bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating cardiac output based on gas exchange during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a simulation study using paediatric oxygenators
Authors: Bachmann Kaspar Felix , Vasireddy Rakesh , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Jenni Hansjörg , Vogt Andreas , Berger David
Published: June 2021

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy is a rescue strategy for severe cardiopulmonary failure. The estimation of cardiac output during VA-ECMO is challenging. A lung circuit ($${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung) and an ECMO circuit ($${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

ECMO) with oxygenators for CO2 removal ($$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2) and O2 uptake ($$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2) simulated the setting of VA-ECMO with varying ventilation/perfusion ($$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

/$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

) ratios and shunt. A metabolic chamber with a CO2/N2 blend simulated $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 and $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2. $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung was estimated with a modified Fick principle: $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung = $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

ECMO × ($$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 or $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2Lung)/($$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 or $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2ECMO). A normalization procedure corrected $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 values for a $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

/$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

of 1. Method agreement was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis. Calculated $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung using gaseous $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 and $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2 correlated well with measured $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung with a bias of 103 ml/min [− 268 to 185] ml/min; Limits of Agreement: − 306 ml/min [− 241 to − 877 ml/min] to 512 ml/min [447 to 610 ml/min], r2 0.85 [0.79–0.88]). Blood measurements of $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 showed an increased bias (− 260 ml/min [− 1503 to 982] ml/min), clinically not applicable. Shunt and $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

/$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

mismatch decreased the agreement of methods significantly. This in-vitro simulation shows that $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

CO2 and $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2 in steady-state conditions allow for clinically applicable calculations of $${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$

Q
˙

Lung during VA-ECMO therapy.
Controls of a superconducting quantum parametron under a strong pump field
Authors: Masuda Shumpei , Ishikawa Toyofumi , Matsuzaki Yuichiro , Kawabata Shiro
Published: June 2021

Pumped at approximately twice the natural frequency, a Josephson parametric oscillator called parametron or Kerr parametric oscillator shows self-oscillation. Quantum annealing and universal quantum computation using self-oscillating parametrons as qubits were proposed. However, controls of parametrons under the pump field are degraded by unwanted rapidly oscillating terms in the Hamiltonian, which we call non-resonant rapidly oscillating terms (NROTs) coming from the violation of the rotating wave approximation. Therefore, the pump field can be an intrinsic origin of the imperfection of controls of parametrons. Here, we theoretically study the influence of the NROTs on the accuracy of controls of a parametron: a cat-state creation and a single-qubit gate. It is shown that there is a trade-off relationship between the suppression of the nonadiabatic transitions and the validity of the rotating wave approximation in a conventional approach. We also show that the tailored time dependence of the detuning of the pump field can suppress both of the nonadiabatic transitions and the disturbance of the state of the parametron due to the NROTs.
The association between implicit and explicit affective inhibitory control, rumination and depressive symptoms
Authors: Shimony Orly , Einav Noam , Bonne Omer , Jordan Joshua T. , Van Vleet Thomas M. , Nahum Mor
Published: June 2021

Inhibitory control underlies one’s ability to maintain goal-directed behavior by inhibiting prepotent responses or ignoring irrelevant information. Recent models suggest that impaired inhibition of negative information may contribute to depressive symptoms, and that this association is mediated by rumination. However, the exact nature of this association, particularly in non-clinical samples, is unclear. The current study assessed the relationship between inhibitory control over emotional vs. non-emotional information, rumination and depressive symptoms. A non-clinical sample of 119 participants (mean age: 36.44 ± 11.74) with various levels of depressive symptoms completed three variations of a Go/No-Go task online; two of the task variations required either explicit or implicit processing of emotional expressions, and a third variation contained no emotional expressions (i.e., neutral condition). We found reductions in inhibitory control for participants reporting elevated symptoms of depression on all three task variations, relative to less depressed participants. However, for the task variation that required implicit emotion processing, depressive symptoms were associated with inhibitory deficits for sad and neutral, but not for happy expressions. An exploratory analysis showed that the relationship between inhibition and depressive symptoms occurs in part through trait rumination for all three tasks, regardless of emotional content. Collectively, these results indicate that elevated depressive symptoms are associated with both a general inhibitory control deficit, as well as affective interference from negative emotions, with implications for the assessment and treatment of mood disorders.
The Keystone commensal bacterium Christensenella minuta DSM 22607 displays anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kropp Camille , Le Corf Katy , Relizani Karima , Tambosco Kevin , Martinez Ccori , Chain Florian , Rawadi Georges , Langella Philippe , Claus Sandrine P. , Martin Rebeca
Published: June 2021

