bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the transient mechanical response and the electromyographical activation of lower leg muscles in whole body vibration training
Authors: Rigoni Isotta , Bonci Tecla , Bifulco Paolo , Fratini Antonio
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study is to characterise the transient mechanical response and the neuromuscular activation of lower limb muscles in subjects undergoing Whole Body Vibration (WBV) at different frequencies while holding two static postures, with focus on muscles involved in shaping postural responses. Twenty-five participants underwent WBV at 15, 20, 25 and 30 Hz while in hack squat or on fore feet. Surface electromyography and soft tissue accelerations were collected from Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL), Soleus (SOL) and Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles. Estimated displacement at muscle bellies revealed a pattern never highlighted before that differed across frequencies and postures (p < 0.001). After stimulation starts, muscle oscillation peaks, drops and further stabilises, suggesting the occurrence of a neuromuscular activation to reduce the vibration-induced oscillation. The oscillation attenuation at the SOL muscle correlated with its increased activation (rho = 0.29, p < 0.001). Furthermore, only specific WBV settings led to a significant increase in muscle contraction: WBV-induced activation of SOL and GL was maximal in fore-feet (p < 0.05) and in response to higher frequencies (30 Hz vs 15 Hz, p < 0.001). The analysis of the mechanical dynamics of lower leg muscles highlights a resonant response to WBVs, that for the SOL correlates to the increased muscle activation. Despite differing across frequencies and postures, this resonant behaviour seems to discourage the use of dynamic exercises on vibrating platforms. As for the most efficient WBV combination, calf muscle response to WBVs is maximised if those muscles are already pre-contracted and the stimulation frequencies are in the 25–30 Hz range.
Comparison of treatment strategies and survival of early-onset gastric cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Chunmei , Tang Ruiyi , Zhu Hanlong , Ge Xianxiu , Wang Yue , Wang Xue , Miao Lin
Published: April 2022

Treatments for early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) patients are rarely included in clinical trials, resulting in an unclear impact on survival. This study aimed to investigate the treatment patterns of EOGC patients and their impact on survival. Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 1639 EOGC patients (< 50 years) diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Patients with larger tumours, distant metastasis, and AJCC TNM stage in IV were prone to receive nonsurgical treatment. Patients treated with surgery alone had a better prognosis than those receiving SROC or SCRT or nonsurgical treatment. However, analyses stratified by histological type, tumour size and TNM stage showed that patients did not benefit more from SROC and SCRT than from surgery alone. Similar results were observed in the stratified Cox regression risk analysis. Patients who received nonsurgical treatment had the highest risk of overall death [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.443, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.865–3.200, P < 0.001]. This study indicated that additional radiotherapy, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy did not provide a coordinated survival benefit to EOGC patients.
Tumor microenvironment-aware, single-transcriptome prediction of microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer using meta-analysis
Authors: Seo Mi-Kyoung , Kang Hyundeok , Kim Sangwoo
Published: April 2022

Detecting microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancers (CRCs) is essential because it is the determinant of treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Yet, no attempt has been made to exploit transcriptomic profile and tumor microenvironment (TME) of it to unveil MSI status in CRC. Hence, we developed a novel TME-aware, single-transcriptome predictor of MSI for CRC, called MAP (Microsatellite instability Absolute single sample Predictor). MAP was developed utilizing recursive feature elimination-random forest with 466 CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and its performance was validated in independent cohorts, including 1118 samples. MAP showed robustness and predictive power in predicting MSI status in CRC. Additional advantages for MAP were demonstrated through comparative analysis with existing MSI classifier and other cancer types. Our novel approach will provide access to untouched vast amounts of publicly available transcriptomic data and widen the door for MSI CRC research and be useful for gaining insights to help with translational medicine.
Megakaryocytes form linear podosomes devoid of digestive properties to remodel medullar matrix
Authors: Oprescu Antoine , Michel Déborah , Antkowiak Adrien , Vega Elodie , Viaud Julien , Courtneidge Sara A. , Eckly Anita , de la Salle Henri , Chicanne Gaëtan , Léon Catherine , Payrastre Bernard , Gaits-Iacovoni Frédérique
Published: April 2022

Bone marrow megakaryocytes (MKs) undergo a maturation involving contacts with the microenvironment before extending proplatelets through sinusoids to deliver platelets in the bloodstream. We demonstrated that MKs assemble linear F-actin-enriched podosomes on collagen I fibers. Microscopy analysis evidenced an inverse correlation between the number of dot-like versus linear podosomes over time. Confocal videomicroscopy confirmed that they derived from each-other. This dynamics was dependent on myosin IIA. Importantly, MKs progenitors expressed the Tks4/5 adaptors, displayed a strong gelatinolytic ability and did not form linear podosomes. While maturing, MKs lost Tks expression together with digestive ability. However, those MKs were still able to remodel the matrix by exerting traction on collagen I fibers through a collaboration between GPVI, ß1 integrin and linear podosomes. Our data demonstrated that a change in structure and composition of podosomes accounted for the shift of function during megakaryopoiesis. These data highlight the fact that members of the invadosome family could correspond to different maturation status of the same entity, to adapt to functional responses required by differentiation stages of the cell that bears them.
The impact of maternal influences on childhood obesity
Authors: Hsu Pei-Chuan , Hwang Fang-Ming , Chien Mei-I , Mui Wui-Chiu , Lai Jyh-Mirn
Published: April 2022

