bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of discriminant methods and deep learning analysis in plant taxonomy: a case study of Elatine
Authors: Łysko Andrzej , Popiela Agnieszka , Forczmański Paweł , V. Attila Molnár , Lukács Balázs András , Barta Zoltán , Maćków Witold , Wolski Grzegorz J.
Published: November 2022

Elatine is a genus in which, flower and seed characteristics are the most important diagnostic features; i.e. seed shape and the structure of its cover found to be the most reliable identification character. We used a combination of classic discriminant methods by combining with deep learning techniques to analyze seed morphometric data within 28 populations of six Elatine species from 11 countries throughout the Northern Hemisphere to compare the obtained results and then check their taxonomic classification. Our findings indicate that among the discriminant methods, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) had the highest percentage of correct matching (mean fit—91.23%); only the deep machine learning method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was characterized by a higher match (mean fit—93.40%). The QDA method recognized the seeds of E. brochonii and E. orthosperma with 99% accuracy, and the CNN method with 100%. Other taxa, such as E. alsinastrum, E. trianda, E. californica and E. hungarica were matched with an accuracy of at least 95% (CNN). Our results indicate that the CNN obtains remarkably more accurate classifications than classic discriminant methods, and better recognizes the entire taxa pool analyzed. The least recognized species are E. macropoda and E. hexandra (88% and 78% match).
Machine learning based regional epidemic transmission risks precaution in digital society
Authors: Shi Zhengyu , Qian Haoqi , Li Yao , Wu Fan , Wu Libo
Published: November 2022

The contact and interaction of human is considered to be one of the important factors affecting the epidemic transmission, and it is critical to model the heterogeneity of individual activities in epidemiological risk assessment. In digital society, massive data makes it possible to implement this idea on large scale. Here, we use the mobile phone signaling to track the users’ trajectories and construct contact network to describe the topology of daily contact between individuals dynamically. We show the spatiotemporal contact features of about 7.5 million mobile phone users during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Shanghai, China. Furthermore, the individual feature matrix extracted from contact network enables us to carry out the extreme event learning and predict the regional transmission risk, which can be further decomposed into the risk due to the inflow of people from epidemic hot zones and the risk due to people close contacts within the observing area. This method is much more flexible and adaptive, and can be taken as one of the epidemic precautions before the large-scale outbreak with high efficiency and low cost.
A crack templated copper network film as a transparent conductive film and its application in organic light-emitting diode
Authors: Liu Ping , Huang Bing , Peng Lei , Liu Liming , Gao Qingguo , Wang Yuehui
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a highly transparent, low sheet resistance copper network film fabricated by a crack template, which made by drying an acrylic based colloidal dispersion. The fabricated copper network film shows excellent optoelectronic performances with low sheet resistance of 13.4 Ω/sq and high optical transmittance of 93% [excluding Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate] at 550 nm. What’s more, the surface root mean square of the copper network film is about 4 nm, and the figure of merit is about 380. It’s comparable to that of conventional indium tin oxide thin film. The repeated bending cycle test and adhesive test results confirm the reliability of the copper network film. As a transparent conductive film, the copper network film was used as an anode to prepare organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The experiment results show that the threshold voltage of the OLED is less than 5 V and the maximum luminance is 1587 cd/m2.
Characterization, genome analysis and genetic tractability studies of a new nanocellulose producing Komagataeibacter intermedius isolate
Authors: Cannazza Pietro , Rissanen Antti J. , Sarlin Essi , Guizelini Dieval , Minardi Carlotta , Losoi Pauli , Molinari Francesco , Romano Diego , Mangayil Rahul
Published: November 2022

Bacterial nanocellulose (BC) is a highly versatile biopolymer currently pursued as a material of choice in varied themes of biomedical and material science research fields. With the aim to extend the biotechnological applications, the genetic tractability of the BC producers within the Komagataeibacter genus and its potential as an alternative host chassis in synthetic biology have been extensively studied. However, such studies have been largely focused on the model Komagataeibacter spp. Here, we present a novel K. intermedius strain capable of utilizing glucose, and glycerol sources for biomass and BC synthesis. Genome assembly identified one bacterial cellulose synthetase (bcs) operon containing the complete gene set encoding the BC biogenesis machinery (bcsI) and three additional copies (bcsII–IV). Investigations on the genetic tractability confirmed plasmid transformation, propagation of vectors with pBBR1 and p15A origin of replications and constitutive and inducible induction of recombinant protein in K. intermedius ENS15. This study provides the first report on the genetic tractability of K. intermedius, serving as starting point towards future genetic engineering of this strain.
The effect of the heat used during composite processing on the mechanical properties of fibrous reinforcement of polypropylene-based single-polymer composites
Authors: Bárány Tamás , Morlin Bálint , Vas László Mihály
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of high-tenacity polypropylene (PP) fibers. An application field of versatile polypropylene as fibers and tapes is the reinforcement of single-polymer composites. During consolidation at an elevated temperature, typically near the melt temperature of PP, the heat causes molecular relaxation of the strongly oriented molecular chains, which impairs mechanical properties. We investigated the shrinkage of PP single fibers isothermally and anisothermally, and heat-treated PP single fibers and multifilament rovings in a temperature range of 120–190 °C for 5–20 min in a constrained and an unconstrained arrangement. The heat-treated fibers and rovings were then tensile tested and their residual mechanical properties were determined and compared to the as-received rovings. We analyzed the tensile characteristics mathematically, applying the statistical fiber-bundle-cell modeling method, and described the measured and averaged stress–strain curves with fitted E-bundles having fibers with nonlinear tensile characteristics. The tensile modulus of the constrained fibers treated for 5 min decreased less in the whole heat treatment temperature range but considerably decreased further with increasing treatment time. Conversely, their tensile strength decreased only slightly, and treatment time had a minor effect up to 180–190 °C (above the melting temperature of the fiber). The results proved that constraining is a useful tool for preserving the reinforcing ability of high-tenacity polymer fibers.
Superoxide dismutase as a protective factor for microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients
Authors: Yu Xiaoqian , Xu Rui , Huang Wen , Lin Lin , Zheng Fei , Wu Xia
Published: November 2022