Christensenellaceae is a family of subdominant commensal bacteria found in humans. It is thought to play an important role in gut health by maintaining microbial symbiosis. Indeed, these bacteria occur at significantly lower levels or are absent in individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Here, we explored if type species Christensenella minuta (strain: DSM 22607) could have the potential to help treat IBDs. We assessed key properties displayed by the bacterium using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays. We found that while C. minuta is a strict anaerobe, it is also oxygen tolerant. Additionally, we observed that the species produces high levels of acetate and moderate levels of butyrate. We performed deep phenotyping using Biolog microarrays. Using human intestinal cell lines, we discovered that C. minuta demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity, resulting in reduced levels of proinflammatory IL-8 cytokines via the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, C. minuta protected intestinal epithelial integrity in vitro. Finally, in two distinct animal models of acute colitis, C. minuta prevented intestinal damage, reduced colonic inflammation, and promoted mucosal healing. Together, these results indicate that C. minuta has potent immunomodulatory properties, underscoring its potential use in innovative microbiome-based IBD biotherapies.
Medium-throughput zebrafish optogenetic platform identifies deficits in subsequent neural activity following brief early exposure to cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Kanyo Richard , Amin Md Ruhul , Locskai Laszlo F. , Bouvier Danika D. , Olthuis Alexandria M. , Allison W. Ted , Ali Declan W.
Published: June 2021

In light of legislative changes and the widespread use of cannabis as a recreational and medicinal drug, delayed effects of cannabis upon brief exposure during embryonic development are of high interest as early pregnancies often go undetected. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) until the end of gastrulation (1–10 h post-fertilization) and analyzed later in development (4–5 days post-fertilization). In order to measure neural activity, we implemented Calcium-Modulated Photoactivatable Ratiometric Integrator (CaMPARI) and optimized the protocol for a 96-well format complemented by locomotor analysis. Our results revealed that neural activity was decreased by CBD more than THC. At higher doses, both cannabinoids could dramatically reduce neural activity and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the decrease was more pronounced when CBD and THC were combined. At the receptor level, CBD-mediated reduction of locomotor activity was partially prevented using cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptor inhibitors. Overall, we report that CBD toxicity occurs via two cannabinoid receptors and is synergistically enhanced by THC exposure to negatively impact neural activity late in larval development. Future studies are warranted to reveal other cannabinoids and their receptors to understand the implications of cannabis consumption on fetal development.
High hydrostatic pressure shapes the development and production of secondary metabolites of Mariana Trench sediment fungi
Authors: Peng Qingqing , Li Yongqi , Deng Ludan , Fang Jiasong , Yu Xi
Published: June 2021

The hadal biosphere is one of the least understood ecosystems on our planet. Recent studies have revealed diverse and active communities of prokaryotes in hadal sediment. However, there have been few studies on fungi in hadal sediment. Here we report the first isolation and cultivation of 8 fungi from the Mariana Trench sediment. The individual colonies were isolated and identified as Stemphylium sp., Cladosporium sp., Arthrinium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., and Aspergillus sp. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) test was carried out to identify the piezophily of these hadal fungi. Among them, 7 out of the 8 fungal isolates exhibited the ability of germination after incubation under 40 MPa for 7 days. Vegetative growth of the isolates was also affected by HHP. Characterization of secondary metabolites under different pressure conditions was also performed. The production of secondary metabolites was affected by the HHP treatment, improving the potential of discovering novel natural products from hadal fungi. The antibacterial assay revealed the potential of discovering novel natural products. Our results suggest that fungal growth pressure plays an important role in the development and production of secondary metabolites of these hadal fungi under the extreme environment in the Mariana Trench.
Bones geometric morphometrics illustrate 10th millennium cal. BP domestication of autochthonous Cypriot wild boar (Sus scrofa circeus nov. ssp)
Authors: Cucchi Thomas , Domont Auriale , Harbers Hugo , Evin Allowen , Alcàntara Fors Roger , Saña Maria , Leduc Charlotte , Guidez Aurélie , Bridault Anne , Hongo Hitomi , Price Max , Peters Joris , Briois François , Guilaine Jean , Vigne Jean-Denis
Published: June 2021

Epipaleolithic hunter-gatherers from the Near East introduced wild boars (Sus scrofa) to Cyprus, with the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) settlers hunting the wild descendants of these boars. However, the geographic origin of the Cypriot boar and how they were integrated into the earliest forms of pig husbandry remain unsolved. Here, we present data on 11,000 to 9000 cal. BP Sus scrofa from the PPN sites of Klimonas and Shillourokambos. We compared them to contemporaneous populations from the Near East and to Neolithic and modern populations in Corsica, exploring their origin and evolution using biosystematic signals from molar teeth and heel bones (calcanei), using 2D and 3D geometric morphometrics. We found that the Cypriot PPN lineage of Sus scrofa originates from the Northern Levant. Yet, their phenotypic idiosyncrasy suggest that they evolved into an insular sub-species that we named Sus scrofa circeus, referring to Circe, the metamorphosis goddess that changed Ulysses companions into pigs. The phenotypic homogeneity among PPNA Klimonas wild boars and managed populations of PPNB Shillourokambos suggests that local domestication has been undertaken on the endemic S. s. circeus, strengthening the idea that Cyprus was integrated into the core region of animal domestication.
Comparative analysis of tuberous root metabolites between cultivated and wild varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa by widely targeted metabolomics
Authors: Zhou Yanqing , Shao Luying , Zhu Jialin , Li Huimin , Duan Hongying
Published: June 2021

