bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical Effects of Afforestation on Land Surface Temperature in Guangdong Province, Southern China
Authors: Shen Wenjuan , He Jiaying , He Tao , Hu Xiangping , Tao Xin , Huang Chengquan
Published: August 2022

Developing effective climate mitigation strategies under global warming requires a comprehensive understanding of the biophysical mechanism of how afforestation affects the climate and environment. The planted forests in southern China are an essential carbon sink. However, the impacts of radiative and non‐radiative processes on land surface temperature caused by converting open land (i.e., grassland and cropland) and natural forests to planted forests remain unclear. We used satellite observations and intrinsic biophysical mechanism theory‐based energy balance models to estimate the biophysical impacts of potential afforestation of open land and natural forests on surface temperature from 2000 to 2010 in Guangdong Province, southern China. Results showed that afforestation of open land had a consistent net cooling effect. Due to the afforestation of natural forests, the modeled results revealed that afforestation among all conversion types had a net warming effect of 0.15 ± 0.5 K, which caused by the change in energy redistribution factor although uncertainty remains. While the most significant warming caused by converting natural forest to planted forests was also slightly affected by albedo. The afforestation's non‐radiative and radiative processes led to a slight warming of 0.143 ± 0.43 K and a cooling of −0.096 ± 0.19 K, respectively. The non‐radiative process dominates the effect of afforestation on the surface temperature, with the overall non‐radiative forcing index greater than 73% ± 0.59%. Our study highlights the need of protecting natural forests and provides a practical method for assessing the impacts of afforestation on the local climate and the effectiveness of climate mitigation efforts.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling stimulates the self-renewal of conjunctival stem cells and promotes corneal conjunctivalization
Authors: Jang Esther , Jin Soomin , Cho Kyong Jin , Kim Daeseon , Rho Chang Rae , Lyu Jungmook
Published: August 2022

Limbal stem cell deficiency causes conjunctivalization characterized by the covering of the corneal surface with conjunctival epithelium. However, the driving force for the encroachment of these conjunctival cells is unclear. Conjunctival stem cells are bipotent stem cells that can proliferate and differentiate into conjunctival epithelial cells and goblet cells to maintain regeneration of the conjunctival epithelium. Here, we show a robust proliferative response of conjunctival stem cells and upregulation of Wnt2b and Wnt3a gene expression in the conjunctivae of mice with induced limbal stem cell deficiency. Topical application of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator CHIR resulted in increased proliferation of ΔNp63α-positive stem cells in the basal layers of the bulbar and forniceal conjunctivae and enhanced invasion of conjunctival epithelial and goblet cells into the corneal surface. We also found that in cultures of stem cells isolated from the human conjunctiva, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation improved the expansion of the ΔNp63α/ABCG2 double-positive cell population by promoting the proliferation and preventing the differentiation of these cells. These expanded stem cells formed a stratified epithelium containing goblet cells under airlift culture conditions. Our data reveal that Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to the pathological process of limbal stem cell deficiency by promoting the self-renewal of conjunctival stem cells and suggest that these cells are a driving force in corneal conjunctivalization.
Modified risk-stratified sequential treatment (subcutaneous rituximab with or without chemotherapy) in B-cell Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after Solid organ transplantation (SOT): the prospective multicentre phase II PTLD-2 trial
Authors: Zimmermann Heiner , Koenecke Christian , Dreyling Martin H. , Pott Christiane , Dührsen Ulrich , Hahn Dennis , Meidenbauer Norbert , Hauser Ingeborg A. , Rummel Mathias J. , Wolf Dominik , Heuser Michael , Schmidt Christian , Schlattmann Peter , Ritgen Matthias , Siebert Reiner , Oschlies Ilske , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Trappe Ralf U.
Published: August 2022

The prospective multicentre Phase II PTLD-2 trial (NCT02042391) tested modified risk-stratification in adult SOT recipients with CD20-positive PTLD based on principles established in the PTLD-1 trials: sequential treatment and risk-stratification. After rituximab monotherapy induction, patients in complete remission as well as those in partial remission with IPI < 3 at diagnosis (low-risk) continued with rituximab monotherapy and thus chemotherapy free. Most others (high-risk) received R-CHOP-21. Thoracic SOT recipients who progressed (very-high-risk) received alternating R-CHOP-21 and modified R-DHAOx. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS) in the low-risk group. The PTLD-1 trials provided historical controls. Rituximab was applied subcutaneously. Of 60 patients enrolled, 21 were low-risk, 28 high-risk and 9 very-high-risk. Overall response was 45/48 (94%, 95% CI 83–98). 2-year Kaplan–Meier estimates of time to progression and overall survival were 78% (95% CI 65–90) and 68% (95% CI 55–80) – similar to the PTLD-1 trials. Treatment-related mortality was 4/59 (7%, 95% CI 2–17). In the low-risk group, 2-year EFS was 66% (95% CI 45–86) versus 52% in the historical comparator that received CHOP (p = 0.432). 2-year OS in the low-risk group was 100%. Results with R-CHOP-21 in high-risk patients confirmed previous results. Immunochemotherapy intensification in very-high-risk patients was disappointing.
Impact of changes to the interscreening interval and faecal immunochemical test threshold in the national bowel cancer screening programme in England: results from the FIT pilot study
Authors: Li Shuping J. , Seedher Tara , Sharples Linda D. , Benton Sally C. , Mathews Christopher , Gabe Rhian , Sasieni Peter , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) faces endoscopy capacity challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to lower the screening starting age. This may necessitate modifying the interscreening interval or threshold.

