bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of automated techniques for extraction of circulating cell-free DNA for implementation in standardized high-throughput workflows
Authors: Lehle Sarah , Emons Julius , Hack Carolin C. , Heindl Felix , Hein Alexander , Preuß Caroline , Seitz Katharina , Zahn Anna L. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Fasching Peter A. , Ruebner Matthias , Huebner Hanna
Published: January 2023

Analysis of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) is a suitable tool for detecting somatic mutations for the purpose of making decisions on treatment, monitoring treatment response, and predicting survival. High-throughput techniques for ccfDNA extraction are essential to implementing ccfDNA testing in the clinical setting. We set out to compare two automated techniques with regard to hands-on time, ccfDNA output and integrity, and circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). CcfDNA was isolated using the EZ1&2 ccfDNA field test kit (EZ2 kit, QIAGEN) and the Maxwell RSC ccfDNA plasma kit (Maxwell kit, Promega). DNA was extracted from plasma of 30 breast cancer patients enrolled in the iMODE-B (#325_19B; 12.10.2020) study. Real-time PCR, fluorescence-based detection and automated electrophoresis were used to assess ccfDNA concentrations. The ccfDNA yield was significantly higher when extracted with the EZ2 kit. The EZ2 kit enabled the isolation of a higher proportion of short fragments and a lower proportion of long fragments, resulting in lower DNA integrity. Significantly lower mtDNA quantities were detected in the Maxwell eluate than in the EZ2 eluate. Thus, decisions on which extraction method to use should proceed on the basis of the required input for downstream applications, the anticipated fragment size and minimum hands-on time.
Bacterial response to glucose addition: growth and community structure in seawater microcosms from North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Haider Md Nurul , Iqbal Md Mehedi , Nishimura Masahiko , Ikemoto Eiko , Ijichi Minoru , Kogure Kazuhiro
Published: January 2023

Onboard microcosm experiments were conducted to assess how bacterial growth pattern and community structure changed by the addition of labile organic compound during the KH-14-2 cruise of R/V Hakuho Maru (Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, the University of Tokyo and JAMSTEC) in May–June 2014. Seawater samples were collected from the three diversified oceanic environments, Kuroshio Current, North Pacific Sub-polar Gyre (SPG), and North Pacific Sub-tropical Gyre (STG) in the western North Pacific Ocean, filtered, supplemented with glucose, and incubated at 23 ± 1 °C, ~ 4 °C, and 23 ± 1 °C, respectively. Untreated control microcosms were also maintained for all the sample types. Significant increases in cell counts and cell sizes were observed in Kuroshio Current and STG waters, whereas in SPG neither the counts nor the sizes changed, even after 120 h of incubation. At early stages of incubation, the classes Bacteroidia, Alphaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were dominant in the Kuroshio Current and SPG samples, while the phyla Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria in the STG samples. Over incubation periods between 60 and 96 h, some members of the class Gammaproteobacteria gradually dominated within which the genera Vibrio and Alteromonas became dominant in the Kuroshio Current and STG, respectively. No growth was detected for the microcosms with seawater from SPG, regardless of glucose amendment. It is concluded that depending on the environmental condition, certain different bacterial groups proliferated quickly and modified the community structures. Temperature significantly influenced the growth and succession, and ultimately the community structure of bacteria.
Male cooperation improves their own and kin-group productivity in a group-foraging spider
Authors: Parthasarathy Bharat , Dumke Marlis , Herberstein Marie E. , Schneider Jutta M.
Published: January 2023

Cooperation should only evolve if the direct and/or indirect benefits exceed the costs. Hence, cooperators are expected to generate selective benefits for themselves and the kin-group while defectors will impose costs. The subsocial spider,Australomisidia ergandros, shows consistent cooperation and defection tactics while foraging. Cooperative individuals are consistently likely to share prey with other group members whereas defector spiders rarely share the prey they acquired. Here, we assess costs and benefits of cooperation, and the causal determinants behind cooperative and defective phenotypes. We constructed experimental kin-colonies ofA. ergandroscomposed of pure cooperative or defector foragers and show that pure cooperative groups had higher hunting success as they acquired prey more quickly with greater joint participation than pure defector groups. Importantly, defectors suffered higher mortality than cooperators and lost considerable weight. A social network approach using subadult spiders revealed that foraging tactic is sex dependent with males cooperating more frequently than females. Our results provide a rare empirical demonstration of sex-specific male cooperation that confer individual and kin-group benefits.
Evolutionary conservation and diversification of auditory neural circuits that process courtship songs in Drosophila
Authors: Ohashi Takuro S. , Ishikawa Yuki , Awasaki Takeshi , Su Matthew P. , Yoneyama Yusuke , Morimoto Nao , Kamikouchi Azusa
Published: January 2023

