bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How long have you exercised in your life? The effect of motor reserve and current physical activity on cognitive performance
Authors: Pucci Veronica , Guerra Carolina , Barsi Amanda , Nucci Massimo , Mondini Sara
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Aging of the population encourages research on how to preserve cognition and quality of life. Many studies have shown that Physical Activity (PA) positively affects cognition in older adults. However, PA carried out throughout the individual’s lifespan may also have an impact on cognition in old age. We hypothesize the existence of Motor Reserve (MR), a flexible and dynamic construct that increases over time and compensates for age-related motor and cognitive loss.

Methods:

Two questionnaires were developed and validated to estimate MR (Physical Activity carried out throughout the individual’s lifespan) and Current Physical Activity (CPA, PA carried out in the previous 12 months). They were administered to 75 healthy individuals over 50 to verify the relation with cognition. MR and CPA include physical exercise (i.e., structured activities to improve or maintain physical fitness) and incidental PA, which we consider as any movement that leads to a metabolic cost above baseline (e.g., housekeeping, walking). In addition, the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRI), a reliable predictor of cognitive performance, was used to measure each participant’s Cognitive Reserve.

Results:

The factors that most influenced performance are Age and Cognitive Reserve, but also MR and CPA together and MR when it is the only factor.

Conclusions:

Cognitive variability in adult and elderly populations is explained by both MR and CPA. PA training could profitably be included in new preventive and existing interventions.
Zooming in on abnormal local and global processing biases after stroke: Frequency, lateralization, and associations with cognitive functions
Authors: Ten Brink Antonia F. , Bultitude Janet H. , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Nijboer Tanja C.W.
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

The ‘attentional spotlight’ can be adjusted depending on the task requirements, resulting in processing information at either the local or global level. Stroke can lead to local or global processing biases, or the inability to simultaneously attend both levels. In this study, we assessed the (1) prevalence of abnormal local and global biases following stroke, (2) differences between left- and right-sided brain damaged patients, and (3) relations between local and global interference, the ability to attend local and global levels simultaneously, and lateralized attention, search organization, search speed, visuo-construction, executive functioning, and verbal (working) memory.

Methods:

Stroke patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation completed directed (N = 192 total; N = 46 left-sided/N = 48 right-sided lesion) and divided (N = 258 total; N = 67 left-sided/N = 66 right-sided lesion) local–global processing tasks, as well as a conventional neuropsychological assessment. Processing biases and interference effects were separately computed for directed and divided tasks.

Results:

On the local–global tasks, 7.8–10.9% of patients showed an abnormal local bias and 6.3–8.3% an abnormal global bias for directed attention, and 5.4–10.1% an abnormal local bias and 6.6–15.9% an abnormal global bias for divided attention. There was no significant difference between patients with left- and right-sided brain damage. There was a moderate positive relation between local interference and search speed, and a small positive relation between global interference and neglect.

Conclusions:

Abnormal local and global biases can occur after stroke and might relate to a range of cognitive functions. A specific bias might require a different approach in assessment, psycho-education, and treatment.
Does peacekeeping by civilians work? Reducing armed violence without armed force
Authors: Asano Rui
Published: April 2023

Since the 1990s, United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have been engaged in multidimensional activities in conflict-affected countries. The existing literature, however, focuses predominantly on the effectiveness of military and police peacekeepers involving the threat of force, and does not shed light on the effectiveness of civilian peacekeepers despite the latter's crucial role in rebuilding local livelihoods and restoring state institutions. Civilian participation in peacekeeping increases both the benefits of peaceful life and the costs of combat. Further, civilian activities, by strengthening the rule of law and political accountability mechanism, contribute to encouraging both the rebels and government to disengage from further violence. Using the original dataset of financial resources for UN peacekeeping operations in the world, from 1988 to 2019, I test hypotheses regarding the impact of civilian expenditures on battle-related deaths. Regression analysis shows that spending on the civilian component in UN peacekeeping reduces battle-related deaths on the government side inflicted by insurgents.
Neuroimaging genetics approaches to identify new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nisar Sabah , Haris Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that manifest in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social behaviors, communication skills, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms in ASD, extensive research has been done to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers through a neuroimaging genetics approach. Neuroimaging genetics helps to identify ASD-risk genes that contribute to structural and functional variations in brain circuitry and validate biological changes by elucidating the mechanisms and pathways that confer genetic risk. Integrating artificial intelligence models with neuroimaging data lays the groundwork for accurate diagnosis and facilitates the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. This review discusses the significance of neuroimaging genetics approaches to gaining a better understanding of the perturbed neurochemical system and molecular pathways in ASD and how these approaches can detect structural, functional, and metabolic changes and lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
Tumor heterogeneity in VHL drives metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Junhui , Tan Ping , Ishihara Moe , Bayley Nicholas A. , Schokrpur Shiruyeh , Reynoso Jeremy G. , Zhang Yangjun , Lim Raymond J. , Dumitras Camelia , Yang Lu , Dubinett Steven M. , Jat Parmjit S. , Van Snick Jacques , Huang Jiaoti , Chin Arnold I. , Prins Robert M. , Graeber Thomas G. , Xu Hua , Wu Lily
Published: April 2023

