bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulatory role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor on cytokines and clinical features of sarcoidosis
Authors: Elahi Morvarid , Talreja Jaya , Steinbauer Brennen , Koth Laura L. , Samavati Lobelia
Published: October 2022

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology with significant heterogeneity in organ manifestations and clinical course. Subjects with sarcoidosis share several features such as, non-necrotizing granuloma, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased local and circulating inflammatory cytokines. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pluripotent chemokine modulating cellular function. Study included healthy controls (n = 28) and sarcoidosis patients (n = 65). Sera and BAL of sarcoidosis patients were collected and patients were followed longitudinally for 3 years, and demographics, stages, pulmonary function tests, and organ involvements were recorded. We evaluated MIF in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of sarcoidosis patients in association with clinical features and cytokines, IL-18, IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ. We found serum MIF had a positive correlation with IL-10 and IFN-γ and % predicted total lung capacity (%TLC). Serum IL-18 had a significant positive correlation with serum lysozyme, but a negative correlation with %TLC and %DLCO. We identified two groups of sarcoidosis subjects with distinct clinical and cytokine features. A group with prominent extrapulmonary involvement, and low serum MIF, IL-10 and IFN-γ and a group with elevated serum MIF, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels. Our work provides understanding of phenotypic diversity in association with heterogeneity in cytokine landscape in sarcoidosis.
Mitigation pilot contamination based on matching technique for uplink cell-free massive MIMO systems
Authors: Al Ayidh Abdulrahman , Sambo Yusuf , Imran Muhammad Ali
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the cell-free massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) network is affected by the pilot contamination phenomenon when a large number of users and a small number of available pilots exists, the quality of service (QoS) will deteriorate due to the low accuracy of the channel estimation because some of users will use the same pilot. Therefore, we address this problem by presenting two novel schemes of pilot assignment and pilot power control design based on the matching technique for the uplink of cell-free massive MIMO systems to maximize spectral efficiency. We first formulate an assignment optimization problem in order to find the best possible pilot sequence to be used by utilizing genetic algorithm (GA) and then propose a Hungarian matching algorithm to solve this formulated problem. Regarding the power control design, we formulate a minimum-weighted assignment problem to assign pilot power control coefficients to the estimated channel’s minimum mean-squared error by considering the access point (AP) selection. Then, we also propose the Hungarian algorithm to solve this problem. Simulation results show that our proposed schemes outperform the state-of-the-art techniques concerning both the pilot assignment and the pilot power control design by achieving a 15% improvement in the spectral efficiency. Finally, the computational complexity analysis is provided for the proposed schemes compared with the state-of-the-art techniques.
Extracellular DNA concentrations in various aetiologies of acute kidney injury
Authors: Gaál Kovalčíková Alexandra , Janovičová Ľubica , Hodosy Július , Bábíčková Janka , Vavrincová-Yaghi Diana , Vavrinec Peter , Boor Peter , Podracká Ľudmila , Šebeková Katarína , Celec Peter , Tóthová Ľubomíra
Published: October 2022

Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in plasma is a non-specific biomarker of tissue damage. Urinary ecDNA, especially of mitochondrial origin, is a potential non-invasive biomarker of kidney damage. Despite prominent tissue damage, ecDNA has not yet been comprehensively analysed in acute kidney injury (AKI). We analysed different fractions of ecDNA, i.e. total, nuclear and mitochondrial, in plasma and urine of children, and different animal models of AKI. We also analysed the activity of the deoxyribonuclease (DNase), which is contributes to the degradation of ecDNA. Patients with AKI had higher total and nuclear ecDNA in both, plasma and urine (sixfold and 12-fold in plasma, and 800-fold in urine, respectively), with no difference in mitochondrial ecDNA. This was mainly found for patients with AKI due to tubulointerstitial nephritis and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. Increased plasma ecDNA was also found in animal models of AKI, including adenine nephropathy (fivefold), haemolytic uremic syndrome (fourfold), and ischemia–reperfusion injury (1.5-fold). Total urinary ecDNA was higher in adenine nephropathy and ischemia–reperfusion injury (1300-fold and twofold, respectively). DNase activity in urine was significantly lower in all animal models of AKI in comparison to controls. In conclusion, plasma total and nuclear ecDNA and urinary total ecDNA is increased in patients and animals with particular entities of AKI, suggesting a mechanism-dependent release of ecDNA during AKI. Further studies should focus on the dynamics of ecDNA and its potential role in the pathogenesis of AKI.
Acoustic emission induced by sand liquefaction during vibration loading
Authors: Frid Vladimir , Shulov Semen
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the study of poorly graded sand samples of different grain content subjected to liquefaction. The research results show the V-shaped behavior of the AE parameters that correspond to the three-stage sand behavior: Phase A is associated with microfractures/displacements between sand grains caused by an increase in pore pressure before the liquefaction point. Phase B (the stage of AE silence just before the liquefaction point) reflects the equality between pore pressure and stress in the confining chamber. Phase C (the stage of increase in AE parameters’ values) is explained by intense friction between sand grains during their movement caused by liquefaction. Our results show that the AE behavior before, at, and after the liquefaction point is significantly affected by the sand grain content. The change in the sand composition from the poorly graded dune sand to "extremely poorly graded sand" significantly increases the time for the creation of the liquefaction state while the coarser the sand grains become, the longer duration of vibration loading is required to reach the liquefaction state.
Integrating graphene oxide into layers of PVDF/PVDF@cross-linked sodium alginate/polyamide membrane for efficiently enhancing desalination performances
Authors: Mohammadi Zohreh , Seyed Dorraji Mir Saeed , Ahmadi Arsalan , Tarighati Sareshkeh Abdolreza , Rasoulifard Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2022

