bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleus of the solitary tract A2 neurons control feeding behaviors via projections to the paraventricular hypothalamus
Authors: Murphy Stephanie , Collis Glynn Metika , Dixon Tiarani N. , Grill Harvey J. , McNally Gavan P. , Ong Zhi Yi
Published: September 2022

Hindbrain NTS neurons are highly attuned to internal physiological and external environmental factors that contribute to the control of food intake but the relevant neural phenotypes and pathways remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of NTS A2 neurons and their projections in the control of feeding behaviors. In male TH Cre rats, we first confirmed selective targeting of NTS A2 neurons and showed that chemogenetic stimulation of these neurons significantly suppressed dark cycle food intake, deprivation re-feed and high fat diet intake. Despite reducing intake, activation of NTS A2 neurons had no effect on food approach, anxiety-like behaviors, locomotor activity, blood glucose levels nor did it induce nausea/malaise, thus revealing a selective role for these neurons in the consummatory aspect of food intake control. Pathway-specific mapping and manipulation of NTS A2 neurons showed that these effects were mediated by NTS A2 neurons projecting to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) because chemogenetic activation of these projections, but not projections to bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), reduced food intake. Cell-type specific analyses demonstrated that activation of NTS A2 neurons recruited both PVH oxytocin (OT)- and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons, and plasma analyses showed increased plasma corticosterone following NTS A2 stimulation. While we also showed that chemogenetic inhibition of NTS A2 neurons attenuated the intake inhibitory effects of CCK, the specificity of transgene expression was low. Together, these findings showed that NTS A2 neurons are sufficient to control the consummatory aspects of feeding, regardless of energy status or food palatability and identified their projections to PVH, but not BNST, in food intake control.
WRN promotes bone development and growth by unwinding SHOX-G-quadruplexes via its helicase activity in Werner Syndrome
Authors: Tian Yuyao , Wang Wuming , Lautrup Sofie , Zhao Hui , Li Xiang , Law Patrick Wai Nok , Dinh Ngoc-Duy , Fang Evandro Fei , Cheung Hoi Hung , Chan Wai-Yee
Published: September 2022

Werner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging due to mutations of the WRN gene. A classical sign in WS patients is short stature, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report that WRN is indispensable for chondrogenesis, which is the engine driving the elongation of bones and determines height. Zebrafish lacking wrn exhibit impairment of bone growth and have shorter body stature. We pinpoint the function of WRN to its helicase domain. We identify short-stature homeobox (SHOX) as a crucial and direct target of WRN and find that the WRN helicase core regulates the transcriptional expression of SHOX via unwinding G-quadruplexes. Consistent with this, shox−/− zebrafish exhibit impaired bone growth, while genetic overexpression of SHOX or shox expression rescues the bone developmental deficiency induced in WRN/wrn-null mutants both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we have identified a previously unknown function of WRN in regulating bone development and growth through the transcriptional regulation of SHOX via the WRN helicase domain, thus illuminating a possible approach for new therapeutic strategies.
Serum neutralization activity declines but memory B cells persist after cure of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nishio Akira , Hasan Sharika , Park Heiyoung , Park Nana , Salas Jordan H. , Salinas Eduardo , Kardava Lela , Juneau Paul , Frumento Nicole , Massaccesi Guido , Moir Susan , Bailey Justin R. , Grakoui Arash , Ghany Marc G. , Rehermann Barbara
Published: September 2022

The increasing incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections underscores the need for an effective vaccine. Successful vaccines to other viruses generally depend on a long-lasting humoral response. However, data on the half-life of HCV-specific responses are lacking. Here we study archived sera and mononuclear cells that were prospectively collected up to 18 years after cure of chronic HCV infection to determine the role of HCV antigen in maintaining neutralizing antibody and B cell responses. We show that HCV-neutralizing activity decreases rapidly in potency and breadth after curative treatment. In contrast, HCV-specific memory B cells persist, and display a restored resting phenotype, normalized chemokine receptor expression and preserved ability to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells. The short half-life of HCV-neutralizing activity is consistent with a lack of long-lived plasma cells. The persistence of HCV-specific memory B cells and the reduced inflammation after cure provide an opportunity for vaccination to induce protective immunity against re-infection.
Unleashing the potential of noncanonical amino acid biosynthesis to create cells with precision tyrosine sulfation
Authors: Chen Yuda , Jin Shikai , Zhang Mengxi , Hu Yu , Wu Kuan-Lin , Chung Anna , Wang Shichao , Tian Zeru , Wang Yixian , Wolynes Peter G. , Xiao Han
Published: September 2022

Despite the great promise of genetic code expansion technology to modulate structures and functions of proteins, external addition of ncAAs is required in most cases and it often limits the utility of genetic code expansion technology, especially to noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) with poor membrane internalization. Here, we report the creation of autonomous cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, with the ability to biosynthesize and genetically encode sulfotyrosine (sTyr), an important protein post-translational modification with low membrane permeability. These engineered cells can produce site-specifically sulfated proteins at a higher yield than cells fed exogenously with the highest level of sTyr reported in the literature. We use these autonomous cells to prepare highly potent thrombin inhibitors with site-specific sulfation. By enhancing ncAA incorporation efficiency, this added ability of cells to biosynthesize ncAAs and genetically incorporate them into proteins greatly extends the utility of genetic code expansion methods.
Enzymatic synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids using a parallel cascade strategy and tyrosinase variants
Authors: Wang Yu , Subrizi Fabiana , Carter Eve M. , Sheppard Tom D. , Ward John M. , Hailes Helen C.
Published: September 2022