There was a lack of detailed information about maternal influences on their children’s body mass index (BMI) in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to find the evidence to describe how mothers’ factors could affect their 2 to 9-year-old children’s BMI, with data collected from May 2021 to June 2021. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were completed by 1035 participants from Taiwan’s six metropolitan cities and eight counties. After controlling for children’s factors, such as number of children in a family, children’s constitution, children’s age and gender, hierarchical regression models were used to analyze the effects of five maternal factors on their children’s BMI: maternal BMI, age, education level, monthly household income, and marital status (single parent or not). The results were found as follow: maternal BMI [β = .24], maternal educational level [β = −.141], and monthly household income [β = .071], significantly (p < 0.05) influenced their children’s BMI. Higher maternal BMI was associated with a higher children’s BMI. Mothers with lower levels of education background were more likely to have children with a higher BMI. Monthly household income was a positive factor influencing children’s BMI. In conclusion, this study is the first detailed description of maternal influences on their 2–9 years old children’s BMI in Taiwan. Although the study could not cover all of the factors influencing Taiwan’s childhood obesity, we have discovered maternal BMI, education level, and monthly household income were significant factors associated with children’s BMI.
MoS2-based absorbers with whole visible spectrum coverage and high efficiency
Authors: Hashemi Mahdieh , Ansari Narges , Vazayefi Mahsa
Published: April 2022

To design highly efficient and broadband nanometer-sized absorbers based on the atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), we propose utilizing inclined gold gratings on MoS2 monolayer. In the case of gold gratings with zero inclination, coverage of the absorption spectrum in the entire visible range occurs between the values of 42% to 73%. Considerable increase in the absorbed light occurs by introducing 13 nm inclination to the gold gratings with equal values of the grating’s period and width as 60 nm. With the application of this grating, maximum absorption of 88% is reached and the absorption bandwidth covers the entire visible spectrum with only 12% variation of the absorption value relative to this maximum (88%). Footprints of resonant excitation of two different modes in the absorber structure are evident: the named “reflection” mode and localized surface plasmons (LSPs). Inclination of the gratings leads the LSP modes to slide toward the MoS2 and causes a remarkable increment in the absorption efficiency. An impressive absorption value of 56% in MoS2 monolayer is gained by the gold grating’s inclination of 17 nm. The designed absorber paves a new way in designing TMDC-based absorbers with extended bandwidths and higher efficiencies.
Biochemical changes and macrophage polarization of a silane-based endodontic irrigant in an animal model
Authors: Daood Umer , Ilyas Muhammad Sharjeel , Ashraf Mariam , Akbar Munazza , Bapat Ranjeet Ajit , Khan Abdul Samad , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Parolia Abhishek , Seow Liang Lin , Khoo Suan Phaik , Yiu Cynthia
Published: April 2022

Silane-based/fully hydrolyzed, endodontic irrigant exhibiting antimicrobial properties, is prepared, and is hypothesized to control macrophage polarization for tissue repair. Albino wistar rats were injected with 0.1 ml root canal irrigant, and bone marrow cells procured. Cellular mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker green along with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) performed for macrophage extracellular vesicle. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were induced for M1 and M2 polarization and Raman spectroscopy with scratch assay performed. Cell counting was used to measure cytotoxicity, and fluorescence microscopy performed for CD163. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate interaction of irrigants withEnterococcus faecalis. K21 specimens exhibited reduction in epithelium thickness and more mitochondrial mass. EVs showed differences between all groups with decrease and increase in IL-6 and IL-10 respectively. 0.5%k21 enhanced wound healing with more fibroblastic growth inside scratch analysis along with increased inflammation-related genes (ICAM-1, CXCL10, CXCL11, VCAM-1, CCL2, and CXCL8; tissue remodelling-related genes, collagen 1, EGFR and TIMP-2 in q-PCR analysis. Sharp bands at 1643 cm-1existed in all with variable intensities. 0.5%k21 had a survival rate of BMSCs comparable to control group. Bacteria treated with 0.5%k21/1%k21, displayed damage. Antimicrobial and reparative efficacy of k21 disinfectant is a proof of concept for enhanced killing of bacteria across root dentin acquiring functional type M2 polarization for ethnopharmacological effects.
A deep learning model to classify and detect brain abnormalities in portable microwave based imaging system
Authors: Hossain Amran , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Almutairi Ali F.
Published: April 2022