The membrane modules of the water treatment system are faced costly damages; thereby executing pre-desalination units based on Nanofiltration (NF) could prevent these suffers, and improve the permeated water flux (PWF) and salt rejection (SR). Hence, we focused on the construction of a novel ternary-layer NF membrane through “electrospinning Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) (as bottom layer)”, “generating middle layer by electrospinning PVDF along with, the implementation cross-linking after electrospraying Sodium Alginate”, and “synthesizing Polyamide (as top layer) through interfacial polymerization”. More importantly, it anticipated that the Taguchi statistical method can expeditiously optimize the effects of Graphene Oxide nano-sheets (GOns) on water-dependent properties, such as PWF and SR. Astonishingly, the desalination capabilities significantly improved, when the top, middle, and bottom layers simultaneously had 1, 0.1, and 0.1 wt.% of GOns, respectively. Overall, comparing the performances between the optimized sample containing low-dosage and without GOns demonstrated the PWF ameliorated from 6.68 to 20.36 L/m2 h; also, the SR ability remained on an incremental basis as NaCl < MgCl2 < MgSO4 under 6 bar pressure. Manifestly, these authentic results denoted promising, innovative, and large-scaling insights when effectual PWF and SR be necessary.
Design optimization of a linkage-based 2-DOF wheel mechanism for stable step climbing
Authors: Won Jeeho , Ryu Sijun , Kim Sangkyun , Yoo Kwan Yeong , Kim Hwa Soo , Seo Taewon
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the design optimization of a linkage-based wheel mechanism with two degrees of freedom, for stable step climbing. The mechanism has seven rotational joints and one prismatic joint. Kinematic and dynamic analyses of the mechanism were performed. The design was optimized in terms of linkage length and architecture to better manipulate the mechanism in its workspace, which was defined here by the targeted step size, as well as to ensure stability while climbing stairs. Optimization by genetic algorithm was performed using MATLAB. The optimized mechanism exhibited enhanced torque transmission from the input torque to the exerted for at the lobe of the wheel. Compliance control of the transformation will be addressed in the future.
Multi-omics disease module detection with an explainable Greedy Decision Forest
Authors: Pfeifer Bastian , Baniecki Hubert , Saranti Anna , Biecek Przemyslaw , Holzinger Andreas
Published: October 2022

Machine learning methods can detect complex relationships between variables, but usually do not exploit domain knowledge. This is a limitation because in many scientific disciplines, such as systems biology, domain knowledge is available in the form of graphs or networks, and its use can improve model performance. We need network-based algorithms that are versatile and applicable in many research areas. In this work, we demonstrate subnetwork detection based on multi-modal node features using a novel Greedy Decision Forest (GDF) with inherent interpretability. The latter will be a crucial factor to retain experts and gain their trust in such algorithms. To demonstrate a concrete application example, we focus on bioinformatics, systems biology and particularly biomedicine, but the presented methodology is applicable in many other domains as well. Systems biology is a good example of a field in which statistical data-driven machine learning enables the analysis of large amounts of multi-modal biomedical data. This is important to reach the future goal of precision medicine, where the complexity of patients is modeled on a system level to best tailor medical decisions, health practices and therapies to the individual patient. Our proposed explainable approach can help to uncover disease-causing network modules from multi-omics data to better understand complex diseases such as cancer.
Growth, structure, phase transition, thermal properties, and structural dynamics of organic–inorganic hybrid [NH3(CH2)5NH3]ZnCl4 crystal
Authors: Lim Ae Ran , Cho Jiung
Published: October 2022

