bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating microbial dynamics and potential advantages of anaerobic co-digestion of cheese whey and poultry slaughterhouse wastewaters
Authors: Abdallah M. , Greige S. , Beyenal H. , Harb M. , Wazne M.
Published: June 2022

Resource recovery and prevention of environmental pollution are key goals for sustainable development. It is widely reported that agro-industrial activities are responsible for the discharge of billions of liters of wastewater to the environment. Anaerobic digestion of these energy rich agro-industrial wastewaters can simultaneously mitigate environmental pollution and recover embedded energy as methane gas. In this study, an assessment of mono- and co-digestion of cheese whey wastewater (CWW) and poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) was conducted in 2.25-L lab-scale anaerobic digesters. Treatment combinations evaluated included CWW (R1), PSW (R2), 75:25 CWW:PSW (R3), 25:75 CWW:PSW (R4), and 50:50 CWW:PSW (R5). The digestion efficiencies of the mixed wastewaters were compared to the weighted efficiencies of the corresponding combined mono-digested samples. R4, with a mixture of 25% CWW and 75% PSW, achieved the greatest treatment efficiency. This corresponded with an average biodegradability of 84%, which was greater than for R1 and R2 at 68.5 and 71.9%, respectively. Similarly, R4 produced the highest average cumulative methane value compared to R1 and R2 at 1.22× and 1.39× for similar COD loading, respectively. The modified Gompertz model provided the best fit for the obtained methane production data, with lag time decreasing over progressive treatment cycles. PCoA and heatmap analysis of relative microbial abundances indicated a divergence of microbial communities based on feed type over the treatment cycles. Microbial community analysis showed that genus Petrimonas attained the highest relative abundance (RA) at up to 38.9% in the first two cycles, then subsequently decreased to near 0% for all reactors. Syntrophomonas was highly abundant in PSW reactors, reaching up to 36% RA. Acinetobacter was present mostly in CWW reactors with a RA reaching 56.5%. The methanogenic community was dominated by Methanothrix (84.3–99.9% of archaea). The presence of phosphate and Acinetobacter in CWW feed appeared to reduce the treatment efficiency of associated reactors. Despite Acinetobacter being strictly aerobic, previous and current results indicate its survival under anaerobic conditions, with the storage of phosphate likely playing a key role in its ability to scavenge acetate during the digestion process.
South American precipitation dipole forced by interhemispheric temperature gradient
Authors: Campos Marília C. , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Novello Valdir F. , Crivellari Stefano , Campos José L. P. S. , Albuquerque Ana Luiza S. , Venancio Igor M. , Santos Thiago P. , Melo Dayane B. , Cruz Francisco W. , Sawakuchi André O. , Mendes Vinícius R.
Published: June 2022

Tropical South American hydroclimate sustains the world’s highest biodiversity and hundreds of millions of people. Whitin this region, Amazonia and northeastern Brazil have attracted much attention due to their high biological and social vulnerabilities to climate change (i.e. considered climate change hotspots). Still, their future response to climate change remains uncertain. On precession timescale, it has been suggested that periods of decreased western Amazonian precipitation were accompanied by increased northeastern Brazilian precipitation and vice-versa, setting an east–west tropical South American precipitation dipole. However, the very existence of this precession-driven precipitation dipole remains unsettled given the scarcity of long and appropriate northeastern Brazilian records. Here we show that the precession-driven South American precipitation dipole has persisted over the last 113 ka as revealed by a northern northeastern Brazilian precipitation record obtained from quartz thermoluminescence sensitivity measured in marine sediment cores. Precession-induced austral summer insolation changes drove the precipitation dipole through the interhemispheric temperature gradient control over the regional Walker circulation and the Intertropical Convergence Zone seasonal migration range. Since modern global warming affects the interhemispheric temperature gradient, our study provides insights about possible future tropical South American hydroclimate responses.
Tumor endothelial marker 1 is upregulated in heart after cardiac injury and participates in cardiac remodeling
Authors: Chen Po-Sheng , Feng Wen-Han , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Hong Yi-Kai , Lee An-Sheng , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Chung Hsing-Chun , Liu Yen-Wen , Hsieh Chih-Cheng , Fang Yi-Hsian , Yang Pei-Jung , Luo Chawn-Yau , Liu Ping-Yen , Cheng Tsung-Lin , Li Yi-Heng
Published: June 2022

Tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that appears on mesenchymal lineage-derived cells during embryogenesis, but its expression greatly reduces after birth. Re-upregulation of TEM1 is found in tumor angiogenesis, organ fibrosis and wound healing indicating its potential role in tissue remodeling and repair. The expression level and function of TEM1 in adult heart are unknown. In explanted hearts from heart failure (HF) patients received cardiac transplantation, immunofluorescence staining showed TEM1 was expressed in cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts. Bioinformatics analysis showed TEM1 upregulation in mouse heart after coronary ligation. Cardiac TEM1 expression was reconfirmed in mouse HF induced by coronary ligation or doxorubicin injection. TEM1 expression increased in cultured CMs stimulated with mechanical stretch, doxorubicin and hypoxia. Further studies showed recombinant TEM1 (rTEM1) was a functional protein that influenced cell behaviors of CMs. It directly activated Erk and Akt through interaction with PDGF receptor. TEM1lacZ/lacZ mice had less collagen deposition and worse cardiac function than wild type mice. These results indicate that TEM1 expression increases in the heart after cardiac injury and works as a functional protein that participates in cardiac remodeling.
Identification of large offspring syndrome during pregnancy through ultrasonography and maternal blood transcriptome analyses
Authors: Rivera Rocío Melissa , Goldkamp Anna Katherine , Patel Bhaumik Narendrabhai , Hagen Darren Erich , Soto-Moreno Edgar Joel , Li Yahan , Kim Chris Nayoon , Miller Cliff , Williams Fred , Jannaman Elizabeth , Xiao Yao , Tribulo Paula , Estrada-Cortés Eliab , Brau-Rodríguez Astrid Roshealy , Hansen Peter James , Wu Zhoulin , Spinka Christine Marie , Martin Neal , Elsik Christine G.
Published: June 2022

