bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of smoking and polygenic risk with the incidence of lung cancer: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Peidong , Chen Pei-Liang , Li Zhi-Hao , Zhang Ao , Zhang Xi-Ru , Zhang Yu-Jie , Liu Dan , Mao Chen
Published: February 2022

Background

Genetic variation increases the risk of lung cancer, but the extent to which smoking amplifies this effect remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk of lung cancer in people with different genetic risks and smoking habits.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 345,794 European ancestry participants from the UK Biobank and followed up for 7.2 [6.5–7.8] years.

Results

Overall, 26.2% of the participants were former smokers, and 9.8% were current smokers. During follow-up, 1687 (0.49%) participants developed lung cancer. High genetic risk and smoking were independently associated with an increased risk of incident lung cancer. Compared with never-smokers, HR per standard deviation of the PRS increase was 1.16 (95% CI, 1.11–1.22), and HR of heavy smokers (≥40 pack-years) was 17.89 (95% CI, 15.31–20.91). There were no significant interactions between the PRS and the smoking status or pack-years. Population-attributable fraction analysis showed that smoking cessation might prevent 76.4% of new lung cancers.

Conclusions

Both high genetic risk and smoking were independently associated with higher lung cancer risk, but the increased risk of smoking was much more significant than heredity. The combination of traditional risk factors and additional PRS provides realistic application prospects for precise prevention.
Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer belong to Consensus Molecular Subtype 4 and are sensitised to oxaliplatin by inhibiting reducing capacity
Authors: Laoukili Jamila , Constantinides Alexander , Wassenaar Emma C. E. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Raats Danielle A. E. , van Schelven Susanne J. , van Wettum Jonathan , Volckmann Richard , Koster Jan , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Wiezer René J. , van Grevenstein Helma M. U. , Rinkes Inne H. M. Borel , Boerma Djamila , Kranenburg Onno
Published: February 2022

Background

Peritoneal metastases (PM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with therapy resistance and poor survival. Oxaliplatin monotherapy is widely applied in the intraperitoneal treatment of PM, but fails to yield clinical benefit. We aimed to identify the mechanism(s) underlying PM resistance to oxaliplatin and to develop strategies overcoming such resistance.

Experimental design

We generated a biobank consisting of 35 primary tumour regions and 59 paired PM from 12 patients. All samples were analysed by RNA sequencing. We also generated a series of PM-derived organoid (PMDO) cultures and used these to design and test strategies to overcome resistance to oxaliplatin.

Results

PM displayed various hallmarks of aggressive CRC biology. The vast majority of PM and paired primary tumours belonged to the Consensus Molecular Subtype 4 (CMS4). PMDO cultures were resistant to oxaliplatin and expressed high levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC) causing detoxification of oxaliplatin through glutathione synthesis. Genetic or pharmacological targeting of GCLC sensitised PMDOs to a 1-h exposure to oxaliplatin, through increased platinum-DNA adduct formation.

Conclusions

These results link oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal PM to their CMS4 status and high reducing capacity. Inhibiting the reducing capacity of PM may be an effective strategy to overcome PM resistance to oxaliplatin.
Next generation self-replicating RNA vectors for vaccines and immunotherapies
Authors: Aliahmad Parinaz , Miyake-Stoner Shigeki J. , Geall Andrew J. , Wang Nathaniel S.
Published: February 2022

RNA technology has recently come to the forefront of innovative medicines and is being explored for a wide range of therapies, including prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, biotherapeutic protein expression and gene therapy. In addition to conventional mRNA platforms now approved for prophylactic SARS-CoV2 vaccines, synthetic self-replicating RNA vaccines are currently being evaluated in the clinic for infectious disease and oncology. The prototypical srRNA vectors in clinical development are derived from alphaviruses, specifically Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV). While non-VEEV alphaviral strains have been explored as single cycle viral particles, their use as synthetic vectors largely remains under-utilized in clinical applications. Here we describe the potential commonalities and differences in synthetic alphaviral srRNA vectors in host cell interactions, immunogenicity, cellular delivery, and cargo expression. Thus, unlike the current thinking that VEEV-based srRNA is a one-size-fits-all platform, we argue that a new drug development approach leveraging panels of customizable, synthetic srRNA vectors will be required for clinical success.
Degradation of DRAK1 by CUL3/SPOP E3 Ubiquitin ligase promotes tumor growth of paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells
Authors: Pang Kyoungwha , Lee Jihee , Kim Junil , Park Jinah , Park Yuna , Hong Eunji , An Haein , Ooshima Akira , Son Minjung , Park Kyung-Soon , Cho Jae-Hyun , Lee Cheol , Song Yong Sang , Yang Kyung-Min , Kim Seong-Jin
Published: February 2022