Loss of function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is a hallmark of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The importance of heterogeneity in the loss of this tumor suppressor has been under reported. To study the impact of intratumoral VHL heterogeneity observed in human ccRCC, we engineeredVHLgene deletion in four RCC models, including a new primary tumor cell line derived from an aggressive metastatic case. TheVHLgene-deleted (VHL-KO) cells underwent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exhibited increased motility but diminished proliferation and tumorigenicity compared to the parental VHL-expressing (VHL+) cells. Renal tumors with either VHL+or VHL-KO cells alone exhibit minimal metastatic potential. Combined tumors displayed rampant lung metastases, highlighting a novel cooperative metastatic mechanism. The poorly proliferative VHL-KO cells stimulated the proliferation, EMT, and motility of neighboring VHL+cells. Periostin (POSTN), a soluble protein overexpressed and secreted by VHL non-expressing (VHL−) cells, promoted metastasis by enhancing the motility of VHL-WT cells and facilitating tumor cell vascular escape. Genetic deletion or antibody blockade of POSTN dramatically suppressed lung metastases in our preclinical models. This work supports a new strategy to halt the progression of ccRCC by disrupting the critical metastatic crosstalk between heterogeneous cell populations within a tumor.
Hot spring distribution and survival mechanisms of thermophilic comammox Nitrospira
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Tao , Li Meng-Meng , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Evans Paul , Qu Yanni , Tan Sha , Zheng Min , Lu Hui , Jiao Jian-Yu , Lücker Sebastian , Daims Holger , Li Wen-Jun , Guo Jianhua
Published: April 2023

The recent discovery of Nitrospira species capable of complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) in non-marine natural and engineered ecosystems under mesothermal conditions has changed our understanding of microbial nitrification. However, little is known about the occurrence of comammox bacteria or their ability to survive in moderately thermal and/or hyperthermal habitats. Here, we report the wide distribution of comammox Nitrospira in five terrestrial hot springs at temperatures ranging from 36 to 80°C and provide metagenome-assembled genomes of 11 new comammox strains. Interestingly, the identification of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in thermophilic comammox Nitrospira lineages suggests that they have versatile ecological functions as both sinks and sources of ammonia, in contrast to the described mesophilic comammox lineages, which lack the DNRA pathway. Furthermore, the in situ expression of key genes associated with nitrogen metabolism, thermal adaptation, and oxidative stress confirmed their ability to survive in the studied hot springs and their contribution to nitrification in these environments. Additionally, the smaller genome size and higher GC content, less polar and more charged amino acids in usage profiles, and the expression of a large number of heat shock proteins compared to mesophilic comammox strains presumably confer tolerance to thermal stress. These novel insights into the occurrence, metabolic activity, and adaptation of comammox Nitrospira in thermal habitats further expand our understanding of the global distribution of comammox Nitrospira and have significant implications for how these unique microorganisms have evolved thermal tolerance strategies.
Using a smartwatch and smartphone to assess early Parkinson’s disease in the WATCH-PD study
Authors: Adams Jamie L. , Kangarloo Tairmae , Tracey Brian , O’Donnell Patricio , Volfson Dmitri , Latzman Robert D. , Zach Neta , Alexander Robert , Bergethon Peter , Cosman Joshua , Anderson David , Best Allen , Severson Joan , Kostrzebski Melissa A. , Auinger Peggy , Wilmot Peter , Pohlson Yvonne , Waddell Emma , Jensen-Roberts Stella , Gong Yishu , Kilambi Krishna Praneeth , Herrero Teresa Ruiz , Ray Dorsey E. ,   the Parkinson Study Group Watch-PD Study Investigators and Collaborators, Adams Jamie L. , Tarolli Christopher , Waddell Emma , Jensen-Roberts Stella , Soto Julia , Hogarth Penelope , Wahedi Mastura , Wakeman Katrina , Espay Alberto J. , Brown Julia , Wurzelbacher Christina , Gunzler Steven A. , Khawam Elisar , Kilbane Camilla , Spindler Meredith , Engeland Megan , Tarakad Arjun , Barrett Matthew J. , Cloud Leslie J. , Norris Virginia , Mari Zoltan , Wyant Kara J. , Chou Kelvin , Stovall Angela , Poon Cynthia , Simuni Tanya , Tingling Kyle , Luthra Nijee , Tanner Caroline , Yilmaz Eda , Romero Danilo , Thomas Karen , Matson Leslie , Richardson Lisa , Fullard Michelle , Feuerstein Jeanne , Shelton Erika , Shprecher David , Callan Michael , Feigin Andrew , Romano Caitlin , Romain Martina , Shum Michelle , Botting Erica , Harrell Leigh , Rocha Claudia , Ramdhani Ritesh , Gardner Joshua , Parker Ginger , Ross Victoria , Stephen Steve , Fisher Katherine , Edgerton Jeremy , Cedarbaum Jesse , Rubens Robert , Padmanabhan Jaya , Stephenson Diane , Severson Brian , Merickel Michael , Amato Daniel Jackson , Carroll Thomas
Published: April 2023

