bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The multimodal nature of communicative efficiency in social interaction
Authors: Rasenberg Marlou , Pouw Wim , Özyürek Asli , Dingemanse Mark
Published: November 2022

How does communicative efficiency shape language use? We approach this question by studying it at the level of the dyad, and in terms of multimodal utterances. We investigate whether and how people minimize their joint speech and gesture efforts in face-to-face interactions, using linguistic and kinematic analyses. We zoom in on other-initiated repair—a conversational microcosm where people coordinate their utterances to solve problems with perceiving or understanding. We find that efforts in the spoken and gestural modalities are wielded in parallel across repair turns of different types, and that people repair conversational problems in the most cost-efficient way possible, minimizing the joint multimodal effort for the dyad as a whole. These results are in line with the principle of least collaborative effort in speech and with the reduction of joint costs in non-linguistic joint actions. The results extend our understanding of those coefficiency principles by revealing that they pertain to multimodal utterance design.
Improved performance of stretchable piezoelectric energy harvester based on stress rearrangement
Authors: Kim Young-Gyun , Hong Seongheon , Hwang Bosun , Ahn Sung-Hoon , Song Ji-Hyeon
Published: November 2022

With the development of wearable devices and soft electronics, the demand for stretchable piezoelectric energy harvesters (SPEHs) has increased. Energy harvesting can provide energy when large batteries or power sources cannot be employed, and stretchability provides a user-friendly experience. However, the performance of SPEHs remains low, which limits their application. In this study, a wearable SPEH is developed by adopting a kirigami structure on a polyvinylidene fluoride film. The performance of the SPEH is improved by rearranging the stress distribution throughout the film. This is conducted using two approaches: topological depolarization, which eliminates the opposite charge generation by thermal treatment, and optimization of the neutral axis, which maximizes the stress applied at the surface of the piezoelectric film. The SPEH performance is experimentally measured and compared with that of existing SPEHs. Using these two approaches, the stress was rearranged in both the x–y plane and z-direction, and the output voltage increased by 21.57% compared with that of the original film with the same stretching motion. The generated energy harvester was successfully applied to smart transmittance-changing contact lenses.
Association between long-term air pollution exposure and insulin resistance independent of abdominal adiposity in Korean adults
Authors: Hwang Seo Eun , Kwon Hyuktae , Yun Jae Moon , Min Kyungha , Kim Hyun-Jin , Park Jin-Ho
Published: November 2022

Significant associations between air pollution (AP) and insulin resistance (IR) have been reported in limited populations or certain patient groups, but few studies have addressed this association in the general population, especially in Asians. Although abdominal fat is a major contributor to IR, previous studies have not fully controlled for its effect in the association between AP and IR. We investigated the association between exposure to AP and IR in Korean adults in the general population and whether this association is maintained even after controlling for the effects of abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat. This was a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained for Korean adults who participated in screening health checkups at Seoul National University Health Examination Center from 2006 to 2014. A total of 4251 men and women aged 22–84 years were included. IR was represented by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Adiposity traits such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas were measured by computed tomography. We assessed the annual mean concentrations of air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm or less (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with increased annual mean exposure to PM10 in both men (β = 0.15; 95% CI 0.09, 0.22) and women (β = 0.16; 95% CI 0.09, 0.23), and these associations were maintained even after controlling for VAT area (both p < 0.05). The adjusted mean HOMA-IR increased gradually with the level of long-term PM10 exposure (low, intermediate, and high exposure) (all p for trend < 0.001) in the subgroup analysis. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, including VAT area, the annual mean exposure to PM10 was significantly associated with the presence of IR in both men (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.03, 1.35) and women (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.18, 1.76). Other air pollutants, such as NO2, SO2 and CO, did not show any significant associations with HOMA-IR or the presence of IR. Persistent exposure to PM10 is the main independent risk factor for IR and exhibits a dose-dependent association regardless of visceral fatness in both men and women.
Rapidly identifying new coronavirus mutations of potential concern in the Omicron variant using an unsupervised learning strategy
Authors: Zhao Lue Ping , Lybrand Terry P. , Gilbert Peter B. , Payne Thomas H. , Pyo Chul-Woo , Geraghty Daniel E. , Jerome Keith R.
Published: November 2022

