard, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for TE, SWE, APRI, and FIB-4 in detecting stage1–4 fibrosis were 0.88–0.95, 0.87–0.96, 0.83–0.89, and 0.79–0.92, respectively. In chronic HCV patients, the values of TE, SWE, MRE, APRI and FIB-4 significantly decreased from baseline to the 1-year follow-up. Liver steatosis did not significantly change over time. In NAFLD, compared to obese patients, non-obese patients had less LS and steatosis at baseline, and these values did not show significant changes at the 1-year follow-up. Our study suggests that the current NITs have a good correlation and accuracy in monitoring the treatment outcomes in patients with chronic liver diseases.
Unsupervised machine learning for identifying important visual features through bag-of-words using histopathology data from chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lee Joonsang , Warner Elisa , Shaikhouni Salma , Bitzer Markus , Kretzler Matthias , Gipson Debbie , Pennathur Subramaniam , Bellovich Keith , Bhat Zeenat , Gadegbeku Crystal , Massengill Susan , Perumal Kalyani , Saha Jharna , Yang Yingbao , Luo Jinghui , Zhang Xin , Mariani Laura , Hodgin Jeffrey B. , Rao Arvind ,   the C-PROBE Study
Published: March 2022

Pathologists use visual classification to assess patient kidney biopsy samples when diagnosing the underlying cause of kidney disease. However, the assessment is qualitative, or semi-quantitative at best, and reproducibility is challenging. To discover previously unknown features which predict patient outcomes and overcome substantial interobserver variability, we developed an unsupervised bag-of-words model. Our study applied to the C-PROBE cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 107,471 histopathology images were obtained from 161 biopsy cores and identified important morphological features in biopsy tissue that are highly predictive of the presence of CKD both at the time of biopsy and in one year. To evaluate the performance of our model, we estimated the AUC and its 95% confidence interval. We show that this method is reliable and reproducible and can achieve 0.93 AUC at predicting glomerular filtration rate at the time of biopsy as well as predicting a loss of function at one year. Additionally, with this method, we ranked the identified morphological features according to their importance as diagnostic markers for chronic kidney disease. In this study, we have demonstrated the feasibility of using an unsupervised machine learning method without human input in order to predict the level of kidney function in CKD. The results from our study indicate that the visual dictionary, or visual image pattern, obtained from unsupervised machine learning can predict outcomes using machine-derived values that correspond to both known and unknown clinically relevant features.
Characteristic functional cores revealed by hyperbolic disc embedding and k-core percolation on resting-state fMRI
Authors: Whi Wonseok , Huh Youngmin , Ha Seunggyun , Lee Hyekyoung , Kang Hyejin , Lee Dong Soo
Published: March 2022

Hyperbolic disc embedding and k-core percolation reveal the hierarchical structure of functional connectivity on resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI). Using 180 normal adults’ rsfMRI data from the human connectome project database, we visualized inter-voxel relations by embedding voxels on the hyperbolic space using the $${\mathbb{S}}^{1} /{\mathbb{H}}^{2}$$

S

1

/

H

2

model. We also conducted k-core percolation on 30 participants to investigate core voxels for each individual. It recursively peels the layer off, and this procedure leaves voxels embedded in the center of the hyperbolic disc. We used independent components to classify core voxels, and it revealed stereotypes of individuals such as visual network dominant, default mode network dominant, and distributed patterns. Characteristic core structures of resting-state brain connectivity of normal subjects disclosed the distributed or asymmetric contribution of voxels to the kmax-core, which suggests the hierarchical dominance of certain IC subnetworks characteristic of subgroups of individuals at rest.
Interferon-γ signal drives differentiation of T-bethi atypical memory B cells into plasma cells following Plasmodium vivax infection
Authors: Kochayoo Piyawan , Thawornpan Pongsakorn , Wangriatisak Kittikorn , Changrob Siriruk , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Adams John H. , Chootong Patchanee
Published: March 2022

