bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the dynamics of a vector-borne infection with the effect of imperfect vaccination from a fractional perspective
Authors: Tang Tao-Qian , Jan Rashid , Khurshaid Adil , Shah Zahir , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Racheriu Mihaela
Published: September 2023

The burden of vector-borne infections is significant, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where vector populations are high and healthcare infrastructure may be inadequate. Further, studies are required to investigate the key factors of vector-borne infections to provide effective control measure. This study focuses on formulating a mathematical framework to characterize the spread of chikungunya infection in the presence of vaccines and treatments. The research is primarily dedicated to descriptive study and comprehension of dynamic behaviour of chikungunya dynamics. We use Banach’s and Schaefer’s fixed point theorems to investigate the existence and uniqueness of the suggested chikungunya framework resolution. Additionally, we confirm the Ulam–Hyers stability of the chikungunya system. To assess the impact of various parameters on the dynamics of chikungunya, we examine solution pathways using the Laplace-Adomian method of disintegration. Specifically, to visualise the impacts of fractional order, vaccination, bite rate and treatment computer algorithms are employed on the infection level of chikungunya. Our research identified the framework’s essential input settings for managing chikungunya infection. Notably, the intensity of chikungunya infection can be reduced by lowering mosquito bite rates in the affected area. On the other hand, vaccination, memory index or fractional order, and treatment could be used as efficient controlling variables.
Route of pesticide spread on the body surface of Blattella germanica (Linnaeus): a NanoSuit–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis
Authors: Takaku Yasuharu , Shiraki Katsumi , Suzuki Chiaki , Takehara Sayuri , Nishii Hiroyuki , Sasaki Tomonori , Hariyama Takahiko
Published: August 2023

Numerous studies have focussed on the mechanisms of entry of pesticides into insect body parts such as oral intake, penetration through the integument of the body wall, and inhalation through spiracles. However, little is known about how insecticides spread to the points of entry or the paths on the body surface that are used to reach the target sites. In this study, elemental signals of pesticide-mimicking test solutions were tracked and their routes of spreading in experimental insects (Blattella germanica L.) were investigated using NanoSuit (a method of surface modification) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, combined with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. When the test solution initially adhered to the dorsal and/or ventral body surface, it tended to spread horizontally to reach lateral plates. Whereas, when the solution directly adhered to the anterior side of the lateral plates, it spread to posterior segments. In this case, however, spreading in the opposite direction (i.e., the solution directly adhered to the posterior side of the lateral plates) was interrupted at a boundary erected by different groups of fine structures; each protrusion was large, and the arrangement was rather dense in the posterior segments. Morphological features of these fine structures and chemical characteristics of the hydrophobic surface substances potentially regulate the strength of the capillary force, which determines pesticide spreading.
Linking metabolic syndrome with low bone mass through insights from BMI and health behaviors
Authors: Lee Chun-Ying , Chuang Yun-Shiuan , Lee Chien-Hung , Wu Ming-Tsang
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS), and bone density in a 30- to 50-year-old Taiwanese population, and to explore the combined effects of BMI and health behaviors on this association. A total of 52,912 individuals aged 30–50 years from the Taiwan Biobank were included in this cross-sectional study. Bone density status was assessed using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). The joint effect was assessed by including an interaction term in the multi-logistic regression models to test the association between MetS, BMI, and bone density while controlling for potential confounders. MetS was associated with reduced bone density, with the risk of severe low bone density (SLBD) higher among BMI < 24 kg/m2 individuals with MetS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.16), while the risk was not significant among BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 individuals with MetS. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of regular exercise among individuals with a BMI < 24 kg/m2 and MetS were associated with higher risk of severe low bone density (SLBD), the aORs (95%CI) were 2.9 (1.59–5.20), 2.1 (1.06–4.22), and 1.8 (1.24–2.54) respectively. Our study suggests that metabolic syndrome could increase the risk of severe low bone density, but this risk can be minimized through higher BMI, non-smoking, no alcohol consumption, and regular exercise. Conversely, smoking, alcohol consumption or lack of regular exercise may exacerbate the risk of severe low bone density. These findings highlight the importance of a multifactorial approach in managing bone healthcare.
Associations between doses of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) and falls of hospitalized patients
Authors: Yang Yu-Kai , Kor Chew-Teng , Sun Yi-Wei , Wang Hsin-Yu , Yang Yuan-Ting , Liu Sen-Yung
Published: September 2023

Falls are a serious public health problem in the aging population because of the associated clinical and socioeconomic impact. Although previous studies have investigated fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), few studies have focused on dosage among adult inpatients. This study aimed to evaluate associations between fall risk and dosage of different FRIDs classes in hospital inpatients. Inpatients who experienced falls at medical or surgical wards of Changhua Christian Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were identified and matched by age, sex, and hospital ward to randomly selected controls (four per case). Anonymous patient data were extracted from the hospital medical data repository, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, fall-risk scores, and drug prescriptions. Medication dosages were computed using the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification and the defined daily dose system of the World Health Organization. A total of 852 cases and 3408 controls were identified as eligible. Reducing the use of CNS-active medications, administering lower doses of sedative-hypnotics, prescribing sufficient dopaminergic anti-Parkinson agents, and using NSAIDs instead of opioids are imperative in preventing falls among hospitalized patients according to the findings in the study.
Ag/ZnO core–shell NPs boost photosynthesis and growth rate in wheat seedlings under simulated full sun spectrum
Authors: Nayeri Shahnoush , Dolatyari Mahboubeh , Mouladoost Neda , Nayeri Saeed , Zarghami Armin , Mirtagioglu Hamit , Rostami Ali
Published: September 2023