In this study, the physicochemical properties of [NH3(CH2)5NH3]ZnCl4 crystals were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The crystals at 300 K had a monoclinic structure with C2/c space group and lattice constants are a = 21.4175 Å, b = 7.3574 Å, c = 19.1079 Å, β = 120.5190°, and Z = 8. Three endothermic peaks at 256, 390, and 481 K were observed in the DSC curve. From the single-crystal XRD patterns, powder XRD patterns, and optical microscopy results based on the temperature change, the phase transition and melting temperatures were determined to be 390 and 481 K, respectively. NMR studies indicated no change in 1H chemical shifts, but a change in the chemical shifts for C2, located between C1 and C3 of the cation at 340 K. Increase in molecular motion caused an increase in the spin–lattice relaxation time, T1ρ, at low spinning rates, under magic-angle spinning rate conditions. This crystal showed a minor change in the N−H···Cl hydrogen bond, related to the coordination geometry of the ZnCl4 anion.
Pharmacometabolomics reveals urinary diacetylspermine as a biomarker of doxorubicin effectiveness in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Velenosi Thomas J. , Krausz Kristopher W. , Hamada Keisuke , Dorsey Tiffany H. , Ambs Stefan , Takahashi Shogo , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: October 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients receive chemotherapy treatment, including doxorubicin, due to the lack of targeted therapies. Drug resistance is a major cause of treatment failure in TNBC and therefore, there is a need to identify biomarkers that determine effective drug response. A pharmacometabolomics study was performed using doxorubicin sensitive and resistant TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to detect urinary metabolic biomarkers of treatment effectiveness. Evaluation of metabolite production was assessed by directly studying tumor levels in TNBC-PDX mice and human subjects. Metabolic flux leading to biomarker production was determined using stable isotope-labeled tracers in TNBC-PDX ex vivo tissue slices. Findings were validated in 12-h urine samples from control (n = 200), ER+/PR+ (n = 200), ER+/PR+/HER2+ (n = 36), HER2+ (n = 81) and TNBC (n = 200) subjects. Diacetylspermine was identified as a urine metabolite that robustly changed in response to effective doxorubicin treatment, which persisted after the final dose. Urine diacetylspermine was produced by the tumor and correlated with tumor volume. Ex vivo tumor slices revealed that doxorubicin directly increases diacetylspermine production by increasing tumor spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 expression and activity, which was corroborated by elevated polyamine flux. In breast cancer patients, tumor diacetylspermine was elevated compared to matched non-cancerous tissue and increased in HER2+ and TNBC compared to ER+ subtypes. Urine diacetylspermine was associated with breast cancer tumor volume and poor tumor grade. This study describes a pharmacometabolomics strategy for identifying cancer metabolic biomarkers that indicate drug response. Our findings characterize urine diacetylspermine as a non-invasive biomarker of doxorubicin effectiveness in TNBC.
The role of Notch signaling in endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem-like cells maintenance
Authors: Zhang Sisi , Chan Rachel W. S. , Ng Ernest H. Y. , Yeung William S. B.
Published: October 2022

Human endometrium undergoes cycles of regeneration in women of reproductive age. The endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC) contribute to this process. Notch signaling is essential for homeostasis of somatic stem cells. However, its role in eMSC remains unclear. We show with gain- and loss-of-function experiments that activation of Notch signaling promotes eMSC maintenance, while inhibition induces opposite effect. The activation of Notch signaling better maintains eMSC in a quiescent state. However, these quiescent eMSC can re-enter the cell cycle depending on the Notch and Wnt activities in the microenvironment, suggesting a crosstalk between the two signaling pathways. We further show that the Notch signaling is involved in endometrial remodeling event in a mouse menstrual-like model. Suppression of Notch signaling reduces the proliferation of Notch1+ label-retaining stromal cells and delays endometrial repair. Our data demonstrate the importance of Notch signaling in regulating the endometrial stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo.
Frontal polymerization-triggered simultaneous ring-opening metathesis polymerization and cross metathesis affords anisotropic macroporous dicyclopentadiene cellulose nanocrystal foam
Authors: Park Jinsu , Kwak Seung-Yeop
Published: October 2022

Multifunctionality and effectiveness of macroporous solid foams in extreme environments have captivated the attention of both academia and industries. The most recent rapid, energy-efficient strategy to manufacture solid foams with directionality is the frontal polymerization (FP) of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). However, there still remains the need for a time efficient one-pot approach to induce anisotropic macroporosity in DCPD foams. Here we show a rapid production of cellular solids by frontally polymerizing a mixture of DCPD monomer and allyl-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (ACs). Our results demonstrate a clear correlation between increasing % allylation and AC wt%, and the formed pore architectures. Especially, we show enhanced front velocity (vf) and reduced reaction initiation time (tinit) by introducing an optimal amount of 2 wt% AC. Conclusively, the small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) analyses reveal that the incorporation of 2 wt% AC affects the crystal structure of FP-mediated DCPD/AC foams and enhances their oxidation resistance.
Defect-induced tuning of polarity-dependent adsorption in hydrophobic–hydrophilic UiO-66
Authors: Jajko Gabriela , Calero Sofia , Kozyra Paweł , Makowski Wacław , Sławek Andrzej , Gil Barbara , Gutiérrez-Sevillano Juan José
Published: October 2022

Structural defects in metal–organic frameworks can be exploited to tune material properties. In the case of UiO-66 material, they may change its nature from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and therefore affect the mechanism of adsorption of polar and non-polar molecules. In this work, we focused on understanding this mechanism during adsorption of molecules with different dipole moments, using the standard volumetric adsorption measurements, IR spectroscopy, DFT + D calculations, and Monte Carlo calculations. Average occupation profiles showed that polar and nonpolar molecules change their preferences for adsorption sites. Hence, defects in the structure can be used to tune the adsorption properties of the MOF as well as to control the position of the adsorbates within the micropores of UiO-66.
Wide-bandgap GaN-based watt-class photonic-crystal lasers
Authors: Emoto Kei , Koizumi Tomoaki , Hirose Masaki , Jutori Masahiro , Inoue Takuya , Ishizaki Kenji , De Zoysa Menaka , Togawa Hiroyuki , Noda Susumu
Published: October 2022