In vitro production (IVP) of embryos in cattle can result in large/abnormal offspring syndrome (LOS/AOS) which is characterized by macrosomia. LOS can cause dystocia and lead to the death of dam and calf. Currently, no test exists to identify LOS pregnancies. We hypothesized that fetal ultrasonography and/or maternal blood markers are useful to identify LOS. Bovine fetuses were generated by artificial insemination (control) or IVP. Fetal ultrasonographies were taken on gestation D55 (D55) and fetal collections performed on D56 or D105 (gestation in cattle ≈ D280). IVP fetuses weighing ≥ 97 percentile of the control weight were considered LOS. Ultrasonography results show that the product of six D55 measurements can be used to identify extreme cases of LOS. To determine whether maternal blood can be used to identify LOS, leukocyte mRNA from 23 females was sequenced. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering grouped the transcriptomes of the two females carrying the two largest LOS fetuses. Comparison of the leukocyte transcriptomes of these two females to the transcriptome of all other females identified several misregulated transcripts on gestation D55 and D105 with LOC783838 and PCDH1 being misregulated at both time-points. Together our data suggest that LOS is identifiable during pregnancy in cattle.
Successful outcomes of second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for graft failure in pediatric patients with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: He Meijie , Gui Ruirui , Zu Yingling , Li Zhen , Wang Dao , Mao Yanna , Wang Xianjing , Wang Huili , Song Yongping , Zhou Jian
Published: June 2022

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a life-threatening hematological disorder. The major therapies include matched sibling donor (MSD)- hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), matched unrelated donor (MUD)-HSCT and immunosuppressive therapy (IST). However, there are many problems that can occur after HSCT, and graft failure (GF) is one of the most serious complications. To find an effective treatment, we analyzed 10 cases of second HSCT to treat SAA pediatric patients who suffered from GF and concluded that second haploidentical family donors HSCT is an effective treatment. Moreover, adding a small dose of busulfan or 2 ~ 3 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) in nonmyeloablative regimens (NMAs) can promote the engraftment. Although the study also showed that PBSCs, as a source of stem cells, can promote the implantation of neutrophil cells, due to small sample size, more research is still needed.
Large-scale investigation of deep learning approaches for ventilated lung segmentation using multi-nuclear hyperpolarized gas MRI
Authors: Astley Joshua R. , Biancardi Alberto M. , Hughes Paul J. C. , Marshall Helen , Smith Laurie J. , Collier Guilhem J. , Eaden James A. , Weatherley Nicholas D. , Hatton Matthew Q. , Wild Jim M. , Tahir Bilal A.
Published: June 2022

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Pulmonary imaging is an essential component of the diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring, and treatment assessment of respiratory diseases. Insights into numerous pulmonary pathologies can be gleaned from functional lung MRI techniques. These include hyperpolarized gas ventilation MRI, which enables visualization and quantification of regional lung ventilation with high spatial resolution. Segmentation of the ventilated lung is required to calculate clinically relevant biomarkers. Recent research in deep learning (DL) has shown promising results for numerous segmentation problems. Here, we evaluate several 3D convolutional neural networks to segment ventilated lung regions on hyperpolarized gas MRI scans. The dataset consists of 759 helium-3 (3He) or xenon-129 (129Xe) volumetric scans and corresponding expert segmentations from 341 healthy subjects and patients with a wide range of pathologies. We evaluated segmentation performance for several DL experimental methods via overlap, distance and error metrics and compared them to conventional segmentation methods, namely, spatial fuzzy c-means (SFCM) and K-means clustering. We observed that training on combined 3He and 129Xe MRI scans using a 3D nn-UNet outperformed other DL methods, achieving a mean ± SD Dice coefficient of 0.963 ± 0.018, average boundary Hausdorff distance of 1.505 ± 0.969 mm, Hausdorff 95th percentile of 5.754 ± 6.621 mm and relative error of 0.075 ± 0.039. Moreover, limited differences in performance were observed between 129Xe and 3He scans in the testing set. Combined training on 129Xe and 3He yielded statistically significant improvements over the conventional methods (p < 0.0001). In addition, we observed very strong correlation and agreement between DL and expert segmentations, with Pearson correlation of 0.99 (p < 0.0001) and Bland–Altman bias of − 0.8%. The DL approach evaluated provides accurate, robust and rapid segmentations of ventilated lung regions and successfully excludes non-lung regions such as the airways and artefacts. This approach is expected to eliminate the need for, or significantly reduce, subsequent time-consuming manual editing.
The speed acuity test as a diagnostic aid in cerebral visual impairment
Authors: Tanke Nouk , Barsingerhorn Annemiek D. , Goossens Jeroen , Boonstra F. Nienke
Published: June 2022

