bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How persons with systemic mastocytosis describe the time between symptom onset and receiving diagnosis
Authors: Hamberg Levedahl Kerstin , Nilsson Annika , Johansson Birgitta , Hedström Mariann
Published: September 2022

Aim:

The aim of the study was to explore how persons with systemic mastocytosis (SM) described the time between the onset of symptoms and signs and getting the diagnosis.

Background:

SM is a rare disease caused by the accumulation of clonal mast cells with abnormal function. The symptoms and signs of the disease are varied, often diffuse and affect individuals differently. Due to this complexity, a multi-disciplinary diagnostic approach is required, in which general practitioners play an important part in identifying and referring patients relevant for such investigations.

Methods:

Sixteen persons with SM were interviewed about their experiences of the time before the diagnosis was received. Systematic text condensation was used in the analysis process.

Findings:

The time between symptom and signs onset and diagnosis was perceived as difficult. SM often had a complex and unpredictable effect on a person’s daily life, long before diagnosis. In the analysis, three themes were found. Having symptoms and signs with an unknown cause included the participants’ descriptions of numerous symptoms and signs, often years before diagnosis. These could be severe and result in worries for both participants and their next-of-kin. Dealing with the symptoms and signs encompassed the different ways in which the participants coped with the symptoms and signs, and sought relief. Being a patient without a diagnosis underlined the lack of information and knowledge within healthcare, often resulting in a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. The study highlighted the importance of a person-centred approach and the need to increase knowledge of the disease within primary care, to shorten this stressful and vulnerable time.
The African Union's humanitarian policies: A closer look at Africa's regional institutions and practice
Authors: Negm Namira
Published: September 2022

This article sheds light on the legal instruments and policies adopted by the Organization of African Unity/African Union (AU) in relation to international humanitarian law. It also offers analysis on the role of the AU institutions that provide humanitarian and disaster relief. The article highlights the importance of the institutions established to improve the capacity of regional and national institutions for humanitarian prevention and response. It reflects on the reasons why the AU focuses on early warning systems to address the root causes of conflicts and humanitarian disasters, rather than only adopting reactive policies after the fact, in order to save lives and prevent human suffering.
Rethinking direct participation in hostilities and continuous combat function in light of targeting members of terrorist non-State armed groups
Authors: Mignot-Mahdavi Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Endless armed conflicts against terrorist groups put civilian populations at risk. Since France has been involved in the Sahel from 2013 onwards, transnational non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) of extended geographical and temporal scope against groups designated as terrorists are not a US exception anymore. NIACs against terrorist groups, conducted not only by the United States but also by France, persist and have been reconfigured around threat anticipation. How can anticipatory warfare be best constrained? This article argues that it can be best done through more constraining rules regulating target selection in NIACs and, in particular, by redefining the notion of continuous combat function (CCF). Many elements explored in this article indicate that the United States and France select targets that they pre-designate as terrorists, before these targets are engaged in hostilities. Instead of responding to the observed participation of these individuals in hostilities, strikes are based on contextual and behavioural elements ahead or outside of such moments. This paper argues that when war consists of threat anticipation, it becomes very extensive and particularly risky for civilians. Furthermore, recent State practice in the counterterrorism context reveals the pitfalls of the notions of direct participation in hostilities and CCF as defined in the 2009 International Committee of the Red Cross Interpretive Guidance. Outside this context, the interpretations proposed in the Interpretive Guidance might seem sufficient to constrain target selection processes and to protect civilian populations. However, when applied to armed conflicts that are driven by threat anticipation, the pitfalls of these interpretations emerge. I formulate a critique of these interpretations as being partly responsible for anticipatory warfare and propose an alternative theory for the CCF test.
A medical and molecular approach to kefir as a therapeutic agent of human microbiota
Authors: Yegin Zeynep , Sudagidan Mert
Published: September 2022

Abstract: The imbalanced microbial composition called dysbiosis constitutes a tendency related to different kind of human diseases. To overcome the disadvantages of dysbiosis, the consumption of probiotics is an emerging and promising topic of the last decade. Kefir is a probiotic fermented beverage produced from the fermentation of kefir grains with changing varieties of milk and displays a symbiotic association of bacteria and yeast. The discovery of the concept that fermented foods/beverages such as kefir could modify gut microbiota in humans has widened the borders of precision medicine and now microbiome therapeutics can be considered as a significant part of this field. Kefir seems to have potential to guide and manipulate future replacement/complementary therapies with a variety of beneficial biological/medical properties it has. The aim of this review was a comprehensive recapitulation of probiotic beverage kefir’s significant properties mainly focusing of antioxidative, immunomodulatory, apoptotic, antitumor and neuroprotective properties. Apoptotic/antimetastatic effects are regulated at the molecular level by increases in TGF-β1, caspase-3, p53, Bax, Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, p21 and decreases in TGF-α, Bcl-2 and MMP polarization. Neuroprotective effects are revealed upon upregulation of SOD/catalase and anti-inflammatory Treg cells, decreases in repetitive behavior and modulation of apoptotic genes. Besides these significant features that may offer advantages in supplementary cancer therapies, the scope was also extended to recent emerging medical topics and also discussed and evaluated the concept of “psychobiotics”. The therapeutic potential of psychobiotic effect is majorly attributed to the increased ratios of Clostridium butyricum, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Ocean Acidification and Long‐Term Changes in the Carbonate System Properties of the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Piñango Andrés , Kerr Rodrigo , Orselli Iole Beatriz Marques , Carvalho Andréa da Consolação Oliveira , Azar Elias , Karstensen Johannes , Garcia Carlos Alberto Eiras
Published: September 2022