Extensive mutations in the Omicron spike protein appear to accelerate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and rapid infections increase the odds that additional mutants will emerge. To build an investigative framework, we have applied an unsupervised machine learning approach to 4296 Omicron viral genomes collected and deposited to GISAID as of December 14, 2021, and have identified a core haplotype of 28 polymutants (A67V, T95I, G339D, R346K, S371L, S373P, S375F, K417N, N440K, G446S, S477N, T478K, E484A, Q493R, G496S, Q498R, N501Y, Y505H, T547K, D614G, H655Y, N679K, P681H, N764K, K796Y, N856K, Q954H, N69K, L981F) in the spike protein and a separate core haplotype of 17 polymutants in non-spike genes: (K38, A1892) in nsp3, T492 in nsp4, (P132, V247, T280, S284) in 3C-like proteinase, I189 in nsp6, P323 in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, I42 in Exonuclease, T9 in envelope protein, (D3, Q19, A63) in membrane glycoprotein, and (P13, R203, G204) in nucleocapsid phosphoprotein. Using these core haplotypes as reference, we have identified four newly emerging polymutants (R346, A701, I1081, N1192) in the spike protein (p value = 9.37*10−4, 1.0*10−15, 4.76*10−7 and 1.56*10−4, respectively), and five additional polymutants in non-spike genes (D343G in nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, V1069I in nsp3, V94A in nsp4, F694Y in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and L106L/F of ORF3a) that exhibit significant increasing trajectories (all p values < 1.0*10−15). In the absence of relevant clinical data for these newly emerging mutations, it is important to monitor them closely. Two emerging mutations may be of particular concern: the N1192S mutation in spike protein locates in an extremely highly conserved region of all human coronaviruses that is integral to the viral fusion process, and the F694Y mutation in the RNA polymerase may induce conformational changes that could impact remdesivir binding.
Fast X-ray diffraction (XRD) tomography for enhanced identification of materials
Authors: Korolkovas Airidas
Published: November 2022

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a commercially established modality for imaging large objects like passenger luggage. CT can provide the density and the effective atomic number, which is not always sufficient to identify threats like explosives and narcotics, since they can have a similar composition to benign plastics, glass, or light metals. In these cases, X-ray diffraction (XRD) may be better suited to distinguish the threats. Unfortunately, the diffracted photon flux is typically much weaker than the transmitted one. Measurement of quality XRD data is therefore slower compared to CT, which is an economic challenge for potential customers like airports. In this article we numerically analyze a novel low-cost scanner design which captures CT and XRD signals simultaneously, and uses the least possible collimation to maximize the flux. To simulate a realistic instrument, we propose a forward model that includes the resolution-limiting effects of the polychromatic spectrum, the detector, and all the finite-size geometric factors. We then show how to reconstruct XRD patterns from a large phantom with multiple diffracting objects. We include a reasonable amount of photon counting noise (Poisson statistics), as well as measurement bias (incoherent scattering). Our XRD reconstruction adds material-specific information, albeit at a low resolution, to the already existing CT image, thus improving threat detection. Our theoretical model is implemented in GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) accelerated software which can be used to further optimize scanner designs for applications in security, healthcare, and manufacturing quality control.
Comparing walking with knee-ankle-foot orthoses and a knee-powered exoskeleton after spinal cord injury: a randomized, crossover clinical trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Antonio , Lobo-Prat Joan , Tarragó Rafael , Chaverri Diego , Iglesias Xavier , Guirao-Cano Lluis , Font-Llagunes Josep M.
Published: November 2022

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee-powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses, which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compensatory movements (38% reduction of circumduction, 25% increase of step length, 29% improvement in weight shifting). However, participants did not exhibit significantly better results in walking performance for the standard clinical tests (Timed Up and Go, 10-m Walk Test, and 6-min Walk Test), nor significant reductions in energy consumption. These results suggest that providing powered assistance only on the knee joints is not enough to significantly reduce the energy consumption required by people with SCI to walk compared to passive orthoses. Active assistance on the hip or ankle joints seems necessary to achieve this outcome.
Anti-neoplastic sulfonamides alter the metabolic homeostasis and disrupt the suppressor activity of regulatory T cells
Authors: Gedaly Roberto , Cornea Virgilius , Turcios Lilia , Edmisson Jacob S. , Harris Dwight D. , Watt David S. , Chapelin Fanny , Khurana Aman , Mei Xiaonan , Liu Chunming , Taylor Isaac , Gonzalez-Valdivieso Juan , Mitchel Hunter , Ruffing Alexis , Chishti Asir , Orozco Gabriel , Zwischenberger Joseph , Evers B. Mark , Marti Francesc
Published: November 2022

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain self-tolerance and immune homeostasis but, as components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are also a major barrier to effective cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy. FH535 and its derivative Y3 are two N-aryl-benzene-sulfonamides (NABs) that inhibit HCC cell proliferation and tumor progression. However, the impact of NABs on the immune cells in the TME is not yet known. Analyses of explanted livers from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showed that high levels of tumor-infiltrating Tregs were associated with poor tumor differentiation. These results lead us to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of NABs in regulatory and effector T cells. Exposure of primary human Tregs to NABs induced a rapid but temporary increase of cell expansion, a gradual disruption of suppressor activity, and concomitant bioenergetics and autophagic flux dysregulations. In contrast to Tregs, no gross effects were observed in effector T cells. Addition of Rapamycin prevented the functional decay of Tregs and restored their metabolic profile, suggesting that NAB effects require the integrity of the mTOR pathway. This study revealed the immunomodulatory properties of NABs with a preferential impact on Treg activity and provided novel insights into the anti-tumor potential of sulfonamides.
Comparison study of the energy and instability of ion-acoustic solitary waves in magnetized electron–positron–ion quantum plasma
Authors: El-Taibany W. F. , Karmakar P. K. , Beshara A. A. , El-Borie M. A. , Gwaily S. A. , Atteya A.
Published: November 2022