Short-wavelength (blue-violet-to-green) lasers with high power and high beam quality are required for various applications including the machining of difficult-to-process materials and high-brightness illuminations and displays. Promising light sources for such applications are wide-bandgap GaN-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), which are based on two-dimensional resonance in the photonic crystal. Developments of these devices have lagged behind those of longer-wavelength GaAs-based PCSELs, because device designs for achieving robust two-dimensional resonance and a nanofabrication process that avoids introducing disorders have remained elusive for wide-bandgap GaN-based materials. Here, we address these issues and successfully realize GaN-based PCSELs with high, watt-class (>1 W) output power and a circular, single-lobed beam with a very narrow (~0.2°) divergence angle at blue wavelengths. In addition, we demonstrate continuous-wave operation with a high output power (~320 mW) and a high beam quality (M2~1). Our results will enable the use of GaN-based PCSELs in the above-mentioned applications.
Multi-omic phenotyping reveals host-microbe responses to bariatric surgery, glycaemic control and obesity
Authors: Penney Nicholas C. , Yeung Derek K. T. , Garcia-Perez Isabel , Posma Joram M. , Kopytek Aleksandra , Garratt Bethany , Ashrafian Hutan , Frost Gary , Marchesi Julian R. , Purkayastha Sanjay , Hoyles Lesley , Darzi Ara , Holmes Elaine
Published: October 2022

Background

Resolution of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is common following bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

To address this we compare the integrated serum, urine and faecal metabolic profiles of participants with obesity ± T2D (n = 80, T2D = 42) with participants who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy (pre and 3-months post-surgery; n = 27), taking diet into account. We co-model these data with shotgun metagenomic profiles of the gut microbiota to provide a comprehensive atlas of host-gut microbe responses to bariatric surgery, weight-loss and glycaemic control at the systems level.

Results

Here we show that bariatric surgery reverses several disrupted pathways characteristic of T2D. The differential metabolite set representative of bariatric surgery overlaps with both diabetes (19.3% commonality) and body mass index (18.6% commonality). However, the percentage overlap between diabetes and body mass index is minimal (4.0% commonality), consistent with weight-independent mechanisms of T2D resolution. The gut microbiota is more strongly correlated to body mass index than T2D, although we identify some pathways such as amino acid metabolism that correlate with changes to the gut microbiota and which influence glycaemic control.

Conclusion

We identify multi-omic signatures associated with responses to surgery, body mass index, and glycaemic control. Improved understanding of gut microbiota - host co-metabolism may lead to novel therapies for weight-loss or diabetes. However, further experiments are required to provide mechanistic insight into the role of the gut microbiota in host metabolism and establish proof of causality.
A comprehensive review on multi-colored emissive carbon dots as fluorescent probes for the detection of pharmaceutical drugs in water
Authors: Rajendran Sathish , UshaVipinachandran Varsha , Badagoppam Haroon Kabir Hussain , Ashokan Indhumathi , Bhunia Susanta Kumar
Published: October 2022

This review article signifies current progress in the synthesis of tunable fluorescent carbon dots and their potential for the detection of a variety of pharmaceutical drugs with detailed mechanism.
Pulmonary delivery of curcumin-loaded glycyrrhizic acid nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory therapy
Authors: Piao Chunxian , Zhuang Chuanyu , Kang Minji , Oh Jihun , Lee Minhyung
Published: October 2022

Curcumin was loaded into the glycyrrhizic acid nanoparticles and delivered into the lungs for the treatment of acute lung injury.
Synthesis of multifunctional poly(carbamoyl ester)s containing dual-cleavable linkages and an AIE luminogen via Passerini-type multicomponent polymerization
Authors: Chou Li-Chieh , Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Huang Chih-Feng
Published: October 2022

We conducted Passerini multicomponent polymerizations with aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and isocyanide and afforded novel functional poly(carbamoyl ester)s with dual-cleavable linkages and an aggregation-induced emission luminogen.
Trends in angle-resolved molecular photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Dowek Danielle , Decleva Piero
Published: October 2022

In this perspective article, main trends of angle-resolved molecular photoelectron spectroscopy in the laboratory up to the molecular frame, in different regimes of light-matter interactions, are highlighted with emphasis on foundations and most recent applications.
Extensively amino-functionalized graphene captures carbon dioxide
Authors: Chaban Vitaly V. , Andreeva Nadezhda A.
Published: October 2022

Amino-functionalized graphene demonstrates certain potential to fix carbon dioxide.
Application of two-dimensional layered materials in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Luo Wen , Xiong Weiwei , Han Yuenan , Yan Xin , Mai Liqiang
Published: October 2022

2D materials are promising SERS substrates. Seven feasible strategies to improve the SERS performance of 2D substrate materials are summarized. The prospect of future progress in SERS and possible challenges of 2D layered materials are put forwarded.
Data-driven generation of perturbation networks for relative binding free energy calculations
Authors: Scheen Jenke , Mackey Mark , Michel Julien
Published: October 2022

A data-driven approach for predicting networks for affinity calculations offers a new route for automated molecular simulations in drug discovery.
Solution-phase controlled synthesis of Cu3NbSe4 nanocrystals for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Zhao Yutong , Liu Mengxue , Zhang Wenqian , Sun Xue , Wang Wenliang , Zhang Wenxiu , Tang Mengqi , Ren Wenqing , Sun Mingyu , Feng Wenling , Wang Weihua
Published: October 2022

Cu3NbSe4 nanocrystals with a cubic phase, monodisperse size and uniform shape synthesized by a facile colloidal method exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties.
Development of volatility distributions for organic matter in biomass burning emissions
Authors: Sinha Aditya , George Ingrid , Holder Amara , Preston William , Hays Michael , Grieshop Andrew P.
Published: October 2022

