bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A linear Di-coordinate boron radical cation
Authors: Lin Yu-Jiang , Liu Wei-Chun , Liu Yi-Hung , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chien Su-Ying , Chiu Ching-Wen
Published: November 2022

The pursuit of di-coordinate boron radical has been continued for more than a half century, and their stabilization and structural characterization remains a challenge. Here we report the isolation and structural characterization of a linear di-coordinate boron radical cation, achieved by stabilizing the two reactive atomic orbitals of the central boron atom by two orthogonal π-donating and π-accepting functionalities. The electron deficient radical cation undergoes facile one-electron reduction to borylene and binds Lewis base to give heteroleptic tri-coordinate boron radical cation. The co-existence of half-filled and empty p orbitals at boron also allows the CO-regulated electron transfer to be explored. As the introduction of CO promotes the electron transfer from a tri-coordinate neutral boron radical to a boron radical cation, the removal of CO under vacuum furnishes the reverse electron transfer from borylene to yield a solution consisting of two boron radicals.
RS-FISH: precise, interactive, fast, and scalable FISH spot detection
Authors: Bahry Ella , Breimann Laura , Zouinkhi Marwan , Epstein Leo , Kolyvanov Klim , Mamrak Nicholas , King Benjamin , Long Xi , Harrington Kyle I. S. , Lionnet Timothée , Preibisch Stephan
Published: November 2022

Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH)-based methods extract spatially resolved genetic and epigenetic information from biological samples by detecting fluorescent spots in microscopy images, an often challenging task. We present Radial Symmetry-FISH (RS-FISH), an accurate, fast, and user-friendly software for spot detection in two- and three-dimensional images. RS-FISH offers interactive parameter tuning and readily scales to large datasets and image volumes of cleared or expanded samples using distributed processing on workstations, clusters, or the cloud. RS-FISH maintains high detection accuracy and low localization error across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios, a key feature for single-molecule FISH, spatial transcriptomics, or spatial genomics applications.
The impact of environmental and climatic variables on genetic diversity and plant functional traits of the endangered tuberous orchid (Orchis mascula L.)
Authors: Mafakheri Mohammad , Bakhshipour Mehdi , Omrani Mina , Gholizadeh Hamid , Rahimi Najmeh , Mobaraki Ali , Rahimi Mehdi
Published: November 2022

Understanding how environmental factors shape patterns of genetic and phenotypic variations in a species is necessary for conservation and plant breeding. However, these factors have not yet been completely understood in tuberous orchid species used to make ‘Salep’, an important ingredient in traditional medicine and beverages in middle eastern countries and India. In many areas, increasing demand has pushed species to the brink of extinction. In this study, 198 genotypes from 18 populations of the endangered speciesOrchis masculaL. spanning a large-scale climatic gradient in northern Iran were used to investigate patterns of genetic diversity and plant functional traits. Populations were sampled from three land cover types (woodland, shrubland, and pastureland/grassland). Plant height, stem length, number of flowers, bulb fresh and dry weight, glucomannan, and starch concentrations showed high variation among populations and were significantly related to land cover type. In general, genetic diversity was high, particularly in those from eastern Hyrcanian; additionally, populations showed a high level of genetic differentiation (G'st = 0.35) with low gene flow (Nm = 0.46). The majority of genetic differentiation occurred within populations (49%) and land cover types (20%). The population structural analysis using the AFLP marker data in K = 4 showed a high geographical affinity for 198O. masculagenotypes, with some genotypes having mixed ancestry. Temperature and precipitation were found to shape genetic and phenotypic variation profoundly. Significant isolation by the environment was observed, confirming the strong effect of environmental variables on phenotypic and genetic variation. Marker-trait association studies based on MLM1 and MLM2 models revealed significant associations of P-TGG + M-CTT-33 and E-AGG + M-CGT-22 markers with plant height and glucomannan content. Overall, a combination of large-scale climatic variables and land cover types significantly shaped genetic diversity and functional trait variation inO. masculapopulations.
Superatomic icosahedral-CnB12-n (n = 0, 1, 2) Stuffed mononuclear and binuclear borafullerene and borospherene nanoclusters with spherical aromaticity
Authors: Zhang Min , Jia Wei-Ping , Zhang Ting , Pei Bin-Bin , Xu Jia , Tian Xinxin , Lu Hai-Gang , Li Si-Dian
Published: November 2022

