bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on a murine model of smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Inoue Sumito , Minegishi Yukihiro , Igarashi Akira , Tokairin Yoshikane , Yamauchi Keiko , Kimura Tomomi , Nishiwaki Michiko , Nemoto Takako , Otaki Yoichiro , Sato Masamichi , Sato Kento , Machida Hiroyoshi , Yang Sujeong , Murano Hiroaki , Watanabe Masafumi , Shibata Yoko
Published: July 2022

Hyperhomocysteinemia was reported to enhance endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent apoptosis in several cells. However, the precise mechanisms of smoking susceptibility associated with hyperhomocysteinemia has not been fully elucidated. This study included 7- to 9-week-old C57BL6 male mice induced with hyperhomocysteinemia and were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). A549 cells (human alveolar epithelial cell line) were cultured with homocysteine and were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to observe cell viability and expression of proteins related to the ER stress. After 6 months of CS exposure, pulmonary emphysema was more severely induced in the group under the condition of hyperhomocysteinemia compared to that in the control group. The apoptotic A549 cells increased as homocysteine concentration increased and that was enhanced by CSE. Protein expression levels of ER stress markers were significantly increased after simultaneous stimulation. Notably, vitamin B12 and folate supplementation improved ER stress after simultaneous stimulation of A549 cells. In this study, we showed that hyperhomocysteinemia exacerbates CS exposure-induced emphysema in mice, suggesting that hyperhomocysteinemia and CS stimulation enhance ER stress and subsequent induced apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells. It was suggested that there is a synergistic effect between homocysteine and CS.
Assessing temporal correlation in environmental risk factors to design efficient area-specific COVID-19 regulations: Delhi based case study
Authors: Chaudhary Vishal , Bhadola Pradeep , Kaushik Ajeet , Khalid Mohammad , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Khosla Ajit
Published: July 2022

Amid ongoing devastation due to Serve-Acute-Respiratory-Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2), the global spatial and temporal variation in the pandemic spread has strongly anticipated the requirement of designing area-specific preventive strategies based on geographic and meteorological state-of-affairs. Epidemiological and regression models have strongly projected particulate matter (PM) as leading environmental-risk factor for the COVID-19 outbreak. Understanding the role of secondary environmental-factors like ammonia (NH3) and relative humidity (RH), latency of missing data structuring, monotonous correlation remains obstacles to scheme conclusive outcomes. We mapped hotspots of airborne PM2.5, PM10, NH3, and RH concentrations, and COVID-19 cases and mortalities for January, 2021-July,2021 from combined data of 17 ground-monitoring stations across Delhi. Spearmen and Pearson coefficient correlation show strong association (p-value < 0.001) of COVID-19 cases and mortalities with PM2.5 (r > 0.60) and PM10 (r > 0.40), respectively. Interestingly, the COVID-19 spread shows significant dependence on RH (r > 0.5) and NH3 (r = 0.4), anticipating their potential role in SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. We found systematic lockdown as a successful measure in combatting SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. These outcomes strongly demonstrate regional and temporal differences in COVID-19 severity with environmental-risk factors. The study lays the groundwork for designing and implementing regulatory strategies, and proper urban and transportation planning based on area-specific environmental conditions to control future infectious public health emergencies.
Comparison of two different contrast sensitivity devices in young adults with normal visual acuity with or without refractive surgery
Authors: Jung Hyunjean , Han Sung Uk , Kim Sangyeop , Ahn Hyunmin , Jun Ikhyun , Lee Hyung Keun , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Tae-im
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the reliability and correlation of two contrast sensitivity test (CST) devices in young adults with normal visual acuity, with or without refractive surgery. 57 patients aged 20–39 years who received both manual (OPTEC-6500) and automated CST (CGT-2000) examinations from June 19 to July 24, 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients with corrected visual acuity under 20/20 or history of ocular surgery other than refractive surgery were excluded. 82 eyes of 41 patients (40 eyes with and 42 without history of refractive surgery) were enrolled. Mean time taken to complete each examination was 396.4 ± 20.4 and 286.8 ± 2.3 s using manual and automated CST, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients who underwent refractive surgery had significantly decreased area under the log contrast sensitivity formula (AULCSF) in mesopic compared with photopic conditions in automated CST examinations (AULCSF difference 0.415 vs. 0.323 in patients with and without refractive surgery, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in manual CST examinations. Patients who reported decreased subjective night vision had significantly decreased AULCSF in automated CST examinations, but there was no significant difference in manual CST examinations. Compared with manual CST, automated CST was quicker and correlated well with decrease in subjective night vision.
Vav2 is a novel APP-interacting protein that regulates APP protein level
Authors: Zhang Youjia , Yang Xiaxin , Liu Yongrui , Ge Liang , Wang Jiarong , Sun Xiulian , Wu Bo , Wang Junfeng
Published: July 2022