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived pharmaceuticals are widely applied in modern medicines. Recent studies on the microbial production of benzylisoquinolines have highlighted key biological syntheses towards these natural products. Routes to non-natural benzylisoquinolines have been less explored, particularly halogenated compounds which are more challenging. Here, we show the use of a tyrosinase, tyrosine decarboxylase, transaminase, and norcoclaurine synthase which are combined in a parallel cascade design, in order to generate halogenated benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in high enantiomeric excess. Notably, mutagenesis studies are applied to generate tyrosinase mutants, which enhance the acceptance of halogenated tyrosines for use in the biocatalytic cascades developed.
Clustering by measuring local direction centrality for data with heterogeneous density and weak connectivity
Authors: Peng Dehua , Gui Zhipeng , Wang Dehe , Ma Yuncheng , Huang Zichen , Zhou Yu , Wu Huayi
Published: September 2022

Clustering is a powerful machine learning method for discovering similar patterns according to the proximity of elements in feature space. It is widely used in computer science, bioscience, geoscience, and economics. Although the state-of-the-art partition-based and connectivity-based clustering methods have been developed, weak connectivity and heterogeneous density in data impede their effectiveness. In this work, we propose a boundary-seeking Clustering algorithm using the local Direction Centrality (CDC). It adopts a density-independent metric based on the distribution of K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) to distinguish between internal and boundary points. The boundary points generate enclosed cages to bind the connections of internal points, thereby preventing cross-cluster connections and separating weakly-connected clusters. We demonstrate the validity of CDC by detecting complex structured clusters in challenging synthetic datasets, identifying cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and mass cytometry (CyTOF) data, recognizing speakers on voice corpuses, and testifying on various types of real-world benchmarks.
Multiple carbon cycle mechanisms associated with the glaciation of Marine Isotope Stage 4
Authors: Menking James A. , Shackleton Sarah A. , Bauska Thomas K. , Buffen Aron M. , Brook Edward J. , Barker Stephen , Severinghaus Jeffrey P. , Dyonisius Michael N. , Petrenko Vasilii V.
Published: September 2022

Here we use high-precision carbon isotope data (δ13C-CO2) to show atmospheric CO2 during Marine Isotope Stage 4 (MIS 4, ~70.5-59 ka) was controlled by a succession of millennial-scale processes. Enriched δ13C-CO2 during peak glaciation suggests increased ocean carbon storage. Variations in δ13C-CO2 in early MIS 4 suggest multiple processes were active during CO2 drawdown, potentially including decreased land carbon and decreased Southern Ocean air-sea gas exchange superposed on increased ocean carbon storage. CO2 remained low during MIS 4 while δ13C-CO2 fluctuations suggest changes in Southern Ocean and North Atlantic air-sea gas exchange. A 7 ppm increase in CO2 at the onset of Dansgaard-Oeschger event 19 (72.1 ka) and 27 ppm increase in CO2 during late MIS 4 (Heinrich Stadial 6, ~63.5-60 ka) involved additions of isotopically light carbon to the atmosphere. The terrestrial biosphere and Southern Ocean air-sea gas exchange are possible sources, with the latter event also involving decreased ocean carbon storage.
Molecular architecture of the augmin complex
Authors: Gabel Clinton A. , Li Zhuang , DeMarco Andrew G. , Zhang Ziguo , Yang Jing , Hall Mark C. , Barford David , Chang Leifu
Published: September 2022

Accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis depends on the correct assembly of the mitotic spindle, a bipolar structure composed mainly of microtubules. The augmin complex, or homologous to augmin subunits (HAUS) complex, is an eight-subunit protein complex required for building robust mitotic spindles in metazoa. Augmin increases microtubule density within the spindle by recruiting the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) to pre-existing microtubules and nucleating branching microtubules. Here, we elucidate the molecular architecture of augmin by single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), computational methods, and crosslinking mass spectrometry (CLMS). Augmin’s highly flexible structure contains a V-shaped head and a filamentous tail, with the head existing in either extended or contracted conformational states. Our work highlights how cryo-EM, complemented by computational advances and CLMS, can elucidate the structure of a challenging protein complex and provides insights into the function of augmin in mediating microtubule branching nucleation.
Electrical switching of spin-polarized current in multiferroic tunneling junctions
Authors: Zhang Ligong , Wang Yuchen , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Fei
Published: September 2022

