bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical characterization and optical microscopy of homemade slime and the effect of some common household products
Authors: Ashraf Juveiriah M. , Nayfeh Leia , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: March 2022

In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of homemade slime and investigate how adding different household chemicals such as shaving cream and clay affects the chemical properties and hence the mechanical behavior. The purpose of this study is to instill scientific curiosity in young learners by establishing a relationship between a material’s chemical structure and its mechanical properties. Eight types of slime were studied: basic slime (borax with glue), slime with the addition of: (a) shaving cream, (b) clay, (c) shaving cream and clay together, (d) baking soda, (e) cornstarch, (f) hand soap, and (g) toothpaste. It was found that basic slime has a Young’s Modulus of 93 MPa while adding shaving cream and clay increased the modulus of elasticity to 194 and 224 MPa respectively. Adding thickening agents such as baking soda and corn starch increased the modulus to 118 and 110 MPa respectively while the incorporation of foaming agents, for example, hand soap and toothpaste rendered the sample very gelatinous. The Young’s modulus of samples C and D was the highest recorded and this is attributed to the presence of clay, which is relatively the stiffest material from the choice of additives used in this study. The results were supported by FT-IR spectroscopy which showcased the formation of different chemical structures of the slime with the added chemical agents.
Assessment of persistent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of p-HEMA hydrogel loaded with rifampicin and cefixime
Authors: Tarawneh Ola , Abu Mahfouz Hadeel , Hamadneh Lama , Deeb Ahmad A. , Al-Sheikh Iyad , Alwahsh Wasan , Fadhil Abed Abdulqader
Published: March 2022

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are nosocomial infections causing more than one million hospital cases annually. The progress of CAUTIs leads to severe health complications. Infections result in blockage of the medical device due to biofilm formation, which necessitates the replacement of the device. The objective of this study is to improve urological biomaterials to minimize microbial growth and reduce the incidence of CAUTIs. Challenges from mixed biofilm are crucial and need to be addressed in the development of new coating materials. Herein, an investigation highlighted the reduction of mixed biofilm overgrowth and attachment tendency on poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (p-HEMA) surface by loading the hydrogel with rifampicin (RIF), cefixime trihydrate (CFX), and combined ratios of RIF and CFX. Mixed biofilm-formation ability in (3:1) RIF: CFX-loading p-HEMA (F6) surface showed best tendency to resist form biofilm. Persistent antimicrobial activity increased in p-HEMA loaded with combined ratios of RIF and CFX surface compared to p-HEMA alone, antimicrobial activity lasted for 8 days. All fabricated films exhibited %cell viability higher than 75% on HEK 293 cells. The addition of RIF and CFX may improve the duration of urological device employment before replacement.
One-year clinical results of restorations using a novel self-adhesive resin-based bulk-fill restorative
Authors: Rathke Andreas , Pfefferkorn Frank , McGuire Michael K. , Heard Rick H. , Seemann Rainer
Published: March 2022

This prospective study assessed the dual-curing self-adhesive bulk-fill restorative Surefil one. The restorations were placed and reviewed by dental practitioners who are members of a practice-based research network in the United States. Seven practitioners filled 60 cavities (20 class I, 19 class II and 21 class V) in 41 patients with Surefil one without adhesive, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The restorations were evaluated using modified USPHS criteria at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year. Patients were also contacted to report postoperative hypersensitivity one to four weeks after placement. The only patient that showed moderate hypersensitivity after 1 year had previously reported symptoms that were unlikely associated to the class I molar restoration. One class II restoration in a fractured maxillary molar was partially lost. The remaining restorations were found to be in clinically acceptable condition resulting in an annual failure rate of 2%. Color match showed the lowest number of acceptable scores (88%) revealing significant changes over time (P = 0.0002). No significant differences were found for the other criteria (P > 0.05). The novel self-adhesive bulk-fill restorative showed clinically acceptable results in stress-bearing class I and II as well as non-retentive class V cavities at 1-year recall.
Inter-limb asymmetry of kinetic and electromyographic during walking in patients with chronic ankle instability
Authors: Tajdini Hossein , Mantashloo Zahed , Thomas Abbey C. , Letafatkar Amir , Rossettini Giacomo
Published: March 2022

After an initial ankle sprain, a relevant number of participants develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Compensatory strategies in patients with CAI may change the inter-limb symmetry needed for absorbing movement-related forces. Accordingly, an increased risk of injury can occur. The present study aimed to compare the inter-limb asymmetry of kinetic and electromyography between individuals with CAI and without a history of an ankle sprain (Non-CAI) during walking. In this cross-sectional study, fifty-six athletes (28 CAI; 28 Non-CAI) participated. Participants walked at a comfortable pace over level ground while vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius were recorded. Inter-limb asymmetry during walking was calculated for each of the variables. Patients with CAI exhibited a greater inter-limb asymmetry of the first peak of vGRF, time to peak vGRF, and loading rate (P < 0.001), as well as presenting a greater inter-limb asymmetry of peroneus longus activity (contact phase) (P = 0.003) and gluteus medius activity (midstance/propulsion phase) (P = 0.010) compared to the Non-CAI group. No other differences in vGRF or muscles activity were observed between the groups. Our findings indicate that patients with CAI walk with greater inter-limb asymmetry in vGRF and muscle activity in different phases of the gait cycle compared to Non-CAI group. Our results could inform future studies on gait training aimed to reduce asymmetry during walking in patients with CAI.
Piezo2 expression and its alteration by mechanical forces in mouse mesangial cells and renin-producing cells
Authors: Mochida Yuki , Ochiai Koji , Nagase Takashi , Nonomura Keiko , Akimoto Yoshihiro , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Sakai Tatsuo , Matsumura George , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Nagase Miki
Published: March 2022

