bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the proteins interacting with the promoters of silkworm fibroin genes
Authors: Ma Yan , Luo Qin , Ou Yao , Tang Yiyun , Zeng Wenhui , Wang Haomiao , Hu Jie , Xu Hanfu
Published: August 2021

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a silk-producing insect that has contributed greatly to human society. The silk gland of B. mori is a specialized organ responsible for synthesizing silk fibroin and sericin proteins under control of numerous factors. However, which factors are involved in direct silk protein synthesis regulation remains largely unknown. We report the identification of promoter-interacting proteins (PIPs) necessary for the regulation of genes encoding fibroin proteins, including the fibroin heavy chain (fibH), fibroin light chain (fibL), and a 25-kD polypeptide protein (P25). In the fourth larval molting stage (M4) or day 5 fifth-instar larvae (L5D5), a total of 198, 292, and 247 or 330, 305, and 460 proteins interacting with the promoter region of fibH, fibL and P25, respectively, were identified from the posterior silk gland by DNA pull-down combined with mass spectrometry. Many PIPs were particularly involved in ribosome- and metabolism-related pathways. Additionally, 135 and 212 proteins were identified as common PIPs of fibH, fibL and P25 in M4 and L5D5, respectively. Among all PIPs, we identified 31 potential transcription factors, such as Y-box and poly A-binding proteins, which play roles in nucleotide binding, ATP binding, or protein folding. This study provides the first in-depth profile of proteins interacting with fibroin gene promoters and contributes to a better understanding of silk protein synthesis regulation.
Alterations in protein expression and site-specific N-glycosylation of prostate cancer tissues
Authors: Sugár Simon , Tóth Gábor , Bugyi Fanni , Vékey Károly , Karászi Katalin , Drahos László , Turiák Lilla
Published: August 2021

Identifying molecular alterations occurring during cancer progression is essential for a deeper understanding of the underlying biological processes. Here we have analyzed cancerous and healthy prostate biopsies using nanoLC-MS(MS) to detect proteins with altered expression and N-glycosylation. We have identified 75 proteins with significantly changing expression during disease progression. The biological processes involved were assigned based on protein–protein interaction networks. These include cellular component organization, metabolic and localization processes. Multiple glycoproteins were identified with aberrant glycosylation in prostate cancer, where differences in glycosite-specific sialylation, fucosylation, and galactosylation were the most substantial. Many of the glycoproteins with altered N-glycosylation were extracellular matrix constituents, and are heavily involved in the establishment of the tumor microenvironment.
Dynamic integration of enteric neural stem cells in ex vivo organotypic colon cultures
Authors: Navoly Georgina , McCann Conor J.
Published: August 2021

Enteric neural stem cells (ENSC) have been identified as a possible treatment for enteric neuropathies. After in vivo transplantation, ENSC and their derivatives have been shown to engraft within colonic tissue, migrate and populate endogenous ganglia, and functionally integrate with the enteric nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the integration of donor ENSC, in recipient tissues, remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine ENSC integration using an adapted ex vivo organotypic culture system. Donor ENSC were obtained from Wnt1cre/+;R26RYFP/YFP mice allowing specific labelling, selection and fate-mapping of cells. YFP+ neurospheres were transplanted to C57BL6/J (6–8-week-old) colonic tissue and maintained in organotypic culture for up to 21 days. We analysed and quantified donor cell integration within recipient tissues at 7, 14 and 21 days, along with assessing the structural and molecular consequences of ENSC integration. We found that organotypically cultured tissues were well preserved up to 21-days in ex vivo culture, which allowed for assessment of donor cell integration after transplantation. Donor ENSC-derived cells integrated across the colonic wall in a dynamic fashion, across a three-week period. Following transplantation, donor cells displayed two integrative patterns; longitudinal migration and medial invasion which allowed donor cells to populate colonic tissue. Moreover, significant remodelling of the intestinal ECM and musculature occurred upon transplantation, to facilitate donor cell integration within endogenous enteric ganglia. These results provide critical evidence on the timescale and mechanisms, which regulate donor ENSC integration, within recipient gut tissue, which are important considerations in the future clinical translation of stem cell therapies for enteric disease.
Generation and collective interaction of giant magnetic dipoles in laser cluster plasma
Authors: Andreev A. , Platonov K. , Lécz Zs. , Hafz N.
Published: August 2021

Interaction of circularly polarized laser pulses with spherical nano-droplets generates nanometer-size magnets with lifetime on the order of hundreds of femtoseconds. Such magnetic dipoles are close enough in a cluster target and magnetic interaction takes place. We investigate such system of several magnetic dipoles and describe their rotation in the framework of Lagrangian formalism. The semi-analytical results are compared to particle-in-cell simulations, which confirm the theoretically obtained terrahertz frequency of the dipole oscillation.
Enhancement of phenolics content and biological activities of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) treated with thermal and ageing process
Authors: Hong-in Preaploy , Neimkhum Waranya , Punyoyai Chanun , Sriyab Suwannee , Chaiyana Wantida
Published: August 2021

