bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-assisted non-destructive plasticizer identification and quantification in historical PVC objects based on IR spectroscopy
Authors: Rijavec Tjaša , Ribar David , Markelj Jernej , Strlič Matija , Kralj Cigić Irena
Published: March 2022

Non-destructive spectroscopic analysis combined with machine learning rapidly provides information on the identity and content of plasticizers in PVC objects of heritage value. For the first time, a large and diverse collection of more than 100 PVC objects in different degradation stages and of diverse chemical compositions was analysed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to create a dataset used to construct classification and regression models. Accounting for this variety makes the model more robust and reliable for the analysis of objects in museum collections. Six different machine learning classification algorithms were compared to determine the algorithm with the highest classification accuracy of the most common plasticizers, based solely on the spectroscopic data. A classification model capable of the identification of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, a mixture of diisononyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate, and unplasticized PVC was constructed. Additionally, regression models for quantification of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate in PVC were built. This study of real-life objects demonstrates that classification and quantification of plasticizers in a general collection of degraded PVC objects is possible, providing valuable data to collection managers.
Identification of potentially functional circular RNAs hsa_circ_0070934 and hsa_circ_0004315 as prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Morovat Pejman , Morovat Saman , Ashrafi Arash M. , Teimourian Shahram
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, which has a high mortality rate and poor treatment outcomes with yet unknown molecular basis. It seems that gene expression plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) can interact with microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression in various malignancies by acting as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the potential pathogenesis roles of the ceRNA network among circRNA/miRNA/mRNA in HCC are unclear. In this study, first, the HCC circRNA expression data were obtained from three Gene Expression Omnibus microarray datasets (GSE164803, GSE94508, GSE97332), and the differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified using R limma package. Also, the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) miRNA and mRNA sequence data were retrieved from TCGA and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) and mRNAs (DEGs) were determined using the R DESeq2 package. Second, CSCD website was used to uncover the binding sites of miRNAs on DECs. The DECs' potential target miRNAs were revealed by conducting an intersection between predicted miRNAs from CSCD and downregulated DEMIs. Third, candidate genes were uncovered by intersecting targeted genes predicted by miRWalk and targetscan online tools with upregulated DEGs. The ceRNA network was then built using the Cytoscape software. The functional enrichment and the overall survival time of these potential targeted genes were analyzed, and a PPI network was constructed in the STRING database. Network visualization was performed by Cytoscape, and ten hub genes were detected using the CytoHubba plugin tool. Four DECs (hsa_circ_0000520, hsa_circ_0008616, hsa_circ_0070934, hsa_circ_0004315) were obtained and six miRNAs (hsa-miR-542-5p, hsa-miR-326, hsa-miR-511-5p, hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-214-3p, and hsa-miR-424-5p) which are regulated by the above DECs were identified. Then 543 overlapped genes regulated by six miRNAs mentioned above were predicted. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are mostly associated with regulatory pathways in cancer. Ten hub genes (TTK, AURKB, KIF20A, KIF23, CEP55, CDC6, DTL, NCAPG, CENPF, PLK4) have been screened from the PPI network of the 204 survival-related genes. KIF20A, NCAPG, TTK, PLK4, and CDC6 were selected for the highest significance p-values. At the end, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was established for five final selected hub genes. This study implies the potential pathogenesis of the obtained network and proposes that the two DECs (has_circ_0070934 and has_circ_0004315) may be important prognostic markers for HCC.
Copper-doped functionalized β-cyclodextrin as an efficient green nanocatalyst for synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water
Authors: Tajbakhsh Mahdieh , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles with immobilized Cu(I) in thiosemicarbazide-functionalized β-cyclodextrin (Cu@TSC-β‐CD) as a supramolecular catalyst was discussed. The catalyst was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements. The catalyst showed high activity (up to 95% yields of triazole products under optimized reaction conditions), providing a one-pot, atom-economic, and highly regioselective green method for 1,2,3-triazoles synthesis in an azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) protocol in water. High stability and no appreciable leaching of Cu(I) were observed, owing to its strong binding via the coordination with thiosemicarbazide functionality.
Exploring mitogenome evolution in Branchiopoda (Crustacea) lineages reveals gene order rearrangements in Cladocera
Authors: Castellucci Filippo , Luchetti Andrea , Mantovani Barbara
Published: March 2022

The class Branchiopoda, whose origin dates back to Cambrian, includes ~ 1200 species which mainly occupy freshwater habitats. The phylogeny and systematics of the class have been debated for long time, until recent phylogenomic analyses allowed to better clarify the relationships among major clades. Based on these data, the clade Anostraca (fairy and brine shrimps) is sister to all other branchiopods, and the Notostraca (tadpole shrimps) results as sister group to Diplostraca, which includes Laevicaudata + Spinicaudata (clam shrimps) and Cladoceromorpha (water fleas + Cyclestherida). In the present analysis, thanks to an increased taxon sampling, a complex picture emerges. Most of the analyzed mitogenomes show the Pancrustacea gene order while in several other taxa they are found rearranged. These rearrangements, though, occur unevenly among taxa, most of them being found in Cladocera, and their taxonomic distribution does not agree with the phylogeny. Our data also seems to suggest the possibility of potentially homoplastic, alternative gene order within Daphniidae.
Comparison of intuitive assessment and palliative care screening tool in the early identification of patients needing palliative care
Authors: Yen Yung-Feng , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Lai Yun-Ju , Chou Yi-Chang , Chen Chu-Chieh , Ho Chin-Yu
Published: March 2022