The wind‐driven part of the South Atlantic Ocean is primarily ventilated through central and intermediate water formation. Through the water mass formation processes, anthropogenic carbon (Cant) is introduced into the ocean's interior which in turn makes the South Atlantic region vulnerable to ocean acidification. Cant and the accompanying acidification effects have been estimated for individual sections in the region since the 1980s but a comprehensive synthesis for the entire basin is still lacking. Here, we quantified the Cant accumulation rates and examined the changes in the carbonate system properties for the South Atlantic using a modified extended multiple linear regression method applied to five hydrographic sections and data from the GLODAPv2.2021 product. From 1989 to 2019, a mean Cant column inventory change of 0.94 ± 0.39 mol C m−2 yr−1 was found. Cant accumulation rates of 0.89 ± 0.33 μmol kg−1 yr−1 and 0.30 ± 0.29 μmol kg−1 yr−1 were observed in central and intermediate waters, accompanied by acidification rates of −0.0020 ± 0.0007 pH units yr−1 and −0.0009 ± 0.0009 pH units yr−1, respectively. Furthermore, increased remineralization was observed in intermediate waters, amplifying the acidification of this water mass, especially at the African coast along 25°S. This increase in remineralization is likely related to circulation changes and increased biological activity nearshore. Assuming no changes in the observed trends, South Atlantic intermediate waters will become unsaturated with respect to aragonite in ∼30 years, while the central water of the eastern margins will become unsaturated in ∼10 years.
From SAR Arc to STEVE: An Atmospheric Evolution
Authors: Scammell Alexandra
Published: September 2022

A new study reports the first observation of a stable auroral red arc evolving into a strong thermal emission velocity enhancement during a geomagnetic storm.
Locating the Precise Sources of High‐Frequency Microseisms Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Xiao Han , Tanimoto Toshiro , Spica Zack J. , Gaite Beatriz , Ruiz‐Barajas Sandra , Pan Mohan , Viens Loïc
Published: September 2022

Although microseisms have been observed for more than 100 years, the precise locations of their excitation sources in the oceans are still elusive. Underwater Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) brings new opportunities to study microseism generation mechanisms. Using DAS data off the coast of Valencia, Spain, and applying a cross‐correlation approach, we show that the sources of high‐frequency microseisms (0.5–2 Hz) are confined between 7 and 27 km from the shore, where the water depth varies from 25 to 100 m. Over time, we observe that these sources move quickly along narrow areas, sometimes within a few kilometers. Our methodology applied to DAS data allows us to characterize microseisms with a high spatiotemporal resolution, providing a new way of understanding these global and complex seismic phenomena happening in the oceans.
Cloud Response Is Significantly Biased by CMIP6 Over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Jiming , Zhang Weiyuan , Deng Cong , Li Yarong
Published: September 2022

To reduce the uncertainty of cloud feedback, models should prioritize the evaluation of cloud response to surface warming. Using International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project‐H data sets, we quantified the cloud fraction response of different cloud types to surface warming in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and examined the performance of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models in reproducing cloud response. Results showed multimodel ensemble mean (MEM) exhibited a similar pattern of total cloud fraction response with the observation but severely underestimated it over the western TP. MEM also obviously underestimated cloud fraction of optically thin cirrus (bias >15%) and had a wrong trend of −0.02% 10a−1 against observed +2.44% 10a−1. Moreover, models failed to reproduce extensive negative response of optically thick clouds and exhibited significant underestimation for the negative response of optically thick but lower‐top clouds. Especially, models even simulated an opposite response with International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project for optically thin but lower‐top cloud (bias hit −0.4% K−1).
High‐Resolution Finite Fault Slip Inversion of the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Using 3D Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Barba‐Sevilla Magali , Glasscoe Margaret T. , Parker Jay , Lyzenga Gregory A. , Willis Michael J. , Tiampo Kristy F.
Published: September 2022