The generation and manipulation of spin-polarized current are critical for spintronic devices. In this work, we propose a mechanism to generate and switch spin-polarized current by an electric field in multiferroic tunnel junctions (MFTJs), with symmetric interface terminations in an antiparallel magnetic state. In such devices, different spin tunneling barriers are realized by the magnetoelectric coupling effect, resulting in a spin-polarized current. By reversing the electric polarization of the ferroelectric layer, the spin polarization of current is efficiently switched for the exchange of spin tunneling barriers. By first-principles quantum transport calculations, we show that a highly spin-polarized current is obtained and manipulated by the electric field in hafnia-based MFTJs based on the proposed mechanism. We also demonstrate that four resistance states are realized in Co/HfO2/Co junctions with asymmetric interface terminations. This work provides a promising approach for realizing the electrical control of spin current for spintronic applications.
The synovial microenvironment suppresses chondrocyte hypertrophy and promotes articular chondrocyte differentiation
Authors: Chau Michael , Dou Zelong , Baroncelli Marta , Landman Ellie B. , Bendre Ameya , Kanekiyo Masaru , Gkourogianni Alexandra , Barnes Kevin , Ottosson Lars , Nilsson Ola
Published: September 2022

During the development of the appendicular skeleton, the cartilaginous templates undergo hypertrophic differentiation and remodels into bone, except for the cartilage most adjacent to joint cavities where hypertrophic differentiation and endochondral bone formation are prevented, and chondrocytes instead form articular cartilage. The mechanisms that prevent hypertrophic differentiation and endochondral bone formation of the articular cartilage have not been elucidated. To explore the role of the synovial microenvironment in chondrocyte differentiation, osteochondral allografts consisting of articular cartilage, epiphyseal bone, and growth plate cartilage from distal femoral epiphyses of inbred Lewis rats expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein from a ubiquitous promoter were transplanted either in inverted or original (control) orientation to matching sites in wildtype littermates, thereby allowing for tracing of transplanted cells and their progenies. We found that no hypertrophic differentiation occurred in the growth plate cartilage ectopically placed at the joint surface. Instead, the transplanted growth plate cartilage, with time, remodeled into articular cartilage. This finding suggests that the microenvironment at the articular surface inhibits hypertrophic differentiation and supports articular cartilage formation. To explore this hypothesis, rat chondrocyte pellets were cultured with and without synoviocyte-conditioned media. Consistent with the hypothesis, hypertrophic differentiation was inhibited and expression of the articular surface marker lubricin (Prg4) was dramatically induced when chondrocyte pellets were exposed to synovium- or synoviocyte-conditioned media, but not to chondrocyte- or osteoblast-conditioned media. Taken together, we present evidence for a novel mechanism by which synoviocytes, through the secretion of a factor or factors, act directly on chondrocytes to inhibit hypertrophic differentiation and endochondral bone formation and promote articular cartilage formation. This mechanism may have important implications for articular cartilage development, maintenance, and regeneration.
Discovery, isolation, heterologous expression and mode-of-action studies of the antibiotic polyketide tatiomicin from Amycolatopsis sp. DEM30355
Authors: Kepplinger Bernhard , Mardiana Lina , Cowell Joseph , Morton-Laing Stephanie , Dashti Yousef , Wills Corinne , Marrs Emma C. L. , Perry John D. , Gray Joe , Goodfellow Michael , Errington Jeff , Probert Michael R. , Clegg William , Bogaerts Jonathan , Herrebout Wouter , Allenby Nick E. E. , Hall Michael J.
Published: September 2022

A genomic and bioactivity informed analysis of the metabolome of the extremophile Amycolatopsis sp. DEM30355 has allowed for the discovery and isolation of the polyketide antibiotic tatiomicin. Identification of the biosynthetic gene cluster was confirmed by heterologous expression in Streptomyces coelicolor M1152. Structural elucidation, including absolute stereochemical assignment, was performed using complementary crystallographic, spectroscopic and computational methods. Tatiomicin shows antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Cytological profiling experiments suggest a putative antibiotic mode-of-action, involving membrane depolarisation and chromosomal decondensation of the target bacteria.
Synthesis of a nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide based ceramic polymer composite nanofiber film for wearable device applications
Authors: Ji Jae-Hoon , Lee Gwangseop , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: September 2022

In this study, piezoelectric composite nanofiber films were fabricated by introducing nitrogen-doped-reduced-graphene-oxide as a conductive material to a P(VDF-TrFE) polymer and a BiScO3–PbTiO3 ceramic composite employing an electrospinning process. Nitrogen was doped/substituted into rGO to remove or compensate defects formed during the reduction process. Electro-spinning process was employed to extract piezoelectric composite nanofiber films under self-poling condition. Interdigital electrodes was employed to make planner type energy harvesters to collect electro-mechanical energy applied to the flexible energy harvester. From the piezoelectric composite with interdigital electrode, the effective dielectric permittivity extracted from the conformal mapping method. By introducing BS–PT ceramics and N-rGO conductors to the P(VDF-TrFE) piezoelectric composite nanofiber films, the effective dielectric permittivity was improved from 8.2 to 15.5. This improved effective dielectric constant probably come from the increased electric flux density due to the increased conductivity. Fabricated interdigital electrode using this thin composite nanofiber film was designed and tested for wearable device applications. An external mechanical force of 350 N was applied to the composite nanofiber-based energy harvester with interdigital electrodes at a rate of 0.6 Hz, the peak voltage and current were 13 V and 1.25 μA, respectively. By optimizing the device fabrication, the open-circuit voltage, stored voltage, and generated output power obtained were 12.4 V, 3.78 V, and 6.3 μW, respectively.
A novel factor graph-based optimization technique for stereo correspondence estimation
Authors: Shabanian Hanieh , Balasubramanian Madhusudhanan
Published: September 2022