The intuitive assessment of palliative care (PC) needs and Palliative Care Screening Tool (PCST) are the assessment tools used in the early detection of patients requiring PC. However, the comparison of their prognostic accuracies has not been extensively studied. This cohort study aimed to compare the validity of intuitive assessment and PCST in terms of recognizing patients nearing end-of-life (EOL) and those appropriate for PC. All adult patients admitted to Taipei City Hospital from 2016 through 2019 were included in this prospective study. We used both the intuitive assessment of PC and PCST to predict patients’ 6-month mortality and identified those appropriate for PC. The c-statistic value was calculated to indicate the predictive accuracies of the intuition and PCST. Of 111,483 patients, 4.5% needed PC by the healthcare workers’ intuitive assessment, and 6.7% had a PCST score ≥ 4. After controlling for other covariates, a positive response ‘yes’ to intuitive assessment of PC needs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 914–10.71] and a PCST score ≥ 4 (AOR = 6.59; 95%CI 6.17–7.00) were the independent predictors of 6-month mortality. Kappa statistics showed moderate concordance between intuitive assessment and PCST in predicting patients' 6-month mortality (k = 0.49). The c-statistic values of the PCST at recognizing patients’ 6-month mortality was significantly higher than intuition (0.723 vs. 0.679; p < 0.001). As early identification of patients in need of PC could improve the quality of EOL care, our results suggest that it is imperative to screen patients’ palliative needs by using a highly accurate screening tool of PCST.
Impact of virtual embodiment and exercises on functional ability and range of motion in orthopedic rehabilitation
Authors: Matamala-Gomez Marta , Slater Mel , Sanchez-Vives Maria V.
Published: March 2022

Recent evidence supports the use of immersive virtual reality (immersive VR) as a means of applying visual feedback techniques in neurorehabilitation. In this study, we investigated the benefits of an embodiment-based immersive VR training program for orthopedic upper limb rehabilitation, with the aim of improving the motor functional ability of the arm and accelerating the rehabilitation process in patients with a conservatively managed distal radius fracture. We designed a rehabilitation program based on developing ownership over a virtual arm and then exercising it in immersive VR. We carried out a between 3-group controlled trial with 54 patients (mean age = 61.80 ± 14.18): 20 patients were assigned to the experimental training group (immersive VR), 20 to the conventional digit mobilization (CDM) training control group, and 14 to a non-immersive (non-immersive VR) training control group. We found that functional recovery of the arm in the immersive VR group was correlated with the ownership and agency scores over the virtual arm. We also found larger range of joint movements and lower disability of the fractured arm compared with patients in the Non-immersive VR and CDM groups. Feeling embodied in a virtual body can be used as a rehabilitation tool to speed up and improve motor functional recovery of a fractured arm after the immobilization period.
SLM-processed MoS2/Mo2S3 nanocomposite for energy conversion/storage applications
Authors: Alinejadian Navid , Kazemi Sayed Habib , Odnevall Inger
Published: March 2022

MoS2-based nanocomposites have been widely processed by a variety of conventional and 3D printing techniques. In this study, selective laser melting (SLM) has for the first time successfully been employed to tune the crystallographic structure of bulk MoS2 to a 2H/1T phase and to distribute Mo2S3 nanoparticles in-situ in MoS2/Mo2S3 nanocomposites used in electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems (EECSS). The remarkable results promote further research on and elucidate the applicability of laser-based powder bed processing of 2D nanomaterials for a wide range of functional structures within, e.g., EECSS, aerospace, and possibly high-temperature solid-state EECSS even in space.
Intrinsic bursts facilitate learning of Lévy flight movements in recurrent neural network models
Authors: Ohta Morihiro , Asabuki Toshitake , Fukai Tomoki
Published: March 2022

Isolated spikes and bursts of spikes are thought to provide the two major modes of information coding by neurons. Bursts are known to be crucial for fundamental processes between neuron pairs, such as neuronal communications and synaptic plasticity. Neuronal bursting also has implications in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. Despite these findings on the roles of bursts, whether and how bursts have an advantage over isolated spikes in the network-level computation remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate in a computational model that not isolated spikes, but intrinsic bursts can greatly facilitate learning of Lévy flight random walk trajectories by synchronizing burst onsets across a neural population. Lévy flight is a hallmark of optimal search strategies and appears in cognitive behaviors such as saccadic eye movements and memory retrieval. Our results suggest that bursting is crucial for sequence learning by recurrent neural networks when sequences comprise long-tailed distributed discrete jumps.
The cannabinoid receptor-1 gene interacts with stressful life events to increase the risk for problematic alcohol use
Authors: Bornscheuer Lisa , Lundin Andreas , Forsell Yvonne , Lavebratt Catharina , Melas Philippe A.
Published: March 2022