This study is the first to compare the chemical compositions and biological activities of a conventional dried Dimocarpus longan with a novel black D. longan that underwent a thermal ageing process. Pericarp, aril, and seed of both D. longan were macerated in 95% v/v ethanol. Their chemical compositions were investigated using a Folin–Ciocalteu assay, aluminum chloride assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in terms of radical scavenging and iron (III) reduction capacity. An enzyme inhibition assay was used to evaluate the hyaluronidase inhibition. Inflammatory cytokine secretion was evaluated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After being exposed to a heating and ageing procedure, gallic acid and ellagic acid content were increased tenfold, while the corilagin content was doubled. Black D. longan seed extract was the most potent anti-hyaluronidase and antioxidant with the strongest free radical scavenging and reduction power, while black D. longan aril extract resulted in the highest inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion. Black D. longan contained more biologically active compounds and possessed more potent biological activities than conventional dried D. longan. Therefore, thermal ageing treatment is suggested for producing black D. longan, for which seed extract is suggested as a cosmeceutical active ingredient and aril extract for anti-inflammation.
Novel blood test for early biomarkers of preeclampsia and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cheng Shibin , Banerjee Sayani , Daiello Lori A. , Nakashima Akitoshi , Jash Sukanta , Huang Zheping , Drake Jonathan D. , Ernerudh Jan , Berg Goran , Padbury James , Saito Shigeru , Ott Brian R. , Sharma Surendra
Published: August 2021

A non-invasive and sensitive blood test has long been a goal for early stage disease diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other proteinopathy diseases. We previously reported that preeclampsia (PE), a severe pregnancy complication, is another proteinopathy disorder with impaired autophagy. We hypothesized that induced autophagy deficiency would promote accumulation of pathologic protein aggregates. Here, we describe a novel, sensitive assay that detects serum protein aggregates from patients with PE (n = 33 early onset and 33 late onset) and gestational age-matched controls (n = 77) as well as AD in both dementia and prodromal mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 24) stages with age-matched controls (n = 19). The assay employs exposure of genetically engineered, autophagy-deficient human trophoblasts (ADTs) to serum from patients. The aggregated protein complexes and their individual components, including transthyretin, amyloid β-42, α-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau231, can be detected and quantified by co-staining with ProteoStat, a rotor dye with affinity to aggregated proteins, and respective antibodies. Detection of protein aggregates in ADTs was not dependent on transcriptional upregulation of these biomarkers. The ROC curve analysis validated the robustness of the assay for its specificity and sensitivity (PE; AUC: 1, CI: 0.949–1.00; AD; AUC: 0.986, CI: 0.832–1.00). In conclusion, we have developed a novel, noninvasive diagnostic and predictive assay for AD, MCI and PE.
Vaginal microbiome Lactobacillus crispatus is heritable among European American women
Authors: Wright Michelle L. , Fettweis Jennifer M. , Eaves Lindon J. , Silberg Judy L. , Neale Michael C. , Serrano Myrna G. , Jimenez Nicole R. , Prom-Wormley Elizabeth , Girerd Philippe H. , Borzelleca Joseph F. , Jefferson Kimberly K. , Strauss Jerome F. , York Timothy P. , Buck Gregory A.
Published: August 2021

The diversity and dominant bacterial taxa in the vagina are reported to be influenced by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including but not limited to pregnancy, contraceptive use, pathogenic states, socioeconomic status, and ancestry. However, the extent to which host genetic factors influence variation in the vaginal microbiota is unclear. We used a biometrical genetic approach to determine whether host genetic factors contribute to inter-individual differences in taxa from a sample of 332 twins who self-identified as being of African (44 pairs) or European ancestry (122 pairs). Lactobacillus crispatus, a major determinant of vaginal health, was identified as heritable among European American women (narrow-sense heritability = 34.7%, P-value = 0.018). Heritability of L. crispatus is consistent with the reduced prevalence of adverse reproductive disorders, including bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth, among women of European ancestry.
A single mode of population covariation associates brain networks structure and behavior and predicts individual subjects’ age
Authors: McPherson Brent C. , Pestilli Franco
Published: August 2021

Multiple human behaviors improve early in life, peaking in young adulthood, and declining thereafter. Several properties of brain structure and function progress similarly across the lifespan. Cognitive and neuroscience research has approached aging primarily using associations between a few behaviors, brain functions, and structures. Because of this, the multivariate, global factors relating brain and behavior across the lifespan are not well understood. We investigated the global patterns of associations between 334 behavioral and clinical measures and 376 brain structural connections in 594 individuals across the lifespan. A single-axis associated changes in multiple behavioral domains and brain structural connections (r = 0.5808). Individual variability within the single association axis well predicted the age of the subject (r = 0.6275). Representational similarity analysis evidenced global patterns of interactions across multiple brain network systems and behavioral domains. Results show that global processes of human aging can be well captured by a multivariate data fusion approach.
Identification of transmissible proteotoxic oligomer-like fibrils that expand conformational diversity of amyloid assemblies
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Trang , Zottig Ximena , Sebastiao Mathew , Arnold Alexandre A. , Marcotte Isabelle , Bourgault Steve
Published: August 2021