Dense disparities among multiple views are essential for estimating the 3D architecture of a scene based on the geometrical relationship between the scene and the views or cameras. Scenes with larger extents of homogeneous textures, differing scene illumination among the multiple views and with occluding objects affect the accuracy of the estimated disparities. Markov random fields based methods for disparity estimation address these limitations using spatial dependencies among the observations and among the disparity estimates. These methods, however, are limited by spatially fixed and smaller neighborhood systems or cliques. Recent learning-based methods generate rich set of stereo features for generating cost volume and estimating disparity. In this work, we present a new factor graph-based probabilistic graphical model for disparity estimation that allows a larger and a spatially variable neighborhood structure determined based on the local scene characteristics. Our algorithm improves the accuracy of disparity estimates in stereo image pairs with varying texture and illumination characteristics by enforcing spatial dependencies among scene characteristics as well as among disparity estimates. We evaluated our method using theMiddlebury benchmark stereo datasetsand theMiddlebury evaluation dataset version 3.0and compared its performance with recent state-of-the-art disparity estimation algorithms. Our factor graph-based algorithm provided disparity estimates with higher accuracy when compared to the recent non-learning- and learning-based disparity estimation algorithms. The factor graph formulation can be used for obtainingmaximum a posterioriestimates from models or optimization problems with complex dependency structure among hidden variables. The strategies of using a priori distributions with shorter support and spatial dependencies were useful for reducing the computational cost and improving message convergence in the model. The factor-graph algorithm is also useful for other dense estimation problems such as optical flow estimation.
Impact of EFEMP1 on the survival outcome of biliary atresia in Thai infants
Authors: Laochareonsuk Wison , Kayasut Kanita , Surachat Komwit , Chiengkriwate Piyawan , Sangkhathat Surasak
Published: September 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified a genetic associated between EFEMP1 and biliary atresia (BA). To examine the susceptibility of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EFEMP1 in Thai BA patients, we performed an analysis of the genetic associations and biological interactions with previously reported key SNPs in ADD3, a key gene associated with BA. The study also used high-throughput sequencing to detect novel variants in both genes. In addition, the clinical impact of EFEMP1 SNPs in terms of survival association was also evaluated. The genotypes of 60 BA patients and 179 controls were evaluated using a TaqMan genotyping assay for rs2501577 and rs17095355 in ADD3 and rs6761893 and rs727878 in EFEMP1. The genotype frequencies were analyzed together with the SNP-SNP interactions. Fine mapping by whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify deleterious variants within both genes, and the survival analysis results were analyzed with the EFEMP1 SNPs. The recessive genotypes of rs2501577, rs17095355 and rs6761893 showed significantly higher frequencies in the BA patients than the controls, and a logistic regression showed that minor alleles of those SNPs increased the BA risk by ORs of 1.86, 1.67, and 1.84, respectively. Moreover, the SNP-SNP interference suggested that a combination of recessive alleles from the 2 genes resulted in an additive risk to BA. In addition, rare missense variants in the gene coding sequences were identified in 7 cases. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a pattern of ADD3 downregulation and EFEMP1 overexpression in the bile ducts of BA patients. Patients with the AA genotype of rs6761893 had significantly lower 5-year native liver survival (34.0%) than those with AT/TT (75.0%), with a log-rank p value of 0.041. Variants in EFEMP1 are associated with the occurrence of BA in Thai patients. In addition, these variants have an additive influence on BA risk when combined with ADD3 variants. Moreover, rs6761893 in EFEMP1 was indicative of survival in Thai BA patients.
Population-based screening to detect benzodiazepine drug-drug-drug interaction signals associated with unintentional traumatic injury
Authors: Chen Cheng , Hennessy Sean , Brensinger Colleen M. , Acton Emily K. , Bilker Warren B. , Chung Sophie P. , Dawwas Ghadeer K. , Horn John R. , Miano Todd A. , Pham Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Leonard Charles E.
Published: September 2022

Drug interactions involving benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDs) are increasingly recognized as a contributor to increased risk of unintentional traumatic injury. Yet, it remains unknown to what extent drug interaction triads (3DIs) may amplify BZDs’ inherent injury risk. We identified BZD 3DI signals associated with increased injury rates by conducting high-throughput pharmacoepidemiologic screening of 2000–2019 Optum’s health insurance data. Using self-controlled case series design, we included patients aged ≥ 16 years with an injury while using a BZD + co-dispensed medication (i.e., base pair). During base pair-exposed observation time, we identified other co-dispensed medications as candidate interacting precipitants. Within each patient, we compared injury rates during time exposed to the drug triad versus to the base pair only using conditional Poisson regression, adjusting for time-varying covariates. We calculated rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and accounted for multiple estimation via semi-Bayes shrinkage. Among the 65,123 BZD triads examined, 79 (0.1%) were associated with increased injury rates and considered 3DI signals. Adjusted RRs for signals ranged from 3.01 (95% CI = 1.53–5.94) for clonazepam + atorvastatin with cefuroxime to 1.42 (95% CI = 1.00–2.02, p = 0.049) for alprazolam + hydrocodone with tizanidine. These signals may help researchers prioritize future etiologic studies to investigate higher-order BZD interactions.
The marine natural product mimic MPM-1 is cytolytic and induces DAMP release from human cancer cell lines
Authors: von Hofsten Susannah , Paulsen Marianne Hagensen , Magnussen Synnøve Norvoll , Ausbacher Dominik , Kranz Mathias , Bayer Annette , Strøm Morten B. , Berge Gerd
Published: September 2022