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein that plays critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is also involved in many types of cancers. Increasing evidence has shown that the tyrosine phosphorylation site Y682 in the intracellular tail of APP is crucial for APP function. Here, we report that Vav2, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho family GTPase, is a novel interaction partner of APP. We found that Vav2-SH2 domain was able to bind directly to the Y682-phosphorylated intracellular tail of APP through isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR titrating experiments. The crystal structure of Vav2-SH2 in complex with an APP-derived phosphopeptide was determined to understand the structural basis of this recognition specificity. The interaction of APP and Vav2 in a full-length manner was further confirmed in cells by GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining experiments. In addition, we found overexpression of Vav2 could inhibit APP degradation and markedly increase the protein levels of APP and its cleavage productions in 20E2 cells, and this function of Vav2 required a functional SH2 domain.
DJ-1 interacts with the ectopic ATP-synthase in endothelial cells during acute ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Gallinat Alex , Badimon Lina
Published: July 2022

Endothelial cells (ECs) play a central role in ischemia. ATP-Synthase is now recognized to be ectopically expressed in the cell surface of many cell types, with putative roles described in angiogenesis, proliferation, and intracellular pH regulation. DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein, involved in cell protection against ischemia, ischemia–reperfusion (I/R), and oxidative stress, that regulates mitochondrial ATP-synthase. Here we focused on the characterization of the endothelial dynamics of DJ-1, and its implication in the regulation of the ectopic ATP-synthase (ecATP-S) activity, during acute ischemia and I/R in ECs. We found that DJ-1 is secreted from ECs, by a mechanism enhanced in ischemia and I/R. A cleaved form of DJ-1 (DJ-1∆C) was found only in the secretome of ischemic cells. The ecATP-S activity increased following acute ischemia in ECs, coinciding with DJ-1 and DJ-1∆C secretion. The inhibition of DJ-1 expression inhibited the ecATP-S response to ischemia by ∼ 50%, and its exogenous administration maximized the effect, together with an enhanced Akt phosphorylation and angiotube-formation potential at reperfusion. Immunoprecipitation studies showed direct interaction between DJ-1 and the ecATP-S. Altogether suggesting that DJ-1 is actively cleaved and released from ischemic ECs and plays an important role in the regulation of the ecATP-S activity during acute ischemia and reperfusion.
Structural design and performance study of primitive triply periodic minimal surfaces Ti6Al4V biomimetic scaffold
Authors: Qin Yaru , Wang Qihui , Shi Chenglong , Liu Bing , Ma Shuqing , Zhang Miao
Published: July 2022

This paper comprehensively evaluated the static mechanical compressive properties, permeability, and cell adhesion effect on the inner wall of the Primitive triply periodic minimal surface Ti6Al4V bionic scaffolds with different axial diameter ratios through numerical simulation and experiments. The results show that when the axial diameter ratio is 1:2, the elastic modulus of the scaffold is about 1.25 and the yield strength is about 1.36. The scaffold's longitudinal and transverse mechanical properties align with human bone tissue. Its permeability is also better than that of circular pores. The scaffold with an axial diameter ratio of 1:3 has the best permeability, ranging from 1.28e−8 to 1.60e−8 m2, which is more conducive to the adsorption of cells on the inner wall of the scaffold. These results show that the scaffold structure with an axial diameter ratio of not 1:1 has more advantages than the ordinary uniform scaffold structure with an axial diameter ratio of 1:1. This is of great significance to the optimal design of scaffold.
Reference gene selection in bovine caruncular epithelial cells under pregnancy-associated hormones exposure
Authors: Sozoniuk Magdalena , Jamioł Monika , Kankofer Marta , Kowalczyk Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Examination of transcriptional regulation occurring during pregnancy establishment and maintenance requires the identification of endogenous reference genes characterized by high expression stability. Since the expression of some reference genes may be modulated by pregnancy-associated hormones, the goal of our study was to identify suitable reference genes unaffected by hormonal treatment. In our study bovine caruncular epithelial cells were subjected to progesterone, estrogen and prostaglandin F2αtreatment. Ten candidate reference genes (ACTR1A, CNOT11, HDAC1, HPRT1, RPL19, RPS9, SDHA, SUZ12, UXTandZNF131) were evaluated with the use of four approaches (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, delta Ct). We found thatRPS9andSUZ12displayed the highest expression stability in the tested material. Moreover,HPRT1andSDHAwere found inappropriate for RT-qPCR data normalization as they demonstrated the highest expression variability out of all candidates analysed. Hence geNorm calculations shown that the use of just two best-performing genes would be sufficient for obtaining reliable results, we propose thatRPS9andSUZ12be used as suitable endogenous controls in future studies investigating gene expression in normal and compromised pregnancies.
The association of meteorological parameters and AirQ+ health risk assessment of PM2.5 in Ratchaburi province, Thailand
Authors: Kliengchuay Wissanupong , Srimanus Wechapraan , Srimanus Rachodbun , Kiangkoo Nuttapohn , Moonsri Kamontat , Niampradit Sarima , Suwanmanee San , Tantrakarnapa Kraichat
Published: July 2022