For development of a long-lasting protective malaria vaccine, it is crucial to understand whether Plasmodium-induced memory B cells (MBCs) or plasma cells develop and stably contribute to protective immunity, or on the contrary the parasite suppresses antibody responses by inducing MBC dysfunction. The expansion of T-bethi atypical MBCs is described in chronic Plasmodium falciparum-exposed individuals. However, it remains unclear whether accumulation of T-bethi atypical MBCs is indicative of a protective role or rather an impaired function of the immune system in malaria. Here, the phenotypic and functional features of T-bethi atypical MBCs were studied in P. vivax patients living in an area of low malaria transmission. During P. vivax infection, the patients produced a twofold higher frequency of T-bethi atypical MBCs compared to malaria non-exposed individuals. This distinct atypical MBC subset had a switched IgG phenotype with overexpression of activation markers and FcRL5, and decreased Syk phosphorylation upon BCR stimulation. Post-infection, expansion of T-bethi IgG+ atypical MBCs was maintained for at least 3 months. Further studies of the contribution of T-bethi atypical MBC function to humoral immunity showed that synergizing IFN-γ with TLR7/8 and IL-21 signals was required for their differentiation into plasma cells and antibody secretion.
Bacterial symbionts influence host susceptibility to fenitrothion and imidacloprid in the obligate hematophagous bed bug, Cimex hemipterus
Authors: Soh Li-Shen , Veera Singham G.
Published: March 2022

The use of insecticides remains important in managing pest insects. Over the years, many insects manifested physiological and behavioral modifications resulting in reduced efficacy of insecticides targeted against them. Emerging evidence suggests that bacterial symbionts could modulate susceptibility of host insects against insecticides. Here, we explore the influence of host microbiota in affecting the susceptibility of insect host against different insecticides in the blood-sucking bed bug,Cimex hemipterus. Rifampicin antibiotic treatment resulted in increased susceptibility to fenitrothion and imidacloprid, but not against deltamethrin. Meanwhile, the host fitness parameters measured in the present study were not significantly affected by rifampicin treatment, suggesting the role of bacterial symbionts influencing susceptibility against the insecticides. 16S metagenomics sequencing revealed a drastic shift in the composition of several bacterial taxa following rifampicin treatment. The highly abundant Alphaproteobacteria (Wolbachia > 90%) and Gammaproteobacteria (Yersinia > 6%) in control bed bugs were significantly suppressed and replaced by Actinobacteria, Bacilli, and Betaproteobacteria in the rifampicin treated F1 bed bugs, suggesting possibilities ofWolbachiamediating insecticide susceptibility inC. hemipterus. However, no significant changes in the total esterase, GST, and P450 activities were observed following rifampicin treatment, indicating yet unknown bacterial mechanisms explaining the observed phenomena. Re-inoculation of microbial content from control individuals regained the tolerance of rifampicin treated bed bugs to imidacloprid and fenitrothion. This study provides a foundation for a symbiont-mediated mechanism in influencing insecticide susceptibility that was previously unknown to bed bugs.
Associations of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein with metabolic syndrome and its components among adult Arabs
Authors: Alenad Amal M. , Alkaltham Lamya F. , Sabico Shaun , Khattak Malak N. K. , Wani Kaiser , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Alokail Majed S.
Published: March 2022

Epidemiological studies suggest that the Zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) plays significant physiological roles. In this study we investigate whether ZAG could be considered as a clinical biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi population. As such insights urgently required for management of MetS. Thus, we have determined serum levels of ZAG in patients with MetS and normal individuals. We have also assessed the correlation between ZAG and different components of MetS. In this case–control study, clinical information of 200 Saudi male and female subjects (age range 30–65) with MetS (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100) were extracted from the database of the Chair of Biomarkers of Chronic Disease (CBCD) in King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MetS was screened according to NCEP ATP III criteria (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III). Fasting glucose and lipid profile levels were measured using Konelab. Serum TNF-α, IL- 6, CRP and ZAG levels were measured using commercially available assays. There was an age-dependent significant increase in ZAG level among MetS subjects than controls (43.8 ± 19.5 vs 48.1 ± 14.8; P = 0.04). A significant inverse correlation between ZAG and serum HDL-cholesterol (r = − 0.20, P < 0.05) was observed. Whereas, triglycerides (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), waist circumference (WHR) (r = 0.17, P < 0.05) and CRP (r = 0.24, P < 0.01) were all significantly and positively associated with ZAG. Circulating ZAG is associated with MetS in an age-dependent manner. Serum ZAG is a potential biomarker for MetS.
Extensive spatial impacts of oyster reefs on an intertidal mudflat community via predator facilitation
Authors: Reddin Carl J. , Decottignies Priscilla , Bacouillard Lise , Barillé Laurent , Dubois Stanislas F. , Echappé Caroline , Gernez Pierre , Jesus Bruno , Méléder Vona , Nätscher Paulina S. , Turpin Vincent , Zeppilli Daniela , Zwerschke Nadescha , Brind’Amour Anik , Cognie Bruno
Published: March 2022