Bioprospecting contributes to the discovery of new molecules with anticancer properties. Compounds with cytolytic activity and the ability to induce immunogenic cell death can be administered as intratumoral injections with the aim to activate anti-tumor immune responses by causing the release of tumor antigens as well as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cancer cells. In the present study, we report the cytolytic and DAMP-releasing effects of a new natural product mimic termed MPM-1 that was inspired by the marine Eusynstyelamides. We found that MPM-1 rapidly killed cancer cells in vitro by inducing a necrosis-like death, which was accompanied by lysosomal swelling and perturbation of autophagy in HSC-3 (human oral squamous cell carcinoma) cells. MPM-1 also induced release of the DAMPs adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) from Ramos (B-cell lymphoma) and HSC-3 cells, as well as cell surface expression of calreticulin in HSC-3 cells. This indicates that MPM-1 has the ability to induce immunogenic cell death, further suggesting that it may have potential as a novel anticancer compound.
Modeling of the combined dynamics of leptospirosis transmission and seroconversion in herds
Authors: Chadsuthi Sudarat , Chalvet-Monfray Karine , Kodjo Angeli , Wiratsudakul Anuwat , Bicout Dominique J.
Published: September 2022

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease-causing illness in both humans and animals resulting in related economic impacts due to production loss as well as prevention and control efforts. Several mathematical models have been proposed to study the dynamics of infection but none of them has so far taken into account the dynamics of seroconversion. In this study, we have developed a general framework, based on the kinetic model for animal leptospirosis, that combines both the antibody (exposure marker) and infection dynamics to simultaneously follows both seroconversion and infection status of leptospirosis in a herd population. It is a stochastic compartmental model (for transition rates) with time delay (for seroconversion) which describes the progression of infection by a SEIRS (susceptible, exposed, infected, removed and susceptible) approach and seroconversion by four-state antibody kinetics (antibody negative and three antibody positive states of different antibody levels). The model shows that it is possible to assess and follow both seroconversion and infection status through the prism of diagnostic testing. Such an approach of combined kinetics could prove very useful to assist the competent authorities in their analyzes of epidemic situations and in the implementation of strategies for controlling and managing the associated risks.
Bos taurus (A-2) urine assisted bioactive cobalt oxide anchored ZnO: a novel nanoscale approach
Authors: Karvekar Omkar S. , Vadanagekar Apurva S. , Sarvalkar Prashant D. , Suryawanshi Suresh S. , Jadhav Sarita M. , Singhan Richa D. , Jadhav Jyoti P. , Sharma Kiran Kumar K. , Prasad Neeraj R.
Published: September 2022

In this study, a novel synthetic method for cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles using Bos taurus (A-2) urine as a reducing agent was developed. In addition to this ZnO nanorods were produced hydrothermally and a nanocomposite is formed through a solid-state reaction. The synthesized materials were characterized through modern characterization techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM with EDS, DLS, zeta potential, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopic analysis, and TGA with DSC. The free radical destructive activity was determined using two different methods viz. ABTS and DPPH. The potential for BSA denaturation in vitro, which is measured in comparison to heat-induced denaturation of egg albumin and results in anti-inflammatory effects of nanomaterial was studied. All synthesized nanomaterials have excellent antibacterial properties, particularly against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The composite exhibits excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in comparison to pure nanomaterials. This reveals that these nanomaterials are advantageous in medicine and drug administration.
Validity of age estimation methods and reproducibility of bone/dental maturity indices for chronological age estimation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of validation studies
Authors: Marconi V. , Iommi M. , Monachesi C. , Faragalli A. , Skrami E. , Gesuita R. , Ferrante L. , Carle F.
Published: September 2022