Problematic alcohol use is a major contributor to the global burden of death and disabilities, and it represents a public health concern that has grown substantially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The available treatment options remain limited and to develop better pharmacotherapies for alcohol misuse we need to identify suitable biological targets. Previous research has implicated the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in psychiatric and stress-related outcomes, including substance use and habituation to repeated stress. Moreover, genetic variants in the cannabinoid-1 receptor gene (CNR1; CB1R) have been associated with personality traits, which are in turn predictors of substance use disorders. To date, however, no human genome-wide association study has provided evidence for an involvement of the ECS in substance use outcomes. One reason for this ECS-related “missing heritability” may be unexamined gene-environment interactions. To explore this possibility, we conducted cross-sectional analyses using DNA samples and stress-exposure data from a longitudinal Swedish population-based study (N = 2,915). Specifically, we genotyped rs2023239, a functional C/T single nucleotide polymorphism in CNR1, previously reported to be associated with CNR1 binding in the brain, subjective reward following alcohol intake, and alcohol cue-elicited brain activation. Our two outcomes of interest were (i) problematic alcohol use based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and (ii) personality trait scores based on the Five Factor Model. We found no baseline association between rs2023239 and problematic alcohol use or personality traits. However, there was a clear trend for interaction between rs2023239’s risk allele (C) and stressful life events (SLEs) in both childhood and adulthood, which predicted problematic alcohol use. Although not significant, there was also some indication that the risk allele interacted with child SLEs to increase scores on neuroticism. Our study supports the notion that the ECS can affect alcohol intake behaviors by interacting with life adversities and is—to the best of our knowledge—the first to focus on the interaction between CNR1 and stressors in both childhood and adulthood in humans. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Serum Folate deficiency in HCV related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Malaguarnera Giulia , Catania Vito Emanuele , Bertino Gaetano , Drago Filippo , Madeddu Roberto , Bonfiglio Claudia , Malaguarnera Michele
Published: March 2022

Nutritional and environmental factors had been reporting in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we focused our intervention in the correlation between the folate status and the progression of HCC in patients with chronic virus C (HCV) infection. Nine-eight patients, HCV positive with HCC and one hundred of patients with HCV positive liver cirrhosis (LC) and one hundred patients with HCV positive chronic hepatitis (CHC) and one hundred control subjects were enrolled. The viremia for hepatitis C patients (HCV) was determined by HCV RNA with polymerase chain reaction. HCV was confirmed by HCV RNA or a positive anti-HCV test with chronic liver disease. The comparison of folate serum levels in HCC patients vs Liver Cirrhosis (LC) patients showed a significant decrease of 1.16 ng/ml P = 0.0006 (95% CI-1.925 to − 0.395), in HCC patients versus CHC a decrease of 1.40 ng/ml P < 0.0001 (95% CI-2.16 to − 0.63), in HCC vs controls a decrease of 3.80 ng/ml P < 0.0001 (95% CI-4.56 to − 3.03). The comparison of homocysteine Hcy serum levels showed a significant increase in HCC vs LC of 4 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 2.77 to 5.22) versus CHC of 9 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 7.78 to 10.22) and vs Controls 9.30 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 8.07 to 10.52). With progression of HCV infection from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis, then to HCC development, serum folate levels are progressively decreasing together with a progressive increase in serum homocysteine levels reflecting its role in disease progress and carcinogenesis.
The comparisons of expression pattern reveal molecular regulation of fruit metabolites in S. nigrum and S. lycopersicum
Authors: Heo Jung , Bang Woo Young , Jeong Jae Cheol , Park Sung-Chul , Lee Je Min , Choi Sungho , Lee Byounghee , Lee Young Koung , Kim Keunhwa , Park Soon Ju
Published: March 2022

Solanum nigrum, known as black nightshade, is a medicinal plant that contains many beneficial metabolites in its fruit. The molecular mechanisms underlying the synthesis of these metabolites remain uninvestigated due to limited genetic information. Here, we identified 47,470 unigenes of S. nigrum from three different tissues by de novo transcriptome assembly, and 78.4% of these genes were functionally annotated. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis using 18,860 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed tissue-specific gene expression regulation. We compared gene expression patterns between S. nigrum and tomato (S. lycopersicum) in three tissue types. The expression patterns of carotenoid biosynthetic genes were different between the two species. Comparison of the expression patterns of flavonoid biosynthetic genes showed that 9 out of 14 enzyme-coding genes were highly upregulated in the fruit of S. nigrum. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, we knocked out the R2R3-MYB transcription factor SnAN2 gene, an ortholog of S. lycopersicum ANTHOCYANIN 2. The mutants showed yellow/green fruits, suggesting that SnAN2 plays a major role in anthocyanin synthesis in S. nigrum. This study revealed the connection between gene expression regulation and corresponding phenotypic differences through comparative analysis between two closely related species and provided genetic resources for S. nigrum.
A toolkit for recombinant production of seven human EGF family growth factors in active conformation
Authors: Ferreira Arthur Schveitzer , Lopacinski Amanda , Batista Michel , Hiraiwa Priscila Mazzocchi , Guimarães Beatriz Gomes , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin
Published: March 2022