Habitat engineers make strong and far-reaching imprints on ecosystem processes. In intertidal mudflats, the dominant primary producer, microphytobenthos (MPB), often forms high biomass patches around oyster reefs. We evaluate multiple hypotheses linking MPB with oyster reefs, including oyster biodeposition, meiofaunal grazing, and abiotic factors, aiming to help predict effects of reef removal or proliferation. We quantify spatial patterns of an Atlantic mudflat community and its environment around two large Crassostrea reefs before experimentally sacrificing one reef via burning. MPB biomass was enriched surrounding living oyster reefs although infaunal biomass and individual sizes were low. Structural equation modelling best supported the hypothesis that crab predation intensity, which decayed with distance from the reefs, locally freed MPB from grazing. Our results suggest that Crassostrea reef expansion may enrich local MPB patches and redirect trophic energy flows away from mudflat infauna, with potential implications for the sustainability of local fisheries and bird conservation.
Influenza A virus diffusion through mucus gel networks
Authors: Kaler Logan , Iverson Ethan , Bader Shahed , Song Daniel , Scull Margaret A. , Duncan Gregg A.
Published: March 2022

Mucus in the lung plays an essential role as a barrier to infection by viral pathogens such as influenza A virus (IAV). Previous work determined mucin-associated sialic acid acts as a decoy receptor for IAV hemagglutinin (HA) binding and the sialic-acid cleaving enzyme, neuraminidase (NA), facilitates virus passage through mucus. However, it has yet to be fully addressed how the physical structure of the mucus gel influences its barrier function and its ability to trap viruses via glycan mediated interactions to prevent infection. To address this, IAV and nanoparticle diffusion in human airway mucus and mucin-based hydrogels is quantified using fluorescence video microscopy. We find the mobility of IAV in mucus is significantly influenced by the mesh structure of the gel and in contrast to prior reports, these effects likely influence virus passage through mucus gels to a greater extent than HA and NA activity. In addition, an analytical approach is developed to estimate the binding affinity of IAV to the mucus meshwork, yielding dissociation constants in the mM range, indicative of weak IAV-mucus binding. Our results provide important insights on how the adhesive and physical barrier properties of mucus influence the dissemination of IAV within the lung microenvironment.
Porcine intraepithelial lymphocytes undergo migration and produce an antiviral response following intestinal virus infection
Authors: Li Yuchen , Ma Yichao , Jin Yuxin , Peng Xuebin , Wang Xiuyu , Zhang Penghao , Liu Peng , Liang Chun , Yang Qian
Published: March 2022

The location of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) between epithelial cells provide a first line of immune defense against enteric infection. It is assumed that IELs migrate only along the basement membrane or into the lateral intercellular space (LIS) between epithelial cells. Here, we identify a unique transepithelial migration of porcine IELs as they move to the free surface of the intestinal epithelia. The major causative agent of neonatal diarrhea in piglets, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), increases the number of IELs entering the LIS and free surface of the intestinal epithelia, driven by chemokine CCL2 secreted from virus-infected intestinal epithelial cells. Remarkably, only virus pre-activated IELs inhibits PEDV infection and their antiviral activity depends on the further activation by virus-infected cells. Although high levels of perforin is detected in the co-culture system, the antiviral function of activated IELs is mainly mediated by IFN-γ secretion inducing robust antiviral response in virus-infected cells. Our results uncover a unique migratory behavior of porcine IELs as well as their protective role in the defense against intestinal infection.
Macrocyclization of bioactive peptides with internal thiazole motifs via palladium-catalyzed C–H olefination
Authors: Cai Chuangxu , Wang Feifei , Xiao Xiuyun , Sheng Wangjian , Liu Shu , Chen Jun , Zheng Jie , Xie Ran , Bai Zengbing , Wang Huan
Published: March 2022