Automated classification and detection of brain abnormalities like a tumor(s) in reconstructed microwave (RMW) brain images are essential for medical application investigation and monitoring disease progression. This paper presents the automatic classification and detection of human brain abnormalities through the deep learning-based YOLOv5 object detection model in a portable microwave head imaging system (MWHI). Initially, four hundred RMW image samples, including non-tumor and tumor(s) in different locations are collected from the implemented MWHI system. The RMW image dimension is 640 × 640 pixels. After that, image pre-processing and augmentation techniques are applied to generate the training dataset, consisting of 4400 images. Later, 80% of images are used to train the models, and 20% are used for testing. Later, from the 80% training dataset, 20% are utilized to validate the models. The detection and classification performances are evaluated by three variations of the YOLOv5 model: YOLOv5s, YOLOv5m, and YOLOv5l. It is investigated that the YOLOv5l model performed better compared to YOLOv5s, YOLOv5m, and state-of-the-art object detection models. The achieved accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, mean average precision (mAP), and classification loss are 96.32%, 95.17%, 94.98%, 95.28%, 95.53%, 96.12%, and 0.0130, respectively for the YOLOv5l model. The YOLOv5l model automatically detected tumor(s) accurately with a predicted bounding box including objectness score in RMW images and classified the tumors into benign and malignant classes. So, the YOLOv5l object detection model can be reliable for automatic tumor(s) detection and classification in a portable microwave brain imaging system as a real-time application.
Propagation of seminal toxins through binary expression gene drives could suppress populations
Authors: Hurtado Juan , Revale Santiago , Matzkin Luciano M.
Published: April 2022

Gene drives can be highly effective in controlling a target population by disrupting a female fertility gene. To spread across a population, these drives require that disrupted alleles be largely recessive so as not to impose too high of a fitness penalty. We argue that this restriction may be relaxed by using a double gene drive design to spread a split binary expression system. One drive carries a dominant lethal/toxic effector alone and the other a transactivator factor, without which the effector will not act. Only after the drives reach sufficiently high frequencies would individuals have the chance to inherit both system components and the effector be expressed. We explore through mathematical modeling the potential of this design to spread dominant lethal/toxic alleles and suppress populations. We show that this system could be implemented to spread engineered seminal proteins designed to kill females, making it highly effective against polyandrous populations.
An integrated expert weight determination method for design concept evaluation
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhong Peisi , Liu Mei , Ma Qing , Si Guangyao
Published: April 2022

Expert weight determination is a critical issue in the design concept evaluation process, especially for complex products. However, this phase is often ignored by most decision makers. For the evaluation of complex product design concepts, experts are selected by clusters with different backgrounds. This work proposes a novel integrated two-layer method to determine expert weight under these circumstances. In the first layer, a hybrid model integrated by the entropy weight model and the Multiplicative analytical hierarchy process method is presented. In the second layer, a minimized variance model is applied to reach a consensus. Then the final expert weight is determined by the results of both layers. A real-life example of cruise ship cabin design evaluation is implemented to demonstrate the proposed expert weight determination method. To analyze the feasibility of the proposed method, weight determination with and without using experts is compared. The result shows the expert weight determination method is an effective approach to improve the accuracy of design concept evaluation.
Lateralised dynamic modulations of corticomuscular coherence associated with bimanual learning of rhythmic patterns
Authors: Lapenta Olivia Morgan , Keller Peter E. , Nozaradan Sylvie , Varlet Manuel
Published: April 2022

Human movements are spontaneously attracted to auditory rhythms, triggering an automatic activation of the motor system, a central phenomenon to music perception and production. Cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) in the theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequencies has been used as an index of the synchronisation between cortical motor regions and the muscles. Here we investigated how learning to produce a bimanual rhythmic pattern composed of low- and high-pitch sounds affects CMC in the beta frequency band. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) from the left and right First Dorsal Interosseus and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscles were concurrently recorded during constant pressure on a force sensor held between the thumb and index finger while listening to the rhythmic pattern before and after a bimanual training session. During the training, participants learnt to produce the rhythmic pattern guided by visual cues by pressing the force sensors with their left or right hand to produce the low- and high-pitch sounds, respectively. Results revealed no changes after training in overall beta CMC or beta oscillation amplitude, nor in the correlation between the left and right sides for EEG and EMG separately. However, correlation analyses indicated that left- and right-hand beta EEG–EMG coherence were positively correlated over time before training but became uncorrelated after training. This suggests that learning to bimanually produce a rhythmic musical pattern reinforces lateralised and segregated cortico-muscular communication.
Risk of sustained SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Sanz-Leon Paula , Stevenson Nathan J. , Stuart Robyn M. , Abeysuriya Romesh G. , Pang James C. , Lambert Stephen B. , Kerr Cliff C. , Roberts James A.
Published: April 2022