Methods

We analysed data from the English Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) pilot, comprising 27,238 individuals aged 59–75, screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) using FIT. We estimated screening sensitivity to CRC, adenomas, advanced adenomas (AA) and mean sojourn time of each pathology by faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) thresholds, then predicted the detection of these abnormalities by interscreening interval and f-Hb threshold.

Results

Current 2-yearly screening with a f-Hb threshold of 120 μg/g was estimated to generate 16,092 colonoscopies, prevent 186 CRCs, detect 1142 CRCs, 7086 adenomas and 4259 AAs per 100,000 screened over 15 years. A higher threshold at 180 μg/g would reduce required colonoscopies to 11,500, prevent 131 CRCs, detect 1077 CRCs, 4961 adenomas and 3184 AAs. A longer interscreening interval of 3 years would reduce required colonoscopies to 10,283, prevent 126 and detect 909 CRCs, 4796 adenomas and 2986 AAs.

Conclusion

Increasing the f-Hb threshold was estimated to be more efficient than increasing the interscreening interval regarding overall colonoscopies per screen-benefited cancer. Increasing the interval was more efficient regarding colonoscopies per cancer prevented.
3D geological implicit modeling method of regular voxel splitting based on layered interpolation data
Authors: Li Jian , Liu Peirong , Wang Xinyu , Cui Hao , Ma Yurong
Published: August 2022

In view of the problems in traditional geological modeling methods, such as the insufficient utilization of geological survey data, the inaccurate expression of a stratigraphic model, and the large amount of model data, a 3D geological model cannot be smoothly loaded and rendered on the web end. In this paper, a 3D geological implicit modeling method of regular voxel splitting based on hierarchical interpolation data is proposed. This method first uses the boreholes and geological section data from a geological survey for data conversion and fusion, compares the applicability of different interpolation algorithms through cross-validation research, and uses the best fitting algorithm to interpolate and encrypt discrete points in the formation. Then, it constructs the regular voxels, designs five different regular voxel split types, and divides the voxels. In addition, the data structure design of the voxel split model is implemented, and the irregular voxel metadata structure is analyzed and displayed through Three.js. Using this method, based on the survey data of an area in Zhengzhou, the global workflow from data processing to model construction and visualization is demonstrated. The experimental results show that the model can integrate multisource hierarchical interpolation data; express different stratum structures accurately and smoothly, and can realize the rendering, spatial query and analysis of the internal information of a geological body in a browser.
Machine learning-based 3D modeling and volumetry of human posterior vitreous cavity of optical coherence tomographic images
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Mao Zaixing , Du Ran , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko
Published: August 2022

The structure of the human vitreous varies considerably because of age-related liquefactions of the vitreous gel. These changes are poorly studied in vivo mainly because their high transparency and mobility make it difficult to obtain reliable and repeatable images of the vitreous. Optical coherence tomography can detect the boundaries between the vitreous gel and vitreous fluid, but it is difficult to obtain high resolution images that can be used to convert the images to three-dimensional (3D) images. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the shape and characteristics of the vitreous fluid using machine learning-based 3D modeling in which manually labelled fluid areas were used to train deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). The trained DCNN labelled vitreous fluid automatically and allowed us to obtain 3D vitreous model and to quantify the vitreous fluidic cavities. The mean volume and surface area of posterior vitreous fluidic cavities are 19.6 ± 7.8 mm3 and 104.0 ± 18.9 mm2 in eyes of 17 school children. The results suggested that vitreous fluidic cavities expanded as the cavities connects with each other, and this modeling system provided novel imaging markers for aging and eye diseases.
Brain aging differs with cognitive ability regardless of education
Authors: Walhovd Kristine B. , Nyberg Lars , Lindenberger Ulman , Amlien Inge K. , Sørensen Øystein , Wang Yunpeng , Mowinckel Athanasia M. , Kievit Rogier A. , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Bartrés-Faz David , Kühn Simone , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Ghisletta Paolo , Madsen Kathrine Skak , Baaré Willliam F. C. , Zsoldos Enikő , Magnussen Fredrik , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Penninx Brenda , Fjell Anders M.
Published: August 2022

Higher general cognitive ability (GCA) is associated with lower risk of neurodegenerative disorders, but neural mechanisms are unknown. GCA could be associated with more cortical tissue, from young age, i.e. brain reserve, or less cortical atrophy in adulthood, i.e. brain maintenance. Controlling for education, we investigated the relative association of GCA with reserve and maintenance of cortical volume, -area and -thickness through the adult lifespan, using multiple longitudinal cognitively healthy brain imaging cohorts (n = 3327, 7002 MRI scans, baseline age 20–88 years, followed-up for up to 11 years). There were widespread positive relationships between GCA and cortical characteristics (level-level associations). In select regions, higher baseline GCA was associated with less atrophy over time (level-change associations). Relationships remained when controlling for polygenic scores for both GCA and education. Our findings suggest that higher GCA is associated with cortical volumes by both brain reserve and -maintenance mechanisms through the adult lifespan.
H3K27me3 at pericentromeric heterochromatin is a defining feature of the early mouse blastocyst
Authors: Pailles Mélanie , Hirlemann Mélanie , Brochard Vincent , Chebrout Martine , Oudin Jean-François , Marks Hendrik , Jouneau Alice , Bonnet-Garnier Amélie
Published: August 2022