Several approaches have been developed to estimate age, an important aspect of forensics and orthodontics, using different measures and radiological examinations. Here, through meta-analysis, we determined the validity of age estimation methods and reproducibility of bone/dental maturity indices used for age estimation. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to December 31, 2021 for human cross-sectional studies meeting pre-defined PICOS criteria that simultaneously assessed the reproducibility and validity. Meta-estimates of validity (mean error: estimated age-chronological age) and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (Cohen’s kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient) and their predictive intervals (PI) were calculated using mixed-effect models when heterogeneity was high (I2 > 50%). The literature search identified 433 studies, and 23 met the inclusion criteria. The mean error meta-estimate (mixed effects model) was 0.08 years (95% CI − 0.12; 0.29) in males and 0.09 (95% CI − 0.12; 0.30) in females. The PI of each method spanned zero; of nine reported estimation methods, Cameriere’s had the smallest (− 0.82; 0.47) and Haavikko’s the largest (− 7.24; 4.57) PI. The reproducibility meta-estimate (fixed effects model) was 0.98 (95% CI 0.97; 1.00) for intra- and 0.99 (95% CI 0.98; 1.00) for inter-observer agreement. All methods were valid but with different levels of precision. The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was high and homogeneous across studies.
Prediction of drug-drug interaction events using graph neural networks based feature extraction
Authors: Al-Rabeah Mohammad Hussain , Lakizadeh Amir
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of multi_drug therapies has been increasing in recent years, particularly among the elderly who are suffering from several diseases. However, unexpected Drug_Drug interaction (DDI) can cause adverse reactions or critical toxicity, which puts patients in danger. As the need for multi_drug treatment increases, it's becoming increasingly necessary to discover DDIs. Nevertheless, DDIs detection in an extensive number of drug pairs, both in-vitro and in-vivo, is costly and laborious. Therefore, DDI identification is one of the most concerns in drug-related researches. In this paper, we propose GNN-DDI, a deep learning-based method for predicting DDI-associated events in two stages. In the first stage, we collect the drugs information from different sources and then integrate them through the formation of an attributed heterogeneous network and generate a drug embedding vector based on different drug interaction types and drug attributes. In the second stage, we aggregate the representation vectors then predictions of the DDIs and their events are performed through a deep multi-model framework. Various evaluation results show that the proposed method can outperform state-of-the methods in the prediction of drug-drug interaction-associated events. The experimental results indicate that producing the drug's representations based on different drug interaction types and attributes is efficient and effective and can better show the intrinsic characteristics of a drug.
Sequential self-assembly and disassembly of curcumin hydrogel effectively alleviates inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Lele , Ren Xingxing , Zhou Peirong , Wu Fangzheng , Liu Li , Hai Zijuan
Published: September 2022

Sequential self-assembly and disassembly of curcumin hydrogel can effectively alleviate inflammatory bowel disease.
Synthetic metabolism for in vitro acetone biosynthesis driven by ATP regeneration
Authors: Kozaeva Ekaterina , Nieto-Domínguez Manuel , Hernández Abril D. , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: September 2022

The canonical acetone biosynthesis pathway provides an excellent starting point for C2-dependent synthetic metabolism. In this work, we established an ATP-efficient enzyme cascade for ketone biosynthesis from acetate with close-to-theoretical yields.
Amphiphilic cellulose acetate membrane incorporated with MoS2 nanospheres for oil in water separation
Authors: Al Ansari Zainab , Arshad Fathima , Nghiem Long D. , Zou Linda
Published: September 2022

This work reports the design, fabrication, and application of a novel nanomaterial-assisted amphiphilic MoS2 nanosphere/cellulose acetate membrane to effectively treat oily wastewater.
Ligstroside aglycon, an extra virgin olive oil secoiridoid, prevents inflammation by regulation of MAPKs, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Castejón María Luisa , Montoya Tatiana , Ortega-Vidal Juan , Altarejos Joaquín , Alarcón-de-la-Lastra Catalina
Published: September 2022

Ligstroside aglycon (LA) is one of the main polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); nevertheless, it has been scarcely investigated.
Hawthorn fruit extract ameliorates H2O2-induced oxidative damage in neuronal PC12 cells and prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via the IIS signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Xin , Li Luyi , Yang Xu , Wang Jilite , Liu Xiaozhi , Chen Jingnan , Liu Suwen , Zhang Nan , Li Jing , Wang Hao
Published: September 2022

Hawthorn fruit extract (HFE) protects PC12 cells against oxidative damage induced by H2O2in vitro, and prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via IIS signaling pathway in vivo.
Succinate communicates pro-inflammatory signals to the host and regulates bile acid enterohepatic metabolism in a pig model
Authors: Li Xuan , Ren Yuting , Huang Guowen , Zhang Ruofan , Zhang Yanan , Zhu Weiyun , Yu Kaifan
Published: September 2022

Pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by succinate blocked the activation of FXR and its target genes and disturbed bile acid enterohepatic circulation.
Translucency and negative temperature-dependence for the slip length of water on graphene
Authors: Li Han , Xu Zhi , Ma Chen , Ma Ming
Published: September 2022

The translucency and temperature dependence of slip length for water on graphene is experimentally found. Adhesion energy and the comprehensive effect of density, viscosity, dielectric constant, and force relaxation time are key factors.
Synergistic doping and structural engineering over dendritic NiMoCu electrocatalyst enabling highly efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Yuan Yang , Gui Haoliang , Liu Yaqi , Li Haoyu , Li Yaqiang , Wen Shizheng , Liu Anmin , Zhang Jinqiu , Yang Peixia , An Maozhong
Published: September 2022

A dendritic solid solution electrocatalyst, NiMoCu-NF, was fabricated, in which synergistic bimetal doping and a nanostructure-induced “Gas Microfluidic Pumping” effect ensure its considerable HER and UOR electrocatalytic performance.
Dissecting transmembrane bicarbonate transport by 1,8-di(thio)amidocarbazoles
Authors: Maslowska-Jarzyna Krystyna , Cataldo Alessio , Marszalik Anna , Ignatikova Ilona , Butler Stephen J. , Stachowiak Radosław , Chmielewski Michał J. , Valkenier Hennie
Published: September 2022