Digital health technologies can provide continuous monitoring and objective, real-world measures of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but have primarily been evaluated in small, single-site studies. In this 12-month, multicenter observational study, we evaluated whether a smartwatch and smartphone application could measure features of early PD. 82 individuals with early, untreated PD and 50 age-matched controls wore research-grade sensors, a smartwatch, and a smartphone while performing standardized assessments in the clinic. At home, participants wore the smartwatch for seven days after each clinic visit and completed motor, speech and cognitive tasks on the smartphone every other week. Features derived from the devices, particularly arm swing, the proportion of time with tremor, and finger tapping, differed significantly between individuals with early PD and age-matched controls and had variable correlation with traditional assessments. Longitudinal assessments will inform the value of these digital measures for use in future clinical trials.
A lentiviral vector for the production of T cells with an inducible transgene and a constitutively expressed tumour-targeting receptor
Authors: Reichenbach Patrick , Giordano Attianese Greta Maria Paola , Ouchen Khaoula , Cribioli Elisabetta , Triboulet Melanie , Ash Sarah , Saillard Margaux , Vuillefroy de Silly Romain , Coukos George , Irving Melita
Published: April 2023

Vectors that facilitate the engineering of T cells that can better harness endogenous immunity and overcome suppressive barriers in the tumour microenvironment would help improve the safety and efficacy of T-cell therapies for more patients. Here we report the design, production and applicability, in T-cell engineering, of a lentiviral vector leveraging an antisense configuration and comprising a promoter driving the constitutive expression of a tumour-directed receptor and a second promoter enabling the efficient activation-inducible expression of a genetic payload. The vector allows for the delivery of a variety of genes to human T cells, as we show for interleukin-2 and a microRNA-based short hairpin RNA for the knockdown of the gene coding for haematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, a negative regulator of T-cell-receptor signalling. We also show that a gene encoded under an activation-inducible promoter is specifically expressed by tumour-redirected T cells on encountering a target antigen in the tumour microenvironment. The single two-gene-encoding vector can be produced at high titres under an optimized protocol adaptable to good manufacturing practices.
Fully on-chip photonic turnkey quantum source for entangled qubit/qudit state generation
Authors: Mahmudlu Hatam , Johanning Robert , van Rees Albert , Khodadad Kashi Anahita , Epping Jörn P. , Haldar Raktim , Boller Klaus-J. , Kues Michael
Published: April 2023

Integrated photonics has recently become a leading platform for the realization and processing of optical entangled quantum states in compact, robust and scalable chip formats, with applications in long-distance quantum-secured communication, quantum-accelerated information processing and nonclassical metrology. However, the quantum light sources developed so far have relied on external bulky excitation lasers, making them impractical prototype devices that are not reproducible, hindering their scalability and transfer out of the laboratory into real-world applications. Here we demonstrate a fully integrated quantum light source that overcomes these challenges through the integration of a laser cavity, a highly efficient tunable noise suppression filter (>55 dB) exploiting the Vernier effect, and a nonlinear microring for entangled photon-pair generation through spontaneous four-wave mixing. The hybrid quantum source employs an electrically pumped InP gain section and a Si3N4 low-loss microring filter system, and demonstrates high performance parameters, that is, pair emission over four resonant modes in the telecom band (bandwidth of ~1 THz) and a remarkable pair detection rate of ~620 Hz at a high coincidence-to-accidental ratio of ~80. The source directly creates high-dimensional frequency-bin entangled quantum states (qubits/qudits), as verified by quantum interference measurements with visibilities up to 96% (violating Bell’s inequality) and by density matrix reconstruction through state tomography, showing fidelities of up to 99%. Our approach, leveraging a hybrid photonic platform, enables scalable, commercially viable, low-cost, compact, lightweight and field-deployable entangled quantum sources, quintessential for practical, out-of-laboratory applications such as in quantum processors and quantum satellite communications systems.
SGLT2 inhibition ameliorates nano plastics-induced premature endothelial senescence and dysfunction
Authors: Dhakal Bikalpa , Shiwakoti Saugat , Park Eun-Young , Kang Ki-Woon , Schini-Kerth Valérie B. , Park Sun-Hwa , Ji Hye-Young , Park Joon Seok , Ko Ju-Young , Oak Min-Ho
Published: April 2023

Nano plastics (NPs) have been a significant threat to human health and are known to cause premature endothelial senescence. Endothelial senescence is considered one of the primary risk factors contributing to numerous cardiovascular disorders. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) ameliorates endothelial senescence and dysfunction. Therefore, our study intends to explore the role of SGLT2 in NPs-induced endothelial senescence and dysfunction. Porcine coronary artery and its endothelial cells were treated with NPs in the presence or absence of Enavogliflozin (ENA), a SGLT2 inhibitor and then SGLTs expression, senescence markers and vascular function were evaluated. NPs significantly up-regulated SGLT2 and ENA significantly decreased NPs-induced senescence-associated-β‐gal activity, cell‐cycle arrest, and senescence markers p53 and p21 suggesting that inhibition of SGLT2 prevents NPs-induced endothelial senescence. In addition, ENA decreased the formation of reactive oxygen species with the downregulation of Nox2, and p22phox. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibition also up regulated the endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression along with improving vascular function. In conclusion, premature endothelial senescence by NPs is, at least in part, associated with SGLT2 and it could be a potential therapeutic target for preventing and/or treating environmental pollutants-induced cardiovascular disorders mediated by endothelial senescence and dysfunction.
Interactions between genes altered during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish revealed using induced network modules analysis
Authors: Agarwal Manusmriti , Sharma Ankush , Kagoo R. Andrea , Bhargava Anamika
Published: April 2023