Acoustic communication signals diversify even on short evolutionary time scales. To understand how the auditory system underlying acoustic communication could evolve, we conducted a systematic comparison of the early stages of the auditory neural circuit involved in song information processing between closely-related fruit-fly species. Male Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans produce different sound signals during mating rituals, known as courtship songs. Female flies from these species selectively increase their receptivity when they hear songs with conspecific temporal patterns. Here, we firstly confirmed interspecific differences in temporal pattern preferences; D. simulans preferred pulse songs with longer intervals than D. melanogaster. Primary and secondary song-relay neurons, JO neurons and AMMC-B1 neurons, shared similar morphology and neurotransmitters between species. The temporal pattern preferences of AMMC-B1 neurons were also relatively similar between species, with slight but significant differences in their band-pass properties. Although the shift direction of the response property matched that of the behavior, these differences are not large enough to explain behavioral differences in song preferences. This study enhances our understanding of the conservation and diversification of the architecture of the early-stage neural circuit which processes acoustic communication signals.
An excimer lamp to provide far-ultraviolet C irradiation for dining-table disinfection
Authors: Lv Mengqiang , Huang Jin , Chen Haofu , Zhang Tengfei
Published: January 2023

Dining tables may present a risk to diners by transmitting bacteria and/or viruses. Currently, there is a lack of an environmental-friendly and convenient means to protect diners when they are sitting together. This investigation constructed far-UVC excimer lamps to disinfect dining-table surfaces. The lamps were mounted at different heights and orientations, and the irradiance on table surfaces was measured. The irradiation doses to obtain different inactivation efficiencies for Escherichia coli (E. coli) were provided. In addition, numerical modeling was conducted for irradiance and the resulting inactivation efficiency. The surface-to-surface (S2S) model was validated with the measured irradiance. The germicidal performance of far-UVC irradiation, the far-UVC doses to which diners were exposed, and the risk of exposure to the generated ozone were evaluated. The results revealed that an irradiation dose of 12.8 mJ/cm2 can disinfect 99.9% of E. coli on surfaces. By varying the lamp irradiance output, the number and positions of the lamps, the far-UVC irradiation can achieve a 3-log reduction for a dining duration of 5 min. Besides, the far-UVC lamp has a low damage risk to diners when achieving an effective inactivation rate. Moreover, there is virtually no ozone exposure risk in a mechanically ventilated dining hall.
Optical limiting via spontaneously generated coherence
Authors: Silatan Abbas , Ghaderi GoranAbad Mohsen , Mahmoudi Mohammad
Published: January 2023

We investigate the reverse saturable absorption (RSA) and optical limiting (OL) in a three-level V-type quantum system considering the effect of the spontaneously generated coherence (SGC). It is shown that in the absence of the SGC effect, the saturable absorption (SA) is dominant in the system. By taking into account the SGC effect, we prove that the SA dramatically switches to the RSA. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the OL threshold and OL efficiency can be controlled by the SGC effect. In addition, we show that the applied field properties such as detuning can modify the SGC-induced optical limiter efficiency. It is also shown an increase in the atomic density and length of the medium makes the optical limiter more efficient. The analytical calculation shows that the Kerr nonlinearity caused by the SGC effect is the main mechanism of the system evolution. Finally, the theoretical Z-scan experiment is presented to confirm the obtained results. Our proposed scheme can be useful to design controllable atomic optical limiters for optical devices with different sensitivities.
Monochromatic computed tomography using laboratory-scale setup
Authors: Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Huotari Simo
Published: January 2023

In this article, we demonstrate the viability of highly monochromatic full-field X-ray absorption near edge structure based tomography using a laboratory-scale Johann-type X-ray absorption spectrometer utilising a conventional X-ray tube source. In this proof-of-concept, by using a phantom embedded with elemental Se, Na$$_2$$

2

SeO$$_3$$

3

, and Na$$_2$$

2

SeO$$_4$$

4

, we show that the three-dimensional distributions of Se in different oxidation states can be mapped and distinguished from the phantom matrix and each other with absorption edge contrast tomography. The presented method allows for volumetric analyses of chemical speciation in mm-scale samples using low-brilliance X-ray sources, and represents a new analytic tool for materials engineering and research in many fields including biology and chemistry.
Modelling and optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction of roselle phenolic compounds using the surface response method
Authors: Sanou Abdoudramane , Konaté Kiessoun , kabakdé Kaboré , Dakuyo Roger , Bazié David , Hemayoro Sama , Dicko Mamoudou Hama
Published: January 2023

Extracts fromHibiscus sabdariffaL. (roselle) have been used traditionally as a food, in herbal medicine, in hot and cold beverages, as flavouring or coloring agent in the food industry. In vitro and in vivo studies and trials provide evidence, but roselle is poorly characterised phytochemically due to the extraction processes. The optimization of the extraction of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities is still a hot topic. In this study, the effect of solute/solvent ratio (33, 40 and 50 mg/mL), extraction temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) and extraction time (30, 60 and 90 min) was evaluated through the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. A response surface methodology through a Box–Behnken design was applied and model fit, regression equations, analysis of variance and 3D response curve were developed. The results showed that TPC, TFC, DPPH and FRAP were significantly influenced by temperature, extraction time and solvent/solute ratio. Thus, TPC, TFC, DPPH and FRAP varied from 5.25 to 10.58 g GAE/100 g DW; 0.28 to 0.81 g QE/100 g DW; 0.24 to 0.70 mg/mL; 2.4 to 6.55 g AAE/100 g DW respectively. The optimal experimental condition (41.81 mg/mL; 52.35 °C and 57.77 min) showed a significant positive effect compared to conventional methods. The experimental values at this extraction condition show that this optimization model is technologically, financially and energetically viable as it requires a reasonable concentration, time and temperature.
The company Christmas party and employee happiness
Authors: Zacher Hannes
Published: January 2023

