bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale defect evaluation framework combining real-time transmission electron microscopy and integrated machine learning-particle filter estimation
Authors: Sasaki K. , Muramatsu M. , Hirayama K. , Endo K. , Murayama M.
Published: June 2022

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials’ nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image’s uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis.
Machine learning methods to predict attrition in a population-based cohort of very preterm infants
Authors: Teixeira Raquel , Rodrigues Carina , Moreira Carla , Barros Henrique , Camacho Rui
Published: June 2022

The timely identification of cohort participants at higher risk for attrition is important to earlier interventions and efficient use of research resources. Machine learning may have advantages over the conventional approaches to improve discrimination by analysing complex interactions among predictors. We developed predictive models of attrition applying a conventional regression model and different machine learning methods. A total of 542 very preterm (< 32 gestational weeks) infants born in Portugal as part of the European Effective Perinatal Intensive Care in Europe (EPICE) cohort were included. We tested a model with a fixed number of predictors (Baseline) and a second with a dynamic number of variables added from each follow-up (Incremental). Eight classification methods were applied: AdaBoost, Artificial Neural Networks, Functional Trees, J48, J48Consolidated, K-Nearest Neighbours, Random Forest and Logistic Regression. Performance was compared using AUC- PR (Area Under the Curve—Precision Recall), Accuracy, Sensitivity and F-measure. Attrition at the four follow-ups were, respectively: 16%, 25%, 13% and 17%. Both models demonstrated good predictive performance, AUC-PR ranging between 69 and 94.1 in Baseline and from 72.5 to 97.1 in Incremental model. Of the whole set of methods, Random Forest presented the best performance at all follow-ups [AUC-PR1: 94.1 (2.0); AUC-PR2: 91.2 (1.2); AUC-PR3: 97.1 (1.0); AUC-PR4: 96.5 (1.7)]. Logistic Regression performed well below Random Forest. The top-ranked predictors were common for both models in all follow-ups: birthweight, gestational age, maternal age, and length of hospital stay. Random Forest presented the highest capacity for prediction and provided interpretable predictors. Researchers involved in cohorts can benefit from our robust models to prepare for and prevent loss to follow-up by directing efforts toward individuals at higher risk.
Bespoke magnetic field design for a magnetically shielded cold atom interferometer
Authors: Hobson P. J. , Vovrosh J. , Stray B. , Packer M. , Winch J. , Holmes N. , Hayati F. , McGovern K. , Bowtell R. , Brookes M. J. , Bongs K. , Fromhold T. M. , Holynski M.
Published: June 2022

Quantum sensors based on cold atoms are being developed which produce measurements of unprecedented accuracy. Due to shifts in atomic energy levels, quantum sensors often have stringent requirements on their internal magnetic field environment. Typically, background magnetic fields are attenuated using high permeability magnetic shielding, with the cancelling of residual and introduction of quantisation fields implemented with coils inside the shield. The high permeability shield, however, distorts all magnetic fields, including those generated inside the sensor. Here, we demonstrate a solution by designing multiple coils overlaid on a 3D-printed former to generate three uniform and three constant linear gradient magnetic fields inside the capped cylindrical magnetic shield of a cold atom interferometer. The fields are characterised in-situ and match their desired forms to high accuracy. For example, the uniform transverse field, Bx, deviates by less than 0.2% over more than 40% of the length of the shield. We also map the field directly using the cold atoms and investigate the potential of the coil system to reduce bias from the quadratic Zeeman effect. This coil design technology enables targeted field compensation over large spatial volumes and has the potential to reduce systematic shifts and noise in numerous cold atom systems.
Characterization of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia phage AXL1 as a member of the genus Pamexvirus encoding resistance to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole
Authors: McCutcheon Jaclyn G. , Lin Andrea , Dennis Jonathan J.
Published: June 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium capable of causing disease in humans. Antibiotics are largely ineffective against this pathogen due to numerous chromosomally encoded antibiotic resistance mechanisms. An alternative treatment option is phage therapy, the use of bacteriophages to selectively kill target bacteria that are causing infection. To this aim, we isolated the Siphoviridae bacteriophage AXL1 (vB_SmaS-AXL_1) from soil and herein describe its characterization. Host range analysis on a panel of 30 clinical S. maltophilia strains reveals a moderate tropism that includes cross-species infection of Xanthomonas, with AXL1 using the type IV pilus as its host surface receptor for infection. Complete genome sequencing and analysis revealed a 63,962 bp genome encoding 83 putative proteins. Comparative genomics place AXL1 in the genus Pamexvirus, along with seven other phages that infect one of Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas or Xanthomonas species. Functional genomic analyses identified an AXL1-encoded dihydrofolate reductase enzyme that provides additional resistance to the antibiotic combination trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, the current recommended treatment option for S. maltophilia infections. This research characterizes the sixth type IV pilus-binding phage of S. maltophilia and is an example of phage-encoded antibiotic resistance.
Reputation structure in indirect reciprocity under noisy and private assessment
Authors: Fujimoto Yuma , Ohtsuki Hisashi
Published: June 2022

