bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary deep learning study on automatic segmentation of contrast-enhanced bolus in videofluorography of swallowing
Authors: Ariji Yoshiko , Gotoh Masakazu , Fukuda Motoki , Watanabe Satoshi , Nagao Toru , Katsumata Akitoshi , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: November 2022

Although videofluorography (VFG) is an effective tool for evaluating swallowing functions, its accurate evaluation requires considerable time and effort. This study aimed to create a deep learning model for automated bolus segmentation on VFG images of patients with healthy swallowing and dysphagia using the artificial intelligence deep learning segmentation method, and to assess the performance of the method. VFG images of 72 swallowing of 12 patients were continuously converted into 15 static images per second. In total, 3910 images were arbitrarily assigned to the training, validation, test 1, and test 2 datasets. In the training and validation datasets, images of colored bolus areas were prepared, along with original images. Using a U-Net neural network, a trained model was created after 500 epochs of training. The test datasets were applied to the trained model, and the performances of automatic segmentation (Jaccard index, Sørensen–Dice coefficient, and sensitivity) were calculated. All performance values for the segmentation of the test 1 and 2 datasets were high, exceeding 0.9. Using an artificial intelligence deep learning segmentation method, we automatically segmented the bolus areas on VFG images; our method exhibited high performance. This model also allowed assessment of aspiration and laryngeal invasion.
High-resolution cortical parcellation based on conserved brain landmarks for localization of multimodal data to the nearest centimeter
Authors: McGrath Hari , Zaveri Hitten P. , Collins Evan , Jafar Tamara , Chishti Omar , Obaid Sami , Ksendzovsky Alexander , Wu Kun , Papademetris Xenophon , Spencer Dennis D.
Published: November 2022

Precise cortical brain localization presents an important challenge in the literature. Brain atlases provide data-guided parcellation based on functional and structural brain metrics, and each atlas has its own unique benefits for localization. We offer a parcellation guided by intracranial electroencephalography, a technique which has historically provided pioneering advances in our understanding of brain structure–function relationships. We used a consensus boundary mapping approach combining anatomical designations in Duvernoy’s Atlas of the Human Brain, a widely recognized textbook of human brain anatomy, with the anatomy of the MNI152 template and the magnetic resonance imaging scans of an epilepsy surgery cohort. The Yale Brain Atlas consists of 690 one-square centimeter parcels based around conserved anatomical features and each with a unique identifier to communicate anatomically unambiguous localization. We report on the methodology we used to create the Atlas along with the findings of a neuroimaging study assessing the accuracy and clinical usefulness of cortical localization using the Atlas. We also share our vision for the Atlas as a tool in the clinical and research neurosciences, where it may facilitate precise localization of data on the cortex, accurate description of anatomical locations, and modern data science approaches using standardized brain regions.
A data driven machine learning approach to differentiate between autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder based on the best-practice diagnostic instruments for autism
Authors: Wolff Nicole , Kohls Gregor , Mack Judith T. , Vahid Amirali , Elster Erik M. , Stroth Sanna , Poustka Luise , Kuepper Charlotte , Roepke Stefan , Kamp-Becker Inge , Roessner Veit
Published: November 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two frequently co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions that share certain symptomatology, including social difficulties. This presents practitioners with challenging (differential) diagnostic considerations, particularly in clinically more complex cases with co-occurring ASD and ADHD. Therefore, the primary aim of the current study was to apply a data-driven machine learning approach (support vector machine) to determine whether and which items from the best-practice clinical instruments for diagnosing ASD (ADOS, ADI-R) would best differentiate between four groups of individuals referred to specialized ASD clinics (i.e., ASD, ADHD, ASD + ADHD, ND = no diagnosis). We found that a subset of five features from both ADOS (clinical observation) and ADI-R (parental interview) reliably differentiated between ASD groups (ASD & ASD + ADHD) and non-ASD groups (ADHD & ND), and these features corresponded to the social-communication but also restrictive and repetitive behavior domains. In conclusion, the results of the current study support the idea that detecting ASD in individuals with suspected signs of the diagnosis, including those with co-occurring ADHD, is possible with considerably fewer items relative to the original ADOS/2 and ADI-R algorithms (i.e., 92% item reduction) while preserving relatively high diagnostic accuracy. Clinical implications and study limitations are discussed.
Liquid lithium as divertor material to mitigate severe damage of nearby components during plasma transients
Authors: Sizyuk V. , Hassanein A.
Published: November 2022