The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence manifested as one of the most complex fault surface ruptures observed in California in modern times. The M6.4 foreshock and M7.1 mainshock occurred on an intricate network of orthogonal and sub‐parallel faults resulting in observable surface displacement and surface rupture captured by geodetic data. Here we present the application of a high‐resolution 3D finite element model (FEM) approach to invert for the detailed fault slip of the entire sequence using complex rheology and fused coseismic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data with Sentinel‐1 differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar and pixel offset data. The heterogeneous FEM and the fused geodetic data set of pixel offsets, interferograms, and GNSS data results in our optimal inversion solution. This preferred solution is a complex, high‐resolution non‐planar slip model of both the M6.4 and M7.1 events that features three main regions of large slip (6.9+ m), with depths ranging from 2 to 10 km. The regions of slip are bounded by the mainshock hypocenter and the mainshock aftershocks and appear to be related to spatially varying rheological properties. We successfully reproduce a localized region of observed subsidence in the northern portion of the primary fault through the inclusion of a curved fault strand with a significant dip‐slip component. The curved fault strand is the site of our maximum slip of 7.4 m at a depth of 4.2 km. The results demonstrate a robust fit from a more complete, detailed model for the entire seismogenic zone with reasonable computational cost, providing new insights into the governing rheologic and structural processes.
Flexible radio-frequency micro electro-mechanical switch towards the applications of satellite communications
Authors: Shi Yingli , Zhou Chao , Cao Zibo , He Yurong , Guo Jingwen , Li Chunxin , Wu Qianhong , Liang Kui , Li Yanzhao , Lin Yuan
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a flexible radio-frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) switch integrated on cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) substrate using a modified surface MEMS processing technology, which could be used in the 17–19 GHz frequency band of satellite communication. Through systematic simulation analysis, it is found that flexible RF MEMS switch can achieve certain bending radius by miniaturizing the electronic dimension, without degrading the RF performance. It is demonstrated that the RF characteristics of flexible RF MEMS switch with special anchor structural design, fabricated by modified surface MEMS processing, are not sensitive to bending deformation under the curvature of 0 mm−1, 0.05 mm−1, 0.10 mm−1. Furthermore, the range of bending curvature which will affect the RF characteristics is given through systematic simulation. The flexible RF MEMS switch with high process compatibility and stable RF performance is believed to be promising candidates for future microwave communications and other consumer electronics.
Liquid-metal micro-networks with strain-induced conductivity for soft electronics and robotic skin
Authors: Park Yeongmin , Jung Jaewoong , Lee Younghoon , Lee Dongwoo , Vlassak Joost J. , Park Yong-Lae
Published: September 2022

Thin-film devices made of room-temperature liquid metals (LMs) have contributed to the development of electronic skin for human-robot/machine interfaces but still have limitations, including degradations of performance and robustness under repeated deformations. In this paper, we describe an interesting phenomenon of the formation of LM microscale networks (LMMNs) and propose to use the LMMNs for fabricating thin-film conductors. A simple layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition process enables the growth of a hierarchical structure of LM microdroplets that forms a conductive network (i.e., LMMN) when stretched. The strain-history behavior of LMMNs allows conductivity enhancement up to 2.37 × 106 S m−1 in response to increased tensile strains. By adjusting the number of LM layers in LBL deposition, the gauge factor (0.2 ≤ GF ≤ 1), the linearity, and the sheet resistance of LMMN films can be easily controlled, providing high potentials in various applications, including skin-mountable circuits, energy harvesters, and soft artificial skin.
Controlled-phase gate by dynamic coupling of photons to a two-level emitter
Authors: Krastanov Stefan , Jacobs Kurt , Gilbert Gerald , Englund Dirk R. , Heuck Mikkel
Published: September 2022

We propose an architecture for achieving high-fidelity deterministic quantum logic gates on dual-rail encoded photonic qubits by letting photons interact with a two-level emitter (TLE) inside an optical cavity. The photon wave packets that define the qubit are preserved after the interaction due to a quantum control process that actively loads and unloads the photons from the cavity and dynamically alters their effective coupling to the TLE. The controls rely on nonlinear wave mixing between cavity modes enhanced by strong externally modulated electromagnetic fields or on AC Stark shifts of the TLE transition energy. We numerically investigate the effect of imperfections in terms of loss and dephasing of the TLE as well as control field miscalibration. Our results suggest that III-V quantum dots in GaAs membranes is a promising platform for photonic quantum information processing.
A multi-sensor human gait dataset captured through an optical system and inertial measurement units
Authors: Santos Geise , Wanderley Marcelo , Tavares Tiago , Rocha Anderson
Published: September 2022

Different technologies can acquire data for gait analysis, such as optical systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs). Each technology has its drawbacks and advantages, fitting best to particular applications. The presented multi-sensor human gait dataset comprises synchronized inertial and optical motion data from 25 participants free of lower-limb injuries, aged between 18 and 47 years. A smartphone and a custom micro-controlled device with an IMU were attached to one of the participant’s legs to capture accelerometer and gyroscope data, and 42 reflexive markers were taped over the whole body to record three-dimensional trajectories. The trajectories and inertial measurements were simultaneously recorded and synchronized. Participants were instructed to walk on a straight-level walkway at their normal pace. Ten trials for each participant were recorded and pre-processed in each of two sessions, performed on different days. This dataset supports the comparison of gait parameters and properties of inertial and optical capture systems, whereas allows the study of gait characteristics specific for each system.
Geographical clusters of dengue outbreak in Singapore during the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown of 2020
Authors: Huang Liping , Xiao Gaoxi , Chen Hechang , Niu Xuetong , Fu Xiuju , Xu Haiyan , Xu George , Ma Stefan , Ong Janet , Ng Lee Ching
Published: September 2022