Early mouse development is characterized by structural and epigenetic changes while cells progress towards differentiation. At blastocyst stage, the segregation of the three primordial lineages is accompanied by establishment of differential patterns of DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones, such as H3K27me3. Here, we analysed the dynamics of H3K27me3 at pericentromeric heterochromatin (PCH) during early development. We also followed the localization of EZH2 and BEND3, previously shown in ESCs to drive PRC2 to hypomethylated PCH. We show that the location of H3K27me3 at PCH, in addition to H3K9me3, is a defining feature of embryonic cells in vivo. Moreover, it may play an important role in structuring PCH and preserving genomic integrity at a time of globally relaxed chromatin. At peri-implantation stages, while DNA methylation is still low, EZH2 and then H3K27me3, leave PCH in epiblast progenitors at the time of their spatial segregation from primitive endoderm cells, while BEND3 remains there up to implantation. The comparison with stem cells (ESCs and TSCs) reveals that the epigenetic marks (i.e. H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) of PCH are reset during in vitro derivation and only partially restored thereafter. This highlights possible divergences between in vitro and “in embryo” epigenetic regulation regarding constitutive heterochromatin.
A pre-trained BERT for Korean medical natural language processing
Authors: Kim Yoojoong , Kim Jong-Ho , Lee Jeong Moon , Jang Moon Joung , Yum Yun Jin , Kim Seongtae , Shin Unsub , Kim Young-Min , Joo Hyung Joon , Song Sanghoun
Published: August 2022

With advances in deep learning and natural language processing (NLP), the analysis of medical texts is becoming increasingly important. Nonetheless, despite the importance of processing medical texts, no research on Korean medical-specific language models has been conducted. The Korean medical text is highly difficult to analyze because of the agglutinative characteristics of the language, as well as the complex terminologies in the medical domain. To solve this problem, we collected a Korean medical corpus and used it to train the language models. In this paper, we present a Korean medical language model based on deep learning NLP. The model was trained using the pre-training framework of BERT for the medical context based on a state-of-the-art Korean language model. The pre-trained model showed increased accuracies of 0.147 and 0.148 for the masked language model with next sentence prediction. In the intrinsic evaluation, the next sentence prediction accuracy improved by 0.258, which is a remarkable enhancement. In addition, the extrinsic evaluation of Korean medical semantic textual similarity data showed a 0.046 increase in the Pearson correlation, and the evaluation for the Korean medical named entity recognition showed a 0.053 increase in the F1-score.
Intereye structure–function relationship using photopic negative response in patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect
Authors: Lee Jihye , Kim Seong Ah , Lee Jiyun , Park Chan Kee , Jung Kyoung In
Published: August 2022

We evaluated the intereye structure–function relationship in glaucoma patients using photopic negative response in electroretinogram analysis. Patients with confirmed glaucoma (36 eyes, 36 patients) or suspected glaucoma (19 eyes, 19 patients) were included in this study. Electroretinogram (RETI-scan) was performed with red stimulus on blue background. Intereye comparison for 55 patients was performed between better eyes and worse eyes, which were divided based on average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In the intereye analysis, PhNR amplitude was lower in worse eyes than in better eyes (P < 0.001). The intereye difference in PhNR amplitude was significantly correlated with intereye difference in average RNFL, as well as average or minimum ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness (P = 0.006, 0.044, 0.001). In patients with mean deviation ≥ − 6 dB of worse eyes, the intereye difference in PhNR amplitude was significantly associated with intereye difference in average RNFL thickness or minimum GCIPL thickness (P = 0.037, 0.007), but significant correlation was not found between mean sensitivity of visual field tests and structural parameters. In conclusion, PhNR performed well with regard to intereye structure–function association in glaucoma patients, especially at the early stage.
Application of immune enhanced organoids in modeling personalized Merkel cell carcinoma research
Authors: Forsythe Steven D. , Erali Richard A. , Laney Preston , Sivakumar Hemamylammal , Li Wencheng , Skardal Aleksander , Soker Shay , Votanopoulos Konstantinos I.
Published: August 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine cutaneous cancer, with incidence of less than 1/100,000, low survival rates and variable response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Herein we explore the application of patient tumor organoids (PTOs) in modeling personalized research in this rare malignancy. Unsorted and non-expanded MCC tumor cells were isolated from surgical specimens and suspended in an ECM based hydrogel, along with patient matched blood and lymph node tissue to generate immune enhanced organoids (iPTOs). Organoids were treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents and efficacy was determined by post-treatment viability. Nine specimens from seven patients were recruited from December 2018-January 2022. Establishment rate was 88.8% (8/9) for PTOs and 77.8% (7/9) for iPTOs. Histology on matched patient tissues and PTOs demonstrated expression of MCC markers. Chemotherapy response was exhibited in 4/6 (66.6%) specimens with cisplatin and doxorubicin as the most effective agents (4/6 PTO sets) while immunotherapy was not effective in tested iPTO sets. Four specimens from two patients demonstrated resistance to pembrolizumab, correlating with the corresponding patient’s treatment response. Routine establishment and immune enhancement of MCC PTOs is feasible directly from resected surgical specimens allowing for personalized research and exploration of treatment regimens in the preclinical setting.
A realistic morpho-anatomical connection strategy for modelling full-scale point-neuron microcircuits
Authors: Gandolfi Daniela , Mapelli Jonathan , Solinas Sergio , De Schepper Robin , Geminiani Alice , Casellato Claudia , D’Angelo Egidio , Migliore Michele
Published: August 2022