Epidermal growth factors (EGF) play a wide range of roles in embryogenesis, skin development, immune response homeostasis. They are involved in several pathologies as well, including several cancer types, psoriasis, chronic pain and chronic kidney disease. All members share the structural EGF domain, which is responsible for receptor interaction, thereby initiating transduction of signals. EGF growth factors have intense use in fundamental research and high potential for biotechnological applications. However, due to their structural organization with three disulfide bonds, recombinant production of these factors in prokaryotic systems is not straightforward. A significant fraction usually forms inclusion bodies. For the fraction remaining soluble, misfolding and incomplete disulfide bond formation may affect the amount of active factor in solution, which can compromise experimental conclusions and biotechnological applications. In this work, we describe a reliable procedure to produce seven human growth factors of the EGF family in Escherichia coli. Biophysical and stability analyses using limited proteolysis, light scattering, circular dichroism and nanoDSF show that the recombinant factors present folded and stable conformation. Cell proliferation and scratch healing assays confirmed that the recombinant factors are highly active at concentrations as low as 5 ng/ml.
Suppression of deflagration flame propagation of methane-air in tube by argon gas and explosion-eliminating chamber
Authors: Wang Quan , Xu Xiaomeng , Chang Weida , Li Zhimin , Zhang Jun , Li Rui
Published: March 2022

To explore the inhibitory effect of argon gas and explosion-eliminating chamber on methane-air deflagration flame propagation in the tube, based on the Φ = 120 mm, L = 5.5 m stainless steel pipeline test system to measure methane-air deflagration flame structure, flame propagation speed, and deflagration pressure. The results show that: 10–30% argon is mixed into the methane-air premixed gas with different equivalent ratios. With the increase in the mixed argon content, the tensile distortion and instability of the flame front increase, and the average value of flame propagation speed decreases by 2.52–60.0%. The first and second deflagration pressure peaks are reduced by about 13.1–62% and 17.7–86.5% respectively. The average value of the methane-air deflagration flame propagation velocity was reduced by 5.7–37.0% with the explosion-eliminating chamber laid at the nozzle. The second and third deflagration pressure peaks are reduced by about 10–30% and 50–90% respectively. The inhibitory effect of argon on the propagation of methane-air flame is considered better than the laying of the explosion-eliminating chamber under the experimental conditions.
HRTEM analysis of the aggregate structure and ultrafine microporous characteristics of Xinjiang Zhundong coal under heat treatment
Authors: Li Xueping , Zeng Qiang
Published: March 2022

Understanding the change in coal structure during heat treatment is the basis of efficient and clean utilization of coal. In this study, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to analyse the changes in the aggregate structure and ultramicropores of Zhungdong coal samples (Xinjiang, China) that were heated from ambient temperature to 800 °C respectively. Then, the relationship between their HRTEM characteristics and the corresponding reaction activation energy were also analyzed. The results show that the length, curvature, order, layer spacing and stacking height of the aromatic layers of the coal sample vary with an increasing temperature, and are related to the activation energy of the reaction. As the temperature reaches 300 °C, the HRTEM characteristics of the heated coal samples are obviously different from those of the raw coal sample. It is shown that the length of lattice fringes is in the range of 0.3–1.15 nm which accounts for approximately 95% of the total number of fringes. The overall orientation of lattice fringes is not good, but there are two main directions. After heating, the number of naphthalenes in the coal samples decreased, while the number of larger aromatic layers increased. The distance between the aromatic layers of the coal sample decreased with an increasing stacking height, the order of the aromatic layers was enhanced, and the number of aromatic sheets with a larger curvature increased. The coal ultramicropores are mainly concentrated from 0.4 to 0.7 nm. Heat treatment reduces the total number of ultramicropores, but the maximum number of pores is increased. The non-six-membered ring and lattice defects lead to the bending of the fringes, the distribution of fatty structures affects the orientation of the fringes, and the relationship between the pore and molecular structure does not exist independently. After heat treatment, the aggregate structure and ultramicropore size of coal have a high correlation with the activation energy. The activation energy is closely related to the 0.6 nmultramicropores. However, the current experiment could not explain the underlying causes of these relationships. The aggregated state in coal is the macromolecular group formed between different aromatic structures, fat structures and other molecules, which is formed by the interaction of internal defects and pores in the molecular group. The structural differences at different temperatures therefore reflect the interaction of different macromolecules in coal.
Predictive factors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy failure in patients with difficult biliary cannulation
Authors: Lee Mu-Hsien , Huang Shu-Wei , Lin Cheng-Hui , Tsou Yung-Kuan , Sung Kai-Feng , Wu Chi-Huan , Liu Nai-Jen
Published: March 2022

Predictors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy (NKP) failure for patients with difficult biliary cannulation has not been reported. Between 2004 and 2016, 390 patients with difficult biliary cannulation undergoing NKP were included in this single-center study. Following NKP, deep biliary cannulation failed in 95 patients (24.4%, NKP-failure group) and succeeded in 295 patients (75.6%, NKP-success group). Patient and technique factors were used to identify the predictors of initial NKP failure. Compared with the NKP-success group, periampullary diverticulum (28.4% vs. 18%, p = 0.028), surgically altered anatomy (13.7% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.049), number of cases performed by less experienced endoscopists, and bleeding during NKP (38.9% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001), were significantly more frequent in the NKP-failure group. On multivariate analysis, surgically altered anatomy (OR 2.374, p = 0.045), endoscopists’ experience (OR 3.593, p = 0.001), and bleeding during NKP (OR 21.18, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with initial failure of NKP. In conclusion, NKP is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, as endoscopists’ experience, bleeding during NKP, and surgically altered anatomy were predictors of initial NKP failure.
Specificity of scattering of ultrashort laser pulses by molecules with polyatomic structure
Authors: Makarov D. N. , Makarova K. A. , Kharlamova A. A.
Published: March 2022