Boron and boron-based nanoclusters exhibit unique structural and bonding patterns in chemistry. Extensive density functional theory calculations performed in this work predict the mononuclear walnut-like Ci C50B54 (1) (C2B10@C48B44), C1 C50B54 (2) (CB11@C49B43), and S10 C50B54 (3) (B12@C50B42) which contain one icosahedral-CnB12-n core (n = 0, 1, 2) at the center following the Wade’s skeletal electron counting rules and the approximately electron sufficient binuclear peanut-like Cs C88B78 (4) ((C2B10)2@C84B58), Cs C88B78 (5) ((CB11)2@C86B56), Cs C88B78 (6) ((B12)2@C88B54), Cs B180 (7) ((B12)2@B156), Cs B182 (8) ((B12)2@B158), and Cs B184 (9) ((B12)2@B160) which encapsulate two interconnected CnB12-n icosahedrons inside. These novel core–shell borafullerene and borospherene nanoclusters appear to be the most stable species in thermodynamics in the corresponding cluster size ranges reported to date. Detailed bonding analyses indicate that the icosahedral B122−, CB11−, and C2B10 cores in these core–shell structures possess the superatomic electronic configuration of 1S21P61D101F8, rendering spherical aromaticity and extra stability to the systems. Such superatomic icosahedral-CnB12-n stuffed borafullerenes and borospherenes with spherical aromaticity may serve as embryos to form bulk boron allotropes and their carbon-boron binary counterparts in bottom-up approaches.
Endothelin receptor B enhances liver injury and pro-inflammatory responses by increasing G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 expression in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Xu Guoxin , Gong Yanping , Lu Fenying , Wang Bin , Yang Zaixing , Chen Long , Min Jingyu , Cheng Cuie , Jiang Tingwang
Published: November 2022

Severe diseases like cirrhosis and liver failure can be developed from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Endothelin-2 (EDN2) and endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) are related to the pathogenesis of PBC. However, the roles of EDN2 and EDNRB in PBC-related liver injury and inflammation along with molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. In this study, histopathologic alterations of liver tissues were assessed through hematoxylin–eosin staining. Alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and γ-Glutamyltranspetidase (GGT) (4 liver function indexes) serum levels were detected with corresponding activity assay kits. Also, we determined the levels of M2 subtype anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA-M2), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in serum with ELISA assay. Later, RT-qPCR assay was used to measure the expression of genes at mRNA levels, while western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect protein levels of genes. Our results showed that the liver tissues of PBC patients and mice presented with severe hepatocyte injury and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as destruction of intrahepatic small bile ducts. ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, AMA-M2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α serum levels were higher in PBC patients and mice. Besides, EDN2 and EDNRB were highly expressed in serums and livers of PBC patients and mice. EDNRB potentiated PBC-related liver injury and pro-inflammatory responses, as evidenced by observation of serious liver pathologic injury and increased serum levels of ALP, AST, ALT, AMA-M2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in PBC mice following EDNRB overexpression. EDNRB overexpression or activation via its agonist IRL-1620 TFA triggered liver injury and pro-inflammatory responses, increased GRK2 expression and induced NF-κB expression and activation in wild-type mice. EDNRB knockdown or inhibition by Bosentan alleviated liver damage and inflammation, reduced GRK2 expression, and inhibited NF-κB in PBC mice. These findings suggested EDNRB loss or inhibition weakened liver injury and pro-inflammatory responses by down-regulating GRK2 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in PBC mice.
A shared tissue transcriptome signature and pathways in psoriasis and ulcerative colitis
Authors: Xi Li , Garcet Sandra , Ye Zhan , Hung Kenneth , Hassan-Zahraee Mina , Kieras Elizabeth , Krueger James G. , Hyde Craig , Peeva Elena
Published: November 2022

Despite multiple efficacious therapies in common between psoriasis (PS) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), mechanisms underlying their common pathophysiology remain largely unclear. Here we sought to establish a link by evaluating expression differences and pathway alterations in diseased tissues. We identified two sets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lesional and nonlesional tissues in meta-analyses of data collected from baseline samples in 3 UC and then 3 PS available clinical studies from Pfizer. A shared gene signature was defined by 190 DEGs common to both diseases. Commonly dysregulated pathways identified via enrichment analysis include interferon signaling, partly driven by genes IFI6, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, which may attract chemotaxis of Th1 cells to inflammatory sites; IL-23 pathway (IL-23A, CCL20, PI3, CXCL1, LCN2); and Th17 pathway except IL-17A. Elevated expression of costimulatory molecules ICOS and CTLA4 suggests ongoing T-cell activation in both diseases. The clinical value of the shared signature is demonstrated by a gene set improvement score reflecting post-treatment molecular improvement for each disease. This is the first study using transcriptomic meta-analysis to define a tissue gene signature and pathways dysregulated in both PS and UC. These findings suggest immune mechanisms may initiate and sustain inflammation similarly in the two diseases.
Influence of urbanisation on phytodiversity and some soil properties in riverine wetlands of Bamenda municipality, Cameroon
Authors: Asongwe Godswill A. , Bame Irene B. , Ndam Lawrence M. , Orock Ayuk E. , Tellen Valantine A. , Bumtu Kamah P. , Tening Aaron S.
Published: November 2022