The modeling of extended microcircuits is emerging as an effective tool to simulate the neurophysiological correlates of brain activity and to investigate brain dysfunctions. However, for specific networks, a realistic modeling approach based on the combination of available physiological, morphological and anatomical data is still an open issue. One of the main problems in the generation of realistic networks lies in the strategy adopted to build network connectivity. Here we propose a method to implement a neuronal network at single cell resolution by using the geometrical probability volumes associated with pre- and postsynaptic neurites. This allows us to build a network with plausible connectivity properties without the explicit use of computationally intensive touch detection algorithms using full 3D neuron reconstructions. The method has been benchmarked for the mouse hippocampus CA1 area, and the results show that this approach is able to generate full-scale brain networks at single cell resolution that are in good agreement with experimental findings. This geometric reconstruction of axonal and dendritic occupancy, by effectively reflecting morphological and anatomical constraints, could be integrated into structured simulators generating entire circuits of different brain areas facilitating the simulation of different brain regions with realistic models.
One-particle engine with a porous piston
Authors: Álvarez Carlos E. , Camargo Manuel , Téllez Gabriel
Published: August 2022

We propose a variation of the classical Szilard engine that uses a porous piston. Such an engine requires neither information about the position of the particle, nor the removal and subsequent insertion of the piston when resetting the engine to continue doing work by lifting a mass against a gravitational field. Though the engine operates in contact with a single thermal reservoir, the reset mechanism acts as a second reservoir, dissipating energy when a mass that has been lifted by the engine is removed to initiate a new operation cycle.
Light color efficiency-balanced trans-palpebral illumination for widefield fundus photography of the retina and choroid
Authors: Son Taeyoon , Ma Jiechao , Toslak Devrim , Rossi Alfa , Kim Hoonsup , Chan R. V. Paul , Yao Xincheng
Published: August 2022

A wide-field fundus camera, which can selectively evaluate the retina and choroid, is desirable for better detection and treatment evaluation of eye diseases. Trans-palpebral illumination has been demonstrated for wide-field fundus photography, but its application for true-color retinal imaging is challenging due to the light efficiency delivered through the eyelid and sclera is highly wavelength dependent. This study is to test the feasibility of true-color retinal imaging using efficiency-balanced visible light illumination, and to validate multiple spectral imaging (MSI) of the retina and choroid. 530 nm, 625 nm, 780 nm and 970 nm light emission diodes (LED)s are used to quantitatively evaluate the spectral efficiency of the trans-palpebral illumination. In comparison with 530 nm illumination, the 625 nm, 780 nm and 970 nm light efficiencies are 30.25, 523.05, and 1238.35 times higher. The light efficiency-balanced 530 nm and 625 nm illumination control can be used to produce true-color retinal image with contrast enhancement. The 780 nm light image enhances the visibility of choroidal vasculature, and the 970 nm image is predominated by large veins in the choroid. Without the need of pharmacological pupillary dilation, a 140° eye-angle field of view (FOV) is demonstrated in a snapshot fundus image. In coordination with a fixation target, the FOV can be readily expanded over the equator of the eye to visualize vortex ampullas.
Sustainable traditional grass cloth fiber dyeing using the Taguchi L16 (4^4) orthogonal design
Authors: Lin Lina , Jiang Tiancheng , Li Le , Pervez Md. Nahid , Zhang Cong , Yan Chao , Cai Yingjie , Naddeo Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

For many centuries, traditional grass cloth has been used as an important raw material for home textiles in China, but its market can be expanded by incorporating color. Reactive Red 2 (R2), Reactive Blue 194 (B194), and Reactive Orange 5 (O5) were used in this work to explore the dyeing behavior of sustainable traditional grass fiber using industrial dyeing methods. Initially, an L16 (4^4) orthogonal design was schematically applied to carry out the dyeing process and it was determined that the total dye fixation rate (T%) of B194 dye was the best among the three dyes. Accordingly, a statistical Taguchi technique was analyzed on a larger scale to optimize the dyeing process parameters (salt concentration, fixation time, fixation temperature, and solution pH) of B194, in which solution pH was found to be the most influential factor in achieving the highest T%. This phenomenon was also verified using analysis of variance (ANOVA), where the solution pH was found to be the biggest contributor (50%) and statistically significant (p < 0.05). Finally, confirmation tests were conducted under optimized conditions and a higher T% (53.18%) was determined compared to initial conditions (48.40%). Later, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structural characteristics and found that grass cloth was chemically stable, yet gummy materials were still observed on their surface, which was also confirmed from digital photographs. Generally, the color coordinates and fastness properties were also satisfactory.
Smoking and microvascular free flap perfusion in head and neck reconstruction: radial free forearm flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps
Authors: Ooms Mark , Puladi Behrus , Houschyar Khosrow Siamak , Heitzer Marius , Rashad Ashkan , Bickenbach Johannes , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: August 2022