The theory of scattering of ultrashort laser pulses (USP) is the basis of diffraction analysis of matter using modern USP sources. At present, the peculiarities of interaction of USP with complex structures are not well developed. In general, the research focuses on the features of the interaction of USP with simple systems, these are atoms and simple molecules. Here we present a theory of scattering of ultrashort laser pulses on molecules with a multi-atomic structure, taking into account the specifics of the interaction of USP with such a substance. The simplicity of the obtained expressions allows them to be used in diffraction analysis. As an example, the scattering spectra of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are presented. It is shown that the theory developed here is more general in the scattering theory and passes into the previously known one if we consider the duration of the USP to be sufficiently long.
Network analysis shows decreased ipsilesional structural connectivity in glioma patients
Authors: Fekonja Lucius S. , Wang Ziqian , Cacciola Alberto , Roine Timo , Aydogan D. Baran , Mewes Darius , Vellmer Sebastian , Vajkoczy Peter , Picht Thomas
Published: March 2022

Gliomas that infiltrate networks and systems, such as the motor system, often lead to substantial functional impairment in multiple systems. Network-based statistics (NBS) allow to assess local network differences and graph theoretical analyses enable investigation of global and local network properties. Here, we used network measures to characterize glioma-related decreases in structural connectivity by comparing the ipsi- with the contralesional hemispheres of patients and correlated findings with neurological assessment. We found that lesion location resulted in differential impairment of both short and long connectivity patterns. Network analysis showed reduced global and local efficiency in the ipsilesional hemisphere compared to the contralesional hemispheric networks, which reflect the impairment of information transfer across different regions of a network.
OZITX, a pertussis toxin-like protein for occluding inhibitory G protein signalling including Gαz
Authors: Keen Alastair C. , Pedersen Maria Hauge , Lemel Laura , Scott Daniel J. , Canals Meritxell , Littler Dene R. , Beddoe Travis , Ono Yuki , Shi Lei , Inoue Asuka , Javitch Jonathan A. , Lane J. Robert
Published: March 2022

Heterotrimeric G proteins are the main signalling effectors for G protein-coupled receptors. Understanding the distinct functions of different G proteins is key to understanding how their signalling modulates physiological responses. Pertussis toxin, a bacterial AB5 toxin, inhibits Gαi/o G proteins and has proven useful for interrogating inhibitory G protein signalling. Pertussis toxin, however, does not inhibit one member of the inhibitory G protein family, Gαz. The role of Gαz signalling has been neglected largely due to a lack of inhibitors. Recently, the identification of another Pertussis-like AB5 toxin was described. Here we show that this toxin, that we call OZITX, specifically inhibits Gαi/o and Gαz G proteins and that expression of the catalytic S1 subunit is sufficient for this inhibition. We identify mutations that render Gα subunits insensitive to the toxin that, in combination with the toxin, can be used to interrogate the signalling of each inhibitory Gα G protein.
A thermo-sensitive and injectable hydrogel derived from a decellularized amniotic membrane to prevent intrauterine adhesion by accelerating endometrium regeneration
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Li Peilin , Wang Can , Shang Ting , Han Haotian , Tong Yongjuan , Kang Yubin , Fang Jianjun , Cui Lei
Published: March 2022

An injectable and thermo-sensitive hydrogel was derived from AM, which can be injected and solidified in vivo. The dAM-gel offers an option for preventing IUA by promotion of the re-epithelialization of the damaged endometrium.
VEGF-attenuated platelet-rich plasma improves therapeutic effect on cartilage repair
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Guo Ping , Klett Katarina , Hall MacGregor , Sinha Krishna , Ravuri Sudheer , Huard Johnny , Murphy William L.
Published: March 2022

VEGF-mediated angiogenesis inhibits cartilage repair. Here we used VEGF-binding microspheres to sequester VEGF out of PRP and generate VEGF-attenuated PRP, which improved the therapeutic effects of PRP in articular cartilage repair.
Doping MAPbBr3 hybrid perovskites with CdSe/CdZnS quantum dots: from emissive thin films to hybrid single-photon sources
Authors: Baronnier Justine , Houel Julien , Dujardin Christophe , Kulzer Florian , Mahler Benoît
Published: March 2022

We report the first doping of MAPbBr3 thin films with CdSe/CdZnS quantum dots. High doping levels lead to coupling between matrix and QDs, while low doping levels allow observation of single-photon emission from an individual QD-in-perovskite hybrid.
High dielectric constant and high breakdown strength polyimide via tin complexation of the polyamide acid precursor
Authors: Alamri Abdullah , Wu Chao , Nasreen Shamima , Tran Huan , Yassin Omer , Gentile Ryan , Kamal Deepak , Ramprasad Rampi , Cao Yang , Sotzing Gregory
Published: March 2022