Mechanistic studies on bicarbonate transport by simple di(thio)amidocarbazoles reveal two distinct transport mechanisms as well as potent antimicrobial properties.
Water-soluble copolymers and their hydrogels with pH-tunable diverse thermoresponsive behaviors enabled by hydrogen bonding
Authors: Cheng Ruidong , Jiang Jie , Hou Junbo , Li Guo , Jiang Jinqiang , Zhao Yue
Published: September 2022

Water-soluble copolymers display both UCST and LCST thermosensitivity in aqueous solution due to pH-determined hydrogen bonding between comonomer units, and their hydrogels can be used for information recording and encryption/decryption.
Controllable methylenation with ethylene glycol as the methylene source: bridging enaminones and synthesis of tetrahydropyrimidines
Authors: Zhao Yulei , Wang Huimin , Kang Xin , Zhang Ruihua , Feng Nan , Su Qi
Published: September 2022

Controllable methylenation using renewable ethylene glycol as the methylene source has been developed for the introduction of one or two methylene building blocks.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed simultaneous [3 + 3]/[5 + 1] annulation of 1-arylpyrazolidinones withgem-difluorocyclopropenes leading to fluorinated pyridopyrimidinone derivatives
Authors: Shen Mengyang , Li Hao , Zhang Xinying , Fan Xuesen
Published: September 2022

Presented herein is an efficient and concise synthesis of fluorinated pyridopyrimidinone derivatives through formal [3 + 3]/[5 + 1] annulation of 1-arylpyrazolidinones withgem-difluorocyclopropenes.
Ligand-controlled regiodivergent direct arylation of indoles via oxidative boron Heck reaction
Authors: Yang Yo-Sep , Lee Sangmin , Son Seung Hwan , Yoo Hyung-Seok , Jang Yoon Hu , Shin Jeong-Won , Won Hyuck-Jae , Sim Jaehoon , Kim Nam-Jung
Published: September 2022

Ligand-controlled direct arylation of indoles via Pd(ii) catalyzed oxidative boron Heck reaction under aerobic conditions is reported.
RamanNet: a lightweight convolutional neural network for bacterial identification based on Raman spectra
Authors: Zhou Bo , Tong Yu-Kai , Zhang Ru , Ye Anpei
Published: September 2022

We propose a novel CNN model named RamanNet for rapid and accurate identification of bacteria at the species-level based on Raman spectra. Compared to previous CNN methods, the RamanNet reached comparable results on the Bacteria-ID Raman spectral dataset.
g-C3N5-dots as fluorescence probes prepared by an alkali-assisted hydrothermal method for cell imaging
Authors: Zeng Xiangwang , Hou Mengke , Zhu Pan , Yuan Minyi , Ouyang Sitao , Lu Qiujun , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Haiyan , Du Fuyou , Zeng Guangsheng , Zhang Youyu
Published: September 2022

Novel graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N5-dots) were synthesized by an alkali-assisted hydrothermal method, having great potential applications in bioimaging and biological sensing.
Mechanism and behavior of caffeine sorption: affecting factors
Authors: Fakioğlu Merve , Kalpaklı Yasemen
Published: September 2022

Caffeine is one of the emerging pollutants with a diverse chemical composition.
Electrocatalytic H2 evolution using binuclear cobalt complexes as catalysts
Authors: To Tung H. , Tran Dang B. , Thi Thu Ha Vu , Tran Phong D.
Published: September 2022

Two molecular catalysts based on dinuclear cobalt complexes show an attractive catalytic activity for H2 evolution in organic medium.
Large-scale synthesis of Notum inhibitor 1-(2,4-dichloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (ARUK3001185) employing a modified Sakai reaction as the key step
Authors: Atkinson Benjamin N. , Willis Nicky J. , Smith Jennifer , Gill Rebecca , Ali Jody , Xu Zhou , Lai Ping-Shan , Fish Paul V.
Published: September 2022

1-Phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole 1 was prepared on large scale from aniline 4 by application of a one-pot Sakai–Clark reaction in good efficiency and high purity.
Effects of vertical confinement on the flow of polymer solutions in planar constriction microchannels
Authors: Raihan Mahmud Kamal , Wu Sen , Dort Heston , Baghdady Micah , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: September 2022

The contraction flow of viscoelastic polyethylene oxide (PEO) solution gets stabilized with suppressed vortex formation and growth in the deeper contraction–expansion microchannels.
A high-throughput screening permeability separator with high catalytic conversion kinetics for Li–S batteries
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Liang Pei , Tang Mingjian , Sun Shipeng , Min Huihua , Han Jiachen , Shen Xiaodong , Yang Hao , Chao Dongliang , Wang Jin
Published: September 2022

A crumpled MXene/MoS2 heterostructure provides multidirectional diffusion pathways for electrolyte permeability to modulate lithium–ion diffusion, achieving a competitive permeability performance of 18.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 in the functional separator.
A dually responsive cyanostilbene derivative for paper fluorescence anti-counterfeiting and informational encryption
Authors: Wang Junxiao , Li Pengyu , Ji Chendong , Wu Junhong , Fan Mingyu , Guan Jun , Yin Meizhen
Published: September 2022