Notably, solitary waves that emerge from the nonlinear properties of plasmas are the main focus of many current studies of localized disturbances in both laboratory and astrophysical plasmas. By applying the reductive perturbation method, we derive the nonlinear homogeneous quantum Zakharov–Kuznetsov (QZK) equation in three-component collisionless quantum plasma consisting of electrons, positrons, and ions in the presence of an external static magnetic field. The solitary wave structures are dependent on the Bohm potential, magnetic field, obliqueness, species Fermi temperatures, and densities. The soliton’s electric field and energy are also derived and investigated, which were found to be reduced as the magnetic field increases. The instability growth rate is also derived by using the small-k perturbation expansion method. The previous parameters affect the instability growth rate as well. A comparison of the energy and instability growth rate behaviour against system parameters is carried out. Large energy and large instability growth rate occur at large values of positron density or lower values of ion density. At zero or small rotation angle, both decrease as the magnetic field increases. Our findings could help us understand the dynamics of magnetic white dwarfs, pulsar magnetospheres, semiconductor plasma, and high-intensity laser-solid matter interaction experiments where e-p-i plasma exists.
A randomized pharmacological fMRI trial investigating d-cycloserine and brain plasticity mechanisms in learned pain responses
Authors: Thomaidou Mia A. , Blythe Joseph S. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Peerdeman Kaya J. , van Lennep Johan P. A. , Giltay Erik J. , Cremers Henk R. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: November 2022

Learning and negative outcome expectations can increase pain sensitivity, a phenomenon known as nocebo hyperalgesia. Here, we examined how a targeted pharmacological manipulation of learning would impact nocebo responses and their brain correlates. Participants received either a placebo (n = 27) or a single 80 mg dose ofd-cycloserine (a partial NMDA receptor agonist;n = 23) and underwent fMRI. Behavioral conditioning and negative suggestions were used to induce nocebo responses. Participants underwent pre-conditioning outside the scanner. During scanning, we first delivered baseline pain stimulations, followed by nocebo acquisition and extinction phases. During acquisition, high intensity thermal pain was paired with supposed activation of sham electrical stimuli (nocebo trials), whereas moderate pain was administered with inactive electrical stimulation (control trials). Nocebo hyperalgesia was induced in both groups (p < 0.001). Nocebo magnitudes and brain activations did not show significant differences betweend-cycloserine and placebo. In acquisition and extinction, there were significantly increased activations bilaterally in the amygdala, ACC, and insula, during nocebo compared to control trials. Nocebo acquisition trials also showed increased vlPFC activation. Increased opercular activation differentiated nocebo-augmented pain aggravation from baseline pain. These results support the involvement of integrative cognitive-emotional processes in nocebo hyperalgesia.
Development of prognostic model for preterm birth using machine learning in a population-based cohort of Western Australia births between 1980 and 2015
Authors: Wong Kingsley , Tessema Gizachew A. , Chai Kevin , Pereira Gavin
Published: November 2022

Preterm birth is a global public health problem with a significant burden on the individuals affected. The study aimed to extend current research on preterm birth prognostic model development by developing and internally validating models using machine learning classification algorithms and population-based routinely collected data in Western Australia. The longitudinal retrospective cohort study involved all births in Western Australia between 1980 and 2015, and the analytic sample contains 81,974 (8.6%) preterm births (< 37 weeks of gestation). Prediction models for preterm birth were developed using regularised logistic regression, decision trees, Random Forests, extreme gradient boosting, and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Predictors included maternal socio-demographics and medical conditions, current and past pregnancy complications, and family history. Class weight was applied to handle imbalanced outcomes and stratified tenfold cross-validation was used to reduce overfitting. Close to half of the preterm births (49.1% at 5% FPR, 95% CI 48.9%,49.5%) were correctly classified by the best performing classifier (MLP) for all women when current pregnancy information was available. The sensitivity was boosted to 52.7% (95% CI 52.1%,53.3%) after including past obstetric history in a sub-population of births from multiparous women. Around half of the preterm birth can be identified antenatally at high specificity using population-based routinely collected maternal and pregnancy data. The performance of the prediction models depends on the available predictor pool that is individual and time specific.
A green protocol for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted isoxazole-5(4H)-ones using modified β-cyclodextrin as a catalyst
Authors: Tajbakhsh Mahdieh , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza , Balalaie Saeed , Rezaeian Mohadeseh
Published: November 2022

This manuscript reports an impressive and facile strategy for synthesizing isoxazole derivatives using immobilized Cu (I) in metformin-functionalized β-cyclodextrin as a catalyst. The architecture of this catalyst was characterized by different analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalyst showed remarkable reusability even after 7 consecutive runs.
Movement behaviors during COVID-19 among Latin American/Latino toddlers and pre-schoolers in Chile, Mexico and the US
Authors: Jáuregui Alejandra , Salvo Deborah , Aguilar-Farias Nicolas , Okely Anthony
Published: November 2022

Movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We report changes in and factors that influenced movement behaviors during COVID-19 among Latin American/Latino children aged 1 to 5 years in Chile, Mexico, and the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study between April and August 2020. Caregivers of 4,136 children (mean age [SD], 3.1 [1.4] years; 51% boys) reported family and household characteristics and changes in their child’s movement behaviors. The proportion of children who met the WHO Guidelines decreased significantly in all countries, with the largest declines in meeting the physical activity and screen time guidelines. Factors associated with negative changes in movement behaviors were being an older child, unable to attend an early childhood education and care service, higher parental education levels, not having the opportunity to play with someone, and not having access to spaces to play. The findings highlight the need to minimize disparities faced by families by providing access to early childhood education and care and safe places for children to play.
Digital access constraints predict worse mental health among adolescents during COVID-19
Authors: Metherell Thomas E. , Ghai Sakshi , McCormick Ethan M. , Ford Tamsin J. , Orben Amy
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing social restrictions disrupted young people’s social interactions and resulted in several periods during which school closures necessitated online learning. We hypothesised that digitally excluded young people would demonstrate greater deterioration in their mental health than their digitally connected peers during this time. We analysed representative mental health data from a sample of UK 10–15-year-olds (N = 1387) who completed a mental health inventory in 2017–2019 and thrice during the pandemic (July 2020, November 2020 and March 2021). We employed longitudinal modelling to describe trajectories of adolescent mental health for participants with and without access to a computer or a good internet connection for schoolwork. Adolescent mental health symptoms rose early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest mean Total Difficulties score around December 2020. The worsening and subsequent recovery of mental health during the pandemic was greatly pronounced among those without access to a computer, although we did not find evidence for a similar effect among those without a good internet connection. We conclude that lack of access to a computer is a tractable risk factor that likely compounds other adversities facing children and young people during periods of social isolation or educational disruption.
The effect of immediate postoperative intravenous administration of ferric carboxymaltose after autologous free-flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Park Joseph Kyu-hyung , Lee Seungjun , Heo Chan Yeong , Jeong Jae Hoon , Myung Yujin
Published: November 2022

Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (IV-FCM) can effectively correct perioperative anemia in patients undergoing major surgeries. However, its efficacy and side effects in patients undergoing free flap-based breast reconstruction are yet to be investigated. At our institution, from year 2020, patients with breast cancer undergoing abdominal free flap-based breast reconstruction were injected 500 mg of IV-FCM immediately post-operation. Propensity-matched 82 IV-FCM injected (study group) and 164 historical control group patients were retrospectively analyzed for transfusion rates, changes in hematological parameters, and flap or donor-site related complications. The major and minor complication rates related to the operation site were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the transfusion rate between the two groups (control 29.9% vs. study 32.9%, p = 0.71). However, the total amount of transfusion required was significantly higher in the historical control group (control—53.2% 1 pack, 42.6% 2 packs, 4.3% 3 packs of RBC vs. Study—66.7% 1 pack, 33.3% 2 packs, p = 0.02) than in the study group. Additionally, the historical control group showed a significantly higher drop in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels from postoperative days 1–2 and 2–3 compared to the study group. Immediate postoperative use of IV-FCM in free flap-based breast reconstruction was well tolerated by patients and reduced overall transfusion volume.
Vaccine Development: From Concept to Clinic
Authors: Prasad A. Krishna
Published: November 2022

A vast body of clinical experience has supported the introduction of several vaccines for routine use across the globe, resulting in a dramatic impact on public health. Research and development efforts continue to translate this impact and find scientific and novel technological innovations to target many diseases to address unmet medical needs. SARS-CoV-2 represents a new historical milestone in vaccine design and immunotherapeutic strategy development reached at breakneck speed. However, the development model applied to COVID-19 vaccines is not likely to be replicated for other disease modalities. It is important that vaccines meet various regulatory requirements for safety, stability, quality, and efficacy. The primary motivation of this book is to provide a comprehensive forum for the presentation of various components that define the development and control strategies to produce safe and stable vaccines that elicit consistent and robust immunogenic responses. This book aims to cover the landscape comprising preclinical safety considerations, clinical trial design and development, high-throughput clinical assay development, mechanisms of vaccine adjuvants, process development, and also several aspects pertaining to the chemistry, manufacture, and control (CMC) of vaccines. These disciplines are closely tied to regulatory aspects essential for the commercial licensure of vaccines.
Preclinical Safety Assessment Considerations for Vaccine Development
Authors: Clarke David W.
Published: November 2022

Vaccines represent a unique class of biopharmaceuticals that comprise a wide variety of modalities and formulations that aim to elicit a desired immune response to an antigen. However, their non-clinical safety assessment does not necessarily fit with the current development paradigms outlined in the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidance document for biopharmaceuticals [ICH S6(R1)], as several countries, and also the World Health Organization (WHO), have issued general guidance documents to address specifically the non-clinical safety studies to aid in vaccine development. This chapter is intended to address non-clinical safety studies to support the development of vaccines against infectious disease and outlines the types of studies that may be required and issues to be considered in the design of the studies.
Clinical Trials in the Development of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Lockhart S. , Gruber W. C.
Published: November 2022