Oxidative stress had been linked to hypertensive renal impairment in previous investigations. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was a clinically available oxidative stress biomarker. The association between SOD and the microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients has not been established. From January 2017 to December 2018, data on 690 patients with essential hypertension were collected retrospectively at Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital. Patients were divided into hypertension with microalbuminuria group (HM) and hypertension without microalbuminuria group (NHM). Clinical data from patients were collected and compared between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between UACR and SOD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen for the risk factors for HM. Our research included 556 patients in the NHM group and 134 patients in the HM group. Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between SOD and UACR (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed SOD was an independent protective factor in hypertensive patients with HM. In hypertensive patients, a substantial, negative correlation between SOD and early renal damage was found, suggesting that SOD may protect renal function.
Clinical application of 3D-Slicer + 3D printing guide combined with transcranial neuroendoscopic in minimally invasive neurosurgery
Authors: Zhou Long , Wang Wenju , Li Zhiyang , Wei Hangyu , Cai Qiang , Chen Qianxue , Liu Zaiming , Ye Hui , Song Ping , Cheng Li , Lei Pan , Chen Sheng
Published: November 2022

To explore the clinical advantages of 3D-Slicer + 3D printing guide combined with transcranial neuroendoscopic in minimally invasive neurosurgery. By collecting the datum of patients who underwent craniotomy under 3D-Slicer + 3D printing guide plate positioning combined with transcranial neuroendoscopic in our hospital from October 2021 to February 2022, this paper introduces the accurate planning and positioning lesions of patients before operation and the minimally invasive operation of intraoperative neuroendoscopic and analyses clinical data such as lesion size and surgical bone window size. We collected the case datum of 16 patients who underwent craniocerebral surgery with 3D-Slicer + 3D printing guide combined with transcranial neuroendoscopic, including 5 males and 11 females, aged 46–76 years, including 6 brain tumors (3 meningiomas, 1 glioblastoma, 2 lung cancer brain metastases), 2 cavernous hemangioma, 7 hydrocephalus and 1 chronic subdural hematoma. The lesions of the 16 patients were located accurately before operation and the target areas were reached quickly during operation. Postoperative imaging datum confirmed that the lesions was removed fully, and the ventricular end of shunt tube was in good position. The technology of 3D-Slicer + 3D printing guide plate combined with transcranial neuroendoscopic is not difficult, which has many advantages such as inexpensive equipment, simple operation, easy learning, accurate positioning, and minimally invasive surgery. It is considered to be a practical technology that is feasible, reliable, convenient for diagnosis, preoperative planning and minimally invasive surgery. It is suitable for promotion in neurosurgery and other surgical departments of all medical institutions.
Heterogeneous selection dominated the temporal variation of the planktonic prokaryotic community during different seasons in the coastal waters of Bohai Bay
Authors: Zhao Wei , Shi Liuyang , Wang Xingbiao , Wang Jingjing , Xu Song , Ma Lei , Zhu Wanyu , Zhang Xiaoxia , Han Yifan , Huang Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

To explore temporal and spatial effects on the planktonic prokaryotic community composition (PCC) in the coastal region of the Bohai Sea, surface water samples were collected from 12  to  28 regularly distributed sites in Bohai Bay across 3 months from different seasons to characterize the PCC using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region. Prokaryotic α- and β-diversity showed significant temporal variation during the three sampling months. VPA analysis based on both weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances exhibited a shift of environmental and spatial effects on PCC variation with temporal variation. Quantification analysis of assembly processes on community turn over showed that “heterogeneous selection” dominated for PCC temporal variation, with basic abiotic parameters such as temperature, pH, ammonia nitrogen as the driving factors. Analysis of seasonal features showed that seasonal specific OTUs (ssOTUs) exhibited different seasonal attributions under the same phylum; meanwhile, the ssOTUs showed significant correlations with the driving environmental factors, which suggested that finer-level analysis was needed to more strictly reflect the temporal variation. Moreover, predicted nitrogen and sulfur metabolism were significantly shifted during the temporal variation. Our results clearly showed that seasonally varied environmental factors drive the “heterogeneous selection” process for PCC assembly in seawaters of Bohai Bay during different sampling seasons.
Perturb and optimize users’ location privacy using geo-indistinguishability and location semantics
Authors: Yan Yan , Xu Fei , Mahmood Adnan , Dong Zhuoyue , Sheng Quan Z.
Published: November 2022