Polyimide with high dielectric constant and breakdown strength is synthesized via tin complexation of the polyamide acid precursor. Sn–O bonds with high atomic polarizability are intended to enhance the ionic polarization without sacrificing bandgap.
Cyclodextrin and its derivatives as effective excipients for amorphous ulipristal acetate systems
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Yan , Suo Zili , Zhai Yuanming , Li Hui
Published: March 2022

Probing into the amorphous mixtures of ulipristal acetate and cyclodextrins.
A caged imidazopyrazinone for selective bioluminescence detection of labile extracellular copper(ii)
Authors: O'Sullivan Justin J. , Medici Valentina , Heffern Marie C.
Published: March 2022

A caged imidazopyrazinone can detect reactive extracellular copper in mammalian systems using bioluminescence generated with the ATP-independent nanoluciferase enzyme.
Prediction of the structure and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone–silica nanocomposites and the interphase region by molecular dynamics simulations: the effect of PEGylation
Authors: Ezquerro Carlos Sáenz , Aznar José Manuel García , Laspalas Manuel
Published: March 2022

The structure and mechanical properties of the interphase region were determined by MD simulations.
Bio-mineralization of virus-like particles by metal–organic framework nanoparticles enhances the thermostability and immune responses of the vaccines
Authors: Teng Zhidong , Hou Fengping , Bai Manyuan , Li Jiajun , Wang Jun , Wu Jinen , Ru Jiaxi , Ren Mei , Sun Shiqi , Guo Huichen
Published: March 2022

VLPs were encapsulated by ZIF-8 to improve the thermal stability. VLPs-ZIF-8 promotes the cellular uptake of VLPs and assists VLPs in escaping from lysosomes. VLPs-ZIF-8 vaccine showed better heat resistance, cellular and humoral immune responses.
Correlating the chemical structure and charge transport ability of dibenzofulvene-based hole transporting materials for stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Leoncini M. , Capodilupo A.-L. , Altamura D. , Giannini C. , Accorsi G. , Fabiano E. , Rizzo A. , Gigli G. , Gambino S.
Published: March 2022

By modifying the size and shape of the molecules, we managed to tune the hole mobility of our HTMs up to three orders of magnitude. Our best HTM led to a solar cell lifetime that is tripled compared to that based on spiro-OMeTAD.
Direct and mild non-hydroxide activation of biomass to carbons with enhanced CO2 storage capacity
Authors: Altwala Afnan , Mokaya Robert
Published: March 2022

Direct activation of biomass, via a simple and lower cost one-step process, with potassium oxalate as a mild and less corrosive agent, yields activated carbon with properties and CO2 uptake comparable or superior to conventionally prepared activated carbons.
Nanogap-containing thermo-plasmonic nano-heaters for amplified photo-triggered tumor ablation at low laser power density
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Lee Ji Yeon , Moon Myeong Ju , Kim Wooju , Jeong Yong Yeon , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: March 2022

The nanogap amplified plasmonic heat-generators are fabricated by decorating Pt nanodots on gold nanospheres (GNSs@Pt@mPEG) by maintaining strategic nano-gaps (1–2 nm) and studied precisely for plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) of colon cancer.
Recent advances in cooperative activation of CO2and N2O by bimetallic coordination complexes or binuclear reaction pathways
Authors: Sinhababu Soumen , Lakliang Yutthana , Mankad Neal P.
Published: March 2022

Bifunctional activation of the greenhouse gases, CO2and N2O, using bimetallic complexes or mononuclear complexes using binuclear reaction pathways is reviewed.
A quantitative single-nanowire study on the plasmonic enhancement for the upconversion photoluminescence of rare-earth-doped nanoparticles
Authors: Su Xin , Chen Li-Wei , Zhu Zhejiaji , Li Jiani , Zhang Nan , Bu Tong-An , Hao Yu-Chen , Gao Wen-Yan , Liu Di , Wu Si-Qian , Yu Zi-Long , Huang Hui-Zi , Yin An-Xiang
Published: March 2022

The enhancement effects of the upconversion photoluminescence of rare-earth-doped nanoparticles by the localized surface plasmon resonance of a single Ag nanowire are quantified on a single-nanowire scale assisted by selective etching treatment.
Ba10LuB18O32F13: the first example of borate in the Lu–B–O–F system with the unprecedented FBB [B9O22]
Authors: Chen Jiongquan , Jin Wenqi , Zhang Yanhui , Yang Yun , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: March 2022

The first example of borate in the Lu–B–O–F system was demonstrated, possessing a short cut-off edge near 190 nm and the novel FBB [B9O22].
Facet-dependent CdS/Bi4TaO8Cl Z-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic tetracycline hydrochloride degradation and the carrier separation mechanism study via single-particle spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Xianglin , Miao Honghai , Chen Jinzhou , Zhu Xingwang , Yi Jianjian , Mo Zhao , Li Huaming , Zheng Zhaoke , Huang Baibiao , Xu Hui
Published: March 2022