The kidney plays a central role in body fluid homeostasis. Cells in the glomeruli and juxtaglomerular apparatus sense mechanical forces and modulate glomerular filtration and renin release. However, details of mechanosensory systems in these cells are unclear. Piezo2 is a recently identified mechanically activated ion channel found in various tissues, especially sensory neurons. Herein, we examined Piezo2 expression and regulation in mouse kidneys. RNAscope in situ hybridization revealed that Piezo2 expression was highly localized in mesangial cells and juxtaglomerular renin-producing cells. Immunofluorescence assays detected GFP signals in mesangial cells and juxtaglomerular renin-producing cells of Piezo2GFP reporter mice. Piezo2 transcripts were observed in the Foxd1-positive stromal progenitor cells of the metanephric mesenchyme in the developing mouse kidney, which are precursors of mesangial cells and renin-producing cells. In a mouse model of dehydration, Piezo2 expression was downregulated in mesangial cells and upregulated in juxtaglomerular renin-producing cells, along with the overproduction of renin and enlargement of the area of renin-producing cells. Furthermore, the expression of the renin coding gene Ren1 was reduced by Piezo2 knockdown in cultured juxtaglomerular As4.1 cells under static and stretched conditions. These data suggest pivotal roles for Piezo2 in the regulation of glomerular filtration and body fluid balance.
A study on the examination of sense of coherence-related factors in Japanese junior high school students and their mothers
Authors: Omiya Tomoko , Deguchi Naoko Kumada , Togari Taisuke , Yamazaki Yoshihiko
Published: March 2022

This study examined the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC), which is conceptually the ability to successfully cope with stress, of Japanese junior high school students and their mothers, and investigated SOC-related factors among the students. We analyzed self-reported data from 134 junior high school students (aged 12–14 years) and their mothers (average age: 45.5 ± 4.1 years), based in an urban area of Japan. We found a weak correlation between the SOC total scores of female students and their mothers; further, few subscales showed weak correlations. However, the SOC of male students was not correlated with that of their mothers, including the three subcomponents that constitute the SOC. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the SOC of female students was negatively associated with ASD-related characteristics, sensitivity to evaluation, and avoidant help-seeking style, and positively associated with a sense of belonging to the school. However, male students’ SOC showed a negative relationship with excessive response to evaluation and a strong sense of parental control. To improve SOC in adolescents, it is necessary to consider their gender differences and support them, both at home and school.
Anti-cancer treatment schedule optimization based on tumor dynamics modelling incorporating evolving resistance
Authors: Yin Anyue , van Hasselt Johan G. C. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , Friberg Lena E. , Moes Dirk Jan A. R.
Published: March 2022

Quantitative characterization of evolving tumor resistance under targeted treatment could help identify novel treatment schedules, which may improve the outcome of anti-cancer treatment. In this study, a mathematical model which considers various clonal populations and evolving treatment resistance was developed. With parameter values fitted to the data or informed by literature data, the model could capture previously reported tumor burden dynamics and mutant KRAS levels in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with panitumumab. Treatment schedules, including a continuous schedule, intermittent schedules incorporating treatment holidays, and adaptive schedules guided by ctDNA measurements were evaluated using simulations. Compared with the continuous regimen, the simulated intermittent regimen which consisted of 8-week treatment and 4-week suspension prolonged median progression-free survival (PFS) of the simulated population from 36 to 44 weeks. The median time period in which the tumor size stayed below the baseline level (TTS<TS0) was prolonged from 52 to 60 weeks. Extending the treatment holiday resulted in inferior outcomes. The simulated adaptive regimens showed to further prolong median PFS to 56–64 weeks and TTS<TS0 to 114–132 weeks under different treatment designs. A prospective clinical study is required to validate the results and to confirm the added value of the suggested schedules.
Regulated timber harvesting does not reduce koala density in north-east forests of New South Wales
Authors: Law Brad , Gonsalves Leroy , Burgar Joanna , Brassil Traecey , Kerr Isobel , O’Loughlin Chris , Eichinski Phil , Roe Paul
Published: March 2022

The compatibility of forestry and koala conservation is a controversial issue. We used a BACIPS design to assess change in koala density after selective harvesting with regulations to protect environmental values. We also assessed additional sites heavily harvested 5–10 years previously, now dominated by young regeneration. We used replicate arrays of acoustic sensors and spatial count modelling of male bellowing to estimate male koala density over 3600 ha. Paired sites in nearby National Parks served as controls. Naïve occupancy was close to 100% before and after harvesting, indicating koalas were widespread across all arrays. Average density was higher than expected for forests in NSW, varying between arrays from 0.03–0.08 males ha−1. There was no significant effect of selective harvesting on density and little change evident between years. Density 5–10 years after previous heavy harvesting was equivalent to controls, with one harvested array supporting the second highest density in the study. Within arrays, density was similar between areas mapped as selectively harvested or excluded from harvest. Density was also high in young regeneration 5–10 years after heavy harvesting. We conclude that native forestry regulations provided sufficient habitat for koalas to maintain their density, both immediately after selective harvesting and 5–10 years after heavy harvesting.
Association of damage to the coracohumeral ligament with anterosuperior rotator cuff degeneration revealed by anatomical dissection
Authors: Unerfußer Lukas , Schwarz Gilbert Manuel , Hirtler Lena
Published: March 2022