Differential metabolites between tuberous roots from cultivated variety (ZP) and wild variety (YS) of Rehmannia glutinosa were analyzed by widely targeted metabolomics, and annotated to KEGG pathways. 228 secondary metabolites (SM) in ZP and YS were detected, of which 58 were differential metabolites (DM), including 41 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acids, 3 terpenoids, 2 alkaloids and 2 others, and 170 were unchanged; Among 58 DMs, 44 (75.9%) were up-regulated in YS, of which 30 were unique to YS, while 14 (24.1%) were down-regulated in YS, of which 10 were unique to ZP; Among flavonoids, 33 (80.5%) were more highly expressed in YS than in ZP; Among phenolic acids, 7 (70%) were more highly expressed in YS than in ZP; 12 of 58 DMs were annotated into 17 types of KEGG pathways. Among them, benzoic acid and p-Coumaryl alcohol were up-regulated in YS, and annotated into 10 pathways (58.8%) and 4 pathways (23.5%), respectively. In addition, much of DMs possess various pharmacological effects. These results indicated better quality of YS than ZP and the necessity of YS domestication. Taken together, this study will provide a reference for the scientific introduction, comprehensive development and utilization of wild Rehmannia glutinosa.
Stable duplex-linked antisense targeting miR-148a inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Okumura Sho , Hirano Yu , Komatsu Yasuo
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cancer cell proliferation by binding directly to the untranslated regions of messenger RNA (mRNA). MicroRNA-148a (miR-148a) is expressed at low levels in breast cancer (BC). However, little attention has been paid to the sequestration of miR-148a. Here, we performed a knockdown of miR-148a using anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs) and investigated the effect on BC cell proliferation. BC cell proliferation was significantly suppressed by AMO flanked by interstrand cross-linked duplexes (CL-AMO), whereas single-stranded and commercially available AMOs had no effect. The suppression was caused by sequestering specifically miR-148a. Indeed, miR-148b, another member of the miR-148 family, was not affected. Importantly, the downregulation of miR-148a induced a greater and longer-lasting inhibition of BC cell proliferation than the targeting of oncogenic microRNA-21 (miR-21) did. We identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), a tumor suppressor gene, as a target of miR-148a and showed that CL-AMO provoked an increase in TXNIP mRNA expression. This study provide evidence that lowly expressed miRNAs such as miR-148a have an oncogenic function and might be a promising target for cancer treatment.
Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 may be a key factor in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Sasaki Motoko , Sato Yasunori , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: June 2021

Accumulating studies suggest that senescent biliary epithelial cells (BECs) produce senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) and play various roles in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and other cholangiopathies. We examined comprehensive profiles of senescent BECs and its contribution to the pathogenesis of PBC taking advantage of microarray analysis. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that 1841 genes including CCL2, IFIT3, CPQ were commonly up-regulated in senescent BECs cultured in serum depleted media or media with glycochenodeoxycholic acid. Knockdown of IFIT3 significantly suppressed cellular senescence (p < 0.01) and significantly increased apoptosis (p < 0.01) in BECs treated with serum depletion or glycochenodeoxycholic acid. Significantly increased expression of IFIT3 was seen in senescent BECs in small bile ducts showing cholangitis and in ductular reactions in PBC, compared to control livers (p < 0.01). An inadequate response to UDCA was inversely correlated to the increased expression of IFIT3 in small bile duct in PBC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the expression of various genes related to immunity and inflammation including SASPs were increased in senescent BECs. Upregulated IFIT3 in senescent BECs may be associated with the pathogenesis of PBC and may be a possible therapeutic target in PBC.
Ab initio description of oxygen vacancies in epitaxially strained $$\hbox {SrTiO}_{{3}}$$ at finite temperatures
Authors: Zhou Zizhen , Chu Dewei , Cazorla Claudio
Published: June 2021

Epitaxially grown $$\hbox {SrTiO}_{{3}}$$

SrTiO
3

(STO) thin films are material enablers for a number of critical energy-conversion and information-storage technologies like electrochemical electrode coatings, solid oxide fuel cells and random access memories. Oxygen vacancies ($${\mathrm{V}_{{\mathrm{O}}}}$$

V
O

), on the other hand, are key defects to understand and tailor many of the unique functionalities realized in oxide perovskite thin films. Here, we present a comprehensive and technically sound ab initio description of $${\mathrm{V}_{{\mathrm{O}}}}$$

V
O

in epitaxially strained (001) STO thin films. The novelty of our first-principles study lies in the incorporation of lattice thermal excitations on the formation energy and diffusion properties of $${\mathrm{V}_{{\mathrm{O}}}}$$

V
O

over wide epitaxial strain conditions ($$-4 \le \eta \le +4$$

-
4
≤
η
≤
+
4

%). We found that thermal lattice excitations are necessary to obtain a satisfactory agreement between first-principles calculations and the available experimental data for the formation energy of $${\mathrm{V}_{{\mathrm{O}}}}$$