Despite favorable responses to initial chemotherapy, drug resistance is a major cause limiting chemotherapeutic efficacy in many advanced cancers. However, mechanisms that drive drug-specific resistance in chemotherapy for patients with advanced cancers are still unclear. Here, we report a unique role of death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 1 (DRAK1) associated with paclitaxel resistance in cervical cancer cells. Interestingly, DRAK1 protein level was markedly decreased in paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells without affecting its mRNA expression, which resulted in an increase in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression, as well as an activation of TRAF6-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade, thereby promoting tumor progression. DRAK1 depletion markedly increased the chemotherapeutic IC50 values of paclitaxel in cervical cancer cells. Ectopic expression of DRAK1 inhibited growth of paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, DRAK1 was markedly underexpressed in chemoresistant cervical cancer patient tissues compared with chemosensitive samples. We found that DRAK1 protein was destabilized through K48-linked polyubiquitination promoted by the Cullin scaffold protein 3 (CUL3) / speckle-type POZ (poxvirus and zinc finger protein) protein (SPOP) E3 ubiquitin ligase in paclitaxel-resistant cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that DRAK1 may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in cervical cancer.
Parental folate deficiency induces birth defects in mice accompanied with increased de novo mutations
Authors: Zhao Ying , Chen Duoyuan , Tang Jianping , Zheng Yufang , Qi Ji , Wang Hongyan
Published: February 2022

Dietary folate deficiency (FD) is associated with the occurrence of birth defects. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. In particular, how FD affects genome stability is unknown. To examine whether a folate-deficient diet can affect genome stability, C57BL/6 mice were maintained on a synthetic diet lacking of folic acid (FA) for two generations. F0 mice received the FD diet beginning at 3 weeks of age, and their offspring (F1) began the FD diet after weaning. Both male and female F1 mice fed the FD diet were intentionally crossed with F1 mice fed the normal diet to produce F2 mice. F2 embryos were dissected and collected at E14.5 and E18.5. The malformation ratio was significantly increased in F2 embryos fed the FD diet for two generations compared to those fed the normal diet. Whole-genome sequencing of multiple sibship with F1 males on the FD diet showed that the de novo mutation (DNM) rate in F2 embryos was three times of the reported spontaneous rate in mice. Furthermore, many DNMs observed in the F2 mice exhibited an allele ratio of 1:3 instead of 2:2, suggesting that these mutations are likely to accumulate in gamete cells as a form of mismatch in the DNA duplex. Our study indicated that FD for two generations significantly enhances DNM accumulation during meiosis, which might contribute to the increased negative birth outcomes among F2 mice. Not only maternal but also paternal FA supplementation is probably also necessary and beneficial to prevent birth defects.
Interrater reliability of routine screening for risk of malnutrition with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form in hospital
Authors: Trampisch Ulrike Sonja , Pourhassan Maryam , Daubert Diana , Volkert Dorothee , Wirth Rainer
Published: February 2022

Background/objectives

The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) is the recommended screening tool for older persons. Data on interrater reliability in clinical routine are rare. Thus, we wanted to quantify the interrater reliability of the MNA-SF in hospital.

Subjects/methods

This observational cross-sectional study was undertaken retrospectively. The study population comprised 105 participants. Risk of malnutrition was measured twice with the routine MNA-SF performed by nurses (within 24 h after admission) and a dedicated dietician (one to three days after the first MNA-SF). The MNA-SF score was analyzed for interrater reliability between nurse and dietician.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 82.4 (±7.1) years and 71 (68%) were women. The mean total MNA-SF score was 7.4 (±2.4) assessed by dietician and 7.8 (±2.3) assessed by nurse. The intra-class correlation coefficient between the total MNA-SF scores was 0.74 (0.61; 0.82), indicating moderate reliability. For the MNA-SF nutritional status, Cohens Kappa was 0.37 (p < 0.05) showing a fair agreement.

Conclusion

Multiple misclassifications were observed between malnutrition and risk of malnutrition. Because mean scores were near the border between malnutrition and risk of malnutrition, we recommend to consider the total MNA-SF score in addition to the three risk groups to assess nutritional risk in geriatric hospital patients.
Fine-scale heterogeneity in population density predicts wave dynamics in dengue epidemics
Authors: Romeo-Aznar Victoria , Picinini Freitas Laís , Gonçalves Cruz Oswaldo , King Aaron A. , Pascual Mercedes
Published: February 2022

The spread of dengue and other arboviruses constitutes an expanding global health threat. The extensive heterogeneity in population distribution and potential complexity of movement in megacities of low and middle-income countries challenges predictive modeling, even as its importance to disease spread is clearer than ever. Using surveillance data at fine resolution following the emergence of the DENV4 dengue serotype in Rio de Janeiro, we document a pattern in the size of successive epidemics that is invariant to the scale of spatial aggregation. This pattern emerges from the combined effect of herd immunity and seasonal transmission, and is strongly driven by variation in population density at sub-kilometer scales. It is apparent only when the landscape is stratified by population density and not by spatial proximity as has been common practice. Models that exploit this emergent simplicity should afford improved predictions of the local size of successive epidemic waves.
Organic electrochemical neurons and synapses with ion mediated spiking
Authors: Harikesh Padinhare Cholakkal , Yang Chi-Yuan , Tu Deyu , Gerasimov Jennifer Y. , Dar Abdul Manan , Armada-Moreira Adam , Massetti Matteo , Kroon Renee , Bliman David , Olsson Roger , Stavrinidou Eleni , Berggren Magnus , Fabiano Simone
Published: February 2022