Evaluation relationships are pivotal for maintaining a cooperative society. A formation of the evaluation relationships has been discussed in terms of indirect reciprocity, by modeling dynamics of good or bad reputations among individuals. Recently, a situation that individuals independently evaluate others with errors (i.e., noisy and private reputation) is considered, where the reputation structure (from what proportion of individuals in the population each receives good reputations, defined as goodness here) becomes complex, and thus has been studied mainly with numerical simulations. The present study gives a theoretical analysis of such complex reputation structure. We formulate the time change of goodness of individuals caused by updates of reputations among individuals. By considering a large population, we derive dynamics of the frequency distribution of goodnesses. An equilibrium state of the dynamics is approximated by a summation of Gaussian functions. We demonstrate that the theoretical solution well fits the numerical calculation. From the theoretical solution, we obtain a new interpretation of the complex reputation structure. This study provides a novel mathematical basis for cutting-edge studies on indirect reciprocity.
Comparative genomic analysis of Streptomyces rapamycinicus NRRL 5491 and its mutant overproducing rapamycin
Authors: Jo Hee-Geun , Adidjaja Joshua Julio , Kim Do-Kyung , Park Bu-Soo , Lee Namil , Cho Byung-Kwan , Kim Hyun Uk , Oh Min-Kyu
Published: June 2022

Streptomyces rapamycinicus NRRL 5491 is a well-known producer of rapamycin, a secondary metabolite with useful bioactivities, including antifungal, antitumor, and immunosuppressive functions. For the enhanced rapamycin production, a rapamycin-overproducing strain SRMK07 was previously obtained as a result of random mutagenesis. To identify genomic changes that allowed the SRMK07 strain’s enhanced rapamycin production, genomes of the NRRL 5491 and SRMK07 strains were newly sequenced in this study. The resulting genome sequences of the wild-type and SRMK07 strains showed the size of 12.47 Mbp and 9.56 Mbp, respectively. Large deletions were observed at both end regions of the SRMK07 strain’s genome, which cover 17 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding secondary metabolites. Also, genes in a genomic region containing the rapamycin BGC were shown to be duplicated. Finally, comparative metabolic network analysis using these two strains’ genome-scale metabolic models revealed biochemical reactions with different metabolic fluxes, which were all associated with NADPH generation. Taken together, the genomic and computational approaches undertaken in this study suggest biological clues for the enhanced rapamycin production of the SRMK07 strain. These clues can also serve as a basis for systematic engineering of a production host for further enhanced rapamycin production.
Determination of sequence and absolute configuration of peptide amino acids by HPLC–MS/CD-based detection of liberated N-terminus phenylthiohydantoin amino acids
Authors: Hahn Dongyup , Wang Weihong , Choi Hyukjae , Kang Heonjoong
Published: June 2022

We report a method for the simultaneous determination of the sequence and absolute configuration of peptide amino acids using a combination of Edman degradation and HPLC–MS/CD. Phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) derivatives of 20 pairs of standard d- and l-amino acids were synthesized by the Edman reaction. The CD spectra of the derivatives revealed that each pair of the PTH derivatives exhibited the absorption with opposite signs at around 270 nm. These standard PTH derivatives showed well-resolved resolution without interference from byproducts in the ion chromatogram and clear positive/negative CD absorptions when subjected on a reversed phase HPLC–MS system coupled with a CD-2095 HPLC detector. This method was applied for the detection of a synthetic pentapeptide and a natural depsipeptide (halicylindramide C). The sequence and configuration of the pentapeptide and up to eight residues of halicylindramide C were successfully analyzed by this method. The amino acid configuration of the pentapeptide was also determined successfully by subjecting its acid hydrolysates to the Edman reaction followed by HPLC–MS/CD.
A hybrid optimization with ensemble learning to ensure VANET network stability based on performance analysis
Authors: Marwah Gagan Preet Kour , Jain Anuj
Published: June 2022

High vehicle mobility, changing vehicle density and dynamic inter-vehicle spacing are all important issues in the VANET environment. As a result, a better routing protocol improves VANET overall performance by permitting frequent service availability. Therefore, an ensemble-based machine-learning technique is used to forecast VANET mobility. Effective routing based on a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm combined with Ensemble Learning yields significantly improved results. Based on information collected from the Road Side Unit (RSU) or the Base Station, a hybrid metaheuristic (Seagull optimization and Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization) method is used to estimate (BS). The suggested approach incorporates an ensemble machine learning and hybrid metaheuristic method to reduce the latency. The current model's execution is calculated using a variety of Machine Learning techniques, including SVM, Nave Bayes, ANN, and Decision Tree. As a result, the performance of machine learning algorithms may be studied and used to achieve the best results. Comparative analysis between the proposed method (HFSA-VANET) and (CRSM-VANET was done on different performance parameters like throughput, delay, drop, network lifetime, and energy consumption to assess system performance on two factors Speed and Nodes. The HFSA-VANET method shows an overall drop in the delay of 33% and a decrease in the energy consumption of 81% and an increase of 8% in the throughput as compared with the CRSM-VANET method at 80 node. The proposed method that is HFSA-VANET has been implemented in the MATLAB and NS2 environment.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles in Gum Arabic using pulsed laser ablation for CT imaging
Authors: Mzwd Elham , Ahmed Naser M. , Suradi Nursakinah , Alsaee Saleh K. , Altowyan Abeer S. , Almessiere Munirah A. , Omar Ahmad Fairuz
Published: June 2022