One of the characteristics of children with cerebral visual impairments (CVI) is that they need more time to process visual information. However, currently, few tests are available that can reliably measure visual processing speed. The speed acuity test, a discrimination reaction-time test in which participants indicate the orientation of Landolt-C symbols as quickly and accurately as possible, was specifically developed to determine the time a child needs to discern visual details. The test measures both the accuracy and the latency of the responses for nine different optotype sizes in order to control for decreased visual acuity. The results show that children with CVI need significantly more time to respond to the largest optotype sizes than age-matched normally sighted children and children with visual impairments due to an ocular disorder (VIo). This effect is independent of the time it takes to make a motor response. However, the reaction-time difference between the children with CVI and VIo is not seen for optotype sizes at the acuity threshold. Together with reaction times on visual and auditory detection tasks as controls, reaction times measured in the speed-acuity test allow for acceptable discrimination (AUC in ROC analysis: 0.81) between CVI and VIo.
A set of gene knockouts as a resource for global lipidomic changes
Authors: Spiegel Aleksandra , Lauber Chris , Bachmann Mandy , Heninger Anne-Kristin , Klose Christian , Simons Kai , Sarov Mihail , Gerl Mathias J.
Published: June 2022

Enzyme specificity in lipid metabolic pathways often remains unresolved at the lipid species level, which is needed to link lipidomic molecular phenotypes with their protein counterparts to construct functional pathway maps. We created lipidomic profiles of 23 gene knockouts in a proof-of-concept study based on a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in mammalian cells. This results in a lipidomic resource across 24 lipid classes. We highlight lipid species phenotypes of multiple knockout cell lines compared to a control, created by targeting the human safe-harbor locus AAVS1 using up to 1228 lipid species and subspecies, charting lipid metabolism at the molecular level. Lipid species changes are found in all knockout cell lines, however, some are most apparent on the lipid class level (e.g., SGMS1 and CEPT1), while others are most apparent on the fatty acid level (e.g., DECR2 and ACOT7). We find lipidomic phenotypes to be reproducible across different clones of the same knockout and we observed similar phenotypes when two enzymes that catalyze subsequent steps of the long-chain fatty acid elongation cycle were targeted.
Facile preparation of aqueous-soluble fluorescent polyethylene glycol functionalized carbon dots from palm waste by one-pot hydrothermal carbonization for colon cancer nanotheranostics
Authors: Sangjan Amornrat , Boonsith Suthida , Sansanaphongpricha Kanokwan , Thinbanmai Tapanee , Ratchahat Sakhon , Laosiripojana Navadol , Wu Kevin C.-W. , Shin Hyeon Suk , Sakdaronnarong Chularat
Published: June 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) are categorized as an emerging class of zero-dimension nanomaterials having high biocompatibility, photoluminescence, tunable surface, and hydrophilic property. CDs, therefore, are currently of interest for bio-imaging and nano-medicine applications. In this work, polyethylene glycol functionalized CDs (CD-PEG) were prepared from oil palm empty fruit bunch by a one-pot hydrothermal technique. PEG was chosen as a passivating agent for the enhancement of functionality and photoluminescence properties of CDs. To prepare the CDs-PEG, the effects of temperature, time, and concentration of PEG were investigated on the properties of CDs. The as-prepared CDs-PEG were characterized by several techniques including dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis. The as-prepared CDs under hydrothermal condition at 220 °C for 6 h had spherical morphology with an average diameter of 4.47 nm. Upon modification, CDs-PEG were photo-responsive with excellent photoluminescence property. The CDs-PEG was subsequently used as a drug carrier for doxorubicin [DOX] delivery to CaCo-2, colon cancer cells in vitro. DOX was successfully loaded onto CDs-PEG surface confirmed by FT-IR and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF/MS) patterns. The selective treatment of CDs-PEG-DOX against the colorectal cancer cells, , relative to normal human fibroblast cells was succesfully demonstrated.
Identification and characterization of alternative splicing variants of buffalo LXRα expressed in mammary gland
Authors: Fan Xinyang , Zhang Yongyun , Qiu Lihua , Zhu Wei , Tu Xingtiao , Miao Yongwang
Published: June 2022

Liver X receptor α (LXRα) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and plays an important role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, fatty acid biosynthesis and glucose metabolism. In this study, transcripts of LXRα gene were cloned and characterized from buffalo mammary gland, and three alternative splicing transcripts of buffalo LXRα gene were identified, named LXRα1, LXRα2 and LXRα3. The structure of the LXRα transcripts of buffalo and cattle was highly similar. Bioinformatics analysis showed that LXRα1 contains two complete functional domains of LXRα, one is the DNA-binding domain (NR_DBD_LXR) and the other is the ligand-binding domain (NR_LBD_LXR). The reading frame of LXRα2 is altered due to the skipping of exon 9, which truncates its encoding protein prematurely at the 400th amino acid residue, making it contain a complete DNA-binding domain and part of a ligand-binding domain. Due to the deletion of exon 4, the protein encoded by LXRα3 lacks 89 amino acid residues and contains only a complete ligand-binding domain, which makes it lose its transcriptional regulation function. In addition, motifs and conserved domains of three LXRα variants of buffalo were highly consistent with those of corresponding transcripts from other mammal species. Subcellular localization analysis showed that LXRα1 plays a functional role in the nucleus of buffalo mammary epithelial cells, while LXRα2 and LXRα3 are distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Compared with non-lactating period, the mRNA abundance of the three LXRα transcripts in the mammary gland tissue of buffalo increased during lactating period, revealing that they play a key role in the synthesis of buffalo milk fat. Among the three LXRα transcripts, LXRα1 has the highest expression in the mammary gland, indicating that it is the major transcript in the mammary gland and has important regulatory functions, while LXRα2 and LXRα3 may have regulatory effects on the function of LXRα1. This study highlights the key role of LXRα alternative splicing in the post-transcriptional regulation of buffalo lactation.
Heatstroke-induced late-onset neurological deficits in mice caused by white matter demyelination, Purkinje cell degeneration, and synaptic impairment in the cerebellum
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuyuki , Nakamura Motoyasu , Ohtaki Hirokazu , Suzuki Keisuke , Yamaga Hiroki , Yanagisawa Kaoru , Maeda Atsuo , Yagi Masaharu , Hayashi Munetaka , Honda Kazuho , Dohi Kenji
Published: June 2022