Location-based services (LBS) are capable of providing location-based information retrieval, traffic navigation, entertainment services, emergency rescues, and several similar services primarily on the premise of the geographic location of users or mobile devices. However, in the process of introducing a new user experience, it is also easy to expose users’ specific location which can result in more private information leakage. Hence, the protection of location privacy remains one of the critical issues of the location-based services. Moreover, the areas where humans work and live have different location semantics and sensitivities according to their different social functions. Although the privacy protection of a user’s real location can be achieved by the perturbation algorithm, the attackers may employ the semantics information of the perturbed location to infer a user’s real location semantics in an attempt to spy on a user’s privacy to certain extent. In order to mitigate the above semantics inference attack, and further improve the quality of the location-based services, this paper hereby proposes a user side location perturbation and optimization algorithm based on geo-indistinguishability and location semantics. The perturbation area satisfying geo-indistinguishability is thus generated according to the planar Laplace mechanism and optimized by combining the semantics information and time characteristics of the location. The optimum perturbed location that is able to satisfy the minimum loss of location-based service quality is selected via a linear programming method, and can be employed to replace the real location of the user so as to prevent the leakage of the privacy. Experimental comparison of the actual road network and location semantics dataset manifests that the proposed method reduces approximately 37% perturbation distance in contrast to the other state-of-the-art methods, maintains considerably lower similarity of location semantics, and improves region counting query accuracy by a margin of around 40%.
Two and three-dimensional CT mapping of the sustentacular fragment in intra-articular calcaneal fractures
Authors: Shi Guang , Lin Zhao , Liao Xun , Liu Wei , Cai Xiyu
Published: November 2022

The sustentaculum tali are tightly bound to the talus by the interosseous and deltoid ligament complex and have been considered a ‘‘constant fragment”. Yet there is a dearth of study on the anatomical patterns of the sustentacular segment. Consequently, this study is designated with the purpose of defining the prevalence and displacement of sustentacular fractures in intra-articular calcaneal fractures (ICFs) applying computed tomography (CT) mapping in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) conditions. From January 2019 to December 2020, the CT images of sixty-seven patients with eighty-one ICFs were retrospectively evaluated, besides, basic patient demographics and mechanisms of injury were documented. And the prevalence of sustentacular fractures was characterized in the sagittal or coronal CT planes. The subluxation, angulation, and translation of the portion of the sustentacular bone were noted. By decreasing rebuilt fracture fragments to suit a model of the sustentaculum tali, a 3D map was generated. Overall, the sustentacular fracture in 21 (25.9%) of the 81 ICFs, 15 (71.4%) were nondisplaced, 6 (28.6%) were displaced, and mean coronal angulation was 21.9°, and no comminuted. The relationship between sustentaculum tali and the talus was anatomically aligned in 71 (87.7%), and subluxation in 10 (12.3%). According to the research, 3D mapping demonstrated that most fracture lines start from the anterior of the sustentaculum tali, extending obliquely to the sulcus of the flexor halluces longus tendon. Moreover, this study provides a detailed description (displacement or articular dislocation) of the frequency of sustentacular fragments in ICFs. The finding disproves the ‘‘constant’’ theory of the sustentacular fragments, due to the fact that comminuted fracture of sustentaculum tali was rare. And the expertise of these fracture patterns may affect the progress of fixation concepts and surgical approaches. Moreover, we further speculated that the displacement of the sustentacular fragment was considerably more probable to emerge in the higher-order Sanders classification. Nevertheless, bigger sample size is required to further validate this position.
Two fabricated carbon paste electrodes for novel potentiometric determination of probenecid in dosage form and human plasma
Authors: Tantawy Mahmoud A. , Wahba Israa A. , Saad Samah S. , Ramadan Nesrin K.
Published: November 2022

Solid contact ion selective electrodes are extensively utilized owing to their marvelous performance over traditional liquid contact ones. The main drawback of those solid contact electrodes is aqueous layer formation which affects their constancy. Herein and to overcome this common drawback, a carbon paste electrode containing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was constructed and used for determination of probenecid at variant pH values. This modification decreased the potential drift down to 0.8 mV/h and improved its stability over 30 days. A Nernstian slope of − 57.8 mV/decade associated with a linear range of 1.0 × 10−6–1.0 × 10−2 mol/L was obtained. The modified carbon paste electrode successfully detected up to 8.0 × 10−7 mol/L probenecid. Results of this modified carbon paste electrode were also compared to unmodified one.
A systematic study on occurrence, risk estimation and health implications of heavy metals in potable water from different sources of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Prasad Mukesh , Aswal R. S. , Joshi Abhishek , Kumar G. Anil , Ramola R. C.
Published: November 2022