The successful operation of thermonuclear fusion reactors such as ITER, DEMO, and future commercial plants is mainly determined by the optimum choice of materials for various components. The objective of this work is to accurately and comprehensively simulate the entire device in 3D to predict pros and cons of various materials, e.g., liquid lithium in comparison to tungsten and carbon to predict future ITER-like and DEMO divertor performances. We used our comprehensive HEIGHTS simulation package to investigate ITER-like components response during transient events in exact 3D geometry. Starting from the lost hot core plasma particles through SOL, deposition on the divertor surface, and the generation of secondary plasma of divertor materials. Our simulations predicted significant reduction in the heat loading and damage to the divertor nearby and internal components in the case when lithium is used on the divertor plates. While if tungsten or carbon are used on the divertor plate, significant melting areas and vaporization spots can occur (less for carbon) on the reflector, dome, and stainless steel tubes, and even parts of the first walls can melt due to the high radiation power of the secondary divertor plasma. Lithium photon radiation deposition into the divertor and nearby surfaces was decreased by two orders of magnitude compared to tungsten and by one order of magnitude compared to carbon. This analysis showed that using liquid lithium for ITER-like surfaces and future DEMO can lead to significant enhancement in components lifetime.
Facile and cost-effective technique to control europium oxidation states in glassy fluorophosphate matrices with tunable photoluminescence
Authors: Jarocka Agata , Fetliński Bartosz , Dębowski Paweł , Pietrzak Tomasz K. , Jurak Kacper , Wasiucionek Marek
Published: November 2022

Inorganic fluorophosphate glasses doped with Eu$$^{2+}$$

2
+

/Eu$$^{3+}$$

3
+

are potential candidates for phosphors for commercial white LEDs. This report presents a fast, inexpensive and effective method of controlling the relative concentrations of Eu$$^{2+}$$

2
+

/Eu$$^{3+}$$

3
+

photoluminescent centers in these glasses. The technique consists of a fast quenching of the melt of initial reagents under appropriate conditions. Eu$$^{2+}$$

2
+

/Eu$$^{3+}$$

3
+

ratio was controlled by carrying out the melting under a reducing atmosphere at a temperature between 1000 and 1200 $$^\circ$$

∘

C for periods of 5 to 15 minutes. The reducing atmosphere was provided by a ’double crucible’ technique and did not require special gas lines during the synthesis. The samples were studied by several complementary experimental methods (X-ray diffractometry—XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy—XPS, photoluminescence—PL—and photoluminescence excitation—PLE—spectroscopies as well as optical transmission spectroscopy). It was shown that the syntheses resulted in amorphous materials with different relative Eu$$^{2+}$$

2
+

/Eu$$^{3+}$$

3
+

concentration ratios, strongly dependent on the preparation conditions: the temperature and the time of melting in a reducing atmosphere. Moreover, changes in these ratios strongly affected the materials’ PL and PLE spectra. Demonstration of reproducible smooth transition from amaranth to blue luminescence color, with white in between, was the most spectacular result of this work.
Elucidating host cell response pathways and repurposing therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses
Authors: Shen Zhewei , Halberg Anna , Fong Jia Yi , Guo Jingyu , Song Gavin , Louie Brent , Luedtke Gregory R. , Visuthikraisee Viwat , Protter Andrew A. , Koh Xiaoying , Baik Taegon , Lum Pek Yee
Published: November 2022

COVID-19, first reported in late 2019, is an ongoing pandemic that has been causing devastation across the globe. Although there are multiple vaccines that can prevent severe symptoms, effective COVID-19 therapeutics are still of importance. Using our proprietary in silico engine, we screened more than 22,000 unique compounds represented by over half a million gene expression profiles to uncover compounds that can be repurposed for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in a timely and cost-efficient manner. We then tested 13 compounds in vitro and found three with potency against SARS-CoV-2 with reasonable cytotoxicity. Bortezomib and homoharringtonine are some of the most promising hits with IC50 of 1.39 μM and 0.16 μM, respectively for SARS-CoV-2. Tanespimycin and homoharringtonine were effective against the common cold coronaviruses. In-depth analysis highlighted proteasome, ribosome, and heat shock pathways as key targets in modulating host responses during viral infection. Further studies of these pathways and compounds have provided novel and impactful insights into SARS-CoV-2 biology and host responses that could be further leveraged for COVID-19 therapeutics development.
A colonial-nesting seabird shows no heart-rate response to drone-based population surveys
Authors: Geldart Erica A. , Barnas Andrew F. , Semeniuk Christina A. D. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Harris Christopher M. , Love Oliver P.
Published: November 2022

Aerial drones are increasingly being used as tools for ecological research and wildlife monitoring in hard-to-access study systems, such as in studies of colonial-nesting birds. Despite their many advantages over traditional survey methods, there remains concerns about possible disturbance effects that standard drone survey protocols may have on bird colonies. There is a particular gap in the study of their influence on physiological measures of stress. We measured heart rates of incubating female common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) to determine whether our drone-based population survey affected them. To do so, we used heart-rate recorders placed in nests to quantify their heart rate in response to a quadcopter drone flying transects 30 m above the nesting colony. Eider heart rate did not change from baseline (measured in the absence of drone survey flights) by a drone flying at a fixed altitude and varying horizontal distances from the bird. Our findings suggest that carefully planned drone-based surveys of focal species have the potential to be carried out without causing physiological impacts among colonial-nesting eiders.
Effects of dietary supplementation of myco-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles on performance, histological changes, and tissues Zn concentration in broiler chicks
Authors: Hatab M. H. , Rashad E. , Saleh Hisham M. , El-Sayed El-Sayed R. , Taleb A. M. Abu
Published: November 2022