In urban areas, human activities result in the discharge of a variety of chemical substances into the environment. This affects soil quality, plant species diversity and human security. To suggest appropriate management strategies that ensure soil quality and human security amid urbanization, this study assessed the relationship between macrophyte diversity and some soil characteristics of wetlands that are adjacent to urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon. Plant communities were sampled for species composition and relative abundance, using the Braun-banquet method. Species richness was evaluated using Simpson’s diversity index. Twenty-one soil samples (0–25 cm depth) were randomly collected within the wetlands and analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics using standard methods. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to group the wetlands under managing units. The dominant species ranked in order of abundance in the rural wetland were Raphia farinifera > Ludwigia hexandra > Coix spp. > Leersia hexandra > Ehchinochloa paramidelis. The Peri-urban wetland dominant species stood at Commelina bengalensis > Leersia hexandra > Cyperus distance > Ehchinochloa pyramidalis. In the Urban segment, Pennisetum purpureum > Echinochloa pyramidalis > Tithonia diversifolia > Leersia hexandra were the abundant species. The Simpson index of diversity was 0.94 for the urban and 0.96 for the peri-urban and rural sites respectively. The soils were slightly acidic with pH KCl ranging from 4.87 to 5.41. From the coefficient of variability classes, Sand, pH-H2O, pH-KCl, and Na consistently varied slightly across the three sites. Two significant clusters (management units) representing a combination of urban, and peri-urban/rural were formed from the hierarchical dendrograms. The Mann–Whitney U test revealed a significant (P < 0.05) lower exchange acidity in the rural than the urban sites indicating contamination of the urban site, reducing its macrophyte diversity. Intensification and extension of urbanisation are gradually reducing the macrophyte diversity and also contaminating the soils of the wetlands of the Bamenda municipality in Cameroon, warranting monitoring. The chemical composition of soils in the urban cluster needs early remediation by encouraging the planting and monitoring of certain plants that can already take up the elements.
Machine learning of pair-contact process with diffusion
Authors: Shen Jianmin , Li Wei , Deng Shengfeng , Xu Dian , Chen Shiyang , Liu Feiyi
Published: November 2022

The pair-contact process with diffusion (PCPD), a generalized model of the ordinary pair-contact process (PCP) without diffusion, exhibits a continuous absorbing phase transition. Unlike the PCP, whose nature of phase transition is clearly classified into the directed percolation (DP) universality class, the model of PCPD has been controversially discussed since its infancy. To our best knowledge, there is so far no consensus on whether the phase transition of the PCPD falls into the unknown university classes or else conveys a new kind of non-equilibrium phase transition. In this paper, both unsupervised and supervised learning are employed to study the PCPD with scrutiny. Firstly, two unsupervised learning methods, principal component analysis (PCA) and autoencoder, are taken. Our results show that both methods can cluster the original configurations of the model and provide reasonable estimates of thresholds. Therefore, no matter whether the non-equilibrium lattice model is a random process of unitary (for instance the DP) or binary (for instance the PCP), or whether it contains the diffusion motion of particles, unsupervised learning can capture the essential, hidden information. Beyond that, supervised learning is also applied to learning the PCPD at different diffusion rates. We proposed a more accurate numerical method to determine the spatial correlation exponent $$\nu _{\perp }$$

ν
⊥

, which, to a large degree, avoids the uncertainty of data collapses through naked eyes.
Social media enables people-centric climate action in the hard-to-decarbonise building sector
Authors: Debnath Ramit , Bardhan Ronita , Shah Darshil U. , Mohaddes Kamiar , Ramage Michael H. , Alvarez R. Michael , Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: November 2022

The building and construction sector accounts for around 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions and remains a hard-to-abate sector. We use a data-driven analysis of global high-level climate action on emissions reduction in the building sector using 256,717 English-language tweets across a 13-year time frame (2009–2021). Using natural language processing and network analysis, we show that public sentiments and emotions on social media are reactive to these climate policy actions. Between 2009–2012, discussions around green building-led emission reduction efforts were highly influential in shaping the online public perceptions of climate action. From 2013 to 2016, communication around low-carbon construction and energy efficiency significantly influenced the online narrative. More significant interactions on net-zero transition, climate tech, circular economy, mass timber housing and climate justice in 2017–2021 shaped the online climate action discourse. We find positive sentiments are more prominent and recurrent and comprise a larger share of the social media conversation. However, we also see a rise in negative sentiment by 30–40% following popular policy events like the IPCC report launches, the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal. With greater online engagement and information diffusion, social and environmental justice topics emerge in the online discourse. Continuing such shifts in online climate discourse is pivotal to a more just and people-centric transition in such hard-to-decarbonise sectors.
Multifrequency nonlinear model of magnetic material with artificial intelligence optimization
Authors: Pawłowski J. , Kutorasiński K. , Szewczyk M.
Published: November 2022

Magnetic rings are extensively used in power products where they often operate in high frequency and high current conditions, such as for mitigation of excessive voltages in high-power switchgear equipment. We provide a general model of a magnetic ring that reproduces both frequency and current dependencies with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) optimization methods. The model has a form of a lumped element equivalent circuit that is suitable for power system transient studies. A previously published conventional (non-AI) model, which we take as a starting point, gives a good fit of parameters but uneven characteristics as a function of current, which pose numerical instabilities in transient simulations. We first enforce the Langevin function relationship to obtain smooth characteristics of parameters, which reduces the number of parameters and ensures their even characteristics, however, compromises fit quality. We then use AI metaheuristic optimization methods that give a perfect fit for the model in the whole range of frequency up to 100 MHz and current up to saturation, with smooth characteristics of its parameters. Additionally, for such fitted parameters, we show that it is feasible to find a frequency dependence for the magnetic saturation parameter of the Jiles-Atherton (JA) model, thus enabling frequency-dependent JA.
Regression analysis for predicting the elasticity of liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Doi Hideo , Takahashi Kazuaki Z. , Yasuoka Haruka , Fukuda Jun-ichi , Aoyagi Takeshi
Published: November 2022