A method is developed for modification and macrocyclization of thiazole-containing peptides through palladium-catalyzed δ-C(sp2)–H olefination.
Bimolecular reactions of S2+ with Ar, H2 and N2: reactivity and dynamics
Authors: Armenta Butt Sam , Price Stephen D.
Published: March 2022

The bimolecular reactivity and reaction dynamics following collisions of S2+ with Ar, H2 and N2 are investigated. The reactivity is dominated by electron transfer reactions, but the formation of SN+ is also detected following S2+ collisions with N2.
Systems chemistry of peptide-assemblies for biochemical transformations
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Reja Antara , Pal Sumit , Das Dibyendu
Published: March 2022

The review focuses on the recent developments on diverse sets of complex enzymatic transformations by utilizing minimal peptide based self-assembled systems. It further attempts to provide a broad perspective for potentially programming functionalityviarational selection of amino acid sequences, leading towards minimal catalytic systems that emulate some advanced traits of contemporary enzymes.
Towards highly efficient continuous-flow catalytic carbon dioxide cycloadditions with additively manufactured reactors
Authors: Valverde David , Porcar Raúl , Zanatta Marcileia , Alcalde Sergio , Altava Belen , Sans Victor , García-Verdugo Eduardo
Published: March 2022

Developing efficient and sustainable methodologies to transform CO2 into added-value chemicals is an important strategy for decarbonization in the chemical industry.
Functional “permanently whitened” lignin synthesized via solvent-controlled encapsulation
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Otsuka Yuichiro
Published: March 2022

Here, we present a practical method for whitening lignin derivatives, which is solvent-controlled encapsulation (SCE) to rearrange the chromosphere at the solvent/lignin interface.
Integration of a microfluidic multicellular coculture array with machine learning analysis to predict adverse cutaneous drug reactions
Authors: Chong Lor Huai , Ching Terry , Farm Hui Jia , Grenci Gianluca , Chiam Keng-Hwee , Toh Yi-Chin
Published: March 2022

Our multicellular coculture array with the integration of machine learning analysis is able to predict adverse cutaneous drug reactions.
Organic molecular and polymeric electrets toward soft electronics
Authors: Guo Zhenfeng , Patil Yuvraj , Shinohara Akira , Nagura Kazuhiko , Yoshida Manabu , Nakanishi Takashi
Published: March 2022

Flexible/stretchable electrets based on organic molecules and polymers, in particular, highly deformable liquid electrets are a promising candidate for future implantable/wearable soft electronics.
Bioactive natural products from Bacteroidetes
Authors: Brinkmann Stephan , Spohn Marius S. , Schäberle Till F.
Published: March 2022

The bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes harbors promising natural product producers. This review summarizes the bioactive compounds known to date and provides an overview if biosynthesis is elucidated and/or chemical synthesis is achieved.
Partitioning of active particles into porous media
Authors: Kjeldbjerg Camilla M. , Brady John F.
Published: March 2022

A theoretical model based on macroscopic momentum balances analytically predicts the partitioning of active matter into porous media in two and three dimensions.
Activity switching of Sn and In species in Heusler alloys for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Iwase Kazuyuki , Kojima Takayuki , Todoroki Naoto , Honma Itaru
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) activity of Ni2MnIn and Ni2MnSn Heusler alloys was investigated. This is the first report that shows the CO2RR activity of Heusler alloy particles.
Influence of foreign salts on the CaCO3 pre-nucleation stage: application of the conductometric method
Authors: Hamdi Raghda , Tlili Mohamed Mouldi
Published: March 2022

Electrical conductivity modeling applied to the fast controlled precipitation method data is used to underline the existence of different ion pairs during the prenucleation stage as a function of the foreign salts NaCl, MgCl2, Na2SO4 and MgSO4.
One-pot synthesis of multifunctional radiolabeled upconversion nanorods for enhanced multimodal imaging performance
Authors: Zhu Jing , Ming Shuai , Li Jian , Li Xin , Zhu Zilan , Wu Mengxiang , Wang Xinyu , Wei Wei , Ramachandraiah Karna , Ke Fei
Published: March 2022