A five weeks biological experiment was planned to investigate the impacts of dietary supplementation with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized by the endophytic fungus Alternaria tenuissima on productive performance, carcass traits, organ relative weights, serum biochemical parameters, histological alteration in some internal organs and concentration of this element in the serum, liver, thigh and breast muscle in broiler chicks. A total of 108 3-day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were individually weighed and equally distributed in a completely randomized design arrangement according to the dose of ZnONPs supplementation into 3 dietary experimental groups. There were 6 replications having 6 birds per replicate (n = 36/ treatment) for each treatment. The three experiential dietary treatments received corn-soybean meal-based diets enhanced with 0 (control), 40 and 60 mg/kg diet of ZnONPs respectively with feed and water were provided ad libitum consumption through 5 weeks life span. Present results indicated that after 5 weeks of feeding trial and as compared to control, the ZnONPs supplementation groups recorded higher body weight, improved feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and performance index. Serum biochemical analyses revealed that serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and uric acid decreased significantly, while high density lipoprotein and liver enzyme concentrations were increased significantly. Meanwhile, zinc accumulation in serum, liver and breast and thigh muscle were linearly increased with increasing zinc supplementation. It could be concluded that supplementation of ZnONPs to broiler diet at 40 or 60 mg/kg improved productive performance, birds' physiological status and the lower levels Zn (40 mg/kg diet) revealed promising results and can be used as an effective feed additive in broilers.
Construction of N-7 methylguanine-related mRNA prognostic model in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on multi-omics data and immune-related analysis
Authors: Zhao Junde , Zou Jiani , Jiao Wenjian , Lin Lidong , Wang Jiuling , Lin Zhiheng
Published: November 2022

N-7 methylguanine (m7G) is one of the most common RNA base modifications in post-transcriptional regulation, which participates in multiple processes such as transcription, mRNA splicing and translation during the mRNA life cycle. However, its expression and prognostic value in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) have not been systematically studied. In this paper, the data such as gene expression profiles, clinical data of UCEC patients, somatic mutations and copy number variants (CNVs) are obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and UCSC Xena. By analyzing the expression differences of m7G-related mRNA in UCEC and plotting the correlation network maps, a risk score model composed of four m7G-related mRNAs (NSUN2, NUDT3, LARP1 and NCBP3) is constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), univariate and multivariate Cox regression in order to identify prognosis and immune response. The correlation of clinical prognosis is analyzed between the m7G-related mRNA and UCEC via Kaplan–Meier method, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, principal component analysis (PCA), t-SNE, decision curve analysis (DCA) curve and nomogram etc. It is concluded that the high risk is significantly correlated with (P < 0.001) the poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with UCEC. It is one of the independent risk factors affecting the OS. Differentially expressed genes are identified by R software in the high and low risk groups. The functional analysis and pathway enrichment analysis have been performed. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), immune checkpoints, m6A-related genes, tumor mutation burden (TMB), stem cell correlation, tumor immune dysfunction and rejection (TIDE) scores and drug sensitivity are also used to study the risk model. In addition, we have obtained 3 genotypes based on consensus clustering, which are significantly related to (P < 0.001) the OS and progression-free survival (PFS). The deconvolution algorithm (CIBERSORT) is applied to calculate the proportion of 22 tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIC) in UCEC patients and the estimation algorithm (ESTIMATE) is applied to work out the number of immune and matrix components. In summary, m7G-related mRNA may become a potential biomarker for UCEC prognosis, which may promote UCEC occurrence and development by regulating cell cycles and immune cell infiltration. It is expected to become a potential therapeutic target of UECE.
Atomically resolved electronic properties in single layer graphene on α-Al2O3 (0001) by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wördenweber Henrik , Karthäuser Silvia , Grundmann Annika , Wang Zhaodong , Aussen Stephan , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei , Heuken Michael , Waser Rainer , Hoffmann-Eifert Susanne
Published: November 2022

Metal-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of single-layer graphene (SLG) on c-plane sapphire has recently been demonstrated for wafer diameters of up to 300 mm, and the high quality of the SLG layers is generally characterized by integral methods. By applying a comprehensive analysis approach, distinct interactions at the graphene-sapphire interface and local variations caused by the substrate topography are revealed. Regions near the sapphire step edges show tiny wrinkles with a height of about 0.2 nm, framed by delaminated graphene as identified by the typical Dirac cone of free graphene. In contrast, adsorption of CVD SLG on the hydroxyl-terminated α-Al2O3 (0001) terraces results in a superstructure with a periodicity of (2.66 ± 0.03) nm. Weak hydrogen bonds formed between the hydroxylated sapphire surface and the π-electron system of SLG result in a clean interface. The charge injection induces a band gap in the adsorbed graphene layer of about (73 ± 3) meV at the Dirac point. The good agreement with the predictions of a theoretical analysis underlines the potential of this hybrid system for emerging electronic applications.
Religiosity is associated with greater size, kin density, and geographic dispersal of women’s social networks in Bangladesh
Authors: Lynch R. , Schaffnit S. , Sear R. , Sosis R. , Shaver J. , Alam N. , Blumenfield T. , Mattison S. M. , Shenk M.
Published: November 2022