Many companies host an annual Christmas or holiday party which, for many employees, represents a fun, meaningful, and ritualized event closely linked to the organization’s culture. However, the factors that relate to employees’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction with this event, as well as to their positive and negative affect associated with this event, are currently not well understood. Accordingly, the current study aimed to explore how employee characteristics (e.g., demographics, employment characteristics, attitudes), organizational characteristics (i.e., human relations, open systems, rational goal, internal process culture), and event characteristics (e.g., location, activities, heavy drinking, inappropriate behavior of supervisors or colleagues, ritual features) are related to employee happiness. Data were provided by 359 employees from various organizations in Germany, who completed an online survey at the beginning of January 2019. Results showed that a human relations culture, an external location, fun activities, informality, and symbolism predicted higher employee satisfaction with the Christmas party. In contrast, heavy drinking and formality predicted higher dissatisfaction with the Christmas party, and longer organizational tenure, a human relations culture, a speech, providing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and symbolism predicted lower dissatisfaction. Furthermore, employee age, organizational identification, involvement in planning, a human relations and an internal process culture, a speech, providing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, heavy drinking, supervisor and coworker inappropriate behavior, formality, and symbolism were differentially associated with high- and low-arousal positive and negative affect. These findings suggest several directions for future research on company parties and have practical implications for organizations and party planning committees.
Deubiquitinase catalytic activity of MYSM1 is essential in vivo for hematopoiesis and immune cell development
Authors: Liang Yue , Bhatt Garvit , Tung Lin Tze , Wang HanChen , Kim Joo Eun , Mousa Marwah , Plackoska Viktoria , Illes Katalin , Georges Anna A. , Gros Philippe , Henneman Linda , Huijbers Ivo J. , Nagar Bhushan , Nijnik Anastasia
Published: January 2023

Myb-like SWIRM and MPN domains 1 (MYSM1) is a chromatin binding protein with deubiquitinase (DUB) catalytic activity. Rare MYSM1 mutations in human patients result in an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, highlighting the biomedical significance of MYSM1 in the hematopoietic system. We and others characterized Mysm1-knockout mice as a model of this disorder and established that MYSM1 regulates hematopoietic function and leukocyte development in such models through different mechanisms. It is, however, unknown whether the DUB catalytic activity of MYSM1 is universally required for its many functions and for the maintenance of hematopoiesis in vivo. To test this, here we generated a new mouse strain carrying a Mysm1D660N point mutation (Mysm1DN) and demonstrated that the mutation renders MYSM1 protein catalytically inactive. We characterized Mysm1DN/DN and Mysm1fl/DN CreERT2 mice, against appropriate controls, for constitutive and inducible loss of MYSM1 catalytic function. We report a profound similarity in the developmental, hematopoietic, and immune phenotypes resulting from the loss of MYSM1 catalytic function and the full loss of MYSM1 protein. Overall, our work for the first time establishes the critical role of MYSM1 DUB catalytic activity in vivo in hematopoiesis, leukocyte development, and other aspects of mammalian physiology.
Common and female-specific roles of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2 in mice reproduction
Authors: Sokanovic Srdjan J. , Constantin Stephanie , Lamarca Dams Aloa , Mochimaru Yuta , Smiljanic Kosara , Bjelobaba Ivana , Prévide Rafael M. , Stojilkovic Stanko S.
Published: January 2023

Simultaneous knockout of the neuroendocrine marker genes Ptprn and Ptprn2, which encode the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2, causes infertility in female mice while males are fertile. To elucidate the mechanism of the sex-specific roles of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in mouse reproduction, we analyzed the effects of their double knockout (DKO) on the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis. In DKO females, delayed puberty and lack of ovulation were observed, complemented by changes in ovarian gene expression and steroidogenesis. In contrast, testicular gene expression, steroidogenesis, and reproductive organs development were not significantly affected in DKO males. However, in both sexes, pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) beta gene expression and LH levels were reduced, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone beta gene and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene, while the calcium-mobilizing and LH secretory actions of GnRH were preserved. Hypothalamic Gnrh1 and Kiss1 gene expression was also reduced in DKO females and males. In parallel, a significant decrease in the density of immunoreactive GnRH and kisspeptin fibers was detected in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of DKO females and males. The female-specific kisspeptin immunoreactivity in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle was also reduced in DKO females, but not in DKO males. These data indicate a critical role of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal function and sexual dimorphism in the threshold levels of GnRH required to preserve reproductive functions.
GPR68 limits the severity of chemical-induced oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Shore David , Griggs Nosakhere , Graffeo Vincent , Amin A. R. M. Ruhul , Zha Xiang-ming , Xu Yan , McAleer Jeremy P.
Published: January 2023