We present a novel filter-in-tube sorbent tube method to collect S/I-VOC samples from a range of biomass burning experiments and find that volatility distributions are relatively consistent with prior findings and across the tested combustion types.
Amyloid β-but not Tau-induced neurotoxicity is suppressed by Manuka honeyviaHSP-16.2 and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways in anin vivomodel of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Navarro-Hortal María D. , Romero-Márquez Jose M. , Muñoz-Ollero Pedro , Jiménez-Trigo Victoria , Esteban-Muñoz Adelaida , Tutusaus Kilian , Giampieri Francesca , Battino Maurizio , Sánchez-González Cristina , Rivas-García Lorenzo , Llopis Juan , Forbes-Hernández Tamara Y. , Quiles José L.
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer's is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system considered the leading cause of dementia in the world.
Isoquercitrin from Apocynum venetum L. produces an anti-obesity effect on obese mice by targeting C-1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, carbonyl reductase, and glutathione S-transferase P and modification of the AMPK/SREBP-1c/FAS/CD36 signaling pathway in mice in vivo
Authors: Manzoor Majid , Muroi Makoto , Ogawa Naoko , Kobayashi Hiroki , Nishimura Haruna , Chen Danni , Fasina Opeyemi B. , Wang Jianyu , Osada Hiroyuki , Yoshida Minoru , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: October 2022

In the present study, mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity were used in investigating the anti-obesity effects of an aqueous extract and isoquercitrin from Apocynum venetum L.
Probing mutual interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans in a biofabricated membrane-based microfluidic platform
Authors: Pham Le Hoang Phu , Colon-Ascanio Mariliz , Ou Jin , Ly Khanh , Hu Piao , Choy John S. , Luo Xiaolong
Published: October 2022

Polymicrobial interactions were imaged in real time in a biofabricated membrane-based microfluidic device and quantified to reveal new dynamic details.
Unexpected behavior during methylene blue adsorption over H-titanate nanotubes and nanosheets
Authors: Zaki A. H. , Rashad Shimaa , Lee Ming-Jer , Shehata Nabila
Published: October 2022

2D titanate nanosheets (H-TNS) and 1D titanate nanotubes (H-TNT) effectively adsorb cationic methyl blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. At certain concentrations methylene blue desorbed as dimers to solution.
Si5-pentagonal rings and Y-shaped Si4building blocks in Li32Si18system: similarities with the crystalline Zintl phase Li12Si7
Authors: Yañez Osvaldo , Inostroza Diego , Leyva-Parra Luis , Solar-Encinas José , Cruz J. César , Garza Jorge , Vásquez-Espinal Alejandro , Pino-Rios Ricardo , Orellana Walter , Tiznado William
Published: October 2022

Density functional theory calculations support the possibility that Li10Si4and Li6Si5clusters can be combined to assemble structures, opening opportunities for silicon–lithium cluster assembled materials.
Thermal and UV light adaptive polyurethane elastomers for photolithography-transfer printing of flexible circuits
Authors: Shi Jiaxin , Wang Zhiqi , Zheng Tianze , Liu Xueyan , Guo Baohua , Xu Jun
Published: October 2022

One material, multiple functions. Thermal and UV-adaptive self-healable polyurethanes as flexible substrates for patternable printed electronic circuits were synthesized, using dihydroxybenzophenone as the key monomer.
Comparison of a 2D/3D imidazole-based MOF and its application as a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for the detection of uric acid
Authors: Abrori Syauqi Abdurrahman , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Nugraha  , Nuruddin Ahmad , Anshori Isa , Yuliarto Brian
Published: October 2022

Two dimensional microplate of W-ZIF-67 promotes a high catalytic activity for non-enzymatic electrochemical uric acid detection.
Interfacial-assembly engineering of asymmetric magnetic-mesoporous organosilica nanocomposites with tunable architectures
Authors: Wu Yue , Sun Yangyi , Zhang Chengyu , He Mengyao , Qi Dongming
Published: October 2022

Interfacial-assembly engineering for controllable preparation of length-tunable asymmetric nanoarchitectures (i.e., organosilica nano-tails) on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
Regio- and diastereoselective transition metal-free hydroalkylation of N-allenyl sulfonamides by push–pull 2-alkynylquinolines
Authors: Dehghanpour Kalan Reza , Amiri Kamran , Rominger Frank , Balalaie Saeed , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: October 2022

Herein we describe a novel and efficient synthetic strategy to construct the linear homoallylic quinolone structures through the regio- and diastereoselective transition metal-free intramolecular addition of enolized 2-alkynylquinoline to allenamide.
Chemoselective cycloadditions to epoxide derivatives of erucic acid with CO2and CS2: controlled access to value-added bio-derived compounds
Authors: Álvarez-Miguel Lucía , Mosquera Marta E. G. , Whiteoak Christopher J.
Published: October 2022

Highly selective methods for the synthesis of cyclic carbonate and dithiocarbonate derivatives of Erucic acid have been developed through synthesis of intermediate epoxides and catalytic couplings with CO2/CS2.
Radical-mediated alkene carboamination/dearomatization of arylsulfonyl-o-allylanilines via photoredox catalysis
Authors: Tang Wan , Yan Duan-Yang , Liang Kai-Cheng , Su Ma , Liu Feng
Published: October 2022