Breeding programs rely on light wavelength, intensity, and photoperiod for rapid success. In this study, we investigated the ability of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the photosynthesis and growth of wheat under simulated full solar spectrum conditions. The world population is increasing rapidly, it is necessary to increase the number of crops in order to ensure the world’s food security. Conventional breeding is time-consuming and expensive, so new techniques such as rapid breeding are needed. Rapid breeding shows promise in increasing crop yields by controlling photoperiod and environmental factors in growth regulators. However, achieving optimum growth and photosynthesis rates is still a challenge. Here, we used various methods to evaluate the effects of Ag/ZnO NPs on rice seeds. Using bioinformatics simulations, we evaluated the light-harvesting efficiency of chlorophyll a in the presence of Ag/ZnO NPs. Chemically synthesized Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were applied to rice grains at different concentrations (0–50 mg/L) and subjected to a 12-h preparation time. Evaluation of seed germination rate and growth response in different light conditions using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) growth chamber that simulates a rapid growth system. The analysis showed that the surface plasmon resonance of Ag/ZnO NPs increased 38-fold, resulting in a 160-fold increase in the light absorption capacity of chlorophyll. These estimates are supported by experimental results showing an 18% increase in the yield of rice seeds treated with 15 mg/L Ag/ZnO NPs. More importantly, the treated crops showed a 2.5-fold increase in growth and a 1.4-fold increase in chlorophyll content under the simulated full sun spectrum (4500 lx) and a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod. More importantly, these effects are achieved without oxidative or lipid peroxidative damage. Our findings offer a good idea to increase crop growth by improving photosynthesis using Ag/ZnO nanoparticle mixture. To develop this approach, future research should go towards optimizing nanoparticles, investigating the long-term effects, and exploring the applicability of this process in many products. The inclusion of Ag/ZnO NPs in rapid breeding programs has the potential to transform crops by reducing production and increasing agricultural productivity.
Prevalence, molecular characterization of integrons and its associated gene cassettes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca recovered from diverse environmental matrices
Authors: Fadare Folake Temitope , Fadare Taiwo Olawole , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi
Published: September 2023

The high prevalence of infections arising from Klebsiella species is related to their ability to acquire and disseminate exogenous genes associated with mobile genetic elements such as integrons. We assessed the prevalence, diversity, and associated gene cassettes (GCs) of integrons in Klebsiella species. The isolates recovered from wastewater and hospital effluents, rivers, and animal droppings were identified using the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the gryA, pehX, and 16S–23S genes. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the Extended-Spectrum and Metallo β-lactamases production were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. PCR, DNA sequencing analyses, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, the genotypic relationships between the different isolated K. pneumoniae were determined using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR. About 98% (51/52) of the confirmed isolates harboured an integrase gene, with 80% intI1, while the remaining 20% concurrently harboured intI1 and intI2, with no intI3 observed. About 78% (40/51) of the bacterial strains were positive for a promoter, the P2R2, investigated, while 80% (41/51) harboured at least one of the qacEΔ1 and sul1. Three different GCs arrangements identified were aac(6′)-Ib, aadA1-dfrA1, and dfrA1-sat2. At a similarity index of 60%, the ERIC-PCR fingerprints generated were categorized into nine clusters. Our study is the first to reveal the features of integrons in Klebsiella spp. recovered from environmental sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. We conclude that the organisms' sources are repositories of integrons harbouring various gene cassettes, which can be readily mobilized to other microorganisms in similar or varied niches.
CD1b glycoprotein, a crucial marker of thymocyte development during T cell maturation in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Choi Sung Min , Park Hi Jung , Choi Eun A , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Lee Jae Il
Published: September 2023

Phenotypic markers that denote different developmental stages of thymocytes are important for understanding T cell development in the thymus. Here, we show that CD1b is a critical discriminator of thymocyte maturation stage in cynomolgus monkeys. CD1b was expressed by immature thymocytes prior to β-selection, and its expression decreased as cells became fully mature in the thymus. MHC-I expression was lowest at the CD3loCD1b+ immature double-positive (DP) stage, while the ratio of CD1d:MHC-I expression was significantly higher at this stage than at other developmental stages. PLZF was expressed by < 0.2% of thymocytes; most PLZF+ thymocytes were CD3-/loCD1b+ immature DP thymocytes with the potential to produce IL-4. EOMES+ thymocytes, which accounted for > 2% of total thymocytes, were mostly CD3+CD1b- mature thymocytes and predominantly of the CD8 single-positive (SP) lineage. An unconventional CD8+ T cell subset expressing the NKG2AC+CXCR3+ innate-like T cell marker was identified within the EOMES+ CD8 SP lineage; these cells exhibited a memory phenotype. Taken together, these findings show that CD1b is a valuable discriminatory marker of thymocyte development. The data presented herein can be used to characterize the features of PLZF- and EOMES-associated unconventional T cells in the thymus.
Deep learning analysis of blood flow sounds to detect arteriovenous fistula stenosis
Authors: Zhou George , Chen Yunchan , Chien Candace , Revatta Leslie , Ferdous Jannatul , Chen Michelle , Deb Shourov , De Leon Cruz Sol , Wang Alan , Lee Benjamin , Sabuncu Mert R. , Browne William , Wun Herrick , Mosadegh Bobak
Published: September 2023