It is highly desirable but difficult to understand how microscopic molecular details influence the macroscopic material properties, especially for soft materials with complex molecular architectures. In this study we focus on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and aim at identifying the design variables of their molecular architectures that govern their macroscopic deformations. We apply the regression analysis using machine learning (ML) to a database containing the results of coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations of LCEs with various molecular architectures. The predictive performance of a surrogate model generated by the regression analysis is also tested. The database contains design variables for LCE molecular architectures, system and simulation conditions, and stress–strain curves for each LCE molecular system. Regression analysis is applied using the stress–strain curves as objective variables and the other factors as explanatory variables. The results reveal several descriptors governing the stress–strain curves. To test the predictive performance of the surrogate model, stress–strain curves are predicted for LCE molecular architectures that were not used in the ML scheme. The predicted curves capture the characteristics of the results obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. Therefore, the ML scheme has great potential to accelerate LCE material exploration by detecting the key design variables in the molecular architecture and predicting the LCE deformations.
Vocal imprecision as a universal constraint on the structure of musical scales
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth , Brown Steven
Published: November 2022

Theories of the origin of musical scales from the ancient Greeks to the present day have assumed that the intervals comprising scales are defined by specific mathematical ratios. Such theories are predicated on pre-tunable instruments, and yet the voice is almost certainly the original musical instrument. Therefore, the analysis of vocal scales offers a more naturalistic approach to understanding the origin of musical scales. In the present study, we conducted a large-scale computational analysis of vocal pitch-class properties and their implications for scale structure. We analyzed 418 field recordings of solo, unaccompanied songs from across 10 principal musical-style regions of the world. The results revealed a mean vocal pitch-class imprecision of approximately 1.5 semitones, and comparable results were obtained across all regions. These results suggest that vocal imprecision is universal and is mainly derived from the physiological limitations of the voice. Such vocal imprecision fundamentally constrains the formation of musical scale structure: it provides a lower limit on the spacing between adjacent scale tones and thus an upper limit on the number of scale tones that an octave can contain. We discuss these results in terms of an Interval Spacing model of the evolution of musical scales.
Lateral double magnetic tunnel junction device with orthogonal polarizer for high-performance magnetoresistive memory
Authors: Sin Stanislav , Oh Saeroonter
Published: November 2022

Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based memory devices have larger switching delay and energy consumption, compared to cache or dynamic random access memory. In order to broaden the applications of the magnetoresistive random access memory, reducing the switching time and energy consumption of the MTJ is required. Here, a novel lateral double MTJ with an orthogonal polarizer is proposed. The proposed device consists of three ferromagnetic regions: the first pinned region (PR1) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), a free region (FR) with PMA, and the second pinned region (PR2) with in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA). PR1 and PR2 are placed on top of the oxide barrier, which separates them from the FR, comprising a lateral double MTJ structure. The current pulse through PR2 helps to perturb the magnetization of the FR. Since the angle between PR2 and FR is 90°, the initial torque increases significantly, decreasing switching delay by 4.02 times and energy-delay product by 7.23 times. It is also shown, that the area of the access transistor can be reduced by approximately 10%, while maintaining the same energy-delay product and reducing gate RC delay.
Measuring the effect of COVID-19-related night curfews in a bundled intervention within Germany
Authors: de Haas Samuel , Götz Georg , Heim Sven
Published: November 2022

We estimate the impact of local night curfews in Hesse, the fifth most populous federal state in Germany, on the growth of incidences of COVID-19 cases residing within the “second wave” of the pandemic. Thereby, we take advantage of the fact that all counties had the same measures in place with the only difference that some additionally had to implement night curfews due to state regulations. This allows us to identify the effect of night curfews as a salient part of a bundled intervention. In our case where different other measures are already in place, night curfews had at best a limited effect in slowing down the spread of the pandemic. The effect is not significantly different from zero.
Original study on mathematical models for analysis of cellulose water content from absorbance/wavenumber shifts in ATR FT-IR spectrum
Authors: Cichosz Stefan , Masek Anna , Dems-Rudnicka Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research was to evaluate the applicability of the attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy in the quantitative analysis of the moisture content in cellulose (from 0.5 to 11.0 wt.%). Innovatively, this work describes the variations in both absorbance and wavenumber of 16 absorption bands plotted as a function of cellulose water amount measured with Karl-Fischer titration. Different regression models were investigated (simple linear, semilogarithmic, power) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) was given for each calculation. While model exhibited R2 > 90%, the standard error of calibration (SEC) was presented and an external validation has been performed. Regarding the absorbance-water content relationship, data recorded for sixteen peaks was successfully fitted with linear functions exhibiting R2 > 90%. The highest value of R2 = 98.7% and standard error of prediction SEP = 0.3wt.% have been assigned to the maximum from 3339 to 3327 cm−1 (–OH), proving ATR FT-IR usefulness in quantitative analysis.
Association of macular structure, function, and vessel density with foveal threshold in advanced glaucoma
Authors: Song Woo Keun , Kim Ko Eun , Yoon Joo Young , Lee Anna , Kook Michael S.
Published: November 2022