We used an agent-based model Covasim to assess the risk of sustained community transmission of SARSCoV-2/COVID-19 in Queensland (Australia) in the presence of high-transmission variants of the virus. The model was calibrated using the demographics, policies, and interventions implemented in the state. Then, using the calibrated model, we simulated possible epidemic trajectories that could eventuate due to leakage of infected cases with high-transmission variants, during a period without recorded cases of locally acquired infections, known in Australian settings as “zero community transmission”. We also examined how the threat of new variants reduces given a range of vaccination levels. Specifically, the model calibration covered the first-wave period from early March 2020 to May 2020. Predicted epidemic trajectories were simulated from early February 2021 to late March 2021. Our simulations showed that one infected agent with the ancestral (A.2.2) variant has a 14% chance of crossing a threshold of sustained community transmission (SCT) (i.e., > 5 infections per day, more than 3 days in a row), assuming no change in the prevailing preventative and counteracting policies. However, one agent carrying the alpha (B.1.1.7) variant has a 43% chance of crossing the same threshold; a threefold increase with respect to the ancestral strain; while, one agent carrying the delta (B.1.617.2) variant has a 60% chance of the same threshold, a fourfold increase with respect to the ancestral strain. The delta variant is 50% more likely to trigger SCT than the alpha variant. Doubling the average number of daily tests from ∼ 6,000 to 12,000 results in a decrease of this SCT probability from 43 to 33% for the alpha variant. However, if the delta variant is circulating we would need an average of 100,000 daily tests to achieve a similar decrease in SCT risk. Further, achieving a full-vaccination coverage of 70% of the adult population, with a vaccine with 70% effectiveness against infection, would decrease the probability of SCT from a single seed of alpha from 43 to 20%, on par with the ancestral strain in a naive population. In contrast, for the same vaccine coverage and same effectiveness, the probability of SCT from a single seed of delta would decrease from 62 to 48%, a risk slightly above the alpha variant in a naive population. Our results demonstrate that the introduction of even a small number of people infected with high-transmission variants dramatically increases the probability of sustained community transmission in Queensland. Until very high vaccine coverage is achieved, a swift implementation of policies and interventions, together with high quarantine adherence rates, will be required to minimise the probability of sustained community transmission.
Comparative performance analysis of K-nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm and its different variants for disease prediction
Authors: Uddin Shahadat , Haque Ibtisham , Lu Haohui , Moni Mohammad Ali , Gide Ergun
Published: April 2022

Disease risk prediction is a rising challenge in the medical domain. Researchers have widely used machine learning algorithms to solve this challenge. The k-nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm is the most frequently used among the wide range of machine learning algorithms. This paper presents a study on different KNN variants (Classic one, Adaptive, Locally adaptive, k-means clustering, Fuzzy, Mutual, Ensemble, Hassanat and Generalised mean distance) and their performance comparison for disease prediction. This study analysed these variants in-depth through implementations and experimentations using eight machine learning benchmark datasets obtained from Kaggle, UCI Machine learning repository and OpenML. The datasets were related to different disease contexts. We considered the performance measures of accuracy, precision and recall for comparative analysis. The average accuracy values of these variants ranged from 64.22% to 83.62%. The Hassanaat KNN showed the highest average accuracy (83.62%), followed by the ensemble approach KNN (82.34%). A relative performance index is also proposed based on each performance measure to assess each variant and compare the results. This study identified Hassanat KNN as the best performing variant based on the accuracy-based version of this index, followed by the ensemble approach KNN. This study also provided a relative comparison among KNN variants based on precision and recall measures. Finally, this paper summarises which KNN variant is the most promising candidate to follow under the consideration of three performance measures (accuracy, precision and recall) for disease prediction. Healthcare researchers and stakeholders could use the findings of this study to select the appropriate KNN variant for predictive disease risk analytics.
The human ion channel TRPM2 modulates cell survival in neuroblastoma through E2F1 and FOXM1
Authors: Hirschler-Laszkiewicz Iwona , Festa Fernanda , Huang Suming , Moldovan George-Lucian , Nicolae Claudia , Dhoonmoon Ashna , Bao Lei , Keefer Kerry , Chen Shu-jen , Wang Hong-Gang , Cheung Joseph Y. , Miller Barbara A.
Published: April 2022

Transient receptor potential channel melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is highly expressed in cancer and has an essential function in preserving viability through maintenance of mitochondrial function and antioxidant response. Here, the role of TRPM2 in cell survival was examined in neuroblastoma cells with TRPM2 deletion with CRISPR technology. Viability was significantly decreased in TRPM2 knockout after doxorubicin treatment. RNA sequence analysis and RT-qPCR revealed reduced RNAs encoding master transcription regulators FOXM1 and E2F1/2 and downstream cell cycle targets including Cyclin B1, CDK1, PLK1, and CKS1. CHIP analysis demonstrated decreased FOXM1 binding to their promoters. Western blotting confirmed decreased expression, and increased expression of CDK inhibitor p21, a CKS1 target. In cells with TRPM2 deletion, cell cycle progression to S and G2/M phases was reduced after treatment with doxorubicin. RNA sequencing also identified decreased DNA repair proteins in cells with TRPM2 deletion after doxorubicin treatment, and DNA damage was increased. Wild type TRPM2, but not Ca2+-impermeable mutant E960D, restored live cell number and reconstituted expression of E2F1, FOXM1, and cell cycle/DNA repair proteins. FOXM1 expression alone restored viability. TRPM2 is a potential therapeutic target to reduce tumor proliferation and increase doxorubicin sensitivity through modulation of FOXM1, E2F1, and cell cycle/DNA repair proteins.
The effect of ambient temperature on in-hospital mortality: a study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Yu Haiping , Sheng Wenqi , Tian Ting , Peng Xianzhen , Ma Wang , Gao Wen
Published: April 2022