Future brain-machine interfaces, prosthetics, and intelligent soft robotics will require integrating artificial neuromorphic devices with biological systems. Due to their poor biocompatibility, circuit complexity, low energy efficiency, and operating principles fundamentally different from the ion signal modulation of biology, traditional Silicon-based neuromorphic implementations have limited bio-integration potential. Here, we report the first organic electrochemical neurons (OECNs) with ion-modulated spiking, based on all-printed complementary organic electrochemical transistors. We demonstrate facile bio-integration of OECNs with Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) to induce lobe closure upon input stimuli. The OECNs can also be integrated with all-printed organic electrochemical synapses (OECSs), exhibiting short-term plasticity with paired-pulse facilitation and long-term plasticity with retention >1000 s, facilitating Hebbian learning. These soft and flexible OECNs operate below 0.6 V and respond to multiple stimuli, defining a new vista for localized artificial neuronal systems possible to integrate with bio-signaling systems of plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
Acetylcholine deficiency disrupts extratelencephalic projection neurons in the prefrontal cortex in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sun Qingtao , Zhang Jianping , Li Anan , Yao Mei , Liu Guangcai , Chen Siqi , Luo Yue , Wang Zhi , Gong Hui , Li Xiangning , Luo Qingming
Published: February 2022

Short-term memory deficits have been associated with prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD mouse models. Extratelencephalic projection (ET) neurons in the PFC play a key role in short-term working memory, but the mechanism between ET neuronal dysfunction in the PFC and short-term memory impairment in AD is not well understood. Here, using fiber photometry and optogenetics, we found reduced neural activity in the ET neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the 5×FAD mouse model led to object recognition memory (ORM) deficits. Activation of ET neurons in the mPFC of 5×FAD mice rescued ORM impairment, and inhibition of ET neurons in the mPFC of wild type mice impaired ORM expression. ET neurons in the mPFC that project to supramammillary nucleus were necessary for ORM expression. Viral tracing and in vivo recording revealed that mPFC ET neurons received fewer cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain in 5×FAD mice. Furthermore, activation of cholinergic fibers in the mPFC rescued ORM deficits in 5×FAD mice, while acetylcholine deficiency reduced the response of ET neurons in the mPFC to familiar objects. Taken together, our results revealed a neural mechanism behind ORM impairment in 5×FAD mice.
Identification and establishment of type IV interferon and the characterization of interferon-υ including its class II cytokine receptors IFN-υR1 and IL-10R2
Authors: Chen Shan Nan , Gan Zhen , Hou Jing , Yang Yue Cong , Huang Lin , Huang Bei , Wang Su , Nie Pin
Published: February 2022

Interferons (IFNs) are critical soluble factors in the immune system and are composed of three types, (I, II and III) that utilize different receptor complexes IFN-αR1/IFN-αR2, IFN-γR1/IFN-γR2, and IFN-λR1/IL-10R2, respectively. Here we identify IFN-υ from the genomic sequences of vertebrates. The members of class II cytokine receptors, IFN-υR1 and IL-10R2, are identified as the receptor complex of IFN-υ, and are associated with IFN-υ stimulated gene expression and antiviral activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). IFN-υ and IFN-υR1 are separately located at unique and highly conserved loci, being distinct from all other three-type IFNs. IFN-υ and IFN-υR1 are phylogenetically clustered with class II cytokines and class II cytokine receptors, respectively. Therefore, the finding of this IFN ligand-receptor system may be considered as a type IV IFN, in addition to the currently recognized three types of IFNs in vertebrates.
Residential environment in relation to self-report of respiratory and asthma symptoms among primary school children in a high-polluted urban area
Authors: Apichainan Nawarat , Norkaew Saowanee , Taneepanichskul Nutta
Published: February 2022

Respiratory disease and its complication are the cause of children deaths worldwide every year. Several epidemiological studies pointed out an association between quality of residential in inner city and risk of children health. However, few studies had been focused in high-polluted urban area in low to middle income countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between residential environments and respiratory symptoms including asthma among 658 primary school children living in urban area of Bangkok Thailand. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was modified to access symptoms during the past 12 months. Binary logistic regression model was performed. Living near garment and clothing shop is associated with shortness of breath (AOR = 1.846; 95% CI 1.034, 3.297). Vectors in home is related to dry cough at night (AOR = 1.505; 95% CI 1.052, 2.153) and phlegm (AOR = 1.414; 95% CI 1.014, 1.973). Wall dampness is increased odd of having wheezing or whistling (asthma) in the chest (AOR = 1.921; 95% CI 1.141, 3.235). Children age, gender, and a family history of asthma were modified the associations. Our finding may provide strategies focusing on living environment improvement with a specific group of children to address respiratory disease prevention.
Weighted correlation network analysis revealed novel long non-coding RNAs for colorectal cancer
Authors: Chodary Khameneh Sepideh , Razi Sara , Shamdani Sara , Uzan Georges , Naserian Sina
Published: February 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, which after breast, lung and, prostate cancers, is the fourth prevalent cancer in the United States. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an essential role in the pathogenesis of CRC. Therefore, bioinformatics studies on lncRNAs and their target genes have potential importance as novel biomarkers. In the current study, publicly available microarray gene expression data of colorectal cancer (GSE106582) was analyzed with the Limma, Geoquery, Biobase package. Afterward, identified differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes were inserted into Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to obtain modules and hub genes. A total of nine differentially expressed lncRNAs (LINC01018, ITCH-IT, ITPK1-AS1, FOXP1-IT1, FAM238B, PAXIP1-AS1, ATP2B1-AS1, MIR29B2CHG, and SNHG32) were identified using microarray data analysis. The WGCNA has identified several hub genes for black (LMOD3, CDKN2AIPNL, EXO5, ZNF69, BMS1P5, METTL21A, IL17RD, MIGA1, CEP19, FKBP14), blue (CLCA1, GUCA2A, UGT2B17, DSC2, CA1, AQP8, ITLN1, BEST4, KLF4, IQCF6) and turquoise (PAFAH1B1, LMNB1, CACYBP, GLO1, PUM3, POC1A, ASF1B, SDCCAG3, ASNS, PDCD2L) modules. The findings of the current study will help to improve our understanding of CRC. Moreover, the hub genes that we have identified could be considered as possible prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers. This study led to the determination of nine lncRNAs with no previous association with CRC development.
Quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy based investigation of the absolute content, stability and isomerization of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2/D3 and 24(R),25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 in solution phase
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Taibon Judith , Pongratz Stephan , Geletneky Christian
Published: February 2022