For hemodialysis patients, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patency determines whether adequate hemofiltration can be achieved, and directly influences clinical outcomes. Here, we report the development and performance of a deep learning model for automated AVF stenosis screening based on the sound of AVF blood flow using supervised learning with data validated by ultrasound. We demonstrate the importance of contextualizing the sound with location metadata as the characteristics of the blood flow sound varies significantly along the AVF. We found the best model to be a vision transformer trained on spectrogram images. Our model can screen for stenosis at a performance level comparable to that of a nephrologist performing a physical exam, but with the advantage of being automated and scalable. In a high-volume, resource-limited clinical setting, automated AVF stenosis screening can help ensure patient safety via early detection of at-risk vascular access, streamline the dialysis workflow, and serve as a patient-facing tool to allow for at-home, self-screening.
Two-sample mendelian randomization reveals a causal association between membranous nephropathy and lung cancer
Authors: Yang Kezhen , Ding Xiaofeng , Liu Jipeng , Liu Saisai , Liu Qingguo , Li Jianhua , Zhang Pingna
Published: September 2023

A risk association between membranous nephropathy (MN) and lung cancer is reported, but traditional observational studies cannot provide strong evidence of its causality. This study aimed to assess genome-wide association studies data for a causal relationship between MN and lung cancer using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Inverse-variance weighted, and MR Egger regression techniques were used to determine the association of genetic variants from cohorts of MN and lung cancer patients. Independent genetic variants with genome-wide significance (P < 5×10–8) were used to determine the direction of chance. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the accuracy of the results. The results suggest that MN is an exposure factor for lung cancer, validated using a second cohort of lung cancer patients (P < 0.001). There is insufficient evidence to suggest a causal relationship between lung cancer and MN; however, cigarette smoking may be a confounding factor for lung cancer due to MN. The findings provide causal evidence for the effect of MN on lung cancer risk and may be useful for patient management, especially in older patients with MN who should be systematically screened regularly.
The non-attached biofilm aggregate
Authors: Kragh Kasper N. , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Lichtenberg Mads
Published: September 2023

Biofilms have conventionally been perceived as dense bacterial masses on surfaces, following the five-step model of development. Initial biofilm research focused on surface-attached formations, but detached aggregates have received increasing attention in the past decade due to their pivotal role in chronic infections. Understanding their nature sparked fervent discussions in biofilm conferences and scientific literature. This review consolidates current insights on non-attached aggregates, offering examples of their occurrence in nature and diseases. We discuss their formation and dispersion mechanisms, resilience to antibiotics and immune-responses, drawing parallels to surface-attached biofilms. Moreover, we outline available in vitro models for studying non-attached aggregates.
Cooling the optical-spin driven limit cycle oscillations of a levitated gyroscope
Authors: Arita Yoshihiko , Simpson Stephen H. , Bruce Graham D. , Wright Ewan M. , Zemánek Pavel , Dholakia Kishan
Published: September 2023

Birefringent microspheres, trapped in vacuum and set into rotation by circularly polarised light, demonstrate remarkably stable translational motion. This is in marked contrast to isotropic particles in similar conditions. Here we demonstrate that this stability is obtained because the fast rotation of these birefringent spheres reduces the effect of azimuthal spin forces created by the inhomogeneous optical spin of circularly polarised light. At reduced pressures, the unique profile of these rotationally averaged, effective azimuthal forces results in the formation of nano-scale limit cycles. We demonstrate feedback cooling of these non-equilibrium oscillators, resulting in effective temperatures on the order of a milliKelvin. The principles we elaborate here can inform the design of high-stability rotors carrying enhanced centripetal loads or result in more efficient cooling schemes for autonomous limit cycle oscillations. Ultimately, this latter development could provide experimental access to non-equilibrium quantum effects within the mesoscopic regime.
Monoethanolamine decay mediated by photolysis of nitrate in atmospheric particles: a brown carbon and organic phase formation pathway
Authors: Tian Xiaomeng , Zhang Ruifeng , Wei Bo , Wang Yalin , Li Yongjie , Chan Chak K.
Published: September 2023

After photolysis, more acidic particles show an increase in pH, while the more neutralized particles show a decrease in pH. NO3− and MEA decay rates are more sensitive to the initial pH than RH. Water-soluble BrC and an organic phase were formed as potential secondary organic aerosols (SOAs).
Diversity of organic components in airborne waste discharged from sewer pipe repairs
Authors: Morales Ana C. , West Christopher P. , Peterson Brianna N. , Noh Yoorae , Whelton Andrew J. , Laskin Alexander
Published: September 2023

Air-discharged waste from commonly used trenchless technologies of sewer pipe repairs is an emerging and poorly characterized source of urban pollution.
Potential of easily prepared low-cost rice husk biochar and burnt clay composite for the removal of methylene blue dye from contaminated water
Authors: Ghzal Qudsia , Javed Tariq , Batool Maryam
Published: September 2023