Identifying new biomarkers associated with central visual function impairment is important in advanced glaucoma patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 154 eyes from 154 subjects, consisting of 86 patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma (mean deviation of 24-2 visual field [VF] tests < − 15 dB) and 68 healthy controls. Structure, function, and vessel density (VD) parameters were obtained using optical coherence tomography (OCT), 24-2 standard automated perimetry, and OCT angiography, respectively. The relationships of macular thickness, central 5° and 10° VF mean sensitivity (MS), and macular VD parameters with foveal threshold (FT), representing central visual function, were investigated using partial correlation analyses and linear regression analyses, with age adjustment. Superficial and deep layer macular VD, central 5° and 10° VF MS, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) correlated significantly with FT after age adjustment (P < 0.05). In multivariate linear regression analyses, FT associated significantly with BCVA (β = − 8.80, P < 0.001), central 5° MS (β = 0.30, P = 0.037), and deep-layer global parafoveal VD (β = 0.37, P = 0.037). Thus, deep-layer parafoveal VD is an independent predictor of FT and may be a potential biomarker for central visual function in advanced glaucoma.
Characterization of HCI-EC-23 a novel estrogen- and progesterone-responsive endometrial cancer cell line
Authors: Rush Craig M. , Blanchard Zannel , Polaski Jacob T. , Osborne Kyle S. , Osby Krystle , Vahrenkamp Jeffery M. , Yang Chieh-Hsiang , Lum David H. , Hagan Christy R. , Leslie Kimberly K. , Pufall Miles A. , Thiel Kristina W. , Gertz Jason
Published: November 2022

Most endometrial cancers express the hormone receptor estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and are driven by excess estrogen signaling. However, evaluation of the estrogen response in endometrial cancer cells has been limited by the availability of hormonally responsive in vitro models, with one cell line, Ishikawa, being used in most studies. Here, we describe a novel, adherent endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) cell line model, HCI-EC-23. We show that HCI-EC-23 retains ER expression and that ER functionally responds to estrogen induction over a range of passages. We also demonstrate that this cell line retains paradoxical activation of ER by tamoxifen, which is also observed in Ishikawa and is consistent with clinical data. The mutational landscape shows that HCI-EC-23 is mutated at many of the commonly altered genes in EEC, has relatively few copy-number alterations, and is microsatellite instable high (MSI-high). In vitro proliferation of HCI-EC-23 is strongly reduced upon combination estrogen and progesterone treatment. HCI-EC-23 exhibits strong estrogen dependence for tumor growth in vivo and tumor size is reduced by combination estrogen and progesterone treatment. Molecular characterization of estrogen induction in HCI-EC-23 revealed hundreds of estrogen-responsive genes that significantly overlapped with those regulated in Ishikawa. Analysis of ER genome binding identified similar patterns in HCI-EC-23 and Ishikawa, although ER exhibited more bound sites in Ishikawa. This study demonstrates that HCI-EC-23 is an estrogen- and progesterone-responsive cell line model that can be used to study the hormonal aspects of endometrial cancer.
Correlation analysis of human upper arm parameters to oscillometric signal in automatic blood pressure measurement
Authors: Lee Bomi , Jeong Jae-Hak , Hong Junki , Park Yong-Hwa
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global deaths, making cardiovascular health monitoring important. Measuring blood pressure using an automatic sphygmomanometer is the most widely used method to monitor cardiovascular health due to its accessibility, convenience, and strong correlation with cardiovascular diseases. In this work, in order to estimate brachial artery diameter, stiffness, or thickness using an automatic sphygmomanometer, the correlation between upper arm parameters and the oscillometric signal was intensively investigated through analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. The parametric studies commonly revealed that the inner radius of the brachial artery is the most influential parameter in determining the amplitude of the oscillometric signal. The experimental results of using a cardiovascular simulator (avirtual patient) combined with upper arm phantoms with various inner radii of the brachial artery showed a 6.5% change in the oscillometric signal amplitude with a 10% artery radius variation. It was concluded that the oscillometric signal can be used to evaluate brachial artery diameter. Based on the clinical relationship between brachial artery diameter and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, this study showed and verified a novel method to monitor brachial artery diameter and hence, cardiovascular risks while measuring blood pressure.
Isolated attosecond X-ray pulses from superradiant thomson scattering by a relativistic chirped electron mirror
Authors: Schaap B. H. , Smorenburg P. W. , Luiten O. J.
Published: November 2022

