bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific, sensitive and quantitative protein detection by in-gel fluorescence
Authors: Fuchs Adrian C. D.
Published: May 2023

Recombinant proteins in complex solutions are typically detected with tag-specific antibodies in Western blots. Here we describe an antibody-free alternative in which tagged proteins are detected directly in polyacrylamide gels. For this, the highly specific protein ligase Connectase is used to selectively fuse fluorophores to target proteins carrying a recognition sequence, the CnTag. Compared to Western blots, this procedure is faster, more sensitive, offers a better signal-to-noise ratio, requires no optimization for different samples, allows more reproducible and accurate quantifications, and uses freely available reagents. With these advantages, this method represents a promising alternative to the state of the art and may facilitate studies on recombinant proteins.
Giant electrically tunable magnon transport anisotropy in a van der Waals antiferromagnetic insulator
Authors: Qi Shaomian , Chen Di , Chen Kangyao , Liu Jianqiao , Chen Guangyi , Luo Bingcheng , Cui Hang , Jia Linhao , Li Jiankun , Huang Miaoling , Song Yuanjun , Han Shiyi , Tong Lianming , Yu Peng , Liu Yi , Wu Hongyu , Wu Shiwei , Xiao Jiang , Shindou Ryuichi , Xie X. C. , Chen Jian-Hao
Published: May 2023

Anisotropy is a manifestation of lowered symmetry in material systems that have profound fundamental and technological implications. For van der Waals magnets, the two-dimensional (2D) nature greatly enhances the effect of in-plane anisotropy. However, electrical manipulation of such anisotropy as well as demonstration of possible applications remains elusive. In particular, in-situ electrical modulation of anisotropy in spin transport, vital for spintronics applications, has yet to be achieved. Here, we realized giant electrically tunable anisotropy in the transport of second harmonic thermal magnons (SHM) in van der Waals anti-ferromagnetic insulator CrPS4 with the application of modest gate current. Theoretical modeling found that 2D anisotropic spin Seebeck effect is the key to the electrical tunability. Making use of such large and tunable anisotropy, we demonstrated multi-bit read-only memories (ROMs) where information is inscribed by the anisotropy of magnon transport in CrPS4. Our result unveils the potential of anisotropic van der Waals magnons for information storage and processing.
Construction of Zn-doped RuO2 nanowires for efficient and stable water oxidation in acidic media
Authors: Zhang Dafeng , Li Mengnan , Yong Xue , Song Haoqiang , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Yi Yunfei , Xue Bingjie , Zhang Dongliang , Liu Baozhong , Lu Siyu
Published: May 2023

Oxygen evolution reaction catalysts capable of working efficiently in acidic media are highly demanded for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Herein, we report a Zn-doped RuO2nanowire array electrocatalyst with outstanding catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction under acidic conditions. Overpotentials as low as 173, 304, and 373 mV are achieved at 10, 500, and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, with robust stability reaching to 1000 h at 10 mA cm−2. Experimental and theoretical investigations establish a clear synergistic effect of Zn dopants and oxygen vacancies on regulating the binding configurations of oxygenated adsorbates on the active centers, which then enables an alternative Ru−Zn dual-site oxide path of the reaction. Due to the change of reaction pathways, the energy barrier of rate-determining step is reduced, and the over-oxidation of Ru active sites is alleviated. As a result, the catalytic activity and stability are significantly enhanced.
Photocatalyzed regioselective hydrosilylation for the divergent synthesis of geminal and vicinal borosilanes
Authors: Kong Degong , Zhang Muliang , Zhang Yuchao , Yu Zhenyang , Cao Hui , Wu Jie
Published: May 2023

Geminal and vicinal borosilanes are useful building blocks in synthetic chemistry and material science. Hydrosilylation/hydroborylation of unsaturated systems offer expedient access to these motifs. In contrast to the well-established transition-metal-catalyzed methods, radical approaches are rarely explored. Herein we report the synthesis of geminal borosilanes from α-selective hydrosilylation of alkenyl boronates via photoinduced hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysis. Mechanistic studies implicate that the α-selectivity originates from a kinetically favored radical addition and an energetically favored HAT process. We further demonstrate selective synthesis of vicinal borosilanes through hydrosilylation of allyl boronates via 1,2-boron radical migration. These strategies exhibit broad scopes across primary, secondary, and tertiary silanes and various boron compounds. The synthetic utility is evidenced by access to multi-borosilanes in a diverse fashion and scaling up by continuous-flow synthesis.
Fueling sentinel node via reshaping cytotoxic T lymphocytes with a flex-patch for post-operative immuno-adjuvant therapy
Authors: Li Bei , Wang Guohao , Miao Kai , Zhang Aiping , Sun Liangyu , Yu Xinwang , Lei Josh Haipeng , Xie Lisi , Yan Jie , Li Wenxi , Deng Chu-Xia , Dai Yunlu
Published: May 2023