Graphical abstract showing the adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye from polluted water using low cost rice husk biochar and burnt clay composite in batch study.
First-principles study on the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of all-inorganic lead-free fluoride perovskites ABF3 (A = Na, K and B = Si, Ge)
Authors: Pak Chol-Jin , Jong Un-Gi , Kang Chung-Jin , Kim Yun-Sim , Kye Yun-Hyok , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: September 2023

In spite of extensive studies on halide perovskites for advanced photovoltaic applications, little attention has been paid to fluoride perovskites so far.
LaOMS2 (M = Ti, V, and Cr): novel crystal spin valves without contact
Authors: Bai Haoyun , Liu Di , Pan Hui
Published: September 2023

Contact-free spin valves with an insulating layer (La2O2) sandwiched between two magnetic layers (MS2), LaOMS2 (M = Ti, V, and Cr), are designed by first-principles calculations. A 100% spin polarization is realized in ferromagnetic LaOMS2.
Fabricating a low-temperature synthesized graphene-cellulose acetate-sodium alginate scaffold for the generation of ovarian cancer spheriod and its drug assessment
Authors: Suryavanshi Pooja , Kudtarkar Yohaan , Chaudhari Mangesh , Bodas Dhananjay
Published: September 2023

3D cell culture can mimic tumor pathophysiology, which reflects cellular morphology and heterogeneity, strongly influencing gene expression, cell behavior, and intracellular signaling.
Automated mechanical exfoliation technique: a spin pumping study in YIG/TMD heterostructures
Authors: Victor Rodrigo Torrão , Marroquin John Fredy Ricardo , Safeer Syed Hamza , Dugato Danian Alexandre , Archanjo Braulio Soares , Sampaio Luiz Carlos , Garcia Flavio , Felix Jorlandio Francisco
Published: September 2023

A simple scalable room temperature method to produce transitionmetal dichalcogenides (TMDs) thin films with few atomic layers through the direct layer-by-layer mechanical abrasion onto an Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) film.
Quantum-sized topological insulators/semimetals enable ultrahigh and broadband saturable absorption
Authors: Chen Zhexue , Sui Xinyu , Li Zhangqiang , Li Yueqi , Liu Xinfeng , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2023

Topological insulator and semimetal QSs with monolayer structures and sub-4 nm lateral sizes demonstrate exceptional NSA performances with ultrahigh nonlinear response (72.4 and 68.4%) and ultralow power excitation (0.49 and 0.80 MW cm−2).
Expression of concern: Bacterial self-defense antibiotics release from organic–inorganic hybrid multilayer films for long-term anti-adhesion and biofilm inhibition properties
Authors: Xu Qingwen , Li Xi , Jin Yingying , Sun Lin , Ding Xiaoxu , Liang Lin , Wang Lei , Nan Kaihui , Ji Jian , Chen Hao , Wang Bailiang
Published: September 2023

Expression of concern for ‘Bacterial self-defense antibiotics release from organic–inorganic hybrid multilayer films for long-term anti-adhesion and biofilm inhibition properties’ by Qingwen Xu, Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 19245–19254, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR07106J.
RNA-inspired phosphate diester dynamic covalent networks
Authors: Wink Roy , Majumdar Soumabrata , van Benthem Rolf A. T. M. , Heuts Johan P. A. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: September 2023

Phosphate diesters were used as reactive moieties in dynamic covalent networks, harnessing internal catalysis by a neighboring β-hydroxy group. These networks are more hydrolytically stable than their phosphate triester counterpart.
Au/UiO-66-Zr nanohybrids: boosting the yield rates of electrochemical ammonia synthesis with the sacrificial effects of faradaic efficiencies
Authors: Qian Xiaoyu , Ding Lu , Zhao Yanling , Li Zhichun , Liao Yuanxiu , Tan Jiabin , He Xiaobo
Published: September 2023

NH3 yield rates are boosted with the sacrificial of a few faradaic efficiencies (FEs). The even & dense loading of small Au nanoparticles on UiO-66-Zr due to NaBH4 bring the optimal yield rate but a moderate FE due to the sacrificial effects of FEs.
A hundredfold enhancement of relaxation times among Er(iii) single-molecule magnets with comparable energy barriers
Authors: Chen Qi-Wei , Ding You-Song , Xue Tianjiao , Zhu Xiao-Fei , Zheng Zhiping
Published: September 2023

Three sandwich-type Er(iii) SMMs were reported. The relaxation times in the three SMMs are closely correlated with the number of TMS groups on the ligands, that one TMS group resulted in one-order of magnitude change of magnetic relaxation times.
Scalable synthesis of pyrazine-linked conjugated microporous polymers for high-performance proton conduction
Authors: Yuan Gang , Luo Hao , Li Zhenhua , Chen Yuze , Ge Bangdi , Song Xiaowei , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2023

A one-pot in situ oxidation strategy was developed to construct a pyrazine-linked conjugated microporous polymer at the gram scale for high-performance proton conduction.
Engineering graphitic carbon nitride for next-generation photodetectors: a mini review
Authors: Li Yuan , Du Haiwei
Published: September 2023