Head and neck reconstruction with microvascular free flaps is frequently performed in smokers. Smoking causes various alterations in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking on flap perfusion as a critical factor for flap survival. A total of 370 patients reconstructed with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF) or anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) in the head and neck region between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Flap perfusion measurements with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system were compared between nonsmokers, light smokers (< 20 pack-years), and heavy smokers (≥ 20 pack-years). The blood flow was intraoperatively equal in RFFFs (84.5 AU vs. 84.5 AU; p = 0.900) and increased in ALTFs (80.5 AU vs. 56.5 AU; p = 0.001) and postoperatively increased in RFFFs (114.0 AU vs. 86.0 AU; p = 0.035) and similar in ALTFs (70.5 AU vs. 71.0 AU; p = 0.856) in heavy smokers compared to nonsmokers. The flap survival rate was similar in nonsmokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers (97.3%, 98.4%, and 100.0%). Smoking partially increases rather than decreases microvascular free flap perfusion, which may contribute to similar flap survival rates in smokers and nonsmokers.
Calpains in cyanobacteria and the origin of calpains
Authors: Vešelényiová Dominika , Hutárová Lenka , Lukáčová Alexandra , Schneiderová Mária , Vesteg Matej , Krajčovič Juraj
Published: August 2022

Calpains are cysteine proteases involved in many cellular processes. They are an ancient and large superfamily of enzymes responsible for the cleavage and irreversible modification of a large variety of substrates. They have been intensively studied in humans and other mammals, but information about calpains in bacteria is scarce. Calpains have not been found among Archaea to date. In this study, we have investigated the presence of calpains in selected cyanobacterial species using in silico analyses. We show that calpains defined by possessing CysPC core domain are present in cyanobacterial generaAnabaena,Aphanizomenon,Calothrix,Chamaesiphon,Fischerella,Microcystis,ScytonemaandTrichormus. Based on in silico protein interaction analysis, we have predicted putative interaction partners for identified cyanobacterial calpains. The phylogenetic analysis including cyanobacterial, other bacterial and eukaryotic calpains divided bacterial and eukaryotic calpains into two separate monophyletic clusters. We propose two possible evolutionary scenarios to explain this tree topology: (1) the eukaryotic ancestor or an archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes obtained calpain gene from an unknown bacterial donor, or alternatively (2) calpain gene had been already present in the last common universal ancestor and subsequently lost by the ancestor of Archaea, but retained by the ancestor of Bacteria and by the ancestor of Eukarya. Both scenarios would require multiple independent losses of calpain genes in various bacteria and eukaryotes.
Construction of a binary S-scheme S-g-C3N4/Co-ZF heterojunction with enhanced spatial charge separation for sunlight-driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Javed Mohsin , Hassan Syeda Saba , Nadeem Sohail , Akbar Ali , Alzhrani Rami M. , Al-Anazy Murefah Mana , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Mohyuddin Ayesha
Published: August 2022

A novel S-scheme photocatalyst system is constructed utilizing the hydrothermal technique and S-g-C3N4/Co-ZF binary material.
Direct low field J-edited diffusional proton NMR spectroscopic measurement of COVID-19 inflammatory biomarkers in human serum
Authors: Nitschke Philipp , Lodge Samantha , Hall Drew , Schaefer Hartmut , Spraul Manfred , Embade Nieves , Millet Oscar , Holmes Elaine , Wist Julien , Nicholson Jeremy K.
Published: August 2022

A JEDI NMR pulse experiment incorporating relaxation, diffusion and J-modulation peak editing was implemented at a low field (80 MHz) spectrometer system to quantify two recently discovered plasma markers of SARS-CoV-2 infection and general inflammation.
Ba2Zn2B6O13: coplanar [B2O5] in unnoted U-shaped [B6O13] groups achieving large birefringence
Authors: Zhang Rui , Su Xin , Zhang Jie , Wen Dulin , Huang Yineng
Published: August 2022

By introducing barium and zinc in the borate system, we have successfully synthesized a new DUV birefringent crystal Ba2Zn2B6O13with a large birefringence (0.085 @ 532 nm), which exhibits an unnoted U-shaped [B6O13] fundamental building block and a deep-UV cutoff edge (reach 190 nm).
High-porosity hybrid bilayer-enabled portable LED plasmonic biosensing
Authors: Ko Wen-Yin , Yeh Shin-Chwen , Chu Hsiao-Wen , Hsu Yun-Chen , Lin Kuan-Jiuh
Published: August 2022

A stable and efficient photoanode made of a hybrid layer of TiO2-nanowires/Au-nanoparticles with nanocavities and plasmonic metasurface features, representing state-of-the-art interface technology for boosting LED-driven plasmoelectric biosensing.
Aptamer-functionalized fluorine-containing DNAsomes for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells
Authors: Fan Shuhua , Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Shuxian , Wang Juan , Li Chuan , Cheng Shuang , Hong Min
Published: August 2022

A drug-loaded aptamer functionalized fluorine-containing DNAsome was reported here, which can deliver doxorubicin into cancer cells in a targeted manner through receptor mediated endocytosis and induce the apoptosis of cancer cells.
Catalytic conversion of carbohydrates into 5-ethoxymethylfurfural using γ-AlOOH and CeO2@B2O3 catalyst synergistic effect
Authors: Zhang Luxin , Xing Xu , Sun Ruijun , Hu Meng
Published: August 2022