The occurrence of heavy metals (HMs) in drinking water has been a critical water quality concern for a long time and can compromise its aesthetic value to the larger extent. Chronic exposure of human beings to these toxic and non-toxic HMs through water ingestion can result in significant health risks. To assess these associated health risks, the present study was planned, designed and carried out for analyses of nine HMs namely, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the potable water samples collected from different sources located across the Mandakini valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The measured values of Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were found in the range of BDL–27.4 µg l−1, 0.26–4.5 µg l−1, BDL–139 µg l−1, 0.02–0.9 µg l−1, 0.4–5.5 µg l−1, 0.07–9.2 µg l−1, BDL–4164 µg l−1, BDL–0.8 µg l−1, and BDL–11.2 µg l−1, respectively. The observed values of analyzed HMs except Zn and Pb were found below the reference values prescribed by the WHO, USEPA and BIS. In addition, Zn concentration exceeded its maximum permissible limit (4000 µg l−1) recommended by WHO for infants at one station only. The observed indices show that there are no health risks from HMs contamination via drinking water in the region. Moreover, the estimated hazard quotients for children and adults also revealed no potential health risks. The results of present study will be useful as baseline data for state and national regulatory agencies.
Ultrafast deposition of polydopamine for high-performance fiber-reinforced high-temperature ceramic composites
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Su Cheng , Zu Yufei , Chen Xiaopeng , Sha Jianjun , Dai Jixiang
Published: November 2022

The low deposition time efficiency and small thickness limit the expansion of polydopamine (PDA) application to fiber-reinforced high-temperature ceramic composites. In this work, the electric field-assisted polymerization (EFAP) route was developed to improve the deposition time efficiency of PDA coating and overcome the thickness limitation. Carbonized polydopamine (C-PDA) coating was used as the interphase of carbon fiber-reinforced ZrB2-based composites (Cf/ZrB2-based composite) to bond rigid fibers and brittle ceramics, where C-PDA coating was prepared by the carbonization of PDA coating. Firstly, uniform and dense PDA coatings were deposited on carbon fibers (Cf) by EFAP. The thickness of PDA coating reached the micron level (over 1800 nm) for the first time. Benefiting from the EFAP route promoting the oxidation process of dopamine (DA) and accelerating the aggregation and in-situ polymerization of DA and its derivatives on the surface of Cf, the deposition rate of PDA coating reached 5589 nm/h, which was 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the traditional self-polymerization process. By adjusting the EFAP parameters (e.g. DA-concentration, current, and deposition time), the thickness of PDA coating could be conveniently designed from nano-scale to micro-scale. Then, PDA coating was pyrolyzed to obtain C-PDA coating. C-PDA coating was well bonded on Cf without visible cross-sticking among neighboring fibers. C-PDA coating presented a layered structure and the thickness of C-PDA coating could be designed by controlling the thickness of PDA. C-PDA coating was used as the interfacial phase of the Cf/ZrB2-based composite, which ensured that the composite possessed good load-bearing capacity and thermal stability. Moreover, extraordinary damage resistance of the composite was achieved, with work of fracture up to 9936 ± 548 J/m2 at room temperature and 19,082 ± 3458 J/m2 at 1800 °C. The current work provides a high time efficiency processing route for depositing PDA coating on carbon fibers and demonstrates the attractive potential of PDA coating in fiber-reinforced high-temperature ceramic composites.
Terlipressin combined with conservative fluid management attenuates hemorrhagic shock-induced acute kidney injury in rats
Authors: Castro Leticia Urbano Cardoso , Otsuki Denise Aya , Sanches Talita Rojas , Souza Felipe Lima , Santinho Mirela Aparecida Rodrigues , da Silva Cleonice , Noronha Irene de Lourdes , Duarte-Neto Amaro Nunes , Gomes Samirah Abreu , Malbouisson Luiz-Marcelo Sá , Andrade Lucia
Published: November 2022

Hemorrhagic shock (HS), a major cause of trauma-related mortality, is mainly treated by crystalloid fluid administration, typically with lactated Ringer’s (LR). Despite beneficial hemodynamic effects, such as the restoration of mean arterial pressure (MAP), LR administration has major side effects, including organ damage due to edema. One strategy to avoid such effects is pre-hospitalization intravenous administration of the potent vasoconstrictor terlipressin, which can restore hemodynamic stability/homeostasis and has anti-inflammatory effects. Wistar rats were subjected to HS for 60 min, at a target MAP of 30–40 mmHg, thereafter being allocated to receive LR infusion at 3 times the volume of the blood withdrawn (liberal fluid management); at 2 times the volume (conservative fluid management), plus terlipressin (10 µg/100 g body weight); and at an equal volume (conservative fluid management), plus terlipressin (10 µg/100 g body weight). A control group comprised rats not subjected to HS and receiving no fluid resuscitation or treatment. At 15 min after fluid resuscitation/treatment, the blood previously withdrawn was reinfused. At 24 h after HS, MAP was higher among the terlipressin-treated animals. Terlipressin also improved post-HS survival and provided significant improvements in glomerular/tubular function (creatinine clearance), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin expression, fractional excretion of sodium, aquaporin 2 expression, tubular injury, macrophage infiltration, interleukin 6 levels, interleukin 18 levels, and nuclear factor kappa B expression. In terlipressin-treated animals, there was also significantly higher angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression and normalization of arginine vasopressin 1a receptor expression. Terlipressin associated with conservative fluid management could be a viable therapy for HS-induced acute kidney injury, likely attenuating such injury by modulating the inflammatory response via the arginine vasopressin 1a receptor.
A structural model of the profilin–formin pacemaker system for actin filament elongation
Authors: Schutt Clarence E. , Karlén Mattias , Karlsson Roger
Published: November 2022