Radiolabeled upconversion nanorods are fabricated through a straightforward one-pot method for highly enhanced multimodal imaging performance.
Copper nanowire-derived one-dimensional hollow copper sulfides as electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Yutao , Gu Yarong , Liu Jinfeng , Guo Bingkun , Zhao Lijuan
Published: March 2022

One-dimensional (1D) hollow CuxS nanotubes were obtained via a sacrificial template diffusion process by immersing 1D copper nanowires in thiourea solution. This structure exhibited excellent cycling stability when used as an electrode material for sodium-ion battery.
Correction: Carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction reactions using 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) and carbide/nitride (MXene) catalysts
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Attanayake Nuwan H. , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Miller Elisa M.
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction reactions using 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) and carbide/nitride (MXene) catalysts’ by Zhaodong Li et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2021, 14, 6242–6286, DOI: 10.1039/D1EE03211A.
Daily consumption of cranberry improves endothelial function in healthy adults: a double blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heiss Christian , Istas Geoffrey , Feliciano Rodrigo P. , Weber Timon , Wang Brian , Favari Claudia , Mena Pedro , Del Rio Daniele , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana
Published: March 2022

Previous studies indicate cardiovascular health benefits of cranberry juice consumption.
A story of peptides, lipophilicity and chromatography – back and forth in time
Authors: Erckes Vanessa , Steuer Christian
Published: March 2022

This review provides useful insights into the utility of chromatographic separation techniques for physico-chemical property determination of peptides.
A thermally conductive interface material with tremendous and reversible surface adhesion promises durable cross-interface heat conduction
Authors: Guo Cong , Li Yuhan , Xu JianHua , Zhang Qin , Wu Kai , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2022

A ternary polyurethane composite with high isotropic thermal conductivity, electrical insulation and temperature-responsive reversible adhesion was synthesized, promising low thermal resistance and durable thermal contact with electronic substrates.
A nano-truncated Ni/La doped manganese spinel material for high rate performance and long cycle life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Meng , Li Yan , Guo Yujiao , Guo Junming , Xiang Mingwu , Bai Wei , Liu Xiaofang , Bai Hongli
Published: March 2022

A nano-truncated octahedral LiNi0.08La0.01Mn1.91O4 cathode material with {111} and {100} crystal planes achieves capacity retention of 89.0% after 1000 cycles at 10C.
Rapid self-healing and tough polyurethane based on the synergy of multi-level hydrogen and disulfide bonds for healing propellant microcracks
Authors: Jing Tu , Heng Xu , Guifeng Xiang , Li Liang , Li Pingyun , Guo Xiaode
Published: March 2022

Synergistic combination of multi-level hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds to construct high-strength, rapid self-healing polyurethane elastomers.
Efficient access to β-amino acid ester/β-amino ketone derivatives via photocatalytic radical alkoxycabonylimidation/carbonylimidation of alkenes
Authors: Xia Peng-Ju , Liu Fu , Pan Ying-Ming , Yang Meng-Ping , Yang Yun-Yi
Published: March 2022

A photocatalytic protocol for the synthesis of β-amino acid ester and β-amino ketone derivatives is developed using simple and easy-to-synthesize oxime oxalate and oxime phenylglyoxylate as difunctionalization reagents.
Synthesis, electronic properties, and self-assembly of an alkylated dibenzo(biscorannulene)
Authors: Kunioka Natsumi , Furukawa Masazumi , Hashimoto Shingo , Tahara Kazukuni
Published: March 2022

The synthesis and properties of a novel fully-conjugated biscorannulene derivative were reported. This biscorannulene derivative shows self-association in solution and adopts a stacked geometry in crystal.
Visible-light-responsive reduced graphene oxide/g-C3N4/TiO2 composite nanocoating for photoelectric stimulation of neuronal and osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Yan Ziru , Li Kai , Shao Dandan , Shen Qingyi , Ding Yi , Huang Shansong , Xie Youtao , Zheng Xuebin
Published: March 2022

rGO/g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocoating was fabricated on Ti-based implant for photoelectric stimulation of bone and nerve repair. The ternary nanocoating exerted greater photoelectric effects on enhancing osteoblastic differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
Theoretical investigation of FAPbSnGeX3 efficiency
Authors: Moatassim H. , Zaari H. , El Kenz A. , Benyoussef A. , Loulidi M. , Mounkachi O.
Published: March 2022