Laser ablation synthesis in liquid solution (PLAL) is a green technique that allows for the physical formation of nanomaterials. This study indicates the preparation of stable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in Gum Arabic (GA) solution via laser ablation as a CT contrast agent. The optical properties were achieved using the absorption spectroscopic technique whereas the morphology and size distribution were investigated by TEM and ImageJ software. TEM image shows greater stability and spherical shape of GA-AuNPs with smaller size at 1.85 ± 0.99 nm compared to AuNPs without GA. The absorption spectrum of pure AuNPs has a lower absorption peak height in the visible range at λ = 521 nm, while the spectrum of GA-AuNPs has a higher plasmon peak height at λ = 514 nm with a blue shift towards lower wavelengths. The concentration of GA that dissolved in 10 mL of DI water via laser ablation is set at 20 mg. Increasing the number of pulses has only a minor effect on particle size distribution, which remains tiny in the nanometer range (less than 3 nm). For energies greater than 200 mJ, there is a blue shift toward shorter wavelengths. As the concentration of GA-AuNPs increases, the CT number is also increased indicating good image contrast. It can be concluded that there is a positive and significant influence of GA as a reducing agent for AuNPs, and a contrast agent for CT imaging which highlights its superiority in future medical applications.
Fabrication of eco-friendly graphene-based superhydrophobic coating on steel substrate and its corrosion resistance, chemical and mechanical stability
Authors: Mohamed M. E. , Ezzat A. , Abdel-Gaber A. M.
Published: June 2022

Superhydrophobic coatings were successfully fabricated on steel substrates using potentiostatic electrodeposition of Ni and Ni-graphene, Ni-G, coatings followed by immersion in an ethanolic solution of stearic acid, SA. Rice straw, an environmentally friendly biomass resource, was used to synthesize high-quality graphene. The Raman spectra proved the high quality of the produced graphene. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, results showed that the Ni coating grafted with stearic acid, Ni-SA, and the Ni-G composite grafted with stearic acid, Ni-G-SA, were successfully deposited on the steel substrate. The scanning electron microscope, SEM, results showed that the prepared superhydrophobic coatings exhibit micro-nano structures. The wettability results revealed that the values of contact angles, CAs, for Ni-SA and Ni-G-SA coatings are 155.7° and 161.4°, while the values of sliding angles, SAs, for both coatings are 4.0° and 1.0°, respectively. The corrosion resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical abrasion resistance of the Ni-G-SA coating were found to be greater than those of the Ni-SA coating.
Polyphenols from persimmon fruit attenuate acetaldehyde-induced DNA double-strand breaks by scavenging acetaldehyde
Authors: Matsuzaki Kenichiro , Kumatoriya Kenji , Tando Mizuki , Kometani Takashi , Shinohara Miki
Published: June 2022

Acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of ethanol, induces DNA damage and genome instability. Accumulation of acetaldehyde due to alcohol consumption or aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) deficiency increases the risks of various types of cancers, including esophageal cancer. Although acetaldehyde chemically induces DNA adducts, the repair process of the lesions remains unclear. To investigate the mechanism of repair of acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage, we determined the repair pathway using siRNA knockdown and immunofluorescence assays of repair factors. Herein, we report that acetaldehyde induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human U2OS cells and that both DSB repair pathways, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR), are required for the repair of acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage. Our findings suggest that acetaldehyde-induced DNA adducts are converted into DSBs and repaired via NHEJ or HDR in human cells. To reduce the risk of acetaldehyde-associated carcinogenesis, we investigated potential strategies of reducing acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage. We report that polyphenols extracted from persimmon fruits and epigallocatechin, a major component of persimmon polyphenols, attenuate acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage without affecting the repair kinetics. The data suggest that persimmon polyphenols suppress DSB formation by scavenging acetaldehyde. Persimmon polyphenols can potentially inhibit carcinogenesis following alcohol consumption.
Biochemical characterization of Soxhlet-extracted pulp oil of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. fruit in Nigeria
Authors: Omeje Kingsley O. , Ezema Benjamin O. , Ozioko Juliet N. , Omeje Henry C. , Ossai Emmanuel C. , Eze Sabinus O. O. , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Korzeniowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2022