Air quality is heavily influenced by rising pollution distribution levels which are a consequence of many artificial activities from numerous sources. This study aims to determine the relationship between meteorological data and air pollutants. The health effects of long-term PM2.5 were estimated on expected life remaining (ELR) and years of life lost (YLL) indices in Ratchaburi province during the years 2015–2019 using AirQ+ software. Values obtained from the PM2.5 averaging, and YLL data were processed for the whole population in the age range of 0–29, 30–60 and over 60. These values were entered into AirQ+ software. The mean annual concentration of PM2.5 was highly variable, with the highest concentration being 136.42 μg/m3 and the lowest being 2.33 μg/m3. The results estimated that the highest and lowest YLL in the next 10 years for all age groups would be 24,970.60 and 11,484.50 in 2017 and 2019, respectively. The number of deaths due to COPD, IHD, and stroke related to long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 were 125, 27 and 26, respectively. The results showed that older people (> 64) had a higher YLL index than the groups aged under 64 years. The highest and lowest values for all ages were 307.15 (2015) and 159 (2017). Thus, this study demonstrated that the PM2.5 effect to all age groups, especially the the elderly people, which the policy level should be awared and fomulated the stratergies to protecting the sensitive group.
The green tea catechin EGCG provides proof-of-concept for a pan-coronavirus attachment inhibitor
Authors: LeBlanc Emmanuelle V. , Colpitts Che C.
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emphasized the serious threat to human health posed by emerging coronaviruses. Effective broadly-acting antiviral countermeasures are urgently needed to prepare for future emerging CoVs, as vaccine development is not compatible with a rapid response to a newly emerging virus. The green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has broad-spectrum antiviral activity, although its mechanisms against coronavirus (CoV) infection have remained unclear. Here, we show that EGCG prevents human and murine CoV infection and blocks the entry of lentiviral particles pseudotyped with spike proteins from bat or highly pathogenic CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, in lung epithelial cells. Mechanistically, EGCG treatment reduces CoV attachment to target cell surfaces by interfering with attachment to cell-surface glycans. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are a required attachment factor for SARS-CoV-2 and are shown here to be important in endemic HCoV-OC43 infection. We show that EGCG can compete with heparin, a heparan sulfate analog, for virion binding. Our results highlight heparan sulfate as a conserved cell attachment factor for CoVs, and demonstrate the potential for the development of pan-coronavirus attachment inhibitors, which may be useful to protect against future emerging CoVs.
Label-free viability assay using in-line holographic video microscopy
Authors: Boltyanskiy Rostislav , Odete Mary Ann , Cheong Fook Chiong , Philips Laura A.
Published: July 2022

Total holographic characterization (THC) is presented here as an efficient, automated, label-free method of accurately identifying cell viability. THC is a single-particle characterization technology that determines the size and index of refraction of individual particles using the Lorenz–Mie theory of light scattering. Although assessment of cell viability is a challenge in many applications, including biologics manufacturing, traditional approaches often include unreliable labeling with dyes and/or time consuming methods of manually counting cells. In this work we measured the viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the presence of various concentrations of isopropanol as a function of time. All THC measurements were performed in the native environment of the sample with no dilution or addition of labels. Holographic measurements were made with an in-line holographic microscope using a 40$$\times$$
×
objective lens with plane wave illumination. We compared our results with THC to manual counting of living and dead cells as distinguished with trypan blue dye. Our findings demonstrate that THC can effectively distinguish living and dead yeast cells by the index of refraction of individual cells.
STING expression is an independent prognostic factor in patients with mycosis fungoides
Authors: Takayanagi-Hara Reiko , Sawada Yu , Sugino Hitomi , Minokawa Yoko , Kawahara-Nanamori Hikaru , Itamura Misa , Tashiro Tomoko , Kaneoka Ayaka , Saito-Sasaki Natsuko , Yamamoto Kayo , Okada Etsuko
Published: July 2022

Mycosis fungoides is recognized as an indolent cutaneous malignant T-cell lymphoma. In contrast, there are few therapeutic options for advanced forms of mycosis fungoides. Since immunotherapy is desirable as an alternative therapeutic option, identifying candidate molecules is an important goal for clinicians. Although tumor-derived negative immunomodulatory molecules, such as PD-1/PD-L1, have been identified in various malignancies, the useful positive immunological drivers of mycosis fungoides are largely unknown. We found that the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) was highly upregulated in early-stage mycosis fungoides. Immunohistochemical examination revealed different STING staining patterns in patients with mycosis fungoides. Although there were no significant differences in clinical factors’ characteristics, STING expression was associated with the survival of patients with mycosis fungoides. The survival rate was significantly poor in patients with low STING-expressing mycosis fungoides. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that low STING expression was associated with an increased hazard ratio. Our results indicate that STING expression independently influences the prognosis of mycosis fungoides.
National Burden and Trend of Cancer in Ethiopia, 2010–2019: a systemic analysis for Global burden of disease study
Authors: Awedew Atalel Fentahun , Asefa Zelalem , Belay Woldemariam Beka
Published: July 2022

Over the last two decades, we have tracked the national burden of cancer and its trends in Ethiopia, providing estimates of incidence, death, and disability adjusted life years. In Ethiopia, there were an estimated 53,560 (95% UI 52,480–55,540) new incident cases, 39,480 deaths (95% UI 32,640–46,440), and 1.42 million (95% UI 1.16–1.68) DALYs of cancer 2019. Cancer incidence, death, and DALYs counts increased by 32% (95% UI 11–55%), 29% (95% UI 12–44%), and 19% (95% UI − 2 to 44%) between 2010 to 2019, respectively, while age-standardised incidence, death, and DALYs rates increased by 5% (95% UI − 7 to 18%), 2% (95% UI − 9 to 14%), and − 2% (95% UI − 15 to 12%) respectively. In 2019, the leading incidence cases were leukemia, cervical cancer, breast cancer, colon and rectum cancer, and stomach cancer, while leukemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer were the most common killer cancers in Ethiopia. According to the findings of this study, tobacco-related cancers such as pancreatic, kidney, and lung cancer have increased in Ethiopian females over the last decade, while genitourinary cancer has increased in Ethiopian males. Another significant finding was that infection-related cancers, such as stomach cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma, have been rapidly declining over the last decade.
Accurate automatic object 4D tracking in digital in-line holographic microscopy based on computationally rendered dark fields
Authors: Rogalski Mikołaj , Picazo-Bueno Jose Angel , Winnik Julianna , Zdańkowski Piotr , Micó Vicente , Trusiak Maciej
Published: July 2022