Protein misfolding and amyloid deposition are associated with numerous diseases. The detailed characterization of the proteospecies mediating cell death remains elusive owing to the (supra)structural polymorphism and transient nature of the assemblies populating the amyloid pathway. Here we describe the identification of toxic amyloid fibrils with oligomer-like characteristics, which were assembled from an islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) derivative containing an Asn-to-Gln substitution (N21Q). While N21Q filaments share structural properties with cytocompatible fibrils, including the 4.7 Å inter-strand distance and β-sheet-rich conformation, they concurrently display characteristics of oligomers, such as low thioflavin-T binding, high surface hydrophobicity and recognition by the A11 antibody, leading to high potency to disrupt membranes and cause cellular dysfunction. The toxic oligomer-like conformation of N21Q fibrils, which is preserved upon elongation, is transmissible to naïve IAPP. These stable fibrils expanding the conformational diversity of amyloid assemblies represent an opportunity to elucidate the structural basis of amyloid disorders.
The effect of plant domestication on host control of the microbiota
Authors: Soldan Riccardo , Fusi Marco , Cardinale Massimiliano , Daffonchio Daniele , Preston Gail M.
Published: August 2021

Macroorganisms are colonized by microbial communities that exert important biological and ecological functions, the composition of which is subject to host control and has therefore been described as “an ecosystem on a leash”. However, domesticated organisms such as crop plants are subject to both artificial selection and natural selection exerted by the agricultural ecosystem. Here, we propose a framework for understanding how host control of the microbiota is influenced by domestication, in which a double leash acts from domesticator to host and host to microbes. We discuss how this framework applies to a plant compartment that has demonstrated remarkable phenotypic changes during domestication: the seed.
Helicate-to-tetrahedron transformation of chiral lanthanide supramolecular complexes induced by ionic radii effect and linker length
Authors: Yim King-Him , Yeung Chi-Tung , Probert Michael R. , Chan Wesley Ting Kwok , Mackenzie Lewis E. , Pal Robert , Wong Wing-Tak , Law Ga-Lai
Published: August 2021

Controlled formation of desired lanthanide supramolecular complexes is challenging because of the difficulties in predicting coordination geometry, as well as a labile coordination number. Herein, we explore the effect of ionic radii and linker length on supramolecular species formation. A helicate-to-tetrahedron transformation occurred between [Ln2L13] and [Ln4L16] (Ln = La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Lu). For six lanthanide ions, the unfavored tetrahedron [La4L16] can only be observed in a concentrated mixture with the helicate [La2L13] where no pure [La4L16] species was isolated via crystallization. For Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, the [Ln4L16] supramolecular tetrahedron can be isolated via crystallization from diisopropyl ether. A similar result was also observed for Lu, but the tetrahedral structure was found to be relatively stable and transformed back to [Lu2L13] much slower upon dissolution.  No tetrahedron formation was observed with L3 giving rise to only [Ln2L33] species, in which L3 contains a longer and more flexible linker compared with that of L1. Results show that the supramolecular transformation in these systems is governed by both the ionic radii as well as the ligand design. Special focus is on both [Eu2L13] and [Eu4L16] which form chiral entities and exhibit interesting circular polarized luminescence.
The potential of Hudson Valley glacial floods to drive abrupt climate change
Authors: Pendleton Simon , Condron Alan , Donnelly Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

The periodic input of meltwater into the ocean from a retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet is often hypothesized to have weakened the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and triggered several cold periods during the last deglaciation (21,000 to 8,000 years before present). Here, we use a numerical model to investigate whether the Intra-Allerød Cold Period was triggered by the drainage of Glacial Lake Iroquois, ~13,300 years ago. Performing a large suite of experiments with various combinations of single and successive, short (1 month) and long (1 year) duration flood events, we were unable to find any significant weakening of the AMOC. This result suggests that although the Hudson Valley floods occurred close to the beginning of the Intra-Allerød Cold Period, they were unlikely the sole cause. Our results have implications for re-evaluating the relationship of meltwater flood events (past and future) to periods of climatic cooling, particularly with regards to flood input location, volume, frequency, and duration.
Heteroditopic chemosensor to detect γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Authors: Rodríguez-Nuévalos Silvia , Parra Margarita , Gil Salvador , Gaviña Pablo , Arroyo Pau , Sáez José A. , Costero Ana M.
Published: August 2021

Visual detection of 4-hydroxybutiric acid in beverages can increase personal security against Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA).
A bio-compatible pyridine–pyrazole hydrazide based compartmental receptor for Al3+ sensing and its application in cell imaging
Authors: Das Bhriguram , Dolai Malay , Ghosh Avijit , Dhara Anamika , Mahapatra Ananya Das , Chattopadhyay Debprasad , Mabhai Subhabrata , Jana Atanu , Dey Satyajit , Misra Ajay
Published: August 2021

A bio-compatible pyridine–pyrazole hydrazide based chemosensor for Al3+ has been synthesized and applied for cell imaging studies.
A fluorescent paper biosensor for the rapid and ultrasensitive detection of zearalenone in corn and wheat
Authors: Sun Yunjie , Song Shanshan , Wu Aihong , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2021

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a kind of estrogen-like mycotoxin which contaminates primary crops and their products under natural conditions and becomes a serious hazard to human health.
Balanced kinetics between electrodes by carbon cloth@ZIF-8 for high rate performance zinc-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Leng Changyu , Zhao Zongbin , Guo Junjie , Li Ruilin , Wang Xuzhen , Xiao Jian , Fedoseeva Yuliya V. , Bulusheva Lyubov G. , Qiu Jieshan
Published: August 2021

The Zn anode in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZICs) was modified by means of covering carbon cloth pre-grown with ZIF-8. The kinetics between electrodes are balanced by the rapid Zn-ion diffusion and Zn plating and the ZICs show high rate performance.
Reuse of CO2 in energy intensive process industries
Authors: Perathoner Siglinda , Van Geem Kevin M. , Marin Guy B. , Centi Gabriele
Published: August 2021