Characterization and further development of underutilized/underexploited indigenous tropical seed oils are essential to supplement both nutritional and industrial needs of an ever-increasing African (and global) population. Before now and to our best knowledge, the previous research involved Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. fruit specific to Nigeria appear to have been more on the evaluation of seed, pulp, and essential oils (from the seed), but much less on the pulp oil. To supplement existing information, this current work has aimed to biochemically characterize the Soxhlet-extracted pulp oil of C. schweinfurthii fruit gathered from a community situated in the South-east of Nigeria. Specifically, the biochemical characterization comprised the determinations of proximate compositions, lipid peroxidation, fatty acid profile, as well as carotenoids, sterols, and tocopherols. Processing the fruit sample to pulp oil involved, among others, oven-drying, and grinding, prior to the Soxhlet extraction. Results of proximate components of C. schweinfurthii pulp oil showed the following trend: crude fat content (~ 49.32%) > carbohydrates (~ 37.93%) > moisture content (~ 8.62%) > ash content (~ 3.74%) > crude protein content (~ 0.39%) values. The lipid peroxidation attributes comprised acid (~ 23.60 mg KOH/g), peroxide (~ 33.91 mEq. O2/kg), iodine (~ 58.3 g/100 g), and saponification (~ 138.21 mg KOH/g) values. In addition to the free (~ 13.8%), saturated (~ 9.74%), and unsaturated (~ 90.26%) fatty acids, a total of fifteen (15) fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) spectral peaks were found, from caprylic acid (C8:0) to lignoceric acid (C24:0). Total tocopherol concentration amounted to ~ 73 mg/100 g, which comprised α, β, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocotrienol, with fair concentrations of carotenoids and sterols. Overall, the C. schweinfurthii pulp oil—biochemically competitive with a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acid, tocopherol, and sterol, suggests strong industrial promise.
A transcriptomic signature for prostate cancer relapse prediction identified from the differentially expressed genes between TP53 mutant and wild-type tumors
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2022

For prostate cancer (PCa) patients, biochemical recurrence (BCR) is the first sign of disease relapse and the subsequent metastasis. TP53 mutations are relatively prevalent in advanced PCa forms. We aimed to utilize this knowledge to identify robust transcriptomic signatures for BCR prediction in patients with Gleason score ≥ 7 cancers, which cause most PCa deaths. Using the TCGA-PRAD dataset and the novel data-driven stochastic approach proposed in this study, we identified a 25-gene signature from the genes whose expression in tumors was associated with TP53 mutation statuses. The predictive strength of the signature was assessed by AUC and Fisher’s exact test p-value according to the output of support vector machine-based cross validation. For the TCGA-PRAD dataset, the AUC and p-value were 0.837 and 5 × 10–13, respectively. For five external datasets, the AUCs and p-values ranged from 0.632 to 0.794 and 6 × 10–2 to 5 × 10–5, respectively. The signature also performed well in predicting relapse-free survival (RFS). The signature-based transcriptomic risk scores (TRS) explained 28.2% of variation in RFS on average. The combination of TRS and clinicopathologic prognostic factors explained 23–72% of variation in RFS, with a median of 54.5%. Our method and findings are useful for developing new prognostic tools in PCa and other cancers.
Channel estimation based on superimposed pilot and weighted averaging
Authors: Wu Qun , Zhou Xiao , Wang Chengyou , Qin Zhiliang
Published: June 2022

Channel estimation based on superimposed pilot (SP) is a challenge in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. To reduce the pilot data interference in the SP and estimate the channel state information accurately, a weighted averaging (WA) channel estimation method based on the superimposed pilot is proposed in this paper. At the transmitter, two signals with data symbols and pilot symbols superimposed at different subcarriers are transmitted. At the receiver, the elimination scheme is proposed to remove the pilot data interference. Based on the temporal correlation of wireless channels, the WA method is used to reduce the interference caused by additive white Gaussian noise in the channel. Simulation results verify that the proposed method can be applied to different channel scenarios. It has better normalized mean square error and bit error rate performance than other existing methods, and the superimposed pilot can improve the throughput of wireless communication systems.
Whole genome sequencing analyses revealed that Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin strains from Brazil belonged to two predominant clades
Authors: Campioni Fábio , Vilela Felipe Pinheiro , Cao Guojie , Kastanis George , dos Prazeres Rodrigues Dália , Costa Renata Garcia , Tiba-Casas Monique Ribeiro , Yin Lanlan , Allard Marc , Falcão Juliana Pfrimer
Published: June 2022

Salmonella Dublin is a cattle-associated serovar sporadically causing disease in humans. S. Dublin strains isolated in Brazil and in other countries were analyzed to determine their phylogenetic relationships, the presence of genes, plasmids, genomic regions related to virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes repertoire, using WGS analyses. Illumina was used to sequence the genome of 112 S. Dublin strains isolated in Brazil from humans (n = 82) and animals (n = 30) between 1983 and 2016. Furthermore, 87 strains from other countries were analyzed. WGSNP analysis revealed three different clades, in which the strains from Brazil belonged to two clades, A and C. Most of the genes and genomic regions searched varied among the strains studied. The siderophore genes iroB and iroC were exclusively found in strains from Brazil and pegD gene, related to fimbrial adherence determinants, were positive in 124 strains from clades A and B but absent in all the strains from clade C (n = 71). Eleven plasmid replicons were found in the strains from Brazil, and nine were exclusively found in strains from other countries. The antimicrobial resistance genes mdsA and mdsB, that encode an efflux pump, were found in all the strains studied. The strains from Brazil carried other resistance genes, such as tet(A) (n = 11), tet(B) (n = 4) and tet(C) (n = 4), blaTEM-1 (n = 4), catA1 (n = 1), aadA1 (n = 1), and sul1 (n = 1). In conclusion, S. Dublin strains isolated in Brazil presented some few unique genes not found in strains from other countries and were allocated into two distinct clades with strains of human and animal origin epidemiologically related. This fact stresses the zoonotic potential of S. Dublin circulating in Brazil for more than 30 years.
A data model and file format to represent and store high frequency energy monitoring and disaggregation datasets
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Velosa Nuno , Pereira Manuel
Published: June 2022