Building on Gabor seminal principle, digital in-line holographic microscopy provides efficient means for space–time investigations of large volumes of interest. Thus, it has a pivotal impact on particle tracking that is crucial in advancing various branches of science and technology, e.g., microfluidics and biophysical processes examination (cell motility, migration, interplay etc.). Well-established algorithms often rely on heavily regularized inverse problem modelling and encounter limitations in terms of tracking accuracy, hologram signal-to-noise ratio, accessible object volume, particle concentration and computational burden. This work demonstrates the DarkTrack algorithm—a new approach to versatile, fast, precise, and robust 4D holographic tracking based on deterministic computationally rendered high-contrast dark fields. Its unique capabilities are quantitatively corroborated employing a novel numerical engine for simulating Gabor holographic recording of time-variant volumes filled with predefined dynamic particles. Our solution accounts for multiple scattering and thus it is poised to secure an important gap in holographic particle tracking technology and allow for ground-truth-driven benchmarking and quantitative assessment of tracking algorithms. Proof-of-concept experimental evaluation of DarkTrack is presented via analyzing live spermatozoa. Software supporting both novel numerical holographic engine and DarkTrack algorithm is made open access, which opens new possibilities and sets the stage for democratization of robust holographic 4D particle examination.
Weak effects on growth and cannibalism under fluctuating temperatures in damselfly larvae
Authors: Holzmann Kim Lea , Charrier Chloé , Johansson Frank
Published: July 2022

The Earth’s climate is changing with a trend towards higher mean temperatures and increased temperature fluctuations. Little attention has been paid to the effects of thermal variation on competition within species. Understanding the temperature-dependence of competition is important since it might affect dynamics within and between populations. In a laboratory experiment we investigated the effects of thermal variation on growth and cannibalism in larvae of a damselfly. The temperature treatments included three amplitudes between 20 and 26 °C with an average of 23 °C, and a constant control at 23 °C. Larvae were also raised at five constant temperatures for an estimation of the thermal performance curve, which showed that the thermal optimum for growth was 26.9 °C. Cannibalism was significantly positively correlated with initial body size variance. There was neither a difference among the temperature variation treatments, nor between the constant and the variation treatments in growth and cannibalism. Hence, positive and negative effects of temperature variation within the linear range of a species thermal performance curve might cancel each other out. Since our study mimicked natural temperature conditions, we suggest that the increase in temperature variation predicted by climate models will not necessarily differ from the effects without an increase in variation.
Monochromatic light measurement via geometric phase and Fourier-transform spectroscopy method
Authors: Garoi Florin , Nicolae Ionut , Prepelita Petronela
Published: July 2022

The paper introduces a method for the measurement of monochromatic light using the geometric phase shift in a polarizing interferometer and applying the Fourier transform spectroscopy method. This is achieved with no mirror displacement or change in the actual optical path difference. Our method uses the rotation of a half-wave plate with increments on the order of degrees of arc, which is easier to control and reliable to reproduce. This approach provides flexibility in choosing the spectral range and a novel way of performing such measurements. It is demonstrated how the achromatic nature of the geometric phase allows only for monochromatic measurements to be acquired. The method is described theoretically and its performance is validated via measurements of several low-coherence light sources. Three possible applications of the method are also described, two of which are advantaged by using a detector array and, surprisingly, the achromaticity of the geometric phase.
Ab-initio study of pressure influenced elastic, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of Cd0.25Zn0.75Se alloy for space photovoltaics
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Malik Maria , Shahid Wajeehah , Irfan Shaheen , Alguno Arnold C. , Morsy Kareem , Capangpangan Rey Y. , Pham Phuong V. , Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: July 2022

The optoelectronic properties of the ternary Cd0.25Zn0.75Se alloy are reported under the influence of a high pressure ranging from 0 to 25 GPa, within a modified Becke–Jhonson potential using density functional theory. This alloy has a cubic symmetry, is mechanically stable, and its bulk modulus rises with pressure. It is observed to be a direct bandgap material with a bandgap energy that increases from 2.37 to 3.11 eV with rise in pressure. Pressure changes the optical and electronic properties, causing the absorption coefficient to rise and absorb visible green-to-violet light. The static dielectric constant, along with the static index of refraction, both increase under the influence of pressure. Optical constants, including dielectric constant, optical conductivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflection, are also investigated and discussed. This DFT forecast explores important research directions for the usage of the CdZnSe semiconductor alloys in the manufacturing of space photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices operating at different pressures.
Leg dominance and performance in change of directions tests in young soccer players
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , García-Delgado Gabriel , Silva Rui , Silva Ana Filipa , Nobari Hadi , Falces-Prieto Moisés
Published: July 2022