As the manufacturing and development of new synthetic compounds increase to keep pace with the expanding global demand, adverse health effects due to these compounds are emerging as critical public health concerns. Zebrafish have become a prominent model organism to study toxicology due to their genomic similarity to humans, optical clarity, well-defined developmental stages, short generation time, and cost-effective maintenance. It also provides a shorter time frame for in vivo toxicology evaluation compared to the mammalian experimental systems. Here, we used meta-analysis to examine the alteration in genes during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish, caused by chemical exposure of any kind. First, we searched the literature comprehensively for genes that are altered during neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity followed by meta-analysis using ConsensusPathDB. Since constant communication between the heart and the brain is an important physiological phenomenon, we also analyzed interactions among genes altered simultaneously during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity using induced network modules analysis in ConsensusPathDB. We observed inflammation and regeneration as the major pathways involved in cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. A large number of intermediate genes and input genes anchored in these pathways are molecular regulators of cell cycle progression and cell death and are implicated in tumor manifestation. We propose potential predictive biomarkers for neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity and the major pathways potentially implicated in the manifestation of a particular toxicity phenotype.
Myocardial injury is a risk factor for 6-week mortality in liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Liu Bihan , Li Qi , Ding Huiguo , Wang Shanshan , Pang Lifang , Li Lei
Published: April 2023

This study sought to investigate risk factors for 6-week mortality of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) and clinical characteristics of myocardial injury in cirrhotic patients with EGVB. This retrospective cohort study included 249 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis associated EGVB in the Department of Emergency. Patients were divided into two groups including liver cirrhosis associated EGVB without myocardial injury and liver cirrhosis associated EGVB with myocardial injury. Myocardial injury, recurrent bleeding, total bilirubin (TBIL) level and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for 6-week mortality in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB. Among all patients with liver cirrhosis associated EGVB, 90 (36.2%) had myocardial injury and 159 individuals (63.8%) not. The 6-week mortality in the group with myocardial injury was 21%, which was significantly higher than that of 7% in the group without myocardial injury. More patients in the myocardial injury group smoked, had moderate to severe esophageal varices, liver failure, and Child–Pugh C liver function compared to the non-myocardial injury group. Myocardial injury, recurrent bleeding, TBIL level and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB. The 6-week mortality is considerably higher in patients with myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB than those without myocardial injury.
Value of handcrafted and deep radiomic features towards training robust machine learning classifiers for prediction of prostate cancer disease aggressiveness
Authors: Rodrigues Ana , Rodrigues Nuno , Santinha João , Lisitskaya Maria V. , Uysal Aycan , Matos Celso , Domingues Inês , Papanikolaou Nickolas
Published: April 2023

There is a growing piece of evidence that artificial intelligence may be helpful in the entire prostate cancer disease continuum. However, building machine learning algorithms robust to inter- and intra-radiologist segmentation variability is still a challenge. With this goal in mind, several model training approaches were compared: removing unstable features according to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); training independently with features extracted from each radiologist’s mask; training with the feature average between both radiologists; extracting radiomic features from the intersection or union of masks; and creating a heterogeneous dataset by randomly selecting one of the radiologists’ masks for each patient. The classifier trained with this last resampled dataset presented with the lowest generalization error, suggesting that training with heterogeneous data leads to the development of the most robust classifiers. On the contrary, removing features with low ICC resulted in the highest generalization error. The selected radiomics dataset, with the randomly chosen radiologists, was concatenated with deep features extracted from neural networks trained to segment the whole prostate. This new hybrid dataset was then used to train a classifier. The results revealed that, even though the hybrid classifier was less overfitted than the one trained with deep features, it still was unable to outperform the radiomics model.
Toxicological assessment of Phormidium sp. derived copper oxide nanoparticles for its biomedical and environmental applications
Authors: Asif Nida , Ahmad Rakhshan , Fatima Samreen , Shehzadi Shehzadi , Siddiqui Tabassum , zaki Almaz , Fatma Tasneem
Published: April 2023