Global warming increases heatstroke incidence. After heatstroke, patients exhibit neurological symptoms, suggesting cerebellar damage. However, the potential long-term adverse outcomes are poorly understood. We studied the cerebellum after heatstroke in mouse heatstroke models. In this study, motor coordination disorder significantly appeared 3 weeks after heatstroke and gradually improved to some extent. Although white matter demyelination was detected at 1 and 3 weeks after heatstroke in the cerebellum, it was not found in the corpus callosum. The Purkinje cell numbers significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 9 weeks after heatstroke. The intensity of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density-95 temporarily appeared to attenuate at 3 weeks after heatstroke; however, both appeared to intensify at 9 weeks after heatstroke. Motor coordination loss occurred a few weeks after heatstroke and recovered to some extent. Late-onset motor impairment was suggested to be caused by cerebellar dysfunctions morphologically assessed by myelin staining of cerebellar white matter and immunostaining of Purkinje cells with pre- and postsynaptic markers. Purkinje cell number did not recover for 9 weeks; other factors, including motor coordination, partially recovered, probably by synaptic reconstruction, residual Purkinje cells, and other cerebellar white matter remyelination. These phenomena were associated with late-onset neurological deficits and recovery after heatstroke.
Riots and subways, a relationship moderated by the neighborhood’s income level
Authors: Cartes Carlos , Asahi Kenzo , Fernández Rodrigo
Published: June 2022

Social disturbances due to socioeconomic and political factors received media attention during 2019 in places like France, Hong Kong, Chile, Nigeria, Sudan, Haiti, and Lebanon. In October 2019, Chile saw massive demonstrations in the capital city of Santiago. The cost of damage to infrastructure during the first month of unrest was estimated at US$ 4.6 billion, and the cost to the Chilean economy was about US$ 3 billion, 1.1% of its Gross Domestic Product. This study analyzes how the topology of the public transport network affected the locations of the 2019 riots in Santiago. On average, we find a clear association between proximity to the subway network and riot density. This association is significant only in neighborhoods with residents in the highest and lowest income quartiles. As a result, when analyzing social unrest and the critical role of public transport, policymakers should also consider the crucial role of income.
Comparison of the gastric microbiome in Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstructions after distal gastrectomy
Authors: Imai Yoshiro , Lee Sang-Woong , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Kato-Kogoe Nahoko , Taniguchi Kohei , Omori Michi , Tanaka Ryo , Honda Kotaro , Osumi Wataru , Nakano Takashi , Ueno Takaaki , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: June 2022

The changes in gastric microbiota following reconstruction after gastrectomy have not been reported. This study aimed to compare the gastric microbiota following Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstructions after distal gastrectomy. We enrolled 71 gastrectomized patients with gastric cancer; 31 and 40 underwent Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstructions, respectively. During upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastric fluid was collected immediately before and 6 months after distal gastrectomy. Deoxyribonucleic acid isolated from each sample was evaluated using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid metagenomic analysis. Analysis revealed that the gastric microbiota’s species richness (expressed as the alpha diversity) was significantly lower after than before distal gastrectomy (operational taxonomic units, p = 0.001; Shannon index, p = 0.03). The interindividual diversity (beta diversity) was significantly different before and after distal gastrectomy (unweighted UniFrac distances, p = 0.04; weighted UniFrac distances, p = 0.001; Bray–Curtis, p = 0.001). Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly different between Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstructions (observed operational taxonomic units, p = 0.58; Shannon index, p = 0.95; unweighted UniFrac distances, p = 0.65; weighted UniFrac distances, p = 0.67; Bray–Curtis, p = 0.63). Our study demonstrated significant differences in gastric microbiota diversity, composition, and community before and after distal gastrectomy but no difference between Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.
SILAC kinase screen identifies potential MASTL substrates
Authors: Marzec Kamila A. , Rogers Samuel , McCloy Rachael , Parker Benjamin L. , James David E. , Watkins D. Neil , Burgess Andrew
Published: June 2022

Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) has emerged as a critical regulator of mitosis and as a potential oncogene in a variety of cancer types. To date, Arpp-19/ENSA are the only known substrates of MASTL. However, with the roles of MASTL expanding and increased interest in development of MASTL inhibitors, it has become critical to determine if there are additional substrates and what the optimal consensus motif for MASTL is. Here we utilized a whole cell lysate in vitro kinase screen combined with stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to identify potential substrates and the residue preference of MASTL. Using the related AGC kinase family members AKT1/2, the kinase screen identified several known and new substrates highly enriched for the validated consensus motif of AKT. Applying this method to MASTL identified 59 phospho-sites on 67 proteins that increased in the presence of active MASTL. Subsequent in vitro kinase assays suggested that MASTL may phosphorylate hnRNPM, YB1 and TUBA1C under certain in vitro conditions. Taken together, these data suggest that MASTL may phosphorylate several additional substrates, providing insight into the ever-increasing biological functions and roles MASTL plays in driving cancer progression and therapy resistance.
Efficacy and safety of ketone ester infusion to prevent muscle weakness in a mouse model of sepsis-induced critical illness
Authors: Weckx Ruben , Goossens Chloë , Derde Sarah , Pauwels Lies , Vander Perre Sarah , Van den Berghe Greet , Langouche Lies
Published: June 2022