Human social relationships, often grounded in kinship, are being fundamentally altered by globalization as integration into geographically distant markets disrupts traditional kin based social networks. Religion plays a significant role in regulating social networks and may both stabilize extant networks as well as create new ones in ways that are under-recognized during the process of market integration. Here we use a detailed survey assessing the social networks of women in rural Bangladesh to examine whether religiosity preserves bonds among kin or broadens social networks to include fellow practitioners, thereby replacing genetic kin with unrelated co-religionists. Results show that the social networks of more religious women are larger and contain more kin but not more non-kin. More religious women’s networks are also more geographically diffuse and differ from those of less religious women by providing more emotional support, but not helping more with childcare or offering more financial assistance. Overall, these results suggest that in some areas experiencing rapid social, economic, and demographic change, religion, in certain contexts, may not serve to broaden social networks to include non-kin, but may rather help to strengthen ties between relatives and promote family cohesion.
Analysis of the twenty-six largest outbreaks of tuberculosis in Aragon using whole-genome sequencing for surveillance purposes
Authors: Comín Jessica , Cebollada Alberto , Ibarz Daniel , Viñuelas Jesús , Sahagún Juan , Torres Luis , Iglesias María-José , Samper Sofía
Published: November 2022

The incidence of tuberculosis in Aragon, Spain, is around ten cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Since 2004, a molecular surveillance protocol has been carried out; therefore, all M. tuberculosis strains are genotyped. Recently, whole-genome sequencing has been implemented for relevant isolates. The aim of this work is to characterise at the molecular level the causative strains of the 26 largest outbreaks of the community (including ten or more cases), genotyped by IS6110-RFLP and causing 26% of tuberculosis cases. To achieve this objective, two or three isolates of each IS6110-cluster belonging to different years were selected for sequencing. We found that strains of lineages L4.8, L4.3 and L4.1.2 were the most frequent. The threshold of 12 SNPs as the maximum distance for confirming the belonging to an outbreak was met for 18 of the 26 IS6110-clusters. Four pairs of isolates with more than 90 SNPs were identified as not belonging to the same strain, and four other pairs were kept in doubt as the number of SNPs was close to 12, between 14 and 35. The study of Regions of Difference revealed that they are lineage conserved. Moreover, we could analyse the IS6110 locations for all genome-sequenced isolates, finding some frequent locations in isolates belonging to the same lineage and certain IS6110 movements between the paired isolates. In the vast majority, these movements were not captured by the IS6110-RFLP pattern. After classifying the genes containing SNP by their functional category, we could confirm that the number of SNPs detected in genes considered as virulence factors and the number of cases the strain produced were not related, suggesting that a particular SNP is more relevant than the number. The characteristics found in the most successful strains in our community could be useful for other researchers in epidemiology, virulence and pathogenesis.
Neural underpinning of Japanese particle processing in non-native speakers
Authors: Kasai Chise , Sumiya Motofumi , Koike Takahiko , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Maki Hideki , Sadato Norihiro
Published: November 2022

Grammar acquisition by non-native learners (L2) is typically less successful and may produce fundamentally different grammatical systems than that by native speakers (L1). The neural representation of grammatical processing between L1 and L2 speakers remains controversial. We hypothesized that working memory is the primary source of L1/L2 differences, by considering working memory within the predictive coding account, which models grammatical processes as higher-level neuronal representations of cortical hierarchies, generating predictions (forward model) of lower-level representations. A functional MRI study was conducted with L1 Japanese speakers and highly proficient Japanese learners requiring oral production of grammatically correct Japanese particles. We assumed selecting proper particles requires forward model-dependent processes of working memory as their functions are highly context-dependent. As a control, participants read out a visually designated mora indicated by underlining. Particle selection by L1/L2 groups commonly activated the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus/insula, pre-supplementary motor area, left caudate, middle temporal gyrus, and right cerebellum, which constituted the core linguistic production system. In contrast, the left inferior frontal sulcus, known as the neural substrate of verbal working memory, showed more prominent activation in L2 than in L1. Thus, the working memory process causes L1/L2 differences even in highly proficient L2 learners.
Molecular phylogeny of selected dorid nudibranchs based on complete mitochondrial genome
Authors: Do Thinh Dinh , Jung Dae-Wui , Kim Chang-Bae
Published: November 2022

Dorid nudibranchs are a large group of mollusks with approximately 2,000 recorded species. Although agreement exists on the monophyletic nature of the dorid nudibranch group, the interfamily relationships of the suborder are subject to debate. Despite efforts to elucidate this issue using short molecular markers, the conclusiveness of the findings has been hindered by branching polytomy. Mitogenomes are known to be effective markers for use in phylogenetic investigations. In this study, eight mitogenomes of dorid nudibranchs were decoded and analyzed. Gene content and structure showed little change among species, reflecting the conserved mitogenomes of dorid nudibranchs. For most genes, the direction was typical for nudibranchs; nevertheless, tRNACyshad an inverse direction in Cadlinidae species. Phylogenetic trees based on nucleotide and amino acid datasets revealed a relatively consistent pattern of interfamily relationships with little difference for positions of Phyllidiidae and Cadlinidae. Species of Cadlinidae were clustered together and did not form a clade with Chromododidae. Additionally, Goniodorididae was sister to Aegiridae, whereas Discodoridae was sister to Dorididae. This finding was supported by tree topology test based on mitogenome data. The results of the present study indicate that complete mitogenomes are promising markers for investigating interfamily relationships among dorid nudibranchs.
A systematic investigation reveals that Ishihara et al.’s (2008) STEARC effect only emerges when time is directly assessed
Authors: Mariconda Alberto , Prpic Valter , Mingolo Serena , Sors Fabrizio , Agostini Tiziano , Murgia Mauro
Published: November 2022