There is a generalized consensus in the Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring research community on the importance of public datasets for improving this research field. Still, despite the considerable efforts to release public data, what is currently available suffers from serious issues, among which is the lack of widely accepted data models and common interfaces to access the currently available and future datasets. This paper proposes the Energy Monitoring and Disaggregation Data Format (EMD-DF64). EMD-DF64 is a data model, file format, and application programming interface developed to provide a unique interface to create, manage, and access high-frequency (≥ 1 Hz) electric energy consumption datasets. More precisely, the present paper describes the data model and its respective implementation, which was done by leveraging the well-known Sony WAVE64 format that supports the storage of audio data and metadata annotations.
RNA modification patterns based on major RNA modifications define tumor microenvironment characteristics in glioblastoma
Authors: Li Ganglei , Zhu Yu , Gu Jun , Zhang Tiesong , Wang Feng , Huang Kaiyuan , Gu Chenjie , Xu Kangli , Zhan Renya , Shen Jian
Published: June 2022

RNA modifications play a major role in tumorigenicity and progression, but the expression and function in glioblastoma (GBM) have not been well described. In this study, we developed a GBM score based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups showing RNA modification patterns. We assessed the association between the GBM score and tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics. Based on the gene expression of these regulators, we identified two clusters with distinct RNA modification patterns. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients in cluster 1 had worse survival than those in cluster 2. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that GBM scores (based on DEGs between RNA modification patterns) are an independent predictive biomarker for patient prognosis. Besides, we found that samples with high scores were significantly associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and immune checkpoints, while samples with low scores were associated with cell cycle regulation. Importantly, GBM-score markedly positively correlated drug resistance, while negatively correlated with drug sensitive. The responders of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy tend to have a lower GBM score than non-responders. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of multiple RNA modifications in GBM revealed that RNA modification regulators were closely correlated with TME.
Biofilm accumulation and sucrose rinse modulate calcium and fluoride bioavailability in the saliva of children with early childhood caries
Authors: Crescente Camila Lopes , de Sousa Emerson Tavares , Lima-Holanda Aline Tavares , Steiner-Oliveira Carolina , Nobre-dos-Santos Marinês
Published: June 2022

This study aimed at investigating the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and 20% sucrose rinse on the modulation of calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (Pi), and fluoride (F−) bioavailability in the saliva of children with early childhood caries (ECC). Fifty-six preschoolers of both genders were evaluated according to caries experience and activity: caries-free (CF, n = 28) and with ECC (n = 28) and then, submitted to biofilm intervention (biofilm accumulation). In each situation, saliva samples were collected before and five minutes after a 20% sucrose rinse to determine the concentrations of Ca2+, Pi, and F−. Calcium concentration was significantly lower in the biofilm accumulation situation compared to the situation of biofilm mechanical control (p ≤ 0.01), except for CF children after sucrose rinse. Biofilm accumulation increased salivary calcium concentration in children with ECC after sucrose rinse (p = 0.04), whereas mechanical biofilm control reduced it in both groups (p = 0.000). Phosphate concentration was influenced by mechanical control of biofilm in CF children (p = 0.03). The fluoride bioavailability was reduced by sucrose rinse and biofilm accumulation in CF and ECC children (p ≤ 0.002). In conclusion, the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and sucrose rinse modifies the bioavailability of calcium and fluoride in the saliva of children with early childhood caries.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ren Mian , Zheng Danna , Wu Juan , Liu Yueming , Peng Chengzhong , Shen Wei , Lin Bo
Published: June 2022

We compared the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). In this single-center retrospective study, we divided patients into PTX (n = 53) and RFA (n = 47) groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved the target intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration range (≤ 300 pg/mL). Secondary outcomes were the differences in the changes in iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels over time and prognosis. iPTH concentrations of 82.1% and 64.1% in the PTX and RFA groups, respectively, were within the recommended range at the endpoint (P = 0.07). iPTH concentrations in the PTX and RFA groups dropped sharply after treatment (82 ± 163 pg/mL and 280 ± 307 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the trends of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). Survival analysis revealed no differences in all-cause mortality and cumulative response rate between the two groups (P = 0.90, P = 0.14, respectively). Notably, the incidence of infection and length of the hospital stay in the RFA group were significantly lower. The preoperative bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentration was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia. US-guided RFA is minimally invasive and compared to PTX in terms of long-term efficacy and complications in the treatment of severe SHPT in maintenance dialysis patients. It may be used as an alternative technique to PTX; however, further studies are needed.
Expression, characterization, and activity optimization of a novel cellulase from the thermophilic bacteria Cohnella sp. A01
Authors: Mohammadi Shima , Tarrahimofrad Hossein , Arjmand Sareh , Zamani Javad , Haghbeen Kamahldin , Aminzadeh Saeed
Published: June 2022