Clinical trials are an essential component of vaccine development, to demonstrate safety and efficacy for regulatory submissions in addition to supporting recommendations by national immunisation technical advisory groups (NITAGs). There is no simple formula for a vaccine clinical programme and its component clinical trials; these must be intelligently and prospectively designed in staged progression, based on a wide range of factors, such as preclinical information, epidemiology, existing vaccines and other medical interventions, intended target product profile and emerging clinical data. Some common features of vaccine clinical trials that are discussed include the assessment of tolerability and adverse events to assess safety, the use of immune responses as a biomarker for biological effect, prevention of naturally occurring infectious disease as a primary efficacy endpoint, the use of indicative markers of efficacy short of full prevention of natural disease and the need to use clinical data to confirm manufacturing consistency. Observational studies are also very important in vaccine development but are not discussed in this chapter.
Clinical Trials in Immunotherapeutic Vaccine Development
Authors: Alemayehu Demissie , Knirsch Charles A.
Published: November 2022

There is a great deal of interest in the development of therapeutic vaccines, which, unlike their prophylactic counterparts, are intended to treat existing diseases. The heterogeneity of diseases amenable to attempts at disease modification from eliciting an immune response is broad and includes both infectious diseases such as HIV and latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, in addition to non-infectious diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and treatment of addiction. As in prophylactic vaccine development, the epidemiology, non-clinical basic science, and animal models are critical to understanding the potential of a therapeutic vaccine prior to embarking on human clinical trials. Clinical trials of therapeutic vaccines employ many of the general principles of prophylactic vaccine development; yet there is a need to demonstrate a positive benefit–risk profile with clinical efficacy and safety endpoints in patients with underlying disease. Clinical therapeutic vaccine trials include immune biomarker and relevant disease clinical modification endpoints, similar to those studied in therapeutic trials of small and large molecules. There is an increasing pipeline of therapeutic vaccines progressing in clinical development, mostly designed to treat cancer. Advances in basic laboratory science together with clinical insights from studies of immunomodulation of cancer therapy hold promise for advancing the therapeutics of infectious and other non-communicable diseases.
Pathogenesis and Immunity of SARS-CoV-2 and Vaccination Programs Against COVID-19
Authors: Paschall Amy V. , Avci Fikri Y.
Published: November 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection rapidly became a pandemic and immediately triggered global research and clinical efforts to control and stop the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis emphasized the need for vaccine innovation and design at a critical pace. Building off previous state-of-the-art vaccine studies, scientists have made significant advances in therapies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These therapies comprise a variety of vaccine methods with varying degrees of efficacy. In December 2020, the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered to the public, and more vaccines have been developed and used clinically since then. This rapid vaccine development coupled with the significant decrease in COVID-19 cases demonstrates the importance of research into viral pathogenicity and vaccine design.
High-throughput Assays for Clinical Development
Authors: Harris Shannon L. , Giardina Peter C.
Published: November 2022

Since vaccine development is a complex, multi-year process potentially spanning a decade or more from early discovery through licensure and marketing, consideration must be given to the laboratory assays used at every stage to support the vaccine candidate's progression through such things as early-stage discovery, proof of concept, pilot- and full-scale manufacturing, clinical studies and commercial product release. This chapter provides a survey of key issues, challenges and considerations for performing clinical immunoassays that support late-stage vaccine development. Areas of focus include liquid-handling robotics, assay validation and long-term maintenance (i.e. assay lifecycle), sample-handling procedures and chain of custody, proper data handling, change control and inspection readiness. Each area of focus includes special considerations for the high-throughput testing environment.
A high-throughput microfluidic device inspired by the Wheatstone bridge principle for characterizing the mechanical properties of single cells
Authors: Hu Siyu , Liu Tianmian , Xue Chundong , Li Yongjiang , Yang Yunong , Xu Xing , Liu Bo , Chen Xiaoming , Zhao Yan , Qin Kairong
Published: November 2022

A high-throughput microfluidic device in combination with the principles of flow cytometry and the Wheatstone bridge is developed for characterizing the mechanical properties of single cells.
Color-deconvolution-based feature image extraction and application in water quality analysis
Authors: Shi Sheng-Zhe , Sheng Tao , Wang Yan-Yan , Zhang Kai-Kai , Liu Sheng , Gao Hong-Wen
Published: November 2022

This study proposes a method to apply color-deconvolution (CD) to extract feature images combined with the GBRT model to determine the substance content in water that improves the accuracy of water quality analysis using a digital image.
Biodegradable hydrogels with photodynamic antibacterial activity promote wound healing and mitigate scar formation
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yang Dan , Wang Tai-Bao , Nie Xuan , Chen Guang , Wang Long-Hai , You Ye-Zi , Wang Qin
Published: November 2022

A verteporfin-loaded biodegradable hydrogel (VP-gel) was synthesized using hyaluronic acid and thiol-terminated 4-arm polyethylene glycol, with anti-scarring and antibacterial activity to promote wound healing and mitigate scar formation.
Myofibroblast specific targeting approaches to improve fibrosis treatment
Authors: Beaven Elfa , Kumar Raj , Bhatt Himanshu N. , Esquivel Stephanie V. , Nurunnabi Md
Published: November 2022