The coracohumeral ligament (CHL) is an important structure of the biceps pulley which also merges with the rotator cuff. Which role it actually plays in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff degeneration (RCD) and rotator cuff tears (RCT) is still a point of discussion. The hypothesis of this study was, that macroscopic injury to the anterosuperior part of the rotator cuff also includes parts of or the whole CHL. Forty fresh-frozen shoulders were dissected and examined, the morphology of the rotator cuff and the coracohumeral ligament were evaluated and existing lesions documented. 27.5% of the shoulder joints showed an anterosuperior full-thickness RCT. 57.5% of all examined shoulder girdles showed at least a partial rupture of the CHL. A highly significant correlation (p < 0.001, rho = 0.529) between the presence of rotator cuff tears and ruptures of the CHL was found. Cartilage damage within the anterosuperior section of the humeral head was observed in 20% cases. In rotator cuff degeneration and atraumatic rotator cuff tears of the elderly population, the pathomechanism of full-thickness RCT is based on repetitive anterosuperior glenoid impingement. This is especially supported by the identification of a higher frequency of CHL lesions compared to RCT reported in this study. No intact CHL was identified in shoulders with damaged rotator cuff tendons.
Production of gas diffusion layers with cotton fibers for their use in fuel cells
Authors: Navarro A. J. , Gómez M. A. , Daza L. , López-Cascales J. J.
Published: March 2022

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is one of the most important parts of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, that plays a key role transporting the current to the collector plates, distributing the reactant gases to the catalyst surface, and evacuating heat and water that is generated during the redox reactions inside the fuel cell. Speaking in terms of production cost, the GDL represents up to 45% of the total cost of the membrane electrode assembling (MEA). However, and despite its crucial role in a fuel cell, until recent years, the GDLs have not been studied with the same intensity as other MEA components, such as the catalyst or the proton exchange membrane. In this work, we present the production process, at laboratory scale, of a low cost GDL, using a non-woven paper-making process. A relevant aspect of this GDL is that up to 40% of their composition is natural cotton, despite which they present good electrical and thermal conductivity, high porosity, good pore morphology, high hydrophobicity as well as gas permeability. Furthermore, when the GDL with its optimum cotton content was tested in a single open cathode fuel cell, a good performance was obtained, which makes this GDL a promising candidate for its use in fuel cells.
The accumulation of microplastic pollution in a commercially important fishing ground
Authors: Cunningham Eoghan M. , Ehlers Sonja M. , Kiriakoulakis Konstadinos , Schuchert Pia , Jones Nia H. , Kregting Louise , Woodall Lucy C. , Dick Jaimie T. A.
Published: March 2022

The Irish Sea is an important area for Norway Lobster Nephrops norvegicus fisheries, which are the most valuable fishing resource in the UK. Norway lobster are known to ingest microplastic pollution present in the sediment and have displayed reduced body mass when exposed to microplastic pollution. Here, we identified microplastic pollution in the Irish Sea fishing grounds through analysis of 24 sediment samples from four sites of differing proximity to the Western Irish Sea Gyre in both 2016 and 2019. We used µFTIR spectroscopy to identify seven polymer types, and a total of 77 microplastics consisting of fibres and fragments. The mean microplastics per gram of sediment ranged from 0.13 to 0.49 and 0 to 1.17 MP/g in 2016 and 2019, respectively. There were no differences in the microplastic counts across years, and there was no correlation of microplastic counts with proximity to the Western Irish Sea Gyre. Considering the consistently high microplastic abundance found in the Irish Sea, and the propensity of N. norvegicus to ingest and be negatively impacted by them, we suggest microplastic pollution levels in the Irish Sea may have adverse impacts on N. norvegicus and negative implications for fishery sustainability in the future.
Polarization-sensitive optical responses from natural layered hydrated sodium sulfosalt gerstleyite
Authors: Tripathi Ravi P. N. , Yang Xiaodong , Gao Jie
Published: March 2022

Multi-element layered materials have gained substantial attention in the context of achieving the customized light-matter interactions at subwavelength scale via stoichiometric engineering, which is crucial for the realization of miniaturized polarization-sensitive optoelectronic and nanophotonic devices. Herein, naturally occurring hydrated sodium sulfosalt gerstleyite is introduced as one new multi-element van der Waals (vdW) layered material. The mechanically exfoliated thin gerstleyite flakes are demonstrated to exhibit polarization-sensitive anisotropic linear and nonlinear optical responses including angle-resolved Raman scattering, anomalous wavelength-dependent linear dichroism transition, birefringence effect, and polarization-dependent third-harmonic generation (THG). Furthermore, the third-order nonlinear susceptibility of gerstleyite crystal is estimated by the probed flake thickness-dependent THG response. We envisage that our findings in the context of polarization-sensitive light-matter interactions in the exfoliated hydrated sulfosalt layers will be a valuable addition to the vdW layered material family and will have many implications in compact waveplates, on-chip photodetectors, optical sensors and switches, integrated photonic circuits, and nonlinear signal processing applications.
Effect of various depths of pupation on adult emergence of interspecific hybrid of Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Susanto Agus , Faradilla Maura Gita , Sumekar Yayan , Yudistira Dwi Harya , Murdita Wayan , Permana Agus Dana , Djaya Luciana , Subakti Putri Syifa Nabilah
Published: March 2022