The present study aimed to examine the influence of leg dominance on the change of direction (COD) performance. In this study participated 94 healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging from two categories (n = 27 vs. n = 67; 14.81 ± 0.40 vs. 16.64 ± 1.25 years of age; 170.61 ± 5.61 vs. 173.73 ± 7.19 cm of height; 64.74 ± 8.44 vs. 66.70 ± 7.95 kg of weight, for U16 and U18, respectively). Fitness assessments were performed two times in a period of three months, and included: (1) anthropometry measures, (2) 30–15 IFT, (3) 10-m sprint test, (4) 505-COD test, 90° COD test and cross-over hop test. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the asymmetries at the intragroup level in each of the COD’s tests. A symmetry index was used to analyse the asymmetries between categories, and an independent sample t-test was used to compare the variability between the two categories in each of the three tests performed. The effect size was also evaluated. Analysis demonstrated that evidence a trend for a better performance with the preferred leg in the cross-over hop and 505-COD tests, and with the non-dominant leg in the 90° COD. However, in the intragroup analysis, only the 505-COD test registered differences, and no differences were notice din the intergroup comparison. Only in the 505-COD test the percentage of variability (CV) was statistically significant (7.03 ± 4.18% vs. 4.03 ± 2.02% from U16 and U18, respectively). In sum, bilateral differences were noticed in the intragroup comparison, although only in 505-COD test the leg dominance showed to influence performance. In the intergroup analysis any difference was noticed between age categories.
Quantum channel measurement with local quantum Bernoulli noises
Authors: Han Qi , Han Yanan , Kou Yaxin , Bai Ning
Published: July 2022

As an important stochastic process, quantum Bernoulli noises has a very important physical background and is an important research object in the field of quantum information. In this paper, we review local quantum Bernoulli noises and local quantum mutual entropy, then introduce quantum channel measurement with local quantum Bernoulli noises. On this basis, we give the channel structure between two systems, and prove the completely positivity of this quantum channel. We also give a channel application on the local quantum mutual entropy.
Effect of calcination on coarse gangue rejection of hard rock lithium ores
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Kashif , Dyer Laurence , Tadesse Bogale , Albijanic Boris , Kashif Nadia
Published: July 2022

Processing of spodumene ores requires calcination as a compulsory pre-treatment to convert α-spodumene to a more reactive β-spodumene phase. This transformation takes place at an elevated temperature of above 900 °C and results in a 30% volumetric expansion of the mineral and the product having highly altered physical properties. This work examines these induced properties and the effect of calcination on lithium grade deportment with particle size. XRD analysis showed a significant amount of β-spodumene in the calcined finest fraction (i.e. the particles less than 0.6 mm). A marked reduction in the bond ball mill work index of the calcined lithium samples (i.e. 42.3%) was recorded supporting the observed fracturing and friable appearance of the sample following α to β-spodumene conversion. The deportment of lithium to finer fractions was significantly increased when the sample was calcined, indicating selective breakage of the spodumene over gangue minerals.
The CCR5 antagonist maraviroc exerts limited neuroprotection without improving neurofunctional outcome in experimental pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Le Ngoc Dung , Steinfort Marel , Grandgirard Denis , Maleska Aleksandra , Leppert David , Kuhle Jens , Leib Stephen L.
Published: July 2022

One-third of pneumococcal meningitis (PM) survivors suffer from neurological sequelae including learning disabilities and hearing loss due to excessive neuroinflammation. There is a lack of efficacious compounds for adjuvant therapy to control this long-term consequence of PM. One hallmark is the recruitment of leukocytes to the brain to combat the bacterial spread. However, this process induces excessive inflammation, causing neuronal injury. Maraviroc (MVC)—a CCR5 antagonist—was demonstrated to inhibit leukocyte recruitment and attenuate neuroinflammation in several inflammatory diseases. Here, we show that in vitro, MVC decreased nitric oxide production in astroglial cells upon pneumococcal stimulation. In vivo, infant Wistar rats were infected with 1 × 104 CFU/ml S. pneumoniae and randomized for treatment with ceftriaxone plus MVC (100 mg/kg) or ceftriaxone monotherapy. During the acute phase, neuroinflammation in the CSF was measured and histopathological analyses were performed to determine neuronal injury. Long-term neurofunctional outcome (learning/memory and hearing capacity) after PM was assessed. MVC treatment reduced hippocampal cell apoptosis but did not affect CSF neuroinflammation and the neurofunctional outcome after PM. We conclude that MVC treatment only exerted limited effect on the pathophysiology of PM and is, therefore, not sufficiently beneficial in this experimental paradigm of PM.
β-Hydroxylation of α-amino-β-hydroxylbutanoyl-glycyluridine catalyzed by a nonheme hydroxylase ensures the maturation of caprazamycin
Authors: Zadeh Saeid Malek , Chen Mei-Hua , Wang Zhe-Chong , Astani Elahe K. , Lo I-Wen , Lin Kuan-Hung , Hsu Ning-Shian , Adhikari Kamal , Lyu Syue-Yi , Tsai Hsin-Ying , Terasawa Yuma , Yabe Miyuki , Yamamoto Kazuki , Ichikawa Satoshi , Li Tsung-Lin
Published: July 2022