The Spatial–TEmporal Association of Response Codes (STEARC) effect (Ishihara et al. in Cortex 44:454–461, 2008) is evidence that time is spatially coded along the horizontal axis. It consists in faster left-hand responses to early onset timing and faster right-hand responses to late onset timing. This effect has only been established using tasks that directly required to assess onset timing, while no studies investigated whether this association occurs automatically in the auditory modality. The current study investigated the occurrence of the STEARC effect by using a procedure similar to Ishihara and colleagues. Experiment 1 was a conceptual replication of the original study, in which participants directly discriminated the onset timing (early vs. late) of a target sound after listening to a sequence of auditory clicks. This experiment successfully replicated the STEARC effect and revealed that the onset timing is mapped categorically. In Experiments 2, 3a and 3b participants were asked to discriminate the timbre of the stimuli instead of directly assessing the onset timing. In these experiments, no STEARC effect was observed. This suggests that the auditory STEARC effect is only elicited when time is explicitly processed, thus questioning the automaticity of this phenomenon.
The g3mclass is a practical software for multiclass classification on biomarkers
Authors: Guvakova Marina A. , Sokol Serguei
Published: November 2022

The analytes qualified as biomarkers are potent tools to diagnose various diseases, monitor therapy responses, and design therapeutic interventions. The early assessment of the diverseness of human disease is essential for the speedy and cost-efficient implementation of personalized medicine. We developedg3mclass, the Gaussian mixture modeling software for molecular assay data classification. This software automates the validated multiclass classifier applicable to single analyte tests and multiplexing assays. Theg3mclassachieves automation using the original semi-constrained expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm that allows inference from the test, control, and query data that human experts cannot interpret. In this study, we used real-world clinical data and gene expression datasets (ERBB2, ESR1, PGR) to provide examples of howg3mclassmay help overcome the problems of over-/underdiagnosis and equivocal results in diagnostic tests for breast cancer. We showed theg3mclassoutput’s accuracy, robustness, scalability, and interpretability. The user-friendly interface and free dissemination of this multi-platform software aim to ease its use by research laboratories, biomedical pharma, companion diagnostic developers, and healthcare regulators. Furthermore, theg3mclassautomatic extracting information through probabilistic modeling is adaptable for blending with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The valance state of vanadium-key factor in the flexibility of potassium vanadates structure as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Prześniak-Welenc M. , Nadolska M. , Jurak K. , Li J. , Górnicka K. , Mielewczyk-Gryń A. , Rutkowska M. , Nowak A. P.
Published: November 2022

Potassium hexavanadate (K2V6O16·nH2O) nanobelts have been synthesized by the LPE-IonEx method, which is dedicated to synthesis of transition metal oxide bronzes with controlled morphology and structure. The electrochemical performance of K2V6O16·nH2O as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries has been evaluated. The KVO nanobelts demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 260 mAh g−1, and long-term cyclic stability up to 100 cycles at 1 A g−1. The effect of the vanadium valence state and unusual construction of the nanobelts, composed of crystalline and amorphous domains arranged alternately were also discussed in this work. The ex-situ measurements of discharged electrode materials by XRD, MP-AES, XAS and XPS show that during the subsequent charge/discharge cycle the potassium in the K2V6O16·nH2O structure are replacing by lithium. The structural stability of the potassium hexavandate during cycling depends on the initial vanadium valence state on the sample surface and the presence of the “fringe free” domains in the K2V6O16·nH2O nanobelts.
Reconfigurable broadband metasurfaces with nearly perfect absorption and high efficiency polarization conversion in THz range
Authors: Nguyen Thi Minh , Vu Dinh Lam , Nguyen Thi Quynh Hoa , Kim Jung-Mu
Published: November 2022

Reconfigurable metasurfaces (RMSs) that enable the switching function of absorption and polarization conversion have attracted increasing attention. However, the design of RMSs to achieve wideband and high efficiency for both absorption and polarization conversion functions simultaneously remains a great challenge. Here, we propose the design of a RMS structure with a high-efficiency cross-polarization conversion and nearly perfect absorption. The reconfiguration between different functions of polarization conversion and absorption is obtained based on the reversible insulator-to-metal phase transition of Vanadium dioxide (VO$$_{2}$$

2

). When the VO$$_{2}$$

2

is in insulator state, the RMS realizes the cross-polarization conversion function in the wideband of 1.04–3.75 THz with a relative bandwidth up to 113 $$\%$$
%
due to the multi-resonant modes of electric and magnetic resonances. Meanwhile, the nearly-perfect absorption is achieved in the range of 1.36–3.38 THz with the corresponding relative bandwidth up to 85 $$\%$$
%
for the VO$$_{2}$$