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy, and there is an urgent need to identify physiological processes contributing to tumorigenesis. Extracellular acidification caused by aerobic glycolysis within tumor microenvironments can stimulate proton-sensing receptors. GPR68, or ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1, responds to extracellular acidity and is highly expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well as normal esophageal tissue. To study the role of GPR68 in oral dysplasia, wild-type and GPR68−/− mice were treated with 4-Nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO) in drinking water for 11–13 weeks, followed by normal water for 11–12 weeks. 4NQO treatment resulted in 45 percent of GPR68−/− mice developing severe dysplasia or squamous cell carcinoma compared to only 10.5 percent of GPR68+/+ mice. This correlated with increased frequencies of regulatory T cells in the spleens of male GPR68−/− mice. Dysplastic regions of the tongue had increased CD31 staining compared to normal regions in both GPR68−/− and GPR68+/+ mice, suggesting that angiogenesis was GPR68-independent. RNA knockdown studies using HNSCC cell lines demonstrated no direct effect of GPR68 on survival or growth. Overall, we demonstrate that GPR68-deficiency worsens the severity of chemical-induced oral dysplasia, suggesting a protective role for this gene in tumorigenesis.
Sibling variation in polygenic traits and DNA recombination mapping with UK Biobank and IVF family data
Authors: Lello Louis , Hsu Maximus , Widen Erik , Raben Timothy G.
Published: January 2023

We use UK Biobank and a unique IVF family dataset (including genotyped embryos) to investigate sibling variation in both phenotype and genotype. We compare phenotype (disease status, height, blood biomarkers) and genotype (polygenic scores, polygenic health index) distributions among siblings to those in the general population. As expected, the between-siblings standard deviation in polygenic scores is $$\sqrt{2}$$

2

times smaller than in the general population, but variation is still significant. As previously demonstrated, this allows for substantial benefit from polygenic screening in IVF. Differences in sibling genotypes result from distinct recombination patterns in sexual reproduction. We develop a novel sibling-pair method for detection of recombination breaks via statistical discontinuities. The new method is used to construct a dataset of 1.44 million recombination events which may be useful in further study of meiosis.
HBV genotype-dependent association of HLA variants with the serodecline of HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Chu Yu-Ju , Yang Hwai-I. , Hu Hui-Han , Liu Jessica , Lin Yu-Ling , Chang Chia-Ling , Luo Wen-Sheng , Jen Chin-Lan , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: January 2023

Seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is regarded as the functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants, hepatitis B virus genotype, and longitudinal HBsAg serodecline remains to be explored. A total of 1735 HBeAg-seronegative CHB patients with genotype B or C infection of the community-based REVEAL-HBV cohort were genotyped for rs1710 (HLA-G) and rs2770 (HLA-B) using TaqMan assay. Cox proportional hazard regression and generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the association of HLA genetic variants with the rate of HBsAg seroclearance and longitudinal HBsAg serodecline. Rs1710 G allele was differentially associated with the HBsAg seroclearance in genotype B [aRR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.56–0.98)] and genotype C [aRR (95%CI) = 1.43 (1.08–1.88)] infection. Rs2770 G allele was associated with HBsAg seroclearance only in genotype B infection [aRR (95% CI) = 0.69 (0.52–0.91)]. The alleles associated with HBsAg seroclearance were significant predictors for the serodecline of HBsAg levels in an HBV genotype-dependent manner (genotype B infection: rs1710, P = 0.013; rs2770, P = 0.0081; genotype C infection: rs1710, P = 0.0452). Our results suggest both spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance and serodecline are modified by the interaction between HLA variants and HBV genotype.
Nanosecond pulsed electric field suppresses growth and reduces multi-drug resistance effect in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Szlasa Wojciech , Michel Olga , Sauer Natalia , Novickij Vitalij , Lewandowski Damian , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Tarek Mounir , Saczko Jolanta , Kulbacka Julita
Published: January 2023