V
O

. Furthermore, it is shown that thermal lattice excitations noticeably affect the energy barriers for oxygen ion diffusion, which strongly depend on $$\eta $$
η
and are significantly reduced (increased) under tensile (compressive) strain. The present work demonstrates that for a realistic theoretical description of oxygen vacancies in STO thin films is necessary to consider lattice thermal excitations, thus going beyond standard zero-temperature ab initio approaches.
Plant debris are hotbeds for pathogenic bacteria on recreational sandy beaches
Authors: Suzuki Yoshihiro , Shimizu Hiroki , Kuroda Takahiro , Takada Yusuke , Nukazawa Kei
Published: June 2021

On recreational sandy beaches, there are guidelines for the management of bacterial pollution in coastal waters regarding untreated sewage, urban wastewater, and industrial wastewater. However, terrestrial plant debris on coastal beaches can be abundant especially after floods and whilst it has rarely been considered a concern, the bacterial population associated with this type of pollution from the viewpoint of public health has not been adequately assessed. In this study, microbes associated with plant debris drifting onto Kizaki Beach in Japan were monitored for 8 months throughout the rainy season, summer, typhoon season, and winter. Here we show that faecal-indicator bacteria in the plant debris and sand under the debris were significantly higher than the number of faecal bacteria in the sand after a 2015 typhoon. When we focused on specific pathogenic bacteria, Brevundimonas vesicularis and Pseudomonas alcaligenes were commonly detected only in the plant debris and sand under the debris during the survey period. The prompt removal of plant debris would therefore help create safer beaches.
Combination of consensus and ensemble docking strategies for the discovery of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors
Authors: Chilingaryan Garri , Abelyan Narek , Sargsyan Arsen , Nazaryan Karen , Serobian Andre , Zakaryan Hovakim
Published: June 2021

The inconsistencies in the performance of the virtual screening (VS) process, depending on the used software and structural conformation of the protein, is a challenging issue in the drug design and discovery field. Varying performance, especially in terms of early recognition of the potential hit compounds, negatively affects the whole process and leads to unnecessary waste of the time and resources. Appropriate application of the ensemble docking and consensus-scoring approaches can significantly increase reliability of the VS results. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a key enzyme in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. It is considered as a valuable therapeutic target in cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases. Based on the conducted benchmark study and analysis of the effect of different combinations of the applied methods and approaches, here we suggested a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) workflow that can be used to increase the reliability of VS.
Association of hemodynamic factors and progressive aortic dilatation following type A aortic dissection surgical repair
Authors: Zhu Yu , Mirsadraee Saeed , Asimakopoulos George , Gambaro Alessia , Rosendahl Ulrich , Pepper John , Xu Xiao Yun
Published: June 2021

Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) involves the ascending aorta or the arch. Acute TAAD usually requires urgent replacement of the ascending aorta. However, a subset of these patients develops aortic rupture due to further dilatation of the residual dissected aorta. There is currently no reliable means to predict the risk of dilatation following TAAD repair. In this study, we performed a comprehensive morphological and hemodynamic analysis for patients with and without progressive aortic dilatation following surgical replacement of the ascending aorta. Patient-specific models of repaired TAAD were reconstructed from post-surgery computed tomography images for detailed computational fluid dynamic analysis. Geometric and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated and compared between patients with stable aortic diameters (N = 9) and those with aortic dilatation (N = 8). Our results showed that the number of re-entry tears and true/false lumen pressure difference were significantly different between the two groups. Patients with progressive aortic dilatation had higher luminal pressure difference (6.7 [4.6, 10.9] vs. 0.9 [0.5, 2.3] mmHg; P = 0.001) and fewer re-entry tears (1.5 [1, 2.8] vs. 5 [3.3, 7.5]; P = 0.02) compared to patients with stable aortic diameters, suggesting that these factors may serve as potential predictors of aneurysmal dilatation following surgical repair of TAAD.
Homogeneous material based acoustic concentrators and rotators with linear coordinate transformation
Authors: Wang Huaping , Zhang Lei , Shah Shahnawaz , Zhu Rongrong , Zheng Bin
Published: June 2021

With the ability to focus and rotate the acoustic field in a given region while keeping the outside region unchanged, the acoustic concentrator and rotator has been developed for the versatile manipulations of acoustic wave. In this letter, we report the design of acoustic concentrator and rotator facilitated by linear coordinate transformation. Compared with the previous ones that have inhomogeneous parameter distributions, the designed devices are composed of several parts with homogeneous parameters, which can be achieved with the help of few homogeneous layered structures. Simulations are also performed to verify the functions of the designed device. The proposed acoustic concentrators and rotators would be useful in numerous applications such as acoustic sensing and communication.
Predictive analysis of the number of human brucellosis cases in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zheng Yanling , Zhang Liping , Wang Chunxia , Wang Kai , Guo Gang , Zhang Xueliang , Wang Jing
Published: June 2021