The depth of the pupation is one of the important factors in the success of fruit flies to become imago. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil depth on survival, normality dan development time of adult interspecific hybrids of Bactrocera carambolae (Drew & Hancock) and B. dorsalis (Hendel). The experiments were carried out in a laboratory consisting of seven depths of pupation treatments (4 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, and 60 cm) with four replications. Soil depth had a significant, negative effect on the survival of the emergence and development time of B. dorsalis and B. carambolae hybrids. The emergence rate was found to decrease with the increase in pupation depth. The higher survival of the emergence of the hybrid occurred at a depth of 4 cm (95% ± 1.91) and 10 cm (86% ± 2.58), while the lower survival occurred at a depth of 50 cm (12% ± 1.63) and 60 cm (5% ± 3.79). Normal imagoes were found in all soil depths except in 60 cm depth, where all imagoes had abnormal morphology. Means of development time ranged from 8.88 to 10.63 days. The depth of pupation influences the duration of pupae development. The means of development time at a depth of 4–40 cm was similar, but at a depth of 50 cm and 60 cm, a significantly longer time of development were observed. for more effective fruit fly control, this study suggests burying rotten fruit in the soil at a depth of 50 cm or more as a preventive measure for the development of fruit flies.
Overall structure of fully assembled cyanobacterial KaiABC circadian clock complex by an integrated experimental-computational approach
Authors: Yunoki Yasuhiro , Matsumoto Atsushi , Morishima Ken , Martel Anne , Porcar Lionel , Sato Nobuhiro , Yogo Rina , Tominaga Taiki , Inoue Rintaro , Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Okuda Aya , Shimizu Masahiro , Urade Reiko , Terauchi Kazuki , Kono Hidetoshi , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: March 2022

In the cyanobacterial circadian clock system, KaiA, KaiB and KaiC periodically assemble into a large complex. Here we determined the overall structure of their fully assembled complex by integrating experimental and computational approaches. Small-angle X-ray and inverse contrast matching small-angle neutron scatterings coupled with size-exclusion chromatography provided constraints to highlight the spatial arrangements of the N-terminal domains of KaiA, which were not resolved in the previous structural analyses. Computationally built 20 million structural models of the complex were screened out utilizing the constrains and then subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to examine their stabilities. The final model suggests that, despite large fluctuation of the KaiA N-terminal domains, their preferential positionings mask the hydrophobic surface of the KaiA C-terminal domains, hindering additional KaiA-KaiC interactions. Thus, our integrative approach provides a useful tool to resolve large complex structures harboring dynamically fluctuating domains.
Myoepithelial progenitors as founder cells of hyperplastic human breast lesions upon PIK3CA transformation
Authors: Goldhammer Nadine , Kim Jiyoung , Villadsen René , Rønnov-Jessen Lone , Petersen Ole William
Published: March 2022

The myoepithelial (MEP) lineage of human breast comprises bipotent and multipotent progenitors in ducts and terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs). We here assess whether this heterogeneity impacts on oncogenic PIK3CA transformation. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and multicolor imaging reveal that terminal ducts represent the most enriched source of cells with ductal MEP markers including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), keratin K14, K17 and CD200. Furthermore, we find neighboring CD200high and CD200low progenitors within terminal ducts. When sorted and kept in ground state conditions, their CD200low and CD200high phenotypes are preserved. Upon differentiation, progenitors remain multipotent and bipotent, respectively. Immortalized progenitors are transduced with mutant PIK3CA on an shp53 background. Upon transplantation, CD200low MEP progenitors distinguish from CD200high by the formation of multilayered structures with a hyperplastic inner layer of luminal epithelial cells. We suggest a model with spatially distributed MEP progenitors as founder cells of biphasic breast lesions with implications for early detection and prevention strategies.
In vivo simultaneous nonlinear absorption Raman and fluorescence (SNARF) imaging of mouse brain cortical structures
Authors: Francis Andrew T. , Manifold Bryce , Carlson Elena C. , Hu Ruoqian , Hill Andrew H. , Men Shuaiqian , Fu Dan
Published: March 2022