Caprazamycin is a nucleoside antibiotic that inhibits phospho-N-acetylmuramyl-pentapeptide translocase (MraY). The biosynthesis of nucleoside antibiotics has been studied but is still far from completion. The present study characterized enzymes Cpz10, Cpz15, Cpz27, Mur17, Mur23 out of caprazamycin/muraymycin biosynthetic gene cluster, particularly the nonheme αKG-dependent enzyme Cpz10. Cpz15 is a β-hydroxylase converting uridine mono-phosphate to uridine 5′ aldehyde, then incorporating with threonine by Mur17 (Cpz14) to form 5′-C-glycyluridine. Cpz10 hydroxylates synthetic 11 to 12 in vitro. Major product 13 derived from mutant Δcpz10 is phosphorylated by Cpz27. β-Hydroxylation of 11 by Cpz10 permits the maturation of caprazamycin, but decarboxylation of 11 by Mur23 oriented to muraymycin formation. Cpz10 recruits two iron atoms to activate dioxygen with regio-/stereo-specificity and commit electron/charge transfer, respectively. The chemo-physical interrogations should greatly advance our understanding of caprazamycin biosynthesis, which is conducive to pathway/protein engineering for developing more effective nucleoside antibiotics.
Dual-modality fibre optic probe for simultaneous ablation and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Zhang Edward Z. , Beard Paul C. , Desjardins Adrien E. , Colchester Richard J.
Published: July 2022

All-optical ultrasound (OpUS) is an emerging high resolution imaging paradigm utilising optical fibres. This allows both therapeutic and imaging modalities to be integrated into devices with dimensions small enough for minimally invasive surgical applications. Here we report a dual-modality fibre optic probe that synchronously performs laser ablation and real-time all-optical ultrasound imaging for ablation monitoring. The device comprises three optical fibres: one each for transmission and reception of ultrasound, and one for the delivery of laser light for ablation. The total device diameter is < 1 mm. Ablation monitoring was carried out on porcine liver and heart tissue ex vivo with ablation depth tracked using all-optical M-mode ultrasound imaging and lesion boundary identification using a segmentation algorithm. Ablation depths up to 2.1 mm were visualised with a good correspondence between the ultrasound depth measurements and visual inspection of the lesions using stereomicroscopy. This work demonstrates the potential for OpUS probes to guide minimally invasive ablation procedures in real time.
Hydroxamate based transition metal–organic coordination polymers with semiconductive properties
Authors: Yan Yong , Zhang Ning-Ning , Börner Martin , Kersting Berthold , Krautscheid Harald
Published: July 2022

New coordination polymers based on a bis-hydroxamate linker, ONDI2−, exhibit semiconductive properties benefiting from their π–π stacking structure.
Coordination effect of citric acid to Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite on phase transition
Authors: Noda Daichi , Yamada Iori , Shinozaki Kenji , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: July 2022

The promotion of the K-ion introduction into Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) via a citric acid coordination technique was clarified, resulting in a characteristic phase transition via the thermal stabilization of K-ion-doped CDHA.
The strong correlations between thermal conductivities and electronic spin states in the crystals of Fe(iii) spin crossover complexes
Authors: Hoshino Norihisa , Hayashi Akari , Akutagawa Tomoyuki
Published: July 2022

The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivities of the Fe(iii) complexes was greatly affected by the spin state transitions. This indicates that SCO complexes are promising candidates for heat transportation switch materials.
Tuning the organelle-imaging specificity of an aggregation-induced emission luminogen with reversible mechanochromism by ionization
Authors: Yang Xinzhe , Hu Peiyu , Zhuang Zeyan , Huang Zixuan , Huang Kaihang , Yin Li , Wang Qian , Luo Suilian , Shi Guang , Chen Ling , Xu Bingjia , Qin Anjun
Published: July 2022

Two organic luminogens with aggregation-induced emission properties have been developed and their emission colors are switchable under external stimuli. In addition, they can selectively image lipid droplets and mitochondria, respectively.
Recent progress and prospect of electrodeposition-type catalysts in carbon dioxide reduction utilizations
Authors: Miao Ming , Duan Haotian , Luo Jiayao , Wang Xin
Published: July 2022

Recently, carbon dioxide electroreduction has become a hot spot to solve environmental and energy problems. The electrodeposition method as a simple and efficient preparation of catalysts is the top priority to achieve the industrialization.
BaO-doped silicate and borosilicate glasses for enhanced chemical durability: molecular dynamics simulations based strategy for glass design
Authors: Sahu Pooja , Ali Sk. Musharaf
Published: July 2022

Effect of BaO doping on the structural modification and its impact on the important properties of binary BaO–SiO2 and ternary Ba-NBS glasses using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Robust and multifunctional natural polyphenolic composites for water remediation
Authors: Xu Yuanting , Hu Junfei , Zhang Xueqian , Yuan Dandan , Duan Gaigai , Li Yiwen
Published: July 2022

This review summarizes the advances in water remediation of natural polyphenolic composites, focusing their structures, functions, and versatile applications, which provide guidance for design of polyphenolic composites for environmental remediation.
Recent advances in redox-responsive nanoparticles for combined cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Yanjun , Sun Wen
Published: July 2022