Time-resolved investigation of electron dynamics relies on the generation of isolated attosecond pulses in the (soft) X-ray regime. Thomson scattering is a source of high energy radiation of increasing prevalence in modern labs, complementing large scale facilities like undulators and X-ray free electron lasers. We propose a scheme to generate isolated attosecond X-ray pulses based on Thomson scattering by colliding microbunched electrons on a chirped laser pulse. The electrons collectively act as a relativistic chirped mirror, which superradiantly reflects the laser pulse into a single localized beat. As such, this technique extends chirped pulse compression, developed for radar and applied in optics, to the X-ray regime. In this paper we theoretically show that, by using this approach, attosecond soft X-ray pulses with GW peak power can be generated from pC electron bunches at tens of MeV electron beam energy. While we propose the generation of few cycle X-ray pulses on a table-top system, the theory is universally scalable over the electromagnetic spectrum.
Self-reported symptom severity, general health, and impairment in post-acute phases of COVID-19: retrospective cohort study of Swedish public employees
Authors: Larsson Simon B. , von Feilitzen Gustaf Stukát , Andersson Maria E. , Sikora Per , Lindh Magnus , Nordén Rickard , Nilsson Staffan , Sigström Robert
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to examine current symptom severity and general health in a sample of primarily non-hospitalized persons with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed COVID-19 in comparison to PCR negative controls. During the first quarter of 2021, we conducted an online survey among public employees in West Sweden, with a valid COVID-19 test result. The survey assessed past-month severity of 28 symptoms and signs, self-rated health, the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 and illness severity at the time of test. We linked participants’ responses to their SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests results. We compared COVID-19 positive and negative participants using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. Out of 56,221 invited, 14,222 (25.3%) responded, with a response rate of 50% among SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. Analysis included 10,194 participants (86.4% women, mean age 45 years) who tested positive 4–12 weeks (N = 1425; subacute) and > 12 weeks (N = 1584; postcovid) prior to the survey, and 7185 PCR negative participants who did not believe that they had had COVID-19. Symptoms were highly prevalent in all groups, with worst symptoms in subacute phase participants, followed by postcovid phase and PCR negative participants. The most specific symptom for COVID-19 was loss of smell or taste. Both WHODAS 2.0 score and self-rated health were worst in subacute participants, and modestly worse in postcovid participants than in negative controls. Female gender, older age and acute illness severity had larger effects on self-rated health and WHODAS 2.0 score in PCR positive participants than in PCR negative. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to determine the long-term improvement after COVID-19.
Survival of people with cystic fibrosis in Australia
Authors: Ruseckaite Rasa , Salimi Farhad , Earnest Arul , Bell Scott C. , Douglas Tonia , Frayman Katherine , Keatley Lucy , King Susannah , Kotsimbos Tom , Middleton Peter G. , Morey Sue , Mulrennan Siobhain , Schultz Andre , Wainwright Claire , Ward Nathan , Wark Peter , Ahern Susannah
Published: November 2022

Survival statistics, estimated using data from national cystic fibrosis (CF) registries, inform the CF community and monitor disease progression. This study aimed to estimate survival among people with CF in Australia and to identify factors associated with survival. This population-based cohort study used prospectively collected data from 23 Australian CF centres participating in the Australian CF Data Registry (ACFDR) from 2005–2020. Period survival analysis was used to calculate median age of survival estimates for each 5-year window from 2005–2009 until 2016–2020. The overall median survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Between 2005–2020 the ACFDR followed 4,601 people with CF, noting 516 (11.2%) deaths including 195 following lung transplantation. Out of the total sample, more than half (52.5%) were male and 395 (8.6%) had undergone lung transplantation. Two thirds of people with CF (66.1%) were diagnosed before six weeks of age or by newborn/prenatal screening. The overall median age of survival was estimated as 54.0 years (95% CI: 51.0–57.04). Estimated median survival increased from 48.9 years (95% CI: 44.7–53.5) for people with CF born in 2005–2009, to 56.3 years (95% CI: 51.2–60.4) for those born in 2016–2020. Factors independently associated with reduced survival include receiving a lung transplant, having low FEV1pp and BMI. Median survival estimates are increasing in CF in Australia. This likely reflects multiple factors, including newborn screening, improvement in diagnosis, refinements in CF management and centre-based multidisciplinary care.
Protective potential of piroxicam on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells against the suppressive capacity of glioblastoma cell lines
Authors: Abdesheikhi Jahangir , Sedghy Farnaz , Farsinejad Alireza , Mahmoudi Merat , ranjkesh Mahdi , Ahmadi-Zeidabadi Meysam
Published: November 2022

Dexamethasone, a common medication used in the treatment regimen of glioblastoma, has broad inhibitory effects on the immune responses. Here, in an in vitro study, we examined the effects of piroxicam, a potent substitute for dexamethasone, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 MG and A-172 cells. MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation of PBMCs treated with piroxicam, or dexamethasone. In addition, to evaluate the effects of drugs on the cell cycle distribution, DNA content per cell was analyzed in PBMCs and A-172 cell lines using flow cytometry. Oxidative parameters, including superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3) activity and total anti-antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were measured in PBMCs alone or in the presence of cell lines using ELISA. Unlike dexamethasone, piroxicam showed a protective effect on PBMCs against both glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, while dexamethasone reduced the proliferation of PBMCs, piroxicam had no adverse effect on the proliferation. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction in the G2/M phase in piroxicam-treated A-172 cells. Additionally, dexamethasone limited the cell cycle progression by increasing the fraction of PBMCs in G0/G1. Interestingly, after co-culturing piroxicam-treated PBMCs with cell lines, a remarkable rise in the LDH activity was observed. Although not significant, piroxicam partially decreased TGF-β levels in both cell lines. Our findings suggested a protective effect of piroxicam, but not dexamethasone, on PBMCs against inhibitory mechanisms of two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 and A-172 cells.
Identification and characterization of lysophosphatidylcholine 14:0 as a biomarker for drug-induced lung disease
Authors: Saito Kosuke , Gemma Akihiko , Tatsumi Koichiro , Hattori Noboru , Ushiki Atsuhito , Tsushima Kenji , Saito Yoshinobu , Abe Mitsuhiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Kashiwada Takeru , Mori Kazuhiko , Sato Motonobu , Nishiya Takayoshi , Takamatsu Kazuhiko , Sun Yuchen , Arakawa Noriaki , Izumi Takashi , Ohno Yasuo , Saito Yoshiro , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: November 2022