An efficient lateral Z-scheme CdS/Bi4TaO8Cl photocatalyst based on the facet-dependent charge separation mechanism and the bandgap structure characteristic was designed.
Fabrication of a polyoxotungstate/metal–organic framework/phosphorus-doped reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid modified glassy carbon electrode by electrochemical reduction and its electrochemical properties
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Hamid , Dianat Somayeh , Hosseinian Amin
Published: March 2022

Fabrication of a modified glassy carbon electrode based on a polyoxotungstate/metal–organic framework/phosphorus-doped reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid.
Effect of water content on the physical properties and structure of walnut oleogels
Authors: Wang Liqian , Wen Yuxiu , Su Caihong , Gao Yuan , Li Qi , Du Shuangkui , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of water content on the properties and structure of oleogels by developing walnut oleogel based on potato starch and candelilla wax (CW).
Spatiotemporal dynamics of supramolecular polymers by in situ quantitative catalyst-free hydroamination
Authors: Tan Minghan , Takeuchi Masayuki , Takai Atsuro
Published: March 2022

A supramolecular polymer based on ethynyl core-substituted naphthalenediimides reacted with various amines quantitatively without a catalyst, exhibiting unconventional reaction kinetics and products.
Bioinspired superwettable electrodes towards electrochemical biosensing
Authors: Zhu Qinglin , Yang Yuemeng , Gao Hongxiao , Xu Li-Ping , Wang Shutao
Published: March 2022

The recent progress of superhydrophilic/phobic electrodes, superaerophilic/phobic electrodes, superwettable patterned electrodes, Janus wettability electrodes and wettability switchable electrodes in electrochemical biosensing is reviewed.
Metal-mediated DNA base pairing of easily prepared 2-oxo-imidazole-4-carboxylate nucleotides
Authors: Hu Lingyun , Takezawa Yusuke , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2022

A novel 2-oxo-imidazole-4-carboxylate (ImOC) nucleobase, which can be easily derived from a commercially available uridine analogue, was found to form stable CuII- and HgII-mediated base pairs in DNA duplexes.
A new simple volatile solid additive triggers morphological optimization and performance stabilization in polymer solar cells
Authors: Fu Zhijie , Yu Weiyang , Song Hang , Zhang Guangquan , Chen Haiyan , Kan Zhipeng , Du Liuying , Li Jianfeng , Lu Shirong
Published: March 2022

A volatile solid additive, 2,6-dichloroiodobenzene (DCIB), was introduced into PM6:Y6-based devices, and a better phase separation morphology was gained due to the enhanced intermolecular interaction and prospective stability with little decay during 25 days.
How sodium chloride extends lifetime of bulk nanobubbles in water
Authors: Feng Muye , Ma Xiaotong , Zhang Zeyun , Luo Kai H. , Sun Chao , Xu Xuefei
Published: March 2022

The lifetime of the bulk nanobubble in water is extended in the presence of NaCl.
Elucidating the electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanohorns
Authors: Zieleniewska Anna , Lodermeyer Fabian , Prato Maurizio , Rumbles Garry , Guldi Dirk M. , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2022

Thermopower measurements directly illustrate that as-grown SWCNHs are p-type semiconductors, while chemical doping can also be used to tune the majority carrier density and type.
Sentence Repetition as a Clinical Marker for Mandarin-Speaking Preschoolers With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Wang Danyang , Zheng Li , Lin Yuanyuan , Zhang Yiwen , Sheng Li
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Sentence repetition (SR) is believed to be a clinical marker for developmental language disorder (DLD) across many languages. This study explored the potential of a self-designed Mandarin SR task (MSRT) to reflect Mandarin-speaking preschoolers' language ability and to differentiate children with and without DLD in this population. Furthermore, we aimed to compare five scoring systems for evaluating children's MSRT performance.

Method:

In Study 1, the MSRT was administered to 59 typically developing (TD) children aged 3;6 (years;months) to 6;5 in China. The task was examined regarding its ability to correlate with language indices derived from children's narrative samples. In Study 2, both a TD and a DLD group were recruited to investigate the task's sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios to distinguish between children with and without DLD.

Results:

Study 1 showed that, using four of the five scoring methods, TD children's performance on the MSRT significantly correlated with all the language measures derived from narratives. Study 2 showed that the MSRT was able to differentiate children with and without DLD.

Conclusion:

The MSRT is a promising tool to reflect language abilities and identify DLD in Mandarin-speaking preschoolers. Based on the current evidence, we recommend that researchers and clinicians select the number of errors in the syllable method or the binary method when scoring responses to meet their specific needs.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19386257
Phonetic Characteristics of Children's Early Words in German: Data From Typically Developing Children With Clinical Implications
Authors: Cassidy Rebekka , Aoyama Katsura , Davis Barbara L.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This study examined sound sequencing characteristics of German children's early words to compare with the patterns established for American English. We focused on consonant place of articulation for comparative purposes to Aoyama and Davis (2017) on children acquiring American English. Consonant–vowel–consonant (C1VC2) word forms is a frequent clinical target area for children receiving speech intervention for delays or disorders. Our goal is to provide useful background information for clinical decisions with German-speaking children.