Graphitic carbon nitride based materials have shown a great potential in photodetectors.
Ni3V2O8 nanoflower mimetic enzyme constructs a dual-signal system for ascorbic acid detection
Authors: Yang Jierui , Chen Benqi , Qiu Huiting , Meng Shuang , Yang Yunhui
Published: September 2023

A sensing platform was constructed to detect ascorbic acid (AA) through mimicking enzyme activity using Ni3V2O8 nanoflowers. The sensing platform is based on the dual signal of UV-vis absorption and chromaticity change of test strips.
Crystal growth, phase transition, and nuclear magnetic resonance of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite NH2(CH3)2CdCl3
Authors: Lim Ae Ran , Yoon Ma Byong
Published: September 2023

Spin-lattice relaxation times and correlation times for1H in NH2(CH3)2CdCl3as a function of inverse temperature, and blue dot line is represented the activation energy.
Tunable poly(lauryl methacrylate) surface grafting via SI-ATRP on a one-pot synthesized cellulose nanofibril macroinitiator core as a shear-thinning rheology modifier and drag reducer
Authors: Guo Mengzhe , Hsieh You-Lo
Published: September 2023

Bottle brush like Br-CNF-g-PLMA from robust surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of lauryl methacrylate has been synthesized in tunable lengths and demonstrated as hydrophobic films, viscosity modifiers, and drag reducers.
Correction: 29Si{27Al}, 27Al{29Si} and 27Al{1H} double-resonance NMR spectroscopy study of cementitious sodium aluminosilicate gels (geopolymers) and gel–zeolite composites
Authors: Greiser Sebastian , Gluth Gregor J. G. , Sturm Patrick , Jäger Christian
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘29Si{27Al}, 27Al{29Si} and 27Al{1H} double-resonance NMR spectroscopy study of cementitious sodium aluminosilicate gels (geopolymers) and gel–zeolite composites’ by Sebastian Greiser et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 40164–40171, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8RA09246J.
Photochemical charge accumulation in a heteroleptic copper(i)-anthraquinone molecular dyad via proton-coupled electron transfer
Authors: Xie Zhu-Lin , Gupta Nikita , Niklas Jens , Poluektov Oleg G. , Lynch Vincent M. , Glusac Ksenija D. , Mulfort Karen L.
Published: September 2023

An earth-abundant Cu(i) chromophore-anthraquinone dyad is reported to photochemically accumulate two electrons at the anthraquinone via proton-coupled electron transfer, generating the monoprotonated photoproduct.
Pt nanoparticle embedded metal–organic framework nanosheets for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chen Guoxiang , Zhao Zhe , Zhu Hong , Solovev Alexander , Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng
Published: September 2023

Pt nanoparticle-anchored metal–organic framework nanosheets on nickel foam are synthesized through a wet-chemistry method. The composite exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction activity in terms of low overpotential and strong durability.
The synergistic chemical coupling of nanostructured MoS2 with nitrogen-deficient 2-D triazine-based polymeric m-C3Nx for efficient and selective CO2 photocatalytic conversion to CO
Authors: Kumar Niharika , Mishra Rajashree P. , Dash Bibek , Bastia Sweta , Chaudhary Yatendra S.
Published: September 2023

The chemically coupled MOS2 with nitrogen deficient 2-D triazine polymeric m-C3Nx photocatalyst drives the selective and efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO (FE: 31%), – three folds higher than that of MoS2 decorated mpg-C3N4.
Interface-suppressed high-quality symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSe solar cells through a green electrodeposition process
Authors: Liu Jingling , Cai Hang , Wu Xinyu , Liu Sheng , Xue Ying , Liu Xinsheng , Cheng Ke , Du Zuliang
Published: September 2023

A symmetrical bifacial flexible Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) solar cells are fabricated through a green electrodeposition process with championed efficiencies for both sides.
Design of mechanically-robust naphthalenediimide-based polymer additives for high-performance, intrinsically-stretchable polymer solar cells
Authors: Lim Chulhee , Park Sanghun , Kim Dong Jun , Lee Jin-Woo , Park Jin-Su , Seo Soodeok , Kim Donguk , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Kim Taek-Soo , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: September 2023

We develop a mechanically-ductile naphthalene diimide-based polymer, named P(NDI2OD-TCVT). We demonstrate its viability to achieve intrinsically-stretchable polymer solar cells with a high power conversion efficiency and mechanical stretchability.
Janus smart materials with asymmetrical wettability for on-demand oil/water separation: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gong Jingling , Xiang Bin , Sun Yuqing , Li Jian
Published: September 2023

Janus materials with asymmetrical wettability for on-demand oil/water separation.
A moldable PEDOT:PSS dry electrode with excellent epidermal compliance for wearable electrocardiogram monitoring
Authors: Gao Xianglin , Su Tong , Bao Yilin , Lu Jipei , Zhang Lei , He Chaobin , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: September 2023

An aerogel dry electrode was prepared by an interesting foaming process. The resultant aerogel displayed impressive microscale shape moldability, enabling excellent skin compliance for high-quality ECG signal detection.
Narrative Retell Assessment Using “Frog” Stories: A Practice-Based Research Speech-Language Pathology Partnership Exploring Story Equivalency
Authors: Coughler Caitlin , Bardell Taylor , Schouten Mary Ann , Smith Kristen , Archibald Lisa M. D.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Narrative abilities are an important part of everyday conversation, playing a key role in academic settings, at home, and in social interactions. As narrative assessments are an effective method for identifying children falling below age expectations, it has been recommended they be included as a routine part of clinical language assessments. It is important that assessments meet the needs of clinicians and their practice. The current study is a practice-based research partnership, where research questions arose from a partnership with school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Working together, SLPs and researchers evaluated a bespoke narrative retell assessment tool. The current study examined recall of events in two wordless picture books, in order to evaluate story equivalency and determine if the tool was appropriate for progress monitoring. These findings were then used to develop local norms.