CO2 reuse technologies to close the carbon cycle and enable a carbon circular economy in energy intensive industries require novel solutions to meet the demanding target of defossilizing the production.
CC-stretched formic acid: isomerisation, dimerisation, and carboxylic acid complexation
Authors: Meyer Katharina A. E. , Nejad Arman
Published: August 2021

The cis–trans-isomerism of the propiolic acid monomer (HCC–COOH) is examined with linear Raman jet spectroscopy, yielding the first environment-free vibrational band centres of a higher-energy cis-rotamer beyond formic acid (HCOOH) in addition to all fundamentals and a large number of hot and combination/overtone bands of the trans-conformer.
Transient absorption spectroscopy of the electron transfer step in the photochemically activated polymerizations of N-ethylcarbazole and 9-phenylcarbazole
Authors: Thornton Georgia L. , Phelps Ryan , Orr-Ewing Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Transient absorption spectroscopy of electron transfer reactions between a carbazole and an iodonium salt reveals structure and solvent-dependent kinetic and mechanistic details important to initiation of polymerization.
Degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonatevia in situelectro-generated ferrate and permanganate oxidants in NOM-rich source waters
Authors: McBeath Sean T. , Graham Nigel J. D.
Published: August 2021

The electrooxidation of PFOS can be significantly improved with the simultaneous electrosynthesis of ferrate and permanganate from low concentration ambient Fe2+and Mn2+in source waters, even in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM).
Rapid boron isotope and concentration measurements of silicate geological reference materials dissolved through sodium peroxide sintering
Authors: Cai Yue , Rasbury E. Troy , Wooton Kathleen M. , Jiang Xin , Wang Di
Published: August 2021

We report accurate and precise boron isotope and concentration measurements for silicate materials dissolved through sodium peroxide sintering, purified through one-step column chromatography, and analyzed on a MC-ICP-MS.
A hand-powered microfluidic system for portable and low-waste sample discretization
Authors: Xie Tengbao , Wang Ping , Wu Lei , Sun Bangyong , Zhao Qiang , Li Gang
Published: August 2021

A portable, disposable, and low-waste sample discretization system is presented for digital assays in resource-poor settings and point-of-care diagnostics.
Substituent-dependent absorption and fluorescence properties of perylene bisimide radical anions and dianions
Authors: Renner Rebecca , Stolte Matthias , Heitmüller Julia , Brixner Tobias , Lambert Christoph , Würthner Frank
Published: August 2021

Custom-built flow cells for absorption and fluorescence spectroelectrochemistry provide details on optical transitions, transition dipole moments and fluorescence quantum yields of five perylene bisimides as well as their radical anions and dianions.
Synthesis and applications of WO3 nanosheets: the importance of phase, stoichiometry, and aspect ratio
Authors: Novak Travis G. , Kim Jin , DeSario Paul A. , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: August 2021

WO3 nanosheets, which can be synthesized through a wide variety of both bottom-up and top-down methods, can achieve better performance than bulk WO3 in many catalytic, sensing, electrochromic, and charge storage applications.
Efficient Pd(ii)-catalyzed regioselective ortho-halogenation of arylcyanamides
Authors: Boddapati S. N. Murthy , Tamminana Ramana , Alam M. Mujahid , Gugulothu Sailaja , Varala Ravi , Bollikolla Hari Babu
Published: August 2021

2-Halo arylcyanamides have been constructed from cyanamides via Pd(ii)-catalyzed selective ortho-halogenation under moderate reaction conditions.
Design and synthesis of a new magnetic metal organic framework as a versatile platform for immobilization of acidic catalysts and CO2 fixation reaction
Authors: Taghavi Faezeh , Khojastehnezhad Amir , Khalifeh Reza , Rajabzadeh Maryam , Rezaei Fahimeh , Abnous Khalil , Taghdisi Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2021

The first report of the use of an acidic magnetic metal organic framework for the chemical fixation of CO2 as an environmentally friendly reaction.
In situ observation of microscopic motions and the structure dynamic transformation of wax crystals in waxy crude oil subjected to shear
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xi Xiangrui , Dong Hang , Li Yuanhao , Jiang Minzheng
Published: August 2021

The high-efficient development, storage and transportation of waxy crude oil has a significant meaning for stable supply of petroleum energy.
Organogelators derived from the bisphenol A scaffold
Authors: Singh Wangkhem P. , Bhandari Sanjeev , Singh Rajkumar S.
Published: August 2021

Bisphenol A, a common precursor molecule used in the preparation of some polymers, was investigated as a possible scaffold for the design and synthesis of small-molecule gelators.
Asparagine modified downconversion NaGdF4:Dy3+/Tb3+ nanophosphor for selective and sensitive detection of Cu(ii) ion
Authors: Tashi Lobzang , Singhaal Richa , Nisa Zaib ul , Devi Swaita , Sheikh Haq Nawaz
Published: August 2021

Pure NaGdF4, NaGdF4:Dy3+, and Dy3+/Tb3+ co-doped NaGdF4 nanoparticles with different concentrations of Tb3+ (ranging from 3 to 20 mol%) were prepared via hydrothermal method.
A biomass-assembled macro/meso-porous nano-scavenger for Hg ion trapping
Authors: Xia Nan Nan , Zhang Bingbing , Hu Zi Hao , Kong Fangong , Xu Guomin , He Fei
Published: August 2021