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) have been shown to exert anticancer effects; however, little is known about the mechanisms triggered in cancer cells by nanosecond-length pulses, especially when low, sub-permeabilization voltage is used. In this study, three human pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with nsPEF and molecular changes at the cellular level were analyzed. Further, we assessed the efficacy of paclitaxel chemotherapy following nsPEF treatment and correlated that with the changes in the expression of multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins. Finally, we examined the influence of nsPEF on the adhesive properties of cancer cells as well as the formation and growth of pancreatic cancer spheroids. Cell line response differed with the application of a 200 ns, 100 pulses, 8 kV/cm, 10 kHz PEF treatment. PEF treatment led to (1) the release of microvesicles (MV) in EPP85-181RDB cells, (2) electropermeabilization in EPP85-181RNOV cells and (3) cell shrinkage in EPP85-181P cells. The release of MV’s in EPP85-181RDB cells reduced the membrane content of P-gp and LRP, leading to a transient increase in vulnerability of the cells towards paclitaxel. In all cell lines we observed an initial reduction in size of the cancer spheroids after the nsPEF treatment. Cell line EPP85-181RNOV exhibited a permanent reduction in the spheroid size after nsPEF. We propose a mechanism in which the surface tension of the membrane, regulated by the organization of actin fibers, modulates the response of cancer cells towards nsPEF. When a membrane’s surface tension remains low, we observed some cells form protrusions and release MVs containing MDR proteins. In contrast, when cell surface tension remains high, the cell membrane is being electroporated. The latter effect may be responsible for the reduced tumor growth following nsPEF treatment.
Real-time mixed reality display of dual particle radiation detector data
Authors: Pakari Oskari , Lopez Ricardo , Druckman Ivan , Meng Emilee , Zhou Erik , Wang Ziang , Clarke Shaun D. , Pozzi Sara A.
Published: January 2023

Radiation source localization and characterization are challenging tasks that currently require complex analyses for interpretation. Mixed reality (MR) technologies are at the verge of wide scale adoption and can assist in the visualization of complex data. Herein, we demonstrate real-time visualization of gamma ray and neutron radiation detector data in MR using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 smart glasses, significantly reducing user interpretation burden. Radiation imaging systems typically use double-scatter events of gamma rays or fast neutrons to reconstruct the incidence directional information, thus enabling source localization. The calculated images and estimated ’hot spots’ are then often displayed in 2D angular space projections on screens. By combining a state-of-the-art dual particle imaging system with HoloLens 2, we propose to display the data directly to the user via the head-mounted MR smart glasses, presenting the directional information as an overlay to the user’s 3D visual experience. We describe an open source implementation using efficient data transfer, image calculation, and 3D engine. We thereby demonstrate for the first time a real-time user experience to display fast neutron or gamma ray images from various radioactive sources set around the detector. We also introduce an alternative source search mode for situations of low event rates using a neural network and simulation based training data to provide a fast estimation of the source’s angular direction. Using MR for radiation detection provides a more intuitive perception of radioactivity and can be applied in routine radiation monitoring, education & training, emergency scenarios, or inspections.
Machine learning modeling for the prediction of plastic properties in metallic glasses
Authors: Amigo Nicolás , Palominos Simón , Valencia Felipe J.
Published: January 2023

Metallic glasses are one of the most interesting mechanical materials studied in the last years, but as amorphous solids, they differ strongly from their crystalline counterparts. This matter can be addressed with the development and application of predictive techniques capable to describe the plastic regime. Here, machine learning models were employed for the prediction of plastic properties in CuZr metallic glasses. To this aim, 100 different samples were subjected to tensile tests by means of molecular dynamics simulations. A total of 17 materials properties were calculated and explored using statistical analysis. Strong correlations were found for stoichiometry, temperature, structural, and elastic properties with plastic properties. Three regression models were employed for the prediction of six plastic properties. Linear and Ridge regressions delivered the better prediction capability, with coefficients of determination above$$\sim$$∼80% for three plastic properties, whereas Lasso regression rendered lower performance, with coefficients of determination above$$\sim$$∼60% for two plastic properties. Overall, our work shows that molecular dynamics simulations together with machine learning models can provide a framework for the prediction of plastic behavior of complex materials.
Influence of instrument parameters on the electrochemical activity of 3D printed carbon thermoplastic electrodes
Authors: Shergill Ricoveer Singh , Miller Chloe L. , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: January 2023

3D printing provides a reliable approach for the manufacture of carbon thermoplastic composite electrochemical sensors. Many studies have explored the impact of printing parameters on the electrochemical activity of carbon thermoplastic electrodes but limited is known about the influence of instrument parameters, which have been shown to alter the structure and mechanical strength of 3D printed thermoplastics. We explored the impact of extruder temperature, nozzle diameter and heated bed temperature on the electrochemical activity of carbon black/poly-lactic acid (CB/PLA) electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were conducted using standard redox probes. The electrode surface and cross-section of the electrode was visualised using scanning electron microscopy. We found that using extruder temperatures of 230 °C and 240 °C improved the electrochemical activity of CB/PLA electrodes, due to an increase in surface roughness and a reduction in the number of voids in-between print layers. Nozzle diameter, heated bed temperature of different 3D printers did not impact the electrochemical activity of CB/PLA electrodes. However high-end printers provide improved batch reproducibility of electrodes. These findings highlight the key instrument parameters that need to be considered when manufacturing carbon thermoplastic composite electrochemical sensors when using 3D printing.
CNT-PDMS foams as self-powered humidity sensors based on triboelectric nanogenerators driven by finger tapping
Authors: Vafaiee Mohaddeseh , Ejehi Faezeh , Mohammadpour Raheleh
Published: January 2023