In this review, we summarize the redox-responsive nanoparticles reported in the past three years classified by different functional groups. The prospects and challenges of redox-responsive NPs are also discussed.
Synthesis of fluoroolefin derivatives by nickel(ii)-catalyzed trifluorovinylation and 1,2,2-trifluoroethylation of cinnamyl alcohols
Authors: Wu Haifeng , Zhou Min , Qiao Li , Zhang Pengfei
Published: July 2022

We demonstrated novel nickel(ii)-catalyzed regioselective trifluorovinylation and 1,2,2-trifluoroethylation of cinnamyl alcohol derivatives with trifluorovinylzinc bromide (TFVZ) and trifluorovinyl trimethylsilane (TFVTMS), respectively.
Fluoride ion coordination-induced turn-on fluorescence of tailoredN-methyl N-confused tripyrromonomethene analogues
Authors: Jana Manik , Narayansamy Raja , Usharani Dandamudi , Tripathi Kamini , Rath Harapriya
Published: July 2022

Targeted AIEE/ACQ type fluorophores based onN-methyl N-confused tripyrromonomethene analogues exhibiting anion-coordination-induced-enhanced emission.
Organic acid catalysed Minisci-type arylation of heterocycles with aryl acyl peroxides
Authors: Ouyang Yani , Yue Xiaoguang , Peng Jiehai , Zhu Jiashun , Shen Qiuyuan , Li Wanmei
Published: July 2022

A Minisci-type reaction of heteroaromatics with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) under metal- and catalyst-free conditions has been reported. This transformation provides an alternative route for the modification of heteroaromatics.
Construction of axial chirality by asymmetric alpha C–H alkenylation of aryl alkenes
Authors: Shen Cong , Zhu Yuhang , Shen Wenzhou , Jin Shuqi , Zhong Liangjun , Luo Shuxin , Xu Lixia , Zhong Guofu , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2022

An asymmetric α-C–H alkenylation of aryl alkenes has been disclosed to provide axially chiral aryl 1,3-dienes, proceeding through six-memberedexo-cyclopalladation, assisted by an aldehyde/l-t-leucine derived transient chiral auxiliary.
Sensor detection in gynaecological medicine
Authors: Thompson Michael , Ahmadi Soha , Davoudian Katharina , De La Franier Brian , Lotay Navina , Bernardini Marcus Q.
Published: July 2022

Gynecological medicine is a crucial field that is limited by standard methods of screening and detection. Identification of biomarkers and sensor development for women's cancers and illnesses is a vast field that aims to improve the health of women.
Two-dimensional ultra-thin nanosheets optimize the surface reaction dynamics and photo/pyro-generated carrier transfer of NaNbO3 for an efficient pyro-photo-electric catalytic system
Authors: Li Tianhao , Liu Zhifeng , Meng Yue
Published: July 2022

We proposed a strategy that integrated an 2D ultra-thin (<5 nm) nanosheet Co(OH)2 layer on NaNbO3 to optimize the surface reaction dynamics and unobstructed photo/pyro-generated carrier transfer path for pyro-photo-electric catalytic system.
Ultrafast transformation of metal–organic frameworks into advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalysts with good universality and scalability
Authors: Yu Luo , Xiao Jiayong , Huang Chuqiang , Zhang Zhongshuo , Qiu Ming , Yu Ying , Wang Ying , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: July 2022

An ultrafast room-temperature method for converting metal–organic frameworks into high-performance OER catalysts with good universality and scalability is demonstrated.
A bidirectional electrocatalyst for enhancing Li2S nucleation and decomposition kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ren Yilun , Chang Shaozhong , Hu Libing , Wang Biao , Sun Dongyue , Wu Hao , Ma Yujie , Yang Yurong , Tang Shaochun , Meng Xiangkang
Published: July 2022

Well-dispersed (NiCo)0.85Se nanoparticles embedded in Ti3C2nanosheets are developed. The Ti3C2/(NiCo)0.85Se heterostructure is demonstrated as a bidirectional electrocatalyst and endows Li–S batteries with an ultrastable lifespan.
Surface reconstruction through cathodic activation of first-row transition metal phosphides for enhanced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Dong Bin , Li Meng-Xuan , Shang Xiao , Zhou Ya-Nan , Hu Wen-Hui , Chai Yong-Ming
Published: July 2022

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) strongly depends on the electronic structure and local microstructures of active sites on the real catalytic surface.
Plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic overall water-splitting over Au nanoparticle-decorated CaNb2O6 electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Jiang Xiaoyi , Huang Jindou , Lu Wei , Zhang Zhenyi
Published: July 2022

The Au/CaNb2O6 electrospun NFs exhibited ∼100.9-fold enhancement of the photocatalytic activity for water splitting as compared to the traditional CaNb2O6 NPs due to the unique nanostructure property and plasmon-mediated hot electron transfer.
Highly flexible cellulose nanofiber/single-crystal nanodiamond flake heat spreader films for heat dissipation
Authors: Gong Ping , Li Linhong , Fu Guang-en , Shu Shengcheng , Li Maohua , Wang Yandong , Qin Yue , Kong Xiangdong , Chen Huanyi , Jiao Chengcheng , Ruan Xinxin , Cai Tao , Dai Wen , Yan Chao , Nishimura Kazuhito , Lin Cheng-Te , Jiang Nan , Yu Jinhong
Published: July 2022