Fibrosis has been shown to develop in individuals with underlying health conditions, especially chronic inflammatory diseases.
Ce-hydroxamate metal–organic frameworks for photocatalytic H2 generation
Authors: Feng Xuan , Li Wenying , Yang Lei , Song Ting , Xia Zhaoming , Lai Qiuxue , Zhou Xuemei , Xiao Hai , Liu Chong
Published: November 2022

Exploring the rich coordination chemistry of cerium, two new hydroxamate MOFs are reported, featuring distinct band structures and photoelectrochemical properties for H2 generation.
A functional RNA/DNA circuit for one-pot detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA
Authors: Li Dayong , Cheng Wenting , Hou Zhiqiang , Duan Chengjie , Yao Yanheng , Chen Yan , Yang Gang , Cheng Zhouxiang , Xiang Yang
Published: November 2022

Integrating the nucleic acid circuit technology and CRISPR/cas12a system for one-pot detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Ag/Ni–MOF heterostructure with synergistic enrichment and activation properties for electrocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhao Huaiquan , Pang Xuliang , Huang Yifei , Bai Yajie , Ding Jinrui , Bai Hongye , Fan Weiqiang
Published: November 2022

Adsorption (Ni–MOF) and active sites (Ag) synergistically contribute to the desirable reaction rate and Faraday efficiency for 4-NP reduction.
X-ray photochromism of chalcogenide frameworks linked with metal-amine chelates
Authors: Zhang Lin-Mei , Kong Yinan , Zhou Rui , Yuan Shang-Fu , Wu Tao
Published: November 2022

The first two known X-ray photochromic metal chalcogenide frameworks are realized. The X-ray-induced electron transfer from the S atoms in the [T1–SnS4]4− units to the N atoms of the [Zn(DAC)]2+ chelates accounts for their photochromism.
Homogenization of electric field distribution facilitating the Zn anode reversibility
Authors: Tang Han , Liang Huadong , Jia Runmin , Liu Yu , Chen Huibiao , Luo Hongyu , Yang Wei , Wang Jian , Zhou Mengjun , Luo Ping , An Qinyou
Published: November 2022

Modulating the surface scratches homogenized the deposition electric field and reduced the local current density. The reasonable surface treatment could limit the “tip effect” and bring homogeneous plating and stripping of the Zn electrode.
Excitation dependent white and red-NIR emission of a MnII-based complex
Authors: Jabeur Wiem , Msalmi Rawia , Korb Marcus , Hassen Fredj , Guesmi Ahlem , Houas Ammar , Hamadi Naoufel Ben , Naïli Houcine
Published: November 2022

The emission from the (AmpH)2[MnCl4(Amp)2] can be changed from white to red-NIR by excitation wavelengths variation. The red phosphorescence originates from the MnII octahedral ions, while the NIR-fluorescence is assigned to the [C5H8N3]+ cation.
A Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate-based crystalline material formed by hydrothermal transformation: photo/electro-catalytic properties and mechanism study
Authors: Wang Peisen , Chishti Aadil Nabi , Chen Peng , Lv Zengxiang , Tan Yaya , Zhang Hanzhi , Zha Junjie , Ma Zhiyuan , Ni Lubin , Zhang Lu-nan , Wei Yongge
Published: November 2022

This study constructs a POM-based crystalline material of [(SiMo12O40)Cu6(2,2′-bipy)6(Mo6O22)] (1). The photocatalytic MB degradation and electrocatalytic nitrite reduction properties of complex 1 are systematically studied for the first time.
Accuracy of quantum chemistry structures of chiral tag complexes and the assignment of absolute configuration
Authors: Mayer Kevin , West Channing , Marshall Frank E. , Sedo Galen , Grubbs Garry S. , Evangelisti Luca , Pate Brooks H.
Published: November 2022

The absolute configuration of a molecule can be established by analysis of molecular rotational spectra of the analyte complexed with a small chiral molecule of known configuration.
Y©B8C4 cluster: a boron–carbon molecular wheel with dodeca-coordination number in plane
Authors: Wang Ying-Jin , Feng Lin-Yan , Yan Miao , Miao Chang-Qing , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: November 2022

The masterpiece of planar dodeca-coordination has been achieved in the Y©B8C4 cluster, which sets a record coordination number for a planar structure in chemistry.
Mexican-hat dispersions and high carrier mobility of γ-SnX (X = O, S, Se, Te) single-layers: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Tuan Vu V. , Lavrentyev A. A. , Khyzhun O. Y. , Binh Nguyen T. T. , Hieu Nguyen V. , Kartamyshev A. I. , Hieu Nguyen N.
Published: November 2022

The shape of energy dispersions near the band-edges plays a decisive role in the transport properties, especially the carrier mobility, of semiconductors.
Homogeneous catalysis with polyhydride complexes
Authors: Babón Juan C. , Esteruelas Miguel A. , López Ana M.
Published: November 2022