A mild and redox-neutral protocol is developed for the synthesis of 1,4-cyclohexadiene-containing indoline-fused heterocycles via photoredox catalysis.
Interfacial configuration of heterogeneous NiFe–sulfide as a highly electrocatalytic selective oxygen evolution reaction electrode toward seawater electrolysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Shengzhong , Song Zhaoyang , Wang Hongtao , Zhang Yanpeng , Fan Dequan , Hu Fangzhou , Yu Ying , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2022

The NixFeyS/CH-z M electrode with rough surface and micro voids was prepared. Dual-doping can generate interfacial engineering between multiple heterogeneous phases. Electronic regulation and geometrical construction can boost seawater electrolysis.
Decorated reduced graphene oxide transfer sulfides into sulfur and sulfone in wastewater
Authors: Wang Zheng , Cui Hongtao , Xu Hengduo , Sheng Yanqing
Published: October 2022

Sulfides cannot be completely removed using oxidation due to the production of sulfate.
Anticorrosion behaviour and tribological properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy coated with Nb2O5/Nb2O5–Mg/Mg layer by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ding Ziyu , Yuan Qianhong , Wang Hao , Tang Yinghong , Tan Yimin , He Quanguo
Published: October 2022

Magnesium alloys are attracting increasing attention for the fabrication of temporary implants because of their superior biodegradability and biocompatibility.
Modification of carbon foam with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid functionalised gold nanoparticles for an application in a yeast-based microbial fuel cell
Authors: Aliyah  , Nasution Mochammad Arfin Fardiansyah , Ayudia Putri Yulia Mariana Tesa , Gunlazuardi Jarnuzi , Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum
Published: October 2022

Functionalisation of gold nanoparticles-modified carbon foam with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid was performed to improve its affinity toward microorganisms. The prepared electrode was evaluated for a microbial fuel cell with Candida fukuyamaensis yeast as the microorganisms.
Precisely synthesized LiF-tipped CoF2-nanorod heterostructures improve energy storage capacities
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Fu Hao , Ma Jiamin , Shi Xiaomeng , Wang Huimin , Yin Zongyou , Zhang Shuai , Jin Mengdie , Zhong Ziyun , Zhai Xinyun , Du Yaping
Published: October 2022

A facile but robust method to precisely synthesize well-defined LiF-tipped CoF2-nanorod heterostructures is established.
Interplay between substrate rigidity and tissue fluidity regulates cell monolayer spreading
Authors: Staddon Michael F. , Murrell Michael P. , Banerjee Shiladitya
Published: October 2022

Using a cell-based computational model of a spreading cell monolayer, we show that the interplay between tissue fluidity and substrate rigidity regulates the rate of collective spreading.
Self-healing and efficient flexible perovskite solar cells enabled by host–guest interaction and a 2D/3D heterostructure
Authors: Yang Zhengchi , Jiang Yue , Xu Dongdong , Wang Zhen , Gao Xingsen , Lu Xubing , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun-Ming , Gao Jinwei
Published: October 2022

Thein situsynthesis of a ternary polymer (TPP polymer) to construct host–guest interaction between GMA-CD and N-AA and a 2D/3D heterostructure supports the development of efficient, stable, self-healing and flexible perovskite solar cells.
Charge and spin communication between dual metal single-atom sites on C2N sheets: regulating electronic spin moments of Fe atoms for N2activation and reduction
Authors: Zhang Yuqin , Wang Xiaohang , Liu Tianyong , Dang Qian , Zhu Ling , Luo Yi , Jiang Jun , Tang Shaobin
Published: October 2022

The charge and spin communication constructed between dual single-metal atom sites on C2N sheets significantly regulated the electronic spin moments of Fe atom active sites, and thus boosted electrochemical N2reduction to NH3.
α-Adrenergic blockade prevented environmental temperature reduction-induced transient portal pressure surge in cirrhotic and portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Huang Hui-Chun , Chang Ching-Chih , Pun Chon Kit , Tsai Ming-Hung , Chuang Chiao-Lin , Hsu Shao-Jung , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Fa-Yauh
Published: October 2022

Exposure to low temperatures has been associated with increased gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of environmental temperature reduction on portal hypertension and the role of adrenergic signaling pathways in this phenomenon. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation or partial portal vein ligation to induce liver cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension. The impacts of acute or chronic changes in environmental temperature were surveyed. The results showed that acute cooling from 25 to 15°C and 5°C increased the portal pressure by 10.6% and 15.5% in cirrhotic rats, and by 22.2% and 36.1% in portal hypertensive rats, respectively. The transient portal pressure surge started shortly after cooling, reached a peak within 5 min and returned to baseline after 10 min. Systemic vascular resistance, mean arterial pressure and splanchnic blood flow increased significantly at the same time. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, phospholipase C, protein kinase C activity and myosin phosphorylation of peripheral arteries increased significantly in response to cooling. Phentolamine (an α-blocker) but not propranolol (a non-selective β-blocker) dose-dependently inhibited the transient portal pressure surge and aforementioned molecular changes. In conclusion, environmental temperature reduction induced peripheral vasoconstriction via α-adrenergic pathways, and redistribution of blood flow to the splanchnic system led to a surge in transient portal pressure. Treatment with α-adrenergic receptor antagonists may exert additional benefits in controlling portal hypertension, especially on exposure to low temperatures.
Mitigating RF jamming attacks at the physical layer with machine learning
Authors: Jacovic Marko , Rey Xaime Rivas , Mainland Geoffrey , Dandekar Kapil R.
Published: October 2022