Method:

Data from 13 German-speaking children were analyzed using the Child Language Data Exchange System database. First and second consonants in C1VC2word forms were coded as a labial (e.g., /p/, /b/, /m/), a coronal (alveolar and palatal, e.g., /t/, /d/, /n/), or a dorsal (velar, e.g., /k/, /g/, /ŋ/). All word types and tokens were then categorized into nine place–sequence types (e.g., labial–labial, Baum /baʊm/ “tree”; labial–coronal, mit /mɪt/ “with”; labial–velar, Weg /vɛk/ “path”).

Results:

C1VC2words consisting of labial–coronal and coronal–coronal sequences occurred more frequently than other sequences (e.g., labial–labial, coronal–labial). Words with labial–coronal sequences were much more frequent than the opposite coronal–labial sequences, similar to English. Some sequences involving dorsals (i.e., dorsal–labial) are relatively frequent in German words compared to English words.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrated both similarities and differences with previous studies of typically developing children learning American English. In both German and English, labial–coronal and coronal–coronal sequences were by far the most frequent. Sequences involving dorsal consonants were more frequent in German than in English. For clinical planning, results suggest that place-of-articulation patterns in C1VC2words are similar between German and English words (e.g., high frequencies of labial–coronal and coronal–coronal sequences). However, sequences involving dorsals are more frequent in German than in English. For intervention, this information can be used to guide selection of words containing sound sequences that are frequent for German-speaking children.
The Effect of a Graduate Course in Cued Speech on Students' Perspectives: A Pilot Study
Authors: Howerton-Fox Amanda , Veyvoda Michelle , Montgomery Jennifer L.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Given the critical influence of professionals' beliefs on practice, this pilot study was designed to investigate the extent to which the Beliefs and Attitudes in Deaf Education (BADE) scale (
Clark et al., 2013
) could offer insight into the influence of a course in cued speech (CS) on preservice teachers' attitudes and beliefs.

Method:

This study used a retrospective pretest/posttest design. Before the course, participants responded to a brief demographic questionnaire and then completed the BADE. At the conclusion of the course, they took a retrospective BADE postsurvey.

Results:

Results indicated shifts in perspectives across the instructional approaches examined. Additionally, we found that our cross-perspectives analysis of the data brought researcher bias to the fore in enlightening ways, highlighting the value of collaborative research in our field.

Conclusions:

As a pilot study of the use of the BADE to investigate the ways in which a course in CS can influence preservice professionals' attitudes and beliefs, this investigation has revealed that a single course in the approach can influence students' perspectives not only on CS but also on a range of instructional approaches used in deaf education. As an unintended case study on the ways in which researcher bias influences empirical investigations, this investigation holds promise as a means of shining a spotlight on epistemological issues that are often discussed but rarely empirically analyzed in our field.
Making the Case for Single-Subject Experimental Design in Clinical Education and Supervision
Authors: Martin Kenyan L. , Brasseur Judith A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This tutorial describes single-subject experimental design (SSED) as it pertains to clinical education and supervision in the communication sciences and disorders professions. Similarities between everyday clinical practice, supervision, and SSED are highlighted, essential elements of SSED are described, five types of SSED are detailed, example research topics in supervision are proposed, and additional resources for further study are suggested.

Conclusions:

SSED is a feasible research method for busy professionals and provides promise for honing and developing evidence-based practices related to clinical education and supervision. Clinical educators and supervisors are encouraged to consider conducting SSED as part of their interactions with students, supervisees, and mentees in order to contribute to and strengthen understanding of effective clinical education and supervisory practices in speech-language pathology.
Path following of underactuated vehicles via integral line of sight guidance and fixed‐time heading control
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Chen Qiyuan , He Ping
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the integral line of sight (ILOS) path‐following control problem of surface vehicles whose dynamics feature external disturbances, model uncertainties, and actuator dead zones. First, introducing the ILOS guidance law, the path‐following control problem is converted to stabilising a 2nd order nonlinear system. Subsequently, the fixed‐time observer is designed to estimate and compensate for the uncertainties and unknown external disturbances while overcoming the actuator dead zones. Finally, the trajectory tracking control strategy is designed based on the fixed‐time observer. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Common visual part alignment for vehicle re‐identification
Authors: Lu Zefeng , Lin Ronghao , Deng Huahui , Hu Haifeng , Chen Zhenwu
Published: March 2022

Vehicle re‐identification (Re‐ID) aims at identification of images with the same vehicle ID in a cross‐camera scenario. Prior methods mainly tend to fuse global features with local features. However, huge divergence in viewpoints among cameras leads to inconsistency of local features between query and gallery images, which causes performance drop. Recently, alignment‐based methods have been proposed to handle this problem. However, previous alignment‐based methods rely on the detection accuracy of vehicle component excessively. To solve this problem, a common visual part alignment (CVPA) model to align local features between image pairs with a few visual key points in image pairs is proposed. The main contributions of CVPA include: 1) CVPA utilizes common visual feature map generated by key points to align local features without fine‐grain annotations. 2) Using key‐point coordinates based on Gaussian smoothing can reduce the negative influence of key prediction deviation, which leads CVPA to have more flexibility and better adaptability. 3) By proposing orientation‐quadruplet loss to mine hard samples, CVPA is more robust against vehicle orientation variation. Extensive experiments show the superior performance of CVPA.