The formins constitute a large class of multi-domain polymerases that catalyze the localization and growth of unbranched actin filaments in cells from yeast to mammals. The conserved FH2 domains form dimers that bind actin at the barbed end of growing filaments and remain attached as new subunits are added. Profilin–actin is recruited and delivered to the barbed end by formin FH1 domains via the binding of profilin to interspersed tracts of poly-l-proline. We present a structural model showing that profilin–actin can bind the FH2 dimer at the barbed end stabilizing a state where profilin prevents its associated actin subunit from directly joining the barbed end. It is only with the dissociation of profilin from the polymerase that an actin subunit rotates and docks into its helical position, consistent with observations that under physiological conditions optimal elongation rates depend on the dissociation rate of profilin, independently of cellular concentrations of actin subunits.
Using mechanistic model-based inference to understand and project epidemic dynamics with time-varying contact and vaccination rates
Authors: Plank Michael J. , Hendy Shaun C. , Binny Rachelle N. , Vattiato Giorgia , Lustig Audrey , Maclaren Oliver J.
Published: November 2022

Epidemiological models range in complexity from relatively simple statistical models that make minimal assumptions about the variables driving epidemic dynamics to more mechanistic models that include effects such as vaccine-derived and infection-derived immunity, population structure and heterogeneity. The former are often fitted to data in real-time and used for short-term forecasting, while the latter are more suitable for comparing longer-term scenarios under differing assumptions about control measures or other factors. Here, we present a mechanistic model of intermediate complexity that can be fitted to data in real-time but is also suitable for investigating longer-term dynamics. Our approach provides a bridge between primarily empirical approaches to forecasting and assumption-driven scenario models. The model was developed as a policy advice tool for New Zealand’s 2021 outbreak of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and includes the effects of age structure, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the ongoing vaccine rollout occurring during the time period studied. We use an approximate Bayesian computation approach to infer the time-varying transmission coefficient from real-time data on reported cases. We then compare projections of the model with future, out-of-sample data. We find that this approach produces a good fit with in-sample data and reasonable forward projections given the inherent limitations of predicting epidemic dynamics during periods of rapidly changing policy and behaviour. Results from the model helped inform the New Zealand Government’s policy response throughout the outbreak.
Use of different endpoints to determine the bioavailability of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Shen Haitao , Han Jianlong , Guan Rongfa , Cai Delei , Zheng Yibin , Meng Zhen , Chen Qing , Li Jingguang , Wu Yongning
Published: November 2022

Liver, fat (adipose tissue), blood, and feces are common endpoints used to determine the bioavailability of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, it is not known whether the bioavailability of each endpoints is comparable or whether there is a comprehensive endpoint that can be used for all congeners for the measurement of bioavailability. In this study, we observed the accumulation and distribution of 10 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in different organs of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and calculated the bioavailability based on feces, liver, and fat endpoints. Our results indicated that PCB 126, PCB 169, and 50% of PCDD/F congeners were mainly accumulated in the liver, with a bioavailability ranging from 28.9 to 50.6%. On the other hand, higher chlorinated (> 5 Cl) PCB congeners were mainly accumulated in adipose tissues, with a bioavailability ranging from 20.1 to 82.2%, while lower chlorinated (< 5 Cl) pollutants, such as 2,3,7,8-TeCDF, 2,3,7,8-TeCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, and PCB 28, 52, 77, 81, were likely metabolized over 36% in rats during the 8-week experimental period. If we considered metabolization (degradation) as a type of bioavailable process, then the fecal endpoint was a feasible option. However, if we considered the selective accumulation behavior of some congeners in different organs/tissues, then there was no single comprehensive endpoint suitable for all congeners. Lastly, female rats showed significantly higher PCDD bioavailability than male rats at low dose level (0.2 ng/100 g b.w./d); however, the difference in PCB bioavailability between female and male rats was not significant.
A new 3D, microfluidic-oriented, multi-functional, and highly stretchable soft wearable sensor
Authors: Annabestani Mohsen , Esmaeili-Dokht Pouria , Olyanasab Ali , Orouji Nooshin , Alipour Zeynab , Sayad Mohammad Hossein , Rajabi Kimia , Mazzolai Barbara , Fardmanesh Mehdi
Published: November 2022