2

in metallic state. Specially, the wideband and high-efficiency performance of these functionalities is maintained for a wide angle incidence. The capability of bi-functional switch and integration with polarization conversion and absorption in a single metasurface structure endowed with both wideband and high-efficiency characteristics for a wide incident angle is very promising for emerging RMS devices in the terahertz region.
Testosterone promotion effect of Eucommia ulmoides staminate flower via the steroidogenic pathway and potential hormonal mechanism
Authors: Li Zihan , Yang Ping , Xue Shan , Yuan Shijun , Yuan Lin , Yan Renyi , Tang Ding , Li Juan
Published: November 2022

Eucommia ulmoides staminate flowers (EUF), a newly approved functional food in China, have great potential for hormonal regulation. Herein, we aim to demonstrate the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of EUF in testosterone production and hormonal regulation. EUF extract and its components, kaempferol and geniposidic acid, exhibited a strong stimulating effect by increasing testosterone secretion, reducing ROS production, or promoting viability in Leydig cells. Meanwhile, the increased testosterone production was related to the upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of the steroidogenic pathway, such as steroidogenic acute-regulatory protein (StAR), 3β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD3B1), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1). However, PKA inhibitor H89 or adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 could block their effect. The results of transgenic yeast models showed the androgenic agonistic effects of kaempferol and naringenin and the estrogenic agonistic effects of rutin. These results indicated that the testosterone promotional effect of EUF was related to the activation of the steroidogenic pathway and potential hormonal regulation. Kaempferol and geniposidic acid might be the key active ingredients.
Physical activity and daily steps cut offs points for overweight/obesity prevention among eight Latin American countries
Authors: Ferrero-Hernández Paloma , Farías-Valenzuela Claudio , Jofré-Saldía Emilio , Marques Adilson , Kovalskys Irina , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia Yadira , García Martha Yépez , Pareja Rossina G. , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Fisberg Mauro , Silva Danilo R. , Sadarangani Kabir P. , Ferrari Gerson
Published: November 2022

This study aims to establish cut-off points for the number of minutes of physical activity intensity and the number of daily steps that identify overweight/obesity in adolescents, adults, and older adults. This study examined data from 2737 participants. Physical activity intensity and the number of daily steps were assessed using GT3X+ ActiGraph model accelerometers. Body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio were used as indicators of overweight/obesity. The cut-off points for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for the prevention of overweight/obesity according to body mass index in women ranged from 15.1 to 30.2 min/day; in men, the values were from 15.4 to 33.8 min/day. The lowest cut-off point for daily steps was established in the adolescent group for women and men (7304 and 5162). The highest value in women was 11,412 (51–65 years) and 13,234 in men (18–30 years). Results from measurements different from BMI, show average cut-off points for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and daily steps of 29.1/8348 and 43.5/10,456 according to waist-to-height ratio; and results of 29.3/11,900 and 44.3/11,056 according to the waist-to-hip ratio; in women and men respectively. A more specific recommendation of physical activity and daily steps adjusted by sex and age range is suggested to prevent overweight/obesity.
Evaluation of dosimetric characteristics of a ternary nanocomposite based on High Density Polyethylene/Bismuth Oxide/Graphene Oxide for gamma-rays
Authors: Veiskarami Amir , Sardari Dariush , Malekie Shahryar , Mofrad Farshid Babapour , Kashian Sedigheh
Published: November 2022

This research aims to investigate a ternary nanocomposite based on High Density Polyethylene/ Bismuth Oxide/Graphene Oxide (HDPE/Bi2O3/GO) at various concentrations. Solution method was used to fabricate the samples. FESEM-EDX mapping, AFM, TEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and TGA/DTG analyses were carried out on the samples. XRD analysis demonstrated a semi-crystalline behavior for the samples. TEM analysis exhibited a cauliflower-like structure of the material. The sample was irradiated by gamma-rays of60Co source over the dose rate of 30–254 mGy/min and the electric current was measured as the response of the real-time dosimeter. Thus, various dosimetric characteristics were performed, namely linearity, angular dependence, energy dependence, bias-polarity, field size, and repeatability of the data. Results showed that response of the dosimeter was linear in the range of the investigated dose rate. The sensitivity of the 60 wt% Bi2O3sample was measured as 3.4 nC·mGy−1. The angular response variation was 20% for normal beam incidence. The response of the dosimeter to assess the energy dependency was obtained as 2.2% at the radiation field of the137Cs and60Co beams. The dosimeter response was dependent on the bias-polarity, with maximum discrepancy of 11.1%. The dosimetry response was highly dependent upon the radiation field size. The repeatability of the dosimeter response was measured with standard deviation less than 1%. As well, the dosimeter response during the one-hour irradiation was stable with a standard deviation of 0.66%. Results showed that considering some correction factors, this material can be used for dosimetry of gamma-rays at the therapy level.
Systems pharmacology approach to investigate the mechanism of Artemisia argyi in treating rheumatic diseases
Authors: Huang Yuanzhi , Jin Xupeng , Liu Jiayi , Wu Wei , Wang Huiping
Published: November 2022