Method:

Two hundred sixty-three students were recruited across 12 schools in kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. Students completed the narrative retell task, retelling either
One Frog Too Many
or
Frog Goes to Dinner
, followed by answering 10 comprehension questions related to story events.

Results:

A significant effect of story was found for both main and supporting events recalled, but not for total events recalled. Total events recalled were found to be predicted by grade only. An examination of percent events recalled revealed four main and four supporting events in each story that were potentially misclassified. Reanalysis following reallocation revealed no significant effect of story for main or supporting events recalled. Normative values for each grade were created using percentile ranks of total events recalled.

Conclusion:

Through a practice-based research partnership, researchers and clinicians worked collaboratively to evaluate a tool, adapt its use, and improve evidence-based practice in a manner that was appropriate and met the needs for the clinical context.
Blood Conservation during Open Heart Surgery: A Literature Review
Authors: Vertrees Roger A. , Engelman Richard M. , Johnson Joe W. , Auvil Jackson , Breyer Robert H. , Rousou John A.
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 18[4] p.198–207 Winter 1986, 74 refs.) Due to the increase of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass procedures (CBP) in recent years, tremendous demands have been placed on local blood banking facilities. As a consequence, methods to conserve blood during CPB have proliferated. Indeed, through the many innovations in technique and technology, blood usage has been curtailed to a fraction of what it was less than a decade ago. Oschner et al. report that in 1981, on average, 1.8 units of blood were used per patient per hospital stay, in contrast to approximately 8 units used in 1975. The Cleveland Clinic reports that by the year 1983 average blood usage per patient per hospital stay had decreased to 0.8 units. These numbers show a sharp improvement over the 5-8 units of blood required simply to “prime the pump” in the late sixties and early seventies.

A number of technologies are responsible for this drastic reduction in homologous blood requirements during CPB. More efficient oxygenators, for example, have contributed to lengthened red cell survival. Improved biomaterials have substantially increased the survival of platelets and leukocytes. Prebyass autologous blood withdrawal techniques, which can protect up to 20% of the patient’s blood volume from the ravages of CPB, have been used. Autotrans-fusion devices, which reclaim blood that otherwise would be lost, process it, and then return it to the circulation in a usable form, have also found significant use. The development of molecules of heparin and protamine of increased purity has provided greater control over the coagulation cascade, especially when used in conjunction with activated clotting time and heparin-protamine titration tests. An important development in blood conservation has been that of hemodilution.
On the Resonances of Coupled Qubit–Cavity Systems
Authors: Sivarajan Eashwar N.
Published: September 2023

We consider a system consisting of a qubit and a microwave transmission line that are coupled by a capacitor which, in turn, is modulated sinusoidally. The Unruh effect is the simultaneous production from vacuum of a pair of photons, one in the qubit and the other in the cavity. The dynamical Casimir effect is the production from vacuum of a pair of photons in the cavity. We analyze this qubit–cavity system and show that the system can be viewed as a pair of coupled quantum-mechanical oscillators and that both the Unruh effect and the dynamical Casimir effect are resonances of this coupled oscillator system. For the case where the cavity supports two propagating modes, in addition to the Unruh and dynamical Casimir effect at each of the supported modes, we predict a “paired Casimir effect,” where one photon is emitted in the cavity in each of two allowed modes, at the appropriate driving frequency. We also calculate analytical approximations to the driving frequencies for all three effects.
Broadband surface-emitting THz laser frequency combs with inverse-designed integrated reflectors
Authors: Senica Urban , Gloor Sebastian , Micheletti Paolo , Stark David , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme , Scalari Giacomo
Published: September 2023

THz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) based on double metal waveguides feature broadband and high-temperature devices for their use in spectroscopy and sensing. However, their extreme field confinement produces poor output coupling efficiencies and divergent far-fields. Here, we present a planarized THz QCL with an inverse-designed end facet reflector coupled to a surface-emitting patch array antenna. All the components have been optimized for octave-spanning spectral bandwidths between 2 and 4 THz and monolithically integrated on the same photonic chip. We demonstrate this experimentally on broadband THz QCL frequency combs, with measured devices showing a seven-fold improvement in slope efficiency compared to devices with a cleaved facet. They feature a peak power of up to 13.5 mW with surface emission into a narrow beam with a divergence of (17.0° × 18.5°), while broadband fundamental and harmonic comb states spanning up to 800 GHz are observed.
Imaging lattice reconstruction in homobilayers and heterobilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Rupp Anna , Göser Jonas , Li Zhijie , Bilgin Ismail , Baimuratov Anvar , Högele Alexander
Published: September 2023