Simple self-assembling functional biomass to fabricate porous supramolecular networks for efficient removal of Hg ions.
The switchable phase transition of sodium sulfate crystals activated by shock waves
Authors: Sivakumar A. , Sahaya Jude Dhas S. , Sivaprakash P. , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Kumar Raju Suresh , Arumugam Natarajan , Arumugam S. , Martin Britto Dhas S. A.
Published: August 2021

A shock-wave-induced reversible phase-transformation from phase-V to phase-III of Na2SO4 is achieved, and the results are evidenced via XRD and Raman spectroscopy.
A novel one-step synthesis of Ce/Mn/Fe mixed metal oxide nanocomposites for oxidative removal of hydrogen sulfide at room temperature
Authors: Gupta Nishesh Kumar , Bae Jiyeol , Kim Kwang Soo
Published: August 2021

In this study, CeO2/Fe2O3, CeO2/Mn2O3, and CeO2/Mn2O3/Fe2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized by the calcination of molten salt solutions.
3D hollow-structured hydrogels with editable macrostructure, function, and mechanical properties induced by segmented adjustments
Authors: Wang Qinhua , Yu Jing , Lu Xingmei , Cao Shilin , Chen Lihui , Pan Xiaofeng , Ni Yonghao , Ma Xiaojuan
Published: August 2021

The segmental adjustment of the microstructure of the hydrogel by the combination of plasticizer and freeze–thaw enables the PVA–borax hydrogel to achieve plasticine-like plasticity and rubber-like strength successively.
Tuning the properties of hydrogen-bonded block copolymer worm gels prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Raphael Eleanor , Derry Matthew J. , Hippler Michael , Armes Steven P.
Published: August 2021

Carboxylic acid-capped diblock copolymer worms are prepared in n-dodecane via polymerization-induced self-assembly. Varying the proportion of terminal carboxylic acid groups modulates the inter-worm H-bonding interactions and hence the gel modulus.
Hydrodynamics of immiscible binary fluids with viscosity contrast: a multiparticle collision dynamics approach
Authors: Tan Zihan , Calandrini Vania , Dhont Jan K. G. , Nägele Gerhard , Winkler Roland G.
Published: August 2021

We present a multiparticle collision dynamics (MPC) implementation of layered immiscible fluids A and B of different shear viscosities separated by planar interfaces, capturing time-dependent fluctuating hydrodynamics.
A bi-layered scaffold of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofiber mat and an alginate–gelatin hydrogel for wound healing
Authors: Ma Wendi , Zhou Mingjuan , Dong Wenying , Zhao Shanshan , Wang Yilong , Yao Jihang , Liu Zhewen , Han Hongshuang , Sun Dahui , Zhang Mei
Published: August 2021

A resveratrol-loaded bi-layered scaffold of a resveratrol-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospinning nanofiber mat and an alginate di-aldehyde–gelatin hydrogel was fabricated as a wound dressing material.
Assembly of USPIO/MOF nanoparticles with high proton relaxation rates for ultrasensitive magnetic resonance sensing
Authors: Xu Zhou , Chen Yanqiu , Chen Maolong , Chen Wei , Cheng Yunhui
Published: August 2021

We develop a magnetic resonance sensor (MRS) based on the assembly of ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles and metal organic framework (MOF) materials, which have high T2 proton relaxation rates (r2).
Piezotronics boosted plasmonic localization and hot electron injection of coralline-like Ag/BaTiO3 nanoarrays for photocatalytic application
Authors: Fu Yongming , Ren Zeqian , Guo Lixia , Li Xiu , Li Yuqing , Liu Wenliang , Li Peng , Wu Jizhou , Ma Jie
Published: August 2021

Coralline-like Ag/BaTiO3 nanoarrays have been synthesized on Ti wafer to enhance the photocatalytic performances under ultrasound sonication, and the LSPR-BaTiO3 piezo-photocatalysis mechanism is firstly investigated by numerical analysis.
Ferroic phase transitions and magnetoelectric coupling in cobalt doped BaTiO3
Authors: Pradhan Dhiren K. , Mohanty Hari Sankar , Kumari Shalini , Bhoi Krishnamayee , Tang Nan , Ravikant  , Rahaman M. M. , Pradhan Dillip K. , Kumar Ashok , Gilbert Dustin A. , Rack Philip D.
Published: August 2021

The ferroelectric and magnetoelectric (ME) properties of cobalt doped BaTiO3 samples.
A two-fold interfacial electric-field strategy: boosting the performance of electron transport layer-free perovskite solar cells with low-cost and versatile inorganic acid treatment
Authors: Duan Hui , Li Xin , Gou Yue , Wang Haoyan , Fan Lin , Chen Yanli , Yang Jinghai , Yang Lili , Wang Fengyou
Published: August 2021

A two-fold interfacial electric-field strategy was developed for ETL-free PSCs via low-cost and versatile inorganic acid treatment, enabling a high photovoltaic performance (>19.3%).
Obesity, a major risk factor for immunity and severe outcomes of COVID-19
Authors: Amin Mohammad Tohidul , Fatema Kaniz , Arefin Sayema , Hussain Fahad , Bhowmik Dipty Rani , Hossain Mohammad Salim
Published: August 2021