Artemisia argyi (AA) has been proven to be effective in the adjuvant treatment of rheumatism (RA), but the mechanism of its action in RA is not clear. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of AA as a potential therapy for RA by using network pharmacology. The TCM systems pharmacology (TCMSP) was used to screen the active components of AA, and identification of the potential target genes of active compounds and rheumatism was performed with PharmMapper and GeneCards, respectively. Construction of complex target networks and protein–protein interaction networks was based on the Cytoscape software. The biological functions and pathway analysis of targets and effective targets were analyzed using DAVID. Our study demonstrated that 105 target genes were associated with these active compounds and RA. ALB, AKT1, and MAPK1 were the first three hub genes, and the metabolic and signaling pathways related to these hub genes were remarkably abundant. Results showed that AA might play a role in RA by affecting multiple targets and multiple ways, reflecting that TCM was characterized by multicomponents and multitargets. AA has the potential to be a promising new candidate for the treatment of RA and has value for further research and development.
Characterization of the plastid genome of Cratoxylum species (Hypericaceae) and new insights into phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Sudmoon Runglawan , Kaewdaungdee Sanit , Tanee Tawatchai , Siripiyasing Pornnarong , Ameamsri Unchaleeporn , Syazwan Samsuddin Ahmad , Lee Shiou Yih , Chaveerach Arunrat
Published: November 2022

To expand the genomic information of Hypericaceae, particularly on Cratoxylum, we characterized seven novel complete plastid genomes (plastomes) of five Cratoxylum and two of its allied taxa, including C. arborescens, C. formosum subsp. formosum, C. formosum subsp. pruniflorum, C. maingayi, C. sumatranum, Hypericum hookerianum, and Triadenum breviflorum. For Cratoxylum, the plastomes ranged from 156,962 to 157,792 bp in length. Genomic structure and gene contents were observed in the five plastomes, and were comprised of 128–129 genes, which includes 83–84 protein-coding (CDS), 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The plastomes of H. hookerianum and T. breviflorum were 138,260 bp and 167,693 bp, respectively. A total of 110 and 127 genes included 72 and 82 CDS, 34 and 37 tRNA, as well as four and eight rRNA genes. The reconstruction of the phylogenetic trees using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) trees based on the concatenated CDS and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences that were analyzed separately have revealed the same topology structure at genus level; Cratoxylum is monophyletic. However, C. formosum subsp. pruniflorum was not clustered together with its origin, raising doubt that it should be treated as a distinct species, C. pruniflorum based on molecular evidence that was supported by morphological descriptions.
Acute severe hypoxia induces apoptosis of human pluripotent stem cells by a HIF-1α and P53 independent mechanism
Authors: Mucci Sofía , Isaja Luciana , Rodríguez-Varela María Soledad , Ferriol-Laffouillere Sofía Luján , Marazita Mariela , Videla-Richardson Guillermo Agustín , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Scassa María Elida , Romorini Leonardo
Published: November 2022

Human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are self-renewing pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that can differentiate into a wide range of specialized cells. Although moderate hypoxia (5% O2) improves hPSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and cell survival, the effect of acute severe hypoxia (1% O2) on hPSC viability is still not fully elucidated. In this sense, we explore the consequences of acute hypoxia on hPSC survival by culturing them under acute (maximum of 24 h) physical severe hypoxia (1% O2). After 24 h of hypoxia, we observed HIF-1α stabilization concomitant with a decrease in cell viability. We also observed an increase in the apoptotic rate (western blot analysis revealed activation of CASPASE-9, CASPASE-3, and PARP cleavage after hypoxia induction). Besides, siRNA-mediated downregulation of HIF-1α and P53 did not significantly alter hPSC apoptosis induced by hypoxia. Finally, the analysis of BCL-2 family protein expression levels disclosed a shift in the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins (evidenced by an increase in BAX/MCL-1 ratio) caused by hypoxia. We demonstrated that acute physical hypoxia reduced hPSC survival and triggered apoptosis by a HIF-1α and P53 independent mechanism.
Extracellular volume and left ventricular hypertrophy by cardiac magnetic resonance are independent predictors of cardiovascular outcome in obesity
Authors: Lertlaksameewilai Panuwat , Songsangjinda Thammarak , Kaolawanich Yodying , Yindeengam Ahthit , Krittayaphong Rungroj
Published: November 2022

This retrospective cohort study investigated for association between increased extracellular volume (ECV) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiovascular composite outcomes in obesity. Native T1 was measured at the ventricular septum. ECV was calculated from native and post-contrast T1 and hematocrit. Cardiovascular (CV) composite outcomes included acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, myocardial revascularization (excluding early revascularization), heart failure, and CV death. A total of 456 patients with a mean follow-up of 2.1 ± 0.4 years were enrolled. LGE and LVH was detected in 30.5% and 9.2%. 107 patients (23.5%) had the composite outcomes. Multivariable analysis revealed that LGE, LVH, and high ECV as independent predictors for cardiovascular composite outcomes The event rate in the LVH and high ECV, the LVH alone, the high ECV alone, and the no-LVH with lower ECV group was 57.1%, 38.1%, 32.6%, and 17.7%, respectively. Assessment of incremental prognostic value by comparing global chi-square showed that high ECV had additional prognostic value on top of LGE, and LVH. LVH and high ECV are independent predictors of CV composite outcomes in obesity. This is the first study that demonstrate the prognostic value of ECV in obese population.
Abnormal peripheral blood cell counts in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Yasuda Ken-ichi , Asahina Akihiko
Published: November 2022