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD) occurs when drug exposure causes inflammation of the lung interstitium. DILD can be caused by different types of drugs, and some DILD patterns results in a high mortality rate; hence, DILD poses a serious problem in clinical practice as well as drug development, and strategies to diagnose and distinguish DILD from other lung diseases are necessary. We aimed to identify novel biomarkers for DILD by performing lipidomics analysis on plasma samples from patients with acute and recovery phase DILD. Having identified lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) as candidate biomarkers for DILD, we determined their concentrations using validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry biomarker assays. In addition, we evaluated the ability of LPCs to discriminate patients with acute phase DILD from those with recovery phase DILD, DILD-tolerant, or other lung diseases, and characterized their association with clinical characteristics. Lipidomics analysis revealed a clear decrease in LPC concentrations in the plasma of patients with acute phase DILD. In particular, LPC(14:0) had the highest discriminative index against recovery phase and DILD-tolerant patients. LPC(14:0) displayed no clear association with causal drugs, or subjects’ backgrounds, but was associated with disease severity. Furthermore, LPC(14:0) was able to discriminate between patients with DILD and other lung diseases, including idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and lung disease associated with connective tissue disease. LPC(14:0) is a promising biomarker for DILD that could improve the diagnosis of DILD and help to differentiate DILD from other lung diseases, such as idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and connective tissue disease.
Molecular basis for integrin adhesion receptor binding to p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4)
Authors: Ha Byung Hak , Yigit Sezin , Natarajan Nalini , Morse Elizabeth M. , Calderwood David A. , Boggon Titus J.
Published: November 2022

Integrin adhesion receptors provide links between extracellular ligands and cytoplasmic signaling. Multiple kinases have been found to directly engage with integrin β tails, but the molecular basis for these interactions remain unknown. Here, we assess the interaction between the kinase domain of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and the cytoplasmic tail of integrin β5. We determine three crystal structures of PAK4-β5 integrin complexes and identify the PAK-binding site. This is a region in the membrane-proximal half of the β5 tail and confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. The β5 tail engages the kinase substrate-binding groove and positions the non-phosphorylatable integrin residue Glu767 at the phosphoacceptor site. Consistent with this, integrin β5 is poorly phosphorylated by PAK4, and in keeping with its ability to occlude the substrate-binding site, weakly inhibits kinase activity. These findings demonstrate the molecular basis for β5 integrin-PAK4 interactions but suggest modifications in understanding the potential cellular role of this interaction.
Spatiotemporal transcriptome analysis reveals critical roles for mechano-sensing genes at the border zone in remodeling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Yamada Shintaro , Ko Toshiyuki , Hatsuse Satoshi , Nomura Seitaro , Zhang Bo , Dai Zhehao , Inoue Shunsuke , Kubota Masayuki , Sawami Kosuke , Yamada Takanobu , Sassa Tatsuro , Katagiri Mikako , Fujita Kanna , Katoh Manami , Ito Masamichi , Harada Mutsuo , Toko Haruhiro , Takeda Norifumi , Morita Hiroyuki , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei
Published: November 2022

The underlying mechanisms of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of spatial transcriptomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in a murine MI model and found that mechanical stress-response genes are expressed at the border zone and play a critical role in left ventricular remodeling after MI. An integrative analysis of snRNA-seq and spatial transcriptome of the heart tissue after MI identified the unique cluster that appeared at the border zone in an early stage, highly expressing mechano-sensing genes, such as Csrp3. AAV9-mediated gene silencing and overexpression of Csrp3 demonstrated that upregulation of Csrp3 plays critical roles in preventing cardiac remodeling after MI by regulation of genes associated with mechano-sensing. Overall, our study not only provides an insight into spatiotemporal molecular changes after MI but also highlights that the mechano-sensing genes at the border zone act as adaptive regulators of left ventricular remodeling.
Population status, distribution and trophic implications of Pinna nobilis along the South-eastern Italian coast
Authors: Pensa Davide , Fianchini Alessandra , Grosso Luca , Ventura Daniele , Cataudella Stefano , Scardi Michele , Rakaj Arnold
Published: November 2022