Increasing demand for wearable devices has resulted in the development of soft sensors; however, an excellent soft sensor for measuring stretch, twist, and pressure simultaneously has not been proposed yet. This paper presents a novel, fully 3D, microfluidic-oriented, gel-based, and highly stretchable resistive soft sensor. The proposed sensor is multi-functional and could be used to measure stretch, twist, and pressure, which is the potential of using a fully 3D structure in the sensor. Unlike previous methods, in which almost all of them used EGaIn as the conductive material, in this case, we used a low-cost, safe (biocompatible), and ubiquitous conductive gel instead. To show the functionality of the proposed sensor, FEM simulations and a set of designed experiments were done, which show linear (99%), accurate (> 94.9%), and durable (tested for a whole of four hours) response of the proposed sensor. Then, the sensor was put through its paces on a female test subject’s knee, elbow, and wrist to show the potential application of the sensor as a body motion sensor. Also, a fully 3D active foot insole was developed, fabricated, and evaluated to evaluate the pressure functionality of the sensor. The result shows good discrimination and pressure measurement for different foot sole areas. The proposed sensor has the potential to be used in real-world applications like rehabilitation, wearable devices, soft robotics, smart clothing, gait analysis, AR/VR, etc.
Comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment characterization based on interleukin genes-related risk model
Authors: Lv Yalei , Bai Zihe , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Jiayin , Li Yuntao , Zhang Xiaolin , Shan Yujie
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) is the most prevalent malignancy and the leading cause of death in women. Interleukin (IL) genes are critical in tumor initiation and control. Nevertheless, the prognosis value of the IL in BRCA remains unclear. We collected data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and 94 IL genes were identified from GeneCard. Based on the random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we constructed an IL signature. GSE22219, GSE25065, and GSE21653 were derived as validation sets. The expression differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, and chemosensitivity of BRCA between the high- and low-risk groups were evaluated. Overall, 21 IL genes were selected to construct an IL risk model, of which IL18BP, IL17D, and IL23A were the first time identified as prognostic genes in BRCA. IL score could distinguish BRCA patients with inferior outcomes, and AUC of it was 0.70, 0.76, and 0.72 for 1-,3- and 5- years, respectively, which was also verified in GSE22219, GSE25065, and GSE21653 cohorts. Meanwhile, compared to luminal A and luminal B, HER2-positive and TNBC had significantly higher IL score. Besides, the high-risk group had a significantly higher prevalence ofTP53andTTNbut a lower prevalence ofPIK3CA, as well as higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and neoantigen level. High- and low-risk groups exhibited notable differences in immunomodulators and tumor infiltrates immune cells (TIICs), and the high-risk group had significantly lower Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Additionally, the high-risk group has more responders to immune or anti-HER2 combination therapy, whereas the low-risk group has higher sensitivity to docetaxel and paclitaxel. Consequently, we constructed a reliable risk model based on the IL genes, which can provide more information on both the risk stratification and personalizing management strategies for BRCA.
Integrative web cloud computing and analytics using MiPair for design-based comparative analysis with paired microbiome data
Authors: Jang Hyojung , Koh Hyunwook , Gu Won , Kang Byungkon
Published: November 2022

Pairing (or blocking) is a design technique that is widely used in comparative microbiome studies to efficiently control for the effects of potential confounders (e.g., genetic, environmental, or behavioral factors). Some typical paired (block) designs for human microbiome studies are repeated measures designs that profile each subject’s microbiome twice (or more than twice) (1) for pre and post treatments to see the effects of a treatment on microbiome, or (2) for different organs of the body (e.g., gut, mouth, skin) to see the disparity in microbiome between (or across) body sites. Researchers have developed a sheer number of web-based tools for user-friendly microbiome data processing and analytics, though there is no web-based tool currently available for such paired microbiome studies. In this paper, we thus introduce an integrative web-based tool, named MiPair, for design-based comparative analysis with paired microbiome data. MiPair is a user-friendly web cloud service that is built with step-by-step data processing and analytic procedures for comparative analysis between (or across) groups or between baseline and other groups. MiPair employs parametric and non-parametric tests for complete or incomplete block designs to perform comparative analyses with respect to microbial ecology (alpha- and beta-diversity) and taxonomy (e.g., phylum, class, order, family, genus, species). We demonstrate its usage through an example clinical trial on the effects of antibiotics on gut microbiome. MiPair is an open-source software that can be run on our web server (http://mipair.micloud.kr) or on user’s computer (https://github.com/yj7599/mipairgit).
The rocker-soled shoes change the kinematics and muscle contractions of the lower extremity during various functional movement
Authors: Chen Chao-Yen , Yeh You-De , Chen Ying-Cheng , Chuang Pin-Hung , Lin Hwai-Ting
Published: November 2022

While rocker-shaped soles have become popular for running shoes, whether or not this type of shoe benefits other functional movements has rarely been discussed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rocker-soled shoes on lower extremity biomechanics during different exercises. Seventeen healthy university students were recruited. A motion capture analysis system and surface electromyography were used to measure kinematics and muscle activation while walking (10 m), running (10 m), cutting, jumping, and ascending and descending stairs. The results showed that when wearing rocker-soled shoes, greater peak external ankle rotation was present during most exercises. Smaller peak joint angles were observed in hip extension and external rotation when walking, and in ankle dorsiflexion when ascending stairs and jumping. The vastus medialis and vastus lateralis contracted more in most exercises when rocker-soled shoes were worn. However, the biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius showed less muscle contraction. Wearing rocker-soled shoes during testing movements change the kinematics and muscle contractions of the lower extremity. These findings may provide information for choosing shoes for different exercises or training purposes.
Empirical optimization of an angled spoke paddling wheel with self-rotating mechanism
Authors: Kim Chaewon , Han Seungkyu , Won Jeeho , Seo TaeWon
Published: November 2022

The development of the maritime industry has led to a corresponding increase in maritime accidents. Maritime accidents are major events that are costly to recover and can cause casualties. Moreover, individuals who are brought to the scene for recovery or rescue are at risk. To tackle this issue, the wheel mechanism of a water rescue robot, i.e., the angled spoke paddling wheel (ASPW), has been studied. The purpose of this study is to optimize the paddle design parameters of the ASPW using the Taguchi method. Experiments are conducted by creating paddles with various combinations of design parameters using $${\textbf{L}}_9$$