Clinical updates suggest conserving metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of breast cancer (BC) patients during surgery; however, the immunoadjuvant potential of this strategy is unknown. Here we leverage an immune-fueling flex-patch to animate metastatic SLNs with personalized antitumor immunity. The flex-patch is implanted on the postoperative wound and spatiotemporally releases immunotherapeutic anti-PD-1 antibodies (aPD-1) and adjuvants (magnesium iron-layered double hydroxide, LDH) into the SLN. Genes associated with citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation are enriched in activated CD8+ T cells (CTLs) from metastatic SLNs. Delivered aPD-1 and LDH confer CTLs with upregulated glycolytic activity, promoting CTL activation and cytotoxic killing via metal cation-mediated shaping. Ultimately, CTLs in patch-driven metastatic SLNs could long-termly maintain tumor antigen-specific memory, protecting against high-incidence BC recurrence in female mice. This study indicates a clinical value of metastatic SLN in immunoadjuvant therapy.
Electromagnetic levitation containerless processing of metallic materials in microgravity: thermophysical properties
Authors: Mohr M. , Dong Y. , Bracker G. P. , Hyers R. W. , Matson D. M. , Zboray R. , Frison R. , Dommann A. , Neels A. , Xiao X. , Brillo J. , Busch R. , Novakovic R. , Srirangam P. , Fecht H.-J.
Published: May 2023

Transitions from the liquid to the solid state of matter are omnipresent. They form a crucial step in the industrial solidification of metallic alloy melts and are greatly influenced by the thermophysical properties of the melt. Knowledge of the thermophysical properties of liquid metallic alloys is necessary in order to gain a tight control over the solidification pathway, and over the obtained material structure of the solid. Measurements of thermophysical properties on ground are often difficult, or even impossible, since liquids are strongly influenced by earth’s gravity. Another problem is the reactivity of melts with container materials, especially at high temperature. Finally, deep undercooling, necessary to understand nucleus formation and equilibrium as well as non-equilibrium solidification, can only be achieved in a containerless environment. Containerless experiments in microgravity allow precise benchmark measurements of thermophysical properties. The electromagnetic levitator ISS-EML on the International Space Station (ISS) offers perfect conditions for such experiments. This way, data for process simulations is obtained, and a deeper understanding of nucleation, crystal growth, microstructural evolution, and other details of the transformation from liquid to solid can be gained. Here, we address the scientific questions in detail, show highlights of recent achievements, and give an outlook on future work.
Nono deficiency impedes the proliferation and adhesion of H9c2 cardiomyocytes through Pi3k/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Lei Yu-Qing , Ye Zhou-Jie , Wei Ya-Lan , Zhu Li-Ping , Zhuang Xu-Dong , Wang Xin-Rui , Cao Hua
Published: May 2023

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect and the main noninfectious cause of death during the neonatal stage. The non-POU domain containing, octamer-binding gene, NONO, performs a variety of roles involved in DNA repair, RNA synthesis, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Currently, hemizygous loss-of-function mutation of NONO have been described as the genetic origin of CHD. However, essential effects of NONO during cardiac development have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to understand role of Nono in cardiomyocytes during development by utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to deplete Nono in the rat cardiomyocytes H9c2. Functional comparison of H9c2 control and knockout cells showed that Nono deficiency suppressed cell proliferation and adhesion. Furthermore, Nono depletion significantly affected the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis, resulting in H9c2 overall metabolic deficits. Mechanistically we demonstrated that the Nono knockout impeded the cardiomyocyte function by attenuating phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase-serine/threonine kinase (Pi3k/Akt) signaling via the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing in combination with RNA sequencing. From these results we propose a novel molecular mechanism of Nono to influence cardiomyocytes differentiation and proliferation during the development of embryonic heart. We conclude that NONO may represent an emerging possible biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of human cardiac development defects.
Origins of pressure dependent permeability in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs
Authors: Valenza John J. , Kortunov Pavel , Alzobaidi Shehab , Horn William , Crawford Brian
Published: May 2023

Unconventional hydrocarbon assets represent a rapidly expanding proportion of North American oil and gas production. Similar to the incipient phase of conventional oil production at the turn of the twentieth century, there are ample opportunities to improve production efficiency. In this work we demonstrate that pressure dependent permeability degradation exhibited by unconventional reservoir materials is due to the mechanical response of a few commonly encountered microstructural constituents. In particular, the mechanical response of unconventional reservoir materials may be conceptualized as the superposed deformation of matrix (or ~ cylindrical/spherical), and compliant (or slit) pores. The former are representative of pores in a granular medium or a cemented sandstone, while the latter represent pores in an aligned clay compact or a microcrack. As a result of this simplicity, we demonstrate that permeability degradation is accounted for through a weighted superposition of conventional permeability models for these pore architectures. This approach permits us to conclude that the most severe pressure dependence is due to imperceptible bedding parallel delamination cracks in the oil bearing argillaceous (clay-rich) mudstones. Finally, we demonstrate that these delaminations tend to populate layers that are enriched with organic carbon. These findings are a basis for improving recovery factors through the development of new completion techniques to exploit, then mitigate pressure dependent permeability in practice.
Non-invasive imaging of interstitial fluid transport parameters in solid tumors in vivo
Authors: Majumder Sharmin , Islam Md Tauhidul , Righetti Raffaella
Published: May 2023