To reduce the inpatient mortality and improve the quality of hospital management, we explore the relationship between temperatures and in-hospital mortality in a large sample across 10 years in Nanjing, Jiangsu. We collected 10 years’ data on patient deaths from a large research hospital. Distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to find the association between daily mean temperatures and in-hospital mortality. A total of 6160 in-hospital deaths were documented. Overall, peak RR appeared at 8 °C, with the range of 1 to 20 °C having a significantly high mortality risk. In the elderly (age ≥ 65 years), peak RR appeared at 5 °C, with range − 3 to 21 °C having a significantly high mortality risk. In males, peak RR appeared at 8 °C, with the range 0 to 24 °C having a significantly high mortality risk. Moderate cold (define as 2.5th percentile of daily mean temperatures to the MT), not extreme temperatures (≤ 2.5th percentile or ≥ 97.5th percentile of daily mean temperatures), increased the risk of death in hospital patients, especially in elderly and male in-hospital patients.
Dual role of melatonin as an anti-colitis and anti-extra intestinal alterations against acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats
Authors: Ahmed Osama , Farid Alyaa , Elamir Azza
Published: April 2022

The available ulcerative colitis drugs exhibit limited outcomes and adverse side effects. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis to establish a possible treatment for colitis and its impacts on vital organs. Following colitis induction (2 ml 5% AA, rectally), rats were orally received melatonin (5 mg/kg) once per day for 6 days after colitis induction. Then, histopathological examination of colon, kidney, liver, and spleen was conducted, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were assessed in colon tissue. Colitis induction in untreated rats caused necrotic effects in colon tissues, a significant increase in colonic IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO, and MDA levels, and a remarkable decrease in GSH and TAC levels in colon tissue in comparison to the control group. Meanwhile, melatonin treatment reversed these parameters by improving the microscopic and macroscopic colitis features and extra-intestinal (kidney, liver, and spleen) changes in all treated rats compared to the colitis control group. These results denote a reduction in colitis severity due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of melatonin and its positive impact on the vital organs.
Efficient double-layer sintering of titanomagnetite concentrate
Authors: Xu Liangping , Liu Huibo , Cheng De , Zhong Qiang , Peng Zhiwei , Li Guanghui , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2022

The traditional titanomagnetite sintering process consumes high fuel and produces weak-strength sinter. In this study, double-layer sintering was used to solve above problems. The theoretical analysis and sintering pot test results showed that sintering of feed bed constituted by two different-basicity layers could improve mineralization and permeability. By using the double layer structure of sintering bed and controlling the basicities of lower and upper layer (2.5 and 1.5, respectively), the yield, productivity, and reduction disintegration index (RDI+3.15) were 67.32%, 1.65 t m2 h−1, 49.68% respectively, which were improved 33.12%, 1.74%, and 9.27%, respectively than those obtained by the traditional sintering process. Meanwhile, 1.69 kg t−1 of solid fuel consumption and nearly 10% of electricity and gas consumption for sintering were saved. It was demonstrated that using different basicities for upper and lower layer of sintering bed would promote formation of silica-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) with simultaneous reduction of perovskite, improving the sinter quality.
Time dependent analysis of rat microglial surface markers in traumatic brain injury reveals dynamics of distinct cell subpopulations
Authors: Gottlieb Assaf , Toledano-Furman Naama , Prabhakara Karthik S. , Kumar Akshita , Caplan Henry W. , Bedi Supinder , Cox Charles S. , Olson Scott D.
Published: April 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in a cascade of cellular responses, which produce neuroinflammation, partly due to the activation of microglia. Accurate identification of microglial populations is key to understanding therapeutic approaches that modify microglial responses to TBI and improve long-term outcome measures. Notably, previous studies often utilized an outdated convention to describe microglial phenotypes. We conducted a temporal analysis of the response to controlled cortical impact (CCI) in rat microglia between ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres across seven time points, identified microglia through expression of activation markers including CD45, CD11b/c, and p2y12 receptor and evaluated their activation state using additional markers of CD32, CD86, RT1B, CD200R, and CD163. We identified unique sub-populations of microglial cells that express individual or combination of activation markers across time points. We further portrayed how the size of these sub-populations changes through time, corresponding to stages in TBI response. We described longitudinal changes in microglial population after CCI in two different locations using activation markers, showing clear separation into cellular sub-populations that feature different temporal patterns of markers after injury. These changes may aid in understanding the symptomatic progression following TBI and help define microglial subpopulations beyond the outdated M1/M2 paradigm.
Mechanical and thermal characterizations of nanoporous two-dimensional boron nitride membranes
Authors: Pham Van-Trung , Fang Te-Hua
Published: April 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a promising 2D material due to its outstanding mechanical and thermal properties. In the present study, we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the influence of porosity and temperature on the mechanical characteristics of h-BN based on uniaxial and biaxial tensions. Meanwhile, the progression of the microstructure of h-BN up to fracture is studied in order to clarify its fractures mechanism during the tension process. Our results reveal that depending on the porosity and tensile direction, the phase transition occurs more or less. The strength, and Young's modulus of h-BN membranes reduce as increasing porosity. Due to the presence of the pores, the most substantial stresses will be centred around the pores site in the tensile test. Then the fracture starts on the pore edge and spreads preferentially along the zigzag direction of h-BN. Furthermore, fracture strain, strength, and Young's modulus decrease when the temperature rises. In addition, the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations are performed to investigate the influence of various porosities and temperatures on the thermal conductivity of h-BN membranes. The results reveal that the thermal conductivity is greatly reduced by nanoporous. The higher the porosity, the lower the thermal conductivity. The vibration density of states of h-BN membranes is calculated; the result suggests that the defects might reduce the phonon mean free path because of the high collision of the phonons. These alterations represent the scattering influence of defects on phonons, which reduces phonon life and considerably lowers thermal conductivity. Moreover, the findings also proved that as temperature increases, the intrinsic thermal conductivity of h-BN decreases. The thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the pristine h-BN thin film are interestingly equivalent in the zigzag and armchair orientations.
Investigating role of abiotic side and finding optimum abiotic condition for improving gas biodesulfurization using Thioalkalivibrio versutus
Authors: Peighami Reza , Motamedian Ehsan , Rasekh Behnam , Yazdian Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a super toxic substance that produces SOx gases when combusted. Therefore, it should be removed from gas streams. Biodesulfurization is one of the developing methods for removing sulfide. Gas biodesulfurization must be accelerated to be competitive with chemical processes. This process has two sides: biotic and abiotic sides. To increase the rate of sulfide removal, this substance should be given to the bacteria in the maximum amount (Max. − RHS B). Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the rate of adverse abiotic reactions of sulfide (Min. − RHS A). Minimizing the sulfide reaction with biosulfur and oxygen and thiosulfate generation (Min. − RHS thio2) was assessed in de-microbized medium. It was concluded that the pH should be kept as low as possible. The kinetics of thiosulfate formation from sulfide oxidation (− RHS thio1) are strongly dependent on the sulfide concentration, and to minimize this reaction rate, sulfide should be gently injected into the culture. To minimize sulfide reduction to hydrogen sulfide (Min. − RHS rev), the pH should be kept as high as possible. Using the Design Expert v.13, a model was driven for the abiotic side to obtain optimum condition. The pH value was found to be 8.2 and the sulfide concentration to 2.5E−05 M. Thioalkalivibrio versutus cultivation under identified abiotic conditions resulted in biological removal of sulfide up to 1.5 g/h. The culture was not able to remove 2 g/h input sulfide, and to increase this, the biotic side should be studied.
Wrinkle force microscopy: a machine learning based approach to predict cell mechanics from images
Authors: Li Honghan , Matsunaga Daiki , Matsui Tsubasa S. , Aosaki Hiroki , Kinoshita Genki , Inoue Koki , Doostmohammadi Amin , Deguchi Shinji
Published: April 2022