This review analyzes the role of transition metal polyhydrides as homogeneous catalysts for organic reactions. Discussed reactions involve nearly every main organic functional group.
Synthesis of cobalt(ii) phenolate selenoether complexes to mimic hydrogenase-like activity for hydrogen gas production
Authors: Upadhyay Aditya , Kanika  , Mandhar Yogesh , Batabyal Monojit , Raju Saravanan , Jaiswal Svastik , Butcher Ray J. , Kumar Sangit
Published: November 2022

Selenium-derived electrocatalysts have been well explored for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions to mimic hydrogenase-like activity; however, the stability of these synthetic mimics is yet to be enhanced.
Supercritical fluid-assisted modification combined with the resynthesis of SmCoO3 as an effective tool to enhance the long-term performance of SmCoO3-derived catalysts for the dry reforming of methane to syngas
Authors: Gavrikov Andrey V. , Loktev Alexey S. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Mukhin Igor E. , Bykov Mikhail A. , Maslakov Konstantin I. , Vorobei Anton M. , Parenago Olga O. , Sadovnikov Alexey A. , Dedov Alexey G.
Published: November 2022

For the first time, the effect of supercritical fluids-assisted modification of the SmCoO3 precursor combined with the re-oxidation of spent catalysts to SmCoO3 onto its long-term performance in dry reforming of methane to Syngas is revealed.
Effects of nitric acid concentration for nitration of fused [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diamine
Authors: Chinnam Ajay Kumar , Tang Yongxing , Staples Richard J. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: November 2022

Nitration of fused [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diamine gives new stable and insensitive fused ring nitramine derivatives as a function of nitric acid concentration.
MIL-47(v)-derived carbon-doped vanadium oxide for selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran
Authors: Zhou Yan , Lv Shanshan , Li Han , Wu Qikang , Chen Taiyu , Liu Shaohuan , Li Wanying , Yang Wenjuan , Chen Zheng
Published: November 2022

The development and transformation of biomass-derived platform compounds is a sustainable way to deal with the fossil fuel crisis.
From lithium to emerging mono- and multivalent-cation-based rechargeable batteries: non-aqueous organic electrolyte and interphase perspectives
Authors: Zhang Heng , Qiao Lixin , Kühnle Hannes , Figgemeier Egbert , Armand Michel , Eshetu Gebrekidan Gebresilassie
Published: November 2022

Similarities and distinctions between lithium-based batteries and other emerging mono- and multi-valent cation-based batteries are comprehensively discussed, with focus on key parameters, which determine the properties of electrolyte and interphases.
Atmospheric water harvesting: critical metrics and challenges
Authors: Wang Jiayun , Hua Lingji , Li Chunfeng , Wang Ruzhu
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is a promising strategy to extract potable water from atmospheric moisture.
Potential functionality of β-conglycinin with subunit deficiencies: soy protein may regulate glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Fu Hongling , Shan Dandan , Li Jiaxin , Swallah Mohammed Sharif , Yang Xiaoqing , Ji Lei , Wang Sainan , Gong Hao , Lyu Bo , Yu Hansong
Published: November 2022

3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were used to reveal the impact of subunit-deficient β-conglycinin on cell proliferation, cell adipogenesis, and proteomic expression, and to gain insight into the potential of subunit-deficient β-conglycinin's functional characteristics.
A DFT study on the stability and optoelectronic properties of Pb/Sn/Ge-based MA2B(SCN)2I2 perovskites
Authors: Ma Qianya , Liu Jianing , Zhao Yuanyuan , Qiu Yongqing
Published: November 2022

Sn substitution and Sn doping reduce the band gap of MA2Pb(SCN)2I2 perovskites and make the absorption spectrum red-shifted.
Effect of oxygen coordination on the electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation of a vanadium single-atom catalyst embedded in graphene
Authors: Yuan Di , Wu Donghai , Zhang Jing , Geng Huijuan , Li Shengnan , Ju Lin , Ma Dongwei
Published: November 2022

The effect of oxygen coordination on the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction conversion into NH3 on a VO4/G single-atom catalyst was theoretically investigated.
Hydrogel-based printing strategy for high-performance flexible thermoelectric generators
Authors: Wu Bo , Geng Jixin , Lin Yujie , Hou Chengyi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: November 2022

The hydrogel-based printing strategy was proposed to fabricate the high-performance flexible thermoelectric generators with the high-power density, where the stable water-locking network can limit the fluidity of the pastes.
Total syntheses ofGanoderma-derived meroterpenoids, (−)-oregonensin A, (−)-chizhine E, (−)-applanatumol U, and (−)-ent-fornicin A
Authors: Hori Kazuki , Kamo Shogo , Sugita Kazuyuki
Published: November 2022

Total syntheses of fourGanoderma-derived meroterpenoids have been achieved with the longest linear sequence of 6–8 steps and in 21–36% overall yield by using reductive lactonization, alkylation, and sulfoxide-β-syn-elimination as key steps.
Two dimensional hierarchical architectures fabricated by the self-assembly of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-polyethylene glycol
Authors: Qi Rui , Zhu Yulin , Han Liang , Wang Meijing , He Feng
Published: November 2022