We systematically study the structural, electronic, and optical properties of lower lead halide perovskites FAPb0.5Sn0.25Ge0.25X3 (X = I, Br, Cl), as well as discussing their photovoltaic performance.
Structural engineering of BiOBr nanosheets for boosted photodegradation performance toward rhodamine B
Authors: Qi Yu , Zhao Jinjiang , Wang Hongtao , Yan Meifang , Guo Tianyu
Published: March 2022

A series of BiOBr nanosheets were synthesized through a facile solvothermal method, whose structures were adjusted by changing solvent ratios.
A brief review of mRNA therapeutics and delivery for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Rajendran Arun Kumar , Amirthalingam Sivashanmugam , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: March 2022

This review provides an update on the various mRNA preparations, carriers that can deliver these preparations and how they could potentially enhance the bone regeneration.
Emergent conformational properties of end-tailored transversely propelling polymers
Authors: Prathyusha K. R. , Ziebert Falko , Golestanian Ramin
Published: March 2022

We study a model for a transversely propelling polymer whose end beads are driven differently from the polymer backbone, allowing to tailor-make polymer conformations and dynamics.
Study Protocol: Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness–Implementation Trial of a Behavioral Parent Training Intervention for Parents of Young Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Studts Christina R. , Jacobs Julie A. , Bush Matthew L. , Lowman Joneen , Creel Liza M. , Westgate Philip M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and who use hearing aids or cochlear implants are more likely than their peers with typical hearing to exhibit behavior problems. Although multiple evidence-based interventions for child behavior problems exist, they are rarely delivered to children who are DHH, and no rigorous randomized controlled trials have been conducted to determine their effects with this population. This protocol describes a study aiming to test the effectiveness of an evidence-based behavioral parent training intervention adapted for parents of young children who are DHH and simultaneously to assess key implementation outcomes and multilevel contextual factors influencing implementation.

Method:

The protocol for a Type 1 hybrid effectiveness–implementation trial of a behavioral parent training intervention for parents of young children who are DHH is presented, including details of the study design, participants, assessments, and analyses. Using a stakeholder-engaged, mixed-methods approach, we will test the effects of the intervention versus treatment as usual on parenting behaviors, child behaviors, and a range of secondary effectiveness outcomes, including adherence to using hearing aids and cochlear implants as well as measures of child speech and language. We will assess the acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and costs of the intervention from the perspectives of peer coaches who deliver the intervention, hearing health care clinicians (including audiologists and speech-language pathologists), and administrators of programs serving young children who are DHH.

Conclusions:

Results of this trial will inform future efforts to close the gap between prevalence of behavioral problems in young children who are DHH and access to and use of evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat them. If effective, this intervention could be widely implemented using strategies informed by the findings of this study to benefit young children who are DHH and followed in hearing health care and their families.
Modeling overcontact binaries
Authors: Fabry M. , Marchant P. , Sana H.
Published: March 2022

Context. In the realm of massive stars, strong binary interactions are commonplace. One extreme case is that of overcontact systems, which are expected to be part of the evolution of all stars evolving towards a merger and hypothesized as playing a role in the formation of binary black holes. However, important simplifications are made to model the evolution of overcontact binaries. The deformation from tidal forces is almost always put aside, and even rotation is frequently ignored in such models. Yet, both observations and theory have shown that overcontact stars are tidally deformed to a great extent, leaving a potentially important effect on the outer layers unaccounted for in models. Furthermore, in eclipsing binaries where radii can be determined to high precision, the question of how large the effect of tidal deformation is on the inferred properties of stellar models is still uncertain.

Aims. We aim to consistently model overcontact binary stars in a one-dimensional (1D) stellar evolution code. To that end, we developed the required methodology to represent tidally distorted stars in 1D evolution codes.

Methods. Using numerical methods, we computed the structure correction factors to the 1D spherical stellar structure equations of hydrostatic equilibrium and radiative energy transfer due to the binary Roche potential. We then compared them to existing results and the structure corrections of single, rotating stars. We implemented the new structure correction factors in the stellar evolution code MESA and explored several case studies. We compared the differences between our simulations: when no rotation is included, when we treat rotation using single star corrections (only accounting for centrifugal deformation), or when we use tidal deformation.