Cellulases are hydrolytic enzymes with wide scientific and industrial applications. We described a novel cellulase, CelC307, from the thermophilic indigenous Cohnella sp. A01. The 3-D structure of the CelC307 was predicted by comparative modeling. Docking of CelC307 with specific inhibitors and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed that these ligands bound in a non-competitive manner. The CelC307 protein was purified and characterized after recombinant expression in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21. Using CMC 1% as the substrate, the thermodynamic values were determined as Km 0.46 mM, kcat 104.30 × 10–3 (S−1), and kcat/Km 226.73 (M−1 S−1). The CelC307 was optimally active at 40 °C and pH 7.0. The culture condition was optimized for improved CelC307 expression using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design as follows: temperature 20 °C, pH 7.5, and inoculation concentration with an OD600 = 1. The endoglucanase activity was positively modulated in the presence of Na+, Li+, Ca2+, 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), and glycerol. The thermodynamic parameters calculated for CelC307 confirmed its inherent thermostability. The characterized CelC307 may be a suitable candidate for various biotechnological applications.
Inverted multi-layer internal limiting membrane flap for macular hole retinal detachment in high myopia
Authors: Wang Xianggui , Zhu Ying , Xu Huizhuo
Published: June 2022

To investigate the surgical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with inverted multi-layer internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap for the treatment of macular hole retinal detachment in high myopia. We retrospectively analysed the medical records of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) patients with high myopia. The patients were divided into two groups with different surgical procedure: inverted multi-layer ILM flap group (group 1, 27 eyes) and the ILM peeling group (group 2, 29 eyes). Retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure rate at last follow-up and BCVA at 6 months post-operation were compared between the two groups. After primary PPV and silicone oil removal, the retinal reattachment rate was 96.3% in group 1 and 93.1% in group 2 respectively at last follow-up, showing no statistically significant difference (odds ratio = 0.525, P = 1.000). All eyes in group 1 had type I macular closure (100%, 27/27), while only 7 eyes (24.1%, 7/29) in group 2 have type I macular hole closure. The difference was statistically significant (odds ratio = 0, P < 0.05). The mean logMAR BCVA both improved significantly at 6 months post-operation compared with pre-operation (t = 4.181, P < 0.001; t = 3.217, P < 0.001), however the difference of post-operation BCVA between the two groups was not statistically significant (t = 0.906, P > 0.05). PPV combined with inverted multi-layer ILM flap could achieve better anatomical outcomes than ILM peeling technique with no significant advantage in functional outcomes.
Protocatechuic acid as a potent anticarcinogenic compound in purple rice bran against diethylnitrosamine-initiated rat hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Punvittayagul Charatda , Luangsuphabool Theerapat , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan
Published: June 2022

Our previous study demonstrated that purple rice bran extract (PRBE) could inhibit diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is the major phenolic acid contained in the PRBE. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether PCA is an anticarcinogenic compound in purple rice extract. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with DEN to induce glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci. Rats were fed with PRBE at 500 mg kg−1 body weight or PCA at 4 mg kg−1 body weight for 5 and 15 weeks. PCA administration attenuated DEN-induced hepatic GST-P positive foci to a degree similar to PRBE. The molecular mechanisms of PCA in the initiation stage were correlated with reduced activity of cytochrome P450 reductase and induction of glutathione S-transferase. In addition, PCA also downregulated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β genes in rat liver. These genes are associated with the inhibition of inflammation. In the promotion stage, PCA suppressed cell proliferation correlated with the downregulation of Cyclin D1 expression. Moreover, it also induced apoptosis, indicated by increased expression of P53 and Bad genes, and decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl in DEN-initiated rats. These findings suggest that PCA is an active compound in the anticarcinogenic action of purple rice bran.
Poly(A) capture full length cDNA sequencing improves the accuracy and detection ability of transcript quantification and alternative splicing events
Authors: Ura Hiroki , Togi Sumihito , Niida Yo
Published: June 2022

The full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing, one of the RNA-Seq methods, is a powerful method used to investigate the transcriptome status of a gene of interest, such as its transcription level and alternative splicing variants. Furthermore, full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing has the advantage that it can create a library from a small amount of sample and the library can be applied to long-read sequencers in addition to short-read sequencers. Nevertheless, one of our previous studies indicated that the full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing yields non-specific genomic DNA amplification, affecting transcriptome analysis, such as transcript quantification and alternative splicing analysis. In this study, it was confirmed that it is possible to produce the RNA-Seq library from only genomic DNA and that the full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing of genomic DNA yielded non-specific genomic DNA amplification. To avoid non-specific genomic DNA amplification, two methods were examined, which are the DNase I-treated full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing and poly(A) capture full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing. Contrary to expectations, the non-specific genomic DNA amplification was increased and the number of the detected expressing genes was reduced in DNase I-treated full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing. On the other hand, in the poly(A) capture full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing, the non-specific genomic DNA amplification was significantly reduced, accordingly the accuracy and the number of detected expressing genes and splicing events were increased. The expression pattern and percentage spliced in index of splicing events were highly correlated. Our results indicate that the poly(A) capture full-length double-strand cDNA sequencing improves transcript quantification accuracy and the detection ability of alternative splicing events. It is also expected to contribute to the determination of the significance of DNA variants to splicing events.
Novel dopant-free hole transport materials enabling 20.9% efficiency in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yin Xinxing , Song Jiaxing , Hu Lin , Jin Yingzhi , Lu Lei , Su Zhen , Li Zaifang
Published: June 2022