Label-free multiphoton microscopy is a powerful platform for biomedical imaging. Recent advancements have demonstrated the capabilities of transient absorption microscopy (TAM) for label-free quantification of hemoglobin and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy for pathological assessment of label-free virtual histochemical staining. We propose the combination of TAM and SRS with two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) to characterize, quantify, and compare hemodynamics, vessel structure, cell density, and cell identity in vivo between age groups. In this study, we construct a simultaneous nonlinear absorption, Raman, and fluorescence (SNARF) microscope with the highest reported in vivo imaging depth for SRS and TAM at 250–280 μm to enable these multimodal measurements. Using machine learning, we predict capillary-lining cell identities with 90% accuracy based on nuclear morphology and capillary relationship. The microscope and methodology outlined herein provides an exciting route to study several research topics, including neurovascular coupling, blood-brain barrier, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant exhibits comparable fitness to the D614G strain in a Syrian hamster model
Authors: Cochin Maxime , Luciani Léa , Touret Franck , Driouich Jean-Sélim , Petit Paul-Rémi , Moureau Grégory , Baronti Cécile , Laprie Caroline , Thirion Laurence , Maes Piet , Boudewijns Robbert , Neyts Johan , de Lamballerie Xavier , Nougairède Antoine
Published: March 2022

Late 2020, SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant emerged in United Kingdom and gradually replaced G614 strains initially involved in the global spread of the pandemic. In this study, we use a Syrian hamster model to compare a clinical strain of Alpha variant with an ancestral G614 strain. The Alpha variant succeed to infect animals and to induce a pathology that mimics COVID-19. However, both strains replicate to almost the same level and induced a comparable disease and immune response. A slight fitness advantage is noted for the G614 strain during competition and transmission experiments. These data do not corroborate the epidemiological situation observed during the first half of 2021 in humans nor reports that showed a more rapid replication of Alpha variant in human reconstituted bronchial epithelium. This study highlights the need to combine data from different laboratories using various animal models to decipher the biological properties of newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Self-replicating subduction zone initiation by polarity reversal
Authors: Almeida Jaime , Riel Nicolas , Rosas Filipe M. , Duarte João C. , Kaus Boris
Published: March 2022

Subduction zones have recurrently formed on Earth. Previous studies have, however, suggested that they are unlikely to start in the interior of a pristine ocean. Instead, they seem to be more likely to form from another pre-existing subduction zone. One widely cited conceptual model to start new subduction zones is polarity reversal, resulting from the shutdown of a pre-existent subduction zone due to the arrival of a buoyant block at the trench. However, the dynamic conditions by which this process occurs remain elusive. Here, we present 3D numerical models of subduction zone initiation by polarity reversal resulting from the arrival of an oceanic plateau at the trench. Our results show that this process is more likely to occur for old subducting plates and narrow plateaus, and that new subduction zones can form from previous ones in a self-replicating manner, without requiring any other external tectonic forcing.
Hydrothermal fluid flow triggered by an earthquake in Iceland
Authors: Geoffroy Laurent , Dorbath Catherine , Ágústsson Kristján , Kristjánsdóttir Sigríður , Flóvenz Ólafur G. , Doubre Cécile , Gudmundsson Ólafur , Barreyre Thibaut , Bazin Sara , Franco Aurore
Published: March 2022

Microearthquake hypocenters were analyzed in the Krýsuvík geothermal area in SW-Iceland with data taken from two consecutive passive seismic surveys, 2005 and 2009. Five years prior to the 2005 survey, this area was struck by an earthquake initiating a major top-to-bottom fluid migration in the upper crust. We observe from our surveys a complex bottom-to-top migration of seismicity with time following this fluid penetration, suggesting the migration of a pore pressure front controlled by the upper-crust fracture system. We interpret these data as the time and space development of high-temperature hydrothermal cells from a deep upper crustal fluid reservoir in the supercritical field. These results provide an insight into the coupling mechanisms between active tectonics and fluid flow in upper-crustal extensional systems with high thermal flux.
Ice viscosity is more sensitive to stress than commonly assumed
Authors: Millstein Joanna D. , Minchew Brent M. , Pegler Samuel S.
Published: March 2022

Accurate representation of the viscous flow of ice is fundamental to understanding glacier dynamics and projecting sea-level rise. Ice viscosity is often described by a simple but largely untested and uncalibrated constitutive relation, Glen’s Flow Law, wherein the rate of deformation is proportional to stress raised to the powern. The valuen = 3 is commonly prescribed in ice-flow models, though observations and experiments support a range of values across stresses and temperatures found on Earth. Here, we leverage recent remotely-sensed observations of Antarctic ice shelves to show that Glen’s Flow Law approximates the viscous flow of ice withn = 4.1 ± 0.4 in fast-flowing areas. The viscosity and flow rate of ice are therefore more sensitive to changes in stress than most ice-flow models allow. By calibrating the governing equation of ice deformation, our result is a pathway towards improving projections of future glacier change.
NetGAM: Using generalized additive models to improve the predictive power of ecological network analyses constructed using time-series data
Authors: Gleich Samantha J , Cram Jacob A , Weissman J L , Caron David A
Published: March 2022

Ecological network analyses are used to identify potential biotic interactions between microorganisms from species abundance data. These analyses are often carried out using time-series data; however, time-series networks have unique statistical challenges. Time-dependent species abundance data can lead to species co-occurrence patterns that are not a result of direct, biotic associations and may therefore result in inaccurate network predictions. Here, we describe a generalize additive model (GAM)-based data transformation that removes time-series signals from species abundance data prior to running network analyses. Validation of the transformation was carried out by generating mock, time-series datasets, with an underlying covariance structure, running network analyses on these datasets with and without our GAM transformation, and comparing the network outputs to the known covariance structure of the simulated data. The results revealed that seasonal abundance patterns substantially decreased the accuracy of the inferred networks. In addition, the GAM transformation increased the predictive power (F1 score) of inferred ecological networks on average and improved the ability of network inference methods to capture important features of network structure. This study underscores the importance of considering temporal features when carrying out network analyses and describes a simple, effective tool that can be used to improve results.
Fabrication of REVO4 films via sacrificial conversion from layered rare-earth hydroxide (LRH) films: the investigation of the transition mechanism and their photoluminescence
Authors: Zhang He , Chen Taihui , Qin Sen , Huang Junjie , Wu Xiaoli
Published: March 2022