Wireless communication devices must be protected from malicious threats, including active jamming attacks, due to the widespread use of wireless systems throughout our every‐day lives. Jamming mitigation techniques are predominately evaluated through simulation or with hardware for very specific jamming conditions. In this paper, an experimental software defined radio‐based RF jamming mitigation platform which performs online jammer classification and leverages reconfigurable beam‐steering antennas at the physical layer is introduced. A ray‐tracing emulation system is presented and validated to enable hardware‐in‐the‐loop jamming experiments of complex outdoor and mobile site‐specific scenarios. Random forests classifiers are trained based on over‐the‐air collected data and integrated into the platform. The mitigation system is evaluated for both over‐the‐air and ray‐tracing emulated environments. The experimental results highlight the benefit of using the jamming mitigation system in the presence of active jamming attacks.
Improvement of the piezoelectric, thermal, structural properties of PMMA/PVdF-HFP blend composite films using PZT
Authors: Labihi Salesabil , Oumghar Khadija , Chakhchaoui Nabil , Eddiai Adil , Meddad Mounir , Cherkaoui Omar , El Achaby Mounir , Mazroui M'hammed
Published: October 2022

Energy harvesting is the most efficient way to meet energy demand while also supplying renewable energy sources from the environment. This technology consists of recovering of electrical energy from lost energy sources, which are available everywhere, including heat, fluids, vibrations, etc. In particular, energy harvesting via piezoelectric materials, which can convert the energy of vibrations and mechanical deformations into electrical energy, has been the subject in the last decade. This energy is used in a variety of applications, including energy collectors, sensors, and actuators, among others. This study concerns the improvement and enhancement of the properties of Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Synthesized PMMA was blended with Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), and Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles at various composition ratios using solvent casting technique in Tetrahydrofuran (THF). Improvement of properties has confirmed by POM, SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and tensile testing.
An artificial intelligence approach to detection and assessment of concrete cracks based on visual inspection photographs
Authors: Gomera Mufaro , Ballim Yunus
Published: October 2022

This paper reports on the development of an artificial intelligence system, based on convolutional neural networks and machine learning algorithms to assess photographic images of concrete surfaces for the presence and characteristics of cracks. CNNs are deep learning techniques that are particularly useful for image categorization. An important challenge in the development of the system was to ensure that real cracks could be distinguished from non-crack features or profiles on the concrete surface. After development, the AI system was trained using 1900 images of cracked and non-cracked concrete surfaces. A further 1100 images were then used for validation and testing of the system. The images were segmented or pixelated in order to simplify the representation of the image and make it easier to locate objects and boundaries. The system was further developed to estimate the length and average width of cracks in an image. The testing protocols showed that the AI model was 99.6% accurate in classifying cracked and non-cracked images. Furthermore, the average error for calculation of crack length and crack width was 1.5% and 5% respectively. These results show good promise for development of a fully-fledged AI system to support inspection and maintenance of RC structures.
Digenean trematodes infecting the frigate tunaAuxis thazard(Scombriformes, Scombridae) off the Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil, including molecular data
Authors: Pantoja Camila , Telles Bruno , Paschoal Fabiano , Luque José Luis , Kudlai Olena
Published: October 2022

Although some parasitological efforts have focused on the frigate tunaAuxis thazard(Lacepède) (Scombriformes, Scombridae) in Brazil, its digenean fauna remains poorly known. Combining morphological and molecular methods, we investigated the diversity of digenean trematodes ofA.thazardcollected from the coastal waters off the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2021. Six species belonging to four families were recorded: the bucephalidRhipidocotylecf.angusticolleChandler, 1941, the didymozoidDidymocystissp. 6sensuLouvard et al. (2022), the fellodistomidTergestiasp., and three hemiurids,Dinurus euthynniYamaguti, 1934,Lecithochirium floridense(Manter, 1934), andL.synodiManter, 1931. The current study brings the total number of digenean trematode species parasitisingA.thazardin Brazil up to eight, with hemiuroid trematodes being most diverse.Auxis thazardis a new host record forL. floridense,L. synodiand potentially forR. angusticolle. The geographic distribution of several species found in our study appeared to be wider than previously known. Our study is the first to apply a DNA-based approach to digenean diversity in marine fishes in Brazil and we believe that both morphological descriptions and molecular sequence data provided in our study will aid future research assessing the diversity of digenean trematodes ofA.thazardand other marine fishes in Brazil.
Assessments zur Erhebung des Fitnesszustandes in Therapiegruppen für Personen mit axialer Spondyloarthritis – eine Machbarkeitsstudie
Authors: Rausch Anne-Kathrin , Horvath Christian , Niedermann Karin
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund Die Schweizerische Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew hat die Empfehlungen für körperliche Aktivität der europäischen Rheumaliga in einem Gruppentherapie-Konzept für Personen mit axialer Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) umgesetzt. Dieses Konzept beinhaltet neben der Anleitung zum Training in allen 4 Fitnessdimensionen (Ausdauer, Kraft, Beweglichkeit, Neuromotorik) auch Bewegungsberatung und regelmäßige Fitness-Assessments für die Planung und Dokumentation des individuellen Therapiefortschritts sowie für die Qualitätsevaluation der Therapiegruppen.

Ziel Evaluation der Durchführbarkeit der Fitness-Assessments, indem Physiotherapeut*innen (PT) und Gruppenteilnehmende mit axSpA (TNaxSpA) Akzeptanz, Praktikabilität und Integration beurteilen.