Vitamin D is an important parameter, in serum/plasma based diagnostic analysis, for the determination of optimal regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostases in the human body, vital for the monitoring/progression of osteomalacia and rickets. Particularly, the quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in blood is an excellent indicator for the vitamin D status of a patient. For this purpose, LC–MS/MS methods, based on appropriate vitamin D reference standards, are considered to be ‘gold standard’ for such measurements. We have utilized quantitative NMR spectroscopy to determine the absolute content of these molecules, available as non-certified chemicals, and have determined the stability of these callibrators in borderline polar solvents at room temperature. We have observed significant isomerization of the analytes, which can play a big role in quantification of these analytes by hyphenated LC and GC analytical techniques. Appropriate explanations are given for the observation of new impurities with time in solution phase. The spin system selected for quantitation was determined using relevant 1D and 2D NMR pulse sequences. The advantage of the qNMR approach is that it is based on the quantification of atoms rather than molecular properties (e.g., quantitation by LC/UV, GC, etc.). Since the signals in an NMR spectrum are different nuclear spin-systems dispersed precisely in a magnetic environment, with the intensity being directly proportional to the amount of a particular type of nuclear spin, this technique delivers unparalleled information about the chemical structure and the absolute content.
Effect of clonal testing on the efficiency of genomic evaluation in forest tree breeding
Authors: Stejskal J. , Klápště J. , Čepl J. , El-Kassaby Y. A. , Lstibůrek M.
Published: February 2022

Through stochastic simulations, accuracies of breeding values and response to selection were assessed under traditional pedigree-(BLUP) and genomic-based evaluation methods (GBLUP) in forest tree breeding. The latter provides a methodological foundation for genomic selection. We evaluated the impact of clonal replication in progeny testing on the response to selection realized in seed orchards under variable marker density and target effective population sizes. We found that clonal replication in progeny trials boosted selection accuracy, thus providing additional genetic gains under BLUP. While a similar trend was observed for GBLUP, however, the added gains did not surpass those under BLUP. Therefore, breeding programs deploying extensive progeny testing with clonal propagation might not benefit from the deployment of genomic information. These findings could be helpful in the context of operational breeding programs.
Validity and risk of adopting PGA ≤ 2 as a remission criteria of Boolean in clinical practice in patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yoshii Ichiro , Chijiwa Tatsumi , Sawada Naoya
Published: February 2022

Validity and risk of setting patient’s global assessment (PGA) ≤ 2 as a Boolean remission criteria substituting PGA ≤ 1 in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated. Patients were recruited from an area cohort, of whom attained Boolean remission (Boolean-1) or near remission with PGA ≤ 2 and the rest components were ≤ 1 (Boolean-2). Simplified disease activity index (SDAI) score was compared according to the criteria variations. A total of 517 patients were studied. Mean SDAI score of patients with Boolean-1 was significantly lower than that of patients with Boolean-2 at acquisition. The trend was evident in the patients who attained Boolean-1 remission. Mean SDAI score at acquisition, 6 months after, and 1 year after of patients who attained Boolean-2 first and then Boolean-1, was significantly inferior to that of patients who attained the remissions at the same time. The mean SDAI score at month 6 in the Boolean-2 was not SDAI remission at all. We concluded that setting PGA ≤ 2 as a remission criteria may not have statistical difference in disease activity from PGA ≤ 1, however, there was an determinant risk to misread that includes patient who losses clinical remission after acquisition.
Smooth velocity fields for tracking climate change
Authors: Gaponenko Iaroslav , Rohat Guillaume , Goyette Stéphane , Paruch Patrycja , Kasparian Jérôme
Published: February 2022

Describing the spatial velocity of climate change is essential to assessing the challenge of natural and human systems to follow its pace by adapting or migrating sufficiently fast. We propose a fully-determined approach, “MATCH”, to calculate a realistic and continuous velocity field of any climate parameter, without the need for ad hoc assumptions. We apply this approach to the displacement of isotherms predicted by global and regional climate models between 1950 and 2100 under the IPCC-AR5 RCP 8.5 emission scenario, and show that it provides detailed velocity patterns especially at the regional scale. This method thus favors comparisons between models as well as the analysis of regional or local features. Furthermore, the trajectories obtained using the MATCH approach are less sensitive to inter-annual fluctuations and therefore allow us to introduce a trajectory regularity index, offering a quantitative perspective on the discussion of climate sinks and sources.
Circularly polarized luminescence from helical N,O-boron-chelated dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives
Authors: Wang Ling-Yun , Liu Zheng-Fei , Teng Kun-Xu , Niu Li-Ya , Yang Qing-Zheng
Published: February 2022