Dengue, a mosquito-transmitted viral disease, has posed a public health challenge to Singaporean residents over the years. In 2020, Singapore experienced an unprecedented dengue outbreak. We collected a dataset of geographical dengue clusters reported by the National Environment Agency (NEA) from 15 February to 9 July in 2020, covering the nationwide lockdown associated with Covid-19 during the period from 7 April to 1 June. NEA regularly updates the dengue clusters during which an infected person may be tagged to one cluster based on the most probable infection location (residential apartment or workplace address), which is further matched to fine-grained spatial units with an average coverage of about 1.35 km2. Such dengue cluster dataset helps not only reveal the dengue transmission patterns, but also reflect the effects of lockdown on dengue spreading dynamics. The resulting data records are released in simple formats for easy access to facilitate studies on dengue epidemics.
Vegetation cover and seasonality as indicators for selection of forage resources by local agro-pastoralists in the Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: da Cunha Sonaly Silva , Ramos Maiara Bezerra , de Almeida Humberto Araújo , Maciel Maria Gracielle Rodrigues , de Souza Stefanny Martins , Pedrosa Kamila Marques , de Faria Lopes Sérgio
Published: September 2022

Local knowledge and uses of forage resources are highly dynamic, and can be mediated by multiple factors, such as seasonality, floristic diversity and the morphophysiological characteristics of plants. We investigate how seasonality and vegetation cover mediate the use of forage resources. The study was carried out with agro-pastoralists from two areas of Brazilian semiarid region. To select the areas, we used the normalized difference vegetation index. We selected one area with low vegetation cover (Area I) and another with high vegetation cover (Area II). Respondents were selected using the snowball technique. Using semi-structured interviews, we collect the information about forage use in the dry and rainy seasons, preferences of ruminants and specific characteristics of plant species. A total of 57 informants were interviewed in the two areas. We used the Chi-square test to assess differences in the richness of species cited between areas, seasons (dry/rainy), origins (exotic/native) and strate (herbaceous/woody). Our results revealed that agro-pastoralists living in the area with the highest vegetation cover (Area II) cited a greater number of species. We found that the use and selection of species is guided by a series of functional characters, related to palatability and nutritional value, which change between seasons. These results highlight the vast knowledge of ecological characteristics of species and diet of ruminants acquired by agro-pastoralists during field experience, with seasonality defining the use of species. Different from what we expected, the richness of exotic species mentioned did not differ between areas. This diversity of information contributes to a better understanding of the use of forage resources and indicates the importance of including local experiences as strategies to ensure proper use and provide insights for the conservation of local resources.
A resource for integrated genomic analysis of the human liver
Authors: Zhou Yi-Hui , Gallins Paul J. , Etheridge Amy S. , Jima Dereje , Scholl Elizabeth , Wright Fred A. , Innocenti Federico
Published: September 2022

In this study, we generated whole-transcriptome RNA-Seq from n = 192 genotyped liver samples and used these data with existing data from the GTEx Project (RNA-Seq) and previous liver eQTL (microarray) studies to create an enhanced transcriptomic sequence resource in the human liver. Analyses of genotype-expression associations show pronounced enrichment of associations with genes of drug response. The associations are primarily consistent across the two RNA-Seq datasets, with some modest variation, indicating the importance of obtaining multiple datasets to produce a robust resource. We further used an empirical Bayesian model to compare eQTL patterns in liver and an additional 20 GTEx tissues, finding that MHC genes, and especially class II genes, are enriched for liver-specific eQTL patterns. To illustrate the utility of the resource to augment GWAS analysis with small sample sizes, we developed a novel meta-analysis technique to combine several liver eQTL data sources. We also illustrate its application using a transcriptome-enhanced re-analysis of a study of neutropenia in pancreatic cancer patients. The associations of genotype with liver expression, including splice variation and its genetic associations, are made available in a searchable genome browser.
Genetic variants in miR-145 gene are associated with the risk of asthma in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Shou-Cheng , Tsai Chia-Wen , Chang Wen-Shin , Hsia Ning-Yi , Mong Mei-Chin , Wang Yun-Chi , Hsia Te-Chun , Gu Jian , Bau Da-Tian
Published: September 2022

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease and the diagnosis and treatment strategies remain difficult. MicroRNAs play important roles in many biological and pathological processes including asthma development. There is no study confirming the contribution of genetic variants in miR-145 to asthma etiology. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of miR-145 may be associated with the risk of asthma in Taiwanese. We used a case–control study to test this hypothesis. In 198 asthma patients and 453 healthy controls, the genotypes of miR-145 rs4705342 and rs4705343 were determined, and the associations of miR-145 genotypes with asthma risk and severity were evaluated. The distribution of miR-145 rs4705342 genotypes between asthma patients and non-asthmatic control groups were significantly different (p = 0.0187). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, compared with the wild-type TT genotype, individuals carrying the variant genotypes had progressively decreased risks of asthma: the odds ratio (OR) for the heterogeneous variant genotype (CT) and homozygous variant genotype (CC) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55–1.10, p = 0.1788) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.21–0.79, p = 0.0102), respectively (p for trend = 0.0187). In allelic test, the C allele was associated with a 31% reduced risk of asthma (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.53–0.90, p = 0.0070). In addition, the rs4705342 variant genotypes were correlated with the symptom severity (p = 3 × 10–5). Furthermore, the variant genotypes correlated with lower miR-145-5p expression level in serum (p = 0.0001). As for rs4705343, there was no differential distribution of genotypes between cases and controls. Our data provide evidence for miR-145 rs4705342 to serve as a novel biomarker for asthma risk prediction.
Devitalizing noise-driven instability of entangling logic in silicon devices with bias controls
Authors: Ryu Hoon , Kang Ji-Hoon
Published: September 2022