Brucellosis is one of the major public health problems in China, and human brucellosis represents a serious public health concern in Xinjiang and requires a prediction analysis to help making early planning and putting forward science preventive and control countermeasures. According to the characteristics of the time series of monthly reported cases of human brucellosis in Xinjiang from January 2008 to June 2020, we used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) method and nonlinear autoregressive regression neural network (NARNN) method, which are widely prevalent and have high prediction accuracy, to construct prediction models and make prediction analysis. Finally, we established the SARIMA((1,4,5,7),0,0)(0,1,2)12 model and the NARNN model with a time lag of 5 and a hidden layer neuron of 10. Both models have high fitting performance. After comparing the accuracies of two established models, we found that the SARIMA((1,4,5,7),0,0)(0,1,2)12 model was better than the NARNN model. We used the SARIMA((1,4,5,7),0,0)(0,1,2)12 model to predict the number of monthly reported cases of human brucellosis in Xinjiang from July 2020 to December 2021, and the results showed that the fluctuation of the time series from July 2020 to December 2021 was similar to that of the last year and a half while maintaining the current prevention and control ability. The methodology applied here and its prediction values of this study could be useful to give a scientific reference for prevention and control human brucellosis.
Clinical evolution of ST11 carbapenem resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Xie Miaomiao , Yang Xuemei , Xu Qi , Ye Lianwei , Chen Kaichao , Zheng Zhiwei , Dong Ning , Sun Qiaoling , Shu Lingbin , Gu Danxia , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Zhang Rong , Chen Sheng
Published: June 2021

Carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-HvKP) strains that have emerged recently have caused infections of extremely high mortality in various countries. In this study, we discovered a conjugative plasmid that encodes carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence in a clinical ST86 K2 CR-HvKP, namely 17ZR-91. The conjugative plasmid (p17ZR-91-Vir-KPC) was formed by fusion of a non-conjugative pLVPK-like plasmid and a conjugative blaKPC-2-bearing plasmid and is present dynamically with two other non-fusion plasmids. Conjugation of p17ZR-91-Vir-KPC to other K. pneumoniae enabled them to rapidly express the carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence phenotypes. More importantly, genome analysis provided direct evidence that p17ZR-91-Vir-KPC could be directly transmitted from K2 CR-HvKP strain, 17ZR-91, to ST11 clinical K. pneumoniae strains to convert them into ST11 CR-HvKP strains, which explains the evolutionary mechanisms of recently emerged ST11 CR-HvKP strains.
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are integral to nitrogen cycling in a highly fertile agricultural soil
Authors: Huang Laibin , Chakrabarti Seemanti , Cooper Jennifer , Perez Ana , John Sophia M , Daroub Samira H , Martens-Habbena Willm
Published: June 2021

Nitrification is a central process in the global nitrogen cycle, carried out by a complex network of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox) bacteria, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Nitrification is responsible for significant nitrogen leaching and N2O emissions and thought to impede plant nitrogen use efficiency in agricultural systems. However, the actual contribution of each nitrifier group to net rates and N2O emissions remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that highly fertile agricultural soils with high organic matter mineralization rates could allow a detailed characterization of N cycling in these soils. Using a combination of molecular and activity measurements, we show that in a mixed AOA, AOB, and comammox community, AOA outnumbered low diversity assemblages of AOB and comammox 50- to 430-fold, and strongly dominated net nitrification activities with low N2O yields between 0.18 and 0.41 ng N2O–N per µg NOx–N in cropped, fallow, as well as native soil. Nitrification rates were not significantly different in plant-covered and fallow plots. Mass balance calculations indicated that plants relied heavily on nitrate, and not ammonium as primary nitrogen source in these soils. Together, these results imply AOA as integral part of the nitrogen cycle in a highly fertile agricultural soil.
Commercially available rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of high priority pathogens: status and challenges
Authors: Castillo-León Jaime , Trebbien Ramona , Castillo John J. , Svendsen Winnie E.
Published: June 2021

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) will provide a key element of disease surveillance. Their rapid turnaround, low cost, and accessibility in resource limited areas will help increase public health reporting and facilitate outbreak containment.
Effect of curing reaction types on the structures and properties of acetylene-containing thermosets: towards optimization of curing procedure
Authors: Zhu Junli , Wang Liquan , Lin Jiaping , Du Lei , Zhuang Qixin
Published: June 2021

MD simulations were used to address the effect of curing reaction types on structures and properties of acetylene-containing thermosets. The work revealed the difference in thermal and mechanical properties of thermosets cured by different reactions.
Hydrogenation of fluorinated molecules: an overview
Authors: Charvillat T. , Bernardelli P. , Daumas M. , Pannecoucke X. , Ferey V. , Besset T.
Published: June 2021

The review aims at providing an overview on the developments made in hydrogenation reactions of molecules having various fluorinated groups (F, CF3, CF2H, CF2Rf).
Replacing hybrid density functional theory: motivation and recent advances
Authors: Janesko Benjamin G.
Published: June 2021

New approximations in density functional theory (DFT) offer an opportunity to go beyond hybrids' intrinsic tradeoffs.
Dually cross-linked single networks: structures and applications
Authors: Rodin Maksim , Li Jie , Kuckling Dirk
Published: June 2021

Dually cross-linking endows polymeric materials with strength and responsiveness simultaneously. In this review, structural aspects of dually cross-linked single networks and possible applications are considered.
Structure and transport properties of triple-conducting BaxSr1−xTi1−yFeyO3−δoxides
Authors: Miruszewski T. , Dzierzgowski K. , Winiarz P. , Jaworski D. , Wiciak-Pawłowska K. , Skubida W. , Wachowski S. , Mielewczyk-Gryń A. , Gazda M.
Published: June 2021