We report N,O-boron-chelated dipyrromethene derivatives exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the red/near-infrared region, with enhanced |glum| values from 10−4 in solutions to 10−2 in aggregate states.
Pressure-stabilized polymerization of nitrogen in manganese nitrides at ambient and high pressures
Authors: Niu Shifeng , Xu Dan , Li Haiyan , Yao Zhen , Liu Shuang , Zhai Chunguang , Hu Kuo , Shi Xuhan , Wang Peng , Liu Bingbing
Published: February 2022

A systematic high pressure study is performed on Mn–N compounds by using the particle swarm optimization methodology.
The primary photo-dissociation dynamics of lactic acid: decarboxylation as CO2 and CO2˙−
Authors: Thøgersen Jan , Weidner Tobias , Jensen Frank
Published: February 2022

Photolysis of aqueous lactic acid at 200 nm results in full dissociation.
A durable half-metallic diatomic catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Li Hongguan , Di Shuanlong , Niu Ping , Wang Shulan , Wang Jing , Li Li
Published: February 2022

By elaborately constructing a Fe–Zn based diatomic catalyst, the active center is changed from FeN4–ZnN4 to FeN4–Zn–N2 after protonation, leading to the well-maintained FeN4 structure and thus high stability of ORR.
Cascaded energy landscape as a key driver for slow yet efficient charge separation with small energy offset in organic solar cells
Authors: Natsuda Shin-ichiro , Saito Toshiharu , Shirouchi Rei , Sakamoto Yuji , Takeyama Taiki , Tamai Yasunari , Ohkita Hideo
Published: February 2022

We examined the mechanisms underlying the free carrier generation in a very topical PM6/Y6 organic solar cell. We observed slow yet efficient spatial charge dissociation driven by downhill energy relaxation through the interfacial energy cascade.
A microfluidic hanging drop-based spheroid co-culture platform for probing tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Rodoplu Didem , Matahum Jefunnie Sierra , Hsu Chia-Hsien
Published: February 2022

Co-culturing of embryoid bodies (EBs) and tumor spheroids (TSs) allows mimicking tumor angiogenesis in vitro.
Fabrication of MnSe/SnSe@C heterostructures for high-performance Li/Na storage
Authors: Tian Jiao , Yao Yongsheng , Yang Liwen , Zha Lingxiao , Xu Guobao , Huang Shouji , Wei Tongye , Cao Juexian , Wei Xiaolin
Published: February 2022

Novel heterostructured MnSe/SnSe@C nanoboxes display excellent electrochemical performance.
Electrocatalytic proton reduction by dinuclear cobalt complexes in a nonaqueous electrolyte
Authors: Raj Manaswini , Padhi Sumanta Kumar
Published: February 2022

Two dinuclear CoII complexes 1 and 2 have been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods. Both the complexes were employed for H+ reduction in organic media. Faradaic efficiency of 82–90% was obtained for the H2 evolution.
Ionic liquid-hydroxide-mediated low-temperature synthesis of high-entropy perovskite oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Yingying , Xu Qiuchen , Tian Zhangmin , Liu Guiying , Ma Chenxu , Zheng Wenjun
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a novel synthetic strategy for high-entropy perovskite oxide nanoparticles is reported using an ionic liquid-hydroxide-mediated technique at a low temperature (200 °C or lower) and normal atmospheric pressure.
Microcavity volume control on a tip of Ag/AgCl electrodes for stable channel current measurements of biological nanopores
Authors: Hasegawa Naru , Shoji Kan
Published: February 2022

We evaluate the relationship between the electrolyte volume and channel current decay in a channel current measurement system of biological nanopores.
Multifunctional fluorescent probe for effective visualization, inhibition, and detoxification of β-amyloid aggregation via covalent binding
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Cao Yue , Yuan Qiong , Liu Chenghui , Duan Xinrui , Tang Yanli
Published: February 2022

A multifunctional reactive fluorescent probe DTB was constructed for biosensing, aggregation inhibition, and toxicity alleviation of β-amyloid.
Controlling desolvation through polymer-assisted grinding
Authors: Terban Maxwell W. , Madhau Leillah , Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J. , Okeyo Peter O. , Etter Martin , Schulz Armin , Rantanen Jukka , Dinnebier Robert E. , Billinge Simon J. L. , Moneghini Mariarosa , Hasa Dritan
Published: February 2022

The ability to controllably desolvate a crystal-solvate system in a step-wise fashion through polymer-assisted grinding is demonstrated by varying the type and proportion of polymer agent used.
Pressure-stabilized graphene-like P layer in superconducting LaP2
Authors: Li Xing , Zhang Xiaohua , Yang Zeng , Liu Yong , Yang Guochun
Published: February 2022