The quality of quantum bits (qubits) in silicon is highly vulnerable to charge noise that is omnipresent in semiconductor devices and is in principle hard to be suppressed. For a realistically sized quantum dot system based on a silicon-germanium heterostructure whose confinement is manipulated with electrical biases imposed on top electrodes, we computationally explore the noise-robustness of 2-qubit entangling operations with a focus on the controlled-X (CNOT) logic that is essential for designs of gate-based universal quantum logic circuits. With device simulations based on the physics of bulk semiconductors augmented with electronic structure calculations, we not only quantify the degradation in fidelity of single-step CNOT operations with respect to the strength of charge noise, but also discuss a strategy of device engineering that can significantly enhance noise-robustness of CNOT operations with almost no sacrifice of speed compared to the single-step case. Details of device designs and controls that this work presents can establish practical guideline for potential efforts to secure silicon-based quantum processors using an electrode-driven quantum dot platform.
Carbon dioxide-enhanced metal release from kerogen
Authors: Ho Tuan A. , Wang Yifeng
Published: September 2022

Heavy metals released from kerogen to produced water during oil/gas extraction have caused major enviromental concerns. To curtail water usage and production in an operation and to use the same process for carbon sequestration, supercritical CO2 (scCO2) has been suggested as a fracking fluid or an oil/gas recovery agent. It has been shown previously that injection of scCO2 into a reservoir may cause several chemical and physical changes to the reservoir properties including pore surface wettability, gas sorption capacity, and transport properties. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we here demonstrate that injection of scCO2 might lead to desorption of physically adsorbed metals from kerogen structures. This process on one hand may impact the quality of produced water. On the other hand, it may enhance metal recovery if this process is used for in-situ extraction of critical metals from shale or other organic carbon-rich formations such as coal.
Application of PLC and HMI in the CO2 transcritical refrigeration experimental platform
Authors: Gao Jianye , Wang Jinfeng , Xie Jing
Published: September 2022

The paper adopted SIMATIC PLC as the control center and cooperates with SIMATIC KTP900 basic touch screen and GRM533YW-C IOT module to design a CO2 transcritical refrigeration experiment platform (EXP). The EXP acquired analog signals from sensors through PLC expansion modules. The PLC communicated with the touch screen and the IoT module through PROFINET to achieve data interaction. In the EXP, the touch screen and the remote devices had separate control interfaces, both of which can perform system control and real-time data display. The control strategy and abnormal alarm of CO2 transcritical refrigeration system was accomplished in PLC. In the cooling experiment, the maximum deviation value of temperature was less than 0.4 °C in the refrigeration container. In the 750 W load step experiment, the static error of the temperature was ± 0.2 °C in the refrigeration container, and the static error of the superheat was ± 0.17 K. This indicated that the EXP had excellent control quality. The different control strategies for the compressor, gas cooler fan, auxiliary cooler fan, EEV and pressure regulating valve can be realized in the EXP. Therefore, the performance optimization of CO2 transcritical refrigeration system in different operating conditions can be studied.
Evaluating a therapeutic window for precision medicine by integrating genomic profiles and p53 network dynamics
Authors: Choi Minsoo , Park Sang-Min , Cho Kwang-Hyun
Published: September 2022

The response variation to anti-cancer drugs originates from complex intracellular network dynamics of cancer. Such dynamic networks present challenges to determining optimal drug targets and stratifying cancer patients for precision medicine, although several cancer genome studies provided insights into the molecular characteristics of cancer. Here, we introduce a network dynamics-based approach based on attractor landscape analysis to evaluate the therapeutic window of a drug from cancer signaling networks combined with genomic profiles. This approach allows for effective screening of drug targets to explore potential target combinations for enhancing the therapeutic window of drug responses. We also effectively stratify patients into desired/undesired response groups using critical genomic determinants, which are network-specific origins of variability to drug response, and their dominance relationship. Our methods provide a viable and quantitative framework to connect genotype information to the phenotypes of drug response with regard to network dynamics determining the therapeutic window.
Coiled-coil structure of meiosis protein TEX12 and conformational regulation by its C-terminal tip
Authors: Dunce James M. , Salmon Lucy J. , Davies Owen R.
Published: September 2022