An influenza-like virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 disease and spread worldwide within a short time. COVID-19 has now become a significant concern for public health. Obesity is highly prevalent worldwide and is considered a risk factor for impairing the adaptive immune system. Although diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and renal failure are considered the risk factors for COVID-19, obesity is not yet well-considered. The present study approaches establishing a systemic association between the prevalence of obesity and its impact on immunity concerning the severe outcomes of COVID-19 utilizing existing knowledge. Overall study outcomes documented the worldwide prevalence of obesity, its effects on immunity, and a possible underlying mechanism covering obesity-related risk pathways for the severe outcomes of COVID-19. Overall understanding from the present study is that being an immune system impairing factor, the role of obesity in the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is worthy.
Interventions Designed to Improve Narrative Language in School-Age Children: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses
Authors: Pico Danielle L. , Hessling Prahl Alison , Biel Christa Haring , Peterson Amy K. , Biel Eric J. , Woods Christine , Contesse Valentina A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analyses was to examine interventions that aimed to improve narrative language outcomes for preschool and elementary school–age children in the United States. Our goal was to examine peer-reviewed publications to describe the characteristics of these interventions and synthesize their overall effectiveness on narrative comprehension and production via meta-analysis.

Method

We searched electronic databases, examined previously published reviews, and consulted experts in the field to identify published studies that employed robust experimental and quasi-experimental designs. We included randomized controlled trials, studies with nonrandomized comparison groups, and single-case design (SCD) studies. We completed a qualitative synthesis of study factors for all identified studies and calculated meta-analyses for the studies that had sufficient data. All included studies were analyzed for risk of bias.

Results

Our systematic search yielded 40 studies that included one or more narrative language outcomes as part of their assessment battery. Twenty-four of the included studies were group design studies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, and the other 16 were SCD studies. Effect sizes were analyzed based on narrative production and comprehension outcomes. The meta-analyses of 26 studies indicated overall positive effects of the interventions, with effect sizes of
d
= 0.51 and 0.54 in the group design studies and
d
= 1.24 in the SCD studies.

Conclusions

A variety of effective interventions were found that improve narrative production and comprehension outcomes in children with diverse learner characteristics. Some common characteristics across these interventions include manualized curricula, opportunities to produce narrative language, verbal and visual supports, direct instruction of story grammar, and use of authentic children's literature.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15079173
Efficacy of Online Learning Modules for Teaching Dialogic Reading Strategies and Phonemic Awareness
Authors: Krimm Hannah , Lund Emily
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate online learning modules designed to teach speech-language pathologists (SLPs) dialogic reading strategies and phonemic awareness skills.

Method

School-based SLPs (
n
= 28) were assigned to complete one of two online learning modules. One module taught dialogic reading strategies, and the other taught phonemic awareness. Participants in the dialogic reading group served as controls for the phonemic awareness group and vice versa. Participants completed a pretest that assessed phonemic awareness skill and knowledge of dialogic reading strategies to control for prior knowledge and skill, completed their assigned module, and then completed a posttest that assessed phonemic awareness skill and knowledge of dialogic reading strategies.

Results

Data were analyzed using multiple regression. The independent variables were pretest score, group, and the pretest score by group interaction. The dependent variable in the first model was posttest score on the dialogic reading measure. The dependent variable in the second model was posttest score on the phonemic awareness measure. There was a statistically significant group by posttest score interaction in the dialogic reading model, indicating that the dialogic reading module was effective for improving knowledge of dialogic reading strategies. There was not a statistically significant group by posttest score interaction in the phonemic awareness module, indicating that the phonemic awareness module was not effective for improving phoneme segmentation skill and phoneme manipulation skill.

Conclusions

Online learning modules may be effective for establishing knowledge needed for evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology. Additional research is warranted to determine whether online learning modules can be used to change clinician intervention behavior.
A comprehensive survey of imbalanced learning methods for bankruptcy prediction
Authors: Le Tuong
Published: August 2021

In practical datasets used for supervised learning, the uneven distribution of the amounts of data between classes is known as the class imbalance problem, and can reduce the performance of basic classifiers. The class imbalance problem arises in various areas such as medical diagnosis, spam filtering, and fraud detection. Bankruptcy prediction is of particular research interest due to the current economic upheaval. In a bankruptcy prediction dataset, there are two classes containing bankrupt and normal companies, and this problem can therefore be solved with binary classification methods. Several advanced models for handling the class imbalance problem in bankruptcy prediction have been developed to improve the predictability performance on a Korean bankruptcy (KB) dataset. To give an overview of imbalanced learning methods for bankruptcy prediction, this study first reviews several state‐of‐the‐art approaches for handling this problem in bankruptcy prediction, including an oversampling‐based framework, a cost‐sensitive method (the CBoost algorithm), a combination of resampling techniques and a cost‐sensitive framework, and an ensemble‐based model (the XGBS algorithm). We also conduct empirical experiments to evaluate the methods surveyed here in terms of two performance metrics, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the geometric mean. The results show that the ensemble‐based model outperforms other methods in terms of bankruptcy prediction on the KB dataset.
Proximity coupled fed wideband printed magneto–electric dipole antenna
Authors: Joubert Johan , Odendaal Johann W.
Published: August 2021