In septic mice, 3-hydroxybutyrate-sodium-salt has shown to partially prevent sepsis-induced muscle weakness. Although effective, the excessive sodium load was toxic. We here investigated whether ketone ester 3-hydroxybutyl-3-hydroxybutanoate (3HHB) was a safer alternative. In a mouse model of abdominal sepsis, the effects of increasing bolus doses of 3HHB enantiomers on mortality, morbidity and muscle force were investigated (n = 376). Next, plasma 3HB- clearance after bolus d-3HHB was investigated (n = 27). Subsequently, in septic mice, the effect on mortality and muscle force of a continuous d,l-3HHB infusion was investigated (n = 72). In septic mice, as compared with placebo, muscle force was increased at 20 mmol/kg/day l-3HHB and at 40 mmol/kg/day d- and d,l-3HHB. However, severity of illness and mortality was increased by doubling the effective bolus doses. Bolus 3HHB caused a higher 3HB− plasma peak and slower clearance with sepsis. Unlike bolus injections, continuous infusion of d,l-3HHB did not increase severity of illness or mortality, while remaining effective in improving muscle force. Treatment of septic mice with the ketone ester 3HHB partly prevented muscle weakness. Toxicity of 3HHB administered as bolus was completely avoided by continuous infusion of the same dose. Whether continuous infusion of ketone esters represents a promising intervention to also prevent ICU-acquired weakness in human patients should be investigated.
Longitudinal associations between going outdoors and mental health and wellbeing during a COVID-19 lockdown in the UK
Authors: Stock Sarah , Bu Feifei , Fancourt Daisy , Mak Hei Wan
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to national lockdowns in countries around the world. Whilst lockdowns were shown to be effective in reducing the spread of disease, they were also associated with adverse effects on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Previous studies have suggested that time spent outside may have played a role in mitigating these negative effects, but research on this topic remains limited. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the longitudinal associations between going outdoors and people’s mental health and wellbeing during the first national lockdown (March–May 2020) in the UK. Data from 35,301 participants from the COVID-19 Social Study were analysed. Fixed effects regression was used to explore the longitudinal association between changes in going outdoors (the number of days spent outside) and changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction and loneliness. A range of household and neighbourhood moderators were examined. Results show that an increase in the number of days spent outside was associated with decreases in depressive and anxiety symptoms and an increase in life satisfaction. Associations were more salient amongst people living with others, and those with greater satisfaction with their neighbourhood walkability and green spaces. No longitudinal association was found with loneliness. Overall, our analyses showed a positive association between going outdoors and improved mental health and wellbeing during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. These findings are important for formulating guidance for people to stay well at home during pandemics and for the on-going nature-based social prescribing scheme.
Estimating female malaria mosquito age by quantifying Y-linked genes in stored male spermatozoa
Authors: Madan Damian , Rivera Rafael , Ortega Corrie , Touchon Justin C. , Kimball Corinna , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Graumans Wouter , Matsuura Stephanie , Parghi Sean S. , Bell David , Bousema Teun , Drakeley Chris , Collins Katharine A. , Burkot Thomas R.
Published: June 2022

Vector control strategies are among the most effective measures to combat mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria. These strategies work by altering the mosquito age structure through increased mortality of the older female mosquitoes that transmit pathogens. However, methods to monitor changes to mosquito age structure are currently inadequate for programmatic implementation. Female mosquitoes generally mate a single time soon after emergence and draw down spermatozoa reserves with each oviposition cycle. Here, we demonstrate that measuring spermatozoa quantity in female Anopheles mosquitoes is an effective approach to assess mosquito age. Using multiplexed qPCR targeted at male spermatozoa, we show that Y-linked genes in female mosquitoes are exclusively found in the spermatheca, the organ that houses spermatozoa, and the quantity of these gene sequences significantly declines with age. The method can accurately identify mosquitoes more than 10 days old and thus old enough to potentially transmit pathogens harbored in the salivary glands during blood feeding. Furthermore, mosquito populations that differ by 10% in daily survivorship have a high likelihood of being distinguished using modest sample sizes, making this approach scalable for assessing the efficacy of vector intervention control programs.
Detection of the UV-vis silent biomarker trimethylamine-N-oxide via outer-sphere interactions in a lanthanide metal-organic framework
Authors: Min Hui , Chen Zhonghang , Han Zongsu , Wang Kunyu , Xu Jun , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: June 2022