Meiosis protein TEX12 is an essential component of the synaptonemal complex (SC), which mediates homologous chromosome synapsis. It is also recruited to centrosomes in meiosis, and aberrantly in certain cancers, leading to centrosome dysfunction. Within the SC, TEX12 forms an intertwined complex with SYCE2 that undergoes fibrous assembly, driven by TEX12’s C-terminal tip. However, we hitherto lack structural information regarding SYCE2-independent functions of TEX12. Here, we report X-ray crystal structures of TEX12 mutants in three distinct conformations, and utilise solution light and X-ray scattering to determine its wild-type dimeric four-helical coiled-coil structure. TEX12 undergoes conformational change upon C-terminal tip mutations, indicating that the sequence responsible for driving SYCE2-TEX12 assembly within the SC also controls the oligomeric state and conformation of isolated TEX12. Our findings provide the structural basis for SYCE2-independent roles of TEX12, including the possible regulation of SC assembly, and its known functions in meiotic centrosomes and cancer.
Multiscale characterization reveals oligomerization dependent phase separation of primer-independent RNA polymerase nsp8 from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xu Jinxin , Jiang Xin , Zhang Yulong , Dong Yan , Ma Changli , Jiang Hanqiu , Zuo Taisen , Chen Rui , Ke Yubin , Cheng He , Wang Howard , Liu Jinsong
Published: September 2022

RNA replication and transcription machinery is an important drug target for fighting against coronavirus. Non-structure protein nsp8 was proposed harboring primase activity. However, the RNA primer synthesis mechanism of nsp8 is still largely unknown. Here, we purified dimer and tetramer forms of SARS-CoV-2 nsp8. Combined with dynamic light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering and thermo-stability analysis, we found that both dimer and tetramer become loosened and destabilized with decreasing salt concentration, and the dimer form is more stable than the tetramer form. Further investigation showed that nsp8 dimer and tetramer can undergo phase separation but exhibit different phase separation behaviors. Nsp8 dimer can form liquid-like droplets in the buffer with a low concentration of NaCl; phase separation of nsp8 tetramer depends on the assistance of RNA. Our findings on different phase separation behaviors of nsp8 dimer and tetramer may provide insight into the functional studies of nsp8 in coronavirus.
Quantum simulation for topological Euler insulators
Authors: Zhao Wending , Yang Yan-Bin , Jiang Yue , Mao Zhichao , Guo Weixuan , Qiu Liyuan , Wang Gangxi , Yao Lin , He Li , Zhou Zichao , Xu Yong , Duan Luming
Published: September 2022

Although recent studies have established a powerful framework to search for and classify topological phases based on symmetry indicators, there exists a large class of fragile topology beyond the description. The Euler class characterizing the topology of two-dimensional real wave functions is an archetypal fragile topology underlying some important properties. However, as a minimum model of fragile topology, the two-dimensional topological Euler insulator consisting of three bands remains a significant challenge to be implemented in experiments. Here, we experimentally realize a three-band Hamiltonian to simulate a topological Euler insulator with a trapped-ion quantum simulator. Through quantum state tomography, we successfully evaluate the Euler class, Wilson loop flow, entanglement spectra and Berry phases to show the topological properties of the Hamiltonian. The flexibility of the trapped-ion quantum simulator further allows us to probe dynamical topological features including skyrmion-antiskyrmion pairs and Hopf links in momentum-time space from quench dynamics.
Lanthanide(iii)-oxamato complexes containing Nd3+ and Ho3+: crystal structures, magnetic properties, and ab initio calculations
Authors: Vaz Raphael C. A. , Esteves Isabela O. , Oliveira Willian X. C. , Honorato João , Martins Felipe T. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N. , de C. A. Valente Daniel , Cardozo Thiago M. , Horta Bruno A. C. , Mariano Davor L. , Nunes Wallace C. , Pedroso Emerson F. , Pereira Cynthia L. M.
Published: September 2022

Two series of chlorine or fluorine derivatives containing monooxamato ligands result in diamagnetic complexes of Y3+ and La3+ and paramagnetic complexes of Nd3+ and Ho3+ that behave as single-ion magnets at lower temperatures.
Equilibration times in viscous and viscoelastic aerosol particles
Authors: Preston Thomas C. , Zuend Andreas
Published: September 2022

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles in Earth's atmosphere can exist in phase states where mass transport and chemical transformations are greatly impeded.
Recyclable surfactant containing a dynamic covalent bond and relevant smart emulsions
Authors: Liu Pei , Wu Junhui , Pei Xiaomei , Cui Zhenggang , Jiang Jianzhong , Song Binglei , Binks Bernard P.
Published: September 2022

A novel Bola surfactant FA–AA was formed via dynamic covalent bonding of AA and FA. In acidic pH the H+AA released co-stabilizes different emulsions with nanoparticles, but in alkaline pH FA–AA returns to the aqueous phase being recycled and re-used.
High energy density primary cathode with a mixed electron/ion interface
Authors: Gao Jingchi , He Feng , Huang Changshui , Xue Yurui , Zuo Zicheng , Li Yuliang
Published: September 2022