In this paper, new and non-invasive imaging methods to assess interstitial fluid transport parameters in tumors in vivo are developed, analyzed and experimentally validated. These parameters include extracellular volume fraction (EVF), interstitial fluid volume fraction (IFVF) and interstitial hydraulic conductivity (IHC), and they are known to have a critical role in cancer progression and drug delivery effectiveness. EVF is defined as the volume of extracellular matrix per unit volume of the tumor, while IFVF refers to the volume of interstitial fluid per unit bulk volume of the tumor. There are currently no established imaging methods to assess interstitial fluid transport parameters in cancers in vivo. We develop and test new theoretical models and imaging techniques to assess fluid transport parameters in cancers using non-invasive ultrasound methods. EVF is estimated via the composite/mixture theory with the tumor being modeled as a biphasic (cellular phase and extracellular phase) composite material. IFVF is estimated by modeling the tumor as a biphasic poroelastic material with fully saturated solid phase. Finally, IHC is estimated from IFVF using the well-known Kozeny–Carman method inspired by soil mechanics theory. The proposed methods are tested using both controlled experiments and in vivo experiments on cancers. The controlled experiments were performed on tissue mimic polyacrylamide samples and validated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo applicability of the proposed methods was demonstrated using a breast cancer model implanted in mice. Based on the controlled experimental validation, the proposed methods can estimate interstitial fluid transport parameters with an error below 10% with respect to benchmark SEM data. In vivo results demonstrate that EVF, IFVF and IHC increase in untreated tumors whereas these parameters are observed to decrease over time in treated tumors. The proposed non-invasive imaging methods may provide new and cost-effective diagnostic and prognostic tools to assess clinically relevant fluid transport parameters in cancers in vivo.
Ordinary citizens are more severe towards verbal than nonverbal hate-motivated incidents with identical consequences
Authors: Zapata Jimena , Deroy Ophelia
Published: May 2023

Do we judge hate incidents similarly when they are performed using words or bodily actions? Hate speech incidents are rarely reported by bystanders, and whether or how much they should be punished remains a matter of legal, theoretical and social disagreement. In a pre-registered study (N = 1309), participants read about verbal and nonverbal attacks stemming from identical hateful intent, which created the same consequences for the victims. We asked them how much punishment the perpetrator should receive, how likely they would be to denounce such an incident and how much harm they judged the victim suffered. The results contradicted our pre-registered hypotheses and the predictions of dual moral theories, which hold that intention and harmful consequences are the sole psychological determinants of punishment. Instead, participants consistently rated verbal hate attacks as more deserving of punishment, denunciation and being more harmful to the victim than nonverbal attacks. This difference is explained by the concept of action aversion, suggesting that lay observers have different intrinsic associations with interactions involving words compared to bodily actions, regardless of consequences. This explanation has implications for social psychology, moral theories, and legislative efforts to sanction hate speech, which are considered.

Protocol registration

The Stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 29/06/2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z86TV.
Evaluation of the yield, chemical composition and biological properties of essential oil from bioreactor-grown cultures of Salvia apiana microshoots
Authors: Krol Agata , Kokotkiewicz Adam , Gorniak Marcin , Naczk Aleksandra M. , Zabiegala Bozena , Gebalski Jakub , Graczyk Filip , Zaluski Daniel , Bucinski Adam , Luczkiewicz Maria
Published: May 2023

Microshoot cultures of the North American endemic Salvia apiana were established for the first time and evaluated for essential oil production. Stationary cultures, grown on Schenk-Hildebrandt (SH) medium, supplemented with 0.22 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 3.0% (w/v) sucrose, accumulated 1.27% (v/m dry weight) essential oil, consisting mostly of 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, α-pinene, β-myrcene and camphor. The microshoots were adapted to agitated culture, showing biomass yields up to ca. 19 g/L. Scale-up studies demonstrated that S. spiana microshoots grow well in temporary immersion systems (TIS). In the RITA bioreactor, up to 19.27 g/L dry biomass was obtained, containing 1.1% oil with up to ca. 42% cineole content. The other systems employed, i.e. Plantform (TIS) and a custom made spray bioreactor (SGB), yielded ca. 18 and 19 g/L dry weight, respectively. The essential oil content of Plantform and SGB-grown microshoots was comparable to RITA bioreactor, however, the content of cineole was substantially higher (ca. 55%). Oil samples isolated from in vitro material proved to be active in acetylcholinesterase (up to 60.0% inhibition recorded for Plantform-grown microshoots), as well as hyaluronidase and tyrosinase-inhibitory assays (up to 45.8 and 64.5% inhibition observed in the case of the SGB culture).
Enabling personalized perioperative risk prediction by using a machine-learning model based on preoperative data
Authors: Graeßner Martin , Jungwirth Bettina , Frank Elke , Schaller Stefan Josef , Kochs Eberhard , Ulm Kurt , Blobner Manfred , Ulm Bernhard , Podtschaske Armin Horst , Kagerbauer Simone Maria
Published: May 2023