A hitherto unknown LaP2, isostructural to MgB2, is predicted to remain stable at pressures as low as 7 GPa, and has the highest Tc value of 22.2 K among transition metal phosphides.
Quantum dynamics simulations of the thermal and light-induced high-spin to low-spin relaxation in Fe(bpy)3 and Fe(mtz)6
Authors: Alías-Rodríguez Marc , Huix-Rotllant Miquel , de Graaf Coen
Published: February 2022

We present a theoretical study of thermal and light-induced high-to-low spin crossover in prototypical Fe(ii) complexes. We have computed the transfer rate of the HS state thermal relaxation at several time scales in two different iron complexes.
Cell-based biocomposite engineering directed by polymers
Authors: Wang Wenshuo , Wang Shutao
Published: February 2022

Polymer chemistry can direct the fusion of biological cells and functional materials. This review introduces the recent progress in polymer-directed engineering of advanced cell-based biocomposites with augmented functionality.
Facile and template-free synthesis of porous carbon modified with FeOx for transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Wang Kunyu , Zong Zhipeng , Yan Yao , Xia Zhijun , Wang Dehua , Wu Shuchang
Published: February 2022

Porous carbon modified with FeOx was developed using an in situ activation method for transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes.
The development of a robust folded scaffold as a fluorescent material using butylidine-linked pyridazinone-based systems via aromatic π⋯π stacking interactions
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Verma Abhineet , Sharma Vishal Prasad , Singh Rashmi , Yadav Tarun , Kumar Ranjeet , Pal Shiv , Gupta Hariom , Saha Satyen , Tewari Ashish K.
Published: February 2022

Fluorescence-capable robust folded pyridazinone-based homo- and heterodimers linked with butylidine linkers, whose crystals exhibit fluorescence with quantum yields of 11% (1CN) and 28% (2CN) due to intramolecular stacking, were synthesized.
Total synthesis of myristinins A–F and 3′-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-4-O-2′-cycloflavan by iterative generation of o-quinone methides
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Jegadeesan S. , Vishwakarma Dharmendra S.
Published: February 2022

An iterative generation of o-quinone methides (o-QMs) and [4+2] cycloaddition followed by inter/intra-molecular Michael addition in a cascade sequence gave expedient access to the total synthesis of myristinins A–F and 3′-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-4-O-2′-cycloflavan and their analogues, respectively.
Synthesis and characterization of novel copper(ii) complexes as potential drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Choudhary Mukesh
Published: February 2022

Two novel copper(ii) Schiff base complexes, [Cu(L1)2] (1) and [Cu(L2)(CH3OH)(Cl)] (2) of [(Z)-(5-chloro-2-((3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)phenyl)(phenyl)methanone (L1H) and (Z)-(2((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino-5-chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methanone)(L2H)], have been designed, synthesized and characterized.
A Sn(iv) porphyrin with mitochondria targeting properties for enhanced photodynamic activity against MCF-7 cells
Authors: Babu Balaji , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2022

A Sn(iv) porphyrin with a mitochondria targeting triphenylphosphonium moiety has a highΦΔvalue (ca.0.72) and does not aggregate in aqueous solution. The dye exhibits favorable photodynamic activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC50value of 2.9 μM.
Metal–organic macrocycles with tunable pore microenvironments for selective anion transmembrane transport
Authors: Li Yingguo , Jia Lei , Tang Xianhui , Dong Jinqiao , Cui Yong , Liu Yan
Published: February 2022

We report the self-assembly of a distinct type of four-membered metallacycles with tunable pore microenvironments capable of selective anion transmembrane transport.
A new cucurbit[10]uril-based AIE fluorescent supramolecular polymer for cellular imaging
Authors: Luo Yang , Gan Shiquan , Zhang Wei , Jia Menghao , Chen Lixia , Redshaw Carl , Tao Zhu , Xiao Xin
Published: February 2022

The synthesis of the AIE fluorescent supramolecular polymer TPE-B@Q[10] is reported. This system exhibits excellent blue emission properties, good biocompatibility and was successfully employed for cytoplasmic imaging of cells.
Functionalized planar aromatic rings as precursors to energetic N,N′-(4,6-dinitro-1,3-phenylene)dinitramide and its salts
Authors: Singh Jatinder , Lal Sohan , Staples Richard J. , Shreeve Jean’ne M.
Published: February 2022

The synergetic effect of multiple weak non-covalent interactions is found to be effective in increasing the molecular stability of energetic N,N′-(4,6-dinitro-1,3-phenylene)dinitramide and its salts.
Bile acid metabolism and FXR-mediated effects in human cholestatic liver disorders
Authors: Molinaro Antonio , Marschall Hanns-Ulrich
Published: February 2022

Intrahepatic cholestasis is the main feature of a group of liver diseases that are characterized by hepatic and systemic accumulation of bile acids due to impaired excretion of bile, based on inflammation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts or dysfunction of hepatobiliary transport proteins. The nuclear bile acid sensor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is central for the regulation of bile acid turnover, including synthesis, hepatic excretion and intestinal and hepatic uptake. Several drugs targeting FXR have been developed for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases, and so far one of them has been granted conditional approval. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge and the clinical and experimental data available on agents affecting FXR and bile acid turnover.
Cofactor F420, an emerging redox power in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
Authors: Bashiri Ghader
Published: February 2022