A simple method was proposed to produce a flexible heat spreader with efficient thermal transportation performance.
Engineering the HOMO–LUMO gap of indeno[1,2-b]fluorene
Authors: Casares Raquel , Martínez-Pinel Álvaro , Rodríguez-González Sandra , Márquez Irene R. , Lezama Luis , González M. Teresa , Leary Edmund , Blanco Víctor , Fallaque Joel G. , Díaz Cristina , Martín Fernando , Cuerva Juan M. , Millán Alba
Published: July 2022

The insertion of phenyl acetylenes at the reactive positions of indeno[1,2-b]fluorene leads to tune its optoelectronic and magnetic properties. Furthermore, its single-molecule conductance has been investigated for the first time.
Correction: XSnS3 (X = Ga, In) monolayer semiconductors as photo-catalysts for water splitting: a first principles study
Authors: Naseri Mosayeb , Salahub Dennis R. , Vu Tuan V. , Zakaryae Haman
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘XSnS3 (X = Ga, In) monolayer semiconductors as photo-catalysts for water splitting: a first principles study’ by Mosayeb Naseri et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tc01613c.
“Electromagnetic barrier” assisted dynamic spectrum access in satellite internet communication confrontation
Authors: Yan Peijie , Chu Feihuang , Jia Luliang , Qi Nan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the dynamic spectrum access is investigated in satellite internet. Firstly, to describe the confrontation characteristics of the electromagnetic environment, two opposing teams denoted as the blue team (BT) and red team (RT), are designed. In addition, an “electromagnetic barrier” jamming strategy is proposed to achieve the effect of promoting approach defence with the attack. Precisely, the “electromagnetic barrier” can significantly weaken the communication ability of enemies (i.e. RT) while protecting the (i.e. BT) communication quality. Secondly, internal interference, external interference and malicious jamming of BT and RT are considered, and expected weighted aggregate interference and jamming (EWAIJ) are introduced to integrate these interference. Moreover, minimising interference is taken as the optimisation goal. Thirdly, Game theory is introduced to describe the combinatorial optimisation problem. The process of each team finding the optimal spectrum access strategy is proved to be an exact potential energy game. These two sub‐games together constitute the Stackelberg game framework. Finally, a distributed hierarchical confrontation channel selection algorithm (DHCCSA) is proposed to find the Stackelberg equilibrium solution. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can converge to a better effect compared with other algorithms. In addition, with the assistance of the “electromagnetic barrier,” BT is more robust than RT in terms of convergence rate, total utility, and total network throughput.
Coordination optimisation of energy and manufacturing flow for industry integrated energy system
Authors: Liu Kun , Gao Feng
Published: July 2022

With the breaking down of information barriers between energy flow with manufacturing flow, the coordination between them is an effective way to relieve the dual pressure from energy and environment industrial integrated energy system. The authors develop a scenario‐based coordination model for energy flow and manufacturing flow to make full use of the flexibilities of energy supply and production process to reduce energy cost. To capture the flexibility in the energy flow, the authors enhance an electricity‐steam‐product gas–gas storage coupling energy flow model considering multi‐uncertainties. The authors also develop a batch process model to formulate the flexibility in the production process. Based on the batch energy consumption constraints, the energy flow model and the batch process model are integrated as a coordination model. To ensure the feasibility of hard budget constraints under all possible random realisations, we add all‐scenario‐feasibility robust constraints which are infinite‐dimensional constraints into the model. To solve the model, a vertex scenario set based on the characteristics of convex optimisation is constructed to equivalently convert infinite‐dimensional constraints to finite‐dimensional constraints. In this way, the coordination model is transformed to a mixed integer linear programming and can be solved using CPLEX. Finally, numerical test based on a real iron and steel plant is analysed. The results show that coordination between energy with manufacturing flow is effective to reduce the energy cost and carbon emission. Compare with only optimising energy flow, the coordination model can reduce total cost about 221.6 thousand RMB and 304.44t coal every day.
Modelling multiple quantiles together with the mean based on SA‐ConvLSTM for taxi pick‐up prediction
Authors: Chen Qixiang , Lv Bin , Hao Binbin , Luo Weizhuang , Lang Binke , Li Xu
Published: July 2022

A more complete taxi pick‐ups prediction going beyond the conditional expectation would be more beneficial to allocate taxis effectively. Prior works have predicted the conditional expectation of taxi demand and improved the prediction accuracy. But the ability to convey calibrated uncertainty estimates in prediction was less studied. Here, a multi‐output multi‐quantile deep neural network architecture is presented for predicting the mean and the multiple quantiles simultaneously, which jointly models multiple quantiles together with the conditional expectation based on self‐attention ConvLSTM. Using the NYC taxi dataset, we have analyzed the performance of the developed architecture. For the mean prediction, the proposed method has an error of 8.584 in terms of RMSE criteria and Linear QR, Mcdropout‐Gal, ConvLSTM and SA‐ConvLSTM methods, which have error values of 8.800, 8.671, 8.599, and 8.597, respectively. According to the MAE criterion, this method has a value of 5.934. The other methods have obtained values of 6.614, 5.990, 5.986, and 5.959, respectively. For multiple quantiles prediction, the proposed method produces narrower intervals while obtaining the target coverage percentage. Overall, the proposed model not only outperforms the other models, but also provides a rich description about the predictive density.