BaxSr1−xTi1−yFeyO3−δ-based perovskite materials with different barium and iron contents are reported as triple conducting oxides (TCOs), which may conduct three charge carriers: oxygen ions, protons and electrons/holes.
The energy storage behavior of a phosphate-based cathode material in rechargeable zinc batteries
Authors: Li Cuicui , Wu Wanlong , Shi Hua-Yu , Qin Zengming , Yang Duo , Yang Xianpeng , Song Yu , Guo Di , Liu Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: June 2021

Li3V2(PO4)3 transforms into a VOPO4 type structure and delivers high electrochemical activity as well as stability with a water–acetonitrile zinc electrolyte.
A GalNAc/Gal-specific lectin modulates immune responses via toll-like receptor 4 independently of carbohydrate-binding ability
Authors: Chen Shin-Tai , Liao Jiahn-Haur , Huang Kai-Fa , Lee I-Ming , Wong Wei-Ting , Wu Shih-Hsiung , Hua Kuo-Feng
Published: June 2021

A CGL-TLR4/MD2 binding model reveals that Crenomytilus grayanus lectin (CGL) modulates immunity independently of sugar-binding activity and conventional MD2 binding pocket.
Straightforward N-alkylation of diketopyrrolopyrroles through the Mitsunobu reaction with benzyl, α-branched, and chiral alcohols
Authors: Mastropasqua Talamo Maurizio , Pop Flavia , Avarvari Narcis
Published: June 2021

Diketopyrrolopyrroles are N-alkylated under mild conditions using secondary aliphatic and benzyl type alcohols.
Loading SnS2 nanosheets decorated with MoS2 nanoparticles on a flake-shaped g-C3N4 network for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Chen Changzhao , Zang Jiyuan , Wang Qian , Li Yuanzhi
Published: June 2021

A g-C3N4/MoS2/SnS2 ternary composite photocatalyst with a unique photo-generated carrier transfer pathway is obtained, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity.
Entropic analysis of bistability and the general evolution criterion
Authors: Hochberg David , Ribó Josep M.
Published: June 2021

An open flow bistable Schlögl model in a well-stirred isothermal reaction volume V showing the balance of the entropy production and the exchange entropy on the non-equilibrium stationary states.
The fate and impact of coagulants/flocculants in sludge treatment systems
Authors: Fu Qizi , Liu Xuran , Wu Yanxin , Wang Dongbo , Xu Qiuxiang , Yang Jingnan
Published: June 2021

Coagulants and flocculants have been widely used in various applications, especially in wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering, which result in their high accumulation in waste-activated sludge (WAS).
Feasibility analysis of a CO2 recycling plant for the decarbonization of formate and dihydroxyacetone production
Authors: Rumayor M. , Dominguez-Ramos A. , Irabien A.
Published: June 2021

Environmental and economic assessment of decarbonization of formate (HCOO−) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) by the recent approach using the alternative anode-glycerol (GLY) electro-oxidation (EOG) to produce the anodic add-value products.
Metal–organic framework-engaged synthesis of core–shell MoO2/ZnSe@N-C nanorods as anodes in high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhong Ming , Li Lingling , Zhao Kun , Peng Hui , Xu Shixian , Su Bitao , Wang Dahui
Published: June 2021

A MoO2/ZnSe@N-C nanorod was prepared through novel carbonization and selenization methods, shedding light on the design and application of metal selenides.
Regulating the size and acidity of SAPO-34 zeolites using dual templates to enhance the selectivity of light olefins in MTO
Authors: Yao Jihui , Tian Haifeng , Zha Fei , Ma Shizi , Tang Xiaohua , Chang Yue , Guo Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

To understand the relationship between the catalytic performance, crystallite size, and acidity of SAPO-34 zeolites, a series of SAPO-34 zeolites were prepared by hydrothermal crystallization using palygorskite and dual templates.
Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acids based on surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yao Zhiqi , Zhang Qiongdi , Zhu Wenting , Galluzzi Massimiliano , Zhou Wenhua , Li Jia , Zayats Anatoly V. , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: June 2021

A rapid and sensitive SEIRA-based method for SARS-CoV-2 detection is proposed and analyzed. The proposed method can effectively detect as low as 2.98 copies per μL (∼5 aM) SARS-CoV-2 viral genomic segment within 30 minutes.
Al2O3 buffer-facilitated epitaxial growth of high-quality ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanorod arrays
Authors: Ru Fan , Xia Jing , Li Xuanze , Wang Yifan , Hua Ze , Shao Ruiwen , Wang Xuecong , Lee Chun-Sing , Meng Xiang-Min
Published: June 2021

II–VI semiconductor heterojunctions show huge potential for application in nanodevice fabrication due to their type-II alignments owing to the better spatial separation of electrons and holes.
Histidine-directed formation of Ag octopods via pseudomorphic transformation of Ag2O
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hui Shuhan , Han Yandong , Huang Zhenzhen , Xie Renguo , Yang Wensheng
Published: June 2021