Driven by the need to biosynthesized alternate biomedical agents to prevent and treat infection, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have surfaced as a promising avenue. Cyanobacteria-derived synthesis of CuONPs is of substantive interest as it offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible route. In the present study biosynthesized CuONPs were characterized and investigated regarding their toxicity. Morphological analysis using TEM, SEM and AFM showed the spherical particle size of 20.7 nm with 96% copper that confirmed the purity of CuONPs. Biogenic CuONPs with IC50value of 64.6 µg ml−1showed 90% scavenging of free radicals in superoxide radical scavenging assay. CuONPs showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity by 86% of protein denaturation with IC50value of 89.9 µg ml−1. Biogenic CuONPs exhibited significant toxicity against bacterial strains with lowest MIC value of 62.5 µg ml−1forB. cereusand fungal strain with a MIC value of 125 µg ml−1forC. albicans. In addition CuONPs demonstrated a high degree of synergistic interaction when combined with standard drugs. CuONPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer with an IC50value of 100.8 µg ml−1for A549 and 88.3 µg ml−1for the H1299 cell line with apoptotic activities. Furthermore, biogenic CuONPs was evaluated for their photocatalytic degradation potential against methylene blue dye and were able to removed 94% dye in 90 min. Free radical scavenging analysis suggested that CuONPs assisted dye degradation was mainly induced by hydroxide radicals. Biogenic CuONPs appears as an eco-friendly and cost effective photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with synthetic dyes that poses threat to aquatic biota and human health. The present study highlighted the blend of biomedical and photocatalytic potential ofPhormidiumderived CuONPs as an attractive approach for future applications in nanomedicine and bioremediation.
Disappearance, division, and route change of excitable reaction-diffusion waves in deformable membranes
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Shapes of biomembrane in living cells are regulated by curvature-inducing proteins. However, the effects of membrane deformation on signal transductions such as chemical waves have not been researched adequately. Here, we report that membrane deformation can alter the propagation of excitable reaction-diffusion waves using state-of-the-art simulations. Reaction waves can induce large shape transformations, such as membrane budding and necking, that erase or divide the wave, depending on the curvature generated by the waves, feedback to the wave propagation, and the ratio of the reaction and deformation times. In genus-2 vesicles, wave division occurs at branching points and collided waves disappear together. We demonstrate that the occasional disappearance of the waves can alter the pathway of wave propagation. Our findings suggest that membrane deformation and reaction waves can together regulate signal transductions on biomembranes.
A nasal spray vaccination device based on Laval nozzle and its experimental test
Authors: Wang Zhong , Zhang Zhengyuan , Wang Qian , Zeng Lingliao , Jin Jian
Published: April 2023

In order to realize the application of the nasal spray vaccination in the prevention and protection of respiratory infectious diseases, a nasal spray vaccination device is designed in this paper. The device uses a Laval nozzle structure to generate a high-speed airflow that impinges on the vaccine reagent and forms nebulized particles. Through optimizing of the Laval nozzle structure and testing experiments on spray particle size, spray velocity, spray angle and spray rate, a set of parameters which is applicable to actual nasal spray vaccination is obtained. The experimental results show that when the air source pressure is 2 bar, the spray angle is about 15°, the diameter of the spray particles Dv50 is about 17 μm, the volume fraction of particles with diameter smaller than 10um is about 24%, the spray rate is close to 300 μl/s. The vaccine activity tests demonstrate that under these conditions, not only the biological activity of vaccines is guaranteed, but also the delivery efficiency is well assured.
Improving forecasts of individual ocean eddies using feature mapping
Authors: Rykova Tatiana
Published: April 2023

Marine industries, war fighters, and world leaders demand accurate maps of ocean properties to underpin tactical and strategic decisions. Oceanographers have approached this challenge by borrowing mapping techniques from weather forecasters. However, compared to the atmosphere, the spatial scales of the ocean are small, and ocean properties are vastly under-sampled. Not surprisingly, despite decades of dedicated effort, the quality of maps of under-sea conditions remains poor. Feature mapping is a new approach to this problem that treats every ocean eddy individually. It strictly limits the influence of each observation to the oceanographic feature that it directly observes. Resulting maps are precise and realistic and may revolutionise ocean forecasting.
Effects of 660-nm LED photobiomodulation on drebrin expression pattern and astrocyte migration
Authors: Yoon Sung Ryeong , Chang So-Young , Lee Min Young , Ahn Jin-Chul
Published: April 2023

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic tool that uses red or near-infrared light in medical applications. It’s applications in both central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are widely studied. Among glial cells, astrocytes are known to be activated in injured or damaged brains. Astrocytic cell migration is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the brain. Our previous study showed that PBM led to astrocyte proliferation and differentiation, but the effects on migration has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PBM on astrocyte migration, drebrin (DBN) expression and cytoplasmic morphology using primary cultured rat astrocyte. We applied a 660-nm light-emitting diode (LED) with fluence of 6, 12 and 18 J/cm2. PBM effects on astrocyte migration were analyzed by two different migration assays (scratch assay and transwell assay). We used immunofluorescence microscopy for visualizing DBN and glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and analysis of DBN expression and astrocyte cytoplasmic morphology. Both scratch assay and transwell assay showed significant difference in astrocyte migration following PBM irradiation. With these specific fluence conditions, differences in DBN expression and cell morphology were revealed. PBM could increase the astrocyte migration by altering the cell morphology and DBN expression pattern.
The association of dietary and lifestyle indices for insulin resistance with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among Iranian adults
Authors: Teymoori Farshad , Jahromi Mitra Kazemi , Ahmadirad Hamid , Daftari Ghazal , Mokhtari Ebrahim , Farhadnejad Hossein , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: April 2023