The severe kinetic issues and interfacial characteristics of CFxcan be ameliorated by GDY encapsulation with electronic structure modulation, create stable electron–ion transport channels and ameliorate interfacial characteristics. The rate performance is effectively enhanced.
High-efficiency NiCo layered double hydroxide electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Mengdi , Liu Xingyu , Sun Yuchen , Wu Xiang
Published: September 2022

We report several kinds of NiCo-LDH composites by a hydrothermal reaction and subsequent electrodeposition process. The prepared NiCo-LDH@PEDOT-200 sample shows an overpotential of 52 mV for the HER at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Three-dimensional hierarchical conductive metal–organic frameworks/NiFe layered double hydroxide/carbon nanofibers: an efficient oxygen evolution reaction catalyst for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Li Jiajia , Qin Yunong , Lei Yu , Li Shifeng , Li Ling , Ouyang Bo , Kan Erjun , Zhang Wenming
Published: September 2022

The structural and compositional modulation of inexpensive hydroxides is not only important, but also an ongoing challenge for the preparation of efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts.
Ruthenium-catalyzed reaction of diazoquinones with arylamines to synthesize diarylamines
Authors: Rao Junxin , Ren Xiaoyu , Zhu Xin , Guo Zhen , Wang Chengming , Zhou Cong-Ying
Published: September 2022

The diarylamine scaffold is common in bioactive molecules. Herein, we report a Ru(ii)-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling reaction of diazoquinones with arylamines, which provides access to a range of functionalized diarylamines in 43–97% yields.
An overview of the applications of chiral phosphoric acid organocatalysts in enantioselective additions to CO and CN bonds
Authors: del Corte Xabier , Martínez de Marigorta Edorta , Palacios Francisco , Vicario Javier , Maestro Aitor
Published: September 2022

Since 2004, chiral phosphoric acids (CPAs) have emerged as highyl efficient organocatalysts, providing excellent results in a wide reaction scope. In this review, the applications of CPA for enantioselective additions to CO and CN bonds are covered.
Catalytic conversion of heavy naphtha to reformate over the phosphorus-ZSM-5 catalyst at a lower reforming temperature
Authors: Al-Shafei Emad N. , Albahar Mohammed Z. , Aljishi Mohammad F. , Akah Aaron , Aljishi Ali N. , Alasseel Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Catalytic conversion of heavy naphtha to reformate product over the phosphorus-ZSM-5 catalyst at a lower reforming temperature.
Facile synthesis of a luminescent carbon material from yogurt for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Ali , Tahira Aneela , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Aftab Umair , Vigolo Brigitte , Khattab Amira R. , Nafady Ayman , Halepoto Imran Ali , Tonezzer Matteo , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: September 2022

Left hand side: structural and optical aspects of the as-prepared carbon material from yogurt. Right hand side: the absorbance spectra of methylene blue degradation using the as-prepared carbon material from yogurt.
Removal of p-toluenesulfonic acid from wastewater using a filtration-enhanced electro-Fenton reactor
Authors: Wang Xueye , Ren Lehui , Zha Wengui , Li Zhouyan , Dai Ruobin , Wang Zhiwei
Published: September 2022

A filtration-enhanced electro-Fenton reactor was developed for the removal of p-toluenesulfonic acid from wastewater.
Aliovalent doping engineering enables multiple modulations of FeS2anodes to achieve fast and durable sodium storage
Authors: Yue Luchao , Wang Zhongxu , Wang Dong , Song Wei , Wu Zhenguo , Zhao Wenxi , Zhang Longcheng , Luo Yongsong , Sun Shengjun , Zheng Dongdong , Zhong Benhe , Zhao Jingxiang , Liu Qian , Asiri Abdullah M. , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2022

P doping regulates the electronic conductivity of FeS2and induces charge redistribution around the doping sites to generate a local built-in electric field. As an anode in SIBs, P–FeS2@C shows superior rate performance and cycling stability.
Oxidized chondroitin sulfate eye drops ameliorate the prognosis of fungal keratitis with anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects
Authors: Tian Xue , Peng Xudong , Long Xiaojing , Lin Jing , Zhang Yingxue , Zhan Lu , Zhao Guiqiu
Published: September 2022

Oxidized chondroitin sulfate (OCS) eye drops was prepared by oxidizing chondroitin sulfate (CS) with sodium periodate (NaIO4). OCS treatment improved the prognosis of A. fumigatus in mice by reducing corneal fungal load and regulating inflammation.
pH/Thermosensitive dual-responsive hydrogel based sequential delivery for site-specific acute limb ischemia treatment
Authors: Zhang Teng , Ouyang Huan , Liu Shichen , Xiong Lei , Zhong Zhiwei , Wang Qingqing , Qiu Zhuang , Ding Yajia , Zhou Weimin , Wang Xiaolei
Published: September 2022

A nanoplatform was developed to respond the changes of two different phases of acute limb ischemia, sequential releasing of drugs thus could be realized automatically to achieve in time cytoprotective and angiogenesis effects.
Introduction to New era in advanced functional materials emerging from molecular imprinting and related techniques
Authors: Takeuchi Toshifumi , Chen Guoping , Haupt Karsten
Published: September 2022