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), also known as von Recklinghausen disease, is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neurofibromas with infiltration of mast cells. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and basophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (BLR) are examined as markers for various diseases. However, these parameters have not yet been assessed for NF1. This study therefore examined these parameters in NF1 patients. We recruited 153 NF patients (78 males, 75 females) and 51 control patients (31 males, 20 females). Complete blood counts were performed, then NLR, LMR, PLR and BLR were calculated. Neutrophil count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes. Monocyte count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. Basophil count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. NLR, PLR and BLR were significantly higher in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes. LMR was significantly lower in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes. NF1 shows high NLR, PLR and BLR and low lymphocyte count and LMR.
Microgravity effect of inter-seismic crustal dilatation
Authors: Kabirzadeh Hojjat , Kim Jeong Woo , Hadi Najafabadi Arezou , Henton Joe , Kao Ricky , Sideris Michael G.
Published: November 2022

Changes in the density of the shallow crust has been previously related to co-seismic strain release during earthquakes, however, the influence of inter-seismic deformation on crustal density variations is poorly understood. Here we present gravity observations from the iGrav superconducting gravimeter in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada which reveal a substantial gravity increase between July 2012 and April 2015. We identify a negative correlation between this gravity increase and crustal dilatation strain derived from horizontal GPS velocities. The overall increasing gravity trend is caused by the gravity increase during and immediately before and after episodic tremor and slip events, which is partially compensated by gravity decrease occurring between the events. We conclude that the observed gravity increase results from a density increase due to crustal compression and that this is mostly a result of inter-seismic strain accumulation during the subduction of the Juan de Fuca plate beneath the North American plate.
FeOOH nanosheet assisted metal ion coordination with porphyrins for rapid detection and removal of cadmium ions in water
Authors: Li Zheng , He Chang , Zhou Xiangming , Wang Lixiang , Zhang Ying , Feng Guangfu , Fang Jun
Published: November 2022

Excessive cadmium ions in water bodies pose a severe challenge to ecology and human health, and the development of cadmium metal ion sensors is imperative.
In situ visualization of synergistic effects between electrolyte additives and catalytic electrodes in Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhang Yaozu , Shen Zhenzhen , Wen Rui
Published: November 2022

In situ atomic force microscopy was employed to track the dynamic O2/electrolyte/electrode interfacial reactions at nanoscale, revealing the synergistic effect between electrolyte additive K+ and Pt nanoparticles electrode in Li–O2 batteries.
Comproportionation of a dialuminyne with alane or dialane dihalides as a clean route to dialuminenes
Authors: Queen Joshua D. , Power Philip P.
Published: November 2022

Stoichiometric comproportionation of a dialuminyne and aluminum halides in hexane or ether cleanly yields a dialuminene which rapidly decomposes. In benzene a dialuminene/benzene cycloaddition product is generated.
Induced circular dichroism of achiral dielectric elliptical hole arrays with a monolayer borophene film
Authors: Wang Yongkai , Li Zhiduo , Wang Qianying , Zhang Zhiyu , Lan Xiang , Han Qingyan , Zhu Lipeng , Zhang Chengyun , Zhao Xiaolong , Dong Jun
Published: November 2022

Borophene is introduced into composite dielectric achiral nanostructures for enhancing and dynamically adjusting the induced circular dichroism signal of the achiral nanostructures in the near-infrared range.
Transformation of thiols to disulfides via an oxidant-free radical pathway on the zeolite ETS-10
Authors: Zhu Chaojie , Wu Dongfang , Liu Huili , Meng Congwei , Tang Tiandi
Published: November 2022

Thiols adsorb and coordinate with the O atom in a –Ti–O–Ti– unit and an electron is transferred from the O to the S atom, leading to the generation of sulfur and hydrogen radicals via S–H bond homolysis followed by dimerization to disulfides and H2.
A recyclable process between a monomer and polyester with a natural catalyst
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Hu Chenyang , Duan Ranlong , Huang Yuezhou , Li Xiang , Sun Zhiqiang , Pang Xuan , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2022

Catalysts from nature promoted a circular process for polylactide chemistry, including the polymerization of lactide to polylactide, the depolymerization of polylactide to alkyl lactate, and finally the conversion of alkyl lactate back to lactide.
Switchable electrooxidativeN-methyl amines: access to C3-aminomethylated and C3-arylmethylated imidazo[1,2-a] pyridines
Authors: Li Sifeng , Wang Taimin , Li Xingchen , Fang Lijing , Zhai Hongbin , Cheng Bin
Published: November 2022

Divergent coupling reactions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines withN-methylanilines have been achieved in undivided cells under air and metal/oxidant-free oxidative electrochemical conditions.