REVO4 (RE=La-Ho, and Y) films were prepared by employing the electrodeposited RE2(OH)5NO3·nH2O films as sacrificial precursor and Na3VO4 as anion source at pH ∼ 10. Color-tunable emissions were observed via doping different ratios of Eu3+ and Dy3+.
Systematic investigation of the influence of electronic substituents on dinuclear gold(i) amidinates: synthesis, characterisation and photoluminescence studies
Authors: Krätschmer Frederic , Gui Xin , Gamer Michael T. , Klopper Wim , Roesky Peter W.
Published: March 2022

Binuclear gold(i) amidinate compounds with a variety of sidechains were synthesised. The photoluminescence properties of these compounds were investigated and analysed by quantum chemical calculations.
Probiotic strains alleviated OVA-induced food allergy in mice by regulating the gut microbiota and improving the level of indoleacrylic acid in fecal samples
Authors: Lu Wenwei , Qian Li , Fang Zhifeng , Wang Hongchao , Zhu Jinlin , Lee Yuan-kun , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: March 2022

Food allergy (FA) is a common immune disorder caused by food antigens.
Synthesis and evaluation of triazole congeners of nitro-benzothiazinones potentially active against drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis demonstrating bactericidal efficacy
Authors: Sahoo Santosh Kumar , Ahmad Mohammad Naiyaz , Kaul Grace , Nanduri Srinivas , Dasgupta Arunava , Chopra Sidharth , Yaddanapudi Venkata Madhavi
Published: March 2022

Lead compound was identified to be a selective inhibitor of Mtb H37Rv with no appreciable cytotoxicity, demonstrating quite comparable bactericidal efficacy to RIF.
Selective treatment of intracellular bacterial infections using host cell-targeted bioorthogonal nanozymes
Authors: Hardie Joseph , Makabenta Jessa Marie , Gupta Aarohi , Huang Rui , Cao-Milán Roberto , Goswami Ritabrita , Zhang Xianzhi , Abdulpurkar Parvati , Farkas Michelle E. , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: March 2022

Macrophage-targeted bioorthogonal nanozyme designed to generate antibiotics at the site of infection.  Nanozymes had targeted uptake by macrophages through mannose functionalization, then generated antibiotics to specifically kill infectious bacteria.
Nano-dimensional spheres and worms as fillers in polymer nanocomposites: effect of filler morphology
Authors: Ishizuka Fumi , Kim Hyun Jin , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Yao Yin , Chatani Shunsuke , Niino Hiroshi , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: March 2022

Poly(methyl methacrylate) based polymeric nanofillers are prepared via polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA). Nanofillers with worm-morphology result in more significant improvement in mechanical properties than spherical nanofillers.
Rationally integrated nickel sulfides for lithium storage: S/N co-doped carbon encapsulated NiS/Cu2S with greatly enhanced kinetic property and structural stability
Authors: Peng Weiliang , Zhang Junhao , Li Shaobo , Liang Jinxia , Hu Renzong , Yuan Bin , Chen Guojie
Published: March 2022

On the basis of carbon coating, a NiS anode was constructed by introducing additional Cu2S, showing impressive cycling stability.
Catalytic graphitization assisted synthesis of Fe3C/Fe/graphitic carbon with advanced pseudocapacitance
Authors: Guo Aoping , Zhang Xiaobao , Shao Baiyi , Sang Song , Yang Xiaojing
Published: March 2022

We report an environmentally friendly strategy for the synthesis of Fe3C/Fe/graphitic carbon based on hydrothermal carbonization and graphitization of carbon spheres with potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) at 800 °C.
Effect of BaTiO3 powder as an additive in perovskite films on solar cells
Authors: Zhang Chuanxiang , Li Xiqiang , Ding Lingling , Jin Chen , Tao Haijun
Published: March 2022

During polarization treatment, the residual polarization electric field generated by BaTiO3 increased Ebi of the cells and width of the depletion layer, promoted extraction and separation of carriers, and improved photoelectric performance of PSCs.
Recent advancement of biomass-derived porous carbon based materials for energy and environmental remediation applications
Authors: Chakraborty Rishika , K Vilya , Pradhan Mukul , Nayak Arpan Kumar
Published: March 2022