2D multi-layered hierarchical architectures, ball-like micelles, flower-like aggregates and nanoribbons were fabricated by the self-assembly of poly(3-hexylthiophene)(P3HT)-b-polyethylene glycol with a short P3HT chain in alcohol solvents.
Biobased homopolymers and amphiphilic diblock copolymers containing guaiacyl (G) or hydroxyphenyl (H) lignin derivatives synthesized by RAFT (PISA)
Authors: Balarezo Mauricio , Coumes Fanny , Stoffelbach François
Published: November 2022

Biobased amphiphilic diblock copolymers are prepared by RAFT-mediated emulsion PISA in water from lignin-derived aromatic compounds.
Large optical anisotropy-oriented construction of a carbonate-nitrate chloride compound as a potential ultraviolet birefringent material
Authors: Cheng Meng , Jin Wenqi , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: November 2022

This paper reports the first carbonate-nitrate chloride, Na3Rb6(CO3)3(NO3)2Cl·(H2O)6, with two types of π-conjugated anionic groups, which has been characterized as a new UV birefringent crystal with large birefringence and a short UV cut-off edge.
Taming the stilbene radical anion
Authors: Sieg Grégoire , Müller Igor , Weißer Kilian , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: November 2022

Alkene radical anions appear as intermediates in a variety of organic reductions. Here, the isolation of the stilbene radical anion via complexation between cations or coordination to a low-coordinate iron complex is reported.
Ligand-binding assay based on microfluidic chemotaxis of porphyrin receptors
Authors: Li Bin , Gao Kejiao , Li Yurong , Li Yuansheng , Zhu Longyi , Fu Xuanyu , Zhuo Xiyong , Wu Ying , Wan Ying , Deng Shengyuan
Published: November 2022

Zinc porphyrins could chemotax up the gradient of diverse organic amines in microfluidics, which motion was binding driven as modeling verified. The dissociation constant was extracted from the chemotactic shift as a function of ligand concentration.
An electrochemical multicomponent reaction toward C–H tetrazolation of alkyl arenes and vicinal azidotetrazolation of alkenes
Authors: Yu Yi , Zhu Xiao-Bin , Yuan Yaofeng , Ye Ke-Yin
Published: November 2022

An electrochemical multicomponent reaction (e-MCR) enables highly efficient and selective C–H tetrazolation of alkyl arenes, and vicinal azidotetrazolation of alkenes, with readily available acetonitrile and azidotrimethylsilane.
Correction: Systematic synthesis of bisected N-glycans and unique recognitions by glycan-binding proteins
Authors: Cao Xuefeng , Wang Shuaishuai , Gadi Madhusudhan Reddy , Liu Ding , Wang Peng G. , Wan Xiu-Feng , Zhang Jian , Chen Xi , Pepi Lauren E. , Azadi Parastoo , Li Lei
Published: November 2022

Correction for ‘Systematic synthesis of bisected N-glycans and unique recognitions by glycan-binding proteins’ by Xuefeng Cao et al., Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 7644–7656, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05435J.
Ultrafine PdAgAu alloy nanowires for ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Hongjing , Jiao Shiqian , Liu Songliang , Deng Kai , Yu Hongjie , Wang Xin , Xu You , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Liang
Published: November 2022

Trimetallic alloy PdAgAu nanowires are synthesized using 4-aminopyridine as a surfactant and exhibit superior mass activity, specific activity and stability for an alkaline ethanol oxidation reaction.
In situ assembled titanium carbide-based heterojunctions for the synergistic enhancement of NIR-II photothermal/photodynamic therapy against breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Hai , Zhang Xuequan , Wang Qiusheng , Deng Jin , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Xiaoxian , Cao Jun , He Bin
Published: November 2022

The Ti3C2/TiO2-PVP HJs displayed enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency at NIR-II range and broadened the photocatalytic working wavelength range relative to TiO2, resulting in improved in-depth phototoxicity.
Unveiling dynamic enhancer–promoter interactions in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Deng Hao , Jin Gaochen , Lim Bomyi
Published: November 2022

Proper enhancer–promoter interactions are essential to maintaining specific transcriptional patterns and preventing ectopic gene expression. Drosophila is an ideal model organism to study transcriptional regulation due to extensively characterized regulatory regions and the ease of implementing new genetic and molecular techniques for quantitative analysis. The mechanisms of enhancer–promoter interactions have been investigated over a range of length scales. At a DNA level, compositions of both enhancer and promoter sequences affect transcriptional dynamics, including duration, amplitude, and frequency of transcriptional bursting. 3D chromatin topology is also important for proper enhancer–promoter contacts. By working competitively or cooperatively with one another, multiple, simultaneous enhancer–enhancer, enhancer–promoter, and promoter–promoter interactions often occur to maintain appropriate levels of mRNAs. For some long-range enhancer–promoter interactions, extra regulatory elements like insulators and tethering elements are required to promote proper interactions while blocking aberrant ones. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the mechanism of enhancer–promoter interactions and how perturbations of such interactions affect transcription and subsequent physiological outcomes.