Moiré interference effects influence profoundly the optoelectronic properties of vertical van der Waals structures. Here we systematically establish secondary electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope as a powerful technique for visualizing reconstruction of moiré lattices into registry-contrasting domains in vertical homobilayers and heteorbilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with parallel and antiparallel alignment. With optimal parameters for contrast-maximizing imaging of high-symmetry registries, we identify distinct crystal realizations of WSe2 homobilayers and MoSe2–WSe2 heterostructures synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. In particular, we find evidence for a mutually exclusive competition between

R
h
X

and

R
h
M

registries, manifesting in complete reconstruction of bilayer crystals into one distinct registry or alternating large-area domains in

R
h
X

and

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M

stacking. Our results have immediate implications for the optical properties of registry-specific excitons in layered stacks of TMDs, and demonstrate the general potential of secondary electron imaging for van der Waals twistronics.
Technical evaluation of a simulator for accurate reproduction of oscillometric blood pressure pulses, providing traceability for automated oscillometric sphygmomanometers
Authors: Mieke Stephan , Murray Alan
Published: September 2023

Oscillometric blood pressure measurement devices are not directly traceable to primary standards. Currently, device accuracy is measured by comparison between a sample device and reference measurements in a clinical trial. We researched in this study the potential for an alternative evaluation with a simulator. Our research simulator was studied for repeatability and accuracy in delivering simulated blood pressure pulses. Clinical cuff pressure measurements were obtained, along with simultaneous recordings of oscillometric pulse waveforms, spanning the clinical range of cuff pressures, pulse intervals and pulse shapes. Oscillometric pulse peak amplitudes ranged from 1.1 to 3.6 mmHg. Simulated repeatability results showed an average Standard Deviation (SD) for pulse peaks of 0.018 mmHg; 1.0% of peak amplitudes. Comparing simulated pulse shapes, the average repeat SD was 0.015 mmHg; 0.8% of the normalised pulse shapes. The simulated accuracy results had a mean error of − 0.014 ± 0.042 mmHg with a mean accuracy of 97.8%. For pulse shape the corresponding values were − 0.104 ± 0.071 mmHg with a mean accuracy of 95.4%. The correlation between the reference and simulated pulse shapes ranged from 0.991 to 0.996 (all p < 0.00003), with a mean 0.994. We conclude that oscillometric pulses can be reproduced with high repeatability and high accuracy with our research simulator. The extended uncertainty U(p

sim
) = 0.3 mmHg for the simulated pulses is dominated by the uncertainty (64%) of the clinical reference data. These results underpin the potential of the simulator to become a secondary standard for millions of oscillometric sphygmomanometers.
The Prevalence of Undiagnosed Ptosis Among Candidates for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Authors: Eshraghi Bahram , Pourazizi Mohsen , Taghian Akbar , Chaibakhsh Samira , Aghajani Ali
Published: September 2023

Background

Because upper eyelid blepharoplasty has become a popular aesthetic facial surgery, surgeons should be aware that age-related changes in the eyelid are not confined to skin laxity and orbital fat prolapse.

Objectives

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed ptosis among blepharoplasty candidates as one of the causes of unsatisfactory surgical results.

Methods

From December 2018 to December 2022, blepharoplasty candidates were meticulously assessed for their upper eyelid and eyebrow position. Patients who were aware of their ptosis were excluded, and the other patients were classified as mild, moderate, or severe ptotic based on margin reflex distance 1. The eyebrow height was also assessed in the mid-pupillary line to assess the relationship between the severity of ptosis and eyebrow asymmetry.

Results

The authors found that 13.7% of the 2530 blepharoplasty candidates in this study had undiagnosed ptosis. Most of these patients had mild ptosis (85.5%), and they were significantly older than nonptotic patients. The rate of prevalence of ptosis was significantly higher in patients with eyebrow asymmetry (75.3% vs 3.7%); however, the severity of ptosis was not associated with the severity of eyebrow asymmetry.

Conclusions

Ptosis should be cautiously looked for and addressed for treatment in candidates for upper blepharoplasty. In most patients with masked ptosis, the severity of eyelid drooping is mild and could remain undiagnosed until after the surgery and cause unsatisfactory aesthetic results. The presence of eyebrow asymmetry could be a key feature to unmask an undiagnosed ptosis.

Level of Evidence: 3
HiFun: homology independent protein function prediction by a novel protein-language self-attention model
Authors: Wu Jun , Qing Haipeng , Ouyang Jian , Zhou Jiajia , Gao Zihao , Mason Christopher E , Liu Zhichao , Shi Tieliu
Published: August 2023

Protein function prediction based on amino acid sequence alone is an extremely challenging but important task, especially in metagenomics/metatranscriptomics field, in which novel proteins have been uncovered exponentially from new microorganisms. Many of them are extremely low homology to known proteins and cannot be annotated with homology-based or information integrative methods. To overcome this problem, we proposed a Homology Independent protein Function annotation method (HiFun) based on a unified deep-learning model by reassembling the sequence as protein language. The robustness of HiFun was evaluated using the benchmark datasets and metrics in the CAFA3 challenge. To navigate the utility of HiFun, we annotated 2 212 663 unknown proteins and discovered novel motifs in the UHGP-50 catalog. We proved that HiFun can extract latent function related structure features which empowers it ability to achieve function annotation for non-homology proteins. HiFun can substantially improve newly proteins annotation and expand our understanding of microorganisms’ adaptation in various ecological niches. Moreover, we provided a free and accessible webservice at http://www.unimd.org/HiFun, requiring only protein sequences as input, offering researchers an efficient and practical platform for predicting protein functions.
SnapHiC-D: a computational pipeline to identify differential chromatin contacts from single-cell Hi-C data
Authors: Lee Lindsay , Yu Miao , Li Xiaoqi , Zhu Chenxu , Zhang Yanxiao , Yu Hongyu , Chen Ziyin , Mishra Shreya , Ren Bing , Li Yun , Hu Ming
Published: August 2023