The current study aimed to examine the possible association of the dietary index for insulin resistance (DIR) and the lifestyle index for insulin resistance (LIR), determined by dietary components, body mass index, and physical activity, with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including insulin resistance (IR), hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective cohort study was performed on 2717 individuals aged ≥ 19 years in the framework of the Tehran Lipid-Glucose Study. Data on nutritional intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (ORs and 95% CIs) of cardiometabolic diseases across tertiles of DIR and LIR scores. During 3-years of follow-up, the incidence rate of diabetes, IR, HTN, and MetS was 3%, 13%, 13.9%, and 17%, respectively. In the multi-variables model, after controlling all potential confounders, the risk of IR(OR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.01–2.69, P-trend = 0.047), diabetes (OR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.02–3.74, P-trend = 0.058), and HTN(OR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.07–2.15, P-trend = 0.016) was increased across tertiles of DIR score. Also, the risk of IR (OR: 2.85, 95% CI 1.72–4.73, P-trend < 0.001), diabetes(OR: 2.44, 95% CI 1.24–4.78, P-trend = 0.004), HTN(OR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.35–2.81, P-trend < 0.001), and MetS (OR: 2.87, 95% CI 1.96–4.18, P-trend < 0.001) were increased across tertiles of LIR score. Our findings reported that a dietary pattern with a higher DIR score and a lifestyle with a higher LIR score might be related to increased cardiometabolic disorders, including diabetes, HTN, Mets, and IR in Iranian adults.
The importance of appropriate selection of clinical endpoints in outpatient COVID-19 clinical trials
Authors: Thorlund Kristian , Smith Davey , Linsell Christopher , White Nicholas , Butler Christopher , Boulware David , Currier Judith , Harari Ofir , Lhomme Edouard , Strub-Wourgaft Nathalie , Adam Stacey , Mills Edward
Published: April 2023

Clinical trial endpoints must be carefully and intentionally selected so that the results of the trial can be used to inform policy- and decision-making. The relative importance of potential endpoints often depends on the stakeholder, with patients having different preferences to policymakers and regulators. The set up of clinical trials for COVID-19 was problematic, as endpoints that could be reasonably measured did not always match the efficacy endpoints usually required by guideline panels. Thus, different endpoints were used, which made the timely comparison and evaluation of interventions difficult. Here we discuss the evolution of the COVID-19 landscape and the effect this is having on the selection of consistent and measurable clinical trial endpoints. Using appropriate endpoints is crucial for researchers to offer the most reliable, valid, and interpretable results possible.
Designing catalysts with deep generative models and computational data. A case study for Suzuki cross coupling reactions
Authors: Schilter Oliver , Vaucher Alain , Schwaller Philippe , Laino Teodoro
Published: April 2023

Variational-autoencoders with an additional predictor neural-network and gradient-based optimization allow us to generate new Suzuki-catalysts and predict the binding energies.
Analytical methods for the analysis of volatile natural products
Authors: Li Yue
Published: April 2023

Analysis of volatile natural products.
In situ formation of chloroform for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of some aromatic amines from aqueous samples optimized by central composite design prior to GC-MS analysis
Authors: Shagaghipour Shabnam , Sorouraddin Saeed Mohammad , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2023

In this study, an in situ solvent formation-LPME method was proposed for the extraction of aromatic amines. In this method, chloral hydrate was added to the alkaline solution of the analytes in order to form chloroform as the extraction solvent.
A ratiometric electrochemical sensor for detecting lead in fish based on the synergy of semi-complementary aptamer pairs and Ag nanowires@zeolitic imidazolate framework-8
Authors: Han Kuiguo , Chen Liang , Zhang Wen , Tong Yanqun , Shi Jiyong , Su Xiaoyu , Zou Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

This sensor uses IFc as the conformation change signals and IMB as the internal reference signal. AgNWs@ZIF-8 is used to generate an internal reference signal. The sensor shows a range of 20 nM to 9 μM with a detection limit of 10 nM (S/N = 3).
Mixed noble metal–oxo clusters: platinum(iv)–gold(iii) oxoanion [PtIV2AuIII3O6((CH3)2AsO2)6]−
Authors: Zhang Jiayao , Bhattacharya Saurav , Müller Anja B. , Kiss Levente , Silvestru Cristian , Kuhnert Nikolai , Kortz Ulrich
Published: April 2023

The first example of a discrete mixed platinum(iv)–gold(iii) oxoanion.
Stabilizing the oxide cathode/sulfide solid electrolyte interface via a novel polyaniline coating prepared by ball milling
Authors: Li Zhu , Miao Jiayu , Hu Wen , Liu Yanna , Li Ming , Zhao Menglong , Liu Jinping , Xiao Liang
Published: April 2023

A polyaniline coating for LiCoO2 was prepared through a facile ball milling followed by annealing to stabilize the LiCoO2/Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 interface and enhance the cycle life of an all-solid-state lithium-ion battery.
Why can poorly conductive Bi@UiO-MOF catalyze CO2 electroreduction?
Authors: He Xinru , Guo Ying , Zhang Jingzheng , Yang Shuangli , Chen Jiawei , Li Shurong , Xie Shunji , Wang Ye , Wang Cheng
Published: April 2023

Uncovering the reason why some poorly conductive MOFs can be electrocatalysts with decent current density.
Machine learning integrated photocatalysis: progress and challenges
Authors: Ge Luyao , Ke Yuanzhen , Li Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

By integrating machine learning with automation and robots, accelerated discovery of photocatalysts in the future could be envisioned.
Pyridine-driven assembly of Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes with 2-furoic acid. The role of water in a structural transformation
Authors: Ejarque Daniel , Sánchez-Férez Francisco , Félez-Guerrero Núria , Calvet Teresa , Font-Bardia Mercè , Pons Josefina
Published: April 2023