Results. We find that ignoring rotation in deformed detached eclipsing binaries can produce a radius discrepancy of up to 5%. The difference between tidal and single star centrifugal distortion models is more benign at 1%, showing that single rotating star models are a suitable approximation of tidally deformed stars in a binary system. In overcontact configurations, we find a similar 5% variation in surface properties as a result of tidal distortion with respect to non-rotating models, showing that it is inappropriate to model binary stars filling their Roche lobe significantly as non-rotating.
One Health: A social science discussion of a global agenda
Authors: Estebanez Jean , Boireau Pascal
Published: March 2022

This article introduces the Parasite issue dedicated to part of the research in social sciences supported by the Domaine d’Intérêt Majeur de la Région Île-de-France (DIM) One Health [2016–2022]. We show how the four papers of this special issue are related. Jérôme Michalon recalls the genealogy of One Health and analyzes it as an “epistemic watchword”. Using antibiotic resistance as a case study, Estera Badau demonstrates how “One Health” results from a series of formulas and the bringing together of a plurality of fields and actors. Nicolas Lainé and Serge Morand show how One Health fits in with attempts already initiated in the colonial period and context. They highlight the need to (re)legitimize local and non-human knowledge, in order to truly decolonize One Health and better prevent epidemic emergence. Finally, Frédéric Keck, Nicolas Lainé, Arnaud Morvan and Sandrine Ruhlmann show how zoonotic reservoir and cultural practices are linked in the context of three specific societies. This paper highlights two main contributions of social sciences: 1) To think about One Health genealogy, how the question is framed and by which actors. The questions of practices, social representations but also of the environment are less present than the issues of human and animal medicine. The Anthropocene, the Capitalocene, even some of its variations such as the “domesticoscene” thus appear to be key elements. 2) To propose methods and tools that make One Health operational, advocating a less asymmetrical view of types of knowledge (scientific, local, non-human) and more contextualized global health recommendations.
Closing remarks
Authors: Miralles Buil Celia
Published: March 2022

On the basis of the uses of the concept of “containment” by the various participants in the conference, as well as the experience of certain “matters of containment” during the Covid-19 pandemic (especially prophylactic masks), the author pictures a broad perspective on the potential, intrinsically interdisciplinary, field of research that could be articulated around this idea.
Epidemic containment and social control measures in Portugal: the line of lazarettos protecting the land border (1884–1886)
Authors: Abreu Laurinda
Published: March 2022

Despite the frequent epidemics that affected the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal only set up a system of permanent lazarettos along its border with Spain in the late nineteenth century, during the cholera outbreaks of 1884–1886. Planned and rolled out by army doctors, the system consisted of five primary sites (located at rail crossing points and river boat stations that linked the two sides of the border) and smaller, secondary sites (“vigilance and isolation posts”) at every railway station in the country. This contribution will focus especially on the epidemic containment measures (observation, isolation, and treatment of the infected) implemented in the lazarettos and at the vigilance posts, most of which were refitted and turned into virtual high-security prisons under military guard after the 1884 cholera outbreak. It will also examine the interaction between these preventive measures, which were also aimed at social control and control of unauthorised movement, and the land border cordons sanitaires and the sanitary inspection posts and quarantine complexes that protected the seaports, which functioned as a permanent maritime cordon sanitaire along the Portuguese coast.
Between states, philanthropic societies, and the Red Cross: managing dead bodies and the crossroads of “Progress”, 1856-1889
Authors: Arrizabalaga Jon , Sánchez-Martínez Guillermo
Published: March 2022

This paper examines the debates and controversies around the hygienic management of corpses having arisen in Europe since the 1850s and, most particularly, during the next three decades on various international medical and health congresses. The main debates revolved around the so-called “rational burial of the dead”. The issue comprised varied matters, namely, provisions to regulate the establishment of cemeteries in the green areas round the towns; use of effective chemical disinfectants; diagnosis of “real” versus “apparent” death; procedures for the identification of dead bodies; alternative systems to burial, and so on.
Evaluation of science advice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Brusselaers Nele , Steadson David , Bjorklund Kelly , Breland Sofia , Stilhoff Sörensen Jens , Ewing Andrew , Bergmann Sigurd , Steineck Gunnar
Published: March 2022