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a biomarker of the cardiovascular disease that is one of the leading causes of worldwide death. Facile detection of TMAO can significantly improve the survival rate of this disease by allowing early prevention. However, the UV-vis silent nature of TMAO makes it intricated to be detected by conventional sensing materials or analytical instruments. Here we show a bilanthanide metal-organic framework functionalized by borono group for the recognition of TMAO. Superior sensitivity, selectivity and anti-interference ability were achieved by the inverse emission intensity changes of the two lanthanide centers. The limit of detection is 15.6 μM, covering the clinical urinary concentration range of TMAO. A smartphone application was developed based on the change in R-G-B chromaticity. The sensing mechanism via a well-matched outer-sphere interaction governing the sensing function was studied in detail, providing fundamentals in molecular level for the design of advanced sensing materials for UV-Vis silent molecules.
Dissipative discrete time crystals in a pump-modulated Kerr microcavity
Authors: Taheri Hossein , Matsko Andrey B. , Herr Tobias , Sacha Krzysztof
Published: June 2022

Time crystals represent temporal analogues of the spatial self-ordering exhibited by atomic or molecular building blocks of solid-state crystals. The pursuit of discrete time crystals (DTCs) in periodically forced Floquet closed systems has revealed how they can evade thermalization and loss of temporal order. Recently, it has been shown that even with coupling to the ambient and its concomitant noise, some states maintain their time crystalline order, formingdissipativeDTCs. Here, we introduce a scheme for the realization and state control of dissipative DTCs hinging on pumping a Kerr optical resonator with a phase-modulated continuous-wave laser. We show the possible symmetry breaking states possess temporal long-range order and analyze the phase noise of the accompanying signature radio frequency (RF) subharmonic. Besides offering a technique for generating high-spectral-purity RF signals, this versatile platform empowers controlled switching between various DTC states through accessible experimental knobs, hence facilitating the future study of DTC phase transitions.
The circum-Antarctic ice-shelves respond to a more positive Southern Annular Mode with regionally varied melting
Authors: Verfaillie Deborah , Pelletier Charles , Goosse Hugues , Jourdain Nicolas C. , Bull Christopher Y. S. , Dalaiden Quentin , Favier Vincent , Fichefet Thierry , Wille Jonathan D.
Published: June 2022

The Southern Hemisphere cryosphere has recently shown regionally-contrasted responses to climate change, in particular to the positive phases of the Southern Annular Mode. However, the understanding of the impacts of this mode on ice-shelf basal melt at a circum-Antarctic scale is still limited. Here, we performed idealized experiments with a pan-Antarctic regional ice-shelf cavity-resolving ocean—sea-ice model for different phases of the Southern Annular Mode. We show that positive phases lead to increased upwelling and subsurface ocean temperature and salinity close to ice shelves, while the opposite occurs for negative phases. A one-standard-deviation increase of the Southern Annular Mode leads to a net basal mass loss of 40 Gt yr−1, with strong regional contrasts: increased ice-shelf basal melt in the Bellingshausen and Western Pacific sectors and the opposite response in the Amundsen sector. Estimates of 1000–1200 and 2090–2100 ice-shelf basal melt changes due to the Southern Annular Mode are −86.6 Gt yr−1and 55.0 to 164.9 Gt yr−1, respectively, compared to the present.
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression by modulating Notch and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathways and remodeling the gut microbiota
Authors: Xue Liangyu , Li Zongqi , Xue Jiabao , Wang Huiting , Wu Tao , Liu Rui , Sui Wenjie , Zhang Min
Published: June 2022

Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 exhibits remarkable immune capacity through TLR4/NF-κB and Notch signaling pathway and reshaping the gut microbiota, and it might be considered as a diet supplement to regulate body immunity.
Mapping the time dependent DNA fragmentation caused by doxorubicin loaded on PEGylated carbogenic nanodots using fluorescence lifetime imaging and superresolution microscopy
Authors: Rao Chethana , Sharma Shagun , Garg Richa , Anjum Farhan , Kaushik Kush , Nandi Chayan Kanti
Published: June 2022

Superresolution reveals nuclear DNA fragmentation by the doxorubicin released from FND PEG.
Nanoscale heat transport analysis by scanning thermal microscopy: from calibration to high-resolution measurements
Authors: Vera-Londono Liliana , Ruiz-Clavijo Alejandra , Pérez-Taborda Jaime Andrés , Martín-González Marisol
Published: June 2022

Scanning thermal microscopy is a powerful technique to study thermal properties at the nanoscale. Pd/Si3N4 thermo-resistive probes has largely improved the spatial resolution compared to Wollaston probes, facilitating the analysis of nanoscale thermal heterogeneities.
Rational design of amphiphilic fluorinated peptides: evaluation of self-assembly properties and hydrogel formation
Authors: Chowdhary Suvrat , Schmidt Robert Franz , Sahoo Anil Kumar , tom Dieck Tiemo , Hohmann Thomas , Schade Boris , Brademann-Jock Kerstin , Thünemann Andreas F. , Netz Roland R. , Gradzielski Michael , Koksch Beate
Published: June 2022

The tremendous impact of fluorine-specific interactions on peptide folding and self-assembly was systematically studied. Therefore, the fluorinated aliphatic amino acids MfeGly, DfeGly and TfeGly were incorporated into an amphipathic peptide motif.
Facile fabrication of hierarchical textures for substrate-independent and durable superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: He Yuchun , Wang Lingxiao , Wu Tingni , Wu Zhipeng , Chen Yu , Yin Kai
Published: June 2022

We propose a facile femtosecond laser technology to achieve superhydrophobicity on various substrate surfaces with anti-friction ability.
Multi-nanocomponent-assembled films with exceptional capacitance performance and electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yu Jianyong , Yuan Zhanhui , Wang Liwei , Chen Shuo , Wei Weiwei , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2022