The review summarizes the most recent advances, challenges and future perspectives in biomass/waste-derived nanoporous carbon materials for energy and environmental remediation applications.
Correction: Iridium-mediated C–S bond activation and transformation: organoiridium(iii) thioether, thiolato, sulfinato and thiyl radical compounds. Synthesis, mechanistic, spectral, electrochemical and theoretical aspects
Authors: Das Ujjwal , Ghorui Tapas , Adhikari Basab , Roy Sima , Pramanik Shuvam , Pramanik Kausikisankar
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Iridium-mediated C–S bond activation and transformation: organoiridium(iii) thioether, thiolato, sulfinato and thiyl radical compounds. Synthesis, mechanistic, spectral, electrochemical and theoretical aspects’ by Ujjwal Das et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 8625–8639, DOI: 10.1039/C5DT00448A.
A self-healing, recyclable and conductive gelatin/nanofibrillated cellulose/Fe3+hydrogel based on multi-dynamic interactions for a multifunctional strain sensor
Authors: Fu Haocheng , Wang Bin , Li Jinpeng , Xu Jun , Li Jun , Zeng Jinsong , Gao Wenhua , Chen Kefu
Published: March 2022

By introducing molecular-level multi-dynamic interactions (MMDIs) to double network (DN) structures, the preparation of multifunctional strain sensors with synergistic properties was achieved.
Absolute film separation of dyes/salts and emulsions with a superhigh water permeance through graded nanofluidic channels
Authors: Zhang Tianmeng , Guo Ruyong , Ying Guobing , Lu Zhiyong , Peng Chao , Shen Mingxia , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: March 2022

Nanofluidic channels constructed by synapse-like PDA on PSM ensure high water permeance and dye rejection in composite films. Different pore gradients in the substrate and functional layers facilitate efficient dye/salt separation.
Memristors based on carbon dots for learning activities in artificial biosynapse applications
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Pei Yifei , Zhao Ying , Song Haoqiang , Zhao Jianhui , Yan Lei , He Hui , Lu Siyu , Yan Xiaobing
Published: March 2022

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) were doped into the memristor to prepare Ag/HfO2/CDs/Pt devices, which improved the uniformity of device parameters and accomplished simulations of supervised learning, interest-based learning activities and preview and review learning method.
Metal-free regioselective cascade sulfonylation–cyclization of 3-aza-1,5-enynes with sulfur dioxide and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates to construct 1,2-dihydropyridines
Authors: Ding Ran , Deng Yu-Hang , Luo Shan , Tang Xue-Feng , Liu Lei , Wang Pei-Long
Published: March 2022

Radical cascade cyclization of tethered alkynes has emerged as an efficient tool to construct small but complex cyclic compounds.
Structural, elastic and optoelectronic properties of inorganic cubic FrBX3 (B = Ge, Sn; X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite: the density functional theory approach
Authors: Hasan Nazmul , Arifuzzaman Md , Kabir Alamgir
Published: March 2022

Inorganic metal-halide cubic perovskite semiconductors have become more popular in industrial applications of photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
Distribution probability‐based self‐adaption metric learning for person re‐identification
Authors: Ren Yutao , Huang Zhangcan
Published: March 2022

Person re‐identification addresses the problem of pedestrian image matching in a non‐overlapped surveillance network. Traditional metric learning methods try to learn a fixed pedestrian images matching metric model. However, existing metric learning‐based methods have the problem of overfitting the training data. In order to solve this problem, a sample‐specific metric learning‐based method is proposed. In the perspective of probability distribution, the over‐fitting problem is attributed to the problem that the generalisation ability of projection features is weak. Firstly, the proposed method learns a metric subspace, which projects the raw feature to a discriminative subspace. Then, a projection feature selection method is established based on the probability distribution of positive image pairs. According to the proposed method, the probability that the test samples following the training data distribution is closely related to the adaptability. The proposed projection feature selection method selects different projection features for each individual's similarity distance measure. Finally, extensive experiments on four published datasets verify the effectiveness of the proposed metric learning method. It performs favourably against the comparison methods, especially on the rank‐1 rate.
Detection of period-spacing patterns due to the gravity modes of rotating dwarfs in the TESS southern continuous viewing zone
Authors: Garcia S. , Van Reeth T. , De Ridder J. , Tkachenko A. , IJspeert L. , Aerts C.
Published: March 2022

Context.The theory of stellar evolution presents shortcomings when confronted with asteroseismic probes of interior physical properties. The differences between observations and theory are often great because stellar models have mainly been calibrated from observables connected to the surface of stars. Period-spacing patterns caused by gravity modes are a particularly powerful asteroseismic tool that are useful for probing the near-core rotation and mixing of chemical elements in main-sequence stars with convective cores.

Aims.We aim to compose a catalog of intermediate-mass stars in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) southern continuous viewing zone (CVZ) to reveal period-spacing patterns caused by gravity modes for use in future asteroseismic modeling.

Methods.TESS full frame images (FFI) were inspected to select stars of intermediate- and high-mass using color-magnitude criteria. Light curves were extracted from custom masks per star, adopting stringent constraints on the aperture masks and contamination. The extracted light curves were subject to iterative prewhitening to detect gravity modes. We developed a method relying on the assumption that period spacings are an approximately linear function of the mode periods to build a template pattern. This template was used to extract the patterns and their uncertainties, relying on a bootstrap approach.

Results.Our TESS catalog of high-quality period-spacing patterns is the first of its kind and contains 140 gravity-mode patterns in 106 γ Dor stars and two slowly pulsating B-type (SPB) stars. Half of these patterns contain seven or more measured mode periods and the longest pattern contains 20 modes. We provide the community with a convenient software tool to search for period-spacing patterns and to process the extracted light curves.