Combining experiments with artificial intelligence algorithms, we propose a machine learning based approach called wrinkle force microscopy (WFM) to extract the cellular force distributions from the microscope images. The full process can be divided into three steps. First, we culture the cells on a special substrate allowing to measure both the cellular traction force on the substrate and the corresponding substrate wrinkles simultaneously. The cellular forces are obtained using the traction force microscopy (TFM), at the same time that cell-generated contractile forces wrinkle their underlying substrate. Second, the wrinkle positions are extracted from the microscope images. Third, we train the machine learning system with GAN (generative adversarial network) by using sets of corresponding two images, the traction field and the input images (raw microscope images or extracted wrinkle images), as the training data. The network understands the way to convert the input images of the substrate wrinkles to the traction distribution from the training. After sufficient training, the network is utilized to predict the cellular forces just from the input images. Our system provides a powerful tool to evaluate the cellular forces efficiently because the forces can be predicted just by observing the cells under the microscope, which is much simpler method compared to the TFM experiment. Additionally, the machine learning based approach presented here has the profound potential for being applied to diverse cellular assays for studying mechanobiology of cells.
Spontaneous self-propulsion and nonequilibrium shape fluctuations of a droplet enclosing active particles
Authors: Kokot Gašper , Faizi Hammad A. , Pradillo Gerardo E. , Snezhko Alexey , Vlahovska Petia M.
Published: April 2022

Active particles, such as swimming bacteria or self-propelled colloids, spontaneously assemble into large-scale dynamic structures. Geometric boundaries often enforce different spatio-temporal patterns compared to unconfined environment and thus provide a platform to control the behavior of active matter. Here, we report collective dynamics of active particles enclosed by soft, deformable boundary, that is responsive to the particles’ activity. We reveal that a quasi two-dimensional fluid droplet enclosing motile colloids powered by the Quincke effect (Quincke rollers) exhibits strong shape fluctuations with a power spectrum consistent with active fluctuations driven by particle-interface collisions. A broken detailed balance confirms the nonequilibrium nature of the shape dynamics. We further find that rollers self-organize into a single drop-spanning vortex, which can undergo a spontaneous symmetry breaking and vortex splitting. The droplet acquires motility while the vortex doublet exists. Our findings provide insights into the complex collective behavior of active colloidal suspensions in soft confinement.
Measuring the impact of air quality related interventions
Authors: Ropkins Karl , Tate James E. , Walker Anthony , Clark Tony
Published: April 2022