Cofactor F420 is a low-potential hydride-transfer deazaflavin that mediates important oxidoreductive reactions in the primary metabolism of archaea and a wide range of bacteria. Over the past decade, biochemical studies have demonstrated another essential role for F420 in the biosynthesis of various classes of natural products. These studies have substantiated reports predating the structural determination of F420 that suggested a potential role for F420 in the biosynthesis of several antibiotics produced by Streptomyces. In this article, we focus on this exciting and emerging role of F420 in catalyzing the oxidoreductive transformation of various imine, ketone and enoate moieties in secondary metabolites. Given the extensive and increasing availability of genomic and metagenomic data, these F420-dependent transformations may lead to the discovery of novel secondary metabolites, providing an invaluable and untapped resource in various biotechnological applications.
Interrupting Ableism in Stuttering Therapy and Research: Practical Suggestions
Authors: Gerlach-Houck Hope , Constantino Christopher D.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The purposes of this tutorial are (a) to critically review the ways in which stuttering therapy and research are both constrained by and resistant to ableism and (b) to offer practical suggestions for further interrupting stuttering-related ableism in the discipline of speech-language pathology.

Method:

At the beginning of the tutorial, the concept of ableism is introduced and the effects of ableism on people who stutter are discussed. Following an overview of the discipline's current strengths in resisting ableism associated with stuttering, five practical suggestions for further interrupting ableism are provided. To illustrate how these suggestions might be enacted, real and hypothetical clinical and research scenarios are presented throughout. Although this tutorial draws heavily on the experiences of adults who stutter, many of the concepts are also relevant to kids and teens who stutter.

Conclusion:

Speech-language pathologists can be change agents in interrupting ableism associated with stuttering and powerful allies to people who stutter.
Dynamic Norming and Open Science
Authors: MacWhinney Brian , Bernstein Ratner Nan
Published: February 2022

In a recent issue of
JSLHR,
Tucci et al. (2022) presented a method for assigning
SEM
scores to a language sample. However, this method is based on data that are not publicly available and uses a commercial analysis program that is not open source. The TalkBank system and the Child Language Data Exchange System database provides free analysis software based on openly accessible data, thereby adhering to Open Science standards, which represent an important next step for the fields of speech and hearing.
Short‐circuit current constrained unit commitment and transmission switching model for improving renewable integration: An MILP formulation
Authors: Zhang Xi , Liu Youbo , Zhao Junbo , Liu Junyong , Korkali Mert , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2022

The increased penetration of large‐scale renewable energy resources results in the significant reduction of the system short‐circuit current (SCC) level, challenging current protection systems. In real‐time operation, several conventional synchronous generators are committed to maintaining the SCC level at a range that can be identified by the protection system. This limits the hosting capacity of renewable energy integration. This paper investigates the impacts of transmission switching (TS) and unit commitment (UC) on SCC magnitude and derives several linear expressions of SCC constraints for optimal control to restrain the SCC level to the desired range. Besides, an error compensation algorithm is developed to mitigate the linearization error. Numerical results carried out on the standard IEEE test systems show that the proposed method can effectively confine the SCC magnitude to the desired range while increasing the penetration of renewable energy. Comparison results with other methods highlight that the proposed method can achieve a higher level of renewable energy integration without violating SCC constraints.
Thorough characterisation of the 16 Cygni system
Authors: Buldgen G. , Farnir M. , Eggenberger P. , Bétrisey J. , Pezzotti C. , Pinçon C. , Deal M. , Salmon S. J. A. J.
Published: February 2022

Context. The advent of space-based photometry observations provided high-quality asteroseismic data for a large number of stars. These observations enabled the adaptation of advanced analyses techniques, until then restricted to the field of helioseismology, to study the best asteroseismic targets. Amongst these, the 16Cyg binary system holds a special place, as they are the brightest solar twins observed by the Kepler mission. For this specific system, modellers have access to high-quality asteroseismic, spectroscopic and interferometric data, making it the perfect testbed for the limitations of stellar models.

Aims. We aim to further constrain the internal structure and fundamental parameters of 16CygA&B using linear seismic inversion techniques of both global indicators and localised corrections of the hydrostatic structure.

Methods. We start from the models defined by detailed asteroseismic modelling in our previous paper and extend our analysis by applying variational inversions to our evolutionary models. We carried out inversions of so-called seismic indicators and attempted to provide local corrections of the internal structure of the two stars.

Results. Our results indicate that linear seismic inversions alone are not able to discriminate between standard and non-standard models for 16CygA&B. We confirm the results of our previous studies that used linear inversion techniques, but consider that the observed differences could be linked to small fundamental parameters variations rather than to a missing process in the models.