Multi-nanostructured films with high conductivity and substantial interfacial structures, which exhibit good prospects for applications in energy storage and electromagnetic interference shielding.
Fluorescent solvent-free lignin ionic complexes with thermostability toward a luminescent hydrophobic coating material
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Chenghao , Wang Kang , Liu Jishuai , Xie Congxia , Wu Zhongtao
Published: June 2022

A type of fluorescent lignin ionic complexes is developed via the electrostatic complexation between ligninsulfonate and a tetraphenylethene-containing ammonium surfactant. These materials could be recyclable labeling biomaterials suitable for working at high temperatures and hydrophobic coating materials.
Molecular Möbius strips: twist for a bright future
Authors: Yao Bin , Liu Xingyan , Guo Tingwang , Sun Hongfei , Wang Wei
Published: June 2022

In this article, the recent development of molecular Möbius strips will be highlighted, with an emphasis on the rational synthesis and the further investigations on their intriguing properties.
Analysis of different self-propulsion types of oil droplets based on electrostatic interaction effects
Authors: Noguchi Mika , Yamada Masato , Sawada Hideyuki
Published: June 2022

We found that the correlated motion of two oil droplets was classified into three self-propelled motions (follow-up motion, parallel motion, and repulsive motion) depending on the pH of the aqueous solution.
Pyridine appended 2-hydrazinylthiazole derivatives: design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico antimycobacterial studies
Authors: Matsa Ramkishore , Makam Parameshwar , Sethi Guneswar , Thottasseri Ahammed Ameen , Kizhakkandiyil Aswani Raj , Ramadas Krishna , Mariappan Vignesh , Pillai Agieshkumar Balakrishna , Kannan Tharanikkarasu
Published: June 2022

Thirty novel pyridine-appended 2-hydrazinylthiazole derivatives have been synthesized and tested for their antimycobacterial activity against Mictrobactrium tuberculosis, H37Rv strain.
A review on the degradation of acetaminophen by advanced oxidation process: pathway, by-products, biotoxicity, and density functional theory calculation
Authors: Qutob Mohammad , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Alamry Khalid A. , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: June 2022

Researchers use advanced oxidation processes because of water scarcity and environmental recalcitrance. State-of-the-art studies on ACT by-products and their biotoxicity, proposed degradation pathways, have been collected, organized, and summarized.
Efficient Xe selective separation from Xe/Kr/N2 mixtures over a microporous CALF-20 framework
Authors: Wei Yi , Qi Fengshi , Li Yunhe , Min Xiubo , Wang Qi , Hu Jiangliang , Sun Tianjun
Published: June 2022

Factoring in the Xe uptake, selectivity and Henry's constant, hydrophobic CALF-20 exceeded most MOFs in Xe/Kr/N2 mixture separation; in particular, high-temperature, gaseous water and acid solution have no negative effects on Xe adsorption.
A theoretical study on the on–off phosphorescence of novel Pt(ii)/Pt(iv)–bisphenylpyridinylmethane complexes
Authors: Zhu Guoxun , Chen Zhenping , Song Huacan , You Ao , Li Zhengquan
Published: June 2022

An in-depth theoretical study on the Pt(ii)/Pt(iv)–bisphenylpyridinylmethane complexes was carried out, which focused on the structures, excitation procedures, on–off phosphorescence mechanisms, and structure–optical performance relationships.
The fast nucleation/growth of Co3O4nanowires on cotton silk: the facile development of a potentiometric uric acid biosensor
Authors: Albaqami Munirah D. , Medany Shymaa S. , Nafady Ayman , Ibupoto Mazhar Hussain , Willander Magnus , Tahira Aneela , Aftab Umair , Vigolo Brigitte , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: June 2022

In this study, we have used cotton silk as a source of abundant hydroxyl groups for the fast nucleation/growth of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanowiresviaa hydrothermal method.
Glycosylation of luteolin in hydrophilic organic solvents and structure–antioxidant relationships of luteolin glycosides
Authors: Xu Tingting , Wang Chen , Jiang Sijie , Yang Tingting , Wu Xueming
Published: June 2022

Efficient glycosylation of luteolin in organic solvents and the structure–antioxidant relationships of luteolin glycosides were reported for the first time.
NickelII-catalyzed asymmetric photoenolization/Mannich reaction of (2-alkylphenyl) ketones
Authors: Yang Liangkun , Li Wang-Yuren , Hou Liuzhen , Zhan Tangyu , Cao Weidi , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

A diastereo- and enantioselective photoenolization/Mannich (PEM) reaction of (2-alkylphenyl) ketones with benzosulfonimides is realized by a chiral N,N′-dioxide/NiII complex catalyst.
Nitrogen activation and cleavage by a multimetallic uranium complex
Authors: Keener Megan , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Scopelliti Rosario , Zivkovic Ivica , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: June 2022

Combinations of ligands were used to tune UNU complexes yielding a U(iii)/U(iii) nitride, which activates N2. Parallel N2 reduction pathways were identified, leading to the first example of N2 cleavage by U without external alkali reducing agents.
Collapse of a hemicatenoid bounded by a solid wall: instability and dynamics driven by surface Plateau border friction
Authors: Raufaste Christophe , Cox Simon , Goldstein Raymond E. , Pesci Adriana I.
Published: June 2022

The collapse dynamics of a half-catenoid bounded by a solid surface is studied through experiment and theory as a means of testing the frictional law for surface Plateau border motion.
Bimetallic diatomic nanoclusters with longitudinal Fe–O–Fe units and latitudinal Cu–S–Fe–S–Cu units as efficient ORR active sites
Authors: Li Hong , Shu Xinxin , Xi Haolong , Lv Zhengxing , Tian He , Zhang Jintao , Xia Haibing
Published: June 2022