Single-cell high-throughput chromatin conformation capture technologies (scHi-C) has been used to map chromatin spatial organization in complex tissues. However, computational tools to detect differential chromatin contacts (DCCs) from scHi-C datasets in development and through disease pathogenesis are still lacking. Here, we present SnapHiC-D, a computational pipeline to identify DCCs between two scHi-C datasets. Compared to methods designed for bulk Hi-C data, SnapHiC-D detects DCCs with high sensitivity and accuracy. We used SnapHiC-D to identify cell-type-specific chromatin contacts at 10 Kb resolution in mouse hippocampal and human prefrontal cortical tissues, demonstrating that DCCs detected in the hippocampal and cortical cell types are generally associated with cell-type-specific gene expression patterns and epigenomic features. SnapHiC-D is freely available at https://github.com/HuMingLab/SnapHiC-D.
An improved framework for detecting discrete epidemiologically meaningful partitions in hierarchically clustered genetic data
Authors: Jacobson David K , Low Ross , Plucinski Mateusz M , Barratt Joel L N
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Hierarchical clustering of microbial genotypes has the limitation that hierarchical clusters are nested, where smaller groups of related isolates exist within larger groups that get progressively larger as relationships become increasingly distant. In an epidemiologic context, investigators must dissect hierarchical trees into discrete groupings that are epidemiologically meaningful. We recently described a statistical framework (Method A) for dissecting hierarchical trees that attempts to minimize investigator bias. Here, we apply a modified version of that framework (Method B) to a hierarchical tree constructed from 2111 genotypes of the foodborne parasite Cyclospora, including 639 genotypes linked to epidemiologically defined outbreaks. To evaluate Method B’s performance, we examined the concordance between these epidemiologically defined groupings and the genetic partitions identified. We also used the same epidemiologic clusters to evaluate the performance of Method A, plus two tree-dissection methods (cutreeHybrid and cutreeDynamic) available within the Dynamic Tree Cut R package, in addition to the TreeCluster method and PARNAS.

Results

Compared to the other methods, Method B, TreeCluster, and PARNAS were the most accurate (99.4%) in identifying genetic groups that reflected the epidemiologic groupings, noting that TreeCluster and PARNAS performed identically on our dataset. CutreeHybrid identified groups reflecting patterns in the wider Cyclospora population structure but lacked finer, strain-level discrimination (Simpson’s D: cutreeHybrid=0.785). CutreeDynamic displayed good strain discrimination (Simpson’s D = 0.933), though lacked sensitivity (77%). At two different threshold/radius settings TreeCluster/PARNAS displayed similar utility to Method B. However, Method B computes a tree-dissection threshold automatically, and the threshold/radius settings used when executing TreeCluster/PARNAS here were computed using Method B. Using a TreeCluster threshold of 0.045 as recommended in the TreeCluster documentation, epidemiologic utility dropped markedly below that of Method B.

Availability and implementation

Relevant code and data are publicly available. Source code (Method B) and instructions for its use are available here: https://github.com/Joel-Barratt/Hierarchical-tree-dissection-framework.
Venous bicarbonate and CKD progression: a longitudinal analysis by the group-based trajectory model
Authors: D'Arrigo Graziella , Gori Mercedes , Leonardis Daniela , Tripepi Giovanni , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine
Published: September 2023

Background

Metabolic acidosis accelerates chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression towards kidney failure in animal models. Clinical trials testing the effect of bicarbonate on kidney outcomes are underpowered and/or of suboptimal quality. On the other hand, observational studies testing the same hypothesis are generally based on bicarbonate measured at a single time point.

Methods

We studied the longitudinal relationship between repeated venous bicarbonate levels and a predefined composite renal outcome (a ≥30% estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction, dialysis or transplantation) by using group-based trajectory model (GBTM) analysis. The GBTM analysis was used to classify patients based on individual bicarbonate levels over time. The relationship between trajectory groups and renal outcomes was investigated using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. A total of 528 patients with stage 2–5 CKD were included in the analysis.

Results

The GBTM analysis identified four distinct trajectories of bicarbonate levels: low, moderate, moderate-high and high. During the follow-up period, 126 patients experienced the combined renal endpoint. The hazard rate of renal events decreased dose-dependently from the lowest to the highest bicarbonate trajectory. After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a 63% risk reduction for the composite renal endpoint for patients in the high trajectory category compared with those in the low trajectory category.

Conclusion

The study found that higher bicarbonate trajectories were associated with a lower risk of adverse renal outcomes in CKD patients. These results suggest that strategies to maintain higher bicarbonate levels may benefit patients with CKD. However, further high-quality randomised trials are needed to confirm these findings and recommend bicarbonate supplementation as a strategy to delay CKD progression.