Due to the acid/base dual responsive ionisation, the cyanostilbene derivative ACN1 loaded on a filter paper exhibits a “turn on” fluorescence behaviour and dynamic change applicable in anti-counterfeiting and information encryption.
Black hydrochromic fluoran molecular switches: substituent positional isomerization effects and multicolor water-jet printing
Authors: Guan Yu , Liu Xian , Zhang Sean Xiao-An , Sheng Lan
Published: September 2022

A black hydrochromic molecular switch was developed by substituting a nitro group at specific positions on the non-conjugated chromogenic moiety of an acidochromic dye, realizing a single-molecule, multicolor high-contrast water-jet printing display.
Recent progress of tree frog toe pads inspired wet adhesive materials
Authors: Zhang Yikai , Wan Xizi , Xu Xuetao , Teng Peicheng , Wang Shutao
Published: September 2022

Wet adhesion has widespread applications in the fields of wearable electronics, medical devices and intelligent robots. In nature, many organisms have evolved with unique wet adhesion properties to adapt to complex habitats and climb in wet environments without falling. Tree frogs, as crawling masters in tropical rain forests, are representative of wet adhesion and give novel inspirations to design artificial wet adhesive materials by mimicking their specialised hexagonal structures and/or mucus composition. In this review, we first overview the research progress of tree frog toe pads from the perspective of toe pad structure and adhesion mechanism. Then, wet adhesive materials inspired by tree frog toe pads are systematically summarised from (i) the typical polymers, (ii) the preparation approaches, (iii) the adhesion test methods and (iv) the typical artificial adhesion surfaces. Third, various applications of bioinspired wet adhesive surfaces are highlighted. Finally, we present future challenges and opportunities to develop tree frog‐inspired wet adhesive materials.
Variable universe fuzzy control of walking stability for flying‐walking power line inspection robot based on multi‐work conditions
Authors: Li Zhaojun , Qin Xinyan , Lei Jin , Zhang Jie , Li Huidong , Li Bo , Wang Yanqi , Wang Dexin
Published: September 2022

To address complex work conditions incredibly challenging to the stability of power line inspection robots, we design a walking mechanism and propose a variable universe fuzzy control (VUFC) method based on multi‐work conditions for flying‐walking power line inspection robots (FPLIRs). The contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) A flexible pressing component is designed to improve the adaptability of the FPLIR to the ground line slope. (2) The influence of multi‐work conditions on the FPLIR's walking stability is quantified using three condition parameters (i.e., slope, slipping degree and swing angle), and their measurement methods are proposed. (3) The VUFC method based on the condition parameters is proposed to improve the walking stability of the FPLIR. Finally, the effect of the VUFC method on walking stability of the FPLIR is teste. The experimental results show that the maximum climbing angle of the FPLIR reaches 29.1°. Compared with the constant pressing force of 30 N, the average value of slipping degree is 0.93°, increasing by 35%. The maximum and average values of robot's swing angle are reduced by 46% and 54%, respectively. By comparing with fuzzy control, the VUFC can provide a more reasonable pressing force while maintaining the walking stability of the FPLIR. The proposed walking mechanism and the VUFC method significantly improve the stability of the FPLIR, providing a reference for structural designs and stability controls of inspection robots.
Secured‐KDS: Secret key distribution and authentication scheme for resource‐constrained devices
Authors: Manickam Selvakumar , Rehman Shafiq Ul
Published: September 2022

In the era of the Internet of things (IoT), billions of electrical devices are connected to the Internet and communicate remotely with one another without any human intervention. IoT devices often do not enforce proper security measures; this raises serious privacy and security concerns. One of the big issues in securing IoT communications is that traditional cryptographical protocols incur high computational costs and are not suitable for resource‐constrained devices. In this paper, the authors focus on issues related to secret keys distribution and authentication schemes. Although there exist some lightweight authentication schemes for IoT devices in the literature, they come with some limitations (e.g. preconfiguration of shared secret keys). A new lightweight authentication scheme suitable for IoT devices is proposed. This scheme incurs low resource utilisation and provides a trusted mode of Secret key distribution between IoT devices and a control server. A real‐time test‐bed environment is deployed to examine whether the authors’ proposed scheme is applicable for resource‐constrained devices. The authors’ performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme is efficient and is resistant to possible security attacks such as replay attacks, man‐in‐the middle attacks, impersonation attacks, modification attacks, and remote access trojan attacks.
Manipulation of stator current signature for rotor asymmetries fault diagnosis of wound rotor induction machine
Authors: Marzebali Mohammad Hoseintabar , Abolghasemi Vahid , Ferdowsi Saideh , Bazghandi Reza
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a new technique based on the manipulation of stator current signature for induction machines fault diagnosis is introduced. The goal of the proposed method is to demodulate the characteristic frequencies from supply frequency and preserve the information of the supply frequency and its harmonics. The proposed method can be easily implemented and used in experimental systems due to its low computational complexity. The validity of the proposed method is proved through theoretical analysis and experimental results in steady‐state and transient conditions. In this regard, the 270‐W wound rotor induction machine (WRIM) is tested under different fault severities and load levels.