L
9

($$3^4$$

3
4

) orthogonal arrays. The objective function is determining the optimal combination of paddle design parameters that will produce the greatest thrust force at the same RPM. Sensitivity analysis of each design parameter is conducted by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio from the experimental results. The pitch angle is found to be the most sensitive parameter. An additional experiment is conducted based on the results of the sensitivity analysis. The results show that the optimal design parameters are a pitch angle of $$0^{\circ }$$

0
∘

, rectangular end shape, X-axis curvature of 37.5 mm, and Y-axis curvature of 25 mm. The paddle with this combination of design parameters have a maximum thrust force of 64.74 gf at 120 RPM and exhibit up to an 18.27% improvement in performance compared with the initial paddle before optimization.
Pseudomonas veronii strain 7–41 degrading medium-chain n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Mullaeva S. A. , Delegan Ya. A. , Streletskii R. A. , Sazonova O. I. , Petrikov K. V. , Ivanova A. A. , Dyatlov I. A. , Shemyakin I. G. , Bogun A. G. , Vetrova A. A.
Published: November 2022

Pollution of the environment by crude oil and oil products (represented by various types of compounds, mainly aliphatic, mono- and polyaromatic hydrocarbons) poses a global problem. The strain Pseudomonas veronii 7–41 can grow on medium-chain n-alkanes (C8–C12) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene. We performed a genetic analysis and physiological/biochemical characterization of strain 7–41 cultivated in a mineral medium with decane, naphthalene or a mixture of the hydrocarbons. The genes responsible for the degradation of alkanes and PAHs are on the IncP-7 conjugative plasmid and are organized into the alk and nah operons typical of pseudomonads. A natural plasmid carrying functional operons for the degradation of two different classes of hydrocarbons was first described. In monosubstrate systems, 28.4% and 68.8% of decane and naphthalene, respectively, were biodegraded by the late stationary growth phase. In a bisubstrate system, these parameters were 25.4% and 20.8% by the end of the exponential growth phase. Then the biodegradation stopped, and the bacterial culture started dying due to the accumulation of salicylate (naphthalene-degradation metabolite), which is toxic in high concentrations. The activity of the salicylate oxidation enzymes was below the detection limit. These results indicate that the presence of decane and a high concentration of salicylate lead to impairment of hydrocarbon degradation by the strain.
Palladium-catalyzed B7–11 penta-arylation of the {CB11} monocarborane cluster
Authors: Jin Yujie , Sun Jizeng , Zhang Kang , Liu Jiyong , Wörle Michael , Duttwyler Simon
Published: November 2022

Catalytic B–H activation/functionalization of the B7–11 positions of the monocarborane cage provides penta-arylated derivatives in a single step.
Spectroscopic investigation of photophysics and tautomerism of amino- and nitroporphycenes
Authors: Mbakara Idaresit , Gajewska Agnieszka , Listkowski Arkadiusz , Kijak Michał , Nawara Krzysztof , Kumpulainen Tatu , Vauthey Eric , Waluk Jacek
Published: November 2022

Experiment and theory reveal similarities and differences between porphycenes substituted at the meso position with amino and nitro groups.
Influence of the zeolite support on the catalytic properties of confined metal clusters: a periodic DFT study of O2 dissociation on Cun clusters in CHA
Authors: Gallego Mario , Corma Avelino , Boronat Mercedes
Published: November 2022

The Si/Al ratio of the zeolite support emerges as a potential parameter to tune the stability and oxidation properties of Cu clusters.
Construction of direct Z-scheme BiOBr/CuI heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic degradation of phenol
Authors: Liu Baiyu , Hu Xuefeng , Yang Junhan , Yang Chen , Huang Yao
Published: November 2022

First successful preparation of BiOBr/CuI composite catalysts via a hydrothermal method which has excellent performance for phenol degradation. The direct Z-scheme heterojunction of the composite was proved by XPS and EPR.
Light-element sensitive in-air millibeam PIXE setup for fast measurement of atmospheric aerosol samples
Authors: Aljboor Shafa , Angyal Anikó , Baranyai Dávid , Papp Enikő , Szarka Máté , Szikszai Zita , Rajta István , Vajda István , Kertész Zsófia
Published: November 2022

A novel in-air PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) setup was developed which is capable of the fast, sensitive, fully quantitative characterization of elemental composition of thin and thick samples for elements with Z > 6.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization of α-acyloxyketones having an allene moiety in the tether
Authors: Yabuta Akimasa , Oonishi Yoshihiro , Doi Ryohei , Morisaki Kazuhiro , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: November 2022

Pd(0)-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization of α-acyloxyketones having an allene moiety in the tether, giving various cyclohexanone derivatives in good yields.
Composites based on nitroprusside cyano-bridged coordination polymer particles and chitosan for NO delivery
Authors: Gorra Melvyn , Watchou Frantz Ndebulia , Palacios Maria A. , Long Jérôme , Sene Saad , Félix Gautier , Tanchoux Nathalie , Quignard Françoise , Larionova Joulia , Guari Yannick
Published: November 2022