Coordination of the furane ring has been attempted in five Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes and achieved by water-assisted structural transformation. It has been traced by X-ray and fluorescence experiments and a conversion pathway has been proposed.
Single silicon-doped CNT as a metal-free electrode for robust nitric oxide reduction utilizing a Lewis base site: an ingenious electronic “Reflux-Feedback” mechanism
Authors: Yang Lei , Fan Jiake , Zhu Weihua
Published: April 2023

Singel Si-doped CNT(10, 0) could electrocatalytically reduce NO into NH3 with an ultralow working potential of −0.25 V.
Excited-state deactivation via solvent-to-chromophore proton transfer in an isolated 1 : 1 molecular complex: experimental validation by measuring the energy barrier and kinetic isotope effect
Authors: Khodia Saurabh , Jarupula Ramesh , Baweja Simran , Shabeeb Muhammed , Kalal Bhavika , Maity Surajit
Published: April 2023

The role of solvents in the solvent-to-chromophore excited state proton transfer is displayed. The effect of isotopic mass and barrier width were experimentally probed.
Filtration of the preferred catalyst for reverse water-gas shift among Rhn−(n= 3–11) clusters by mass spectrometry under variable temperatures
Authors: Liu Yun-Zhu , He Xing-Yue , Chen Jiao-Jiao , Zhao Zhong-Pu , Li Xiao-Na , He Sheng-Gui
Published: April 2023

The key to optimizing energy-consuming catalytic conversions lies in acquiring a fundamental understanding of the nature of the active sites and the mechanisms at an atomically precise level, while it is challenging due to the complexity of real-life conditions.
Disentangling physics and chemistry in AGB outflows: revealing degeneracies when adding complexity
Authors: Van de Sande Marie , Walsh Catherine , Millar Tom J.
Published: April 2023

The first AGB chemical kinetics model that includes porosity, dust–gas chemistry and companion UV photons, allows us to unravel the interplay of the complexities and identify suites of molecules to determine the presence of a companion star.
A novel electrochemical redox method for the simultaneous recovery of spent lithium-ion battery cathodes and anodes
Authors: Kong Jiao , Zhou Shiyu , He Ting , Gu Shuai , Yu Jianguo
Published: April 2023

A novel strategy for recycling of spent LIBs based on electrochemical redox and “sandwich-type” electrode structure is proposed, enabling all electrode materials to be recovered and viable for remanufacturing new LIBs.
A report on Se/Eu-doped hydroxyapatite: crystal structure analysis, biological property assessment, and applications in osteosarcoma inhibition and bioimaging
Authors: Zhou Shuoshuo , Ren Jian , Wang Lunzhu , Liu Liting , Deng Chunlin
Published: April 2023

We synthesized Se/Eu-doped hydroxyapatite by a one-step hydrothermal process, analyzed the elemental-doping mechanism and investigated its anti-osteosarcoma and bioimaging effects.
Band splitting and enhanced charge density wave modulation in Mn-implanted CsV3Sb5
Authors: Lei Xiaoxu , Wang Pengdong , Mi Mengjuan , Zhang Yan , Chen Aixi , Cai Liwu , Wang Ting , Huang Rong , Wang Yilin , Chen Yiyao , Li Fang-Sen
Published: April 2023

(a) Crystal structure and Mn implantation of kagome metal CsV3Sb5, (b) band splitting and (c) enhanced charge density wave modulation in Mn-implanted CsV3Sb5.
A covalent organic polymer containing nitrogen and oxygen groups with high adsorption capacity and selectivity for gold ions under strongly acidic conditions
Authors: Yang Yuling , Chen Hao , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Xinyang , Li An , Xie Jun , Yi Wenjun , Li Lijun , Zhou Congshan
Published: April 2023

A new adsorbent (N-TPCOP) has been developed for the recovery of gold from waste secondary resources.
Spatio-temporally deciphering peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo after extracellular vesicle therapy under NIR-II fluorescence imaging
Authors: Wang Yueming , Sheng Huaixuan , Cong Meng , Wang Wenjin , He Qianru , Li Huizhu , Li Shunyao , Zhang Jian , Chen Yuzhou , Guo Shuaicheng , Fang Lu , Pluchino Stefano , Biskup Ewelina , Artemyev Mikhail , Chen Fuchun , Li Yunxia , Chen Jun , Feng Sijia , Wo Yan
Published: April 2023

In this study, a new non-invasive near-infrared fluorescence imaging strategy based on glucose-conjugated quantum dots (QDs-Glu) labeling to target and track EVs in a sciatic nerve injury rat model in real-time was introduced.
Elaborating the interplay between the detecting unit and emitting unit in infrared quantum dot up-conversion photodetectors
Authors: Xu Qiulei , Yang Xinxin , Liu Jiao Jiao , Li Fei , Chang Ruiguang , Wang Lei , Wang A Qiang , Wu Zhenghui , Shen Huaibin , Du Zuliang
Published: April 2023

The interplay between PD and QLED units is revealed by regulating the thickness of the PbS layer and illumination intensity.
Near-IR absorbing 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobutadiene-functionalized phenothiazine sulfones
Authors: Sheokand Manju , Ji Tiwari Nikhil , Misra Rajneesh
Published: April 2023