Ag octopods with widely tunable LSPR property and well reproducible SERS performance were synthesized via pseudomorphic transformation of Ag2O.
A perspective on the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles from different biofluids
Authors: Bano Reshma , Ahmad Farhan , Mohsin Mohd
Published: June 2021

Isolation and detection methods for the different types of EVs (e.g., exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, oncosomes) from biofluids.
Synthesis of graphene mesosponge via catalytic methane decomposition on magnesium oxide
Authors: Sunahiro Shogo , Nomura Keita , Goto Shunsuke , Kanamaru Kazuya , Tang Rui , Yamamoto Masanori , Yoshii Takeharu , N. Kondo Junko , Zhao Qi , Ghulam Nabi Azeem , Crespo-Otero Rachel , Di Tommaso Devis , Kyotani Takashi , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: June 2021

MgO has specific catalysis for CH4-to-C conversion, and functions as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly template to produce graphene mesosponge with developed porosity, excellent stability, and super soft and elastic properties.
Carbocatalytic ozonation toward advanced water purification
Authors: Liu Ya , Chen Chunmao , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Shaobin , Wang Yuxian
Published: June 2021

This review summarizes the recent advances in carbocatalyzed ozonation and the corresponding surface engineering protocols and mechanistic insights.
Unraveling the critical role of Zn-phyllomanganates in zinc ion batteries
Authors: Lee Boeun , Choi Jihwan , Lee Minseok , Han Seulki , Jeong Minji , Yim Taeeun , Oh Si Hyoung
Published: June 2021

In situRaman analyses show that charging reaction for MnO2/Zn batteries involves formation of Zn-sorbed phyllomanganate and subsequent Zn extraction.
Recognition and repair of oxidatively generated DNA lesions in plasmid DNA by a facilitated diffusion mechanism
Authors: Kolbanovskiy Marina , Aharonoff Abraham , Sales Ana Helena , Geacintov Nicholas E. , Shafirovich Vladimir
Published: June 2021

The oxidatively generated genotoxic spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) lesions are well-known substrates of the base excision repair (BER) pathway initiated by the bifunctional DNA glycosylase NEIL1. In this work, we reported that the excision kinetics of the single Sp lesions site-specifically embedded in the covalently closed circular DNA plasmids (contour length 2686 base pairs) by NEIL1 are biphasic under single-turnover conditions ([NEIL1] ≫ [SpDNApl]) in contrast with monophasic excision kinetics of the same lesions embedded in147-mer Sp-modified DNA duplexes. Under conditions of a large excess of plasmid DNA base pairs over NEIL1 molecules, the kinetics of excision of Sp lesions are biphasic in nature, exhibiting an initial burst phase, followed by a slower rate of formation of excision products The burst phase is associated with NEIL1–DNA plasmid complexes, while the slow kinetic phase is attributed to the dissociation of non-specific NEIL1–DNA complexes. The amplitude of the burst phase is limited because of the competing non-specific binding of NEIL1 to unmodified DNA sequences flanking the lesion. A numerical analysis of the incision kinetics yielded a value of φ ≍ 0.03 for the fraction of NEIL1 encounters with plasmid molecules that result in the excision of the Sp lesion, and a characteristic dissociation time of non-specific NEIL1–DNA complexes (τ-ns ≍ 8 s). The estimated average DNA translocation distance of NEIL1 is ∼80 base pairs. This estimate suggests that facilitated diffusion enhances the probability that NEIL1 can locate its substrate embedded in an excess of unmodified plasmid DNA nucleotides by a factor of ∼10.
Sublethal hyperthermia enhances anticancer activity of doxorubicin in chronically hypoxic HepG2 cells through ROS-dependent mechanism
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Hui , Ren Qian-qian , Ye Tian-he , Liu Yi-ming , Zheng Chuan-sheng , Zhou Guo-feng , Xia Xiang-wen
Published: June 2021

Thermal ablation in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported to exert a more powerful antitumor effect than thermal ablation alone in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether sublethal hyperthermia encountered in the periablation zone during thermal ablation enhances the anticancer activity of doxorubicin in chronically hypoxic (encountered in the tumor area after TACE) liver cancer cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, HepG2 cells precultured under chronic hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen) were treated in a 42°C water bath for 15 or 30 min, followed by incubation with doxorubicin. Assays were then performed to determine intracellular uptake of doxorubicin, cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidant capacity. The results confirmed that sublethal hyperthermia enhanced the intracellular uptake of doxorubicin into hypoxic HepG2 cells. Hyperthermia combined with doxorubicin led to a greater inhibition of cell viability and increased apoptosis in hypoxic HepG2 cells as compared with hyperthermia or doxorubicin alone. In addition, the combination induced apoptosis by increasing ROS and causing disruption of MMP. Pretreatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine significantly inhibited the apoptotic response, suggesting that cell death is ROS-dependent. These findings suggested that sublethal hyperthermia enhances the anticancer activity of doxorubicin in hypoxic HepG2 cells via a ROS-dependent mechanism.
New insights into promoter–enhancer communication mechanisms revealed by dynamic single-molecule imaging
Authors: Li Jieru , Pertsinidis Alexandros
Published: June 2021