Sweden was well equipped to prevent the pandemic of COVID-19 from becoming serious. Over 280 years of collaboration between political bodies, authorities, and the scientific community had yielded many successes in preventive medicine. Sweden’s population is literate and has a high level of trust in authorities and those in power. During 2020, however, Sweden had ten times higher COVID-19 death rates compared with neighbouring Norway. In this report, we try to understand why, using a narrative approach to evaluate the Swedish COVID-19 policy and the role of scientific evidence and integrity. We argue that that scientific methodology was not followed by the major figures in the acting authorities—or the responsible politicians—with alternative narratives being considered as valid, resulting in arbitrary policy decisions. In 2014, the Public Health Agency, after 5 years of rearrangement, merged with the Institute for Infectious Disease Control, with six professors leaving between 2010 and 2012 going to the Karolinska Institute. With this setup, the authority lost scientific expertise. The Swedish pandemic strategy seemed targeted towards “natural” herd-immunity and avoiding a societal shutdown. The Public Health Agency labelled advice from national scientists and international authorities as extreme positions, resulting in media and political bodies to accept their own policy instead. The Swedish people were kept in ignorance of basic facts such as the airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission, that asymptomatic individuals can be contagious and that face masks protect both the carrier and others. Mandatory legislation was seldom used; recommendations relying upon personal responsibility and without any sanctions were the norm. Many elderly people were administered morphine instead of oxygen despite available supplies, effectively ending their lives. If Sweden wants to do better in future pandemics, the scientific method must be re-established, not least within the Public Health Agency. It would likely make a large difference if a separate, independent Institute for Infectious Disease Control is recreated. We recommend Sweden begins a self-critical process about its political culture and the lack of accountability of decision-makers to avoid future failures, as occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Optoacoustic device images biological tissues without direct contact
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: March 2022

Air-coupled transducer uses a multimode optical fiber to scan sample specimens with improved signal-to-noise performance.
Experimental study on the entry of solid spheres into Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids
Authors: Akbarzadeh Pooria , Norouzi Mahmood , Ghasemi Reza , Daghighi Seyed Zia
Published: March 2022

This study experimentally investigates the entry of hydrophobic/hydrophilic spheres into Newtonian and Boger fluids. By considering solution of 82% glycerin and 18% water and solution of 80% glycerin, 20% water and 100 ppm polyacrylamide, Newtonian and Boger fluids are made, respectively. It has been tried that liquids' surface tension, density, and viscosity are almost the same. Thus, all dimensionless numbers are approximately the same at a similar impact velocity except for the elasticity number. A PcoDimaxS highspeed camera captures the spheres' trajectory from the impact to the end of the path. Regarding the range of released height (0.5–100 cm), the impact velocities are approximately in the range of 0.31–4.43 ms−1. The role of fluid elasticity in combination with the sphere surface wettability on the air cavity formation/evolution/collapse is mainly studied. Also, the kinetics of the sphere motion (velocity, acceleration, and hydrodynamic force coefficient) is studied. The results show that air drawn due to the sphere's impact with the Newtonian liquid is more, and the pinch-off takes place later. Also, shedding bubbles are cusped-shaped in the Boger fluid, while in the Newtonian fluid, they are elliptical. In addition, the most significant impact of surface wettability is observed in the Newtonian fluid. Finally, the results reveal that the sphere in the Newtonian fluid can move faster and travel a longer distance in a specific time interval. The differences observed are closely related to the viscoelastic fluid's elasticity property and extensional viscosity.
Rheology-driven design of pizza gas foaming
Authors: Avallone Pietro Renato , Iaccarino Paolo , Grizzuti Nino , Pasquino Rossana , Di Maio Ernesto
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the production of a yeast-free pizza by gas foaming and the use of rheology to guide the process design. The novel process relies on the use of a gaseous blowing agent and a pressure program to form and stabilize bubbles during baking, avoiding the use of yeast and the associated lengthy leavening stage. The evolution of the dough structure during baking has been studied by a rheological characterization at leavening and baking conditions. These experimental pieces of information have been used to evaluate the time available for blowing agent sorption under pressure during early baking stage, and to guide the pressure release during the final baking, to achieve an optimally foamed pizza.