An increasing number of frequently applied portable electronics has raised the significance of self-powered systems. In this regard, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have drawn considerable attention due to their diversity of design and high power output. As a widely used material in TENG electrodes, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shows attractive characteristics, such as electron affinity, flexibility, and facile fabrication. To achieve active TENG-based humidity sensing, we proposed a straightforward method to enhance the hydrophilicity of PDMS by two parallel approaches: 1. Porosity induction, 2. Carbon nanotube (CNT) compositing. Both of the mentioned processes have been performed by water addition during the synthesis procedure, which is not only totally safe (in contrast with the similar foaming/compositing routes), but also applicable for a wide range of nanomaterials. Applying the modified electrode as a single-electrode TENG-based humidity sensor, demonstrated an impressive enhancement of sensing response from 56% up to 108%, compared to the bare electrodes. Moreover, the detecting range of ambient humidity was broadened to higher values of 80% in a linear behavior. The fabricated humidity sensor based on a CNT-PDMS foam not only provides superior sensing characteristics but also is satisfactory for portable applications, due to being lightweight and desirably self-powered.
Epidemiology and risk factors for resistance to treatment of Kawasaki disease in Cyprus
Authors: Koliou Maria G. , Aristidou Athina , Mazeri Stella , Georgiou Elena , Agathocleous Maria , Kousparou Marianna , Elia Avraam , Jossif Antonis
Published: January 2023

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most common vasculitides of early childhood. There are no previous studies on KD in Cyprus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of KD in Cyprus, risk factors for resistance to treatment and the development of cardiac complications. This is a retrospective multicenter study of pediatric patients with KD hospitalized between January 2000 and-December 2019. The data were collected from medical records. A total of 136 patients with KD were included in the study. 83% of patients were < 5 years of age and 10% were < 6 months. Thirty patients (22%) developed coronary artery lesions. Serum sodium ≤ 133 mmol/L, albumin ≤ 3.2 g/dl, ALT ≥ 80 U/L and neutrophils percentage ≥ 80% at diagnosis, were identified as risk factors for resistance to IVIG. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of KD in Cyprus population were similar to those reported in the literature. Although the majority of cases received appropriate treatment in time, cardiac complications still occurred.
An integrated framework of ground source heat pump utilisation for high-performance buildings
Authors: Li Hong Xian , Okolo Daniel E. , Tabadkani Amir , Arnel Tony , Zheng Dongming , Shi Long
Published: January 2023

CO2 emissions from building operations have increased to their highest level globally, moving away from the Paris Agreement goal of below 2 °C. While geothermal is recognised as a promising renewable source, the lack of an integrated framework guiding investigating ground source heat pumps for building operations, along with the incapability of well-known simulation tools in accurately capturing ground thermal performance, hinders its application. This research aims to unlock ground source heat pumps for building operations through an integrated framework, including an overarching improved U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) monitoring guideline, a sensor-based monitoring prototype, and a g-function-based simulation approach. This research proposes amendments and improvements to the NREL guideline for monitoring geothermal energy by separating Thermal Energy Net Production from Thermal Energy Gross Production. A state-of-the-art case building located in Melbourne, Australia, housing advanced technologies, including ground source heat pump systems, is used to demonstrate and validate the research framework. A typical winter month in the southern hemisphere, July 2021, is monitored for the ground source heat pump systems designed and used for space heating. The findings reveal that the thermal energy generation during working days in July 2021 is close to the simulation results, with a difference of 2.2% in gross thermal energy production and a difference of 0.92% in inlet temperature. This research develops and validates an integrated approach for evaluating ground source heat pump systems, contributing to the utilisation of geothermal energy for building operations.
Phase-separating pyrenoid proteins form complexes in the dilute phase
Authors: He Guanhua , GrandPre Trevor , Wilson Hugh , Zhang Yaojun , Jonikas Martin C. , Wingreen Ned S. , Wang Quan
Published: January 2023

While most studies of biomolecular phase separation have focused on the condensed phase, relatively little is known about the dilute phase. Theory suggests that stable complexes form in the dilute phase of two-component phase-separating systems, impacting phase separation; however, these complexes have not been interrogated experimentally. We show that such complexes indeed exist, using an in vitro reconstitution system of a phase-separated organelle, the algal pyrenoid, consisting of purified proteins Rubisco and EPYC1. Applying fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to measure diffusion coefficients, we found that complexes form in the dilute phase with or without condensates present. The majority of these complexes contain exactly one Rubisco molecule. Additionally, we developed a simple analytical model which recapitulates experimental findings and provides molecular insights into the dilute phase organization. Thus, our results demonstrate the existence of protein complexes in the dilute phase, which could play important roles in the stability, dynamics, and regulation of condensates.
A deep learning-based predictive simulator for the optimization of ultrashort pulse laser drilling
Authors: Shimahara Kohei , Tani Shuntaro , Sakurai Haruyuki , Kobayashi Yohei
Published: January 2023