Preoperative risk assessment is essential for shared decision-making and adequate perioperative care. Common scores provide limited predictive quality and lack personalized information. The aim of this study was to create an interpretable machine-learning-based model to assess the patient’s individual risk of postoperative mortality based on preoperative data to allow analysis of personal risk factors. After ethical approval, a model for prediction of postoperative in-hospital mortality based on preoperative data of 66,846 patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery between June 2014 and March 2020 was created with extreme gradient boosting. Model performance and the most relevant parameters were shown using receiver operating characteristic (ROC−) and precision-recall (PR-) curves and importance plots. Individual risks of index patients were presented in waterfall diagrams. The model included 201 features and showed good predictive abilities with an area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.95 and an area under precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.109. The feature with the highest information gain was the preoperative order for red packed cell concentrates followed by age and c-reactive protein. Individual risk factors could be identified on patient level. We created a highly accurate and interpretable machine learning model to preoperatively predict the risk of postoperative in-hospital mortality. The algorithm can be used to identify factors susceptible to preoperative optimization measures and to identify risk factors influencing individual patient risk.
Reinforcement learning for patient-specific optimal stenting of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Hachem E. , Meliga P. , Goetz A. , Rico P. Jeken , Viquerat J. , Larcher A. , Valette R. , Sanches A. F. , Lannelongue V. , Ghraieb H. , Nemer R. , Ozpeynirci Y. , Liebig T.
Published: May 2023

Developing new capabilities to predict the risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture and to improve treatment outcomes in the follow-up of endovascular repair is of tremendous medical and societal interest, both to support decision-making and assessment of treatment options by medical doctors, and to improve the life quality and expectancy of patients. This study aims at identifying and characterizing novel flow-deviator stent devices through a high-fidelity computational framework that combines state-of-the-art numerical methods to accurately describe the mechanical exchanges between the blood flow, the aneurysm, and the flow-deviator and deep reinforcement learning algorithms to identify a new stent concepts enabling patient-specific treatment via accurate adjustment of the functional parameters in the implanted state.
Bordetella bronchiseptica diguanylate cyclase BdcB inhibits the type three secretion system and impacts the immune response
Authors: Belhart Keila , Sisti Federico , Gestal Mónica C. , Fernández Julieta
Published: May 2023

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative bacterium that causes respiratory diseases in different animals, including mice, making B. bronchiseptica the gold-standard model to investigate host–pathogen interaction at the molecular level. B. bronchiseptica utilizes many different mechanisms to precisely regulate the expression of virulence factors. Cyclic di-GMP is a second messenger synthesized by diguanylate cyclases and degraded by phosphodiesterases that regulates the expression of multiple virulence factors including biofilm formation. As in other bacteria, we have previously shown that c-di-GMP regulates motility and biofilm formation in B. bronchiseptica. This work describes the diguanylate cyclase BdcB (Bordetelladiguanylate cyclase B) as an active diguanylate cyclase that promotes biofilm formation and inhibits motility in B. bronchiseptica. The absence of BdcB increased macrophage cytotoxicity in vitro and induced a greater production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by macrophages. Our study reveals that BdcB regulates the expression of components of T3SS, an important virulence factor of B. bronchiseptica. The Bb∆bdcB mutant presented increased expression of T3SS-mediated toxins such as bteA, responsible for cytotoxicity. Our in vivo results revealed that albeit the absence of bdcB did not affect the ability of B. bronchiseptica to infect and colonize the respiratory tract of mice, mice infected with Bb∆bdcB presented a significantly﻿ higher pro-inflammatory response than those infected with wild type B. bronchiseptica.
Learning curve of i-gel insertion in novices using a cumulative sum analysis
Authors: Nakanishi Toshiyuki , Sakamoto Seishi , Yoshimura Manabu , Fujiwara Koichi , Toriumi Takashi
Published: May 2023

The i-gel, a popular second-generation supraglottic airway device, has been used in a variety of airway management situations, including as an alternative to tracheal intubation for general anesthesia, rescue in difficult airway settings, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation. We aimed to investigate the number of experiences needed to achieve a rapid, highly successful first attempt i-gel insertion in novices with a cumulative sum analysis. We also looked at how learning affected success rates, insertion time, and bleeding and reflex (limb movement, frowning face, or coughing) incidences. This prospective observational study included 15 novice residents from March 2017 to February 2018 in a tertiary teaching hospital. Finally, 13 residents with 35 [30–42] (median [interquartile range]) cases of i-gel insertion were analyzed. The cumulative sum analysis showed that 11 of 13 participants had an acceptable failure rate after 15 [8–20] cases. With increasing experience, success rate (P = 0.004), insertion time (P < 0.001), and incidence of bleeding (P = 0.006) all improved. However, the incidence of reflex did not change (P = 0.43). Based on our results, we suggest that 20 cases are preferable for novices to develop skills in using the i-gel in airway management.
STAGEs: A web-based tool that integrates data visualization and pathway enrichment analysis for gene expression studies
Authors: Koh Clara W. T. , Ooi Justin S. G. , Ong Eugenia Ziying , Chan Kuan Rong
Published: May 2023

Gene expression profiling has helped tremendously in the understanding of biological processes and diseases. However, interpreting processed data to gain insights into biological mechanisms remain challenging, especially to the non-bioinformaticians, as many of these data visualization and pathway analysis tools require extensive data formatting. To circumvent these challenges, we developed STAGEs (Static and Temporal Analysis of Gene Expression studies) that provides an interactive visualisation of omics analysis outputs. Users can directly upload data created from Excel spreadsheets and use STAGEs to render volcano plots, differentially expressed genes stacked bar charts, pathway enrichment analysis by Enrichr and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) against established pathway databases or customized gene sets, clustergrams and correlation matrices. Moreover, STAGEs takes care of Excel gene to date misconversions, ensuring that every gene is considered for pathway analysis. Output data tables and graphs can be exported, and users can easily customize individual graphs using widgets such as sliders, drop-down menus, text boxes and radio buttons. Collectively, STAGEs is an integrative platform for data analysis, data visualisation and pathway analysis, and is freely available at https://kuanrongchan-stages-stages-vpgh46.streamlitapp.com/. In addition, developers can customise or modify the web tool locally based on our existing codes, which is publicly available at https://github.com/kuanrongchan/STAGES.
Giant and highly anisotropic magnetocaloric effects in single crystals of disordered-perovskite RCr0.5Fe0.5O3 (R = Gd, Er)
Authors: Shin Hyun Jun , Kim Jin Seok , Jeong Ki Won , Kim Jong Hyuk , Lee Nara , Choi Young Jai
Published: May 2023