Administrative authorities commonly implement interventions to improve air quality. Used in combination with signal isolation, Break-Point/Segment (BPS) methods can be used to independently detect and quantify associated change in time-series.
Improved resistive switching characteristics of a multi-stacked HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2 RRAM structure for neuromorphic and synaptic applications: experimental and computational study
Authors: Khera Ejaz Ahmad , Mahata Chandreswar , Imran Muhammad , Niaz Niaz Ahmad , Hussain Fayyaz , Khalil R. M. Arif , Rasheed Umbreen , SungjunKim
Published: April 2022

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) was used for a tri-layer structure (HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2) at low temperature over an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) transparent electrode.
Triblock probe-polyA-probe electrochemical interfacial engineering for the sensitive analysis of RNAi plants
Authors: Zheng Yu , Wang Lele , Xu Li , Li Yan , Yang Xue , Yang Zhenzhou , Li Lanying , Ding Min , Ren Shuzhen , Gong Feiyan , Chang Jinxue , Cao Chengming , Wen Yanli , Li Liang , Liu Gang
Published: April 2022

RNA interference (RNAi) is under fast development in agriculture and brings new challenge for GMO analysis. We developed a electrochemical biosensor for the analysis of GM maize samples based on a polyA-DNA capturing probe. Ultrasensitive detection of 10 fM RNA was realized.
Design, mechanical and degradation requirements of biodegradable metal mesh for pelvic floor reconstruction
Authors: Mardina Zahrina , Venezuela Jeffrey , Maher Christopher , Shi Zhiming , Dargusch Matthew S. , Atrens Andrej
Published: April 2022

Pelvic organ prolapse is the herniation of surrounding tissue and organs into the vagina and/or rectum and is a result of the weakening of pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue, and fascia.
Reactivity of superheavy elements Cn and Fl and of their oxides in comparison with homologous species of Hg and Pb, respectively, towards gold and hydroxylated quartz surfaces
Authors: Pershina Valeria , Iliaš Miroslav
Published: April 2022

Relativistic periodic DFT calculations of adsorption properties of atoms and oxides of Cn and Fl and their homologs on gold and quartz surfaces. Indication of adsorption of Cn and Fl in the elemental state in gas-phase chromatography experiments.
Bis(di-tert-butylindenyl)tetrelocenes
Authors: Staub Liane Hildegard , Lambert Jessica , Müller Carsten , Morgenstern Bernd , Zimmer Michael , Warken Joshua , Koldemir Aylin , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer , Schäfer André
Published: April 2022

The synthesis and characterization of bis(di-tert-butylindenyl) germanium(ii), tin(ii) and lead(ii) complexes are reported, which includes the first structurally authenticated example of a bis(indenyl)germanocene.
Steady analyses of potassium stable isotopes using a Thermo Scientific Neoma MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Télouk Philippe , Albalat Emmanuelle , Tacail Théo , Arnaud-Godet Florent , Balter Vincent
Published: April 2022

Potassium stable isotope compositions exhibit a wide range of natural variation (∼3‰), whose measurement has been recently achievable thanks to the development of collision cell, XHR mode, cold and dry plasma, or dummy bucket MC-ICP-MS.
A biodegradable silver oxide-treated hydroxyapatite nanoparticle (AgO@HA)-interlaced poly(etherimide)/poly(methylmethacrylate) membrane for blood purification: an in vitro study
Authors: Sivasankari Selvam , Kalaivizhi Rajappan , Ganesh Munuswamy Ramanujam , Anjum Musthafa Shazia
Published: April 2022

In this research article, we are reporting the AgO@HA-PEI/PMMA membrane, which is most promising when blood is exposed to membranes since they exhibit attractive biocompatible and biodegradable properties.
A self-assembly solvothermal synthesis of SiMoVn@[Cu6O(TZI)3(H2O)6]4·nH2O for the efficient selective oxidation of various alkylbenzenes
Authors: Liu Jiabin , Xin Yuxiang , Bai Yiyang , She Wei , Wang Jing , Li Gaungming
Published: April 2022

A series of SiMoVn@rht-MOF-1 were isolatedviaa one-pot self-assembly solvothermal synthesis, exhibiting effective catalytic activity and excellent recyclability.
Synthesis of 14-membered enediyne-embedded macrocycles
Authors: Glavaš Mladena , Gredičak Matija , Štefanić Zoran , Jerić Ivanka
Published: April 2022

Macrocyclization of precursors obtained by a sequential Ugi/Sonogashira reaction afforded a new class of 14-membered macrocycles containing an enediyne structural unit.
Advances in free-radical alkylation and arylation with organoboronic acids
Authors: Shang Xiaojie , Liu Zhong-Quan
Published: April 2022

Organoboronic acids act as carbon-centered radical precursors that are widely utilized to construct C–C bonds. This review summarizes advances in this field, its content divided into four parts according to different categories of coupling partners with organoboronic acids.
Synthesis and characterization of rhena[10]annulynes
Authors: Cao Qiang , Wang Ping , Cai Yuanting , Hua Yuhui , Zheng Shaohui , Cheng Xu , He Guomei , Wen Ting-Bin , Chen Jiangxi
Published: April 2022