Results are presented fora wideband printed magneto‐electric dipole antenna. The printed electric dipole and reflector are separated by an air‐gap and is fed with a coaxial transmission line and a printed proximity coupled T‐shaped feeding strip. The slot between the electric dipole halves forms the magnetic dipole radiating aperture. This feeding mechanism allows for good impedance matching at adjacent resonances of the electric and magnetic dipoles to achieve wideband operation. The two printed electric dipole halves are DC shorted to the reflector. The results show that this antenna can operate over a wide bandwidth with good gain, stable unidirectional radiation patterns and low cross polarization. The effect of the air‐gap height and the relative permittivity of the substrate on which the dipole is printed are investigated. Results show that an optimum air‐gap height for a specific substrate permittivity can be determined that will result in a gain with a small variation over the entire impedance bandwidth of the antenna. Simulated as well as measured results are presented for a prototype antenna with a small gain variation and overall dimensions of 1.33λ0 × 1.33λ0 × 0.19λ0. A measured impedance bandwidth of 54% with an average gain of 9.2 dBi is achieved.
Image semantic segmentation method based on GAN network and ENet model
Authors: Li Huiyi
Published: August 2021

Currently, image semantic segmentation has problems such as low accuracy and long running time. This paper proposes an image semantic segmentation method based on generative adversarial network and ENet model combined with deep neural network. This method first improves the network model of generative adversarial network. Ensure the high resolution of the generated image and achieve high similarity with the real image. While ensuring the high accuracy of image semantic segmentation, it effectively improves the real‐time performance of network processing. The proposed method is verified based on public data sets. The experimental results show that the segmentation accuracy of this method can reach more than 93%, and the simulation running time is less than 0.171 s, which shows good high accuracy and high real‐time performance. A feasible strategy is proposed for the further productization of semantic segmentation.
The changing face of AU Mic b: stellar spots, spin-orbit commensurability, and transit timing variations as seen by CHEOPS and TESS
Authors: Szabó Gy. M. , Gandolfi D. , Brandeker A. , Csizmadia Sz. , Garai Z. , Billot N. , Broeg C. , Ehrenreich D. , Fortier A. , Fossati L. , Hoyer S. , Kiss L. , des Etangs A. Lecavelier , Maxted P. F. L. , Ribas I. , Alibert Y. , Alonso R. , Anglada Escudé G. , Bárczy T. , Barros S. C. C. , Barrado D. , Baumjohann W. , Beck M. , Beck T. , Bekkelien A. , Bonfils X. , Benz W. , Borsato L. , Busch M-D. , Cabrera J. , Charnoz S. , Collier Cameron A. , Van Damme C. Corral , Davies M. B. , Delrez L. , Deleuil M. , Demangeon O. D. S. , Demory B.-O. , Erikson A. , Fridlund M. , Futyan D. , García Muñoz A. , Gillon M. , Guedel M. , Guterman P. , Heng K. , Isaak K. G. , Lacedelli G. , Laskar J. , Lendl M. , Lovis C. , Luntzer A. , Magrin D. , Nascimbeni V. , Olofsson G. , Osborn H. P. , Ottensamer R. , Pagano I. , Pallé E. , Peter G. , Piazza D. , Piotto G. , Pollacco D. , Queloz D. , Ragazzoni R. , Rando N. , Rauer H. , Santos N. C. , Scandariato G. , Ségransan D. , Serrano L. M. , Sicilia D. , Simon A. E. , Smith A. M. S. , Sousa S. G. , Steller M. , Thomas N. , Udry S. , Van Grootel V. , Walton N. A. , Wilson T. G.
Published: August 2021

AU Mic is a young planetary system with a resolved debris disc showing signs of planet formation and two transiting warm Neptunes near mean-motion resonances. Here we analyse three transits of AU Mic b observed with the CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS), supplemented with sector 1 and 27 Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometry, and the All-Sky Automated Survey from the ground. The refined orbital period of AU Mic b is 8.462995 ± 0.000003 d, whereas the stellar rotational period is Prot = 4.8367 ± 0.0006 d. The two periods indicate a 7:4 spin–orbit commensurability at a precision of 0.1%. Therefore, all transits are observed in front of one of the four possible stellar central longitudes. This is strongly supported by the observation that the same complex star-spot pattern is seen in the second and third CHEOPS visits that were separated by four orbits (and seven stellar rotations). Using a bootstrap analysis we find that flares and star spots reduce the accuracy of transit parameters by up to 10% in the planet-to-star radius ratio and the accuracy on transit time by 3–4 min. Nevertheless, occulted stellar spot features independently confirm the presence of transit timing variations (TTVs) with an amplitude of at least 4 min. We find that the outer companion, AU Mic c, may cause the observed TTVs.
Fornax 3D project: Assessing the diversity of IMF and stellar population maps within the Fornax Cluster
Authors: Martín-Navarro I. , Pinna F. , Coccato L. , Falcón-Barroso J. , van de Ven G. , Lyubenova M. , Corsini E. M. , Fahrion K. , Gadotti D. A. , Iodice E. , McDermid R. M. , Poci A. , Sarzi M. , Spriggs T. W. , Viaene S. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Zhu L.
Published: August 2021