γ-AlOOH and CeO2@B2O3 solid acid catalysts were synthesized for the one-pot selective conversion of carbohydrates into 5-ethoxymethylfurfural under their synergistic catalysis.
Nanoscale mapping of temperature-dependent conduction in an epitaxial VO2 film grown on an Al2O3 substrate
Authors: Kim Ahyoung , Lim Soo Yeon , Park Jung Hyun , Chung Jin-Seok , Cheong Hyeonsik , Ko Changhyun , Yoon Jong-Gul , Yang Sang Mo
Published: August 2022

We investigated temperature-dependent nanoscale conduction in an epitaxial VO2 film grown on an Al2O3 substrate using conductive-atomic force microscopy and deep data analysis.
A study of bioactive glass–ceramic's mechanical properties, apatite formation, and medical applications
Authors: Workie Andualem Belachew , Shih Shao-Ju.
Published: August 2022

Bioactive glass–ceramics are made by several steps, such as creating a microstructure from dispersed crystals within the residual glass, which provides high bending strength, and apatite crystallizes on surfaces of glass–ceramics with calcium ions.
Two state “ON–OFF” NLO switch based on coordination complexes of iron and cobalt containing isomeric ligand: a DFT study
Authors: Bibi Tamseela , Jadoon Tabish , Ayub Khurshid
Published: August 2022

Coordination complexes are interesting materials for nonlinear optical (NLO) applications due to their large hyperpolarizability values.
Improved catalytic activity and bactericidal behavior of novel chitosan/V2O5 co-doped in tin-oxide quantum dots
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Shahzadi Iram , Haider Ali , Hayat Shaukat , Haider Junaid , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Shahzadi Anum , Nabgan Walid , Dilpazir Sobia , Ali Salamat
Published: August 2022

Figure showing bactericidal mechanism exhibited by the prepared pristine and co-doped SnO2.
Response of chlorinated hydrocarbon transformation and microbial community structure in an aquifer to joint H2 and O2
Authors: Li Cui , Chen Rong , Liu Hui , Huang Yao , Yu Jintao , Ouyang Weiwei , Xue Chen
Published: August 2022

The joint H2/O2 can promote the transformation of TCE, tDCE and CF. A specific microbial community with higher diversity forms in the H2/O2 microcosm, and synchronously increases the anaerobic tceA and aerobic phe and soxB genes.
Cation vacancy activating surface neighboring sites for efficient CO2photoreduction on Bi4Ti3O12nanosheets
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Hu Jingcong , Lei Ben , Huang Hongwei , Lu Yue
Published: August 2022

Cationic vacancy is proved to activate surface neighboring sites for promoting the CO2photoreduction of Bi4Ti3O12nanosheets, which renders a high CO evolution rate of 15.17 μmol g−1h−1, ∼5 times enhancement compared with the pristine Bi4Ti3O12.
An amino-functionalized metal–organic framework achieving efficient capture–diffusion–conversion of CO2towards ultrafast Li–CO2batteries
Authors: Hong Hu , He Jiafeng , Wang Yanbo , Guo Xun , Zhao Xiliang , Wang Xiaoke , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei , Han Cuiping
Published: August 2022

An amino-functionalized metal–organic framework achieves efficient capture–diffusion–conversion of CO2.
Water-enhanced high-efficiency persistent room-temperature phosphorescence materials for temperature sensingviacrystalline transformation
Authors: Luo Xuwei , Chen Lifen , Liu Bo , Yang Zhiwen , Wei Longmeng , Yuan Zhanxiang , Wen Yudong , Mu Yingxiao , Huo Yanping , Zhang Hao-Li , Ji Shaomin
Published: August 2022

The pRTP performance of a supramolecular structure was enhanced by introducing water molecules, accompanied by excellent temperature sensing through crystalline transformation.
Ultra-low temperature synthesis of Ge-based optical materials and devices on Si using GeH3Cl
Authors: Zhang Aixin , Mircovich Matthew A. , Ringwala Dhruve A. , Poweleit Christian D. , Roldan Manuel A. , Menéndez José , Kouvetakis John
Published: August 2022

CMOS-compatible GeH3Cl is used to develop GeSn semiconductors and Ge/Si photodiodes. Responsivities of the latter display near ideal 0.95 collection efficiency (green) a performance improvement to devices made by other methods such as Ge4H10 (black).
The Influence of Noise Type and Semantic Predictability on Word Recall in Older Listeners and Listeners With Hearing Impairment
Authors: Carter Brittney L. , Apoux Frédéric , Healy Eric W.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

A dual-task paradigm was implemented to investigate how noise type and sentence context may interact with age and hearing loss to impact word recall during speech recognition.

Method:

Three noise types with varying degrees of temporal/spectrotemporal modulation were used: speech-shaped noise, speech-modulated noise, and three-talker babble. Participant groups included younger listeners with normal hearing (NH), older listeners with near-normal hearing, and older listeners with sensorineural hearing loss. An adaptive measure was used to establish the signal-to-noise ratio approximating 70% sentence recognition for each participant in each noise type. A word-recall task was then implemented while matching speech-recognition performance across noise types and participant groups. Random-intercept linear mixed-effects models were used to determine the effects of and interactions between noise type, sentence context, and participant group on word recall.