Ultrashort pulse laser drilling is a promising method for the fabrication of microchannels in dielectric materials. Due to the complexity of the process, there is a strong demand for numerical models (simulators) that can predict structures produced under specific processing conditions in order to rapidly find optimal processing parameters. However, the validity of conventional laser drilling simulators for dielectrics has been confined to a range of strict interpolations of the data used during the construction of the model, and thus, their usefulness is limited. Here, we demonstrate simulator-based optimization for ultrashort pulse laser drilling in dielectrics based on an iterative deep neural network which is trained to predict microchannel structure after a small number of irradiated pulses. Our approach predicts the development of hole shapes over a wide variety of conditions and allowed the discovery of 20% more energy efficient processing strategies than in the initial experimental data. More broadly, our approach can address realistic problems in laser processing considering a variety of processing parameters, and thus enabling improved performance of next-generation smart laser processing systems.
Synchronization of opening and closing of two gramicidin A channels pulled together by a linker: possible relevance to channel clustering
Authors: Novoderezhkin Vladimir I. , Rokitskaya Tatyana I. , Kotova Elena A. , Antonenko Yuri N.
Published: January 2023

Here, we used the ideas of the theory of excitons to hypothesize about the mechanism of synchronous opening and closing of two membrane channels formed by laterally linked gramicidin A subunits.
Omnidirectional diffusion of organic amine salts assisted by ordered arrays in porous lead iodide for two-step deposited large-area perovskite solar cells
Authors: He Jiacheng , Sheng Wangping , Yang Jia , Zhong Yang , Su Yang , Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang
Published: January 2023

The porous lead iodide layer with ordered arrays structure is firstly fabricated to facilitate the omnidirectional diffusion of organic amine salts and realize high quality large-area perovskite film in two-step sequential deposition.
DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine alleviates high fat diet-induced jejunum injury in mice by modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Tian Shanshan , Zhao Yanfeng , Qian Li , Jiang Su , Tang Yunping , Han Tao
Published: January 2023

DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine could likely be used as a functional food supplement for the prevention of high fat diet-induced jejunum injury in mice by modulating gut microbiota.
A pH/ROS dual-responsive nanoparticle system for tumor targeting combined chemotherapy/phototherapy
Authors: Luo Ying , Cong Yiyang , Liu Jia , Huang Lihua , Cheng Wanting , Xu Peihu , Yin Yihua , Hong Hao , Xu Wenjin
Published: January 2023

MOFs are wrapped by the targeting group F3 polypeptide-modified PEG by ROS-responsive TK bonds.
Broadband plasmonic indium arsenide photonic antennas
Authors: Liu Xinghui , Xue Mengfei , Chen Jianing
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate a broadband Fabry–Perot plasmonic resonator based on InAs semiconductor nanowires using a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM).
Self-assembled organic nonlinear optical crystals based on pyridine derived fluorenone
Authors: Zheng Yongshen , Cheng Puxin , Qian Xiaodong , Guan Junjie , Shi Rongchao , Xin Mingyang , Xu Jialiang , Bu Xian-He
Published: January 2023

A pair of pyridine based fluorenone derivatives with highly efficient second- and third-order nonlinear optical effects have been synthesized.
Microphase separation assisted reduction in the percolation threshold of MWCNT/block polymer composites
Authors: Topcu Gokhan , Reinoso Arenas David , McNally Tony , Becer C. Remzi
Published: January 2023

A non-linear reduction in percolation threshold from 0.46 to 0.19 vol% by transforming the phase into lamellar structures.
Method to determine the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics via porous dual-phase composites based on electrical conductivity relaxation
Authors: Han Hairui , Hu Xueyu , Zhang Binze , Zhang Shaowei , Zhang Yanxiang , Xia Changrong
Published: January 2023

Mechanism–structure–performance relationship of porous single-phase La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) and dual-phase La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ–Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (LSCF–SDC) composites.
Synergistic design of core–shell V3S4@C hosts and homogeneous catalysts promoting polysulfide chemisorption and conversion for Li–S batteries
Authors: Tan Ke , Tan Zhaolin , Liu Sen , Zhao Guoqiang , Liu Yang , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: January 2023

The synergistic design of 1D core–shell V3S4@C hosts and homogeneous catalyst Co(C5H5)2is proposed to promote the chemisorption and conversion kinetics of polysulfides towards advanced Li–S batteries with high areal S loading and low E/S ratio.
Stimuli-responsive flexible organic crystals
Authors: Wu Wenbo , Chen Kui , Wang Ting , Wang Na , Huang Xin , Zhou Lina , Wang Zhao , Hao Hongxun
Published: January 2023

Stimuli-responsive flexible organic crystals are a new generation of smart flexible devices aimed towards functionalization, integration, and intelligence.
Unconventional organic solar cell structure based on hyperbolic metamaterial
Authors: Chao Yu-Chieh , Lin Hung-I , Lin Jia-Yu , Tsao Yu-Chuan , Liao Yu-Ming , Hsu Fang-Chi , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: January 2023

An unconventional organic solar cell structure based on hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) was designed, fabricated, and demonstrated with improved performance for the first time.
An improved damping adaptive grid‐forming control for black start of permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbines supported with battery energy storage system
Authors: Meng Jianhui , Wang Dongxu , Wang Yi , Guo Feng , Yu Jie
Published: January 2023

Permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) equipped with back‐to‐back grid‐forming converters have the ability to form a 100% renewable energy power grid. Black‐start is the key capability of grid‐forming converters when restoring the system from a blackout. It is necessary for a grid‐forming converter of the PMSG to operate in black‐start and grid‐connected active support modes. This paper investigates an improved damping adaptive grid‐forming (DA‐GFM) control method for PMSG wind turbines to suppress system frequency fluctuations and achieve a smooth black start. The proposed DA‐GFM control introduces the frequency variations and natural constant function to adaptively adjust its damping coefficient in the dynamic operating progress. The implementations and effects of the proposed DA‐GFM control method on the grid‐forming converter are theoretically evaluated. Additionally, the detailed black‐start operation process is completely studied through a microgrid system with two PMSG wind turbines and energy storages. Compared with the conventional grid‐forming control, the proposed control scheme can not only suppress frequency fluctuations better, but also achieve a smooth forming power grid process. Finally, experiment tests on a controller‐level hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation platform are carried out to validate the proposed control strategy for achieving a smooth black start.
Compact front module with integrated miniaturised antenna in package for parabolic reflector antenna in satellite ground terminals
Authors: Ren Yuxin , Sun Yinan , Gao Qifeng , Tang Junwen , Yu Zhongjun , Xu Zheng , Wu Peng
Published: January 2023

A compact front module with integrated miniaturised antenna in package for parabolic reflector antenna is presented for GEO‐KOMPSAT‐2A (GK‐2A) satellite ground terminal application at 1692 MHz. The active feeder antenna module consists of four parts: a pair of miniaturised slot antennas, a pair of differential feeding lines, a metal shielding box, and front circuits, including a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a surface acoustic wave bandpass filter (SAW BPF). To reduce the lateral size of the feeder antennas and obtain required radiation patterns, meandered radiation slots are suggested and fed by a pair of differential coplanar waveguide (CPW) lines. The antenna substrate serves as the module cover and the electromagnetic shielding with a lateral size of 48 × 48 mm2 (0.27 × 0.27 ). Additionally, the feeder antenna module is proven to work with the specified parabolic reflector, both in theory and simulation. The front module with the packaged antenna is fabricated, and the measured output gain exceeds 20 dBi within a desired narrow band. Moreover, the module also achieves excellent performance in the GK‐2A satellite signal‐receiving experiment when used to feed the parabolic reflector antenna. The entire front module exhibits good package integration and application performance.
Impact of using chirp spread spectrum physical layer and request‐to‐send/clear‐to‐send combined with frame concatenation in the IEEE 802.15.4 non‐beacon enabled mode performance
Authors: Barroca Norberto , Borges Luís M. , Chatzimisios Periklis , Velez Fernando J.
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the performance improvement of the IEEE 802.15.4 non‐beacon‐enabled mode originated by the inclusion of the Request‐To‐Send/Clear‐To‐Send (RTS/CTS) handshake mechanism resulting in frame concatenation. Under IEEE 802.15.4 employing RTS/CTS, the backoff procedure is not repeated for each data frame sent but only for each RTS/CTS set. The maximum throughput and minimum delay performance are mathematically derived for both the Chirp Spread Spectrum and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Physical layers for the 2.4 GHz band. Results show that the utilisation of RTS/CTS significantly enhances the performance of IEEE 802.15.4 applied to healthcare in terms of bandwidth efficiency.
Framework for the architecture of exoplanetary systems
Authors: Mishra Lokesh , Alibert Yann , Udry Stéphane , Mordasini Christoph
Published: January 2023

In the first paper of this series, we proposed a model-independent framework for characterising the architecture of planetary systems at the system level. There are four classes of planetary system architecture: similar, mixed, anti-ordered, and ordered. In this paper, we investigate the formation pathways leading to these four architecture classes. To understand the role of nature versus nurture in sculpting the final (mass) architecture of a system, we apply our architecture framework to synthetic planetary systems – formed via core-accretion – using the Bern model. General patterns emerge in the formation pathways of the four architecture classes. Almost all planetary systems emerging from protoplanetary disks whose initial solid mass was less than one Jupiter mass are similar. Systems emerging from heavier disks may become mixed, anti-ordered, or ordered. Increasing dynamical interactions (planet–planet, planet–disk) tends to shift a system’s architecture from mixed to anti-ordered to ordered. Our model predicts the existence of a new metallicity–architecture correlation. Similar systems have very high occurrence around low-metallicity stars. The occurrence of the anti-ordered and ordered classes increases with increasing metallicity. The occurrence of mixed architecture first increases and then decreases with increasing metallicity. In our synthetic planetary systems, the role of nature is disentangled from the role of nurture. Nature (or initial conditions) pre-determines whether the architecture of a system becomes similar; otherwise nurture influences whether a system becomes mixed, anti-ordered, or ordered. We propose the ‘Aryabhata formation scenario’ to explain some planetary systems which host only water-rich worlds. We finish this paper with a discussion of future observational and theoretical works that may support or refute the results of this paper.