Establishing cell-type-specific gene expression programs relies on the action of distal enhancers, cis-regulatory elements that can activate target genes over large genomic distances — up to Mega-bases away. How distal enhancers physically relay regulatory information to target promoters has remained a mystery. Here, we review the latest developments and insights into promoter–enhancer communication mechanisms revealed by live-cell, real-time single-molecule imaging approaches.
Great balls of fire: activation and signalling of inflammatory caspases
Authors: Bateman Georgia , Hill Benjamin , Knight Ryan , Boucher Dave
Published: June 2021

Innate immune responses are tightly regulated by various pathways to control infections and maintain homeostasis. One of these pathways, the inflammasome pathway, activates a family of cysteine proteases called inflammatory caspases. They orchestrate an immune response by cleaving specific cellular substrates. Canonical inflammasomes activate caspase-1, whereas non-canonical inflammasomes activate caspase-4 and -5 in humans and caspase-11 in mice. Caspases are highly specific enzymes that select their substrates through diverse mechanisms. During inflammation, caspase activity is responsible for the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the execution of a form of lytic and inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. This review aims to bring together our current knowledge of the biochemical processes behind inflammatory caspase activation, substrate specificity, and substrate signalling.
ARS2/SRRT: at the nexus of RNA polymerase II transcription, transcript maturation and quality control
Authors: Lykke-Andersen Søren , Rouvière Jérôme O. , Jensen Torben Heick
Published: June 2021

ARS2/SRRT is an essential eukaryotic protein that has emerged as a critical factor in the sorting of functional from non-functional RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts. Through its interaction with the Cap Binding Complex (CBC), it associates with the cap of newly made RNAs and acts as a hub for competitive exchanges of protein factors that ultimately determine the fate of the associated RNA. The central position of the protein within the nuclear gene expression machinery likely explains why its depletion causes a broad range of phenotypes, yet an exact function of the protein remains elusive. Here, we consider the literature on ARS2/SRRT with the attempt to garner the threads into a unifying working model for ARS2/SRRT function at the nexus of Pol II transcription, transcript maturation and quality control.
DNA methylation: from model plants to vegetable crops
Authors: Nie Wen-Feng
Published: June 2021

As a subgroup of horticultural crops, vegetable food is a kind of indispensable energy source for human beings, providing necessary nutritional components including vitamins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and active substances such as carotenoids and flavonoids. The developmental process of vegetable crops is not only regulated by environmental stimulations, but also manipulated by both genetic and epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications are composed by several regulatory mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Among these modifications, DNA methylation functions in multiple biological pathways ranging from fundamental development to environmental stimulations by mediating transcriptomic alterations, resulting in the activation or silencing of target genes. In recent years, intensive studies have revealed that DNA methylation is essential to fruit development and ripening, indicating that the epigenome of fruit crops could be dynamically modified according to the specific requirements in the commercial production. Firstly, this review will present the mechanisms of DNA methylation, and update the understanding on active DNA demethylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Secondly, this review will summarize the recent progress on the function of DNA methylation in regulating fruit ripening. Moreover, the possible functions of DNA methylation on controlling the expansion of edible organs, senescence of leafy vegetables, and anthocyanin pigmentation in several important vegetable crops will be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the intractable issues that need to be resolved in the application of epigenome in vegetable crops, and provide perspectives for the potential challenges in the further studies.
Adopting a Conceptual Validity Framework for Testing in Speech-Language Pathology
Authors: Daub Olivia , Cunningham Barbara Jane , Bagatto Marlene P. , Johnson Andrew M. , Kwok Elaine Y. , Smyth Rachael E. , Cardy Janis Oram
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Limited evidence-based guidelines for test selection continue to result in inconsistency in test use and interpretation in speech-language pathology. A major barrier is the lack of explicit and consistent adoption of a validity framework by our field. In this viewpoint, we argue that adopting the conceptual validity framework in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (American Educational Research Association et al., 2014) would support both the development of more meaningful and feasible clinical tests and more appropriate use and interpretation of tests in speech-language pathology.

Method

We describe and evaluate the
Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing
(American Educational Research Association et al., 2014) validity framework and consider its relevance to speech-language pathology. We describe how the validity framework could be integrated into clinical practice and include examples of how it could be applied to support common clinical decisions. We evaluate the costs and benefits of adopting this framework, from the perspectives of speech-language pathologists, clients, and test developers.

Results

The
Standards'
validity framework clarifies complex validity issues by shifting the focus of validity from tests to the decisions speech-language pathologists make based on test results. By focusing on decisions, the framework requires critical evaluation of test use, rather than evaluating tests against sets of criteria. Adopting this framework has the potential for appreciable improvement in the way tests are used and valued across our profession.

Conclusions

Speech-language pathologists, test developers, and clients will benefit from improved evidence-based assessment practices. It is recommended that regulators, test developers, professional associations, universities, and researchers adopt the framework and endorse it as best practice moving forward. This viewpoint proposes a series of first steps toward supporting uptake of the framework into research and practice.