Professor Karsten Haupt, Professor Toshifumi Takeuchi and Professor Guoping Chen introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on a New era in advanced functional materials emerging from molecular imprinting and related techniques.
An ultralight and thermally conductive Ti3C2TxMXene–silver nanowire cellular composite film for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Ma Zhenping , Feng Hui , Feng Yongbao , Ding Xin , Wang Xianzhen , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiaojie , Kong Shuo , Lan Xiong , Li Qiulong
Published: September 2022

MXene@Ag NW cellular composite films were successfully fabricatedviaa potassium ion induction and liquid nitrogen rapid pre-freezing strategy. The film delivers an ultrahigh EMI SE of 81.11 dB and a high thermal conductivity of 19.96 W m−1K−1.
Carbazolyl phenylacetone-based asymmetric hole transport material enables high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lu Huiqiang , Xu Yining , Zhong Cheng , Chen Kaixing , Tang Rong , Zhang Ping , Wu Fei , He Rongxing , Zhu Linna
Published: September 2022

The asymmetric hole transport material 3,6-BOC was successfully developed and applied in perovskite solar cells, achieving a high efficiency of 21.52% with long-term stability and good thermal stability.
Isomeric non-fullerene acceptors for high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Jiang Changzun , Li ZhiXiang , Li Shitong , Li Mingpeng , Yao Zhaoyang , Li Chenxi , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2022

Three isomeric acceptors FOM-1, FOM-2 and FOM-3 incorporating the fluorene center are designed and synthesized.
Power system coherency recognition and islanding: Practical limits and future perspectives
Authors: Chamorro Harold R. , Gomez‐Diaz Edgar O. , Paternina Mario R. A. , Andrade Manuel A. , Barocio Emilio , Rueda Jose L. , Gonzalez‐Longatt Francisco , Sood Vijay K.
Published: September 2022

Electrical power systems are continuously upgrading into networks with a higher degree of automation capable of identifying and reacting to different events that may trigger undesirable situations. In power systems with decreasing inertia and damping levels, poorly damped oscillations with sustained or growing amplitudes following a disturbance may eventually lead to instability and provoke a major event such as a blackout. Additionally, with the increasing and considerable share of renewable power generation, unprecedented operational challenges shall be considered when proposing protection schemes against unstable electro‐mechanical (e.g. ringdown) oscillations. In an emergency situation, islanding operations enable splitting a power network into separate smaller networks to prevent a total blackout. Due to such changes, identifying the underlying types of oscillatory coherency and the islanding protocols are necessary for a continuously updating process to be incorporated into the existing power system monitoring and control tasks. This paper examines the existing evaluation methods and the islanding protocols as well as proposes an updated operational guideline based on the latest data‐analytic technologies.
Proportional‐resonant based control strategy for grid‐connected packed‐E cell inverters with Lyapunov filter‐based PLL
Authors: Biricik Samet , Komurcugil Hasan , Ahmed Hafiz , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Mehrasa Majid , Al‐Haddad Kamal
Published: September 2022

A proportional‐resonant (PR)‐based current control strategy for grid‐connected packed‐E cell (PEC) inverter is presented. Unlike the existing control strategies, which are based on proportional‐integral controller, developed for packed‐U cell and PEC inverters, the proposed PR‐based control strategy achieves zero steady‐state error in the grid current. Furthermore, it eliminates the necessity of employing the control loop for regulating the dc capacitor voltages. Also, the grid current synchronization is achieved by using a Lyapunov filter‐based phase locked loop (PLL). The consequence of using Lyapunov filter‐based PLL is that sinusoidal synchronization signal can be extracted from the distorted grid voltage. The performances of the proposed control strategy under steady‐state, load variation and non‐ideal grid voltage are investigated on a laboratory‐scale experimental prototype. It is reported that the control of both dc‐ and ac‐side variables of the system are accomplished.
Multi‐source heterogeneous iris segmentation method based on lightweight convolutional neural network
Authors: Huo Guang , Lin Dawei , Yuan Meng
Published: September 2022

Iris segmentation is a critical step in the iris recognition system. Since the quality of iris database taken under different camera sensors varies greatly, thus most existing iris segmentation methods are designed for a particular collection device. Meanwhile, many iris segmentation methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) require a lot of computational costs and hardware costs (storage space), which are not suitable for deploying on low‐performance devices. To address the above problems, an accurate and efficient heterogeneous iris segmentation network is proposed in this paper. First, the authors design an efficient feature extraction network, which combines depth‐wise separable convolution with traditional convolution to greatly reduce model parameters and computational cost while maintaining segmentation accuracy. Then, a Multi‐scale Context Information Extraction Module (MCIEM) is proposed to extract multi‐scale spatial information at a more granular level and enhance the discriminability of the iris region. Finally, a Multi‐layer Feature Information Fusion Module (MFIFM) is proposed to reduce the loss of information during the downsampling process. Experimental results on multi‐source heterogeneous iris database show that the proposed network can not only achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance but is also more efficient in terms of required parameters, calculated load, and storage space.