Results:

The results suggest that noise type does not significantly impact word recall when word-recognition performance is controlled. When data from noise types were pooled and compared with quiet, and recall was assessed: older listeners with near-normal hearing performed well when either quiet backgrounds or high sentence context (or both) were present, but older listeners with hearing loss performed well only when both quiet backgrounds and high sentence context were present. Younger listeners with NH were robust to the detrimental effects of noise and low context.

Conclusions:

The general presence of noise has the potential to decrease word recall, but type of noise does not appear to significantly impact this observation when overall task difficulty is controlled. The presence of noise as well as deficits related to age and/or hearing loss appear to limit the availability of cognitive processing resources available for working memory during conversation in difficult listening environments. The conversation environments that impact these resources appear to differ depending on age and/or hearing status.
Robust private information retrieval for low encoding/decoding complexity distributed storage
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Deng Haiyan , Li Xiaofeng , Su Gongchao , Zhang Zhonghao
Published: August 2022

Private information retrieval (PIR) means a user retrieves a file while revealing no information on which file is being retrieved. In classic PIR, the user needs to wait for the responses of all the storage nodes. However, in general, there may be some nodes that are unresponsive, in which case it is formulated as v‐robust PIR in the network coding (NC) structured distributed storage system (DSS), where v denotes the number of unresponsive nodes. We consider PIR with unresponsive nodes under the framework of NC structured DSS. In particular, the storage nodes adopt combination property with zigzag decodable (CP‐ZD) storage code since it has the advantage of extremely low decoding complexity, which is promised by zigzag decoding (ZD) within a binary field. We design a v‐robust PIR scheme with its download communication cost slightly larger than existing studies, but its decoding complexity is significantly reduced when compared with existing studies.
Tuning half metallic ferromagnetic character in Rh and Tc doping Cerium dioxide for spintronic applications
Authors: Drissi Dounia , Goumrhar Faycal , Ahl Laamara Rachid
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigate, for the first time, the effect of Rhoduim (Rh) and Technetium (Tc) on the electronic and magnetic properties of the dilute magnetic semiconductor CeO2using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method combined with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Three different concentrations (x= 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) are considered. The energy diagram of density of states reveals that the dopant changes CeO2from a non magnetic semiconductor to ferromagnetic half metals. Furthermore, the energy variation ensures the stability of the ferromagnetic phase due to the double exchange mechanism. The Curie temperature is evaluated and turns out to be above the ambient temperature for the different concentrations. The present findings model new potential candidates for spintronics.
Hybridization-based DNA biosensing with a limit of detection of 4 fM in 30 s using an electrohydrodynamic concentration module fabricated by grayscale lithography
Authors: Tijunelyte Inga , Teillet Jeffrey , Bruand Paul , Courson Rémi , Lecestre Aurélie , Joseph Pierre , Bancaud Aurélien
Published: August 2022

Speeding up and enhancing the performances of nucleic acid biosensing technologies have remained drivers for innovation. Here, we optimize a fluorimetry-based technology for DNA detection based on the concentration of linear targets paired with probes. The concentration module consists of a microfluidic channel with the shape of a funnel in which we monitor a viscoelastic flow and a counter-electrophoretic force. We report that the technology performs better with a target longer than 100 nucleotides (nt) and a probe shorter than 30 nt. We also prove that the control of the funnel geometry in 2.5D using grayscale lithography enhances sensitivity by 100-fold in comparison to chips obtained by conventional photolithography. With these optimized settings, we demonstrate a limit of detection of 4 fM in 30 s and a detection range of more than five decades. This technology hence provides an excellent balance between sensitivity and time to result.
A comprehensive review on advancements in tissue engineering and microfluidics toward kidney-on-chip
Authors: Sateesh Jasti , Guha Koushik , Dutta Arindam , Sengupta Pratim , Yalamanchili Dhanya , Donepudi Nanda Sai , Surya Manoj M. , Sohail Sk. Shahrukh
Published: August 2022

This review provides a detailed literature survey on microfluidics and its road map toward kidney-on-chip technology. The whole review has been tailored with a clear description of crucial milestones in regenerative medicine, such as bioengineering, tissue engineering, microfluidics, microfluidic applications in biomedical engineering, capabilities of microfluidics in biomimetics, organ-on-chip, kidney-on-chip for disease modeling, drug toxicity, and implantable devices. This paper also presents future scope for research in the bio-microfluidics domain and biomimetics domain.
An electrical and infrared controllable color emission quantum dot light-emitting diode
Authors: Jiang Zun-Hong , Lin Hsia Yu , Chen Yang Fang
Published: August 2022

Infrared-to-visible upconversion (IVU) possesses a variety of applications, spanning from bio-imaging to anti-counterfeiting, and has attracted great attention. However, the devices developed in previous studies suffer from several drawbacks, such as relatively weak optical absorption, requirement of a complicated design, and a costly fabrication process, which limit their potential practical application. To circumvent the existing difficulties, in this study, an IVU device based on infrared quantum dots (QDs) and a mixture of visible QD light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) with low operational voltage and multiple changeable visible colors is demonstrated. The emission color of this IVU-QLED can be easily manipulated under different input currents and power densities of incident infrared radiation. The IVU-QLED device can also be achieved with cost-effective and simple solution fabrication processes. In addition, this dual electrical-optical modulated IVU-QLED shows a fast response time. With the unexplored features of IVU, including infrared-visible upconversion, tunable visible color emission, dual functional modulation, and cost-effectiveness, the designed IVU-QLEDs shown here provide an alternative route for the development of untouched optoelectronic devices, which should be very useful and timely for future applications covering anti-counterfeiting, infrared sensing, bio-imaging, night vision, etc.
Breakdown behavior of SiC photoconductive switch with transparent electrode
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Langning , Niu Xinyue , Chu Xu , Yi Muyu , Yao Jinmei , Xun Tao
Published: August 2022