Magnetic anisotropy is crucial in examining suitable materials for magnetic functionalities because it affects their magnetic characteristics. In this study, disordered-perovskite RCr0.5Fe0.5O3 (R = Gd, Er) single crystals were synthesized and the influence of magnetic anisotropy and additional ordering of rare-earth moments on cryogenic magnetocaloric properties was investigated. Both GdCr0.5Fe0.5O3 (GCFO) and ErCr0.5Fe0.5O3 (ECFO) crystallize in an orthorhombic Pbnm structure with randomly distributed Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions. In GCFO, the long-range order of Gd3+ moments emerges at a temperature of TGd (the ordering temperature of Gd3+ moments) = 12 K. The relatively isotropic nature of large Gd3+ moment originating from zero orbital angular momentum exhibits giant and virtually isotropic magnetocaloric effect (MCE), with a maximum magnetic entropy change of $$\Delta {S}_{M}$$

Δ

S
M

≈ 50.0 J/kg·K. In ECFO, the highly anisotropic magnetizations result in a large rotating MCE characterized by a rotating magnetic entropy change $$\Delta {S}_{\theta }$$

Δ

S
θ

= 20.8 J/kg·K. These results indicate that a detailed understanding of magnetically anisotropic characteristics is the key for exploring improved functional properties in disordered perovskite oxides.
The public’s preferred level of involvement in local policy-making
Authors: Haesevoets Tessa , Roets Arne , Van Severen Ruben , Dierckx Kim , Verschuere Bram
Published: May 2023

We investigated what people consider the optimal level of citizen involvement in local policy decision-making. This is an important question to answer, given that civil servants and politicians are increasingly confronted with the pressure to add a participatory layer to representative democratic policy-making. Across five empirical studies (total N = 1470), we consistently found that, overall, the most preferred decision-making model is a balanced model in which citizens and the government are equally involved. Despite this preferred ‘overall’ pattern of equal involvement, we identified three subgroups within the citizenry with different preference curves: Some citizens prefer a model in which citizens and the government are truly equal partners, whereas others prefer a model in which either the government or citizens are relatively more involved in the policy decision-making process. The main contribution of our work is thus that we identified a perceived ‘overall’ optimal level of citizen engagement, and variations to that optimum depending on citizens’ individual traits. This information might be helpful to policy-makers in developing effective citizen participation processes.
Impact of nanoparticles on vegetable oil as a cutting fluid with fractional ramped analysis
Authors: Hasin Faiza , Ahmad Zubair , Ali Farhad , Khan Naveed , Khan Ilyas , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: May 2023

Better electrical insulation and thermal properties of vegetable oil with nanoparticles are crucial for its uses as a replacement for conventional previous lubricants used in heavy and light industries for cutting and machining. In this study, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a Brinkman-type nanofluid is used to investigate an infinite vertical plate with chemical reaction, heat radiation, and MHD flow. In order to improve the machining and cutting powers of regular vegetable oil, four distinct types of nanoparticles were selected to be the base fluid. The problem is modeled by coupled system partial differential equations (PDEs), and the results are generalized by the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional differential operator for the exponential non-singular kernel. In order to prepare nanofluids, four different types of nanoparticles, namely graphene oxide (GO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are suspended separately in vegetable oil. The results of skin friction, the Nusselt number, and the Sherwood number are computed in various tables. It is found that GO nanoparticles, (followed by MoS2, TiO2, and Al2O3) are the materials that can heat transfer at the maximum rate. The heat transfer rate for GO is found to be the greatest with an enhancement up to 19.83% when 4% of nanoparticles are dispersed, followed by molybdenum disulfide at 16.96%, titanium dioxide at 16.25%, and alumina at 15.80%.
A probabilistic approach to lifetime design of offshore platforms
Authors: Hajinezhadian Mehdi , Behnam Behrouz
Published: May 2023

Offshore platforms are considered critical infrastructure as any disruption in their lifetime service can rapidly result in a great loss to arise. While these structures are often designed for their initial construction cost, it is worth considering a lifetime-based design so that both direct and indirect costs are involved in the design process. Here, a probabilistic-based approach to life-cycle-cost (LCC) analysis of offshore platforms is proposed. A fixed offshore platform is designed first based on the current design regulations and for a 100-year return period. For the effect of LCC on design optimization, the simultaneous effect of the wave, current, and wind merging are probabilistically considered. The structural elements are designed for five different models; one model based on the current design requirements and the rest for more than the requirements. The LCC of each model is accordingly determined. The results show that the code-based model is not optimal when is compared with a lifetime cost period; it is necessary to increase the size of structural elements by up to 10% to meet an optimum point. Results show that with a 5% increase in the initial cost, a decrease in the LCC up to about 46% is observed. The work presented here is to stimulate stakeholders to promote the LCC-based design of important structures to reduce lifetime costs.
Physaria fendleri FAD3-1 overexpression increases ɑ-linolenic acid content in Camelina sativa seeds
Authors: Park Mid-Eum , Choi Hyun-A , Kim Hyun Uk
Published: May 2023