Composite films based on cyano-bridged coordination polymers grown into a chitosan matrix are able to provide a slow NO radical release under white light irradiation.
Rapid and highly selective detection of chlorogenic acid in fruit samples by Fe3O4@SiO2@PIL with boron affinity via a fluorescence enhanced strategy
Authors: Wan Tiantian , Zhang Zulei , Wang Hailong , Yang Yiwen , Yang Hanxing , Zhang Jian , Zeng Yanbo , Li Lei , Li Jinchun
Published: November 2022

Fe3O4@SiO2@PIL showed good accessibility and displayed good affinity and excellent adsorption selectivity for CGA.
Palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of allenamide with 2-iodoanilines to access functionalized indoloquinolines
Authors: Geng Wenzhe , Wang Hui , Xi Juan , Jiang Ruonan , Guo Jintao , Jiao Keqiang , Tang Mengyao , Liu Qing , Zhang Lizhi , Liu Hui
Published: November 2022

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization to indoloquinoline derivatives in one pot has been developed by using allenamide derivatives and 2-iodoanilines as the key building blocks.
Redox-neutral rhodium(iii)-catalyzed divergent synthesis of tetrasubstituted 1,3-enynes and alkynylated benzofurans
Authors: Gong Xin , Yu Na , Gu Linghui , Li Zheyu , Ma Wenbo , Zhao Fei
Published: November 2022

Herein, we report the rhodium-catalyzed tunable divergent synthesis of tetrasubstituted 1,3-enynes and alkynylated benzofuransviaC−H alkenylation/DG migration and [3 + 2] annulation, respectively.
Targeting the tubulin C-terminal tail by charged small molecules
Authors: Li Shuo , Mori Mattia , Yang Mingyan , Elfazazi Soumia , Hortigüela Rafael , Chan Peter , Feng Xinyue , Risinger April , Yang Zhiyou , Oliva María Ángela , Fernando Díaz J. , Fang Wei-Shuo
Published: November 2022

A series of linear and cyclic peptides bearing triple arginines were synthesized to bind to the tubulin C-terminal tail, providing a starting point to target this versatile yet undruggable site.
Design, and synthesis of selectively anticancer 4-cyanophenyl substituted thiazol-2-ylhydrazones
Authors: Mehmood Hasnain , Musa Mustapha , Woodward Simon , Hossan Md Shahadat , Bradshaw Tracey D. , Haroon Muhammad , Nortcliffe Andrew , Akhtar Tashfeen
Published: November 2022

Cyclization of substituted thiosemicarbazones with α-bromo-4-cyanoacetophenone allows rapid single-step sustainable syntheses of 4-cyanophenyl-2-hydrazinylthiazoles libraries (30 examples, 66–79%).
UV-curable self-matting waterborne polyurethane acrylate coatingviaself-wrinkled surface during curing in open-air
Authors: Zhang Haiqiao , Wu Zhihui
Published: November 2022

UV-curable self-matting coatings with self-wrinkled surface during UV-curing in open-air based on the balance between polymerization and oxygen inhibition rates.
Tuning conformational asymmetry in particle-forming diblock copolymer alloys
Authors: Case Logan J. , Bates Frank S. , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: November 2022

Blending of a particle-forming AB diblock copolymer and BC diblock copolymer with immiscible A and C blocks generates a polymeric equivalent of a metallic alloy with independent control of the core softness.
Advanced trifunctional electrodes for 1.5 V-based self-powered aqueous electrochemical energy devices
Authors: Xiao Ran , Huang Peng , Xiong Tuzhi , Wei Jingjing , Wang Feng , Deng Jianqiu , Wang Zhongmin , Balogun M.-Sadeeq
Published: November 2022

A novel 1.5 V aqueous self-powered electrochemical energy device involving the integration of asymmetric supercapacitors and overall water splitting is designed, where the phosphorus-doped NiMoO4/MoO2 electrode plays a trifunctional role in the device.
Atom-dispersed Au combined with nano-Au on halloysite nanotubes with closo-dodecaborate promotes synergistic effects for enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Deng Xuefan , Yao Fengze , Wang Zhengxi , Zhao Haixu , Qi Bin , Zhou Yingtang , Zhang Haibo , Zhou Xiaohai
Published: November 2022

Au single atoms (Au SAs) and Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) were obtained on HNT@B12H12@Au catalysts. Experimental and theoretical calculations revealed that O–Au–B–Au SAs, O–Au SAs, B–Au SAs and Au NPs are involved in the reaction simultaneously.
A novel manganese dioxide-based drug delivery strategy via in situ coating γ-polyglutamic acid/cisplatin for intelligent anticancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Yan Weichen , Ji Yuanhui
Published: November 2022

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) was selected as an efficient glutathione (GSH) consumption material for promoting the accumulation and preventing premature leakage of cisplatin (CDDP) in tumor cells.
Synthetic strain-stiffening hydrogels towards mechanical adaptability
Authors: Xu Jingyu , Jiang Yin , Gao Liang
Published: November 2022

A comprehensive review on the design, characterization, classification, and applications of strain-stiffening hydrogels, which mimic the mechanical response of biological tissues.