Fe–Cu diatomic nanoclusters with a unique bridge structure are proposed as a new type of active site for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Interfacial solar evaporator synergistic phase change energy storage for all-day steam generation
Authors: Geng Le , Li Lele , Zhang He , Zhong Minjuan , Mu Peng , Li Jian
Published: June 2022

The schematic diagram of the Cppy-O evaporator for all-day steam generation.
Molecularly imprinted polymers in diagnostics: accessing analytes in biofluids
Authors: Mustafa Yasemin L. , Keirouz Antonios , Leese Hannah S.
Published: June 2022

Bio-applied molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetic materials with tailor-made synthetic recognition sites, mimicking biological counterparts known for their sensitive and selective analyte detection.
Competing ferroelectric polarization: hydroxyl flip-flop versus proton-transfer mechanisms
Authors: Shimoi Yukihiro , Tsuzuki Seiji , Kumai Reiji , Sotome Masato , Horiuchi Sachio
Published: June 2022

A novel ferroelectric material of phenol derivatives, DHBA, provides a special platform regarding the mechanisms of polarization reversal: proton-transfer and flip-flop mechanisms.
PEDOT:PSS hydrogel gate electrodes for OTFT sensors
Authors: Arthur Joshua N. , Burns Samantha , Cole Cameron M. , Barthelme Quinlan T. , Yambem Soniya D.
Published: June 2022

PEDOT:PSS hydrogel is used as soft, conductive gate electrodes for low-voltage hygroscopic insulator field effect transistors (HIFETs). HIFETs are sensitive to aqueous solutions of KCl, NaCl and H2O2, introduced through the hydrogel gate electrode.
Enhancing the performance of transparent and highly stretchable organic electrochemical transistors by acid treatment and copolymer blending of electrospun PEDOT:PSS fibers
Authors: Lerond Michael , Cicoira Fabio , Skene W. G.
Published: June 2022

Transparent and stretchable OECTs were prepared from electrospun PEDOT:PSS fibers. Both the mechanical and electronic properties of electrospun fibers were improved by blending a PEG copolymer with PEDOT:PSS and with a sulfuric acid post treatment.
Multimodal sensing in rewritable, data matrix azobenzene-based devices
Authors: Boschi Alex , Cinili Simone , Bystrenova Eva , Ruani Giampiero , Groppi Jessica , Credi Alberto , Baroncini Massimo , Candini Andrea , Gentili Denis , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: June 2022

Here, we exploited the UV light and thermal triggered E ↔ Z photoisomerization of an azobenzene compound to fabricate multimodal readable and rewritable data matrix based devices.
A systematic investigation to unravel the primary determinant of the operational stability of blue fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Hwang Kyo Min , Kim Taekyung , Kang Sunwoo
Published: June 2022

The primary factor that affects the lifetime of blue FOLEDs is the bond dissociation energy (BDE) in anionic state. The BDE of host molecules has a greater impact on the lifetime than that of electron blocking layer molecules.
Microscaled design of the linear and non-linear optical properties of tantalum germanate glasses by thermal poling
Authors: Poirier Gael , Karam Lara , Rodriguez Vincent , Adamietz Frédéric , Cardinal Thierry , Evelyne Fargin , Dussauze Marc
Published: June 2022

Topological, linear and non-linear optical properties were designed at the microscale using structured electrodes.
Controlling the device functionality by solvent engineering, solar cell versus light emitting diode
Authors: Yudco Shir , Dayan Adva Shpatz , Cohen Bat-El , Binyamin Tal , Etgar Lioz
Published: June 2022

This work concentrates on dual functionality perovskite devices. By changing the perovskite solvents it is possible to change the device functionality. DMSO improves the SC performance while DMF is beneficial for the LED efficiency.
Electromagnetic wave propagation through composite building materials in urban environments at mid‐band 5G frequencies
Authors: Ng Jake Peng Sean , Sum Yee Loon , Soong Boon Hee , Maier Marcus , Monteiro Paulo J. M.
Published: June 2022

In an urban built city environment, the performance of electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation through building materials poses a new set of challenges to radio frequency engineers in the prediction of the 5G‐network coverage planning. We propose the prospects on the use of composite building materials enhanced with different volumetric fractions of iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) inclusions as a reddish‐brown colouring admixture in modern‐day concrete. Using a non‐destructive microwave measurement technique, a two‐factor 6 × 10 factorial experiment and a randomized controlled statistical study from 3.40 to 3.60 GHz is conducted on 15‐cm thick building material prototypes enhanced with 2‐wt% to 10‐wt% micro‐sized Fe2O3 inclusions to evaluate their efficacy on EM wave propagation. Transmission coefficients (S21) data are analysed statistically between treatment and control groups, yielding up to 2.28 dB mean S21 improvement in performance and a fractional bandwidth of 100% by the 2‐wt% Fe2O3 treatment group. Electromagnetic characterisations of the fabricated mortar samples with different Fe2O3 inclusions are performed using Nicholson‐Ross‐Weir model followed by the evaluation of dielectric and propagation losses. Our findings support the use of 2‐wt% Fe2O3 as the optimal volumetric fraction which improves the microwave transparency, thus creating potential EM benefits for the fifth‐generation (5G) wireless communication systems.