Methode Machbarkeitsstudie in 4 Pilottherapiegruppen. PT führten die Assessmentbatterie, bestehend aus a) Chester Step Test (CST) für die aerobe Fitness, b) modifizierter Rumpfkrafttest für die Rumpfkraft, c) Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) für die Beweglichkeit der Wirbelsäule und d) Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) für das Gleichgewicht, mit den TNaxSpA durch. Anschließend bewerteten die PT und TNaxSpA mittels Fragebögen die Akzeptanz, Durchführbarkeit und Integration. Die Durchführbarkeit der Bewertungen wurde anhand von 3 Stufen (I–III) definiert: Bei einer positiven Bewertung von > 80 % (Stufe I) wurde eine bestimmte Bewertung als geeignet angesehen, bei einer positiven Bewertung von 50–80 % (Stufe II) waren Anpassungen erforderlich, bei einer positiven Bewertung von < 50 % (Stufe III) wurde eine bestimmte Bewertung als nicht geeignet für die Gruppenübungstherapie angesehen und es musste eine neue Auswahl getroffen werden.

Ergebnisse Der BASMI wurde von TNaxSpA und PT mit Stufe I bewertet, es waren keine Anpassungen erforderlich. Der CST, SLST und modifizierte Rumpfkrafttest wurden von TNaxSpA mit Stufe I und von PT mit Stufe II bewertet, notwendige Anpassungen wurden entsprechend definiert.

Schlussfolgerung Aus Sicht der Patient*innen wurde die Durchführbarkeit der Tests in Bezug auf Akzeptanz, Durchführbarkeit und Integration positiv bewertet. Aus Sicht der PT waren einige Personen mit axSpA einsetzbar. Auf diese Weise kann der individuelle Fitnesszustand evaluiert und die Interventionen angepasst werden, sodass die Qualität der Gruppenübungstherapie kontinuierlich evaluiert und gegebenenfalls verbessert werden kann.
Super-Resolution Ultrasound Localization Microscopy of Microvascular Structure and Flow for Distinguishing Metastatic Lymph Nodes – An Initial Human Study
Authors: Zhu Jiaqi , Zhang Chao , Christensen-Jeffries Kirsten , Zhang Ge , Harput Sevan , Dunsby Christopher , Huang Pintong , Tang Meng-Xing
Published: October 2022

Purpose Detecting and distinguishing metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) from those with benign lymphadenopathy are crucial for cancer diagnosis and prognosis but remain a clinical challenge. A recent advance in super-resolution ultrasound (SRUS) through localizing individual microbubbles has broken the diffraction limit and tracking enabled in vivo noninvasive imaging of vascular morphology and flow dynamics at a microscopic level. In this study we hypothesize that SRUS enables quantitative markers to distinguish metastatic LNs from benign ones in patients with lymphadenopathy.

Materials and Methods Clinical contrast-enhanced ultrasound image sequences of LNs from 6 patients with lymph node metastasis and 4 with benign lymphadenopathy were acquired and motion-corrected. These were then used to generate super-resolution microvascular images and super-resolved velocity maps. From these SRUS images, morphological and functional measures were obtained including micro-vessel density, fractal dimension, mean flow speed, and Local Flow Direction Irregularity (LFDI) measuring the variance in local flow direction. These measures were compared between pathologically proven reactive and metastasis LNs.

Results Our initial results indicate that the difference in the indicator of flow irregularity (LFDI) derived from the SRUS images is statistically significant between the two groups. The LFDI is 60% higher in metastatic LNs compared with reactive nodes.

Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of super-resolution ultrasound for clinical imaging of lymph nodes and the potential of using the irregularity of local blood flow directions afforded by SRUS for the characterization of LNs.
Knowledge Gaps for Prophylactic Use of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients with COVID-19: Insights into New SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Vaccination Status, and Emerging Oral Antivirals
Authors: Talasaz Azita H. , Sadeghipour Parham , Mehdizadeh Kasra , Khoshnam Rad Niloofar , Bikdeli Behnood , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Harenberg Job
Published: October 2022

Data suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) results in a prothrombotic state leading to arterial and venous thromboses. Vaccination, novel antiviral drugs, and emerging variants have changed the course of the disease in many ways; however, their effects on the incidence of thrombotic events and the efficacy of preventative antithrombotic agents have not been yet evaluated. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies reported on the incidence of thrombotic events based on vaccination status, use of novel antiviral drugs, and emerging viral variants. Similarly, we screened the ongoing/published randomized trials of preventative antithrombotic therapy in any COVID-19 population to assess whether subgroup-specific results were reported based on any of these variants. Upon searching a total of 3,451 records, only one entry fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our systematic review, which was a self-controlled case series on 29,121,633 vaccinated individuals, the incidence rate ratio of thrombotic complication after breakthrough infection was 13.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.76–15.05) compared with 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02–1.18) during the 28-day postvaccination. In conclusion, although the mortality benefit of mass vaccination and the early promising results of the new antiviral therapies are well known, we were unable to find clinical evidence on whether vaccination, the use of novel antiviral agents, and emerging viral variants have affected the incidence rate of thrombotic events or impacted the efficacy of prophylactic antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19. Analyses from existing trials and large-scale registries can provide interim knowledge and any findings of relevance should be incorporated in the design of future trials.