The dramatic Mass Mortality Event, MME, of Pinna nobilis populations initially detected in the western Mediterranean basin, has also spread rapidly to the central and eastern basin. Unfortunately, there is still a significant lack of information on the status and health of P. nobilis, since only a fragmentary picture of the mortality rate affecting these populations is available. Regarding the Italian coast, several surveys have given only localized or point-like views on the distribution of species and the effect of the MME. Therefore, for the first time, this study investigated P. nobilis density of individuals, distribution and mortality throughout 161 surveys along 800 km of coastline in the Apulia region (South-east of Italy). The geographical scale of this investigation made it the largest ever conducted in Italy, and this was achieved through a rapid and standardized protocol. During this monitoring campaign, 90 km of linear underwater transects were surveyed, along which no live individuals were observed. This result allowed to estimate that the P. nobilis populations had totally collapsed, with a mortality rate of 100% in Apulia. The distributional pattern of the species showed a strong overlap with seagrass meadows on meso- and macro-geographical scale, however this was not the case on a micro-scale. This result evidenced that relationships between P. nobilis and seagrass meadows are not limited to the habitat patch, but cross the boundaries of seagrass leading us to suggest that the distribution of P. nobilis hold a trophic link through the cross-boundary subsidy occurring from seagrass meadows to the nearby habitat, by means of the refractory detrital pathway.
The study of a novel high selectivity pyrenyl-based fluorescence probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for Fe3+ detection designed by a structure modulation strategy
Authors: Liu Sen , Li Jun , Hou Tianjiao , Shen Xuan
Published: November 2022

The past decades have witnessed the feat of fluorescent probes for Fe3+ detection, where eliminating the interference by other metal ions plays a pivotal role in its detection by probes in complex environments.
New perspectives on molecular simulation of chemistry and physics in external electric fields
Authors: Kusalik Peter G. , Gracheva Maria E. , Shaik Sason , English Niall J.
Published: November 2022

This themed collection includes a collection of articles on molecular simulation of chemistry and physics in external electric fields.
LncRNA and mRNA profiles of human milk-derived exosomes and their possible roles in protecting against necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Yan Xiangyun , Liu Linjie , Yao Shuwen , Chen Yanjie , Yu Qinlei , Jiang Chengyao , Chen Wenjuan , Chen Xiaohui , Han Shuping
Published: November 2022

Human milk derived exosomes show important protective effects against NEC depending on their bioactive components. Further lncRNA and mRNA profiles and their potential roles in protecting against NEC were determined.
Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharide peptide alleviates hyperuricemia by regulating adenosine deaminase and urate transporters
Authors: Lin Simei , Meng Jia , Li Fei , Yu Huifan , Lin Dongmei , Lin Shuqian , Li Min , Zhou Hong , Yang Baoxue
Published: November 2022

In this study,Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharide decreased blood uric acid in potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemic mice and exerted renal protective effect.
Correction: Expanding plastics recycling technologies: chemical aspects, technology status and challenges
Authors: Li Houqian , Aguirre-Villegas Horacio A. , Allen Robert D. , Bai Xianglan , Benson Craig H. , Beckham Gregg T. , Bradshaw Sabrina L. , Brown Jessica L. , Brown Robert C. , Cecon Victor S. , Curley Julia B. , Curtzwiler Greg W. , Dong Son , Gaddameedi Soumika , Estela-García John E. , Hermans Ive , Kim Min Soo , Ma Jiaze , Mark Lesli O. , Mavrikakis Manos , Olafasakin Olumide O. , Osswald Tim A. , Papanikolaou Konstantinos G. , Radhakrishnan Harish , Sanchez Castillo Marco Antonio , Sánchez-Rivera Kevin L. , Tumu Khairun N. , Van Lehn Reid C. , Vorst Keith L. , Wright Mark M. , Wu Jiayang , Zavala Victor M. , Zhou Panzheng , Huber George W.
Published: November 2022

Correction for ‘Expanding plastics recycling technologies: chemical aspects, technology status and challenges’ by Houqian Li et al., Green Chem., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2gc02588d.
Recent advances in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions using functionalized layered double hydroxides: a review
Authors: Liu Wencai , Liu Yang , Yuan Zhiqin , Lu Chao
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions using layered double hydroxide-based nanosensors and nanosorbents are summarized.
Glycal mediated synthesis of piperidine alkaloids: fagomine, 4-epi-fagomine, 2-deoxynojirimycin, and an advanced intermediate, iminoglycal
Authors: Chand Hemender R. , Tiwari Mritunjay K. , Bhattacharya Asish K.
Published: November 2022

Synthesis of fagomine, 4-epi-fagomine, formal synthesis of nojirimycin, nojirimycin B, & 2-deoxynojirimycin has been carried out using Super-Hydride reduction as a key step. DFT studies explain the failure of the reduction of galactolactam substrate.
Transparent and conducting boron doped ZnO thin films grown by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhao Donglei , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Wang Mingyue , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: November 2022

Boron doped zinc oxide thin films via aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition with resisitivities as low as 5.1 × 10−3 Ω cm.
Highly bioresistant, hydrophilic and rigidly linked trityl-nitroxide biradicals for cellular high-field dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Yao Ru , Beriashvili David , Zhang Wenxiao , Li Shuai , Safeer Adil , Gurinov Andrei , Rockenbauer Antal , Yang Yin , Song Yuguang , Baldus Marc , Liu Yangping
Published: November 2022

The new polarizing agent combines extraordinarily high bioresistance with excellent DNP performance at high magnetic fields and provides uniform DNP enhancement of 183 at 18.8 T for [13C, 15N]-ubiquitin in HeLa cell lysates.