Triphenylamine (TPA) substituted π-conjugated chromophores TPA1–TPA5 were designed and synthesized, and the DCNQ incorporated ones exhibited bathochromically shifted broad absorption in the NIR region and a better D–A interaction than the TCBD functionalized ones.
Chemically recyclable fluorescent polyesters via the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides and anhydrides
Authors: Young Taylor B. , Guppy Owaen G. , Draper Alysia J. , Whitington Joshua M. , Kariuki Benson M. , Paul Alison , Eaton Mark , Pope Simon J. A. , Ward Benjamin D.
Published: April 2023

Fluorescent polyesters have been prepared using ring-opening copolymerization by adding a fluorescent monomer to the reaction. The coloured polymers have been depolymerized and white polymer resynthesized from the recovered monomers.
A Ru(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation and annulation cascade for the construction of highly coumarin-fused benzo[a]quinolizin-4-ones and pyridin-2-ones
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhou Jianhui , Yan Liping , Li Yuan , Zhao Naixuan , Liu Hong , Huang He , Zhou Yu
Published: April 2023

A reaction involving a Ru(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation and annulation cascade was successfully established for constructing coumarin-fused benzo[a]quinolizin-4-ones and pyridin-2-ones.
Laccase-catalyzed functionalization of phenol-modified carbon nanotubes: from grafting of metallopolyphenols to enzyme self-immobilization
Authors: Contaldo Umberto , Gentil Solène , Courvoisier-Dezord Elise , Rousselot-Pailley Pierre , Thomas Fabrice , Tron Thierry , Le Goff Alan
Published: April 2023

A laccase-based functionalization of carbon nanotubes enables the efficient grafting of polymers and bioelectrocatalytic oxygen reduction.
Improving the osseointegration and soft tissue sealing of zirconia ceramics by the incorporation of akermanite via sol infiltration for dental implants
Authors: Zhang Wenmin , Fu Wenhao , Wang Xiaolan , Ye Jiandong
Published: April 2023

Schematic diagram of AKT-modified zirconia ceramics with osseointegration and soft tissue sealing properties for potential application in the dental implant field.
Well-defined 2D transition vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) flat nanorods with large-scale synthesis feasibility as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER)
Authors: Mounasamy Veena , Srividhya Ganesan , Ponpandian Nagamony
Published: April 2023

Schematic representation of V2O5 synthesis and its OER analysis.
A Review of Recommendations for Families Raising Multilingual Children With Autism With Implications for California and Other States
Authors: Holke Kaylie M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

This review article explores the relationship between diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and the recommendation to provide monolingual input.

Method:

A two-stage systematic search and review of the literature was performed. First, a computerized database search of EBSCO was conducted using terms: bilingualism AND autism. Next, the reference lists of each retained article were reviewed for consideration and inclusion. Included journal articles had been peer-reviewed; were published in English between 2012 and 2022; and used the search terms in the title, abstract, key words, or body. Articles were excluded if the primary focus was on developmental disabilities other than autism or on skills unrelated to communication and/or if studies were non-empirical in nature (however, articles cited within reference lists of included articles were considered).

Results:

Two themes were identified through review of the literature: (1) Articles explored biases regarding bilingualism (with two subthemes: (a) biases of parents and professionals and (b) the role of context), and (2) articles explored the effects of bilingualism (with three subthemes: (a) no detrimental effect to communication development, (b) benefits of bilingualism, and (c) negative effects of limiting bilingualism in obligatory contexts).

Conclusions:

In areas with probilingual policies, practitioners have been found to endorse bilingualism at higher rates. While states such as California, Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, and Utah have undergone recent shifts in policy favoring bilingualism, no studies were found in the search of EBSCO that reported practitioner or parent perspectives since the adoption of these state policies. This is an area of unique need.
Small‐signal modelling and analysis of microgrids with synchronous and virtual synchronous generators
Authors: Liu Rui , Ding Li , Xue Cheng , Li Yunwei (Ryan)
Published: April 2023

In autonomous alternating current microgrids, the grid‐forming virtual synchronous generators can cooperate with the conventional synchronous generators to improve system inertia and frequency regulation capability. However, undesired active power oscillations between the synchronous generators and grid‐forming virtual synchronous generators may trigger their overcurrent protection and even result in a blackout. To explicitly reveal the oscillatory modes over all frequency bands, a high‐fidelity full‐order state‐space model is first developed. A potentially destabilising sub‐synchronous oscillation mode resulting from the interaction between grid‐forming virtual synchronous generators voltage controller and synchronous generators q‐axis damper winding is identified. Other modes reflecting the low‐frequency oscillation and frequency restoration dynamics are also assessed. Subsequently, to make a reasonable trade‐off between the accuracy and simplicity of system modelling, an enhanced quasi‐stationary model dedicated to low‐frequency oscillation evaluation is simplified from the full‐order type. The enhanced quasi‐stationary model features simplicity and low‐order benefits, which makes it more practical for multi‐generator system analysis. Moreover, by considering the dynamics of synchronous generators field winding and excitation system, the enhanced quasi‐stationary model significantly improves the low‐frequency oscillation characterisation accuracy compared with the existing quasi‐stationary model. The two developed models are comprehensively compared with the existing small‐signal models. Real‐time simulations based on RT‐LAB are conducted to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the accuracy of the proposed small‐signal models.