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oil crop with a short growing period, resistance to drought and cold, low fertilizer requirements, and can be transformed using floral dipping. Seeds have a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially ɑ-linolenic acid (ALA), at 32–38%. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a substrate for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the human body. In this study, ALA content was further enhanced by the seed-specific expression of Physaria fendleri FAD3-1 (PfFAD3-1) in camelina. The ALA content increased up to 48% in T2 seeds and 50% in T3 seeds. Additionally, size of the seeds increased. The expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes in PfFAD3-1 OE transgenic lines was different from that in the wild type, where the expression of CsFAD2 decreased and CsFAD3 increased. In summary, we developed a high omega-3 fatty acid-containing camelina with up to 50% ALA content by introducing PfFAD3-1. This line can be used for genetic engineering to obtain EPA and DHA from seeds.
Presence of Holmboe waves in particle-laden intrusive gravity current
Authors: Rostami Dehjalali Sadegh , Khavasi Ehsan , Nazmi Parsa
Published: May 2023

The present study evaluates the prevalence of Holmboe waves in an intrusive gravity current (IGC) containing particles, employing large Eddy simulation (LES). Holmboe waves, a type of stratified shear layer-generated wave, are characterised by a relatively thin density interface compared to the thickness of the shear layer. The study demonstrates the occurrence of secondary rotation, wave stretching over time, and fluid ejection at the interface between the IGC and a lower gravity current (LGC). Results indicate that, aside from J and R, the density difference between the IGC and the LGC has an impact on Holmboe instability. However, a reduction in the density difference does not manifest consistently in the frequency, growth rate, and phase speed, though it does cause an increase in the wavelength. It is important to note that small particles do not affect the Holmboe instability of the IGC, while larger particles cause the current to become unstable and vary the characteristics of Holmboe instability. Moreover, an increase in the particle diameter size results in an increment in the wavelength, growth rate, and phase speed; but is accompanied by a decrease in frequency. Additionally, the enlargement of the bed slope angle makes the IGC more unstable, encouraging the growth of Kelvin–Helmholtz waves; however, this causes Holmboe waves to disappear on inclined beds. Finally, a range for the instabilities of both Kelvin–Helmholtz and Holmboe is provided.
Implementing a velocity-based approach to resistance training: the reproducibility and sensitivity of different velocity monitoring technologies
Authors: Jukic Ivan , King Andrew , Sousa Colby A. , Prnjak Katarina , McGuigan Michael R.
Published: May 2023

This study examined the reproducibility of GymAware, PUSH2 and Vmaxpro velocity monitoring devices during resistance training (RT). The sensitivity of these devices to detect the smallest changes in velocity that correspond to true changes in RT performance was also investigated. Fifty-one resistance-trained men and women performed an incremental loading (1RM) test, and two repetitions to failure tests with different loads, 72 h apart. During all repetitions, mean velocity (MV) and peak velocity (PV) were simultaneously recorded by two devices of each brand. Overall, GymAware was the most reliable and sensitive device for detecting the smallest changes in RT performance, regardless of the velocity metric used. Vmaxpro can be considered as an equivalent, cheaper alternative to GymAware for RT monitoring and prescription, but only if the MV metric is used. Caution should be exercised when using PUSH2 in practice due to their comparatively higher, unacceptable measurement error and generally low sensitivity to detect changes in RT performance. Collectively, these findings support the use of MV and PV from GymAware and MV from Vmaxpro devices for RT monitoring and prescription due to their low magnitudes of error; thus, allowing for the detection of meaningful changes in neuromuscular status and functional performance during RT.
Modified lumbo-pelvic exercise to alleviate mild stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged females
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Liangchao , Chen Qi , Gao Kuiting , Wang Hongchu , Xu Naxin , Chen Yinru , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Lam Wing-Kai
Published: May 2023

Urinary incontinence is one of the common clinical problems of females passing middle age. Traditional pelvic floor muscle training to alleviate urinary incontinence is too dull and unpleasant. Therefore, we were motivated to purpose a modified lumbo-pelvic exercise training incorporating simplified dancing components with pelvic floor muscle training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 16-week modified lumbo-pelvic exercise program that incorporated dance and abdominal drawing-in maneuvers. Middle-aged females were randomly assigned into the experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 11) groups. Compared to the control group, the exercise group significantly reduced body fat, visceral fat index, waistline, waist-hip ratio, perceived incontinence score, frequency of urine leakage, and pad testing index (p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant improvements in pelvic floor function, vital capacity, and muscle activity of the right rectus abdominis (p < 0.05). This indicated that the modified lumbo-pelvic exercise program can promote benefits of physical training and alleviate urinary incontinence in middle-aged females.
Haloarchaeal carotenoids exert an in vitro antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Giani Micaela , Montoyo-Pujol Yoel Genaro , Peiró Gloria , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María
Published: May 2023