Two novel D–A–D type dopant-free HTMs have been developed with planar A cores. Dopant-free PSCs delivered a high PCE of 20.94% with good long-term stability.
Liquid exfoliation of five-coordinate layered titanate K2Ti2O5 single crystals in water
Authors: Hayashi Fumitaka , Furui Kenta , Tatewaki Nanako , Sudare Tomohito , Kashiwazaki Maru , Shiiba Hiromasa , Tanaka Hideki , Koyama Michihisa , Terashima Chiaki , Teshima Katsuya
Published: June 2022

Millimeter-sized K2Ti2O5 single crystals were grown from a KCl–KOH mixed flux using a flux-evaporation assisted method. H2O was found to be the best solvent for the liquid exfoliation of K2Ti2O5 crystals.
PdAu-based nanotheranostic agent for photothermally initiated and oxygen-independent free radical generation
Authors: Wang Feng , Sun Zaoxia , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Junxun , Sun Lining
Published: June 2022

A single-light irradiated multifunctional PdAu-based nanotheranostic agent was developed for MR/CT/PA triple-modal imaging guided photothermal therapy and oxygen-independent photodynamic therapy.
Prediction of two-dimensional monolayer C2O2Fe with chiral magnetic and ferroelectric orders
Authors: Geng Chenduo , Wang Xin , Zhang Shijun , Dong Zhengchao , Xu Bin , Zhong Chonggui
Published: June 2022

A 30% strained Cr2O2Fe monolayer is predicted to have an electrically controlled magnetic effect. When the FE is upward to the plane, a CAFM order is obtained, while when the FE is downward, the monolayer shows the AAFM structure.
Electrocatalytic hydrogen production by CN– substituted cobalt triaryl corroles
Authors: Liu Zheng-Yan , Lai Jia-Wei , Yang Gang , Ren Bao-Ping , Lv Zhou-Yan , Si Li-Ping , Zhang Hao , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: June 2022

Four cobalt corrole complexes bearing 0–3 cyano groups on thepara-position of the threemeso-phenyl rings of the macrocycle were synthesized, characterized and applied for electrocatalytic H2production in both organic solvent and neutral aqueous media.
Synergy of nitrogen vacancies and partially broken hydrogen bonds in graphitic carbon nitride for superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light
Authors: Dang Haifeng , Mao Suhua , Li Qi , Li Mengyun , Shao Mengmeng , Wang Wenlong , Liu Quanbing
Published: June 2022

Partially broken hydrogen bonds and nitrogen vacancies were simultaneously introduced into g-C3N4 matrix, which caused the formation of porous structure, exposed more active sites and reduced the charge recombination for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Broad-band sensitized visible up-conversion in Y2Mg3Ge3O12:Ni2+,Er3+,Nb5+ phosphors
Authors: Yang Weiqi , Xiao Siguo , Yang Xiaoliang , Zhao Yaoxiang
Published: June 2022

Visible up-conversion is observed in the Ni2+, Er3+, Nb5+ tri-doped Y2Mg3Ge3O12 phosphor under excitation of light within its broad absorption band (900–1700 nm) such as 980 nm, 1064 nm, 1342 nm and 1550 nm.
Enhanced Cr(vi) removal by hierarchical CoFe2O4@SiO2–NH2via reduction and adsorption processes
Authors: Zhou Dongqin , Wang Jie , Chen Hao , Ge Xiao , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: June 2022

CoFe2O4@SiO2–NH2 shows excellent removal performance towards Cr(vi) due to its excellent electrostatic effect as well as the reduction process originating from the –CH group.
Achieving a strong second harmonic generation response and a wide band gap in a Hg-based material
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Wu Hongping , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng , Yu Hongwei
Published: June 2022

The property-oriented structural design strategy is employed in Hg-based chalcogenide to synthesize a new IR NLO crystal, [Ba4Cl2][HgGa4S10], which exhibits well-balanced NLO properties, including large SHG response and wide band gap.
Harvesting the fragment-based nature of bifunctional organocatalysts to enhance their activity
Authors: Gallarati Simone , Laplaza Ruben , Corminboeuf Clemence
Published: June 2022

Enhancing the activity of bifunctional organocatalysts: a fragment-based approach coupled with activity maps helps identifying better-performing catalytic motifs.
Triton B-promoted regioselective intramolecular addition of enolates to tethered ynamides for the construction of 8-membered O-heterocycles
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Zheng Yongxiang , Maccarone Daniele , Korsaye Feven-Alemu , Ciofini Ilaria , Miesch Laurence
Published: June 2022