The first rhena[10]annulyne bearing a ten-membered metallacycle with a single metal center has been synthesized. The ring shows a deshielding effect that suggests a π-conjugation present in the metallacycle.
Total synthesis of (−)-amathaspiramide A via a one-pot aldol addition/transamidification reaction
Authors: Wang Jun-Jie , Bai Rui-Xue , Yang Mao-Qi , Chen Zheng-Yu , Wang Min-Dan , Zhao Qian , Lin Guo-Qiang , Fu Jian-Guo , Feng Chen-Guo
Published: April 2022

Total synthesis of (−)-amathaspiramide A was achieved through efficient construction of a chiral aza-spirobicyclic core using an aldol addition/transamidification cascade. Configuration adjustment via an asymmetric protonation process was used to obtain the stereochemistry.
The fluorescence mechanism of carbon dots based on the separation and identification of small molecular fluorophores
Authors: Han Bingchen , Hu Xin , Zhang Xinfeng , Huang Xianju , An Mingzhe , Chen Xiao , Zhao Dan , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

This paper reports the formation process and fluorescence mechanism of synthetic carbon dots using citric acid, N-acetyl-l-cysteine and glutathione derivatives as carbon sources.
Programmable alignment media from self-assembled oligopeptide amphiphiles for the measurement of independent sets of residual dipolar couplings in organic solvents
Authors: Lin Yuexiao , Li Jiaqian , Qin Si-Yong , Sun Han , Yang Yan-Ling , Navarro-Vázquez Armando , Lei Xinxiang
Published: April 2022

We report a programmable strategy to construct multi-alignment media via peptide self-assembly for the measurement of independent sets of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs).
Progress in understanding the coking behavior of typical catalysts in the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass
Authors: Gholizadeh Mortaza , Hu Xun
Published: April 2022

Catalytic pyrolysis is a promising thermochemical method to upgrade the fuel property of bio-oil through the deoxygenation of volatiles obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass.
Tear of lipid membranes by nanoparticles
Authors: Er-Rafik Mériem , Ferji Khalid , Combet Jérôme , Sandre Olivier , Lecommandoux Sébastien , Schmutz Marc , Le Meins Jean-François , Marques Carlos M.
Published: April 2022

Tear, a direct physical damage of lipid bilayers, can be inflicted by small enough nanoparticles.
EGCG-crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogels with inherent desired functions for full-thickness skin wound healing
Authors: Wei Qingcong , Ma Lin , Zhang Weiwei , Ma Guanglei , Hu Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

A facilely prepared EGCG crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel with multiple functions can effectively promote collagen deposition and upregulate the VEGF, thus accelerating wound healing.
Lanthanide doping enabled multimodal luminescence in layered lead-free double perovskite Cs4MnBi2Cl12
Authors: Li Jingyu , Xiao Jiawen , Lin Taifeng , Yan Zhengguang , Han Xiaodong
Published: April 2022

Doping lanthanide ions into the Cs4MnBi2Cl12 double perovskite results in multimodal luminescence, and the unique Bi–Mn–Bi sandwich structure facilitates the energy transfer between the transition metal ions and lanthanide ions.
Towards a consistent model of the hot quadruple system HD 93206 = QZ Carinæ
Authors: Mayer P. , Harmanec P. , Zasche P. , Brož M. , Catalan-Hurtado R. , Barlow B. N. , Frondorf W. , Wolf M. , Drechsel H. , Chini R. , Nasseri A. , Pigulski A. , Labadie-Bartz J. , Christie G. W. , Walker W. S. G. , Blackford M. , Blane D. , Henden A. A. , Bohlsen T. , Božić H. , Jonák J.
Published: April 2022

The hot nine-component system HD 93206, which contains a gravitationally bounded eclipsing Ac1+Ac2 binary (P = 5.9987 d) and a spectroscopic Aa1+Aa2 (P = 20.734 d) binary can provide important insights into the origin and evolution of massive stars. Using archival and new spectra, and a rich collection of ground-based and space photometric observations, we carried out a detailed study of this object. We provide a much improved description of both short orbits and a good estimate of the mutual period of both binaries of about 14 500 d (i.e. 40 years). For the first time, we detected weak lines of the fainter component of the 6.0 d eclipsing binary in the optical region of the spectrum, measured their radial velocities, and derived a mass ratio ofMAc2/MAc1 = 1.29, which is the opposite of what was estimated from the International Ultraviolet explorer (IUE) spectra. We confirm that the eclipsing subsystem Ac is semi-detached and is therefore in a phase of large-scale mass transfer between its components. The Roche-lobe filling and spectroscopically brighter component Ac1 is the less massive of the two and is eclipsed in the secondary minimum. We show that the bulk of the Hαemission, so far believed to be associated with the eclipsing system, moves with the primary O9.7 I component Aa1 of the 20.73 d spectroscopic binary. However, the weak emission in the higher Balmer lines seems to be associated with the accretion disc around component Ac2. We demonstrate that accurate masses and other basic physical properties including the distance of this unique system can be obtained but require a more sophisticated modelling. A first step in this direction is presented in the accompanying Paper II (Brož et al.).