Oxidative stress has been linked to the onset and progression of different neoplasia. Antioxidants might help prevent it by modulating biochemical processes involved in cell proliferation. Here, the aim was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of Haloferax mediterranei bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extracts (BRCE) (0–100 µg/ml) in six BC cell lines, representative of the intrinsic phenotypes and a healthy mammary epithelium cell line. Cell index values were obtained using xCELLigence RTCA System. Furthermore, cell diameter, viability, and concentration were measured at 12 h, 24 h, and 30 h. We found that BC cells were selectively affected by BRCE (SI > 1, p < 0.005). After 30 h, the population of BC cells exposed to 100 µg/ml was 11.7–64.6% of the control (p = 0.0001–0.0009). Triple-negative cells were significantly affected [MDA-MB-231 (IC50 51.8 µg/ml, p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (IC50 63.9 µg/ml, p < 0.0001)]. Cell size was also reduced after 30 h treatment in 3.8 (± 0.1) µm and 3.3 (± 0.02) µm for SK-BR-3 (p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, Hfx. mediterranei BRCE exerts a cytotoxic effect on BC cell lines representative of all studied intrinsic subtypes. Furthermore, results obtained for MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 are very promising, considering the aggressive behaviour of the triple-negative BC subtype.
Bayesian network modeling of patterns of antibiotic cross-resistance by bacterial sample source
Authors: Cherny Stacey S. , Chowers Michal , Obolski Uri
Published: May 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a major healthcare burden, aggravated when it extends to multiple drugs. While cross-resistance is well-studied experimentally, it is not the case in clinical settings, and especially not while considering confounding. Here, we estimated patterns of cross-resistance from clinical samples, while controlling for multiple clinical confounders and stratifying by sample sources.

Methods

We employed additive Bayesian network (ABN) modelling to examine antibiotic cross- resistance in five major bacterial species, obtained from different sources (urine, wound, blood, and sputum) in a clinical setting, collected in a large hospital in Israel over a 4-year period. Overall, the number of samples available were 3525 for E coli, 1125 for K pneumoniae, 1828 for P aeruginosa, 701 for P mirabilis, and 835 for S aureus.

Results

Patterns of cross-resistance differ across sample sources. All identified links between resistance to different antibiotics are positive. However, in 15 of 18 instances, the magnitudes of the links are significantly different between sources. For example, E coli exhibits adjusted odds ratios of gentamicin-ofloxacin cross-resistance ranging from 3.0 (95%CI [2.3,4.0]) in urine samples to 11.0 (95%CI [5.2,26.1]) in blood samples. Furthermore, we found that for P mirabilis, the magnitude of cross-resistance among linked antibiotics is higher in urine than in wound samples, whereas the opposite is true for K pneumoniae and P aeruginosa.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of considering sample sources when assessing likelihood of antibiotic cross-resistance. The information and methods described in our study can refine future estimation of cross-resistance patterns and facilitate determination of antibiotic treatment regimens.
Inkjet-printed electrical interconnects for high resolution integrated circuit diagnostics
Authors: Jacobs Kristof J. P.
Published: May 2023

As semiconductors continue to shrink in size and become more three-dimensional in shape, the size of defects that can induce a failure also reduces, pushing the need for better fault isolation. The resolving capability of microscopes used in failure analysis (FA) is frequently limited by how close the microscope can be brought to the circuit under test. Accessibility is often restricted by the presence of probe needles or wire bonds that are needed to power up the device during the measurement. Here, I describe a robust, rapid and cost-effective method to overcome the contacting bottleneck by re-routing the probe pads with a low-profile redistribution layer, realized by conductive inkjet printing. I demonstrate that the method enables analytical FA with high spatial resolution on a backside power delivery network structure in combination with the optical beam induced resistance change (OBIRCH) technique. Electrical and structural characterization of the printing process are also reported.
High-performing and stable semiconductor yttrium-doped gadolinium electrolyte for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Li Junjiao , Yousaf Muhammad , Akbar Muhammad , Noor Asma , Enyi Hu , Shah M.A.K Yousaf , Sial Qadeer Akbar , Mushtaq Naveed , Lu Yuzheng
Published: May 2023

High-performing electrolytes at low operating temperatures have become an inevitable trend in the development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs).
Electron-induced ionization and cationic fragmentations of the isolated molecule of 2,4-imidazolidinedione (hydantoin): a study of the relaxing path thresholds
Authors: Champeaux J.-P. , Moretto-Capelle P. , Renoud J. , Polizzi L. , Faure S. , Castex D. , Gianesin M. , Panader E. , Paquier P. , Volondat W. , Salbaing T. , Riffaud J. , Point R. , Cafarelli P. , Sence M.
Published: May 2023

In this work, our new experimental setup has been used to study the ionization and fragmentation of a prebiotic molecule, hydantoin, by electron impact.
Formation of secondary organic aerosol during the dark-ozonolysis of α-humulene
Authors: Sippial Dontavious J. , Uruci Petro , Kostenidou Evangelia , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the secondary organic aerosol formation during the ozonolysis of one of the most important sesquiterpenes, α-humulene. Sesquiterpenes are emitted by vegetation and can be important biogenic precursors of fine particles.
Fluoride removal by calcite and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Joe-Wong Claresta , Alemán-Reyes Andrea , Le Nam Q. , Salerno K. Michael , Johnson James K. , Xia Zhiyong , Nachman Danielle R.
Published: May 2023