The stellar initial mass function (IMF) is central to our interpretation of astronomical observables and to our understanding of most baryonic processes within galaxies. The universality of the IMF, suggested by observations in our own Milky Way, has been thoroughly revisited due to the apparent excess of low-mass stars in the central regions of massive quiescent galaxies. As part of the efforts within the Fornax 3D project, we aim to characterize the two-dimensional IMF variations in a sample of 23 quiescent galaxies within the Fornax cluster. For each galaxy in the sample, we measured the mean age, metallicity, [Mg/Fe], and IMF slope maps from spatially resolved integrated spectra. The IMF maps show a variety of behaviors and internal substructures, roughly following metallicity variations. However, metallicity alone is not able to fully explain the complexity exhibited by the IMF maps. In particular, for relatively metal-poor stellar populations ([M/H] ≲ −0.1), the slope of the IMF seems to depend on the (specific) star formation rate at which stars were formed. Moreover, metallicity maps have systematically higher ellipticities than IMF slope ones. At the same time, both metallicity and IMF slope maps have at the same time higher ellipticities than the stellar light distribution in our sample of galaxies. In addition we find that, regardless of the stellar mass, every galaxy in our sample shows a positive radial [Mg/Fe] gradient. This results in a strong [Fe/H]–[Mg/Fe] relation, similar to what is observed in nearby, resolved galaxies. Since the formation history and chemical enrichment of galaxies are causally driven by changes in the IMF, our findings call for a physically motivated interpretation of stellar population measurements based on integrated spectra that take into account any possible time evolution of the stellar populations.
Magnesium radicals MgC5N and MgC6H in IRC +10216
Authors: Pardo J. R. , Cabezas C. , Fonfría J. P. , Agúndez M. , Tercero B. , de Vicente P. , Guélin M. , Cernicharo J.
Published: August 2021

After the previous discovery of MgC3N and MgC4H in IRC +10216, a deeper Q-band (31.0–50.3 GHz) integration on this source had revealed two additional series of harmonically related doublets that we assigned on the basis of quantum mechanical calculations to the larger radicals MgC5N and MgC6H. The results presented here extend and confirm previous results on magnesium-bearing molecules in IRC +10216. We derived column densities of (4.7 ± 1.3) × 1012 for MgC5N and (2.0 ± 0.9) × 1013 for MgC6H, which imply that MgC5N/MgC3N = 0.5 and MgC6H/MgC4H = 0.9. Therefore, MgC5N and MgC6H are present with column densities not so different from those of the immediately shorter analogs. The synthesis of these large magnesium cyanides and acetylides in IRC +10216 can be explained for their shorter counterparts by a two-step process initiated by the radiative association of Mg+ with large cyanopolyynes and polyynes, which are still quite abundant in this source, followed by the dissociative recombination of the ionic complexes.
Geological and geomorphic investigations on palaeo-landslide dammed the Tamourghout River (Middle Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Abbach Jamal , El Talibi Hajar , El Moussaoui Said , Cherkaoui Dekkaki Hinde , Etebaai Issam
Published: August 2021

The Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco are best known for their slope-active movements, where lithology, topographic relief, and seismotectonic are likely to cause slope instability problems. This study focused on geomorphological and geological investigations on palaeo-landslide blocked and dammed the Tamourghout river main bed (Taza, Morroco). The paper is essential due to the enormous proportions of the landslide and also because of the vast watershed lock-up by the dam (Tamda lake) and the recognition that a Tamourghout river has been and can be obstructed by a permanent landslide
Climate change and water resources management in the coastal sub-basin of El Jadida Safi, Morocco
Authors: El Azhari Mounia , Loudyi Dalila
Published: August 2021

According to the 5th assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the temperature is projected to rise over the 21st century under all assessed emissions scenarios while precipitation will likely decrease, thus reducing renewable surface water and groundwater resources in most dry subtropical regions such as Morocco. Moreover, most projections of global circulation models predict a dryer future for North African countries. This work aims to assess the impact of climate variability on waterresources in the coastal sub-basin of El Jadida-Safi, located in the Oum Er-Rbia basin. In order to determine future climate projections in the coastal sub-basin by the year 2099, we are using SDSM, a statisticaldownscaling tool based on both observed and anthropogenic emission scenario data for the pessimistic scenario RCP 8.5 and the optimistic scenario RCP 4.5. Results will help decision-makers and stakeholders better manage their water resources, prepare for extreme hydrological hazards, and enhance development planning in the river basin.
Micropropagation of zygotic embryos from genetically diverse almond seedling orchards in eastern Morocco
Authors: Kodad Souhayla , Melhaoui Reda , Addi Mohamed , Hano Christophe , Sahib Nargis , Elamrani Ahmed , Abid Malika , Mihamou Aatika
Published: August 2021

Numerous studies on perennial crops have shown that almond has a low tolerance to climate change, which led to detailed study for its adaptation by focusing on selecting heat-tolerant almond varieties. The long period of perennial agriculture creates particular challenges in a changing climate. The risk complicates the choice of a variety that the best variety for the current climate may be poorly suited for future climates. Hence the interest of having a large variability of tolerant genotypes. In the eastern Mediterranean region of Morocco, seedling almond trees are largely grown, which created an important gene pool, both for breeding programs and the selection of superior genotypes adapted to difficult pedo-climatic conditions. For the conservation of crop biodiversity in these almond groves, micropropagation is considered a feasible technique for producing and regenerating superior planting materials. Zygotic embryos of several local ecotypes of the almond native population known as ''Beldi'' were cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of auxins and cytokinins. The results showed multiple shoot initiation from zygotic embryos on MS medium containing 1mg/L of 6-Benzyl-aminopurine (BAP) combined with 0.5 mg/L of Indole butyric acid (IBA). A high rooting rate was obtained on a half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1mg/L of IBA.