Conclusions. We confirm the robustness and reliability of the results of the modelling we performed in our previous paper. We conclude that non-linear inversions are likely required to further investigate the properties of 16CygA&B from a seismic point of view, but that these inversions have to be coupled to analyses of the depletion of light elements such as lithium and beryllium to constrain the macroscopic transport of chemicals in these stars and also to constrain potential non-standard evolutionary paths.
Cosmology with the kinetic Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect: Independent of the optical depth and σ8
Authors: Kuruvilla Joseph
Published: February 2022

Cosmological constraints obtained by the kinetic Sunyaev–Zeldovich experiments are degenerate with the optical depth measurement – an effect that is commonly known as the optical-depth degeneracy. In this work, we introduce a new statistic based on the first moment of relative velocity between pairs in a triplet, which is capable of constraining cosmological parameters independently of the optical depth and of σ8. Using 22 000 N-body simulations from the Quijote suite, we quantified the information content in the new statistic using Fisher matrix forecast. We find that it is able to obtain strong constraints on the cosmological parameters, particularly on the summed neutrino mass. The constraints bring an improvement on all cosmological model parameters by a factor of 6.2–12.9 and 2.3–5.7 when compared to those obtained from the mean pairwise velocity and from the redshift-space halo power spectrum, respectively. Thus, this new statistic paves a way forward in constraining cosmological parameters independent of the optical depth and σ8 when using data from future kinetic Sunyaev–Zeldovich experiments alone.
Type II supernovae from the Carnegie Supernova Project-I
Authors: Martinez L. , Anderson J. P. , Bersten M. C. , Hamuy M. , González-Gaitán S. , Orellana M. , Stritzinger M. , Phillips M. M. , Gutiérrez C. P. , Burns C. , de Jaeger T. , Ertini K. , Folatelli G. , Förster F. , Galbany L. , Hoeflich P. , Hsiao E. Y. , Morrell N. , Pessi P. J. , Suntzeff N. B.
Published: February 2022

Type II supernovae (SNe II) show great photometric and spectroscopic diversity which is attributed to the varied physical characteristics of their progenitor and explosion properties. In this study, the third of a series of papers where we analyse a large sample of SNe II observed by the Carnegie Supernova Project-I, we present correlations between their observed and physical properties. Our analysis shows that explosion energy is the physical property that correlates with the highest number of parameters. We recover previously suggested relationships between the hydrogen-rich envelope mass and the plateau duration, and find that more luminous SNe II with higher expansion velocities, faster declining light curves, and higher56Ni masses are consistent with higher energy explosions. In addition, faster declining SNe II (usually called SNe IIL) are also compatible with more concentrated56Ni in the inner regions of the ejecta. Positive trends are found between the initial mass, explosion energy, and56Ni mass. While the explosion energy spans the full range explored with our models, the initial mass generally arises from a relatively narrow range. Observable properties were measured from our grid of bolometric LC and photospheric velocity models to determine the effect of each physical parameter on the observed SN II diversity. We argue that explosion energy is the physical parameter causing the greatest impact on SN II diversity, that is, assuming the non-rotating solar-metallicity single-star evolution as in the models used in this study. The inclusion of pre-SN models assuming higher mass loss produces a significant increase in the strength of some correlations, particularly those between the progenitor hydrogen-rich envelope mass and the plateau and optically thick phase durations. These differences clearly show the impact of having different treatments of stellar evolution, implying that changes in the assumption of standard single-star evolution are necessary for a complete understanding of SN II diversity.
Spectroscopic observation of a transition region network jet
Authors: Gorman J. , Chitta L. P. , Peter H.
Published: February 2022

Aims.Ubiquitous transition region (TR) network jets are considered to be substantial sources of mass and energy to the corona and solar wind. We conduct a case study of a network jet to better understand the nature of mass flows along its length and the energetics involved in its launch.

Methods.We present an observation of a jet with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), while also using data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to provide further context. The jet was located within a coronal hole close to the disk center.

Results.We find that a blueshifted secondary component of TR emission is associated with the jet and is persistent along its spire. This component exhibits upward speeds of approximately 20–70 km s−1and shows enhanced line broadening. However, plasma associated with the jet in the upper chromosphere shows downflows of 5–10 km s−1. Finally, the jet emanates from a seemingly unipolar magnetic footpoint.

Conclusions.While a definitive magnetic driver is not discernible for this event, we infer that the energy driving the network jet is deposited at the top of the chromosphere, indicating that TR network jets are driven from the mid-atmospheric layers of the Sun. The energy flux associated with the line broadening indicates that the jet could be powered all the way into the solar wind.
The electrode model of corona plasma discharge theory for current–voltage characteristics case in air
Authors: Wardaya Asep Yoyo , Muhlisin Zaenul , Suseno Jatmiko Endro , Soesanto Qidir Maulana Binu , Azam Muchamad , Setiawati Evi , Hadi Susilo
Published: February 2022

The calculation of the electrode model in the corona plasma discharge case has been carried out using the semi-ellipse line to plane (S-ELTP) configuration model in the air. The final focus of this research is to calculate the (I–V) current–voltage characteristics of the plasmas discharge. Part of the work in the (I–V) characteristics includes computational calculations and carrying out experimental activities. Experimental data include current vs voltage variations that occur at the time of plasma discharge. All the discharge processes are generated by a positive DC voltage source. The arrangement of the geometric configuration of the electrodes consists of two plates in the form of a half ellipse (active electrode) and a rectangular plate (passive electrode) in a mutually perpendicular position. The size variation of the active electrode includes variations of the small and large size plates with each plate having two variations in the distance between the two electrodes. The calculation concept of the electrode model is to insert the certain shape sharpness factor of k in the numerical calculation in the sharp electrode capacitance part. The k factor value is obtained by calculating the fitting between numerical simulation and research data. The research results prove that there is a fairly high level of conformity between numerical simulation and the research data. Simulation calculation for the (I–V) characteristic curve and its level of accuracy used Python GUI Programming.