The breakdown behavior of a V-doped 4H silicon carbide photoconductive switch with a transparent electrode under a high electric field is studied. The device is triggered by a laser pulse below the bandgap wavelength with a repetition rate of 100 Hz. The light peak-power of the laser pulse reaches hundreds of kW, and the bias voltage is increased from 10 to 20 kV. With the accumulation of the number of pulses, the device shows breakdown behavior. Through the microscopic diagnosis of damaged and breakdown devices, according to the analysis of theoretical and simulation results, the breakdown of the device is due to the interaction between the laser and the aluminum doped zinc oxide transparent electrode on the device surface, resulting in the melting of the transparent electrode. The direct illuminate of the laser can form a field enhancement effect at the junction of the substrate and the transparent electrode, resulting in the damage of the device and the formation of pre-breakdown. Finally, the breakdown of the device inevitably occurs.
Proton diffusion and hydrolysis enzymatic reaction in 100 nm scale biomimetic nanochannels
Authors: Saruko Takashi , Morikawa Kyojiro , Kitamori Takehiko , Mawatari Kazuma
Published: August 2022

Liquids in 10–100 nm spaces are expected to play an important role in biological systems. However, the liquid properties and their influence on biological activity have been obscured due to the difficulty in nanoscale measurements, either in vivo or in vitro. In this study, an in vitro analytical platform for biological systems is established. The nanochannels were modified with lipid bilayers, thereby serving as a model for biological confinement, e.g., the intercellular or intracellular space. As a representative property, the proton diffusion coefficient was measured by a nanofluidic circuit using fluorescein as a pH probe. It was verified that proton conduction was enhanced for channel widths less than 330 nm. A proton-related enzymatic reaction, the hydrolysis reaction, was also investigated, and a large confinement effect was observed.
The visuality of metaphors*
Authors: Gal Michalle
Published: August 2022

This chapter proposes to define metaphor as a visual-material structure, the sphere of which is ontological rather than cognitive or conceptual. It argues that the essence of metaphor, as either an aesthetic or a communicative unit or both, resides in the qualitative dimension and appearance, or even materiality, of the metaphorical medium and its form. The chapter thus offers a new theory of metaphor, focusing on the medium of metaphor, which composes and transfigures or reconstructs its target anew: a composition that is prior to understanding or conceptualizing the target. In doing so, the chapter presents a formalist ontology of metaphors, established via an externalist account of metaphors, as opposed to the prevailing cognitivistconceptualist account which I characterize as internalist. The various kinds of metaphor – linguistic, poetic, visual or material – are based on their external structure, rather than an internal-conceptual mechanism of understanding, as assumed by a significant segment of the literature. Visual metaphor, therefore, is the paradigmatic kind of metaphor, the analysis of which can be generalized to other kinds of metaphor.

Furthermore, the chapter tries to overcome the current discrepancy between the formalist character of the metaphorical medium and the dominance of cognitivist and conceptualist theories of metaphor. Challenging these, I claim that if the identity of metaphor is indeed based on its composition, then it is actually based on its aesthetic qualities. That is to say, not only are there autonomous visual or material metaphors, that are not based on linguistic or conceptual ones, but linguistic and conceptual metaphors are based on visuality: they are enabled by the structural possibilities offered by visual media.
Doing We – Working alliance in psychotherapeutic relationships
Authors: Buchholz Michael B.
Published: August 2022

Larger chunks from psychotherapeutic cooperations are presented. Cooperation is studied in empirical
psychotherapeutic process research as “working alliance” of which conceptual conflicts are outlined.

I follow a proposal by Ginzburg and Poesio (2016) to micro-analyze
hesitation markers as conversational equivalents to embodied pointing gestures. Several stories by patients are told in order
to “point” to comparisons between the stories. The concept of “tacit comparisons” is, thus,
introduced. Then, a recursive model of common ground is proposed with reference to cognitive-linguistic theory of metaphor
(Cienki und Müller 2010; Lakoff 1987).
The conversation creates in describable steps new metaphors indicating important change.
Ac Josephson effect in Corbino-geometry Josephson junctions constructed on Bi2Te3 surface
Authors: Zhang Yunxiao , Lyu Zhaozheng , Wang Xiang , Zhuo Enna , Sun Xiaopei , Li Bing , Shen Jie , Liu Guangtong , Qu Fanming , Lü Li
Published: August 2022

Recently, a Corbino-geometry type of Josephson junction constructed on the surface of topological insulators has been proposed for hosting and braiding Majorana zero modes. As a first step to test this proposal, we successfully fabricated Corbino-geometry Josephson junctions (JJs) on the surface of Bi2Te3 flakes. Ac Josephson effect with fractional Shapiro steps was observed in the Corbino-geometry JJs while the flux in the junction area was quantized. By analyzing the experimental data using the resistively shunted Josephson junction model, we found that the Corbino-geometry JJs exhibit a skewed current–phase relation due to its high transparency. The results suggest that Corbino-geometry JJs constructed on the surface of topological insulators may provide a promising platform for studying Majorana-related physics.