Conclusions.Our catalog offers a fruitful starting point for future gravity-mode asteroseismology of rotating dwarfs with convective cores in the southern hemisphere.
CHEMOUT: CHEMical complexity in star-forming regions of the OUTer Galaxy
Authors: Fontani F. , Colzi L. , Bizzocchi L. , Rivilla V. M. , Elia D. , Beltrán M. T. , Caselli P. , Magrini L. , Sánchez-Monge A. , Testi L. , Romano D.
Published: March 2022

Context. The outer Galaxy is an environment with metallicity lower than the Solar one. Because of this, the formation and survival of molecules in star-forming regions located in the inner and outer Galaxy is expected to be different.

Aims. To gain an understanding on how chemistry changes throughout the Milky Way, it is crucial to observe outer Galaxy star-forming regions to constrain models adapted for lower metallicity environments.

Methods. In this paper, we present a new observational project: chemical complexity in star-forming regions of the outer Galaxy (CHEMOUT). The goal is to unveil the chemical composition in 35 dense molecular clouds associated with star-forming regions of the outer Galaxy through observations obtained with the Institut de RadioAstronomie Millimétrique 30 m telescope in specific 3 mm and 2 mm spectral windows.

Results. In this first paper, we present the sample, and report the detection at 3 mm of simple organic species HCO+, H13CO+, HCN, c-C3H2, HCO, C4H, and HCS+, of the complex hydrocarbon CH3CCH, and of SiO, CCS, and SO. From the optically thin line JKa ,Kb = 21,2 − 10,1 of c-C3 H2 we estimate new kinematic heliocentric and Galactocentric distances based on an updated rotation curve of the Galaxy. The detection of the molecular tracers does not seem to have a clear dependence on the Galactocentric distance. Moreover, with the purpose of investigating the occurrence of outflows and investigate the association with protostellar activity, we analyse the HCO+ line profiles. We find high velocity wings in ~71% of the targets, and their occurrence does not depend on the Galactocentric distance.

Conclusions. Our results, confirmed by a statistical analysis, show that the presence of organic molecules and tracers of protostellar activity is ubiquitous in the low metallicity environment of the outer Galaxy. Based on this and on the additional evidence that small, terrestrial planets are omnipresent in the Galaxy, we support previous claims that the definition of the Galactic habitable zone should be subject to further discussion in view of the ubiquitous capacity of the interstellar medium to form organic molecules.
Nanoflare distributions over solar cycle 24 based on SDO/AIA differential emission measure observations
Authors: Purkhart Stefan , Veronig Astrid M.
Published: March 2022

Aims. Nanoflares in quiet-Sun regions during solar cycle 24 are studied with the best available plasma diagnostics to derive their energy distribution and contribution to coronal heating during different levels of solar activity.

Methods. Extreme ultraviolet filters of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) were used. We analyzed 30 AIA/SDO image series between 2011 and 2018, each covering a 400″ × 400″ quiet-Sun field-of-view of over two hours with a 12-s cadence. Differential emission measure (DEM) analysis was used to derive the emission measure (EM) and temperature evolution for each pixel. We detected nanoflares as EM enhancements using a threshold-based algorithm and derived their thermal energy from the DEM observations.

Results. Nanoflare energy distributions follow power laws that show slight variations in steepness (α = 2.02–2.47), but no correlation to the solar activity level. The combined nanoflare distribution of all data sets covers five orders of magnitude in event energies (1024 − 1029 erg) with a power-law index α = 2.28 ± 0.03. The derived mean energy flux of (3.7 ± 1.6)×104 erg cm−2 s−1 is one order of magnitude smaller than the coronal heating requirement. We found no correlation between the derived energy flux and solar activity. Analysis of the spatial distribution reveals clusters of high energy flux (up to 3 × 105 erg cm−2 s−1) surrounded by extended regions with lower activity. Comparisons with magnetograms from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager demonstrate that high-activity clusters are preferentially located in the magnetic network and above regions of enhanced magnetic flux density.

Conclusions. The steep power-law slope (α > 2) suggests that the total energy in the flare energy distribution is dominated by the smallest events, that is to say nanoflares. We demonstrate that in the quiet-Sun, the nanoflare distributions and their contribution to coronal heating does not vary over the solar cycle.
Nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials produced by continuous ultra-rapid annealing (CURA)
Authors: Parsons R. , Suzuki K.
Published: March 2022

Ultra-Rapid Annealing (URA) is an effective means of producing Fe-rich nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with desirable soft magnetic properties. However, compared to existing annealing techniques, URA presents many unique processing challenges that have so far limited its scalability. In this study, a novel Continuous Ultra-Rapid Annealing (CURA) technique is introduced. This technique is based on a reel-to-reel process and is considered suitable for industrial-scale production. The effectiveness of CURA is evaluated by comparing the microstructural and magnetic properties of a heating-rate-sensitive nanocrystalline (Fe0.8Co0.2)86B14 alloy produced by URA and CURA. It is seen that both techniques produce comparable soft magnetic properties and that the continuous annealing process is stable after a short settling time. A proof-of-concept electric motor containing a CURA prepared nanocrystalline stator core is also demonstrated and compared to an equivalent motor with a Fe-Si steel stator core. It is shown that the CURA production process can be used to produce magnetically soft nanocrystalline materials with complex geometries and that they can deliver increased performance in existing commercial applications.