Benzo-1,5 dioxocines have been synthesized via unique ynamides tethered to propargylic ethers. Triton B allowed a proximal enol addition on the N-allenamide creating shelf-stable 8-membered-O-heterocycles with a broad functional group tolerance.
A novel fluorescent digitonin derivative for non-invasive skin cholesterol detection: potential application in atherosclerosis screening
Authors: Ni Jingshu , Liu Yong , Hong Haiou , Kong Xiangyong , Han Yongsheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yuanzhi , Hua Changyi , Wang Quanfu , Wang Xia , Huang Yao , YiKun Wang , Meili Dong
Published: June 2022

Digitonin was used to synthesise a fluorescence probe for the non-invasive detection of skin cholesterol. This non-invasive skin cholesterol method may be used as a risk assessment tool for atherosclerosis screening in a large population.
Solid-state molecular oxygen activation using ball milling and a piezoelectric material for aerobic oxidation of thiols
Authors: Wang Gefei , Jia Jiajia , He Yu , Wei Diandian , Song Mingyu , Zhang Lei , Li Ganzhong , Li Heng , Yuan Bingxin
Published: June 2022

The agitation of BaTiO3via ball milling converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, leading to the reduction of molecular oxygen via a single electron transfer pathway analogous to the photocatalytic reaction.
Novel aspartic-based bio-MOF adsorbent for effective anionic dye decontamination from polluted water
Authors: Salama Eslam , Ghanim Mohamed , Hassan Hassan Shokry , Amer Wael A. , Ebeid El-Zeiny M. , El-Shazly Ahmed H. , Ossman Mona , Elkady Marwa F.
Published: June 2022

In this study, a cost-effective powdered Zn l-aspartic acid bio-metal organic framework (Zn l-Asp bio-MOF) was reported as an efficient adsorbent for Direct Red 81 (DR-81) as an anionic organic dye.
Robust yet flexible slippery layered composite surfaces with a programmable pressure-resistance response under extreme environmental conditions
Authors: Che Pengda , Han Xiao , Guo Pu , Wang Xuan , Cheng Shuman , Han Keyu , Jiang Lei , Heng Liping
Published: June 2022

We present a universal strategy to produce robust yet flexible layered slippery surfaces. Based on these surfaces, the fabricated sensors possess outstanding stability in extreme working environments.
Submicron Ti2CTxMXene particulates as high-rate intercalation anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Cui Cong , Dai Ruqiao , Zhang Chao , Fan Bingbing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2022

Submicron Ti2CTxMXene particulates were prepared by etching Ti2AlC synthesized by the molten salt method. The particulates without further modification attain an excellent rate performance as high as ∼155 mA h g−1at a current density of 10 A g−1.
Arginine-grafted porcine pericardium by copolymerization to improve the cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility and anti-calcification properties of bioprosthetic heart valve materials
Authors: Liang Xuyue , Zheng Cheng , Ding Kailei , Huang Xueyu , Zhang Shumang , Lei Yang , Yu Kui , Wang Yunbing
Published: June 2022

The introduction of arginine improved the hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of PP and reduced its calcification, offering a potential option for BHV fabrication in the future.
Mechanical, electronic and photocatalytic properties of binary Ge-based materials GeX2 (X = B, C, N) with a pentagonal structure
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Shen Yanqing , Lv Lingling , Gao Xu , Meng Xianghui , Zhou Min , Yang Xin , Zhang Yu , Zheng Yangdong , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: June 2022

In this work, a novel series of Ge based pentagonal GeX2 (X = B, C, N) nanosheets with anisotropic mechanical properties were predicted. Of these, penta-GeC2 showed superior performance in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
A review on the sensing mechanisms and recent developments on metal halide-based perovskite gas sensors
Authors: Shinde Pratik V. , Patra Abhinandan , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: June 2022

This review provides a brief overview of the progress regarding the research developments, present status, and future outlooks of metal halide perovskite-based gas sensors.
Preventive control of successive failures in extreme weather for power system resilience enhancement
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Cui Wei , Niu Shuanbao , Wang Cong , Xue Chen , Ma Xiaowei , Liu Shiyu , Bie Zhaohong
Published: June 2022

Successive failure propagating through a power system, typically caused by extreme weather such as storm and lightning, can cause blackouts by means of a variety of processes. To address this issue, this paper proposes preventive control for successive failures of power system to mitigate the consequences of successive failures in extreme weather. First, based on the Poisson process theory, the authors model the successive failure propagation, and present the confidence interval estimation for the time interval between successive failures. Then, a failure pre‐control methodology that quantifies the grid regulating ability and actions is developed to make decisions for system operators on mitigating overloads of transmission lines. Furthermore, a systematic pre‐control framework for successive failures is first proposed to detect latent risks, eliminate predictable consequential outages, and secure power system stability. Results from IEEE‐9 bus and IEEE‐39 bus standard systems as well as a real‐world system show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed preventive control framework can provide a systematic pre‐control action scheme for system operators, and realize enhancement of stability and resilience to power system failures.