Fluoride can be removed from groundwater and industrial waste streams via precipitation of fluoride-bearing minerals using a mixture of hydroxyapatite and calcite and cycling the pH.
In vivo Raman spectroscopy in the diagnostics of colon cancer
Authors: Fousková Markéta , Vališ Jan , Synytsya Alla , Habartová Lucie , Petrtýl Jaromír , Petruželka Luboš , Setnička Vladimír
Published: May 2023

In vivo Raman spectroscopy coupled with machine learning methods was used for tissue diagnostics of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the colon and rectum.
The electrochemical quantitation method for sugammadex via a molecularly imprinted polymer-based sensor
Authors: Ozcelikay Goksu , Cetinkaya Ahmet , Atici Esen Bellur , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: May 2023

Sugammadex (SUG) is a synthetically modified γ-cyclodextrin derivative used in hospitals after surgeries to reverse the neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium or vecuronium.
Recent progress in dichalcophosphate coinage metal clusters and superatoms
Authors: Artem’ev Alexander V. , Liu C. W.
Published: May 2023

This feature article highlights the recent progress in using dichalcophosphate ligands for the rational design of atomically precise coinage metal clusters and superatoms.
Tunable [3+2] and [4+2] annulations for pyrrolidine and piperidine synthesis
Authors: Ariyarathna Jeewani P. , Baskaran Prabagar , Chhikara Akanksha , Kaur Navdeep , Nguyen Alex M. , Premathilaka Shashini M. , Huynh Michelle M. , Truong Jonathon T. , Li Wei
Published: May 2023

N-heterocycles are privileged pharmaceutical scaffolds in drug discovery and development.
Machine learning and analytical methods for single-molecule conductance measurements
Authors: Komoto Yuki , Ryu Jiho , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: May 2023

Single-molecule measurements provide a large amount of conductance data that varies over a wide range. We reviewed the development of machine learning-based analysis for reliable single-molecule measurement.
Growth and characterization of Na3R(BO3)2 (R = La–Gd) borates: crystal structure, high-temperature behavior, and optical properties
Authors: Kuznetsov Artem B. , Jamous Ammar Y. , Svetlichnyi Valery A. , Volkov Sergey N. , Korolkov Ilya V. , Kokh Konstantin A. , Gorelova Liudmila A. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Aksenov Sergey M. , Kokh Alexander E.
Published: May 2023

A series of Pr3+, Nd3+, or Sm3+-doped Na3Gd(BO3)2 (NGB) crystals has typical luminescence spectra with relative intensity reaching the maximum at 1 mol% for Pr3+, Sm3+, and 10 mol.% for Nd3+ doping.
Generation of symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum in a graphene plasmonic waveguide system for optical switching
Authors: Li Min , Ruan Banxian , Zhang Baihui , Gao Enduo , Zhang Zhenbin , Chang Xia , Li Hongjian
Published: May 2023

A new method is conducive to realize BIC by mode coupling with ultrahigh Q-factors; high performance switching modulation is achieved.
Optimum substrate stiffness in coalescence-induced droplet jumping
Authors: Qiu Lianfu , Qian Sheng , Ni Yifeng , Tong Qi
Published: May 2023

An optimum substrate stiffness is suggested for coalescence-induced jumping of nanodroplets on soft substrates, and the mechanism is revealed.
A highly active catalyst derived from CuO particles for selective hydrogenation of acetylene in large excess ethylene
Authors: Zeng Aonan , Lu Chenyang , Xu Bo , Wang Anjie , Liu Ying-Ya , Sun Zhichao , Wang Yao
Published: May 2023

A new active phase CuxC is formed during the pretreatment process, enabling enhanced hydrogenation activity.
Room-temperature half-metals induced via chemical surface modification: 2D Mn2Se2 monolayer
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zheng Yanqiu , Chen Ji , Wang Yun , Liang Yu , Li Xiang , Wu Fang
Published: May 2023

Compared with various antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials, two-dimensional (2D) room-temperature ferromagnetic (FM) materials are rarely discovered because of the geometrically determined spin interactions.
The entropic penalty for associative reactions and their physical treatment during routine computations
Authors: Ariai Jama , Gellrich Urs
Published: May 2023

It is shown that computed Gibbs free energies generally overestimate the entropic penalty of associative reactions in the solution phase, and a correction scheme is proposed.
Origin of hydroxyl pair formation on reduced anatase TiO2(101)
Authors: Adamsen Kræn C. , Petrik Nikolay G. , Dononelli Wilke , Kimmel Greg A. , Xu Tao , Li Zheshen , Lammich Lutz , Hammer Bjørk , Lauritsen Jeppe V. , Wendt Stefan
Published: May 2023

The formation of stable hydroxyl pairs on reduced anatase titania is described experimentally and theoretically.
The high-accuracy spectroscopy of H2 rovibrational transitions in the (2-0) band near 1.2 μm
Authors: Fleurbaey H. , Koroleva A. O. , Kassi S. , Campargue A.
Published: May 2023

Transition frequencies of six weak lines of the (2-0) vibrational band of H2 are measured with accuracy better than 100 kHz, improving the accuracy of previous measurements by three orders of magnitude.